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heroescutiesTitle: Without Smiling Alone
Fandom: Macross Frontier
Genre: General/Humor/Romance
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2,551
Pairing: Sheryl/Ranka
Summary: Post-Series. Ranka finds herself growing closer to Sheryl during their galaxy-wide concert tour.
Notes: Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
sammeex as part of the ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
fairy_and_queen exchange.
She almost felt silly singing in the shower. Perhaps because singing was such a big part of her life, the idea of doing it in such a secluded place was just ridiculous. But Ranka Lee had grown accustomed to singing in the shower, and the fact she was now a famous pop singer wasn't about to change that.
Beginning to hum Sheryl's Northern Cross, Ranka let her mind wander as the warm water from the shower trickled down her body.
Things had changed so much since they'd come to the Vajra home planet. They'd barely been there a few weeks when Sheryl approached her about a galaxy-wide concert tour. Feeling somewhat useless amongst all the work of the SMS and various other construction crews on the planet's surface, as a singer Ranka felt that going on this tour would be her way of supporting New Frontier. So many places had contacted Elmo-san about booking the two singers that saved them and both the girls felt they couldn't turn any of them down. Over thirty concerts later, tonight would be their final performance before going back home to Frontier.
Home…
Ranka's mind drifted to all she'd come to learn on the tour, not all of it necessarily involving singing. Sheryl, who had toured many times, could find a way to make an adventure of even the most mundane planets and convoys they visited. The pink-haired idol had taken her skiing, both on snow and water, dragged the entire concert crew out into a jungle for a photoshoot, and countless other outrageous things- half for media promotion and half just for the hell of it.
But what Ranka had come away from these adventures with wasn't just a new view on the universe, but a new view of Sheryl. She'd always adored her, idolized her and desired to be just like her, but the more she was with her the more she began to understand her.
Some of the discoveries were small, like the difference between Sheryl's fake smile for annoying paparazzi and her real smile when Ranka suggested they go out singing in the rain, just because. Some of the discoveries were more like secrets, Sheryl alluding sometimes to a rough past and trying her best to act like she hadn't been scared of dying. But Ranka could see through it, knowing that Sheryl was allowing her this glimpse behind a well maintained mask.
At first it was little things: a strange insistence to share rooms at their hotels and a fondness for eating the most expensive meals their room service could buy. But about half-way through the tour, Sheryl let her guard fully down and crawled into bed with Ranka one night mumbling something about a nightmare and not wanting to be alone.
And ever since Ranka took her hand that night to comfort her, the two of them had become downright inseparable. Sheryl had become someone very special to her, and sometimes, in the back of her mind…
"You're going to use up all the hot water," a sultry voice intoned behind her as slender fingers pressed against her shoulders.
Ranka jumped in shock at the sudden contact, her humming and thoughts coming to an immediate halt.
The handheld shower had toppled from Ranka's grip and fell to the floor, spraying directly up at both their faces.
"S-Sheryl-san!"
Sheryl just laughed, reaching down to pick it up. "Here, I'll wash your back."
Ranka blushed, but turned to let her do so. "I didn't hear you come in."
"That's because you were spacing out again," she murmured, her breath warm against Ranka's back.
Delicate hands trailed the sponge over her back and shoulders, finally daring to sneak around Ranka's side to her stomach. Ranka shuddered.
"Ah, too cold?" Sheryl asked.
"N-No. The water's fine."
"Am I creating in you, a feeling you can't explain?" she teased, whispering in Ranka's ear.
She went bright red, turning around in defense. But no words came. This was partially because she didn't have a retort to begin with and because, for some reason, it never registered to her that Sheryl would be without clothes as well.
Well, of course she's naked! The little voice in the back of Ranka's mind taunted, That's how people take showers, you know.
Sheryl's grin turned mischievous as Ranka's eyes trailed down her figure. "Look all you want."
She balked and shyly turned away. Taking this as insecurity on Ranka's part, Sheryl switched off the shower and sat it down, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders.
"Hey now, look at me."
Ranka slowly managed to convince her head to turn and she met Sheryl's eyes.
"Boobs aren't everything," Sheryl began as if this was a very serious matter, "and you've even grown a bit since we started touring, so don't feel bad."
If possible, Ranka's face turned an even brighter red.
"Ah- no- that's not- not it!"
Sheryl smirked, sliding her hands down from Ranka's shoulders and giving her breasts a quick squeeze.
"See, they're nice and perky."
Ranka was mortified. "Sheryl-san!"
She laughed then, reaching out and hugging the green-haired girl. "Just teasing, that's all."
Finding herself face-first in Sheryl's quite ample cleavage, Ranka managed to clear her throat. "Uh, Sheryl-san…"
"Oh, sorry!"
She hastily pulled back, the two just staring at one another for a moment before they both started to laugh. Finally, in an attempt to stop any more awkwardness from happening, Sheryl picked up two towels and handed one to Ranka.
"I was thinking we might play hooky today rather than go to that interview. That woman is such a bitch."
Ranka giggled. "The one we interviewed with two days ago when we arrived?"
"That's the one. I think she's only interviewing us twice to try and get her ratings up. Well….we'll show her."
"I'll call Elmo-san and make apologies while you shower then," Ranka said walking towards the door. Sheryl smiled, one of her real smiles, and winked.
"Thanks, Ranka-chan."
--------------------------------------------------
They'd spent most of the afternoon shopping at the local outdoor mall, and only stopped browsing the stores after they pushed each other into the decorative fountain. Dripping wet and laughing, they'd taken a taxi back to the hotel to dry off and get ready for the show.
"Sheryl-san?" Ranka asked, somewhat muffled by the shirt she was tugging over her head.
"Hmm?"
"About what you were saying when we were shopping…" She trailed off, obviously hoping that Sheryl would pick it up from there. But when she didn't say a word, Ranka pushed on. "When you were looking at the furniture and wondering if it would work for your new place?"
"Ah." The room fell silent for a moment before Sheryl continued. "When I asked if you'd like to move in with me?"
Ranka nodded, knowing this was awkward territory again. The first time she had asked, Ranka didn't know what to say and Sheryl had laughed it off as a joke. But now, on thinking it through, she had a feeling the pink-haired singer had been serious.
"Well, I…I'd really like it if you would. Move in with me, that is," Sheryl hastily said. And before Ranka could reply, their alarm went off. "Time to go, Ranka-chan! We can talk later."
And as they rushed out of the room to their waiting limo, Ranka saw right through the confident smile Sheryl lavished on all the waiting reporters, knowing that the singer was nervous to hear the answer to that question.
--------------------------------------------------
As promised to Elmo-san, Sheryl and Ranka showed up at the concert venue in plenty of time to get ready for the show. The two were rushed off to the waiting makeup and costume crews, and Ranka let her mind wander.
She always did this before she performed, and Sheryl always teased her about spacing out. But she found it relaxing, to just let her thoughts flow instead of getting anxious about performing.
Tonight though, her thoughts were a bit anxious as well; Sheryl's question nagging at the back of her mind.
Well, onii-chan is back together with Cathy. And Brera-san has a bunk at the SMS with Alto-kun…
She felt one of the backstage crew tapping her on the shoulder. Tonight she was performing first, followed by Sheryl's solo set and they would end with their duet set.
"Ah, thanks!" She said, standing and walking out to her offstage mark as the opening light show finished its run.
Glancing across the backstage, she saw Sheryl on the other side giving her a smile and a wink. Ranka smiled back, then as the lights went down she walked out onto the stage and took her place.
Closing her eyes, she felt the roar of the crowd as the spotlight lit her up. "Everyone! Hold me, until the edge of the galaxy!"
---------------------------------------------------
The answer came to her suddenly during her performance, and Ranka almost missed a lyric of Anata no Oto as the impact of it hit. Catching her breath when the song ended, she looked to the wings of the stage, seeking out the person she knew was watching.
Sure enough, there she was; already in her outfit for her first number and watching with that little quirk of a smile she always had during Ranka's shows. Ranka felt her heart leap in her chest and she took a deep breath.
The question was never about whether or not to move in. That would have been an easy answer I wouldn't have to think about.
Her thoughts raced as the intro to her next song started.
The question has always been something else. About Sheryl and I. About how I see her. About how I…
She let her thoughts trail off as she started to sing. Three more songs and then she'd give Sheryl the answer she was waiting for.
---------------------------------------------------
As she left the stage to loud applause and cheers, Ranka could feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins. This was the reckless feeling she always got after performing, and she knew if she waited for this to abate, that she wouldn't be as decisive.
Rushing across the backstage to where Sheryl was waiting for her cue, Ranka reached out and took her wrist.
"Sheryl-san, wait a moment."
The crowd's chants were resounding in the background, but Ranka couldn't hear them. All the sound had seemed to evaporate from the place, leaving just the hammering of her heart to fill the void.
"About…you were…I-I'd like very much to move in with you, Sheryl--"
Sheryl cut her off with a trembling finger to her lips. "You aren't just saying this to make me happy, are you?"
Ranka shook her head vehemently, dropping the formalities she pressed forward. "I want this, Sheryl. To stay with you."
For a brief moment, Ranka saw a flicker of shock cross Sheryl's face. She too had realized that this was about more than moving. And for the slightest second, she almost thought she could see tears starting to well in Sheryl's eyes.
Before she could get a better look, Sheryl pulled her into a fierce embrace; the hair on top of her head ruffling with her whispered words. "Thank you, Ranka."
They stood clutching to one another, until slowly the world seemed to come back into focus around them; both registering the roar of the crowd in the background, they reluctantly pulled apart. And when Ranka looked up at Sheryl, she saw the most beautiful smile gracing her features.
Cupping Ranka's chin in her hand, Sheryl leaned in to whisper in her ear. "I'll have to make sure our new place has a nice shower then, eh?"
Ranka felt her face heat up as the tips of her hair quirked up in embarrassment. Sheryl just smirked and pressed a quick kiss to Ranka's forehead. "I'll see you after the show."
Without a word more, she took up her microphone and strode out onto the stage as the lights came up.
"Listen to my song!"
---------------------------------------------------------------
They were both exhausted after the concert; unable to leave their final crowd of the tour unsatisfied, they'd come back out three times for an encore. In the rush of photographers and reporters outside the concert hall and those that were waiting outside the front of their hotel, no one seemed to notice that the two singers were holding hands.
Once back in their room, Ranka toppled onto her bed with her clothes still on.
"I'm so tired; I don't want to move for weeks. Every bone in my body is aching."
Sheryl laughed, sliding onto the bed beside her. "Well, not to gloat- but that was the best damn show we've ever done."
Ranka smiled. "You think so?"
"I know it. I've never felt like this after a show before."
A comfortable silence fell between them, as if they were both just basking in the comfort of a cushy bed beneath their aching bodies.
"Ranka, could I…"
Before Sheryl could finish, Ranka boldly made the offer. "Would you like to stay here tonight, Sheryl?"
Blue eyes flickered over to the empty bed across the room and then back to Ranka; tilting her head to the side, Sheryl smirked mischievously.
"I hope you don't mind if I slip into something more comfortable," she teased.
Ranka gave her a warning look. "Sheryl…"
"What? Leather isn't exactly fun to sleep in."
Indicating the tight black pants she was in, Ranka had to laugh. Rolling towards the side of her bed with a groan, she rubbed the ache in her back and replied, "I suppose I can manage to move enough to change into something more comfortable as well."
Sheryl grinned. "That's the spirit."
Uninhibited as usual, she started pulling off her leather pants right there, leaving Ranka to pointedly look the other way. No matter what her mind was suggesting now that the floodgate of answers had opened, she was far too tired to do anything but sleep.
Slipping out of her own clothes and tugging on her camisole and shorts, Ranka pulled back the sheets and slid under them. Moments later, Sheryl joined her.
Slender arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close, and Ranka had to admit she was almost enjoying the way her heart was racing; but a sudden thought interrupted that.
"What are we going to tell Alto-kun?"
She could feel Sheryl's lips quirk into a smirk against her forehead, "We'll tell him he'll have to share, that's what."
They giggled, both imagining Alto's reaction. Ranka paused, yawning and blearily rubbing her eyes.
"Okay, I'm going to have to sleep." Taking a deep breath, she looked up into Sheryl's eyes and shyly leaned a small bit forward. "Goodnight, Sheryl."
Sheryl closed the remaining distance, capturing Ranka's lips in a kiss. Pulling back with a winning grin, she winked teasingly.
"Sweet dreams, Ranka-chan."
Just as she was settling her head under Sheryl's chin, Ranka started with realization.
"…A-are you only in your underwear?"
She could practically hear the smirk as she replied, "Is that a problem?"
Not about to let her get in the last word, Ranka retorted. "I'm overdressed, that's all."
And pleased to see a somewhat flustered look on her face, Ranka cuddled closer and fell asleep to the sound of Sheryl's beating heart.
Fandom: Macross Frontier
Genre: General/Humor/Romance
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2,551
Pairing: Sheryl/Ranka
Summary: Post-Series. Ranka finds herself growing closer to Sheryl during their galaxy-wide concert tour.
Notes: Written for
sammeex as part of the fairy_and_queen exchange.She almost felt silly singing in the shower. Perhaps because singing was such a big part of her life, the idea of doing it in such a secluded place was just ridiculous. But Ranka Lee had grown accustomed to singing in the shower, and the fact she was now a famous pop singer wasn't about to change that.
Beginning to hum Sheryl's Northern Cross, Ranka let her mind wander as the warm water from the shower trickled down her body.
Things had changed so much since they'd come to the Vajra home planet. They'd barely been there a few weeks when Sheryl approached her about a galaxy-wide concert tour. Feeling somewhat useless amongst all the work of the SMS and various other construction crews on the planet's surface, as a singer Ranka felt that going on this tour would be her way of supporting New Frontier. So many places had contacted Elmo-san about booking the two singers that saved them and both the girls felt they couldn't turn any of them down. Over thirty concerts later, tonight would be their final performance before going back home to Frontier.
Home…
Ranka's mind drifted to all she'd come to learn on the tour, not all of it necessarily involving singing. Sheryl, who had toured many times, could find a way to make an adventure of even the most mundane planets and convoys they visited. The pink-haired idol had taken her skiing, both on snow and water, dragged the entire concert crew out into a jungle for a photoshoot, and countless other outrageous things- half for media promotion and half just for the hell of it.
But what Ranka had come away from these adventures with wasn't just a new view on the universe, but a new view of Sheryl. She'd always adored her, idolized her and desired to be just like her, but the more she was with her the more she began to understand her.
Some of the discoveries were small, like the difference between Sheryl's fake smile for annoying paparazzi and her real smile when Ranka suggested they go out singing in the rain, just because. Some of the discoveries were more like secrets, Sheryl alluding sometimes to a rough past and trying her best to act like she hadn't been scared of dying. But Ranka could see through it, knowing that Sheryl was allowing her this glimpse behind a well maintained mask.
At first it was little things: a strange insistence to share rooms at their hotels and a fondness for eating the most expensive meals their room service could buy. But about half-way through the tour, Sheryl let her guard fully down and crawled into bed with Ranka one night mumbling something about a nightmare and not wanting to be alone.
And ever since Ranka took her hand that night to comfort her, the two of them had become downright inseparable. Sheryl had become someone very special to her, and sometimes, in the back of her mind…
"You're going to use up all the hot water," a sultry voice intoned behind her as slender fingers pressed against her shoulders.
Ranka jumped in shock at the sudden contact, her humming and thoughts coming to an immediate halt.
The handheld shower had toppled from Ranka's grip and fell to the floor, spraying directly up at both their faces.
"S-Sheryl-san!"
Sheryl just laughed, reaching down to pick it up. "Here, I'll wash your back."
Ranka blushed, but turned to let her do so. "I didn't hear you come in."
"That's because you were spacing out again," she murmured, her breath warm against Ranka's back.
Delicate hands trailed the sponge over her back and shoulders, finally daring to sneak around Ranka's side to her stomach. Ranka shuddered.
"Ah, too cold?" Sheryl asked.
"N-No. The water's fine."
"Am I creating in you, a feeling you can't explain?" she teased, whispering in Ranka's ear.
She went bright red, turning around in defense. But no words came. This was partially because she didn't have a retort to begin with and because, for some reason, it never registered to her that Sheryl would be without clothes as well.
Well, of course she's naked! The little voice in the back of Ranka's mind taunted, That's how people take showers, you know.
Sheryl's grin turned mischievous as Ranka's eyes trailed down her figure. "Look all you want."
She balked and shyly turned away. Taking this as insecurity on Ranka's part, Sheryl switched off the shower and sat it down, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders.
"Hey now, look at me."
Ranka slowly managed to convince her head to turn and she met Sheryl's eyes.
"Boobs aren't everything," Sheryl began as if this was a very serious matter, "and you've even grown a bit since we started touring, so don't feel bad."
If possible, Ranka's face turned an even brighter red.
"Ah- no- that's not- not it!"
Sheryl smirked, sliding her hands down from Ranka's shoulders and giving her breasts a quick squeeze.
"See, they're nice and perky."
Ranka was mortified. "Sheryl-san!"
She laughed then, reaching out and hugging the green-haired girl. "Just teasing, that's all."
Finding herself face-first in Sheryl's quite ample cleavage, Ranka managed to clear her throat. "Uh, Sheryl-san…"
"Oh, sorry!"
She hastily pulled back, the two just staring at one another for a moment before they both started to laugh. Finally, in an attempt to stop any more awkwardness from happening, Sheryl picked up two towels and handed one to Ranka.
"I was thinking we might play hooky today rather than go to that interview. That woman is such a bitch."
Ranka giggled. "The one we interviewed with two days ago when we arrived?"
"That's the one. I think she's only interviewing us twice to try and get her ratings up. Well….we'll show her."
"I'll call Elmo-san and make apologies while you shower then," Ranka said walking towards the door. Sheryl smiled, one of her real smiles, and winked.
"Thanks, Ranka-chan."
--------------------------------------------------
They'd spent most of the afternoon shopping at the local outdoor mall, and only stopped browsing the stores after they pushed each other into the decorative fountain. Dripping wet and laughing, they'd taken a taxi back to the hotel to dry off and get ready for the show.
"Sheryl-san?" Ranka asked, somewhat muffled by the shirt she was tugging over her head.
"Hmm?"
"About what you were saying when we were shopping…" She trailed off, obviously hoping that Sheryl would pick it up from there. But when she didn't say a word, Ranka pushed on. "When you were looking at the furniture and wondering if it would work for your new place?"
"Ah." The room fell silent for a moment before Sheryl continued. "When I asked if you'd like to move in with me?"
Ranka nodded, knowing this was awkward territory again. The first time she had asked, Ranka didn't know what to say and Sheryl had laughed it off as a joke. But now, on thinking it through, she had a feeling the pink-haired singer had been serious.
"Well, I…I'd really like it if you would. Move in with me, that is," Sheryl hastily said. And before Ranka could reply, their alarm went off. "Time to go, Ranka-chan! We can talk later."
And as they rushed out of the room to their waiting limo, Ranka saw right through the confident smile Sheryl lavished on all the waiting reporters, knowing that the singer was nervous to hear the answer to that question.
--------------------------------------------------
As promised to Elmo-san, Sheryl and Ranka showed up at the concert venue in plenty of time to get ready for the show. The two were rushed off to the waiting makeup and costume crews, and Ranka let her mind wander.
She always did this before she performed, and Sheryl always teased her about spacing out. But she found it relaxing, to just let her thoughts flow instead of getting anxious about performing.
Tonight though, her thoughts were a bit anxious as well; Sheryl's question nagging at the back of her mind.
Well, onii-chan is back together with Cathy. And Brera-san has a bunk at the SMS with Alto-kun…
She felt one of the backstage crew tapping her on the shoulder. Tonight she was performing first, followed by Sheryl's solo set and they would end with their duet set.
"Ah, thanks!" She said, standing and walking out to her offstage mark as the opening light show finished its run.
Glancing across the backstage, she saw Sheryl on the other side giving her a smile and a wink. Ranka smiled back, then as the lights went down she walked out onto the stage and took her place.
Closing her eyes, she felt the roar of the crowd as the spotlight lit her up. "Everyone! Hold me, until the edge of the galaxy!"
---------------------------------------------------
The answer came to her suddenly during her performance, and Ranka almost missed a lyric of Anata no Oto as the impact of it hit. Catching her breath when the song ended, she looked to the wings of the stage, seeking out the person she knew was watching.
Sure enough, there she was; already in her outfit for her first number and watching with that little quirk of a smile she always had during Ranka's shows. Ranka felt her heart leap in her chest and she took a deep breath.
The question was never about whether or not to move in. That would have been an easy answer I wouldn't have to think about.
Her thoughts raced as the intro to her next song started.
The question has always been something else. About Sheryl and I. About how I see her. About how I…
She let her thoughts trail off as she started to sing. Three more songs and then she'd give Sheryl the answer she was waiting for.
---------------------------------------------------
As she left the stage to loud applause and cheers, Ranka could feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins. This was the reckless feeling she always got after performing, and she knew if she waited for this to abate, that she wouldn't be as decisive.
Rushing across the backstage to where Sheryl was waiting for her cue, Ranka reached out and took her wrist.
"Sheryl-san, wait a moment."
The crowd's chants were resounding in the background, but Ranka couldn't hear them. All the sound had seemed to evaporate from the place, leaving just the hammering of her heart to fill the void.
"About…you were…I-I'd like very much to move in with you, Sheryl--"
Sheryl cut her off with a trembling finger to her lips. "You aren't just saying this to make me happy, are you?"
Ranka shook her head vehemently, dropping the formalities she pressed forward. "I want this, Sheryl. To stay with you."
For a brief moment, Ranka saw a flicker of shock cross Sheryl's face. She too had realized that this was about more than moving. And for the slightest second, she almost thought she could see tears starting to well in Sheryl's eyes.
Before she could get a better look, Sheryl pulled her into a fierce embrace; the hair on top of her head ruffling with her whispered words. "Thank you, Ranka."
They stood clutching to one another, until slowly the world seemed to come back into focus around them; both registering the roar of the crowd in the background, they reluctantly pulled apart. And when Ranka looked up at Sheryl, she saw the most beautiful smile gracing her features.
Cupping Ranka's chin in her hand, Sheryl leaned in to whisper in her ear. "I'll have to make sure our new place has a nice shower then, eh?"
Ranka felt her face heat up as the tips of her hair quirked up in embarrassment. Sheryl just smirked and pressed a quick kiss to Ranka's forehead. "I'll see you after the show."
Without a word more, she took up her microphone and strode out onto the stage as the lights came up.
"Listen to my song!"
---------------------------------------------------------------
They were both exhausted after the concert; unable to leave their final crowd of the tour unsatisfied, they'd come back out three times for an encore. In the rush of photographers and reporters outside the concert hall and those that were waiting outside the front of their hotel, no one seemed to notice that the two singers were holding hands.
Once back in their room, Ranka toppled onto her bed with her clothes still on.
"I'm so tired; I don't want to move for weeks. Every bone in my body is aching."
Sheryl laughed, sliding onto the bed beside her. "Well, not to gloat- but that was the best damn show we've ever done."
Ranka smiled. "You think so?"
"I know it. I've never felt like this after a show before."
A comfortable silence fell between them, as if they were both just basking in the comfort of a cushy bed beneath their aching bodies.
"Ranka, could I…"
Before Sheryl could finish, Ranka boldly made the offer. "Would you like to stay here tonight, Sheryl?"
Blue eyes flickered over to the empty bed across the room and then back to Ranka; tilting her head to the side, Sheryl smirked mischievously.
"I hope you don't mind if I slip into something more comfortable," she teased.
Ranka gave her a warning look. "Sheryl…"
"What? Leather isn't exactly fun to sleep in."
Indicating the tight black pants she was in, Ranka had to laugh. Rolling towards the side of her bed with a groan, she rubbed the ache in her back and replied, "I suppose I can manage to move enough to change into something more comfortable as well."
Sheryl grinned. "That's the spirit."
Uninhibited as usual, she started pulling off her leather pants right there, leaving Ranka to pointedly look the other way. No matter what her mind was suggesting now that the floodgate of answers had opened, she was far too tired to do anything but sleep.
Slipping out of her own clothes and tugging on her camisole and shorts, Ranka pulled back the sheets and slid under them. Moments later, Sheryl joined her.
Slender arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close, and Ranka had to admit she was almost enjoying the way her heart was racing; but a sudden thought interrupted that.
"What are we going to tell Alto-kun?"
She could feel Sheryl's lips quirk into a smirk against her forehead, "We'll tell him he'll have to share, that's what."
They giggled, both imagining Alto's reaction. Ranka paused, yawning and blearily rubbing her eyes.
"Okay, I'm going to have to sleep." Taking a deep breath, she looked up into Sheryl's eyes and shyly leaned a small bit forward. "Goodnight, Sheryl."
Sheryl closed the remaining distance, capturing Ranka's lips in a kiss. Pulling back with a winning grin, she winked teasingly.
"Sweet dreams, Ranka-chan."
Just as she was settling her head under Sheryl's chin, Ranka started with realization.
"…A-are you only in your underwear?"
She could practically hear the smirk as she replied, "Is that a problem?"
Not about to let her get in the last word, Ranka retorted. "I'm overdressed, that's all."
And pleased to see a somewhat flustered look on her face, Ranka cuddled closer and fell asleep to the sound of Sheryl's beating heart.
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