CHAPTER 11

Yuzu stared aimlessly out the window as her mind drifted off to a far away place until…

"Yuzu?" A voice softly called out to the dazed chef.

"Yuzu?" This time a hand gently settled on top of Yuzu's as she faintly heard her name, but still no response.

Quickly being pulled back to reality, Yuzu turned and locked eyes with the person trying to get her attention. She was met with curious purple orbs and a warm smile. The emerald-eyed beauty couldn't help but wonder, 'Were Mei's eyes ever that tender?'

"Yuzu, are you ok?" Itsuki asked as he scanned the blonde for signs of distress.

Yuzu's eyes widened as she realised that she had been daydreaming and completely ignoring the handsome young Aihara for the last 10 minutes.

"Sorry Itsuki, I didn't mean to ignore you, I just got lost in my thoughts."

Yuzu felt awkward under his gaze as she quickly pulled her eyes away and looked down at the plate of food in front of her.

"You're not having a good time, are you?" Another question from the Aihara as he tried to figure out exactly what the beautiful blonde was thinking.

Yuzu didn't know how to respond. It wasn't that she wasn't having fun, but there was so much that she had to deal with, that they both had to discuss. Being on a date right now didn't really feel right.

Yuzu went to speak but Itsuki managed to speak first.

"How about we don't see this as a date, but more like an opportunity to get to know each other better. Let's not have the stress of trying to be together just because you gave birth to our beautiful daughter."

Yuzu shot her head up to see Itsuki giving her a smile that would make any girl melt before him. A smile automatically blossomed on Yuzu's lips as she thought of Haruka. Politely thanking Itsuki for his thoughtfulness, Yuzu finally started eating her food. She hadn't eaten a proper meal all day due to everything that had been going on, so once she began eating she quickly devoured her meal.

The two spent most of their time talking about a certain purple eyed 5 year old girl. Yuzu told Itsuki many stories about her energetic daughter and habits that the girl had since birth.

"Well, don't blame me for that one. I don't move around a lot when I sleep." Itsuki spoke as he took a bite of his dessert.

"Hahahahah, I guess you're right, she definitely got that from me." Yuzu had a glow about her as she talked about her daughter.

Placing his spoon down, Itsuki stated in a flirtatious tone, "You have a really cute laugh, did you know that?"

Yuzu blushed bright crimson at the compliment. She could feel her cheeks blaze, but after taking a few moments to compose herself she finally stated, "I thought we were just getting to know each other."

Waving the waiter to come over Itsuki quickly answered.

"We are, but am I not allowed to compliment you?"

Yuzu started to feel anxious again. She could feel her heartbeat starting to race as she replied, "Uh,... of course you can, you just caught me off guard."

MEANWHILE, AT THE AIHARA MANSION….

"Everything should be settled in the next couple of weeks Mei." Udagawa smiled as he sat across from his wife.

Looking down at the papers, Mei nodded as she responded, "Thank you for everything Udagawa san."

With a shocked expression Udagawa bowed respectfully to Mei as he spoke.

"No Mei, please, I'm the one that should be thanking you. If it wasn't for you, my entire family would have suffered dearly."

Signing her name on the paper, sans emotion, Mei replied, "It was the least I could do. Especially, since you were so understanding about my situation as well."

Mei pulled out the chain necklace with the treasured ring that Yuzu had given her over a decade ago. Udagawa gazed upon the woman Mei had become during their 10 year marriage. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before he spoke softly to her.

"You should tell Yuzu-chan, I'm sure she would understand."

Mei looked intensely at the ring as she thought about her husband's words.

"Yuzu has a lot on her plate right now. I believe things are best as they are at the moment. I'm just thankful having her in my life….." Looking up from her irreplaceable treasure and into the eyes of the man that cared for her over the last 10 years Mei's voice softened with a hint of warmth as she added, "Furthermore, Haruka-chan doesn't need any unnecessary confusion."

"You're a very kind person Mei. Try showing that side of you more often." Udagawa smiled slightly as he stood up and left.

BACK TO YUZU AND ITSUKI….

"Thank you for tonight." Yuzu smiled at Itsuki as they approached her front door.

"You didn't have to walk me to the door." She spoke as she grabbed the handle with one hand.

"What kind of gentleman would I be if I let a beautiful woman like yourself walk back to your house unaccompanied?" Itsuki bowed which caused a small giggle to escape Yuzu's lips.

'Man, he sure is a charmer.' Yuzu mused as she stated in a more serious tone, "I really did have a good time tonight. We should organise a day to take Haruka to the park. It's a big adjustment for her. Please be patient Itsuki."

Itsuki understood exactly what Yuzu was concerned about as he spoke.

"I understand Yuzu, I just want you to know that if you need anything, I will be here for the both of you. I can't wait to get to know Haruka and for her to know me as well." Grabbing Yuzu's hand, Itsuki placed a feather-like kiss on the top.

Blushing terribly, Yuzu quickly opened the door and entered as she heard Itsuki say, "Goodnight Yuzu, sleep well. I look forward to our next outing together with Haruka."

As soon as the door clicked shut Yuzu let out a breath she had been holding.

Making her way to the kitchen Yuzu couldn't believe it was past midnight. She thought to herself, '12:30am!? I didn't realise we were out for that long.' As she started to head towards her room she was surprised to hear a questioning voice.

"A bit late are we, Yuzu-chan?"

A lamp turned on revealing Matsuri sitting on the corner sofa with her legs crossed and a devilish smile on her face. Yuzu jumped as she looked to her shorter friend and shakily asked,

"Matsuri, what are you doing there? That's so creepy!"

Matsuri quickly got to her feet as she moved her face only centimetres away from the blonde. The shorter woman seemed to be searching for something.

"What are you doing?" Yuzu asked as she pulled away from her pink haired friend.

"Just checking for any hickies, hehehe." Matsuri couldn't stop the smile on her face as she teased Yuzu.

"Really Matsuri!? We didn't do anything like that!" Yuzu scalded her friend as she sat down on the sofa and let out another long sigh.

"But you did something, didn't you?" Matsuri looked at Yuzu with a wide grin as she waited for an answer.

"We just talked a lot about Haruka and what the best way is to deal with all of this….." Yuzu turned her head to look towards Haruka's room before she continued.

"He's being really supportive and wants to get to know Haruka as soon as possible. I just don't want her to be overwhelmed, ya know?"

Yuzu looked back at her friend, seeking affirmation. Matsuri's devilish smile disappeared and was replaced with a look of concern for her childhood friend and blonde niece.

"You're doing the right thing Yuzu-chan. Haruka's needs have to come first."

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN AT THE AIHARA MANSION….

Mei turned to her side and squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to get some sleep, any sleep.

Her eyes shot open as she heard a car pull into the driveway. Looking to her clock she felt her heart sink as she looked at the clock. '3:30am, they must have had a really good time.' Mei contemplated before her thoughts started to wander even deeper.

'Or perhaps, they went somewhere to be alone and…..' She couldn't finish that thought, it was too painful.

Moving onto her back, Mei lay still as she heard Itsuki close the door and make his way up the stairs. She could hear him talking softly. Quietly, Mei made her way out of bed and placed her ear against the door as she listened.

"Thanks again for getting it so quickly, I really couldn't have lastest another day."

The rest of the conversation was muffled as he got further from Mei's room. There was complete silence again and Mei was left with her own agonizing thoughts.

A FEW DAYS LATER…..

"Mama, do I have to go?" Haruka looked up at her Mama as she waited for an answer.

Yuzu looked down at her daughter, as she spoke in a soft tone.

"Don't you want to meet your Papa?"

Haruka shifted her gaze to the ground as she shuffled nervously in her spot before replying, "What if he doesn't like me?"

Yuzu's heart broke as she heard the words. 'Is that what she's worried about?' Yuzu thought before she got down on one knee so that she was eye level with her nervous daughter.

"Who wouldn't like you Haruka? You're amazing and he's gonna love you…" Giving her daughter a kiss on the head Yuzu continued.

"I know it." Yuzu flashed her signature smile before she gave Haruka a high five and the two got ready to leave.

Mei sat on the park bench as she watched from the corner of her eye Sho and Itsuki talking.

"Don't be so nervous." Sho spoke as he tried to reassure the young man. Mei couldn't help but smile at her father trying to give tips to her cousin. After all, Sho was just as awkward around his own daughter.

"I don't know why I'm so nervous, she's just a five-year old kid." Itsuki looked at Sho incredulously as he spoke.

Sho smiled at his dashing young nephew before teasing him.

"Maybe it's really Yuzu-chan you're nervous seeing. You sure got home late the other night."

Mei felt her face tense at the statement. Before Itsuki could reply, there was the sound of a familiar voice.

"Gramps!" Haruka came running across the grass and into Sho's arms as she giggled.

"Haruka! I told you not to run off like that!" Yuzu came around the corner a few seconds later.

Both Mei and Itsuki stopped what they were doing as they looked to the beautiful blonde chef.

"Sorry Mama….." Looking around Haruka spotted Mei and called out, "Aunty Mei-Mei!" Doing the same as before, Haruka ran to her aunty before jumping into her arms.

Mei hugged the girl tightly before she spoke in a loving tone.

"Hello Haruka-chan, how are you?"

Haruka looked into her Aunty's eyes and gave a wide smile before cheerfully saying, "I'm really good! I was the top of my class and Mama said that I can help cook tonight."

Yuzu stood stunned as she watched the exchange between Mei and Haruka. Anyone would think that Mei and Haruka had been close since the child was a baby by the way that they interacted together. Yuzu couldn't stop a small smile forming on her lips as she looked at her ex lover and daughter getting along happily.

'Mei looks even more beautiful when she smiles.' Yuzu smiled to herself as she watched the two purple eyed beauties.

"Ahem." Itsuki interrupted as he tried to get the little girl's attention.

Mei didn't fail to notice how Haruka acknowledged Itsuki's presence but still held onto her hand firmly.

"Hello Haruka, let me formally introduce myself. I'm Itsuki Aihara, I'm your Aunty Mei's first cousin and your father."

Everyone watched the little girl closely as she seemed to be in deep thought. Still holding onto Mei's hand Haruka bowed as she introduced herself.

"I'm Haruka Okogi, it's very nice to meet you P….Papa."

Haruka stood up and looked into Itsuki's eyes, she had been brought up in a household without a man, so all of this was new to her. The only male figure in her life was Sho, but because of all the travelling he would do she would be lucky to see him three times a year.

Getting down on one knee Itsuki pulled out a gift and handed it to her as he said, "I hear you like soft toys. I hope you will accept this gift from me."

A smile spread across Yuzu's lips as she watched her daughter open the present to reveal a teddy bear.

After a few more awkward moments everything slowly progressed. Itsuki took Haruka to the swings and played with her and Sho. Meanwhile, Yuzu started to set up the lunch she packed.

Mei continued reading her book. Yet, when she noticed Yuzu getting lunch ready she couldn't saw a prime opportunity to talk to the blonde.

"Please, let me help Yuzu." Mei offered as she started to unpack some of the food.

"Thank you Mei." Yuzu gave a warm smile as she continued preparing lunch.

They were just about finished when Yuzu let out a long sigh. Mei of course noticing it couldn't help but ask, "Is everything alright Yuzu?"

Yuzu looked to Mei, then her eyes shot over to Haruka and Itsuki before she spoke.

"Yeah, I was just really worried about today."

"I see." Was the only response Mei gave as she looked over to the father and daughter playing on the playground.

"Lunch time!" Yuzu yelled out as she waved the other three over.

The family ate lunch together and to everyone's surprise it seemed as though Haruka had very similar taste to Mei as their plates looked identical.

"Haruka, don't annoy Mei too much." Yuzu looked over as Haruka wanted to sit by Mei.

"It's fine Yuzu, I don't mind." Mei managed to reply before anyone else could.

Itsuki's phone went off, he politely excused himself as he walked a few metres away to take the call. A few minutes later he returned with an apologetic smile as he proceeded to apologize for having to leave unexpectedly.

"I'm sorry everyone, looks like something important has come up."

"But you said we would get sweets later." Haruka quickly spoke up which caught all the adults off guard.

Yuzu instantly shot a death glare to the young man. She didn't know anything about this promise he had made to Haruka.

"We can go after if you like Haruka-chan. I know a really delicious crepe place not too far from here." Mei spoke warmly, surprising everyone else.

"I'm really sorry, I will make it up to you, I promise." Itsuki rubbed the top of Haruka's head before he bowed respectfully to everyone and quickly left.

Yuzu knew that these things could happen. But it was his first time meeting Haruka so she thought that he would want to make a good, no, great first impression.

After packing up lunch Yuzu looked around for Haruka.

"They are over there Yuzu-chan." Sho spoke as he smiled at the scene in front of him.

Mei and Haruka were laying under a tree. Both had fallen asleep. What stunned Yuzu the most was how peaceful Mei looked at the moment.

"I'll go wake them." Sho offered, but was quickly stopped by his blonde step daughter as she protested by saying, "No, its ok Papa. Let them sleep for a bit longer…." Looking down at her watch Yuzu knew that Sho had an important meeting, she looked back at him before she suggested, "I'll drop Mei home if you like."

Thanking Yuzu, Sho went to leave but stopped briefly, as Yuzu asked, "Did you two sort out whatever was wrong the other day?"

Yuzu watched as Sho's smile faded before he replied, "We have a meeting with the board in a few days. There have been a few changes that have to be examined."

Yuzu said goodbye to Sho and sat next to the two sleeping beauties.

So many different thoughts ran through her mind. She still was angry at Mei for the way she left, but Yuzu was starting to feel something else in her chest too. What was this feeling?

Mei slowly opened her eyes, quickly remembered where she was, and started to sit up. But a gentle, teasing voice made her stay still.

"Morning, sleepyhead."

Mei looked to the side to see Yuzu looking up at the sky as she continued speaking.

"It's a bit scary how much you two are alike, you know?"

Yuzu looked down at Mei and then down to Haruka who was still sleeping happily on Mei's lap.

Mei followed Yuzu's eyesight and a smile made its way on to her lips. She felt a warm comforting sensation in her chest. Mei truly felt happy as she looked from Haruka to Yuzu. All worry and pressure related to family and business seemed so far away.

Unfortunately, her anxiety returned and her heart started to pound faster against her chest as Mei thought, 'I should tell her.'

"Yuz-" Mei was cut off as Haruka spoke, catching both women's attention.

"Morning Mama, Aunty Mei-Mei!"

Standing up and stretching her body, Yuzu spoke to the freshly awakened violet-eyed beauties still under the tree.

"Well, we should be on our way. We have to drop Aunty Mei off too, sweetie."

Mei sat and watched as Yuzu checked over Haruka to make sure that everything was in place. Then, grabbing everything, the three headed for the car.

The next few weeks went by rapidly for everyone preoccupied with work and life in general. Mei had visited a few times as well as Itsuki. Before they all knew it, Haruka's 6th birthday arrived.

"Yay! The beach!" Haruka ran to the beach to see Harumin already there with her daughter and husband.

"Aunty Haru!" Haruka jumped into Harumin's arms.

"Happy birthday Haruka-chan!" Harumin kissed the little girl's head before placing her down.

"Happy birthday kiddo!"

Haruka was swept up by Harumin's husband Brad. Originally an exchange student from Germany, Brad fell in love with Harumin at first sight.

"Uncle, that tickles!"

Everyone would think that he was related to Yuzu with his blonde hair and blue eyes. Even his daughter, Mirai, could pass as Haruka's sister since they both had the same blonde hair, despite Mirai's being slightly lighter than Haruka's.

After being placed down upon the soft sand Haruka locked eyes with her best friend.

Both smiling at each other, Mirai gave a thumbs up as she exclaimed, "Happy birthday Ruka-chan!"

Yuzu finally caught up to her daughter. Both she and Harumin smiled as their daughters started playing in the sand.

Haruka quickly jumped up as she yelled "Aunty Mei-Mei, Papa!"

Yuzu turned to see the two Aihara's approaching them on the beach.

"Watch out Yuzucchi, you might catch a fly." Harumin teased as she watched her best friend drool over the two coming towards them. Mei wore a dark blue two piece bikini with a light throw over to protect her pale skin from the sun. Of course, Yuzu could easily imagine what was under there. Then, Yuzu's eyes travelled across to Itsuki who wore only board shorts, his body cut and lean just as Yuzu remembered. What girl wouldn't want to touch a piece of that?

Swallowing loudly, Yuzu grabbed a water bottle and immediately guzzled half of it as she thought, 'This is going to be interesting.'

TO BE CONTINUED….

AHHHHHHH AND CHAPTER 11 IS HERE EVERYONE :)

HOPE YOU ARE ALL ENJOYING THE STORY, I WILL BE UPDATING MY OLDER STORIES OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS BUT I THOUGHT I WOULD QUICKLY GET THIS CHAPTER TO YOU ALL BEFORE I MOVED ON TO THE OTHERS, SO HERE IT IS, HAVE A GREAT DAY AND HAPPY READING :)