Since chapter 36 turned our world upside down (damn that author!) Messed up my vibes for citrus after reading the "36". Anyway, I just ended up rolling different scenarios in my head while waiting for chapter 37's release.

Pardon me if I had some information wrong or different on this story.

Just enjoy the tumoil. That's the only thing I can say for now….

And oh any beta reader around? I'm just throwing ideas and I am not in the mood to check my grammar and all. Feel free to criticize me.

Chapter 1: Love is timeless

Time flew by fast. Six years passed after Yuzu last stepped foot on this train. She still remembered the parting hugs from her mother and Harumin; the sniffles Matsuri tried to hide when she gave her goodbye and Nene's… well you know.

"I surely be suprising them when I show up unannounced"

Oh just how much Yuzuko Aihara will swallow those words afterwards.

Six years ago before their high school graduation, Sara invited Yuzu to a little get together to celebrate their upcoming new 'fates'. They decided to meet up at a famous restaurant featuring exquisite arts in Kyoto. Even though it was ways away for the blonde girl, she agreed. It was a break that she needed after everything. So much for the break Yuzu was hoping for because as soon as they met up the first thing Sara asked was how hers and Mei's relationship is going. Unknowingly shattering the last straw of her friend as Yuzu started breaking down in silent tears. That was the only answer Sara needed before she hugged the shaking girl and helped her calm down after all their purpose of meeting was to celebrate. It was painstaking at first but eventually the two friends fell in a comfortable conversation.

That was the same day as well when Yuzu found her escape.

She and Sara were bidding their goodbyes at the train station when someone tapped the blonde's shoulder. Yuzu's green eyes went wide when she turned to the person. Red flaming hair framing a delicate face. Such a nice shade of red that she wasn't able to stop herself from voicing her reaction.

"Oh my god! What brand of hair dye are you using?"

All she got for a reply was an open laughter from the inquisitor.

"Goodness! You beat me to it! I was going to ask the same thing!" the redhead managed to say in between her laughs.

She breathed deeply to control her voice as she continued speaking. "I saw you when you boarded the train and though I just saw your hair differently from the lightning outside but when you came in and I got a better look. I said to myself I need to ask her hair dye. That is an impressive shade by the way."

Doing her own incredulousness of the situation, the blonde unconsciously twirled her locks with her right hand. Eyeing it like the first time. She jumped back when the girl's face hovered over her own. Too close that they're eye to eye.

"Damn girl. Nice eyes too." Noticing the uncomfortable atmosphere, the redhead stepped back and patted the fidgetting blonde's shoulder.

"Relax. I'm not hitting on you. I just wanted to see if you were wearing contacts."

"Can't you just ask?! Doing that to a stranger…" the blonde huffed and crossed her arms doing her best immitation of death-glare.

"Wohow down girl. I wasn't trying to take you away from your girlfriend –"

"Sara isn't my girlfriend—"

"You still didn't say you don't have one."

And with that the two ended up sputtering incoherent bickerings until they both burst out laughing.

"My name's Juliet Sears. Yours?"

"Yuzuko Aihara. But you can call me Yuzu."

"Well Yuzu are you going to tell me your secret to this hair now? After all. Us with such unique beauties should stick together." And for the first time, Yuzu saw her reflecting shades of green eyes staring back at her. It was a lighter shade bordering from forest green to lime. That was six years ago.

Six years ago when Yuzu left Japan and went to America.

After exchanging phone numbers with Juliet, they immediately started talking about fashion and Yuzu learned that the redhead was just visiting the country after graduating from her college in America. Juliet was born in Japan but at age 14 her mother remarried so they migrated to the United States. Something the blonde certainly related to. Moreover Yuzu was impressed with the girl's talent when the aforementioned sent her pictures of her clothing fashion portfolio. Apparently ms. Sears is going to be the assistant of the manager designer of glamour magazine; one of the leading company in the internationally fashion industry. The blonde was so starstrucked that she blabbed about all sorts of her ideas on fashion so much that on their next meeting Juliet dropped her a bombshell that Yuzuko Aihara never dreamed of.

"This is a joke Juliet right?!"

They were sitting down outside on one of the tables of a crepe store or more likey Yuzu on her feet chair tipped backwards with both of her hand on the table supporting her weight while she leaned with her shocked face to Juliet who was casually sitting down crossed legged eating her crepe like it was a regular thing in the world.

"Geez. Do you not know how to read or you just always wear your heart on your sleeve? Sit down. People are staring." As to emphasize her point. The redhead swiped her spoon around pointing to their audiences. The blonde immediately fixed her chair and mumbled apologies before settling herself down.

"Thank goodness. You do have manners. I though for a sec I should have gotten one for a mental institution instead of this one." Aiming her spoon now on the said papers, the redhead shot Yuzu a sheepish grin.

"So ms. Aihara what do you say?"

Yuzu didn't sleep that night. The papers Juliet gave her was an application invitation for a vocational scholarship offered by Glamour magazine for apprentice. Unbeknownst to the blonde when she started opening her mouth about her views in fashion and sent pictures of her mix-match get-ups to the redhead in between their regular texts or chats that the latter compilled her ideas and actually made her a portfolio then presented it to one of the attendees who handled the department for approving candidates to the scholarship.

Juliet's parting words kept repeating in her head. "Told you. Us unique beauties should stick together." Maybe it was Sara's fate and fortune thing working on her now. But the more Yuzu thought about it, the memory of their meeting resurfaces. More so that moment when she looked at those same colored eyes. There was an irking feeling the blonde cannot pinpoint. Years passed and Yuzu did knew what it was.

The next day, Juliet sent her a text message saying she will be pushing her flight back to US for another two weeks. This left the blonde a week before their graduation and another two weeks to pack up. With such a short notice, Yuzu almost got delirious when she looked at the application papers.

Graduation day came. Things went well will the ceremony even their gathering afterwards. The blonde was starting to enjoy herself and for a long while was able to stay in peace in the same room with her family and friends. Even their father came and showed up just for that day, congratulating them before taking off once again. The last thing he said was he'll be back soon, nodding to his youngest. Yuzu thought it was just a growing gesture berween the two. If she only knew better back then. It was the calm before the storm.

Green orbs were staring through the kitchen window, it was only noon but outside it seemed the sun already retired that day. Dark clouds pouring nonstop rain. Heavy rain. Yuzu and Juliet were suppose to meet up and discuss the terms of the scholarship so as the blonde can figure out her real plans then introduce the redhead to her mother.

"I guess the weather just gave us a break yesterday for the graduation."

The younger girl haven't mentioned any of the offers Juliet laid out for her. Yuzu was careful bringing up the idea or even hinting even an ounce of her leaving the older Aihara. Only dropping small conversations with her mother about a new friend she met whom shares the same hobbies as the blonde. After all, her mother was still coping with the idea of not having the other daughter at the house anymore. They rarely talk about the change but the blonde can see how much the other misses the usual third occupant of their home. And this particular day wasn't an exception.

Taking another dejected look outside, Yuzu switched her attention where her mother was. The older woman caught her gaze before sending her an apologetic smile. She knew what was coming.

"Ah honey I'm sorry. It's just having Mei here yesterday had me caught up this morning." Carefully picking up the third set of plates, the former sighed and went behind the kitchen counter to store the extra dishes.

"Don't worry mom. I got used to it after the third time you setup the table for three." She needed to be nonchalant or she won't be able to keep up her front.

"I do miss her. Do you not?" Putting her fork down, the younger passed it like a rehearsed reply. With her eyes closed, Yuzu spoke the same words she responds to whom asked her the same question.

"It's her decision. All we can do is support her." A charade but it kept her grounded. Her mother never spoke more beyond that point, always giving her a sad smile but didn't dare to push the subject. And just like that they would resume with their regular routines for that day.

"Yuzu would you mind getting the mail? I think the mailman came early."

"This early? Is the storm that really bad?" Without even waiting for a reply, the younger of the household padded her way to their mailbox. Grabbing the stack of mail, Yuzu hurried back inside. It was freezing outside. She immediately dropped the pile atop the now cleaned dining table eyeing the various envelops while rubbing her arms. Scanning her eyes at the senders and to whom the mails addressed to.

"Mom the only thing for you is from the gas company, all of the ones are addressed to me except this red elegant looking envelop." As to emphasize her point, Yuzu waved the said item to her mother's direction. "There's no sender just our address and it says "to the Aihara Residence". Are you waiting for any mail?"

"No. I already got the post card from Sho this month so I don't know anything else. It might be for you as well. After all you just graduated."

"I guess…" Turning back to eye the mysterious letter, the blonde set it aside giving it no mind and sorted the various papers with her name. Truth be told most of the letters were congratulation cards from people she knew. One was from Sara and Nina, some from her so called friends in her old school even her old school itself. She made a mental note to send her own to Sara. The only one left unopened was the elusive red one.

"Why don't you open it? I'm almost done with the dishes."

"What if its rigged?" The two women shared a brief laugh. Yuzu already slid the paper cutter through the envelop before her mother could reply to her jitter.

"Well if it is don't give it to me!" When no response came, the older woman lifted her head and turned the faucet off. She stared worriedly at her daughter's back. The other wasn't moving or saying anything.

"Yuzu—"

"Its for you also. I'll leave it here with the gas mail. I'll be on my room replying to my mails." It was such a hushed answer that Yuzu didn't think her mother understood what she said. Anyhow she didn't bother. She needed to get out of there before… grabbing her mail, she almost ran to her room. With the door closed behind her, the blonde let go off the papers she's clutching tightly. The crumpled pieces dropped to the floor.

Back in the kitchen, the older Aihara watched the younger girl flew to her room. It wasn't the first time her daughter acted like this. Actually it was becoming like a normal occurrence. Drying her hands with the hand towel, she rounded the counter and peeked at the object that had her child flee like she was being burned. She fairly had an idea why or who can cause such reactions. Her little girl was never good at lying anyway. Pulling one of the dining chair so she can sit down, only her whispered words can be heard.

"…requesting your honour of presence…" the tears poured down the mother's face. When Mei told her about the marriage, she was astonished. Mixed feelings even though the dark haired girl wasn't her biological daughter the effect was astounding. Tracing her finger over the image of her youngest standing beside a distinguising looking gentleman, Suzume Aihara felt the longing and sadness of loss. Even though only one of her daughters stepped out of the nest, it dawned on her how it felt as though both of her children left. And how she broke down when those feelings became tangible.

That evening, Yuzu stepped out from her confinement. Suzume was very certain that afternoon she'll be eating dinner alone but was glad the other occupant came to join her. With the earlier 'scenario' she was way beyond sure that Yuzu will lock herself in her room. How she always do after… she pinched her nose. She shouldn't be dwelling on things. She was the mother and right now her daughter needed one.

"I made soup also. It's a new recipe I came up with." Striking a topic that the younger girl would enjoy hearing about, the former got her most cheerful smile ready as she awaited the usual curious inquiry. It never came. Instead, her daughter politely thanked her for cooking and asked if they can talk after eating.

"Of course dear. You know you can always talk to me." An hour passed. Suzume wished she could take those words back. No, scratch that. How she wished Yuzu just stayed locked in her room. It was a bad idea for her to think but better than what was going on right now.

"Mom. I'm sorry but I already made my decision."
"Yuzuko…" the aforementioned flinched. Hearing her mother say her name like that, it broke the blonde's heart. She cannot bare to look her mother in the eye. Not right now.

"Thank you for cooking. I'm going to bed now. Good night mom."

"Yuzu"

Halting just by the corridor, the younger girl dared to glimpse back at the dining table. Her mother was not even looking at her direction. The older woman was staring down at the item she was holding. The blonde did not have to take another time to know what was her mother fixated on.

"Please let ms. Sears know I would like to have a meeting with her as soon as possible."

Putting down the seemingly glaring opponent of her daughter, Suzume pushed the invitation behind her, away from sight thus refocusing her baby girl's attention to her. Her baby girl.

"I cannot tell you what to do anymore. I love you and you will always have my support." Maybe it was those words from her mom that night that helped her to move forward. So when the weather settled, Yuzu immediately invited Juliet over to work on their progress much to the surprise of the redhead. She wasn't expecting the younger girl to decide that fast let alone sent her the application fully filled up through email. All documents necessary attached with just a short note "Attached are the requirements for the application. Please let me know if anything else would be needed. Thanks - Yuzu". Midnight. The day after the blonde's graduation.

Two dinners with the two Aihara women and Juliet, though it was more like an interrogation session according to the redhead; long hours of sorting documents; some shopping and even a video conference interview from glamour, the fashion duo managed to finish the application process in a span of one week. Yuzu was betting on that she made a clown out of herself on the online interview that when the email containing the result of the application came, she was so scared and won't open it. If it wasn't for Juliet barging in their apartment screaming she'll shave the blonde's head for not replying to the email after two days since it was sent that Yuzu found out she was accepted and glamour needed her signature on some papers as soon as possible so they can prepare the necessary arrangement for her. Apparently, one of the attendees mentioned to the redhead that there was no response from Ms. Yuzuko Aihara's official welcome letter.

"Jesus christ What in god's name were you thinking?! Oh lord! Yuzuko!"

"Alright alright! Stop the divinity.*

"Excuse me miss, if it wasn't for divine intervention I would have murdered your flashy blonde bundle by now. Seriously? What in the world were you thinking?" When no reply came, Juliet eyed the now mute girl. The said blonde was sitting in the middle of her bed hugging a bear which the redhead thought to be cute but at thr same tine ridiculous. Anyway, she prefer a bubbly annoying Yuzu than this.. . sighing, the older fashion diva sat down at the edge of the bed and tipped the head of the stuffed animal so she can look at the face of her friend. The redhead wasn't surprised to be met with teary greens. Reaching her dominant hand, Juliet playfully wiped the blonde's tears away.

"Whatever it is… it. Will. Be…." Sliding the tips of her fingers downward "fine!" and pinching hard Yuzu's cheek."Owowow! Ouch!"

Now sat straight atop the bed the somber blonde rubbed the left side of her face while glaring daggers at the cackling cheek-pincher.

"You should have seen your face. It was priceless." Picking up the forgotten cuddle-buddy of the blonde, Juliet lifted the bear in front of her making sure it was facing the other before doing her best immitation of how a bear should talk.

"Congratulations Yu-zu-ko. Come on and smile now because you'll need to take a picture for your passport visa soon!" For a moment, the redhead though her companion went back to mopping as she peeked over her puppet. She saw the younger girl caressing the bear's hands (paws.). Juliet released a sighed of relief as the other finally spoke something.

"Thank you Kumagoro."

" You mean thank you Juliet, right?" Handling 'Kumagoro' back to its previous captor, the puppeteer stood up. Now that things eased it was time to get down to business. Bright lime orbs swept the desk table where pile of papers scattered.

"While its nice to meet your Kumagoro—"

"He isn't mine."

"—nice to meet not-yours Kumagoro." Rolling her eyes at the blonde who certainly 'not' had her arms all around the 'not hers' Kumagoro, the older fashionista picked up a folder from the stack atop the clattered desk. Flipping it open, she skimmed at the content nodding approvingly at the contents of document.

"Though you plunk at your earlier year, you did well afterwards. At least we can be proud with your transcript huh Yu?" Continuing through the academic paper history of the blonde, Juliet stopped at a particular page. Turning to the bear-cuddler, she doubled check the information before voicing her inquiry.

"Say Yuzu, the seal here on your transcript and diploma are signed by Aihara. Are you any by chance related? Just wondering. You might have just the same last name or whatever." Scratching her head for such a ridiculous attempt to stir the blonde to a conversation about their progress. "Let see, here it is. Mei Aihara is the name." And with that, all of the redhead's effort to have a decent conversation went out the window as the girl sitting by the bed started openly crying much to the bewilderment of Juliet.

Back at present, the blonde chuckled to herself as she held her said passport in hand. The memory of that day still as fresh on her mind. Yuzu remembered how freaked out the redhead blew her composure all over as Juliet cursed all the abc in the profanity dictionary. The blonde didn't cared though until the disraught older girl started calling the mother of the house that Yuzu settled enough to protest to the redhead's idea. With a leverage over her, the younger girl didn't had a choice but to explain everything to Juliet.

"Speaking of the devil…" Pocketing her passport, Yuzu pulled out her ringing phone from her other side. She didn't need to look at the caller id as the caller insisted to have her own distinguished ringtone proclaiming that people can't miss her calls. It was funny at first but the blonde agreed onwards as it turned out to be useful after their lives started hectic schedules.

"Now you are not stalking me are you?" There was a chuckle at the line before a voice came through.

"Am I that obvious? Sorry I'll make it less obvious next time. Honey."

Sharing another round of laughter, Yuzu glanced at her watch noting the current time. "Are you still at work?"

"Now you're the one stalking me." There was a slight pause as a beeping sound came through the line followed by a car door closing. "Yeah; just got in my car. Where you now anyway?"

Shuffling a bit with her suitcase as the train let on more people, Yuzu readjusted her carrying bag before replying to the phone call. "On the train now just left Kyoto, the flights were rescheduled. They actually moved me to first class!"

"You didn't happen to drop your name when you got to the airline gates did you?"

Recalling her trip earlier, the blonde did got some attention at the airport stop over after showing her id to the ticket attendant. "Well… yeah you did remind me about that. I had no choice! They asked for my id. Anyway I'll be popping for brunch at my mom's."

"Good to hear you enjoyed the flight then. Just checking so we won't be surprised if we get a phone call here asking for your ransom. I won't hold you long. Still need to drive home. Don't forget my gift to your mom." Saying their goodbyes, Yuzu smiled at the older girl's antics. Nevertheless Juliet was a great friend. Switching her screen to messages, she composed a quick message to her mother.

'Happy golden year to my awesome mom! So what's the celebration plan? ;)' Noting which station she's at, the blonde accessed her estimated travel time to reach her old home. Her mother kept the apartment declining her daughter's offer of buying her a house on one of her birthdays, instead Suzume just opted for a simple SUV for her personal travelling purposes. It didn't stop the compulsive daughter from purchasing the most expensive SUV out that time though. "Well, she didn't say what kind." Yuzu commented to Juliet back then when the older Aihara burst out in a video call about a car delivered within 24 hours after speaking with her daughter about getting her a 'decent' one.

After completing the blonde's apprenticeship, Yuzu got a great career path and her income rate was well generous to support any lifestyle she wanted. Her work kept her time fully occupied and it was a reasonable excuse to her mom whenever the woman asked when she'll go home. So the younger Aihara decided to give her mother a personal appearance for her 50th. Besides Yuzu wanted to congratulate personally as well the pink-haired girl on her accomplishment. Matsuri was graduating from college in a few days plus she needed to see Harumin's upcoming venue. Eventually the brunette chose to become an executive event planner. After venturing between different jobs, the bubbly girl ended her job hunting and opened up her own company. The Tamaguchi Services. And her slogan "With Tamaguchi Services we'll keep any occasion upbeat. We'll help you plan your dreams!" The grand opening will be in two weeks. Switching back to her inbox, Yuzu read her mother's reply.

'Thank you very much my equally awesome daughter. How was work? Are you home now? We're just actually staying home and get some food. Your father is coming home also.'

It will be a full family. Family. Then she will be there. Yuzu breathed In and out. This is nor the time to dwell on the past. She stood up and exited the train.

A cab ride and one autograph later, Yuzu stood outside her former residence. The ride from the train station was a little comical for the blonde's view point. Five minutes on her ride, she cannot take it anymore as the driver kept on glancing at her through the rear view mirror. She was starting to get annoyed by the unwanted attention and all leachy ideas the peeping tom might be having. When she had enough and was going to give the old man a piece of her mind, the driver suddenly hit the breaks and turned to her in awe.

"You're the girl from glamour!"

Yuzu choked on her supposedly speech and ended up just nodding to the man. He shifted to drive soon after ranting his fanboy mode to his idol.

"I did not want to be rude and all ma'am but your advice about hair color was life saving! My wife loves my hair! She reads your daily issue. I can't believe you're my passenger! I can't wait to tell my wife!"

Thanking the heavens that her destination was only a ten minute ride from the train station, the celebrity hurriedly pulled out her credit card to pay the cab fare but the driver waved her off.

"I am happy to drive you ma'am."

Yuzu was about to protest when the old man pulled a magazine from his passenger seat and showed it to her. It was the glamour's latest edition of the fashion and health. It was turned to the last page where it listed the editors and staff that issued the bundle. The man pointed to her picture.

"Would you mind if I ask for your autograph? My wife will be thrilled to have it."

Accepting the offered pen and magazine, the blonde happily gave the man his request. He politely thanked the young lady and bid her a good day.

"Well that was something." Pressing the up button on the elevator, Yuzu smiled to herself. She cannot wait to see her mother's reaction. A bing signaled her selected floor as the elevator doors open. The blonde gingerly pulled her suitcase to the door that posted Aihara residence. Fumbling with her pocket, she sighed when her old key card stilll worked. Her mother haven't change the locks. Scratch that. Her mother did not change anything. The entry way looked the same.

Closing the front door as quiet as possible, Yuzu sneaked in. Leaving her bag and suitcase by the door to not cause much noise, she tipped toed to the living room. Popping her head as she survey the area for her victim. No sign of the older woman. Checking the kitchen, still no sign of her mother.

"She did say they're getting food." Walking back to her belongings, the blonde cannot help but marveled at how everything looked the same. Except one. She headed straight to her old room and wasn't surprised that it looked just the way she left it. Dropping her luggages on the floor, Yuzu noticed a lump on her bed. There it is.

"There you are Kumagoro."

"Yuzu…"

Six yeats. Time flew by but it did not change the effect that voice gives whenever it mentions her name. The way it made her feel the first time it was uttered by those lips.

Six years later Yuzuko Aihara stood like a shy teenager and tongue tied as she stared at the standing woman by the doorway. Her flowing dark hair was longer framing her mature yet delicate face. Her statue taller yet leaner. The blonde thought the time stopped as she gazed on those eyes that haunt her dreams. The clock seemed to move again when a rustling sound came from the bed and those eyes broke contact with blonde's as it directed its attention to the bed.

"Yuzu?"

The blonde bit her tongue trying to form a reply when another voice beat her to it.

"Mommy?"

Apparently she isn't the only 'Yuzu' in the room. Turning her head almost giving herself a whiplash, green eyes widen like saucers as she was met with the baby image of Mei. The little girl had her tiny arms around Kumagoro and looking at her curiously.

"Oh my god! Yuzuko my daughter is that you?!" From the hallway throygh the open door Suzume rushed in and hugged the still speechless blonde.

"What a surprise!

A surprise indeed.

Tbc...

Thanks for being patient :)

Reviews are appreciated

V