It was early in the morning that the Himeno family had summoned Jessie and Alice for an important meeting. After the two had left the great hall, The Lord and lady had dispersed the tense silence that followed by discussing further on a mutual idea. They couldn't doubt the Kakura mistress's view on what often occurred between the girls of girls schools due to the absence of males. Anything that blossomed was bound to be meaningless sweet nothings - a way to entertain and occupy oneself during the drab school years as they matured. This was probably no different. Yet still the idea had been challenged. So a sort of test would be decided for the girls. A test to prove the sincerity and extent of their love.

The Himeno lady stood poised at her husband's side in the great hall. It was five minutes to the time they had called the girls to be downstairs in the spacious, perhaps slightly intimidating room. The furred white scarf that hung about her shoulders rose and fell as a sigh was pushed through her glistening lips. It wasn't ladylike to sigh, though at this moment, she found herself not being able to help it. The pink haired girl's sincerity and care for Alice last night, the burning ferocity her daughter showed and the passionate kiss that was shared right in front of the watching parents. All played on replay within the regal woman's mind. Her icy-blue gaze remained trained on the door, waiting, watching, even messing with the wedding expensive diamond ring on her left ring finger. She noticed what she was doing almost instantly and stopped herself. She was getting too worked up over all of this. Noticing his wife's anxious state, the Himeno lord finally voiced something in hopes to reassure her:

"Dear, why don't you sit down?"

She shifted her gaze to him, finally noticing she had been standing for nearly the entire hour. She pulled out a chair and sat down in a single graceful motion. Four minutes the girls had to report to the room. Hopefully they would make it on time. Beside her stood the mousy head maid, Charlotte, as well as the short flaxen haired maid Rie and the emotionless purple-haired tall maid by the name of Paraietta, whom was Alice's personal maid and had showed Jessie the way through the house when the tomboy had gotten lost finding Alice the first time she had came to the manor.

" I can barely move ...alice where'd you get these clothes.."

She tightly held the others hand as they flew down hall way after all trying to make it in time for their meeting. Jessie had been to embarrassed to wear the dress to the meeting yet she also didn't want to wear something shed already warn infront of the Himeno family,she thought it rude.

So she asked Alice for some clothing, but when she asked for clothing she had forgotten that though they were similar in height Alice was far more petite. Not that Jessie was chubby but... She wasn't one for sports . The black tight slacks held to her form very well a little to well in fact. As one of Alices blouses held to her nicely but she had to leave the top two buttons undone. Heals where fitted to her feet and actually helped her look even more mature..no wonder Alice wore them.

Though as far as walking it wasn't going every well at all, every other step she almost tripped but luckily with holding her girls friends hand they managed to make it to the doors of the room they were to meet Alices father and mother.

They stopped for a moment and Jessie took that moment to catch her breath. " Alice...no matter...we need to try our best so that we truly prove we love one another....."

Squeezing the others hand she stood tall. Shed left the braid in that Alice had made but everything was pulled in a lose low pony that held to her back.

Although she was trying to keep professional and was more focused on making it in time to the meeting her parents had requested, the snow-white spider wanted to laugh.

"They are custom tailored." She managed to respond.

She often made the clothes herself, or sometimes a personal seamstress came to make clothes for her. Rarely ever were clothes purchased just like they were. She walked quickly and quietly hand-in-hand with her love, still trying her hardest to terminate a chuckle that wished to be projected at how much the girl was struggling while trying to walk in the high heels. A few maids trailed them close yet far enough to not encroach on the two.

When they stopped, the snowy spider smoothed the skirt of her dress with the unoccupied hand. It was the same dress she had worn when she had first met Jessie, and her usual go-to one. The long-sleeved black and white striped topped with its small green ribbon and large white arm cuffs brought out her slender, curving while knee-high black socks masked the slight shortness of the frilled black skirt. The black heels gave a little height to her. With how often she wore the tall heeled shoes, any normal lady would be complaining of intense pain, but of course, Alice couldn't feel the straining ache that came along with the elevated shoes.

She offered a nod to the tomboy's words. A certain silver bell and, ironically, snowflake-shaped earrings rattled at the action. The dutifully maids that had been following moved past the two and opened the large ornamental doors once they were reached while the three maids beside the Himeno mistress bowed as the door was opened. Alice lead her girlfriend into the room with almost stiff steps. Each one echoed about the room. Once she reached the center, she begrudgingly let her frosty hand slip from the other's warm one, holding to the edge of black skirt to curtsy. To compromise for not having a long skirt, she stepped back and bent her knees more and lowered herself further. She glanced to Jessie, silently signaling her to take a bow.

The Himeno mistress gave permission to rise with a graceful wave of an upturned hand. The three maids beside her remained frozen in their bowed positions.

"After the events of last night, my husband and I were discussing what was said during it." She began, her kind, soft voice almost weary.

"As miss McKnight had suggested, a test for both of you to prove what you call 'love' for one another is in order." Her husband continued. "We have discussed the matter as well as the majority of possibilities, and believe we may have each come to a mutual decision. However..."

His dark-eyed gaze narrowed to a serious, pinning stare. "Are you two fully prepared to comply and are still in belief your love for one another is true, and not as miss Kakura had summarized?"

The question hung in the still tense air almost as a threat.

Bow !? Bow how was she even to bend over. But in the presence of who she was she thought it best to do so,after all she did respect Alices parents though she disagreed with their tactics. Carefully she slid a foot back much like when peeping for a dance , her arm held to her chest and a bow was given, feeling a tad tightness to her one angle she had to cut it short. ' I'll have to phrase Alice for being able to do anything in these..' Jessie thought before she turned her full attention to the lady draped in white, Alices mother.

She carefully listened and watched with full focus..actually she was trying to hide a face of worry, maybe the stress of this all had gotten to the four of them, but ..Alice's mother seemed extremely tired, almost warn out.

Yet she bit her tongue as not to say anything until allowed go do so. Yet when she got the chance a question was asked by Alice's father, sternly , piercing eyes even made it more important to give a answer to it. " Forgive me.."

The tomboy began " But that is a silly question to ask, Of course its true. "

Her voice still kind but firm. As she continued she stepped forward as so only Alice, her mother and father could hear. Boone else. " For it would be the same as me questioning you sir...and I would never because I can tell you do, In the way you've covered for your wife's tiredness.. "

Before she backed away from the table she shot a worried look at Alices mother, one of almost a daughter's love and concern. Though soon she respectfully stepped back in place by Alice. " Forgive me, I over stepped my boundaries, and with what I just said... I am ready for any test, and I will not cut corners, I understand to truly show my love I must truly try my best. "

She lightly bowed her head as a sign of apology and respect.

Alice simply remained silent as Jessie spoke. Her stance had frozen itself in an elegant replica of first position in ballet, mostly out of unconscious habit.

The Himeno lord's piercing gaze neither softened nor further hardened at Jessie's words. He looked to his weary wife, taking a moment to admire the pure-white snowy appearance she held that had been reflected unto their albino daughter. It still amazed him sometimes that something that resulted from a genetic defect could create something so beautiful and pure. This observation only prevailed for a second before he returned his attention to the matter at hand. 'Observant girl...' He remarked in his mind. The curtains bordering the large windows on either side of the wall behind the table would have to be drawn shut soon when the morning sun began to reach its peak in intensity; because she was albino, she had a strong sensitivity to light - even stronger than their daughter - and often felt weakened or faint or in a little bit of pain vision-wise if exposed to too much of the intense brightness. The Himeno mistress noticed the look the pink haired girl had given her. She didn't provide a reaction in return, although the slightest of a smile flashed briefly across a corner of her lips.

Alice's father gave a subtle nod then looked at his daughter. "Et vous, mon cher lapin, Alice?" (And you, my dear rabbit, Alice?) The albino girl wanted to give a slight roll of her eyes at the nickname he so often used to use for her, but as it was improper and unprofessional, only dropped into another formal but brief curtsy.

"Je suis le même, le père." (I am the same, father.) She responded.

Once again, the Himeno lord nodded. Alice's mother cleared her throat and sat up in her chair, the furred scarf shuddering at the action almost as if with a life of its own. "Then, now if we may, announce the tests of which we have decided to both of you individually."

Even in her weariness, she managed to contribute a firmness to her usually warm voice. Letting her sky-blue gaze drift to her daughter, she spoke again. "For you, my dear Alice, we both have decided that your test will be regarding your dancing. You will be substituted a new dance partner of practice for the time being for this test, selected by us, who's details we will present privately to you at a later time."

The snowy widow masked any and all reaction to the information and simply nodded her head. "I understand and accept, mère." The words fell from her lips quieter than she would have liked them to, betraying her guarding ice.

The regal albino woman took a breath and then turned to Jessie. While her expression was stiff and darkened by her exhaustion, her eyes held a kindness to them as they gazed at the girl. "And as for you, miss Mcknight..." She paused for a moment. "We have arranged for you to spend some time with someone we also have selected. This person's details will similarly be presented to you privately. Also, it is advisory that you two try to not see each other for a while. Do you agree to these conditions, miss Mcknight?"

A nod was given as to show her agreement but then she thought best to speak a response. " I will agree with these terms, Ms. Himeno. Ah but -"

Deciding it best not to mention her personal thought she caught her words " Ah ..never mind.."

Jessie will just have to have Alice come apartment hunting with her after this was all done. " Thank you for at least being open to my idea of holding a test ...it will at least give us a chance. "

She gave a careful planned bow, though this time her ankle slipped , she didn't move but took a moment to hide her pain she just carefully stood up, this wasn't the time to be hurt...it would just look like a way to get out of this predicament. Though one thought did arise ' I will never wear heals again.'

Carefully she rose her foot just high enough to relive the pressure, but so the healed shoe hid it from prying eyes. Ironic to have Alice test be to dance for someone else..guess this would make sure that happened.

"Of course, miss Mcknight."

The tests had been agreed to. The undisclosed information would be given individually in time, but for now, they had had to make sure the announcements had been made. The Himeno mistress felt a slight weight rise from her shoulders now that the announcements had been made. It was just putting them in to action which would be the next steps. She wondered how each would fare as did her husband. This was a predicament they hadn't expected - their daughter having fallen in love with another girl. Fallen in love with anyone, truthfully.

"Then it is settled then," her father added. "Thank you both for your consent. The tests will begin promptly."

The girl's mishap didn't go unnoticed by the Himeno parents nor Alice herself. Did she harm her ankle? They couldn't really tell. But the brief flash of pain hadn't gone unnoticed. "Ah, are you alright, miss Mcknight?"

It wasn't a maid's turn to speak, even if it was the head maid whom had spoken out of turn. Charlotte lowered her head a little in embarrassment, her words and voice having been projected almost unconsciously. She remembered this girl...well, boy, she had thought at the time, from the first time the young snowy mistress had arrived with her at the manor. Such a dashing figure she was, even with long hair. The mousy maid fidgeted nervously with her hands. The start of a faint blush had blossomed across her cheeks. The Himeno parents did nothing to scold her. They were far to weary to conduct such a matter, and instead dismissed it and just looked to Jessie, wondering what her answer was to the maid's outburst. Beside Charlotte, Rie and Paraietta stood perfectly still in their proper positions.

So Jessie wasn't good at hiding anything from this family, forcing down a slight amused chuckle she shook her head in defeat. Yet what had surprized her was the one who questioned her,it wasn't Alice but the mousy maid that was so kind to her, that and taken with Jessie when they first met though that was when she looked a bit more boyish. Jessie's lips turned to a soft smile of gratitude. " I am fine Charlotte, wasn't it ?...though...i won't be wearing heels any longer. "

A slight chuckle slipped out of her lips as she rolled her ankle to have her face wince. " Though...maybe an ice bag might be needed..."

She sighed, well know she knew all of the Himeno house hold was as perceptive as Alice was. looking at everyone she politely bowed her head. " Sorry for trying to hide this, I was thinking that you'd think of me of trying to get out of this...which I would never do.."

Charlotte blushed slightly when she was spoken to, surprised that the girl even remembered her name. The shorter, flaxen-haired maid, Rie, beside her gave her a brief look warning her to keep professional. The black-haired maid clenched her hands and returned to her original stiff posture the best she could. She wanted to giggle at the last part about the mention of the heeled shoes. She had no idea how either of the snowy Himeno lady and mistress wore them every day. She knew of course Alice couldn't feel the pain it often brought, but the lady of the manor she assumed must be immune to it since she wore them frequently.

"It is quite alright, miss Mcknight." The Himeno lord gave a brief gesture of a hand. Looking to his wife then at Charlotte, he spoke again, "Charlotte, if you would please, retrieve a bag of ice for miss Mcknight."

The timid head maid gave a proper bow, and scurried off through the room and out the large doors. Alice didn't know too much on how to deal with sprains - she rarely noticed when she got one until the foot which would be hurting started giving out - but thought for a moment in the brief silence that followed.

"After icing it, wrap it up tightly and try not to put pressure on it. Walking more on the front of your foot until it heals should help." Or at least that was what she had been told.

"The tests will be active soon, and the withheld information given. For now, you should tend to your ankle, miss Mcknight, once Charlotte returns, and both of you prepare to be given a ride back to Astrea." The Himeno mistress continued. "Thank you both for agreeing."

Alice gave just a brief, graceful decline of her knees this time. Dancing with a different dance partner wouldn't be that challenging; she could fall into sync with almost anyone as soon as the first few steps were taken; but she wondered how it would go now that she was used to Jessie's movements and flow. Her thoughts were cut short as Charlotte promptly returned with a bag of ice wrapped up in a soft towel as to prevent too much of the cold or dampness from seeping through.

She almost chuckles at the caring advice that was given by her girlfriend. Wasn't it Jessie that had told her that once, seemed Alice had forgotten that little fact. " I will..thank you."

As she saw the little maid leave she nodded to Alices father and mother " Thank you for this chance one again. "

She was unsure if she was allowed to leave with Alice or not so she stood there waiting, but as the little maid charlotte came back she decided it would be alright if she at least moved to one of the empty chairs nearest to the door. The maid came swiftly with ice which she noted was neatly wrapped in a towel. Sitting down she placed her hand on the ice , unconsciously touching the others hand, though it went unnoticed for shed gotten so use to the storm of hot and cold. " Thank you , charlotte"

The words rolled off her tongue as she placed the ice pack onto her now bare ankle. It was a tad red now but no swelling had accrued yet. Looking to Alice she smiled it wasn't her usual one...more rather it was an almost secret signal, one to say we will make it through this.

The Himeno parents both gave acknowledging nods. They were eager to see how the tests would go and how both girls would fare. If their love was truly just a meaningless substitute like what the Kakura mistress had said, then it would just further prove that occurrence. But in the case this unexpected announcement of mutual love was true, then they would have no choice but to accept it, or at least, try. Although tradition was tradition in the end.

Charlotte offered a shy bow to the girl before resuming her original position beside Rie and Paraietta. Alice noticed the smile and though her monotonous expression didn't change, she softened her frozen gaze to issue a silent response of her own. The additional information had been kept private for now, but would most likely be supplied soon. She couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy about whom would be the different dance partner. She kind of hoped her parents would disclose the information soon. The Himeno lord eventually shifted in his chair and cleared his throat once more, "

"As for arranging for you both to return to Astrea, you two may choose to leave as soon as you are finished tending to your ankle, miss Mcknight, or you may stay for a little while. The choice is up to you both." He was far too weary to continue much longer, as was his wife. With a graceful gesture of a hand, the Himeno mistress dismissed the few maids. Paraietta spoke a few phrases to Alice in French, inquiring if Jessie or she need anything to call for her. Alice thanked her as the trio of maids shuffled out. Charlotte gave one glance back at the pair. The Himeno lord and lady meanwhile remained in their stiff sitting positions in their chairs, making sure the pink haired girl was alright from afar. Such a peculiar girl this tomboy was.

Slightly she mouthed the words thank you once more; as the last look charlotte gave had not gone unnoticed. After a moment of icing her ancle, she slowly stood, limping she made her way to Alice. Once they were alone she more or less confidently took her girlfriend by the chin, tilting the others head only slightly as she let there lisps meet her hand glided up to grasp a bit of neck hair and jaw. Two finger tips played with the others neck and hair. She let only the two finger tips glide across skin as she pulled away. She let a few words whisper out in English. " So you won't forget me."

Switching back to Japanese she smiled. " Good luck, my love "

She seemed a little lonely already but she wanted to make sure to be close to Alice so though she knew Alice didn't like touch she couldn't help her self when and arm wrapped over Alices shoulder. If Alice inquired or tensed maybe the excuse to use her as a crutch could have Alice tolerate it. Yet that wasn't the true reason, at least not fully. " lets get home.."

Snowflake lashes fluttered shut as warm lips pressed against hers. She twitched a little when her neck was played with, though she tried not to let the reaction show through the ice of her guard. She would miss this girl. Her presence, her warmth - even her touch. The blend of the heat and cold felt so much more natural now, that she honestly enjoyed it and felt a bit...not complete when it wasn't there. The English words elicited a single quiet chuckle from the snowy spider while the Japanese-spoken ones received a verbal echo:

"Good luck to you as well, my dear." Her words were let out in their usual monotonous tone, but they were sincere.

An arm soon draped over her shoulders, and while Alice tensed, she wondered if it was perhaps to help support the girl with her injured ankle. Even if it wasn't, she let it be and gave a nod to the next spoken words. Touch made her tense up, yet she just wanted to feel it and its warmth the moment, knowing this would be the last time she would see the girl until their tests had been completed. With that kind of lonesome thought in mind, she proceeded to exit the stately manor with the girl, prepared for anything.