Candlelight Cosplay [Persona 3, Mitsuru/Yukari, PG-13]
Title: Candlelight Cosplay
Author: burningmayo
Prompt: Persona 3; Mitsuru/Yukari: cosplay - "You still have that maid costume, right?"
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: none
Words: 2,682
Summary: Mitsuru finds a way to entertain Yukari during a blackout.
A/N: Didn't get as much editing done on this as I would have liked, but hopefully it turned out okay. :)
Mitsuru lay on her bed, TV remote in hand. She was due for a vacation, she thought, and by circumstance that’s essentially what she had just received. The boys, Minato, Jumpei, and Akihiko, were on a school-sponsored trip. Ken was on a similar trip with his elementary school. Fuuka had gone home to visit her family, and Aigis had returned to Yakushima for an OS upgrade. That left her, Yukari, and Koromaru as the only occupants of the dorm. Better yet, the next full moon wasn’t due for weeks.
She flipped through the channels. Paused to watch a bit of that show Phoenix Ranger Featherman R that Minato seemed to enjoy so much. Switched the channel after a minute of not understanding any of what was going on. Why is everyone shouting? Why are they all wearing spandex suits? Is that really how you eat a hamburger? I’m so lost.
Mitsuru continued to flip through the channels, intent on watching one of her dramas. The lights flickered, and all at once the power cut off. She sighed. Ridiculous. I thought I told the staff to ensure that the back-up genera-
A girl’s scream sounded from down the hall. Mitsuru jumped up. Pulled a flashlight from out of her desk. Ran to the door. She called out. “Takeba? Are you all right?”
The door to Yukari’s room creaked open. Mitsuru’s flashlight illuminated her face. “I’m okay.” Yukari shrugged. “I was standing on a footstool and trying to hang a picture when the power went out. I nearly fell off.”
“Oh? Oh. Well, that’s good. That you’re okay I mean.”
“Thanks?” Yukari’s acceptance sounded uncertain. “But anyway, do you have another flashlight?”
Mitsuru shook her head. “Unfortunately not. There should be some flashlights in storage.”
The girls walked down the hall to the stairs when a familiar bark sounded in the darkness. Yukari called out. “Koro-chan? Where are you, boy?”
Koromaru jumped into the light with an excited yap. Mitsuru jumped back in shock; the flashlight slipped from her fingers. Flew down the stairwell. The beam of light twirled. It briefly illuminated Yukari’s surprised face. The sound of a crack. And then darkness.
Mitsuru burned with embarrassment. She felt relief that at least Yukari couldn’t see her face. “That was careless of me.”
“Yeah.” Yukari sighed in the darkness. “Now what?”
Mitsuru thought for a moment. “I have some candles and matches in my room.”
“You keep matches in your dorm room? Isn’t that against the rules?”
“Well, yes. Though, since I do have certain connections, I’m allowed to bend a few rules here and there.”
Yukari grumbled. “Lucky.”
“Oh, don’t be like that. Would you rather stand around out here in the dark?”
“Of course not.” Yukari’s voice was accompanied by Koromaru’s agreeable bark.
“Very well. I’ll be right back.”
“W-wait.”
“Yes, Takeba?”
“It’s, it’s nothing. Really.”
“You’re not normally afraid of the dark are you?”
“No.” Yukari sounded somewhat offended by the suggestion. “But it’s pitch black. I can’t see anything.”
“Well, neither can I. Just feel your way over to the couch and have a seat. I’ll be back in a moment.” Mitsuru turned. Held out her hands. That is, if I can actually find my room in this infernal void. She felt the wall with her hand. Followed it down the hall to an open door. Ah. Here we are. Mitsuru stepped into her room. Made her way to her bed. Kneeled and felt under it for a small wooden chest. Found it.
Mitsuru set the chest on her bed. Felt for the fresh, unused candles and their ornate golden holders. Her finger bumped a small box. The item rattled. The matches. She gathered the items together in her arms. Stood and returned to the doorway. “Takeba. I’ve found the candles. Can you clear some space on the table?”
“Sure.” Yukari’s voice called from the end of the hall. Mitsuru followed it. She heard Koromaru pant next to one of the chairs. Used the sound to navigate her way and found the table.
Mitsuru set down the supplies on the table. Set up one of the candleholders and inserted a candle. Fired off a match. The dull flame burned at her fingertips as she set the wick alight. In the dim glow, she saw Yukari and Koromaru both staring at the flame. “Well, we have light now.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Yukari leaned forward and set up another candleholder. “Wait, are these things solid gold?”
“Well, yes.”
“How am I not surprised?”
“There’s no reason to be snide, Takeba. They’re what we have.”
Yukari sighed. “Sorry. It’s just that there’s already enough going on without this, too.” Koromaru whined in agreement.
“I realize that.” Mitsuru fell silent as she finished lighting the candles. The common area glowed with firelight. This won’t do at all. I know Takeba isn’t the most trusting of me. Maybe if there was something we could talk about? Kabuki theater? No, she doesn’t seem the type. European romance novels? No, I doubt she’s read them. What are girls like her interested in?
“Sempai? Are you all right?”
“What?” Mitsuru snapped to attention. “I, of course.”
“You looked a little zoned out there for a second.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just thinking.”
“About what?”
Mitsuru’s mind raced. European romance. Handmaidens. Maids. Maid uniform. “You still have that maid costume, right?”
Yukari stared. Appeared dumbfounded. “Huh? Why would you care about that?”
Oh dear. “Well I, I was curious if it would fit me.”
“What?” Yukari looked even more baffled.
What, indeed. Mitsuru did her best to keep a straight face. “It’s just that I’ve been around such servants my entire life, but I’ve never known what it’s like to actually work as one.”
“Sempai, there’s a big difference between dressing like a maid and working as one.”
“I see no problem. I could be your maid for tonight.” What am I saying?
“What.”
“Help you relax for instance, and the candlelit mood seems very appropriate. It’s very classical.”
For several awkward moments, Yukari only stared. “If, if you say so, Sempai. I’ll go find it.” Yukari picked up one of the candles and left her seat. Mitsuru watched the light vanish down the hallway. Silent horror gripped her. What have I gotten myself into?
Koromaru barked. He seemed to know what she was thinking.
“You’re right.” Mitsuru sighed. “The only one to blame for this is myself. Oh, well. I guess I shouldn’t gripe. Maybe she won’t find it.”
Yukari called from down the hall. “Found it.”
“Or maybe she will.”
Koromaru yapped. It almost sounded as though he were pleased.
“Taking sides now, are you?”
Yukari returned with candle in one hand and a laundry bag slung over the other arm. “Here you go. Are you sure this is what you wanted?”
“Yes, I suppose.” This is a bad idea. It probably won’t even fit. Mitsuru stood. Accepted the costume and candle. Walked down the dark hallway back to her room. A very bad idea.
Mitsuru set the candle down on her desk. Closed the door. She laid the garment bag across her bed and opened it. She held up each piece to appraise in the candlelight. The dress. Leggings. Apron. Frilled headband. Then she found a small bag. She opened it. Shoes? She pulled one from the bag. Held it close to the candlelight. Takeba and I definitely aren’t the same- She froze, eyes fixed on the shoe size printed on the sole. These are my size. She picked the dress off of the bed. Eyed its tag. My measurements? But how? When did she-
She heard Yukari’s voice through the door. “Are you all right in there, Sempai?”
“I’m perfectly fine. Just making sure everything is in order before I try it on.” Mitsuru waited for Yukari to speak again. Silence. I guess she’s satisfied. She undressed. Removed her blouse, boots, and skirt. As she sat down on the bed, she reached for the leggings. Pulled them on. Ran her hands along her thighs. The material felt soft and smooth against her skin.
Mitsuru reached for the dress next. She pulled it on. Straightened it. Fastened the buttons along the neckline. Made sure that the collar was properly folded. Fastened the buttons at her neckline and at the cuffs of the short sleeves. That done, she tied the apron around her waist. She marveled at how well the ensemble fit. Takeba had to have gotten this for me, but why?
She set the shoes on the floor and stepped into them. Pressed her heels down until they felt snug. Kneeled and fastened the buckles. Once again, a perfect fit. I don’t know whether I should feel impressed or frightened. Mitsuru looked down at the remaining costume piece on her bed; the headband. With a sigh, she picked it up. Carried it to her mirror and sat down. As she set it on her head, she examined her reflection. Smiled. Housekeeper Mitsuru Kirijo at your service. The smile became an expression of horror. That’s disturbing. But I promised her.
Mitsuru retrieved the candle and returned to the hallway. She could hear Yukari compliment Koromaru in the common area. “Takeba, I’m finished.”
“All right.” Yukari’s voice projected obvious enthusiasm. “Koromaru, you go lie down. That’s a good boy.”
Mitsuru recalled the prim posture of the maids that worked at the Kirijo estate. Attempted to mimic the same motions as she entered the common room. She could see the smile on Yukari’s face. “Wow, Sempai. That really fits you well.”
It should, given that it’s mysteriously my size. Mitsuru cleared her throat. “I appreciate the compliment, young miss.”
“W-wait. Young miss?”
Mitsuru stepped up to the table. Set the candle down. “That’s what you are, correct?”
“But Sempai, I-”
“Sempai?” Mitsuru smirked. “That’s not the proper way to address your maid.”
“Proper way?” Yukari looked confused. Perhaps she hadn’t expected Mitsuru to take the joke this far? “But Sempa-I mean, Mitsuru, you’re my senior.”
Mitsuru walked behind Yukari’s seat. Leaned over and took the second-year student by the shoulders. “Tell me, young miss, do I appear to be wearing a school uniform?”
“No.”
“Then I can’t very well be your sempai now, can I?” Mitsuru felt at the muscles in Yukari’s shoulders and squeezed. As she began the massage, Yukari hopped in her seat. “Now just relax, young miss. I’ll take very good care of you.”
“Okay.” Yukari sounded uncertain, but showed no sign of resistance. “If you say so, I guess.”
“That’s it.” Mitsuru continued her massage. Felt stiffness in Yukari’s neck and shoulders. So much tension. Is this all from archery? She rubbed Yukari’s skin. Pressed hard against the muscles. I think this is how my masseuse does it.
“Ow.” Yukari hopped in her seat.
“I’m sorry, young miss.” Mitsuru let go of Yukari. Gave an apologetic bow. “Was that uncomfortable?”
Yukari rubbed at her neck. “N-no. It’s fine. It felt good. I mean, massages can tend to hurt, and-” She paused.
Mitsuru thought she saw a blush in the dim light. Her imagination? “Do you want me to stop, young miss?”
Yukari shook her head. “No, no, keep going, please, Sem-Mitsuru.”
Mitsuru bowed again. Her long hair draped against her cheeks. “Very well, young miss.” She waited for Yukari to sit back, and then moved her hands back into place. Resumed her work. Perhaps some small talk might help her loosen up? Hmm. “You’re very tense this evening, young miss. Is something wrong?”
“What? S-Mitsuru, since when did you care about that?”
“Is it not uncommon for a servant to worry about her mistress?”
“But-” Yukari seemed ready to protest, but backed down. “I, I suppose.”
“Then why don’t you tell your maid what the problem is?”
“Well, ooh. Wow. That feels good. Well, it’s just everything, really.”
“Everything, young miss?”
“You know. Going into Tartarus and fighting Shadows. Stupei acting like an idiot. And midterms are almost here, and the archery meet is coming up-”
Mitsuru nodded. She had enough on her mind as well. Not just the Shadows and Tartarus, but keeping up her grades, leading the Student Council, and being prepared to lead her father’s company when the time came. “It has been quite a year, young miss.” She noticed the muscles in Yukari’s shoulders no longer felt quite as tense. “But I must say that you’re quite the archer.”
“Oh? No, no. I’m not even the best archer in the club.”
“You’re so modest, young miss. Have the other club members shot at moving targets? Flying targets?”
“Not as far as I know.” Yukari shrugged. Stopped. “Oh, wow. Mmm. That does feel better. Thanks, Mitsuru.”
Mitsuru smiled. “I’m here to serve you, young miss.”
Yukari looked up at Mitsuru. “Could you massage my back, too?”
“Of course. If you would, could you please lie down on the sofa?”
“Sure thing.” Yukari stood. She rotated her shoulders. Tilted her neck. “Wow. Mitsuru, you should do this more often.”
“If you wish.” Mitsuru walked with Yukari to the couch, hands folded together as she watched her mistress stretch out on her belly. Mitsuru kneeled at her side. Applied her hands to Yukari’s back. Folds of pink cardigan crept between her fingers. “Hmm. This won’t do. Young miss, would it be all right if I removed your sweater?”
“What?” Yukari glared at Mitsuru. “Why?”
“I can’t properly massage you with this cloth on your back.”
“Oh.” Yukari pushed herself to her knees. As she reached for the buttons, Mitsuru stopped her.
“No, please. Allow me.” Mitsuru dropped to her knees. Reached for the top button of Yukari’s cardigan. As she unbuttoned the garment, she leaned in. Smelled a fine, flowery scent. “Mmm. Young miss, what is that perfume?”
“Hmm? It’s nothing. Really. I bought it at the mall earlier and was just trying it when the power got cut. I’m not sure I like it.”
“If I may be so bold, I say it suits you.” Mitsuru smiled. “Especially for such a fine young lady such as yourself.”
“I-it’s nice of you to say that.” Yukari’s voice wavered.
“What’s wrong?” Mitsuru pulled away. “Is my compliment unwelcome?”
“No. No, not at all. I appreciate it. Just, this is so unlike you, Mitsuru.”
“Maybe, but I did make the offer, and you did accept it. And you even gave me this pretty uniform, and in my size at that.”
Yukari froze. A nervous laugh escaped her lips. “I thought you might notice.”
“But why?”
“I just picked it up when I went to get mine. I have ones in Fuuka and Aigis’s sizes too, but-” Yukari fell silent. Looked embarrassed.
“What’s wrong, young miss?” Mitsuru leaned forward again. Breathed in the scent of the perfume. Stroked her mistress’s cheek. “Would it set you at ease if I told you that the maids back home always fascinated me?”
Yukari seemed to relax. “How?”
“They’re loyal. Caring. Incredible at their jobs.” Mitsuru gave Yukari’s cardigan a gentle pull. Drew her mistress to her. Admired her beauty. “It’s what we do, young miss.”
“What you-”
Mitsuru kissed Yukari. Put a servant’s passion for her mistress into it. Reveled in the awe in Yukari’s eyes as she was pushed away.
“M-Mitsuru, you, that-” Yukari looked in shock at her servant. “Why?”
“Does the young miss not approve?” Mitsuru pouted.
“No. I mean-” Yukari paused. She seemed to be thinking about something. “You just surprised me. That’s all. I’ve had enough surprises lately.”
Mitsuru smiled. “I suppose that’s true.”
“Here.” Yukari patted the couch cushion beside her. “Sit by me.”
“As you like.” Mitsuru sat next to her mistress on the couch. Turned to face her, and then was tackled. She stared up at Yukari, who leaned over her with a leer in her eyes.
“If you’re my servant, then I can’t let you make the first move, can I?”
“Of course not.” Mitsuru recovered from the shock. Relaxed her body, and felt a thrill as Yukari’s lips touched her own.
Author: burningmayo
Prompt: Persona 3; Mitsuru/Yukari: cosplay - "You still have that maid costume, right?"
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: none
Words: 2,682
Summary: Mitsuru finds a way to entertain Yukari during a blackout.
A/N: Didn't get as much editing done on this as I would have liked, but hopefully it turned out okay. :)
Mitsuru lay on her bed, TV remote in hand. She was due for a vacation, she thought, and by circumstance that’s essentially what she had just received. The boys, Minato, Jumpei, and Akihiko, were on a school-sponsored trip. Ken was on a similar trip with his elementary school. Fuuka had gone home to visit her family, and Aigis had returned to Yakushima for an OS upgrade. That left her, Yukari, and Koromaru as the only occupants of the dorm. Better yet, the next full moon wasn’t due for weeks.
She flipped through the channels. Paused to watch a bit of that show Phoenix Ranger Featherman R that Minato seemed to enjoy so much. Switched the channel after a minute of not understanding any of what was going on. Why is everyone shouting? Why are they all wearing spandex suits? Is that really how you eat a hamburger? I’m so lost.
Mitsuru continued to flip through the channels, intent on watching one of her dramas. The lights flickered, and all at once the power cut off. She sighed. Ridiculous. I thought I told the staff to ensure that the back-up genera-
A girl’s scream sounded from down the hall. Mitsuru jumped up. Pulled a flashlight from out of her desk. Ran to the door. She called out. “Takeba? Are you all right?”
The door to Yukari’s room creaked open. Mitsuru’s flashlight illuminated her face. “I’m okay.” Yukari shrugged. “I was standing on a footstool and trying to hang a picture when the power went out. I nearly fell off.”
“Oh? Oh. Well, that’s good. That you’re okay I mean.”
“Thanks?” Yukari’s acceptance sounded uncertain. “But anyway, do you have another flashlight?”
Mitsuru shook her head. “Unfortunately not. There should be some flashlights in storage.”
The girls walked down the hall to the stairs when a familiar bark sounded in the darkness. Yukari called out. “Koro-chan? Where are you, boy?”
Koromaru jumped into the light with an excited yap. Mitsuru jumped back in shock; the flashlight slipped from her fingers. Flew down the stairwell. The beam of light twirled. It briefly illuminated Yukari’s surprised face. The sound of a crack. And then darkness.
Mitsuru burned with embarrassment. She felt relief that at least Yukari couldn’t see her face. “That was careless of me.”
“Yeah.” Yukari sighed in the darkness. “Now what?”
Mitsuru thought for a moment. “I have some candles and matches in my room.”
“You keep matches in your dorm room? Isn’t that against the rules?”
“Well, yes. Though, since I do have certain connections, I’m allowed to bend a few rules here and there.”
Yukari grumbled. “Lucky.”
“Oh, don’t be like that. Would you rather stand around out here in the dark?”
“Of course not.” Yukari’s voice was accompanied by Koromaru’s agreeable bark.
“Very well. I’ll be right back.”
“W-wait.”
“Yes, Takeba?”
“It’s, it’s nothing. Really.”
“You’re not normally afraid of the dark are you?”
“No.” Yukari sounded somewhat offended by the suggestion. “But it’s pitch black. I can’t see anything.”
“Well, neither can I. Just feel your way over to the couch and have a seat. I’ll be back in a moment.” Mitsuru turned. Held out her hands. That is, if I can actually find my room in this infernal void. She felt the wall with her hand. Followed it down the hall to an open door. Ah. Here we are. Mitsuru stepped into her room. Made her way to her bed. Kneeled and felt under it for a small wooden chest. Found it.
Mitsuru set the chest on her bed. Felt for the fresh, unused candles and their ornate golden holders. Her finger bumped a small box. The item rattled. The matches. She gathered the items together in her arms. Stood and returned to the doorway. “Takeba. I’ve found the candles. Can you clear some space on the table?”
“Sure.” Yukari’s voice called from the end of the hall. Mitsuru followed it. She heard Koromaru pant next to one of the chairs. Used the sound to navigate her way and found the table.
Mitsuru set down the supplies on the table. Set up one of the candleholders and inserted a candle. Fired off a match. The dull flame burned at her fingertips as she set the wick alight. In the dim glow, she saw Yukari and Koromaru both staring at the flame. “Well, we have light now.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Yukari leaned forward and set up another candleholder. “Wait, are these things solid gold?”
“Well, yes.”
“How am I not surprised?”
“There’s no reason to be snide, Takeba. They’re what we have.”
Yukari sighed. “Sorry. It’s just that there’s already enough going on without this, too.” Koromaru whined in agreement.
“I realize that.” Mitsuru fell silent as she finished lighting the candles. The common area glowed with firelight. This won’t do at all. I know Takeba isn’t the most trusting of me. Maybe if there was something we could talk about? Kabuki theater? No, she doesn’t seem the type. European romance novels? No, I doubt she’s read them. What are girls like her interested in?
“Sempai? Are you all right?”
“What?” Mitsuru snapped to attention. “I, of course.”
“You looked a little zoned out there for a second.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just thinking.”
“About what?”
Mitsuru’s mind raced. European romance. Handmaidens. Maids. Maid uniform. “You still have that maid costume, right?”
Yukari stared. Appeared dumbfounded. “Huh? Why would you care about that?”
Oh dear. “Well I, I was curious if it would fit me.”
“What?” Yukari looked even more baffled.
What, indeed. Mitsuru did her best to keep a straight face. “It’s just that I’ve been around such servants my entire life, but I’ve never known what it’s like to actually work as one.”
“Sempai, there’s a big difference between dressing like a maid and working as one.”
“I see no problem. I could be your maid for tonight.” What am I saying?
“What.”
“Help you relax for instance, and the candlelit mood seems very appropriate. It’s very classical.”
For several awkward moments, Yukari only stared. “If, if you say so, Sempai. I’ll go find it.” Yukari picked up one of the candles and left her seat. Mitsuru watched the light vanish down the hallway. Silent horror gripped her. What have I gotten myself into?
Koromaru barked. He seemed to know what she was thinking.
“You’re right.” Mitsuru sighed. “The only one to blame for this is myself. Oh, well. I guess I shouldn’t gripe. Maybe she won’t find it.”
Yukari called from down the hall. “Found it.”
“Or maybe she will.”
Koromaru yapped. It almost sounded as though he were pleased.
“Taking sides now, are you?”
Yukari returned with candle in one hand and a laundry bag slung over the other arm. “Here you go. Are you sure this is what you wanted?”
“Yes, I suppose.” This is a bad idea. It probably won’t even fit. Mitsuru stood. Accepted the costume and candle. Walked down the dark hallway back to her room. A very bad idea.
Mitsuru set the candle down on her desk. Closed the door. She laid the garment bag across her bed and opened it. She held up each piece to appraise in the candlelight. The dress. Leggings. Apron. Frilled headband. Then she found a small bag. She opened it. Shoes? She pulled one from the bag. Held it close to the candlelight. Takeba and I definitely aren’t the same- She froze, eyes fixed on the shoe size printed on the sole. These are my size. She picked the dress off of the bed. Eyed its tag. My measurements? But how? When did she-
She heard Yukari’s voice through the door. “Are you all right in there, Sempai?”
“I’m perfectly fine. Just making sure everything is in order before I try it on.” Mitsuru waited for Yukari to speak again. Silence. I guess she’s satisfied. She undressed. Removed her blouse, boots, and skirt. As she sat down on the bed, she reached for the leggings. Pulled them on. Ran her hands along her thighs. The material felt soft and smooth against her skin.
Mitsuru reached for the dress next. She pulled it on. Straightened it. Fastened the buttons along the neckline. Made sure that the collar was properly folded. Fastened the buttons at her neckline and at the cuffs of the short sleeves. That done, she tied the apron around her waist. She marveled at how well the ensemble fit. Takeba had to have gotten this for me, but why?
She set the shoes on the floor and stepped into them. Pressed her heels down until they felt snug. Kneeled and fastened the buckles. Once again, a perfect fit. I don’t know whether I should feel impressed or frightened. Mitsuru looked down at the remaining costume piece on her bed; the headband. With a sigh, she picked it up. Carried it to her mirror and sat down. As she set it on her head, she examined her reflection. Smiled. Housekeeper Mitsuru Kirijo at your service. The smile became an expression of horror. That’s disturbing. But I promised her.
Mitsuru retrieved the candle and returned to the hallway. She could hear Yukari compliment Koromaru in the common area. “Takeba, I’m finished.”
“All right.” Yukari’s voice projected obvious enthusiasm. “Koromaru, you go lie down. That’s a good boy.”
Mitsuru recalled the prim posture of the maids that worked at the Kirijo estate. Attempted to mimic the same motions as she entered the common room. She could see the smile on Yukari’s face. “Wow, Sempai. That really fits you well.”
It should, given that it’s mysteriously my size. Mitsuru cleared her throat. “I appreciate the compliment, young miss.”
“W-wait. Young miss?”
Mitsuru stepped up to the table. Set the candle down. “That’s what you are, correct?”
“But Sempai, I-”
“Sempai?” Mitsuru smirked. “That’s not the proper way to address your maid.”
“Proper way?” Yukari looked confused. Perhaps she hadn’t expected Mitsuru to take the joke this far? “But Sempa-I mean, Mitsuru, you’re my senior.”
Mitsuru walked behind Yukari’s seat. Leaned over and took the second-year student by the shoulders. “Tell me, young miss, do I appear to be wearing a school uniform?”
“No.”
“Then I can’t very well be your sempai now, can I?” Mitsuru felt at the muscles in Yukari’s shoulders and squeezed. As she began the massage, Yukari hopped in her seat. “Now just relax, young miss. I’ll take very good care of you.”
“Okay.” Yukari sounded uncertain, but showed no sign of resistance. “If you say so, I guess.”
“That’s it.” Mitsuru continued her massage. Felt stiffness in Yukari’s neck and shoulders. So much tension. Is this all from archery? She rubbed Yukari’s skin. Pressed hard against the muscles. I think this is how my masseuse does it.
“Ow.” Yukari hopped in her seat.
“I’m sorry, young miss.” Mitsuru let go of Yukari. Gave an apologetic bow. “Was that uncomfortable?”
Yukari rubbed at her neck. “N-no. It’s fine. It felt good. I mean, massages can tend to hurt, and-” She paused.
Mitsuru thought she saw a blush in the dim light. Her imagination? “Do you want me to stop, young miss?”
Yukari shook her head. “No, no, keep going, please, Sem-Mitsuru.”
Mitsuru bowed again. Her long hair draped against her cheeks. “Very well, young miss.” She waited for Yukari to sit back, and then moved her hands back into place. Resumed her work. Perhaps some small talk might help her loosen up? Hmm. “You’re very tense this evening, young miss. Is something wrong?”
“What? S-Mitsuru, since when did you care about that?”
“Is it not uncommon for a servant to worry about her mistress?”
“But-” Yukari seemed ready to protest, but backed down. “I, I suppose.”
“Then why don’t you tell your maid what the problem is?”
“Well, ooh. Wow. That feels good. Well, it’s just everything, really.”
“Everything, young miss?”
“You know. Going into Tartarus and fighting Shadows. Stupei acting like an idiot. And midterms are almost here, and the archery meet is coming up-”
Mitsuru nodded. She had enough on her mind as well. Not just the Shadows and Tartarus, but keeping up her grades, leading the Student Council, and being prepared to lead her father’s company when the time came. “It has been quite a year, young miss.” She noticed the muscles in Yukari’s shoulders no longer felt quite as tense. “But I must say that you’re quite the archer.”
“Oh? No, no. I’m not even the best archer in the club.”
“You’re so modest, young miss. Have the other club members shot at moving targets? Flying targets?”
“Not as far as I know.” Yukari shrugged. Stopped. “Oh, wow. Mmm. That does feel better. Thanks, Mitsuru.”
Mitsuru smiled. “I’m here to serve you, young miss.”
Yukari looked up at Mitsuru. “Could you massage my back, too?”
“Of course. If you would, could you please lie down on the sofa?”
“Sure thing.” Yukari stood. She rotated her shoulders. Tilted her neck. “Wow. Mitsuru, you should do this more often.”
“If you wish.” Mitsuru walked with Yukari to the couch, hands folded together as she watched her mistress stretch out on her belly. Mitsuru kneeled at her side. Applied her hands to Yukari’s back. Folds of pink cardigan crept between her fingers. “Hmm. This won’t do. Young miss, would it be all right if I removed your sweater?”
“What?” Yukari glared at Mitsuru. “Why?”
“I can’t properly massage you with this cloth on your back.”
“Oh.” Yukari pushed herself to her knees. As she reached for the buttons, Mitsuru stopped her.
“No, please. Allow me.” Mitsuru dropped to her knees. Reached for the top button of Yukari’s cardigan. As she unbuttoned the garment, she leaned in. Smelled a fine, flowery scent. “Mmm. Young miss, what is that perfume?”
“Hmm? It’s nothing. Really. I bought it at the mall earlier and was just trying it when the power got cut. I’m not sure I like it.”
“If I may be so bold, I say it suits you.” Mitsuru smiled. “Especially for such a fine young lady such as yourself.”
“I-it’s nice of you to say that.” Yukari’s voice wavered.
“What’s wrong?” Mitsuru pulled away. “Is my compliment unwelcome?”
“No. No, not at all. I appreciate it. Just, this is so unlike you, Mitsuru.”
“Maybe, but I did make the offer, and you did accept it. And you even gave me this pretty uniform, and in my size at that.”
Yukari froze. A nervous laugh escaped her lips. “I thought you might notice.”
“But why?”
“I just picked it up when I went to get mine. I have ones in Fuuka and Aigis’s sizes too, but-” Yukari fell silent. Looked embarrassed.
“What’s wrong, young miss?” Mitsuru leaned forward again. Breathed in the scent of the perfume. Stroked her mistress’s cheek. “Would it set you at ease if I told you that the maids back home always fascinated me?”
Yukari seemed to relax. “How?”
“They’re loyal. Caring. Incredible at their jobs.” Mitsuru gave Yukari’s cardigan a gentle pull. Drew her mistress to her. Admired her beauty. “It’s what we do, young miss.”
“What you-”
Mitsuru kissed Yukari. Put a servant’s passion for her mistress into it. Reveled in the awe in Yukari’s eyes as she was pushed away.
“M-Mitsuru, you, that-” Yukari looked in shock at her servant. “Why?”
“Does the young miss not approve?” Mitsuru pouted.
“No. I mean-” Yukari paused. She seemed to be thinking about something. “You just surprised me. That’s all. I’ve had enough surprises lately.”
Mitsuru smiled. “I suppose that’s true.”
“Here.” Yukari patted the couch cushion beside her. “Sit by me.”
“As you like.” Mitsuru sat next to her mistress on the couch. Turned to face her, and then was tackled. She stared up at Yukari, who leaned over her with a leer in her eyes.
“If you’re my servant, then I can’t let you make the first move, can I?”
“Of course not.” Mitsuru recovered from the shock. Relaxed her body, and felt a thrill as Yukari’s lips touched her own.