Chapter Text
It was a little past noon at the end of March in France, and Claudine was glaring at her parents who were looking a cross of amused, disappointed and impressed. They were sharing a tablet and reading an article with one of them commenting on a sentence occasionally.
On the other side of the world, where it was already nighttime in Japan, Maya was having a stare down with her own parents, all three of them sporting stoic expressions. None of them want to initiate the much-needed conversation that they must have.
Ironically, neither of the young women knew they were in similar situations at the moment despite being the reason for each other’s confrontation.
===
Claudine got tired of the amusement and judgment coming from her parents, “Will you two please stop that?!” she snapped, “It’s a 3-minute article, stop reading.”
“Oh? Are you finally going to tell us the details we can’t find in here?” Her mother asked, a small smile coming up her lips as she addressed her daughter.
Claudine’s glare hardened.
“Dear, maybe we missed something…” Her father said to her mother in a teasing voice, lifting the device up for show. They’ve read the article at least 10 times this morning, and Claudine knew for a fact that they already read it a number of times when they initially received the link to the article.
“Stop!”
===
“Is this really how estranged we are from each other?” Maya’s mother, fed up with the silence, finally spoke, “Our only child has a life-changing event without our knowing?”
Maya internally winces at the accusation in her mother’s voice but channeled all her acting abilities to remain calm on the outside, “Well…” she coughed when her voice came out unexpectedly high-pitched, “You two seem to be well-informed about it.”
“Less of that cheek, child.” Her father chided, but his tone was anything but stern. He even looked dejected, which was making Maya more anxious than the impending scolding she was sure to get.
===
“I, for sure, thought you hated Tendo Maya based on your stories from high school.” Claudine’s father commented, browsing through Maya’s social media, where the same article was at the top of all of them.
Claudine’s mother shrugged, patting her husband’s leg, “I actually thought Claudine had a crush on her.”
“Ahh…” Her father nodded, “Then, everything makes sense.”
Claudine continued to fume from across her parents as they talked about her as if she wasn’t in the room.
===
Maya’s father sighed, “We were aware that you were attracted to her,” his dejected voice was really grating on Maya, “But to this point, Maya? Did you even think about how this would affect the Tendo name?”
Maya couldn’t think of a response as her face started heating up – she’s just not sure if it’s from the embarrassment of getting interrogated about something she’s not ready to talk about with her parents or the anger from being reminded of her family’s status at such an important point in her life.
But her father’s statement made sense since almost all her Saijo Claudine merchandise from childhood was from him.
===
“Fine, fine,” Claudine’s mother laughed when her daughter chucked a throw pillow in their direction, “Can you at least tell us how this happened?”
Claudine slumped on her seat, crossing her arms, “Whatever happened to ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’?”
“I believe that’s only applicable when what you did in Vegas stayed in Vegas and was not documented,” Her father answered back, enjoying the increasing look of dissatisfaction from his daughter.
Claudine forced down the guilt bubbling in her belly from her father’s words. Claudine loves her parents so much. They always supported and trusted her, so it’s digging at her that they’re interrogating her about a subject that’s always been sensitive to her, and she simply didn’t enjoy that she couldn’t give them the answers they needed.
===
Maya jumped, bewildered, when her mother hit her father’s arm.
“This is all your fault!” She accused her husband, “Our daughter never talks to us because you put it in her head that she has to do everything with your approval.”
“Me?” Maya’s glad he finally got life back in his voice, “You’re the one who got her into show business when she was just a baby.”
“She was a natural!” Her mother defended, gesturing to her daughter, “Which she proved by being New National’s top star by the time she was 20.”
Maya was unsure how to feel as she looked back and forth to her fighting parents – somehow both sounding narcissistic and proud of her… which was… quite unusual... With her parents bickering as background noise, her mind began wandering back to how her predicament started.
===Flashback: 2 Weeks Ago – Mid-March===
It was late morning in Nevada as Maya gently massaged her neck, sighing at the tiredness that always comes with traveling despite being in first class – the Hanayagis did not spare any cost for this outing, it seems.
Being on that flight for more than half a day took its toll, especially with her inability to fall asleep on any moving vehicle and having gone to the airport as soon as she was done with an interview for a fashion magazine – which was the whole reason she was flying alone when her friends had been in Las Vegas for at least 2 days now.
But what can she do?
It was the price for being a top star.
Her career needed to come first. Even after filing her leave months before – the moment that Kaoruko and Futaba invited them to their joint bachelorette party. She just hoped her manager or her troupe wouldn’t contact her for the rest of the trip, since she won’t be able to do much for them on a different continent.
Walking out of the arrivals gate, she tried to recall her friends’ duration in the country based on their chat group and individual messages.
Kaoruko and Futaba have been in America the longest – having flown at the start of the month to celebrate the former’s Birthday in the foreign country. Travelling from 2 other states before landing in Nevada.
She’s, of course, been in close contact with Futaba, having been roommates along with Mahiru since graduating from Seisho and their subsequent joining of The New Nationals Theater troupe. The short-haired girl managed to keep her relationship with the heiress afloat despite the distance, and despite being prefectures apart, Kaoruko and Futaba still come in pairs.
It wasn’t a surprise to Maya – or anyone from their friend group – that they’re marrying first, and at a young age. Right after graduating high school, their engagement was set in stone by the Hanayagis to ensure Kaoruko’s future with the other woman. They were, however, given the unique opportunity to work on themselves until they’ve finished the rest of their studies with an additional year to do what they wanted for themselves before they were united in marriage.
So, while Kaoruko prepared to be the successor of the Senka-Ryu, she still dabbled in the theatrical arts whenever she can. Futaba, Mahiru and Maya even went to Kyoto a year ago to watch one of her shows. And Futaba enjoyed the years she was given to learn as much as she could and pursue her career with The New National Theater Troupe.
Maya looked up and saw an out of place sign written in Kanji with her name on it. A man wearing a driver’s uniform was holding it while frantically looking around the airport. She made her way towards him and introduced herself with her adequate knowledge of the English language. The man then led her to a nice car waiting for her outside the airport.
Once settled inside the vehicle, she continued her previous thoughts.
Nana has been in New York since the previous week, visiting Junna to support her in her biggest role yet; a supporting role in a famous show in Broadway. She, of course, made sure to send their old Student Council President a bouquet of flowers once she heard of the news with a note that says she’ll attend one of her shows when she can.
Nana – unlike Junna who has her eyes set on Broadway where she plans to stay in for at least the next few more years – was still torn between being an actress and being in production years after graduation, has multiple titles under her belt for both acting and directing. And last Maya heard, she’ll be coming back to Japan after the week is over to pursue a directing role with an up-and-coming troupe.
Looking at the passing scenery, Maya admired the different buildings passing by, raising an eyebrow at the few questionable establishments like a strip club with a hideous name and a cheesy wedding chapel. Feeling her phone vibrate, she looked at the message in their group chat from Karen which was a photo of Hikari lying on their hotel bed like a starfish.
If Maya’s being honest, she’s probably the most estranged from this pair. But Karen religiously keeps them updated in their chat groups, as well as being very active in social media. So Maya at least knows that Hikari is starring as the lead role in the Royal Academy of Theatrical Arts’ latest play, while Karen was juggling freelancing as an actress both in London and Japan, and Maya had great respect for the cheerful girl for making that work. But if anyone could do it, it would definitely be Karen. Also, based on Karen’s latest updates on social media, the two of them have been in Vegas for 3 days now.
As she neared her destination, Maya smiled at the thought of the 9 of them finally being together again 5 years after graduation. It was difficult to match everyone’s schedules when they were walking different paths in different countries. They always missed at least 1 person whenever they scheduled a reunion. Luckily, the pending nuptials of one of their own finally let everything align for them.
Speaking of relationships, Mahiru found her plus one outside of their group in the form of her childhood friend, Minase Suzu.
Being roommates for years at the time Mahiru started dating the other girl, Maya and Futaba were the first ones the timid girl told of her relationship. That event made them closer as friends, and the three of them became more open with each other after that even after Mahiru moved out the previous year. Maya offered to shoulder Mahiru’s share of their rent if she could turn the other girl’s room into a home office, which Futaba easily agreed to.
With Suzu’s outgoing personality, she drifted from theater and pursued a career in the movie industry when one of her directors suggested a role that could fit her. The couple have been in Vegas for 2 days now, and Maya knows that the two are sharing an executive suite with Hikari and Karen.
Knowing the tip culture in America, Maya gave the driver a few bills as he helped her out of the car. She looked up at the elegant and fancy hotel that the Hanayagis booked for this trip. Pulling her bag along as the door was opened for her, she immediately saw Kaoruko’s cheshire cat smile as she stepped foot in the hotel lobby.
“Tendo-han! Glad you could finally make it,” was Kaoruko’s greeting.
It was a surprise that the other girl was the one waiting for her when she preferred staying in bed if her fiancée’s around to do things like this for her. Being too polite to give voice to the thoughts, Maya simply returned a greeting, “Good day, Hanayagi-san. Have you been waiting here long?”
“You’re the last one to arrive, typical of a top star.” Kaoruko teased lightly instead of answering the question, as she pulled Maya in a hug, “But know that this means a lot to me and Futaba-han.” She said genuinely as she led Maya to the elevators.
“Of course. I wouldn’t have missed this.” Maya responded honestly. The only unfortunate drawback for Maya of the upcoming nuptials was that she would be losing her last roommate very soon, but that’s not enough reason for her happiness for her friends to dampen.
“Tendo-han?”
“Yes, Hanayagi-san?”
“I know you can pay for your own room,” Kaoruko started, her tone turning into her distinctive teasing one, “But will you humor me for this week?”
The elevator dinged and opened upon reaching one of the top floors before Maya could respond so she quietly followed the other woman. If Maya was anyone else, she would’ve been impressed by the large doors of the suites lining the hallways. But Maya, being a Tendo, was used to extravagance as Kaoruko was.
Kaoruko led her to a few doors away from the elevator, pressing the doorbell.
The next moment, Maya’s heart skipped a beat once she was looking into magenta eyes.
Of course. There was Saijo Claudine.
“You’re rooming with Kuro-han! She’s okay with it! See you in a while!” Kaoruko rushed out before running off to her own room.
Maya, naturally, knows what the half-French has been up to.
Like how Claudine has been in Vegas since yesterday.
And every single role and job outside theater that Claudine’s been in for the past 5 years.
She justifies it in her head that she needed to keep track of Claudine’s progress as a stage girl. Because she’s her rival. They’ve seen each other only twice in person since Seisho; once at a reunion, and the other one when Claudine surprised Maya – also Mahiru and Futaba – to watch one of their plays.
Maya was pulled back from her musing when an amused giggle reached her ears. She looked back to the blonde who grasped her wrist and tugged her inside the room they’ll be sharing for the next few days. Maya parks her luggage by the closet, taking her time to gather her courage – she’s not sure for what – before looking back at Claudine.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Tendo Maya.” Claudine smirked, her eyes lighting up as she regarded her rival, “It’s just me. Didn’t you miss me?”
Shaking the shock off her system, Maya smirked back and stood to her full height so she’s a little bit taller than Claudine, “Of course, Saijo-san. It’s been a while.” She surprised the both of them when she was the one who pulled Claudine in her arms as if they haven’t been apart for years, “How have you been?”
Claudine grumbled something that Maya couldn’t hear, before pulling away from the hug with her cheeks slightly redder than a second before, “Still as formal as ever, I see.” She playfully glared at the other woman as she sat on the bed.
Maya then noticed that specific piece of furniture, realizing that there was only one bed in the room.
Claudine caught the uncertainty in the other woman, and she smirked once again as she patted the bed with both hands, “C’mon, Maya. We slept over a lot in each other’s rooms so, this would be just like high school,” then, she was now the one looking uncertain, “unless you don’t want to…?”
Maya quickly shook her head, “Don’t be ridiculous, Saijo-san. I’m perfectly fine sharing a bed with you.” She smiled, and Claudine melted as they continued gazing at each other.
The two of them naturally drifted apart with the distance after graduation, but that did not stop Claudine from reaching out with a random message every month or so. Maya responds respectfully and timely to every single one. And despite not being as informative as Claudine’s, the gesture warms the blonde’s heart. Especially since the other woman wasn’t really big on technology. Even to this day, the top star barely posts on any of her social media other than to promote stage plays and events.
The moment was broken when the blonde’s phone began ringing, which was the invitation for lunch for the first meal the 9 (+Suzu) of them will share in 5 years.
===
“You’re done, Tenten?” Suzu asked with a mouthful of burger, bewildered when Maya didn’t ask for the dessert menu after finishing her meal.
“Are you feeling all right, Tendo-san?” Mahiru asked after reprimanding her girlfriend’s manners, looking worried.
“Don’t go getting sick on us now, Tendo.” Futaba warned lightly, but her face was equally concerned.
Everyone else looked confused at the line of questioning, getting concerned for the brunette, who only chuckled.
Claudine was the first one to catch on to what was happening, “Are you still a glutton, Tendo Maya?” the blonde asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically at her roommate. She looked her up and down, looking for any signs of weight gain, but only finding the opposite. She thinks that the other woman gained more muscle mass based on their hug earlier.
Kaoruko laughed, “That’s quite an understatement.”
Hikari’s face darkened, “With that body?”
“Hikari-chan…” Karen chuckled awkwardly, gently patting the black-haired girl’s back.
“Hmm…” Mahiru’s face soured as a thought crossed her mind, “Futaba-chan…” she looked at her other former roommate, concern written on her face. After moving in together, it became clear to Mahiru and Futaba that Maya may be a theater genius, but she… lacked basic life skills.
“Oh!” The short-haired girl exclaimed, suddenly looking alarmed as if she realized something huge, “Tendo! You have to take care of yourself when I move back to Kyoto!” with her unspoken pact with Mahiru, the two of them have been rallying to make sure Maya was well-taken care of.
The top star looked appalled that she was being treated like a child, “Of course. I can take care of myself. I have been alone for weeks now since the start of your vacation, Isurugi-san.”
Half of her friends looked skeptical at her claim having also lived together for 3 years in high school. Maya wisely kept her mouth shut lest she say something to further prove their insinuations.
Nana suddenly laughed in delight at the conversation, making all heads turn to her, “Oh, don’t mind me…” she blushed shyly, “It’s funny. We’re in one of the fanciest hotels, but everyone’s still the same.”
Junna smiled, taking Nana’s hand from under the table where no one could see and squeezed, “It really is.” She agreed with Nana’s sentiment.
“But seriously,” Nana turned the conversation back to Maya, “are you all right, Maya-chan? Because I would have to agree with Suzu-chan, Mahiru-chan and Futaba-chan. That was not your usual serving.”
“I’m quite all right, everyone. I might just be jetlagged.” Maya informed, smiling at the tall woman, “Would it be all right if I go up and take a nap? I assure you that I’ll be better company later.”
“Oh, sure!” Futaba – being one of the hosts – responded, “Go ahead, Tendo. You’ve been awake for a while now, huh?”
“26 hours, I believe.”
Claudine slapped her shoulder in worry, “Mechante va! Why didn’t you just say so? Do you need company upstairs?”
“I’ll be all right, Saijo-san. You enjoy yourself.”
At Claudine’s nod, Maya waved goodbye to everyone and left the restaurant. The rest of the group resumed catching up, and at times, true to being stage girls, they boasted of their achievements proudly.
===The Next Day===
Junna was looking at her wristwatch for the time – 7:03am, then at the restaurant where the breakfast buffet was being prepared. She sighed at the expected turnout so early in the morning for their group.
“They’ll be here soon, Junna-chan.” Nana soothed, running her hands on her partner’s shoulders.
Sure enough, Maya and Claudine came into view not a minute later. Both looked too good for this time in the morning, much to Junna and Nana’s chagrin.
“Good morning, Daiba-san, Hoshimi-san.” Maya greeted while her roommate waved a hand, “Still waking up earlier than everyone?”
“Seems like it.” Nana responded with a light laugh.
“How’d you two sleep? We didn’t see you the rest of yesterday, Tendo-san.”
“My apologies,” Maya smiled wryly, “I was more tired than I initially thought.” She explained unnecessarily, “I woke up before midnight. Luckily, Saijo-san had sandwiches ready-”
“It was Nana’s suggestion.” Claudine piped up from beside her.
“Then thank you, both of you.” Maya smiled, “If not for those sandwiches, I would be famished, but I am simply starving.”
Claudine had to roll her eyes, “You’re always so dramatic.”
“Yo, everyone!” Futaba called, dragging Kaoruko who was holding onto her arm tightly, “Good morning!” she greeted as if she wasn’t carrying another weight.
No one even batted an eye when Futaba unceremoniously dropped her fiancée on one of the vacant chairs, making Kaoruko pout and grumble.
“Good morning, lovebirds.” Claudine greeted with a genuine smile, “I see Kaoruko is still not a morning person.”
“At this point, I lost all hope that she’ll grow out of it.” Futaba joked, patting her fiancee’s head soothingly before going to talk to the restaurant’s host for their table.
Junna suddenly laughed, “Speaking of constants…”
Everyone turned to where the bespectacled girl was looking at, and all of them smiled or giggled as well.
Walking towards them was Mahiru; left hand pulling a half-asleep Karen, and right hand pulling a lagging Suzu who was giving Hikari a piggyback ride.
Nana raised an eyebrow at the newcomers, “Some things really never change, huh?”
“Tell me about it.” Mahiru sighed.
“Yo!” Futaba waved her hand to get their attention, “Our table’s ready!”
“Yes!” Karen jumped, woken up by the prospect of food as if Mahiru was not just dragging her.
===
Everyone – including the waiters, and some of the restaurant’s other patrons – was looking at the stack of plates beside a satisfied-looking Maya who didn’t look like she had anything more than a salad.
Hikari was growling as she looked at Maya in envy.
“All right,” On cue, everyone turned from the plate to Kaoruko who clapped her fan on her hand, wearing her signature smile before it softened, “There’s no set program for this week. We just want everyone to have fun.”
“But!” Futaba followed up, pausing for suspense, “we ask that we do at least one thing together each day.”
Junna voiced what everyone was thinking, “That’s fair.”
Kaoruko leaned forward, teasing smile in place once again, “For the rest of the day, we could all do whatever, but my dear Futaba-han,” she leaned towards her fiancée who immediately put an arm around her, “wants to see a magic show tonight, so let’s meet up by 6:30pm in the lobby to go to the venue.”
Everyone voiced their agreements.
What no one voiced was how refreshing it was to see Kaoruko doting on Futaba as much as Futaba did for her back then. They never doubted Kaoruko’s feelings for their other friend, but it was great to see it reciprocated so honestly from the devilish spoiled brat Kaoruko used to be.
“I might go to a museum…” Junna mused loudly once their night plans were set.
“That sounds nice…” Mahiru agreed.
Maya perked up, “Do you think you’ll pass by local eateries?”
“We’re in Vegas!” Futaba exclaimed, “I’ma go gambling!”
“Yes! That’s the place to be when in Vegas!” Karen cheered, pumping her fists up.
“I’m in!” Nana seconded, “I’ve always wanted to try slot machines.”
“I’d rather gamble than go to a museum…” Suzu said, sheepishly scratching the back of her head as she grinned at her girlfriend.
Kaoruko made a face, “Both of those have too much standing around for my tastes…” she complained, “I’ll schedule an appointment with the spa.”
“Oh! Now that’s something for me!” Claudine seconded.
Hikari raised her hand, “Saunas can make you lose weight, right?”
===Hours Later, around 9pm===
“Wooooh!” Futaba cheered as they stepped out of the theater for the magic show they just saw, “That was awesome!”
“Yeah, yeah!” Karen nodded eagerly, running behind Futaba with Hikari beside her, looking as stoic as ever, “I can’t believe he got out of a burning, falling box blindfolded and handcuffed!”
Suzu nodded along, “I, for sure, thought that he died when it exploded!”
Claudine crossed her arms as she looked fondly at her friends. She was impressed with the showmanship of the magician, despite everything being a trick. It takes skill to be that agile with their movements, much like how dancing is. But it was not enough to make her cheer in excitement like her other friends.
“Children…” Kaoruko remarked, but the smile on her face told Claudine that they share the same sentiments.
“Now, now,” Maya voiced from behind, “It’s not everyday that we see something like that. It was entertaining in its own way.”
“I agree, Maya-chan!” Nana voiced, raising her hand for a high five with the top star.
Claudine thought, not for the first time, that despite the serious façade of one Tendo Maya, she’s much like Nana who’s an enabler at times, or rather, most of the time.
“Of course,” Claudine conceded, softening as she watched even Junna and Mahiru join in on the others recollection of the magic show.
The four of them continued to listen to the excited ramblings of their friends, when Kaoruko looked at the time on her wristwatch.
“It’s still quite early,” The heiress informed the group, “Are you guys up for continuing this somewhere else?”
“Why don’t you just admit you want to spend more time with us?” Claudine teased, grinning when the other girl’s cheeks darkened.
Kaoruko puffed out her cheeks, “It’s not like that!” she exclaimed, a little too loudly if the way everyone was suddenly looking at her was any indication.
“What’s wrong?” Futaba frowned, looking in concern at her fiancée.
“Hanayagi-san expressed her interest in spending more time together by moving this discussion elsewhere.” Maya responded with an innocent smile, barely flinching when Kaoruko slapped her shoulder.
“Oh? Like a bar?” Karen suggested.
Nana lit up at the suggestion, “That sounds like a good idea! I don’t think we’ve all shared a drink together before.”
Murmurs of agreement and excitement rounded their group.
“I’m inclined to accept this development, but!” Junna, ever the leader stepped in, stressing out the last word, “only if we do this in the bar inside our hotel for everyone’s safety. If anyone gets intoxicated, they wouldn’t have a problem going back to the rooms.”
“That’s a fair request, Hoshimi-san,” Maya seconded, “Thank you for looking out for us.” She smiled charmingly, making the bespectacled girl blush lightly.
“No problem…”
“Let’s make our way back, then!” Karen bounced on her feet, “I’m excited to hear about everyone’s adventures today. I lost about $100 in the slot machines.”
===
Laughter rang out in their booth, with Karen snorting beer out of her nose at Junna and Mahiru’s story of Maya quarrelling with another foreigner who doesn’t speak English because she thought he was insulting the food she was eating when it turned out that he just thought Maya looked pretty.
Maya’s cheeks darkened ever so lightly, but she defended herself nonetheless, “He was looking at me funny.”
“Now I wish I had joined you guys,” Claudine mused regretfully, “But our day relaxing and gossiping was fun in its own way.” She informed.
“Which was not a bad day!” Kaoruko remarked, raising an eyebrow at Claudine.
Hikari nodded along but didn’t contribute anything verbally. It was clear to everyone that she had reached her social limit for the day.
“I didn’t say it was,” Claudine answered back, “It just felt like we had the most uneventful day out of everyone. I mean, Karen apparently lost $500 gambling-”
“I’m sorry, what?” Mahiru shrieked, cutting the half-French off – having been in the comfort rooms when that information was shared, looking at her friend in horror, “Karen-chan! You have to be more careful than that!”
“Teehee!” Karen stuck her tongue out cutely, clearly drunk.
“Aww, lighten up, Mahiru!” Suzu put an arm around her girlfriend, “Who knows when we’ll get an opportunity like this again?”
“Mou…” Mahiru melted at her girlfriend’s touch. From beside her, Karen hiccupped as she drank healthily from her bottle of beer, triggering her Mamahiru mode, as Suzu liked to call it, “I think it’s time I bring Karen-chan and Hikari-chan back upstairs?”
Everyone knew better than to keep Mahiru from taking her “children” upstairs. Karen was so drunk, she looked like she was about to pass out from another sip, while Hikari was barely moving from over-socialization and looked like she was about to pass out.
“All right…” Futaba smiled understandingly at her old roommate having seen this mode of Mahiru on more than one occasion – usually directed at Karen and Hikari when they were in high school, but diverted to Maya after, “Do you need help bringing them up?”
“It’s all right! I got this!” Suzu was the one to respond, already crouching down so that Hikari could climb on her back, leaving the others to wonder just how often this happens when it’s just the four of them… And how could Mahiru handle all three without losing all her hair in frustration…
“Mou, that sucks…” Kaoruko pouted, “I was counting on Karen-han’s drunkenness to entertain me for the rest of the night…”
“Gee. Thanks, Hanayagi-san.” Junna rolled her eyes good-naturedly, not really offended by the remark.
Maya chuckled, “You’ll have to make do with our company for now.”
“Oh, how about we go gambling?” Nana suggested, grinning at the prospect of teaching the prim and proper Junna about tabletop casino games, “We learned Blackjack earlier!”
“That’s a great idea!” Futaba seconded before anyone could say no, “C’mon, Kaoruko. I think you’ll enjoy it.”
“Sure, Futaba-han.”
Now that half of their group already agreed to the idea, and 2/3 of that half were their hosts, Claudine, Maya and Junna were cornered to agree.
“Are we sure that’s a good idea? Tendo-san looks…” Junna paused, trying to look for a different word but couldn’t, “…drunk…”
“No, no,” Maya answered, grinning, “I’m mildly intoxicated but I can still function.”
Futaba leaned forward and patted Maya on the shoulder, “Tendo’s stronger than that! She’ll be fine!”
Maya nodded, “Yeah! I’ll be fine! Gambling sounds like fun.”
Junna narrowed her eyes, sighing, “It seems I need to be worried about more than drinking…”
Claudine smiled reassuringly at Junna, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle Maya if she gets too much.”
“Thank you…” Junna whispered, then looked horrified when Nana distributed a shot for each of them.
“One for the road!” Nana cheered.
Surprisingly, Maya responded first with her own cheer as she raised her shot glass.
===
They were seated in one of the Blackjack tables in the center of the casino – all the flashing lights not giving any impression that it was already late into the night. The band in one side of the room was playing loud live music that was meant to pump up their patrons. There were also staff all over, dressed up and serving drinks to whoever wanted it.
“What about this made you think that I’ll enjoy this?” Kaoruko grumbled, pouting up at her partner as the chips were given to a beaming Junna for their first round of the game.
Futaba grinned sheepishly, rubbing a comforting hand on Kaoruko’s back, “It’s a few bills, Kaoruko. You’ll be fine.”
“Whatever you say, Isurugi-san,” Junna grinned, already putting chips in the pot, “But this beats waiting for a paycheck every month.”
Despite her continuous grumblings, Kaoruko put chips in the pot when everyone else did.
“I still don’t understand how this works…” Claudine tilted her head to the side, “My cards need to stay under 21?”
Nana nodded, “The goal is to get a 21, or closest to 21 without going over because then that’s a bust and you instantly lose.”
Claudine scrunched up her nose, “Now, I’m confused again…”
A casino staff wearing a bunny girl outfit passed by their table with different cocktail drinks on a trolley who Maya flagged down, encouraging everyone to get one each.
“When did you become an alcoholic, Tendo Maya?” Claudine laughed but pointed at an orange drink that was poured for her.
“Her tolerance improved now, y’know,” Futaba laughed, “Being the top star, Tendo’s been invited to drink a lot of times, you should’ve seen her the first time!” she giggled, recalling how her and Mahiru had to carry Maya home that night.
“The frequency of my drinking is once a month at most,” Maya defended herself as she chose a sparkly white drink and took the water bottle that Claudine picked up for her, “I’m just enjoying myself with everyone.”
The others look on fondly – some fonder than others. Ahem. Claudine. Ahem. – at the brunette, knowing she wouldn’t have admitted that if she wasn’t intoxicated. There was an unspoken agreement between all of them that they would all let Maya enjoy herself and look out for her.
Kaoruko groaned again when the house won and none of them got anything that round, “This game sucks…” she muttered, throwing her head back and drinking the rest of her glass, “I’m going to play some slots machines” She declared, jumping out of her chair.
“Oh! I’ll join you. I’ve been reading up on the odds of winning in slot machines.” Junna said, walking towards Kaoruko.
“Why would you do that?” Kaoruko asked, and Junna’s explanation faded off as they walked away.
Nana counted her stack of chips and shrugged, “I can play a few more games here, if you guys are down.”
“I am down, Daiba-san.” Maya smirked, pushing some chips towards the pot.
Futaba and Claudine followed.
===
Almost an hour later, Maya smiled as the chips were pushed in her direction. Claudine was basically fuming from losing the 5 last games, it didn’t help that Maya won 3 of those games.
Futaba looked at her remaining chips then at her friends, “I think I’ll go look for Kaoruko.” She stretched as soon as she stood up.
“Oh! I’ll go with you!” Nana seconded, taking her bucket of chips with a smile – having the largest winnings out of all of them, “I’m starting to miss Junna-chan as well.”
“Tendo? Kuro-ko?”
“I’m enjoying this game.” Maya responded.
Claudine handed the dealer 50 dollars which he then replaced in chips which was answer enough for their friends, but being the hothead she is, she just had to respond verbally, “I’m keeping Maya company.”
Futaba nodded, “Okay, we’ll catch you two later.”
“Call if you need anything.” Nana followed up, pulling the two still sitting in a quick hug.
Futaba and Nana left for the slot machines, just as the band started playing the intro to “Single Ladies” by Beyonce. Maya started humming along as she put chips for the next game.
Claudine followed the other woman’s lead, furrowing her brows when two cards were placed in front of her. Smiling in glee when it turned out to be a blackjack, and Maya was forced to forfeit her hand.
“Aww, tough luck, dear…” A sultry voice was suddenly in between them.
Claudine could’ve gotten whiplash with how fast she turned her head to look at the woman who looked like a… for a lack of better term… hooker. Narrowing her eyes, she eyed the way the woman not so subtly tried to push her breasts to Maya’s arm.
“It’s quite all right…” Maya responded with her usual charming smile in English, “It’s a small amount.”
At this point, Claudine was certain that Maya had one drink too many if she’s reciprocating that kind of flirtation.
Hiccup.
Not that she could talk…
“Maybe I could be your lucky charm?” The woman continued, speaking in an accent that Claudine can’t place, but she understood that she was speaking English. The blonde had enough when the woman ran a finger on Maya’s bicep and whispered, “You look strong… Are you looking for a good time?”
“She’s with me!” Claudine pulled on Maya’s other arm towards her, “Please go away!” she asserted. Normally, she would have more words to say, but her mind was starting to feel fuzzy. Though, she’s proud of herself for remembering her manners.
The woman grumbled something that neither Claudine nor Maya could understand, before walking off. Probably to find an easier prey.
The half-French slapped Maya’s arm, “You are still such a flirt, Tendo Maya!”
“If you like me so much, why don’t you put a ring on me?” Maya waved her left hand, wiggling her fingers with a giggle. She’s proud of herself for the pun as the song continued to play in the background.
Claudine furrowed her brows, seriously thinking about the drunken proposition. She’s always been attracted to the other woman, anyway, “You know what? Let’s do it! I saw a lot of wedding chapels around!” each word was sounding more and more like a threat, “Prepare to be Saijo Maya!” she finished off, pointing a finger at her rival, and apparently future wife.
“Oh?” Maya hid the warm feelings rushing in her chest at the prospect of being Saijo Maya, or maybe that was just the alcohol? She knew Claudine holds a special place in her life and she’s felt more for her more than anyone else… Hmm… Either way, this is the perfect opportunity to rile up the other woman, “Won’t you rather be Tendo Claudine?”
Claudine sputtered, glaring hotly at the brunette. She probably should’ve expected that, but… she blames the alcohol, “You know what?!” she practically shouted, turning to the dealer – who’s been silent the whole time, probably because he couldn’t understand what language they’re speaking in – and he flinched at the fire in her eyes, “Let’s play one last time, and whoever loses changes her name!”
“Deal.”
So they did.
Claudine’s heart pounded as she anxiously looked at the cards in front of her, a 7 and a 6, so 13… and Maya was keeping her cards, a Jack and a Queen… so she had 20… the house had 18… Hmm… She had a good chance of matching Maya’s cards or even getting a 21, right? “Hit me.” She quickly said before she could change her mind.
It was the Queen of Hearts… ironic… but this means…
The blonde looked up, meeting amused purple eyes. Her eyes narrowed, daring the other woman to say something stupid.
“Well, well, future Tendo Claudine…” Maya purred, “I believe you owe me a wedding.”
Claudine rolled her eyes at the other woman’s showmanship. Of course, she would say something stupid if challenged – despite not knowing the challenge, “Fine…” she muttered, but in a last attempt at one-upping the brunette, she declared, “I’m changing my name, but you are paying for everything!”
Maya smirked as the blonde pulled her up to stand, “Not a problem.” She briefly turned to thank the dealer and left him a few chips in tips before running – stumbling – after the blonde who was already halfway to the casino’s exit.
===
Maya continued to hum the melody to “Single Ladies” on their way to the nearest chapel. By some stroke of luck, their cab driver happened to know French which made giving directions easy. Claudine even made small talk by telling him that they’re getting married, getting a “congratulations” in return. The blonde continued to ramble in French, and their driver amusedly – politely – just listens until he announced their arrival.
The brunette pulled out a few bills from her pocket which was about twice the amount of their fare, but she simply didn’t care.
Running – stumbling – inside the bright establishment, they were given a brochure filled with details on the different packages they offer, as well as a brochure of rings they have on hand. The half-French immediately took the booklet with the rings and began perusing each one. So Maya was left to check the wedding packages, opening it to the last pages since she knew that she’d pay for the most expensive one for Claudine deserved the best.
“Maya, what do you think of this one?” Claudine, with a slight slur, pointed to a slightly glamorous gold wedding ring with small diamonds encrusted around it. Of course, she’d want something flashy.
“As expected, you’d choose a ring as beautiful as you, Claudine.”
“Stop it, you infuriating woman!” Claudine slapped Maya’s arm in annoyance, before turning to the amused attendant with a smile as she pointed at her choice, “This one, please.” She knows her English was a bit rough, but the attendant understood perfectly.
“Very well,” She acknowledged, “Do you know your ring sizes?”
Claudine turned to Maya, not sure what was being asked.
“She’s asking for ring sizes.”
“Oh!” Claudine looked at her ring finger, her brows furrowing as she focused on it. She knows it’s a number… But she can’t bring her drunk mind to remember which one… “…I’m not sure…”
Maya hummed, taking Claudine’s hand in hers before smiling at the attendant and asking if they have ring sizers.
The attendant nodded in understanding, pulling out the requested item and asked for their hands, measuring their ring fingers within minutes. “Would you like anything engraved on it?”
Maya once again translated for Claudine and the two of them began wracking their brains for the permanent marking to be left on their rings. The blonde’s mind kept going between “forever” and “love” which was too cliché for her liking.
The brunette then perked up, addressing the attendant once again, “Might you be able to engrave in Japanese?”
“Certainly.”
Claudine continued to look confused when Maya pulled up her phone while the attendant gave her instructions on sending the phrase she wanted. But before sending it, she showed her phone to Claudine for approval.
“Watashi ni wa, Anata o…” Claudine felt herself tearing up as memories of that revue suddenly sprang to mind, “It’s perfect.”
“For me, there is you.” Maya responded, translating the phrase for the attendant who simply smiled as she sent it.
“I’ll get this ready for you.” She said kindly, “Have you decided on the package you want?”
Maya nodded, pointing at the second to last package, only refusing to get the most expensive one because its main selling point was that their wedding would be live streamed for friends and family. That was an unnecessary gimmick. But the brunette didn’t spare any expense with the flowers, champagne, and the photo album. They would also get a copy of the recorded ceremony.
“Very well. Please wait a while as we get everything ready for you.”
The rest of their time in the chapel was a blur, but Claudine has never felt so alive when Maya dipped her and claimed her lips for their first kiss as a married couple.
===
In less than an hour, they were on the elevator back to their room. Their previous cab driver waited for them, so they didn’t have any problems getting back to the hotel. Maya appreciated the gesture so much, she left him another hefty tip.
Claudine was looking in wonder at the ring now adorning her finger.
Maya was looking in wonder at her new wife. Her lips still tingling from their first kiss as wives. It was not the first time they kissed, no. Their lips brushed on multiple occasions before when they play as lovers… And they had a moment that night before their graduation… But this was the first time she felt so giddy and electrified.
As they walked the hallway to their room, the both of them gravitated near each other, holding hands.
“Maya?” Claudine called as soon as they were in the privacy of their room. It was the first word said once they were out of the chapel, “You’re familiar with what couples do on their wedding night, right?”
Maya’s brain short-circuited at the insinuation, dropping the bag she was holding that held their souvenirs from the wedding chapel.
Claudine giggled. Oh, sweet Maya. Her sweet, innocent Maya. She smiled impishly as she let her jacket fall to the floor, which was immediately followed by the blouse she was wearing, fully aware of the eyes on her.
Maya licked her lips, eyes darkening at the view of Claudine’s toned stomach, and simple, but surprisingly sexy bra.
“Aren’t you going to take your wife, Tendo Maya?”
That was all the invitation Maya needed, as she rushed towards Claudine, pulling the blonde in a passionate kiss. Hands hungrily touching the bare skin she could feel. She popped the button of Claudine’s pants off as the blonde impatiently unbuttoned her shirt, resorting to tearing it and letting the buttons fly all over the place.
The brunette pulled away from the kiss and grinned as her shirt slid off her shoulders and arms, “These…” she tugged on the blonde’s bra, “are coming off, ma Claudine…” she said as she unhooked it, letting Claudine’s breasts bounce free.
===End Flashback===
New National Theater Troupe’s Top Star, Tendo Maya, ties the knot with High School Sweetheart
Sources say that Tendo (23) married Saijo Claudine (23) in Las Vegas. The two went to a prestigious theater school together, performing in multiple plays as partners. Does this mean that we’re losing one of our biggest theater actors to France?
Maya’s father looked up from his thousandth time reading the article and regarded his daughter, “Are you?”
Maya blinked, “Pardon?”
“Moving to France?”
Maya’s mother stiffened, looking at her daughter in alarm, “Are you?” she asked in a high-pitched voice.
The top star was stunned by the question. She swallowed slowly, before responding just as slowly, “I’m uncertain at the moment…”
===
Renowned young theater actress, Claudine Saijo, gets married in Las Vegas to Japanese girlfriend
It was confirmed that Saijo, 23, who starred in Theater du Flamme’s latest play, got married in Vegas to Japanese theater star Maya Tendo, also 23, who Saijo has known since they were 15 years old when they attended the top theater school in Japan together, where the two of them performed in multiple plays as partners. We just hope that this doesn’t mean that the young actress would be moving back to Japan so soon.
Claudine’s mother smiled sadly at her pouting child, “You’re moving back to Japan, aren’t you?”
The blonde looked guilty at the accusation, confirming the answer for her parents.
“Have you talked to your wife about this?” Claudine’s father asked when they didn’t get an answer, and he narrowed his eyes when his daughter shook his head, “You realize communication’s the foundation of any relationship?”
===
Maya’s father sighed resignedly, “At this point, there’s really nothing we can do about this.”
Maya’s eyes narrowed, “Are you thinking of using my marriage as a PR stunt?” her downturned lips showed her dissatisfaction.
Her father, thankfully, did not respond.
“Since this is a Vegas marriage,” Her mother practically spat the sentence in distaste, “am I correct in assuming that the two of you did not sign a prenuptial agreement?”
Maya did not like the number of times she was stunned in this conversation, but alas, she would not be able to provide a satisfactory response to that question.
The older woman sighed, torn between wanting to reprimand her daughter and support her decision, “When are we meeting this woman? You’re not hiding her from us, right, Maya?”
Maya remained silent, her thumb playing with the ring now adorning her left ring finger.
===
“Do you think you’ll need a postnuptial agreement?” Claudine’s father asked seriously, thinking of ways that he can continue supporting his daughter.
Claudine tilted her head. They-she didn’t think of that. She looked at her left hand where the fancy wedding ring that she chose for herself and her wife now rests. But… “I don’t think that’s something I want…”