"Am I doing this right?" Sawako was perched on Chizuru's lap with Chizuru holding on to her waist.

"Perfect. Now, Chizuru, you're gonna have to be a little more gentle this time. I could handle it but Sawako might have a heart attack!"

"Oh no! My family has a history of heart disease!"

"Calm down, Sawako, I don't mean it literally."

"Oh. Good. I am glad. Because I...really want to kiss Chizu-chan. Is that okay?"

"Yeah Sada- I mean Sawako. I really wanna...kiss you too."

Ayane clapped her hands together triumphantly. "Okay! Sounds perfect! Now, Sawako, this isn't your first time anymore so I want you to be more forthcoming. Chizu, in order to spare Ryu's self image it might be good for you to get used to not leading for once."

"Hmph. As if I'd ever follow his lead. I'm the one pitching and that's how it's gonna stay."

"...I don't think that means what you think it means but that is a story for another day. Any time you're ready, Sawako."

"Oh...okay. Chizuru-chan? May I? May I kiss you?"

"Uhm yeah. I already said 'yes."

"Of course this is something you wouldn't understand Miss I'm-going-to-dive-bomb-when-the-moment-strikes-me. It can never hurt to ask again. Sawako, that was very romantic."

Sawako smiled, pleased with herself. She had never thought she could be romantic.

She closed her eyes and moved her face towards Chizuru's. Her mouth was open as if still inquiring permission. Her lips landed softly like a butterfly on a leaf. It was cool, and honest, and peaceful like a cup of green tea on a warm summer afternoon. Chizuru's hands ran up and down her spine in slow lazy circles. When they finally parted Sawako planted one last little peck on the tip of Chizuru's nose but seemed to immediately second guess herself.

"My apologies! Was that not romantic?"

"Sawako" Ayane gaped "I'm starting to think you've had more experience than you said."

"Not at all. I would never be openly dishonest with you."

"Relax. I'm paying you a compliment. In fact, if you don't mind. I'd like another go but with you again."

The tree outside slowly and steadily shed its sakura blossoms while the night grew dark and long. Only the moon, as it peeked through the window, got a glimpse of the three friends stealing kisses. Before long they moved to Sawako's bed and sprawled out lazily.

"I can't believe it's almost midnight" yawned Ayane.

"I know." Sawako agreed as she wandered back into the bedroom. She wiped her damp face on a washcloth. "Ayane-chan, I really loved wearing the makeup but it also feels so nice to wash it off."

"One of its many pleasures. And the really really good makeup, the stuff I can't afford, will make your face feel even better for having worn it."

Sawako rested her head a few inches away from Ayane and nestled her head down into the pillow.

"Is Chizu-"

"She started snoring as soon as you got up and went to the bathroom. Come here." She beckoned with her finger and Sawako wriggled even closer. Ayane's kiss was soft and tender on her forehead and she held Sawako close in a way she had never been held before, reaching over her shoulder to turn off the small lamp. "Goodnight...Sawako."

"Goodnight. Ayane."

"If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumber'd here While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend: if you pardon, we will mend: And, as I am an honest Puck, If we have unearned luck Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue, We will make amends ere long; Else the Puck a liar call;So, good night unto you all. Give me your hands, if we be friends,

And Robin shall restore amends."