Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction ❯ Hana no Nai Bara ❯ The New Student ( Chapter 1 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Jill_Valentine_X 
Anime/Manga: Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Angst | Type: Self Insertion | Uploaded On: 05.30.2002 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 247 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Angst | Type: Self Insertion | Uploaded On: 05.30.2002 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 247 | Status: Work In Progress
I became an Utena freak after viewing all 39 episodes RAW before it was in the states. So...I had to write a fic. I've been working on this fic since the summer of 1999. Since starting, many projects came up and a serious case of writer's block and then the unintentional disappearance of the drive on my hard drive has kept me from writing more. I just recently recovered my lost fic and I am going to complete it finally. I look back at it and think it isn't exactly my BEST work, but I am satisfied with it and that I probably could have done more with it, creatively and grammar wise, but hey, whatta ya gonna do. I just wanted to write!
There are some..."adult" themes involved in this fic...perhaps R or NC-17...but sorry to disappoint all you lemon lovers, but this is not strictly sexual.
I thank Chiho Saito-sensei for creating Utena and inspiring me to pursue writing fanfiction after so many years of being away from it.
-Jill Valentine X
Shoujo Kakumei Utena: Hana no Nai Bara
Ohtori Gakuen; the spacious campus and huge buildings of one of the most authentic and prestigious schools around. Home of the Seitokai and duelists of Revolution. It's Kettou no Shioushia: Tenjou Utena, the young, pink-haired object of worship around the campus. Every girl's dream. Where Utena went, the persistent, female student body would follow happily, or at least the ones in her grade and below. A cheerful cry, a trademark 'Tenjou sigh', or an all out, loving 'glomp' would be wherever the tomboyish girl roamed.
Tomboyish? Yes, tomboyish. The exterior of the tomboy stuck to Tenjou Utena like glue, or like Shinohara Wakaba does to Utena's backside.
"Utena-sama! Good morning!!" The ecstatic shout followed by an equally ecstatic glomp hit the pink-headed tomboy head on, or rather, from behind.
"Ah...! Oh...morning, Wakaba-chan."
"You're getting so strong, Utena-sama! I bet you could hold two of me by now!"
"Ahhh...I...I don't think so. One of you is good enough for me. I don't think my back could take it." The young princely wanna-be laughed nervously as she held her best friend up on her back.
"What's that supposed to mean!? Are you saying I'm heavy!? Mouuu...that's not very nice, Utena-sama." Wakaba's lower lip trembled as she gripped tighter to the Oji's neck. "I'm not heavy! I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!" Her chestnut colored ponytail whipped back and forth and she shook her head quickly. An occasional 'Ack!' escaping her blue-eyed friend's mouth. Before the shouting girl knew it, she was slowly going down, or rather, Utena was.
"Wa...ka...ba...aiiiiir...." The now blue faced prince gasped for breath under her hyper friend's grip.
"Ah! I'm sorry, Utena-sama!" Wakaba quickly got up from her sitting position on her friend's back and allowed Utena to breathe.
"I'm...sorry... 'bout that. I didn't...mean it like that." The color began to return to the glomped prince's face as she continued to gasp for air in the middle of her apology.
"Hmmmm....okay! I forgive you, Utena-sama!" Wakaba was quite amazing. The young girl could go from clinically depressed to overly hyper in 2.3 seconds, flat.
"Here, Utena-sama. You dropped this." A thin, tanned, fragile looking hand picked up the Victor's school satchel and politely handed it to her.
"Ah...thanks, Himemiya."
Himemiya Anshii. Another important part of the strange game of revolution. The young, purple haired girl of sweet, chocolate colored skin played the role of Bara no Hanayome. This particular girl, this...Bride of the Rose...was the Kettou no Shioushia's 'prize' in the duel game, instantly becoming 'engaged' to him, but in this case, her. Throughout their 'engagement', a special relationship developed between the Victor and the Bride. One would call it sisterly love...another would call it a romance of lovers...Utena and Anshii call it a relationship of a prince that would protect and her princess that would be protected. A mere storybook romance in the eyes of it's beholders.
Utena casually tossed her satchel over one shoulder and rested it there, another sign of her non-femininity. Her emerald-eyed fiancé and overly ecstatic best friend followed closely behind her.
Ohtori Gakuen was known for it's incredible architecture and high academics, but also for it's elite student council. It's Seitokaichou, Kiryuu Touga, on this morning, was escorting a younger boy through the campus to the office/planetarium of Ohtori Akio; the school's Rijichou.
"This is as far as I go. I have things I need to tend to. The Rijichou Shitsu is on the top floor."
"Yeah, thanks." The boy walked through the doors of the massive structure that housed the school's Rijichou and approached the elevator, a smirk crossing his features. The new boy wasn't exactly angelic in his appearance. He stood about an inch or two shorter than Touga, a semi-strong build, with piercing red eyes. His short mop of hair was midnight black with several thin strands of bangs colored white. Rebellious? Quite. This boy of a non-inviting appearance, came to this elite school dressed in a black T-shirt and a maroon, collar-less, shirt, only half-way buttoned down. The dress shirt was tucked in loosely on one side in his black pants and a pair of black and white street shoes graced his feet. With a ding, the elevator reached it's top floor destination, the doors opening to reveal a wide hallway lined with various sconces that held lights in them and a red carpet that stretched out in two directions: one going to a set of white double-doors that bore the school's rose signet; the other leading to another set of double-doors in a plain oak fashion.
"Well, here we go again...another school to get enrolled in and kicked out of. Whatta joke." The black haired boy laughed softly to himself as he raised his clenched fist and softly rapped on the door.
"Come in, it's open." A casual and deep voice called. The boy cleared his throat and ran his hand through his hair before walking through the threshold.
"Ohtori-san? Shintaro Keingo desu."
"Yes, I know. We've been expecting you. Now, don't think for a minute that your innocent act will work with me. I've already crossed over your records and it seems you are quite the troublemaker. Be as it may, I have accepted you into my academy for one reason: the Bara no Kokuin that you bear on your left hand. I trust you received a letter concerning it?"
"Oh, yeah, I did. How'd you..."
"...know about it? Naturally, I knew. This school is known to bearers of that sign all over. Only the elite make it here to be a part of the Cache of the Rose. Now, your records are secure here. You'll be given a place in the Seitokai because of your knowledge of the duelists of World Revolution and you'll also be required to duel if need be. That is all. You're dismissed."
"Uh, okay. Thanks, I guess." Keingo turned and began to exit out of the office.
"Oh, and Shintaro-kun...do change into something more appropriate for school. I'd hate for you to be hounded over the rules of our dress code."
"Um...yes, sir." The elevator ding echoed in the hallway and the doors opened for Keingo to enter. On his way down, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. "Hmph. This seems completely pointless. No matter, I'll be outta this school in no time...but first...it's time to 'mingle' with the student body...a female body preferably." A slight snicker escaped through his lips as he exited the elevator and walked to his assigned dorm to change. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a large group of girls all swarmed around the main gate. Another smirk crossed his disturbing features as he turned toward the flock of sighing and blushing girls.
"Good morning, Utena-sama!!"
"Ah! Morning, Utena-sama!!"
"Ahhhh, Tenjou-sama!" Various shouts greeted the one called Tenjou Utena. Keingo seemed to go unnoticed to the girls...which only succeeded in frustrating the casual young boy. He walked a little more, trying to find this boy that the girls must be in love with.
"Hmph...can't be better looking than me. Poor boy...about to lose all his girlfriends." Keingo couldn't help but laugh to himself as he looked...but...where was this soon-to-be-single boy? He didn't see any males anywhere in this crowd. He looked to one girl and tapped her shoulder. "Um...who are you screaming at?"
"You must be new if you don't know who Tenjou Utena-sama is."
"Nope...don't know him. Can't be better looking than me, though. Am I right?" Keingo's slick smirk warped drastically as the girl began laughing at him. "What the hell are you laughing at!?"
"You are new! Utena-sama isn't a boy!"
"Wha...!? You're hung up on a girl!?"
"Utena-sama isn't like other girls...she's...so..." the young admirer stopped mid-sentence to release her "Tenjou Sigh" at her thoughts of the popular girl in her head. Keingo, on the other hand, felt anger at the thought of losing all the girls in school to another girl.
"No way! I won't have it! Where is this Tenjou-play 'boy' at!?" His red eyes flashed about the crowd and stopped instantly on a young, pink-haired girl in a boy's uniform. "That one." As the other girls continued to greet Utena, Keingo pushed through the crowd and stopped in the young idol's path. She continued to casually wave back at the hopeless romantics around her, a blush staining her cheeks slightly, until she stopped abruptly, colliding with someone in front of her.
"Ah...sorry about that...uhh..."
"Shintaro...Shintaro Keingo...grade ten."
"Ah! Tenjou Utena...grade eight."
"I know who you are and I can tell I may have some social competition. Stay out of my way, Tenjou. I refuse to lose my reputation to a wanna-be boy." With that, he roughly brushed passed the confused duelist, pushed Anshii out of the way, and walked off. One of his arms went in the air in a parting gesture. "See ya 'round, Tenjou-kun."
"Whatta jerk. You okay, Himemiya?" Utena's soft hand took her Bride's and raised her to her feet.
"Yes, Utena-sama. Nothing I've never had to deal with before."
"That may be true, but you shouldn't need to deal with it at all." The young Victor bent over and picked up Anshii's satchel. "Here. Don't worry about him. He'll adjust to his surroundings."
"I'm sure." The Victor lead her Bride through the crowd and began to walk to class.
"Ne, ne, Utena-sama!" The familiar calling of Wakaba was heard from behind, only Utena wasn't in the mood for a glomping.
"Yes, Wakaba? Sorry for not waiting. I just wanted out of there."
"Who was that guy?"
"Some new guy to the school I guess." Utena flinched at the thought of sharing a school with that jerk.
"He's kinda cute. Ne, Utena-sama?"
"I think he's a conceited jerk."
"Eh...? How come?"
"I don't even know him and he comes up and accuses me of being the one who'll ruin his reputation around school. Whatta bunch of crap! Then he pushes Himemiya on the ground!" The Oji's teeth clenched and her carnation colored eye brows arched angrily at the thought of seeing a total stranger touch Anshii.
"Don't worry so much, Utena-sama. You said so yourself he'd adjust, ne?" The soft touch of Anshii's hand on her shoulder calmed the enraged prince instantly.
"Yes, hi. Sorry about that." A sigh escaped her rose pink lips. "Well, I guess we better get going. Classes will start soo-OOF!"
"Carry me, Utena-sama!! That'll take your mind off him!!" Wakaba's weight hurt with the force, but Utena smiled warmly at her good-hearted friend.
"Okay okay. Let's get going, Himemiya."
"Yes." Fortunately, Wakaba's weight didn't slow the prince down and they all made it to class on time. An unbelievably good place to be at the school for now. A small grin curled the corners of Utena's lips at the thought of knowing that the jerk she met wouldn't attend the same class as hers, even though it meant he was an upper-class-man.
The day went by progressively slow for Utena, no doubt, what with all the classes, study sessions, and basketball practice, but as soon as it was over, Utena met up with her young Bride and returned to their dorm with her, the sunset changing their surroundings a deep orange color.
"Mouuu, school is too looong." Utena's limbs stretched out and yawned deeply.
"Perhaps you should sleep more, Utena-sama. If you're not tired the day may not seem so long."
"Perhaps they should cut the hours back, then the day won't seem so long." The crimson colored lips of the Bride turned up-right at the Victor's comment. Even she, a polite and proper young girl, had her traumas and turmoil with school. Himemiya Anshii cared nothing of her academic achievements, but rather those of the Victor and her well-being. After all, the only thing the Bride is required to do is look after her Victor, right? In the chocolate-skinned girl's eyes, only Tenjou Utena mattered. But, is her dedication to her prince more than she, herself, can see? Is this the one person she could give her heart to and not have it brutally obliterated by the cruel twist of a fate that has plagued her for so many, many years? Be as it may, Tenjou Utena was a girl. A young, carefree, girl.
"Hey...Himemiya...is everything all right? I lost ya there for a sec."
"Yes, Utena-sama. I was...just thinking I guess. It's not important, really. Sorry about that." The emerald green eyes of her beloved Bride turned away as they entered the spacious dorm room. Utena dropped her satchel and kicked her shoes off, throwing herself lazily onto her soft bed. Anshii began idly making preparations for the evening's dinner as she usually did each day, though unusually early.
"Hey, Himemiya, you don't have to do that right now. It can wait. We don't really need to have dinner for quite some time."
"Yes, Utena-sama. What should I do for you then? It's a very uneventful day."
"Himemiya, you know it bothers me when you insist on pleasing me all the time. I don't need to be waited on, ya know."
"I know what you said, but...but it just doesn't feel right if I'm not doing something to please my Victor. I feel useless." Utena's eyes stared sadly at the young, troubled individual, her heart feeling for her.
"Himemiya, don't say such things. You're not useless. I don't want you to spend all of your time trying to please me. I want you to take time for yourself, first. That's one reason I've stayed with you for so long. Yes, I do have a wonderful friendship with you since we became 'engaged', but I want you to be yourself, not a slave."
"I'll try, Utena-sama. I think I have been trying all along. I like making you happy."
"You do that anyway. You don't need to have me lead you around like a puppet on strings to make me happy." Utena's interpretation did make sense to the Bride, but still, Himemiya Anshii could tell that her Victor just didn't understand.
"All right, Utena-sama, but if I'm going to be myself, you're going to have to allow me to serve you sometimes because doing so makes me happy. Okay?"
"Ah...sorry, Himemiya. I never actually thought of it that way. If it truly, honestly, makes you happy, then I won't stop you."
"Thank you, Utena-sama." The sweet, calm, and serene smile that Anshii flashed instantly warmed Utena's heart. Himemiya herself was a warmth in the Victor's heart that stood undeniable over anything else. Was this what some people called love? Or was this merely the deep friendship that a child may have as she grows-up with someone close? Utena's deep blue eyes stared thoughtfully at the girl who sat across the room, her backside turned to her, a kerchief atop her head to hold back any loose strands of midnight purple from falling in her eyes, and a neatly folded cloth in her delicate hands... nimble hands...hands that shouldn't be strained in such a fashion as scrubbing floors for no particular reason. Those tanned colored hands should be in those of someone who cares for her...someone who can love her. Someone who can fulfill all her deepest dreams as easily as they were imagined. At that time, Tenjou Utena found herself kneeling behind the fragile form of her beautiful Bride, her own arms reaching out to embrace the 'lonely child' that stood inside and the 'young woman' that was outside. Utena knew just with that embrace, what a life Anshii must have lived. A blooming red rose in a patch of weeds, a single star in a cloudy black sky. This was once Himemiya Anshii...but no longer. Himemiya Anshii of now was a red rose in a full bloomed rose garden, and a star that accompanied millions of others on a clear, moonlit night. This was the Himemiya Anshii that Tenjou Utena wanted to see at every passing second for the rest of her life.
"Utena-sama...what is it...?"
"Shhh...it's all right now. I told you...it's okay. You don't have to do that now." An ivory white hand reached to a deep tanned one and took the cloth from it, slowly tossing it aside. "I've been thinking deeply...and right now...this is how I want to see you always. Happy...and in the arms of someone who can love you."
"Utena-sama...I...don't know...what...I'm supposed to say to this...I..."
"It's all right...don't say anything if you don't want to. Just say what you feel. If you feel nothing...it's all right."
"Is...it true...Utena-sama? You...want to see me in the arms of...someone who... loves me?"
"Yes...that's all I want to see. That's all I want to feel." The Bride's eyes glanced at Utena's arms and she suddenly heard the words again. '...in the arms of someone who can love you...' she heard it echo several times over.
"Utena-sama..." The emotion-wracked princess looked to her prince's hands that were folded idly on her flat stomach. "...are you seeing what you want to see? I'm in your arms...and that's all you wanted to see and feel...ne?" Utena said nothing. She merely brought a hand around to remove the kerchief from her Bride's head and then release the waterfall of gleaming velvet from it's clasp. The prince moved aside for a moment to let the thick strands of hair fall loosely down Himemiya's back, then she moved back. Once again, her black-clad arms wrapped around her Bride, hands folding calmly on the girl's stomach.
"Are you feeling anything inside, Himemiya? Anything you've wanted?" The young prince's face rested in the silky locks of Anshii's head, taking in the exotic scent of Jasmine from the long tresses.
"I feel...I feel...loved."
"That's all I wanted to hear."
Anshii's words shocked herself...did she really feel loved? Is this what love felt like? Is it different with girls than boys? If it was...she wanted only to have this beautiful girl with her and never let, even the most handsome boy touch her. Utena's words left her mouth softly as one single hand turned Anshii's head to her face... leaving the beautiful Bride open for her first...heartfelt kiss. Would it be right? Could it be wrong? Still hesitant, the soft, rose-pink lips met those of Anshii's crimson-rose ones in, not a mere kiss that said 'I like you, will you go out with me?' or whatnot, it was a kiss shared by lovers who've just realized how much in love they were. How in love were they? So much that Utena's small pink tongue penetrated the sweet tasting lips of Anshii, only to reach the other girl's soft tongue in a mouth to mouth dance of passion...nothing more...nothing less. Himemiya Anshii felt a soothingly warm hand brush lightly over her reddened cheek, holding her soft face gently. Another hand held hers tightly, their fingers entwined. It seemed no more than a minute before the sweet taste of the prince's lips left her own, both Victor and Bride staring at one another lazily, yet lovingly.
"Himemiya...I...ah..." The prince stuttered nervously. What had she just performed?
"Utena-sama...I...I liked that."
"You did? You aren't ashamed? Be honest with me. Please?"
"I did. I liked it a lot. Will...we ever do that...you know...again?"
"If it makes you happy, of course we can." For a long, silent, moment, they said nothing, until Utena inhaled deeply and tightened her hold on Anshii's hands. "Himemiya...ai...ai...aishitteru. I've always wanted to tell you. I'm sorry it took so long. I always thought...that if I ever found the courage to tell you...you'd be angry or ashamed because...because..."
"...you're a girl."
"Y...yeah."
"I'm alright, Utena-sama. I've always had this feeling deep inside me that said there was more between you and me than we knew. Somewhere though, I regretfully admitted to myself that your gender was the reason I couldn't love you."
"Eh? Do...you still feel that way? If you do, I'm so sorry for not asking first. I didn't mean to make you angry or ashamed if I did."
"No, No, Utena-sama. I'm not any of those things. I'm pleased."
"Then...you aren't mad?"
"Of course not. I'm very glad you kissed me...or else I would have lived in loveless regret over your gender. It doesn't bother me that you're a girl, it makes me love you just as much." Anshii's slender fingers traced the outline of Utena's face slowly, stopping every now and then to take in her prince's enchanting scent of sweet roses.
"I guess my dream of becoming a prince changed some of my views and I learned to love everyone. That makes me thankful for Dios-sama more and more. Had he not rescued me...I may have grown to become a sad and regretful person."
"I'm thankful too, but I'm more thankful for you. Aishitteru, Utena-sama." Anshii kissed her Prince once more before curling up in her embrace and closing her eyes, letting her own peaceful exhaustion consume her, placing her in a comforting sleep. Utena waited patiently until her Bride was sleeping before pulling a heavy comforter over the two and putting her arm back around Anshii, finally succumbing to her weariness and drifting to sleep.
"You're awfully bold, Anshii. I never knew you had that kind of independence in you." From a crack in the door, Ohtori Akio had stood by and watched every act the two star-crossed lovers had performed. "No matter, dear sister, your independence will soon be cut short. I will not allow Utena to free you, for I'll lose the chance to steal Dios from her." The lavender-headed Rijichou crossed the thresh hold of the Planetarium, the large rose crested doors slamming shut behind him. "Tomorrow, Tenjou Utena shall be introduced to her new challenger."
Upon the first rays of the morning against her face, the majestic indigo-blue of Utena's eyes appeared. Looking around once, she saw her Princess, lying in her arms, basking in the sun streaks that broke through the unusually large window by their beds. A smile crossed the Oji's face at first glance. How beautiful the Hanayome looked, even in her sleep, the Victor barely had the heart to wake her.
"Ne, Himemiya...wake up. C'mon, open your eyes." Upon giving the slumbering girl a nudge, Anshii's emerald eyes parted, a tired moan escaping her lips. "Morning, Himemiya. Sorry I had to wake you." The Bride sat up, extending an arm and stretching.
"Good morning, Utena-sama." Anshii sat there, a hand running through her slightly tangled sea of velvet. The Prince sat up, taking the chance to kiss the Hanayome gently before rising from the bed and walking across the room. "Ne, did you sleep well even with me lying there?"
"I was just fine. Couldn't have been better and I mean that, too." Their conversation died down a bit as the two prepared for school that morning. How naughty of two lovers being intimate on a school night. When they had finished, they walked into another room that had the usual pantry and table, where the two sat down to eat. Idle conversation was exchanged between them before Ohtori Akio walked into the room, looking the same as he always did. Morning person, go figure.
"Oh. Morning."
"Good morning, Onii-sama."
"Ah, morning, Akio-san." The Rijichou poured himself a cup of the tea that Anshii had previously prepared and strode toward the two.
"I suppose since I'm here I'll inform you about this morning's gathering."
"A student gathering?" Utena's face slightly faltered. How she hated student gatherings. It was most difficult to listen to the Seitokai drone on and on about absolutely nothing that pertained to her.
"Yes, a student gathering. We'll be inducting a new member into the Seitokai. I trust you'll be polite and show up, eh, Tenjou?" A blush stained the Victor's cheeks. The last meeting she had skipped out on while the student body filed into the arena.
"Ah, y...yeah. I'll be there."
"See that you are. A new councilman probably means a new duelist and as Kettou no Shioushia, it does concern you."
"Of course, Rijichou." By now, he had finished, so he rose from his seat, placing his hand upon Utena's carnation colored head.
"Well, then, I'm off. I will see you at the meeting."
"Yes." The two girl's chided simultaneously as he walked away. The Victor suddenly lowered her head into her hand.
"Mouuu...I haven't had a challenge in quite some time. A new councilman usually means trouble for me. They're all the same! They get in and the first thing they're eager to do is duel with me."
"It's alright, Utena-sama. I have faith in you and you should, too. There's absolutely nothing that can separate us, now."
"I suppose you're right. Thanks, Himemiya."
The school day kicked off right away with the announcement of the assembly the student body was required to attend. No matter, the idol-struck female brood still managed to line up and wait for the arrival of Tenjou Utena. Rain, hail, snow, sleet; the Tenjou Worshippers always managed to show up in the morning.
"Ah! There she is!! Utena-sama, good morning!!" As usual, a wave of school-girl cries and "Tenjou Sighs" rang out across the courtyard. It was slightly unusual that they were doing this today, though. Didn't any of them even notice how close Anshii was to Utena this morning. Why, the mysterious girl was clinging gently to her arm!
"Don't they ever get bored?" The tomboy asked as waved to the swarm of girls.
"Utena-sama, you worry too much."
"Demo...! I have you, now, so naturally it's gonna bother me."
"Don't worry about them. I understand, perfectly." Utena just sighed and continued to be crowded until she got to the door of the assembly hall. Once the two entered, an almost annoying group of girls followed them in, but the start of the announcements silenced them and allowed some silence to end the ringing in the Prince's poor ears. Kiryuu Touga stood before a podium and spoke.
"Everyone, Good morning. The Seitokai have requested your attendance to announce the induction of our newest student councilman, Shintaro Keingo." Politely, the students applauded, some just ignored the whole deal, and some had their eyes parted to the size of saucers.
"Wh...what!? Him!? He's the new Seitokai member!?" Tenjou Utena wasn't exactly pleased to say the least. Anshii placed a comforting hand on Utena's thigh, silently telling her to calm down. "Sorry, but how did that dumb jerk get into the Seitokai? He's here for one lousy day and he's a councilman? That isn't right!"
"Shhh, Utena-sama, don't start a scene. You'll give away the Cachet of the Rose." Defeated, Utena sat down, her arms crossed childishly over her chest. At that time, Shintaro Keingo stood to accept his Rose Signet and make his speech.
"Oh, morning. It's, well, quite honorable to be accepted this suddenly, but I'll enter the Seitokai, graciously. Everyone, thank you very much." Again, the students politely applauded the boy. Utena, though, sat there, her head propped up with one arm, mocking his speech by moving her lips silently. Though she was amused, Anshii lightly swatted the childish prince on the arm.
"Sorry, but I just can't stand it."
"Perhaps, but don't make a fool of yourself in front of him, okay?"
"All right, all right." Utena sighed and thought to herself. 'This is gonna be one crappy day, I can tell already."
To the Shioushia's expectation, the day progressed incredible slow and dull. Typical, considering it was school, but more so than usual. Next to her, the Bara no Hanayome could tell her Prince wasn't thrilled with the day's events. The break period had ended some time ago and Utena was still upset. One hour left to go. Anshii sighed softly and pulled out a blank sheet of paper. With a tiny grin, she scribbled a message and folded it before avoiding the sensei's attention, then gently tossing it onto the bored girl's desk.
"Eh? What..." Utena looked by her open textbook to see the paper. Picking it up, she quietly unfolded it and began to read.
Ne, Utena-sama,
Don't look so down. School is almost over and as soon as you come home from basketball practice, I'll make everything all better. Your day will end pleasantly.
Good luck,
Anshii
Utena's head rose, her face lit up as all the blood rushed to her face. 'Pleasantly'!? Does that mean...? The Prince looked to Anshii quickly, swallowing hard when she noticed the smile on the slender face of her 'Bride'. It was then, that Anshii looked back, smiling softly, to the heart-stopped Oji, and placing a long, tanned finger over her, now, smiling lips.
Author's ramblings:
I know the spelling of Anthy's name is different. I've seen it lots of times. I was never thrilled with the Utena dub...sorry. So...I preferred to spell it as it would be pronounced in Japanese romanji...thus 'Anshii' was more appropriate to me.
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There are some..."adult" themes involved in this fic...perhaps R or NC-17...but sorry to disappoint all you lemon lovers, but this is not strictly sexual.
I thank Chiho Saito-sensei for creating Utena and inspiring me to pursue writing fanfiction after so many years of being away from it.
-Jill Valentine X
Shoujo Kakumei Utena: Hana no Nai Bara
Ohtori Gakuen; the spacious campus and huge buildings of one of the most authentic and prestigious schools around. Home of the Seitokai and duelists of Revolution. It's Kettou no Shioushia: Tenjou Utena, the young, pink-haired object of worship around the campus. Every girl's dream. Where Utena went, the persistent, female student body would follow happily, or at least the ones in her grade and below. A cheerful cry, a trademark 'Tenjou sigh', or an all out, loving 'glomp' would be wherever the tomboyish girl roamed.
Tomboyish? Yes, tomboyish. The exterior of the tomboy stuck to Tenjou Utena like glue, or like Shinohara Wakaba does to Utena's backside.
"Utena-sama! Good morning!!" The ecstatic shout followed by an equally ecstatic glomp hit the pink-headed tomboy head on, or rather, from behind.
"Ah...! Oh...morning, Wakaba-chan."
"You're getting so strong, Utena-sama! I bet you could hold two of me by now!"
"Ahhh...I...I don't think so. One of you is good enough for me. I don't think my back could take it." The young princely wanna-be laughed nervously as she held her best friend up on her back.
"What's that supposed to mean!? Are you saying I'm heavy!? Mouuu...that's not very nice, Utena-sama." Wakaba's lower lip trembled as she gripped tighter to the Oji's neck. "I'm not heavy! I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!" Her chestnut colored ponytail whipped back and forth and she shook her head quickly. An occasional 'Ack!' escaping her blue-eyed friend's mouth. Before the shouting girl knew it, she was slowly going down, or rather, Utena was.
"Wa...ka...ba...aiiiiir...." The now blue faced prince gasped for breath under her hyper friend's grip.
"Ah! I'm sorry, Utena-sama!" Wakaba quickly got up from her sitting position on her friend's back and allowed Utena to breathe.
"I'm...sorry... 'bout that. I didn't...mean it like that." The color began to return to the glomped prince's face as she continued to gasp for air in the middle of her apology.
"Hmmmm....okay! I forgive you, Utena-sama!" Wakaba was quite amazing. The young girl could go from clinically depressed to overly hyper in 2.3 seconds, flat.
"Here, Utena-sama. You dropped this." A thin, tanned, fragile looking hand picked up the Victor's school satchel and politely handed it to her.
"Ah...thanks, Himemiya."
Himemiya Anshii. Another important part of the strange game of revolution. The young, purple haired girl of sweet, chocolate colored skin played the role of Bara no Hanayome. This particular girl, this...Bride of the Rose...was the Kettou no Shioushia's 'prize' in the duel game, instantly becoming 'engaged' to him, but in this case, her. Throughout their 'engagement', a special relationship developed between the Victor and the Bride. One would call it sisterly love...another would call it a romance of lovers...Utena and Anshii call it a relationship of a prince that would protect and her princess that would be protected. A mere storybook romance in the eyes of it's beholders.
Utena casually tossed her satchel over one shoulder and rested it there, another sign of her non-femininity. Her emerald-eyed fiancé and overly ecstatic best friend followed closely behind her.
Ohtori Gakuen was known for it's incredible architecture and high academics, but also for it's elite student council. It's Seitokaichou, Kiryuu Touga, on this morning, was escorting a younger boy through the campus to the office/planetarium of Ohtori Akio; the school's Rijichou.
"This is as far as I go. I have things I need to tend to. The Rijichou Shitsu is on the top floor."
"Yeah, thanks." The boy walked through the doors of the massive structure that housed the school's Rijichou and approached the elevator, a smirk crossing his features. The new boy wasn't exactly angelic in his appearance. He stood about an inch or two shorter than Touga, a semi-strong build, with piercing red eyes. His short mop of hair was midnight black with several thin strands of bangs colored white. Rebellious? Quite. This boy of a non-inviting appearance, came to this elite school dressed in a black T-shirt and a maroon, collar-less, shirt, only half-way buttoned down. The dress shirt was tucked in loosely on one side in his black pants and a pair of black and white street shoes graced his feet. With a ding, the elevator reached it's top floor destination, the doors opening to reveal a wide hallway lined with various sconces that held lights in them and a red carpet that stretched out in two directions: one going to a set of white double-doors that bore the school's rose signet; the other leading to another set of double-doors in a plain oak fashion.
"Well, here we go again...another school to get enrolled in and kicked out of. Whatta joke." The black haired boy laughed softly to himself as he raised his clenched fist and softly rapped on the door.
"Come in, it's open." A casual and deep voice called. The boy cleared his throat and ran his hand through his hair before walking through the threshold.
"Ohtori-san? Shintaro Keingo desu."
"Yes, I know. We've been expecting you. Now, don't think for a minute that your innocent act will work with me. I've already crossed over your records and it seems you are quite the troublemaker. Be as it may, I have accepted you into my academy for one reason: the Bara no Kokuin that you bear on your left hand. I trust you received a letter concerning it?"
"Oh, yeah, I did. How'd you..."
"...know about it? Naturally, I knew. This school is known to bearers of that sign all over. Only the elite make it here to be a part of the Cache of the Rose. Now, your records are secure here. You'll be given a place in the Seitokai because of your knowledge of the duelists of World Revolution and you'll also be required to duel if need be. That is all. You're dismissed."
"Uh, okay. Thanks, I guess." Keingo turned and began to exit out of the office.
"Oh, and Shintaro-kun...do change into something more appropriate for school. I'd hate for you to be hounded over the rules of our dress code."
"Um...yes, sir." The elevator ding echoed in the hallway and the doors opened for Keingo to enter. On his way down, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. "Hmph. This seems completely pointless. No matter, I'll be outta this school in no time...but first...it's time to 'mingle' with the student body...a female body preferably." A slight snicker escaped through his lips as he exited the elevator and walked to his assigned dorm to change. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a large group of girls all swarmed around the main gate. Another smirk crossed his disturbing features as he turned toward the flock of sighing and blushing girls.
"Good morning, Utena-sama!!"
"Ah! Morning, Utena-sama!!"
"Ahhhh, Tenjou-sama!" Various shouts greeted the one called Tenjou Utena. Keingo seemed to go unnoticed to the girls...which only succeeded in frustrating the casual young boy. He walked a little more, trying to find this boy that the girls must be in love with.
"Hmph...can't be better looking than me. Poor boy...about to lose all his girlfriends." Keingo couldn't help but laugh to himself as he looked...but...where was this soon-to-be-single boy? He didn't see any males anywhere in this crowd. He looked to one girl and tapped her shoulder. "Um...who are you screaming at?"
"You must be new if you don't know who Tenjou Utena-sama is."
"Nope...don't know him. Can't be better looking than me, though. Am I right?" Keingo's slick smirk warped drastically as the girl began laughing at him. "What the hell are you laughing at!?"
"You are new! Utena-sama isn't a boy!"
"Wha...!? You're hung up on a girl!?"
"Utena-sama isn't like other girls...she's...so..." the young admirer stopped mid-sentence to release her "Tenjou Sigh" at her thoughts of the popular girl in her head. Keingo, on the other hand, felt anger at the thought of losing all the girls in school to another girl.
"No way! I won't have it! Where is this Tenjou-play 'boy' at!?" His red eyes flashed about the crowd and stopped instantly on a young, pink-haired girl in a boy's uniform. "That one." As the other girls continued to greet Utena, Keingo pushed through the crowd and stopped in the young idol's path. She continued to casually wave back at the hopeless romantics around her, a blush staining her cheeks slightly, until she stopped abruptly, colliding with someone in front of her.
"Ah...sorry about that...uhh..."
"Shintaro...Shintaro Keingo...grade ten."
"Ah! Tenjou Utena...grade eight."
"I know who you are and I can tell I may have some social competition. Stay out of my way, Tenjou. I refuse to lose my reputation to a wanna-be boy." With that, he roughly brushed passed the confused duelist, pushed Anshii out of the way, and walked off. One of his arms went in the air in a parting gesture. "See ya 'round, Tenjou-kun."
"Whatta jerk. You okay, Himemiya?" Utena's soft hand took her Bride's and raised her to her feet.
"Yes, Utena-sama. Nothing I've never had to deal with before."
"That may be true, but you shouldn't need to deal with it at all." The young Victor bent over and picked up Anshii's satchel. "Here. Don't worry about him. He'll adjust to his surroundings."
"I'm sure." The Victor lead her Bride through the crowd and began to walk to class.
"Ne, ne, Utena-sama!" The familiar calling of Wakaba was heard from behind, only Utena wasn't in the mood for a glomping.
"Yes, Wakaba? Sorry for not waiting. I just wanted out of there."
"Who was that guy?"
"Some new guy to the school I guess." Utena flinched at the thought of sharing a school with that jerk.
"He's kinda cute. Ne, Utena-sama?"
"I think he's a conceited jerk."
"Eh...? How come?"
"I don't even know him and he comes up and accuses me of being the one who'll ruin his reputation around school. Whatta bunch of crap! Then he pushes Himemiya on the ground!" The Oji's teeth clenched and her carnation colored eye brows arched angrily at the thought of seeing a total stranger touch Anshii.
"Don't worry so much, Utena-sama. You said so yourself he'd adjust, ne?" The soft touch of Anshii's hand on her shoulder calmed the enraged prince instantly.
"Yes, hi. Sorry about that." A sigh escaped her rose pink lips. "Well, I guess we better get going. Classes will start soo-OOF!"
"Carry me, Utena-sama!! That'll take your mind off him!!" Wakaba's weight hurt with the force, but Utena smiled warmly at her good-hearted friend.
"Okay okay. Let's get going, Himemiya."
"Yes." Fortunately, Wakaba's weight didn't slow the prince down and they all made it to class on time. An unbelievably good place to be at the school for now. A small grin curled the corners of Utena's lips at the thought of knowing that the jerk she met wouldn't attend the same class as hers, even though it meant he was an upper-class-man.
The day went by progressively slow for Utena, no doubt, what with all the classes, study sessions, and basketball practice, but as soon as it was over, Utena met up with her young Bride and returned to their dorm with her, the sunset changing their surroundings a deep orange color.
"Mouuu, school is too looong." Utena's limbs stretched out and yawned deeply.
"Perhaps you should sleep more, Utena-sama. If you're not tired the day may not seem so long."
"Perhaps they should cut the hours back, then the day won't seem so long." The crimson colored lips of the Bride turned up-right at the Victor's comment. Even she, a polite and proper young girl, had her traumas and turmoil with school. Himemiya Anshii cared nothing of her academic achievements, but rather those of the Victor and her well-being. After all, the only thing the Bride is required to do is look after her Victor, right? In the chocolate-skinned girl's eyes, only Tenjou Utena mattered. But, is her dedication to her prince more than she, herself, can see? Is this the one person she could give her heart to and not have it brutally obliterated by the cruel twist of a fate that has plagued her for so many, many years? Be as it may, Tenjou Utena was a girl. A young, carefree, girl.
"Hey...Himemiya...is everything all right? I lost ya there for a sec."
"Yes, Utena-sama. I was...just thinking I guess. It's not important, really. Sorry about that." The emerald green eyes of her beloved Bride turned away as they entered the spacious dorm room. Utena dropped her satchel and kicked her shoes off, throwing herself lazily onto her soft bed. Anshii began idly making preparations for the evening's dinner as she usually did each day, though unusually early.
"Hey, Himemiya, you don't have to do that right now. It can wait. We don't really need to have dinner for quite some time."
"Yes, Utena-sama. What should I do for you then? It's a very uneventful day."
"Himemiya, you know it bothers me when you insist on pleasing me all the time. I don't need to be waited on, ya know."
"I know what you said, but...but it just doesn't feel right if I'm not doing something to please my Victor. I feel useless." Utena's eyes stared sadly at the young, troubled individual, her heart feeling for her.
"Himemiya, don't say such things. You're not useless. I don't want you to spend all of your time trying to please me. I want you to take time for yourself, first. That's one reason I've stayed with you for so long. Yes, I do have a wonderful friendship with you since we became 'engaged', but I want you to be yourself, not a slave."
"I'll try, Utena-sama. I think I have been trying all along. I like making you happy."
"You do that anyway. You don't need to have me lead you around like a puppet on strings to make me happy." Utena's interpretation did make sense to the Bride, but still, Himemiya Anshii could tell that her Victor just didn't understand.
"All right, Utena-sama, but if I'm going to be myself, you're going to have to allow me to serve you sometimes because doing so makes me happy. Okay?"
"Ah...sorry, Himemiya. I never actually thought of it that way. If it truly, honestly, makes you happy, then I won't stop you."
"Thank you, Utena-sama." The sweet, calm, and serene smile that Anshii flashed instantly warmed Utena's heart. Himemiya herself was a warmth in the Victor's heart that stood undeniable over anything else. Was this what some people called love? Or was this merely the deep friendship that a child may have as she grows-up with someone close? Utena's deep blue eyes stared thoughtfully at the girl who sat across the room, her backside turned to her, a kerchief atop her head to hold back any loose strands of midnight purple from falling in her eyes, and a neatly folded cloth in her delicate hands... nimble hands...hands that shouldn't be strained in such a fashion as scrubbing floors for no particular reason. Those tanned colored hands should be in those of someone who cares for her...someone who can love her. Someone who can fulfill all her deepest dreams as easily as they were imagined. At that time, Tenjou Utena found herself kneeling behind the fragile form of her beautiful Bride, her own arms reaching out to embrace the 'lonely child' that stood inside and the 'young woman' that was outside. Utena knew just with that embrace, what a life Anshii must have lived. A blooming red rose in a patch of weeds, a single star in a cloudy black sky. This was once Himemiya Anshii...but no longer. Himemiya Anshii of now was a red rose in a full bloomed rose garden, and a star that accompanied millions of others on a clear, moonlit night. This was the Himemiya Anshii that Tenjou Utena wanted to see at every passing second for the rest of her life.
"Utena-sama...what is it...?"
"Shhh...it's all right now. I told you...it's okay. You don't have to do that now." An ivory white hand reached to a deep tanned one and took the cloth from it, slowly tossing it aside. "I've been thinking deeply...and right now...this is how I want to see you always. Happy...and in the arms of someone who can love you."
"Utena-sama...I...don't know...what...I'm supposed to say to this...I..."
"It's all right...don't say anything if you don't want to. Just say what you feel. If you feel nothing...it's all right."
"Is...it true...Utena-sama? You...want to see me in the arms of...someone who... loves me?"
"Yes...that's all I want to see. That's all I want to feel." The Bride's eyes glanced at Utena's arms and she suddenly heard the words again. '...in the arms of someone who can love you...' she heard it echo several times over.
"Utena-sama..." The emotion-wracked princess looked to her prince's hands that were folded idly on her flat stomach. "...are you seeing what you want to see? I'm in your arms...and that's all you wanted to see and feel...ne?" Utena said nothing. She merely brought a hand around to remove the kerchief from her Bride's head and then release the waterfall of gleaming velvet from it's clasp. The prince moved aside for a moment to let the thick strands of hair fall loosely down Himemiya's back, then she moved back. Once again, her black-clad arms wrapped around her Bride, hands folding calmly on the girl's stomach.
"Are you feeling anything inside, Himemiya? Anything you've wanted?" The young prince's face rested in the silky locks of Anshii's head, taking in the exotic scent of Jasmine from the long tresses.
"I feel...I feel...loved."
"That's all I wanted to hear."
Anshii's words shocked herself...did she really feel loved? Is this what love felt like? Is it different with girls than boys? If it was...she wanted only to have this beautiful girl with her and never let, even the most handsome boy touch her. Utena's words left her mouth softly as one single hand turned Anshii's head to her face... leaving the beautiful Bride open for her first...heartfelt kiss. Would it be right? Could it be wrong? Still hesitant, the soft, rose-pink lips met those of Anshii's crimson-rose ones in, not a mere kiss that said 'I like you, will you go out with me?' or whatnot, it was a kiss shared by lovers who've just realized how much in love they were. How in love were they? So much that Utena's small pink tongue penetrated the sweet tasting lips of Anshii, only to reach the other girl's soft tongue in a mouth to mouth dance of passion...nothing more...nothing less. Himemiya Anshii felt a soothingly warm hand brush lightly over her reddened cheek, holding her soft face gently. Another hand held hers tightly, their fingers entwined. It seemed no more than a minute before the sweet taste of the prince's lips left her own, both Victor and Bride staring at one another lazily, yet lovingly.
"Himemiya...I...ah..." The prince stuttered nervously. What had she just performed?
"Utena-sama...I...I liked that."
"You did? You aren't ashamed? Be honest with me. Please?"
"I did. I liked it a lot. Will...we ever do that...you know...again?"
"If it makes you happy, of course we can." For a long, silent, moment, they said nothing, until Utena inhaled deeply and tightened her hold on Anshii's hands. "Himemiya...ai...ai...aishitteru. I've always wanted to tell you. I'm sorry it took so long. I always thought...that if I ever found the courage to tell you...you'd be angry or ashamed because...because..."
"...you're a girl."
"Y...yeah."
"I'm alright, Utena-sama. I've always had this feeling deep inside me that said there was more between you and me than we knew. Somewhere though, I regretfully admitted to myself that your gender was the reason I couldn't love you."
"Eh? Do...you still feel that way? If you do, I'm so sorry for not asking first. I didn't mean to make you angry or ashamed if I did."
"No, No, Utena-sama. I'm not any of those things. I'm pleased."
"Then...you aren't mad?"
"Of course not. I'm very glad you kissed me...or else I would have lived in loveless regret over your gender. It doesn't bother me that you're a girl, it makes me love you just as much." Anshii's slender fingers traced the outline of Utena's face slowly, stopping every now and then to take in her prince's enchanting scent of sweet roses.
"I guess my dream of becoming a prince changed some of my views and I learned to love everyone. That makes me thankful for Dios-sama more and more. Had he not rescued me...I may have grown to become a sad and regretful person."
"I'm thankful too, but I'm more thankful for you. Aishitteru, Utena-sama." Anshii kissed her Prince once more before curling up in her embrace and closing her eyes, letting her own peaceful exhaustion consume her, placing her in a comforting sleep. Utena waited patiently until her Bride was sleeping before pulling a heavy comforter over the two and putting her arm back around Anshii, finally succumbing to her weariness and drifting to sleep.
"You're awfully bold, Anshii. I never knew you had that kind of independence in you." From a crack in the door, Ohtori Akio had stood by and watched every act the two star-crossed lovers had performed. "No matter, dear sister, your independence will soon be cut short. I will not allow Utena to free you, for I'll lose the chance to steal Dios from her." The lavender-headed Rijichou crossed the thresh hold of the Planetarium, the large rose crested doors slamming shut behind him. "Tomorrow, Tenjou Utena shall be introduced to her new challenger."
Upon the first rays of the morning against her face, the majestic indigo-blue of Utena's eyes appeared. Looking around once, she saw her Princess, lying in her arms, basking in the sun streaks that broke through the unusually large window by their beds. A smile crossed the Oji's face at first glance. How beautiful the Hanayome looked, even in her sleep, the Victor barely had the heart to wake her.
"Ne, Himemiya...wake up. C'mon, open your eyes." Upon giving the slumbering girl a nudge, Anshii's emerald eyes parted, a tired moan escaping her lips. "Morning, Himemiya. Sorry I had to wake you." The Bride sat up, extending an arm and stretching.
"Good morning, Utena-sama." Anshii sat there, a hand running through her slightly tangled sea of velvet. The Prince sat up, taking the chance to kiss the Hanayome gently before rising from the bed and walking across the room. "Ne, did you sleep well even with me lying there?"
"I was just fine. Couldn't have been better and I mean that, too." Their conversation died down a bit as the two prepared for school that morning. How naughty of two lovers being intimate on a school night. When they had finished, they walked into another room that had the usual pantry and table, where the two sat down to eat. Idle conversation was exchanged between them before Ohtori Akio walked into the room, looking the same as he always did. Morning person, go figure.
"Oh. Morning."
"Good morning, Onii-sama."
"Ah, morning, Akio-san." The Rijichou poured himself a cup of the tea that Anshii had previously prepared and strode toward the two.
"I suppose since I'm here I'll inform you about this morning's gathering."
"A student gathering?" Utena's face slightly faltered. How she hated student gatherings. It was most difficult to listen to the Seitokai drone on and on about absolutely nothing that pertained to her.
"Yes, a student gathering. We'll be inducting a new member into the Seitokai. I trust you'll be polite and show up, eh, Tenjou?" A blush stained the Victor's cheeks. The last meeting she had skipped out on while the student body filed into the arena.
"Ah, y...yeah. I'll be there."
"See that you are. A new councilman probably means a new duelist and as Kettou no Shioushia, it does concern you."
"Of course, Rijichou." By now, he had finished, so he rose from his seat, placing his hand upon Utena's carnation colored head.
"Well, then, I'm off. I will see you at the meeting."
"Yes." The two girl's chided simultaneously as he walked away. The Victor suddenly lowered her head into her hand.
"Mouuu...I haven't had a challenge in quite some time. A new councilman usually means trouble for me. They're all the same! They get in and the first thing they're eager to do is duel with me."
"It's alright, Utena-sama. I have faith in you and you should, too. There's absolutely nothing that can separate us, now."
"I suppose you're right. Thanks, Himemiya."
The school day kicked off right away with the announcement of the assembly the student body was required to attend. No matter, the idol-struck female brood still managed to line up and wait for the arrival of Tenjou Utena. Rain, hail, snow, sleet; the Tenjou Worshippers always managed to show up in the morning.
"Ah! There she is!! Utena-sama, good morning!!" As usual, a wave of school-girl cries and "Tenjou Sighs" rang out across the courtyard. It was slightly unusual that they were doing this today, though. Didn't any of them even notice how close Anshii was to Utena this morning. Why, the mysterious girl was clinging gently to her arm!
"Don't they ever get bored?" The tomboy asked as waved to the swarm of girls.
"Utena-sama, you worry too much."
"Demo...! I have you, now, so naturally it's gonna bother me."
"Don't worry about them. I understand, perfectly." Utena just sighed and continued to be crowded until she got to the door of the assembly hall. Once the two entered, an almost annoying group of girls followed them in, but the start of the announcements silenced them and allowed some silence to end the ringing in the Prince's poor ears. Kiryuu Touga stood before a podium and spoke.
"Everyone, Good morning. The Seitokai have requested your attendance to announce the induction of our newest student councilman, Shintaro Keingo." Politely, the students applauded, some just ignored the whole deal, and some had their eyes parted to the size of saucers.
"Wh...what!? Him!? He's the new Seitokai member!?" Tenjou Utena wasn't exactly pleased to say the least. Anshii placed a comforting hand on Utena's thigh, silently telling her to calm down. "Sorry, but how did that dumb jerk get into the Seitokai? He's here for one lousy day and he's a councilman? That isn't right!"
"Shhh, Utena-sama, don't start a scene. You'll give away the Cachet of the Rose." Defeated, Utena sat down, her arms crossed childishly over her chest. At that time, Shintaro Keingo stood to accept his Rose Signet and make his speech.
"Oh, morning. It's, well, quite honorable to be accepted this suddenly, but I'll enter the Seitokai, graciously. Everyone, thank you very much." Again, the students politely applauded the boy. Utena, though, sat there, her head propped up with one arm, mocking his speech by moving her lips silently. Though she was amused, Anshii lightly swatted the childish prince on the arm.
"Sorry, but I just can't stand it."
"Perhaps, but don't make a fool of yourself in front of him, okay?"
"All right, all right." Utena sighed and thought to herself. 'This is gonna be one crappy day, I can tell already."
To the Shioushia's expectation, the day progressed incredible slow and dull. Typical, considering it was school, but more so than usual. Next to her, the Bara no Hanayome could tell her Prince wasn't thrilled with the day's events. The break period had ended some time ago and Utena was still upset. One hour left to go. Anshii sighed softly and pulled out a blank sheet of paper. With a tiny grin, she scribbled a message and folded it before avoiding the sensei's attention, then gently tossing it onto the bored girl's desk.
"Eh? What..." Utena looked by her open textbook to see the paper. Picking it up, she quietly unfolded it and began to read.
Ne, Utena-sama,
Don't look so down. School is almost over and as soon as you come home from basketball practice, I'll make everything all better. Your day will end pleasantly.
Good luck,
Anshii
Utena's head rose, her face lit up as all the blood rushed to her face. 'Pleasantly'!? Does that mean...? The Prince looked to Anshii quickly, swallowing hard when she noticed the smile on the slender face of her 'Bride'. It was then, that Anshii looked back, smiling softly, to the heart-stopped Oji, and placing a long, tanned finger over her, now, smiling lips.
Author's ramblings:
I know the spelling of Anthy's name is different. I've seen it lots of times. I was never thrilled with the Utena dub...sorry. So...I preferred to spell it as it would be pronounced in Japanese romanji...thus 'Anshii' was more appropriate to me.
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