All the characters belongs to Jun'ichi Sato and Gonzo.

October 2012: Another edit. New mistakes corrected.


Cape Mery was a middle-town in the west coast of the United-States, mostly known for its famous circus, the Kaleido Stage, where people can dream and just smile due to performance art of the ensemble show and particularly its kaleido star named Sora Naegino. We are at mid-June and the last show Golden Phoenix which is a fairly success reaches its end, but when a show ends another one is already in preparation, except, now the performers are preparing themselves for a little vacation well-earned.

However, our little Rosetta and some other new performers were not concerned by this since they could use more of their talent for the summer show like Sora herself two years ago. Meanwhile, everyone was gathered in the training room of the Kaleido Stage waiting for the premiere to encourage Rosetta in her first leading role. May and Sora are very careful to not stress the girl out in an unnecessary way although they disagree about the methods of training. Fortunately, the Belgian girl has learned to manage them by mixing up their ideas.

Though Sora was not going to go on vacation to her family like others (even Leon was going to leave for France to see some old friends), she was not unhappy nor deceive. On the contrary, she was more than happy to stay in Cape Mery. Indeed, in less than ten days, Layla Hamilton will be there for a whole week. But no one knows. Not that it was a secret but the Japanese girl did not want to spoil her time with her beloved friend by revealing her arrival. She knew it was egoistic but she also knew that if May knew the true she will not go on vacation like the others to stay with Layla all the time. And that was not how Sora wanted to spend her time with the American women.

Actually, she did not even want to share her time with her to anyone. After her injury, not only Layla quit the Kaleido Stage just when they were finally the best partners in stage, but she also moved to another place for a new career in the east coast of the country. And if since her last trip in New-York, their relationship evolved with more trust and fondness, Sora was clearly not satisfied with the distance. She did not understand why. She should totally be happy with this situation. The women she used to admire, her ancient partner and rival, was now her friend. But that was not enough. She needed that time alone with her.

During the training, the changes on the kaleido star were observed by two people. Ken Robbins, the boy in love with her, was happy as long she was but is hoping to benefit of this vacation to spend more time with her while she will not be concentrated on her performance. Not far away, Leon, who was more like a big brother, did notice that his partner was lost in her thoughts and asked her what troubled her. Sora trusted him enough to tell the true and unlike others members of the troupe she was not afraid of him trying to steal her time her Layla-san.

"Oh! No, that's not it. I'm happy, more than happy. She is coming during the vacations."

She. Leon did not need to hear her name. He already knew and understood everything, probably more than the main characters. When Layla returned in stage to help Sora for Swan Lake, when the girl quit her training of Golden Phoenix to find her after she had disappeared, he understood the strength of their bond and the true nature of it. The two of them love each other without realizing it. He just hopes it will not take too long for them to figure it. But as he watched at Ken and May, he also thinks that things will not be easy, mostly for Sora who do not like hurting people. And there is also their career. Will this kind of relationship between two stars be accepted?

"Then enjoy those days. It's a good thing everyone will be gone by that time."

She just smiled. A smile that told everything. He couldn't help and smile himself. The exchange was noticed by Ken who, of course, misinterpreted it.

"Sora! A call for you." It was Sarah, the kaleido singer and concierge of the dorms. "It's your mom; she said she will try again in five minutes." She added.

"Thanks, I'm coming." She jump from the vault and turned towards Rosetta. "I think that enough for today. The role of the Little Red Riding Hood really suits you." Then she turned towards her best friends "I'll see you at lunch in the cafeteria." And she left.

She did not wait long in the dorm hall on the ground floor when the phone ringed. After the usual trivialities where she learned that her fifteen months sister started talking, Sora reassured her mother who was worrying about her personal life. "Yeah, I'm fine. And I won't be alone. Rosetta is staying, and Layla-san will be there too." She said with more spirit in her voice, which her mother did not miss.

"I'm happy to hear that. Layla-san was your sempai, right?" Midori Naegino was really curious to know Layla since her daughter did not miss to praise the American women each time they were on the phone.

"Yeah, but we're friends now." Close friends Sora hoped. "I'm not sure if she'll be there on August but I'd like you to meet her. It will make me happy if you could get along with her."

"We would like that too since you love her that much." Mrs Naegino never heard her daughter be fond of someone until Layla entered in her life, and by time the fondness seemed greater.

"Well, Layla-san is really someone special to me. Even so, she really is amazing. How could you not love her?" She did not wait for an answer. "I'm sorry, I can't stay too long. Until the holiday, there are still representations for Golden Phoenix." Sora explained as some members of the troupe were returning from the training.

"Ok. Don't overdo it and good luck. We'll see you soon...Ah! Yume wants to send you some kisses over the phone."

"Ah! Ah! Ah! Onee-chan wants to kiss you too." She made a paused and added "I can't wait to see you." Then, Sora hung up the phone to meet her friends in the cafeteria.


At the same time, in New-York, Cathy Tilmore, Layla's new partner since she was an actress on Broadway, appreciated to see the fruit of her impromptu trip on the east road. Since her return, Layla was being more open not to others people but also about herself, and the most important thing was that she was also caring more about people surrounding her. Of course, she was still Layla Hamilton, a demanding hard-worker and passionate artist. But the little changes were welcomed. However the last trip was not the only reason, not entirely. Cathy knew the influence of Sora in this and hoped those holiday in Cape Mery would bring more interesting things.

And she was not the only who enjoyed the changes. Macquarie, the ex-servant, was glad to receive more of Layla's attention. When she decided to quit her ancient job to rejoin her in New-York, it was mostly to stay by her side. She could not wait anymore, all alone in the big Hamilton residence, the return of her mistress. She obviously knew that her love will always be one-sided, but with the new changes in Layla behavior, she couldn't help herself hoping for more. Also, they will spend some vacation in Cape Mery where she wanted to share more memories. The only issue was Layla's ex-partner, Sora. The girl clearly has some feeling for Layla but the problem was that she was afraid her ex-mistress shared them. Yet, she was not sure. Maybe, she should try something before they go to Cape Mery.


Back to California, the day of Rosetta premiere approaches. May and Sora did their best to help the girl insecurities by sharing their own experience as first lead star. They even organized a little show for the Belgian girl where May played the comical part to cheer her up. But she's not the only one to stress over it. A new male Korean artist named Jy Sung Park was chosen for the wolf part. Jy Sung has just arrived two months ago but is full of talent. His one issue is that he is a seducer and like girls too much. Well, he is kind of handsome and knows it. Fortunately, his friendship with Vince, one of the technicians, prevents him from pursing girls all day instead of focusing on his training.

The spectacle is supervised by Yuri, Kalos is already involved in the main kaleido play which should follow, Mulan. Of course, Sora and Leon who will share the lead had already started the training. And finally, today is the day. The ensemble went well, even if there were some mistakes, here and there, but nothing to spoil the audience pleasure. The climax scene was the moment where Little Red Riding Hood triumphed over the wolf by a...diabolo uppercut?!

A small party was organized as well for Rosetta success and everybody departure for vacation in the hall dorms. Even if she is happy for her friend, Sora can't help to think of Layla's arrival, tomorrow morning, and Ken noticed that her mind was wandering. He closed the distance between him and the Japanese girl who was against a wall while the others were around Rosetta near the table. "Sora, is something wrong? You seem somewhere else."

"Oops! Caught! Am I under arrest?" She joked of herself. The thing is that she did not even care. Layla was the only one she could think of.

"No! No! I'm not blaming for something. I've just thought you might worry about something." The boy explained with panic, not getting the joke.

"Calm down, Ken. I was joking." Yet, she couldn't explain to the American boy the real reason of her wandering. "Everything is fine. I'm just a little sad to see everyone to go on vacation." It was not really a lie in her mind.

It's my chance thought Ken. "But, I'll be there and I was thinking that maybe we could spend some time together and you know..." He made the mistake to look everywhere except at her because of fear of rejection. Sora thought he was talking to himself and returned to talk with the rest of the troupe gathered to toast to Rosetta. Well, another wasted chance.

"Things will be quiet without you." Sarah stated. She liked the noise of the kaleido people; they were all like a big family.

"It's just for a week. You'll just have the time to blow that you will hear May's bark." It was Anna who dared to poke fun at the Chinese girl.

The kaleido demon did not wait to reply. "Who's barking? I'm gonna show you my devil moves." She was ready to jump at the girl when Rosetta interrupted her.

"It's okay May, I'll miss your bark." She then patted her on the head affectionately. Suddenly, the brown haired girl lost her motivation, satisfied by her friend's statement, which made everyone laughing. It was the last time they could laugh together until everybody's return.


Eventually, it was the day of Layla's arrival. The spirit of the scene noticed the anxiety of the lilac haired girl since the last night, unable to sleep. Now she was in front of her wardrobe unable to choose something.

"Raahh" Sora said as she threw her clothes with frustration.

"Why don't you just pick something?" An amused Fool asked.

"I can't! What if she doesn't like it?" shouted Sora.

"You're just picking your friend at the airport, Sora, it's not a job interview!" After some thinking, the spirit scene added. "Unless, there is something else that is putting you in than state?"

"What does that mean?" A lost Sora asked. "It's Layla-san. Everything should be perfect!"

"Nothing you can bear for now." Fool eluded. "So what are you gonna wearing?"

"It can't be too formal, or relaxed."

The spirit stage sighed. "I'm beat. Whatever you chose, I'm sure Layla will be glad to see you, just as much you want to see her. And you should hurry, it's almost time." Fool warned her.

"Oh my! You're right!" She picked up a jean skirt and a pink utility style blouse with half sleeve detail and front pocket. Then Sora left quickly to the airport.

She looked nervously everywhere to not miss her.

"Sora! We're here!"

As she heard this voice, Sora froze immediately and turned around. Before her, as stupendous as ever stood up a beautiful Layla-san wearing a black corsair and a beige coat with a white tank top and a gracious smile on her face. Tears fell without warning and Sora threw herself in Layla's arms crying her heart out.

"Woah." The blonde woman liked the girl touch and the feel that came with. "It seems, you miss me a little." She ironically said with a satisfied smirk on her face.

Sora, who still had her arms around Layla's neck, laughed at herself. "Ha! Ha! Didn't you miss me too?" She asked nervously, not looking at her directly.

"Well, I dunno." But she smiled to the girl in her arms.

"That's mean! I couldn't even sleep last night!"

"That's not good. Should I apologize? I wonder." She brought the girl closer and whispered to her right ear. "Since, I didn't sleep last night either."

The lilac haired girl felt an intense joy and tightened the embrace until they heard someone cough. That was Macquarie, the ancient servant, and unlike them she didn't seem happy at all. Layla thought her unreleased face was the result of the plane trip which was kind of tiring. So, she put an end to the embrace. "We should look for a taxi."

Even if she would have preferred the embrace to last forever, Sora didn't forget her good manners and bowed. "Hi, Macquarie. Welcome back to Cape Mery."

"Huh...Yes, Hi! Thanks for the welcoming." She also bowed, trying to not show her displeasure in front of Layla.

"Is that your luggage?" The Japanese girl asked as she pointed a black suitcase beside Layla.

"Yeah, but..." Sora didn't let her finished as she took it with the intention to help. The blonde women didn't even try to argue, knowing the girl's enthusiasm, and let her took the suitcase. She followed the girl to the airport exit and stop suddenly to turn behind. "Macquarie? Is something wrong?"

The said girl hadn't move before, blaming herself for not taking Layla's suitcase sooner. "No! I'm sorry."

"Let's go home, then." She gave her hand to the girl with a smile. And the girl took it, not without blushing.

In the airport parking, Sora was already putting Layla's suitcase inside the taxi car. "Ah! Layla-san. Which address did we give to taxi driver?"

"Macquarie's house is at the entrance of the town. We'll go there first. Go inside, I'll follow."

Sora executed Layla's orders, not without noticing some hands joining each other, and Macquarie delight face. What is that heaviness in her heart? Fortunately, to climb in the taxi, Layla let go the hand of the fair-haired girl. And Sora's heart felt lighter.

The first minutes of driving were awkwardly silent until the ex-maid interruption. "Tell me Sora, isn't it a little strange you came til the airport just to welcome Miss Layla?"

"I was just impatient to see her. Am I intruding?" It was more a retorted question, already knowing the answer, from Macquarie's point of view.

Yes. That was what she would want to say but even if she was quiet until then, Layla was listening carefully at her words. Macquarie could tell when she was annoyed with someone, and this someone was her. Why did she tell something that stupid? "I'm sorry; I didn't intend to be rude. I was just surprise to see you coming."

"I'm glad that she came." Layla concluded. "We almost arrived. Could you apologize to your mother for not coming in person?"

"But Miss Layla, if it's because of what I said, I did apologize. I was hop..."

Layla interrupted her. "That's not that. I'm just tired. Besides, your mother has already invited us to a diner I intend to reach."

Then, the taxi stop and Macquarie went out. "Then, I'll see you there. Good bye, Sora." And she disappeared behind a green portal probably heading to her house.

In the road taking them back to Layla's home, the silent impose itself, which annoyed her again since that time she did not understand. "What is it? Why do you seem so troubled?"

Sora who was looking at the window, lost in her thoughts, felt Layla's hand on her right shoulder, which woke her up. "Ah! I'm sorry, I was just thinking."

"Really?" She asked skeptically.

The girl gave her biggest smile to erase her doubts. And she liked that smile more than anything, so she did not press her with another question. "Well, I have an idea. How about I cook you something to thank you for coming at the airport?"

Sora heart missed a beat. Did she hear well? "You're invited me for lunch?"

"Yeah." She responded firmly and added. "It would make me happy if you say yes."

"Of course, I want to eat with you. I want to eat your foo... What! Layla-san is cooking?"

"I did take some lessons. Nothing extraordinary. But what's the point to cook if it's not for someone else?" The taxi stopped for the last time and Layla went out from it but before she grabbed the Sora's hand to take the girl with her. And they came inside the house together. "Put yourself at ease. My father won't be there before tomorrow. Business is still keeping him busy." She took the stairs with her suitcase heading to her room.

So, Sora took her at words and started to visit the house. It surely was a big house. After looking at the photos in the living room, she went outside to see the pool. As big as the rest of the house. Jonathan would probably like it. Then she heard Layla's voice calling her. She made the mistake to turn too quickly and fell in the pool.

"Sora!" Layla cried. Fortunately, the girl did not hit anything and resurfaced right away, to the woman happiness. She helped the girl to leaving the pool.

"Thanks. I'm sorry. I was spacing out and then I heard you and..."

"Sora. It's OK. You're safe. Nothing else matters. But I didn't think 'be at your ease' would mean 'a dip in the pool'."

Another joke. Layla was joking a lot more than before. Well, that was not hard since she did not before thought Sora.

"You should hurry and dry yourself before you catch a cold. Would be funny in this hotness?" And they laughed together heading to the bathroom. The room was spacious like everything else in the house. You could find a huge shower at the back, on the left, with glass door, and a Jacuzzi on the right. The bathroom sink was on the right, just when you enter in the room. Furniture and towels were on the left of the entrance. "Hum. There are new towels inside." She showed her a drawer and quickly left the room but before closing the door she added. "I'll let clothes on my bedroom. I'll be waiting in the kitchen."

Sora did not know what to think. Since she accepted some of her flaws, Layla was not only more open but also she did laugh a lot more. And she did not dislike it. She finished undressing and drying herself before heading to Layla's room. It was the first time she was inside. The clothes were on the bed. A white blouse and a pair of shorts. She took the blouse to smell it. "It smells like her."

In the kitchen, Layla was preparing the lunch, a rice salad. She did not say anything to not embarrass the girl but because of the water, she could see everything since Sora did not find useful to wear some bra.

"Layla-san?"

She turned around the girl but lost her words. It was not Sora's fault, but these shorts really let show of her beautiful legs. The girlwas an innocent temptress. "Hum. Please sit down, it almost ready." She showed her one of the kitchen stool at the opposite side of the table so that they would be in front of each other. And the most important thing was that her legs where now out of her sight. Why did she think it would be a good idea to pick up those clothes?

"Hum, Layla-san, can I ask you something?" Sora was clearly looking at her, as if the earlier incident did not happen.

"Yes. What is it?" She put a plate in front of the girl. "Is it enough?"

"Yeah. Thanks." She started eating before giving her opinion. "Hmm. It's really good. Maybe I should take some lessons, too?"

"It's just a rice salad, Sora. I'm glad I didn't overcook it." Layla laugh at herself.

"It's Layla's salad. It makes a big difference." Sora touched her lips with her inch and index finger searching for words. "I want to know more about your relationship with Macquarie and your childhood."

"Well, as you know I wasn't the easiest child to deal with. Before becoming my personal maid, Macquarie's role was to keep me company, since there wasn't other child who could afford it. That time I hadn't realized it but you can say that she was my only friend."

Sora did not seem pleased with her answer as she refused to look at her directly.

Layla noticed and decided to change the subject of the conversation. "How are the things at the Kaleido Stage?"

It worked. Sora smiled back. "Oh! You should see Rosetta's show. She made a lot of progress towards the audience. And there are a lot of newcomers with talent. Our future spectacle Mulan will be more exciting."

The blonde woman smiled to the girl using her right hand to support her head. She liked hearing her speaking with such cheerfulness about the Kaleido Stage. She could do it for hours without being tired.

"Well. Let's go there when your clothes will be dry."

"Really?!"

"Yeah. I'm curious of the new members." Layla explained.


When they arrived, it already was the middle of the afternoon. They took their time, enjoying each other presence at Layla's house. Exchanging memories about their childhood. Sora discovered that Layla was a spoiled child but even at that time she had liked working hard to succeed in her goal. And passion burnt in her heart by two times. First, when she had come in Kaleido Stage for the first time with her parents. Then…she never told the second to Sora, and just gave her an enigmatic smile. A sad smile thought the Japanese girl.

Their entrance was not unnoticed in the training room.

"Oh my...Layla-san is here!" Rosetta was the first to react.

"Layla! The Layla Hamilton?" A newcomer asked.

"Now, I feel lucky for not being in vacation!" Another one said.

Layla greeted them with a smile and some autographs.

"It seems everyone is happy by your presence, Layla." It was Yuri who just arrived. "It's not nice to not inform your friends of your arrival."

"Sora was averted." The blonde woman stated as if it was enough.

"Sora?" His attention was now on the said girl. "And why did you decide to keep that information to yourself?"

The lilac haired girl was trying to look somewhere else not wanting to say the truth and looking for help. But everyone was waiting for an answer. However a good distraction named Sarah arrived.

"Sora, you're here. I was searching you since this morning. You really should buy a mobile phone. Kalos bought me one and my life totally changed...But Layla? You're here?" The kaleido singer cried so loud that everyone had to make a step behind.

"I'm glad to see you too, Sarah, but I'm not sure I heard why you are looking for Sora, did I?" An exasperated Layla said. Sometimes she may have nostalgia about the Kaleido Stage, but sometimes she did not.

"Oh! Sorry. It's always like that. I start with something, then go to other things, and I forget th.."

The ancient kaleido star interrupted her. "Go straight to the point, please."

"Sure. Sure. But since you're there. Wouldn't it be nice to eat with us tonight in the cafeteria? I'm sure the new members could benefit of your experience and advice."

Layla seemed to hesitate but everyone's stares and the idea to pass some more time with Sora finished encouraging her. "Yeah, I guess I can."

"Did everybody hear?"

The entire troupe cried in unison.

"Am I not incredible? I make everyone happy. Ha! Ha! I should open a happiness office." The English woman congratulated herself.

"Huh. Sarah-san?"

"Yeah. Sora?"

"Why did you looking after me?"

"Oh! That right..." She seemed to search her words for a very long moment and finally said. "Well, I forgot. It's probably not that important."

"My head is hurting. I'm gonna greeting Kalos." Layla turned towards Sora and added "I'll rejoin you in the cafeteria."

"I'm going with you." It was Yuri. She just nodded and they disappeared together.

"Kyaa! Do you think the rumor is true?" Some random girl said.

"What?" Another asked.

"That they're together!"

"Really?"

"Well, why do you think he went with her?" The first girl stated as if it was evidence.

"They are not a couple!" Sora said in an annoyed voice. She understood the need for people to make some rumors but there was nothing there. She was absolutely sure of it. Layla would have told her.

"Maybe not now but.."

But Sora left before hearing the end, followed by Rosetta.

"Listen, girls, I know you just arrived but Layla is a sensitive topic for Sora. So I advise you to not create some false rumors about her. At least not in front of Sora." Sarah explained to them with a big smile which somewhat seemed frightening. No need to say that the two girls understood the warning.

In the cafeteria, all the technicians and artists who weren't on vacation were gathered. Even Vince, Jean, Marion and Jy Sung. The newcomers were curious to hear stories about the ancient Kaleido Stage since Sora and Layla had different conceptions of work.

"It's hard to believe they were good partners with their opposite way of leading, doesn't it?" One of the new members asked.

"That's because Sora changed me a little, I think." Layla has just arrived with Kalos. Apparently they had a lot to catch up since they spent more than half and an hour in his office. She sat down in the chair next to Sora, while Kalos did the same with Sarah who was in front of the Japanese girl. "And she was the best of the partner. The only one to rise a passion I thought I had lost."

"Yes, that's right. I was there and saw everything. From Layla's debuts with intense training which pushed other to make their best, to Sora's freshness that succeeded in creating a pleasant stage to gather everyone." Jean was at the end of the table but speak with such spirit that no one could miss a words.

"Well said old man!" Jy Sung shouted, a little drunken. "Let's toast! To the kaleido stars!"

"To the kaleido stars!" Everyone shouted.

"That's a little embarrassing. Don't you think?" Layla asked to her ancient partner.

"Maybe a little but it's nice to be there with everyone and share some memories, doesn't it?"

"Yeah but now I want to create new memories with you. Just the two of us." Layla took the lilac haired girl hand under the table who blushed, affected by the touch and the woman's words.

"Just the two of us." Sora repeated, more for herself.

After some other toasts for whatever reason (the awakening will be hard for some of them), the diner probably took an end, but the two girls did not stay until then. They now were in front of Sora's door, saying goodbye.

"You know, what you said earlier about passion and me?" Layla waited for the girl to develop her sentence. "It really made me happy 'cause for me Layla-san is a special person. I did not stop to think of what you said in New-York, few months ago. I was moved to know that you considered me as some of your strength because your mine too." As a good night and also a 'thank you' she came closer to the American woman in order to give her a light kiss on her left cheek but, probably because of the night, she missed it and fell on her lips instead.

"Oh my god! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! That's not what I was planning! Please forgive me, Layla-san." What she has did, she thought.

Yet Layla did not seem to mind it at all and started to laugh. "It's OK, Sora. I got it. It's not like it was your first kiss, right?"

But the girl did not answer and look somewhere else while touching her lips.

"It was your first kiss?" Layla was more than surprised. How was it possible? A cute girl like her.

"Yes, it is." It was more a whisper from the Japanese girl.

"Oh my, then I'm the one who should apologize for laughing."

"Oh, no! I don't mind since it's Layla-san. Of course I thought my first kiss will be my first lover and not an accident but you're special to me so I guess it's the same. I mean even if we're not a couple or something like that, I still have feelings for you, more than I had for anyone else."

"You're right. I guess it could be worse. It's probably better with real feelings." Layla did not say anything more and just smile. Another sad smile thought Sora. Why?

"Good night, Sora." She kissed the girl on her forehead and left.

Sora kept on looking at her until she totally disappeared, a strange feeling in her heart she could not name. Inside her room, the stage spirit who did see everything wanted to share some advice. "You know, you should use the tongue next time. It'll be bet..." Fool never finished his phrase, instead he felt a big weight on his body and everything went dark.