This is my first crack at a MaoXOkamura story so if they are a little off sorry. Well, if Mao is off this is Mao-centric.

Ai Otsuka's 'Futatsu Boshi Kinenbi ~ Shinkon Hiyori ~'. It's a re-recording of Futatsu Boshi Kinenbi. I love the new version, the tune is so much better. It means 'Two Star Anniversary ~ Honeymoon Weather ~'.

Chapter 12: Futatsu Boshi Kinenbi ~ Shinkon Hiyori ~

Summary: Has it really only been that long…

Mao Jahana stood in the kitchen of her large apartment studying the calendar hanging on the wall. Today's date had a large red heart around it. September 16th.

Exactly four years to the day…

Since I first met him.

She smiled to herself and lifted the mug in her hand to her mouth to sip at the steaming black coffee it held. Laughing gently as she recalled the first time he had tried her coffee. He had spit it out and demanded to know what kind of poison she had put in it.

She sighed and looked back at the date. And two years since we got together.

Mao downed the rest of her drink and rinsed out the cup. She walked down the hall, collecting all the dirty laundry she could carry.

She still didn't know how it had happened, it shocked them both really. When they had first met, she couldn't stand the man, and she had been head-over-heels in love with Kai Miyagusuku. She had followed the younger boy all around the world, had given up everything in her life in order to be with him, but when she realized he didn't feel the same, for some strange reason, it didn't hurt as bad as she would have expected.

Now she knows that it was because she had already began to develop feelings for someone else.

The most irritating, infuriating, ridiculous, obnoxious, uncoordinated person she had ever met…

Akihiro Okamura.

How does one fall for one that irks them to no end?

Ha ha.

Love works in mysterious ways.

He wasn't that difficult to be around once you got used to his bad habits and odd behaviors. He truly was a kind and gentle person inside. He had taken care of her emotionally where she had tended to his inability to take care of himself physically. She had cooked and cleaned and bought him necessary items like clothes and camera equipment, and she had paid for the housing and transportation. And he had helped her deal with the craziness of the world they had thrown themselves into, had kept her company when they were alone, even if it was just an argument over something stupid, and he had helped her deal with the rejection from Kai.

She looked around the bedroom, taking in the messy collage of discarded shirts and jeans. She let out a long sigh. He wasn't the tidiest person in the world. Neatness didn't suit his personality. Sure it was annoying having to clean all the time but the gratitude he gave her for all her hard work was worth it. It told her that he still needed her. And really, if he didn't leave a mess for her to pick up she probably would have gone insane from boredom.

Mao was carrying the clothes basket to the laundry room when her eyes gazed over a picture of her beloved father. The haggardy man reminded her so much of Akihiro in many ways.

There appearances spoke for themselves and hid their inner selves. They were both hard working and dedicated and good-hearted.

She smiled as she thought of another similarity. Her father was twenty years older than her mother. And he wasn't the best looking guy in town.

Just like Akihiro. He wasn't bad looking but he definitely wasn't Kai. And he was nearly fifteen years older than her. But she had seen the truth of the matter in many different ways, appearance and age really didn't matter. It was all about what was on the inside. Besides, there was something about his scruffy appearance that she liked. He looked the part of a working man who didn't care what others thought of him. She admired that in him. It was how she felt about her father.

Girls do often choose boys that remind them of their fathers after all.

As she closed the lid of the washing machine, light glittered off the thin gold band on her left hand. She looked down at the small diamond engagement rind on her finger and smiled. It wasn't big but it suited her just fine, it was simple and beautiful just like their love.

Mao relived the memory of the two of them going to tell her father of their engagement. A-kun, she had picked up calling him that from his mother, had been convinced that this would be what would send her father over the edge. When he had first met the illusive owner of Jahana Realty, the rumored Yakuza kingpin, he had been convinced the man would have him fed to the sharks for "kidnapping" his daughter. But, to the surprise of the two of them, he took a liking to Akihiro, and it shocked them further when he had approved of their relationship some months later.

But, her new fiancée had been convinced that he wouldn't be thrilled about this new development. He was wrong again. 'It's about time! I'm surprised it took this long!' Her father had been thrilled. He was already planning for the wedding, dates, the guest list, designer gowns, gourmet chefs… grandchildren…

Mao plopped down on the sofa. She hadn't really thought that far ahead yet, but the idea was sort of intriguing.

She ventured around the house lost in thought most of the day, wondering where their life might lead them, when a light buzzing noise captured her attention. She had a message on her phone. Flipping it open she immediately recognized the number.

A-kun.

I got off work early today so I'll be home in a few minutes. Love you.

She rushed to the kitchen to check on their dinner, a special anniversary meal she had prepared for the two of them. And we'll have some wine! He couldn't say she was too young for it anymore!

A jingling at the door told her he was home. She set the wine glasses on the table and rushed to meet him. She was so anxious to see him.

"Tadaima!" His familiar timbre called as he opened the door. His tousled brown hair and unshaven face were a sorely missed sight throughout the day.

Had it really only been that long? Just four years?

It seemed so much longer. Like they had know each other all their lives.

"Welcome home!" She smiled up at him. Standing on her tiptoes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his.

A/N: I like the Mao x Okamura pairing. They are so funny together, but I think they could have a serious side too.

Next Chapter: I can't… but I want to…