HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope you guys had great time. Anyway, thank you for leaving reviews. And thanks for the punches XD Sorry for making you upset again.

Okay, this is your update. A bit drama but with romance of course, you'll like it, or I hope you will :) Prepare for a roller coaster like chapter (thanks Janedoee for the word, I didn't realize write a roller coaster like fic :p)

I don't own these lovely ladies from Mendol. All mistakes were mine.

Chapter 21

Her heart was pumping fast as she run passing delighted people and dancing Santas. "Sorry." She said to a small girl when she bumped to her and helped her to stand up. She picked a small wrapped-box and gave it back to the girl. "Merry Christmas kid." She said before starting to run again.

About thirty minutes earlier

They said love was bitter-sweet, sometimes it was sweet that you felt like only you and the person you love did exist in the world, and sometimes it was bitter that made you want to forget all those sweet memories you had; sometimes it made you feel joy and sometimes it hurt you that you want nothing but forget its feeling. That was what she felt at moment. Love made her happy and alive, and the same love also made her suffered. She wanted to blame love for what she felt, however it wasn't love for love never do wrong, but people do.

She did wrong. In her life she doubted the only person she loves, two times. You might say she was stupid, dumb, coward, jerk, and she wouldn't deny it. She was. She only had regret in her life before and it was she didn't trust her love. Now she had another regret, what she regretted the most, and it was she let her love go for the second time.

Now here she was, crying for her love, for her lost chance. Tears kept coming out that she wondered if she would run out of tears she has. She looked down staring at the pendant on her palm. It was gift she give to Ray, however it seemed she was the one who needed it. Wiping away tears she took a long deep breath trying to get some air into her tightened lungs. 'What are you going to do?'

'I don't know', what should she do? She hoped time stopped flowing, and trap her inside. She had lost her love, she had no reason to live anymore. She wiped another tears and cleared her throat. A deep voice made her lift her gaze. A black man sat down beside her. She was too tired to tell him to go so she just let him and looked back at the pendant.

"Crying at christmas eve, what a wasteful."

She turned her gaze at him but said nothing. He must be in his late fifty or early sixty, he looked like Denzel Washington, except he was thinner and with sparse beard. The man turned his gaze to her lifting an eyebrow.

"Want some?"

She looked down at the black flask in his hand and shook her head. "No, thanks." She watched as he took a gulp before turning her gaze back to the park.

"Broke up with your woman?" He asked and then added when she turned to him with furrowed brows. "I saw you two. That was a heartbreaking scene I must say. She'd been waiting for you like, two hours or so."

She closed her palm and inhaled slightly before nodding. Perhaps a talk with stranger was what she needed right now, she couldn't go back to Asahi's place for her best friends would bombard her with questions she wasn't sure she can or want to answer.

"Affair?"

"No," She shook her head. "I was…" She took a breath.

"Being jerk," He finished the sentence and she nodded lightly looking down. "I can see that. If I may ask, what are you gonna do?"

She let out a sigh. "Don't know. Drink maybe, something strong." She turned her head and saw the man chuckled. She straightened her back.

He took another gulp before put the flask in his jacket inner pocket. "Why didn't ask for forgiveness?"

"It's not that simple." She then added when he lifted an eyebrow. "This, is the second time."

"I see."

"I lost my second chance." She let out a sigh. "I thought I've finally found my happy ending but…" She stopped when he suddenly burst into laugh. She turned to the laughing man knitting her brows.

"What did you just say now?"

"I…lost my chance," He nodded encouraging her. "…thought finally found my happy ending?" She saw the man burst into laugh once again. He hit his lap with fists as he laughed. She couldn't help but felt anger rise inside. It wasn't funny at all. She stood up and was about to leave but the man grabbed her arm pulling her down back to bench.

"Sorry," He cleared his throat trying to hold his laughter. "I'm sorry. But that was the absurdest thing I've ever heard." He let out a laugh before adding. "Sorry, but trust me you won't find such thing. Anywhere in this world."

"What do you mean?" She knitted her brows and saw the man stared at her, his face then turned serious.

"Cause, it's not something you find." He threw his arm over her shoulders pulling her closer. "Listen carefully young lady,"

Usually she would grab the arm and pin him down but something in his voice and eyes made her trust the man.

"It's not something you find," He stared at her eyes. "You make it yourself. I don't know whatever idea makes people always say they'll find their happy ending."

She saw the man tilted his head aside as he said the word.

"Don't let those cheesy movies and dramas fool you. You won't find it anywhere, because it doesn't suddenly pop out from nowhere waiting for you to be found out,"

"And what the hell with happy ending thing?" He pulled off his arm facing her. "You think if you find your love, you'll live happily ever after? Never cry, never suffer anymore?" He shook his head. "Those movies tell you that, but I'll tell you this, sometimes you'll hurt each other, you'll cry and you'll get hurt. But as long as you have love here,"

She turned her gaze down to her left chest where the man's finger was pointing at before looking up at him.

"You can forgive each other. Understood?"

Somehow what he said was true. She always thought everyone had their happy ending, they would find it eventually, but apparently she was wrong. And he was right there was no guarantee she wouldn't suffer, she wouldn't get hurt. She inhaled and gave a nod.

He pulled out the flask and gulped. "I love hot chocolate." He turned his head when he felt a gaze. "What do you think?" He raised the flask and she chuckled. Put the flask back in his jacket pocket he then turned at her. "So?"

Nami lifted her brows. "So?"

"No wonder she leaves you. You're so dense for a soon-detective-police-officer."

She knitted her brows staring at him. She wondered why he knew about her. A pat on her shoulder brought her back from her thought.

"What are you waiting for, christmas? It's christmas now." He tilted his head aside. "Go and get your woman back."

He was right, what was she doing here crying like a coward? She would make her happy ending, their happy ending, she was not the only one in this relationship. She had mistaken that too. She wiped her eyes and got up. She was about to run when he called her.

"Don't forget you…"

"Make my happy ending." She said and he smiled nodding.

"Yes. And one more thing,"

She turned around again at him.

"There's no end for love. As long as you have it,"

She saw the man brought his hand pointing at his left chest.

"…feel it, it would never end."

She nodded smiling at him before running toward her parked car. She stopped when she heard tunes of harmonica. She forgot to thank the man. Turning around she saw the man was walking down toward another side. "Thank you sir!" She smiled as the man raised his hand waving without turning back at her, still playing the harmonica. She turned on her heel and ran.

"Oh hell no, hey!" She ran after a tow truck. "Hey! That's my car!" She was late, the truck had turned at corner already, disappeared with Hinata's blue Subaru. Hinata would kill her for this. "Shit! What now?" She shoved her cold hands into her coat pockets looking around. "Where's the damn cab when you need it!" She said in frustration. Her eyes then caught a yellow cab a few meters from BPD headquarters. She wasted no time running toward the vehicles. She was lucky it had no passenger. She pulled the door open and got in.

She leaned her head against headrest looking at colorful decoration lights outside as the car moved slowly. It seemed the other road still close. She glanced at the clock, it would take forever until she reach Ray's house. She looked back at the lights outside thinking of what she wil say to Ray. It looked like she can't ask for another chance since Ray had said she won't give it to her. 'What should I say? Asking for forgiveness? Would she forgive me again? What if she won't?'

A loud sound broke her thought and she grabbed the passenger seat as the cab moved zigzag before stopping at roadside. "What the hell was that?" She asked the driver.

"Sorry ma'am, flat tire. I'm afraid you have to grab another cab."

"You've got to be kidding me." She ran a hand through her hair before looking for her wallet. "Oh shit, my wallet." She didn't bring her wallet. She looked up at the driver and saw the man pressed his lips together.

"You don't have to pay, I can't take you to your destination after all."

"Sorry, and thanks." She said apologetically and got out. It was still miles away from Ray's house but she couldn't call Asahi or Hinata for she put her phone on car's dashboard. Since she had no money to pay a cab and couldn't make a call she was left with one choice.

Present

Nami stopped in front of bookstore trying to catch her breath. She had been running nonstop for like half an hour. She took off her scarf shoving it inside her coat pocket as her body warmed from her evening running. Next time if she heard someone says one will find their happy ending she would laugh on their face. She straightened her back as cold wind blew hard against her.

"The storm," She had forgotten about the storm. She looked up at the cloudy sky. Not good. She then started to run again. She let out a curse when she felt pain from her toes. Running with high heel boots was not a good idea. Well people did not run with high heels in the first place. She greeted her teeth as the pain increased with every step. From the corner of her eye she caught a scooter bike following her. She turned her head and saw the rider waving his hand toward her.

She couldn't help but letting out a growl rolling her eyes. Firstly, she had her car, Hinata's car, dragged away. Secondly, she forgot her wallet and phone resulting in she had to run. And now, she had scooter man following her. "I know I have to make my happy ending, but really!? Why don't send a meteor instead!? That way's more dramatic!" She shouted toward night sky ignoring gazes from some pedestrians.

Her eyes widened as she turned her gaze down. She put on her brake at time as the scooter stopped in front of her. Feeling anger rose inside her she grabbed the rider's jacket and pulled him off. The rider then took his helm off. "You?"

"Yes me."

She stared at the pizza man tightening her grip. "Are you following me?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to follow you or something. Can you let me go now?"

Nami released her grip staring at the man. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm on my way home and I saw you running. With those boots and that outfits I don't think you have jogging, besides there'll be storm tonight, so I followed you."

"Okay, nice meeting you again, but I have to go." She said and turned around.

"Wait,"

"What?" She let out a sigh in frustration.

"You can use my buddy." He gave a nod toward his scooter. "You seem in hurry to somewhere, as I said there'll be storm tonight, and you won't find cab around here."

"What about you?"

"Don't worry, my house is some blocks from here. Here take this."

She looked down at the helmet and key. When she lifted her gaze he was nodding encouraging her. She thought to decline the offer however with her injured feet and the soon coming storm she had no choice. She glanced at the young man once again before taking the helmet and key. "Thanks,"

"No need. This is for the last time tip. You better go now."

She nodded and jogged toward the scooter. She put the helmet on and started the engine. She gave him a wave before spun the handlebar grip.

"My name's Nathan, you can find me at Denny's!" He shouted and saw the woman raised her thumb. "Good luck!" He watched until the tail light disappeared and turned around. "Okay let's go home."

...

Nami pushed the scooter while walking toward Ray's house. Thanks to the vehicles she reached the place less than twenty minutes however the storm had already reached the place. The blowing snow made her couldn't open her eyes. Her face and hands started to numb from the coldness. She forced her eyes open and saw Ray's castle-like-big-house, she was in right track. She moved forward against the hard blow of snow until she reached the main gate. She pushed center stand down and after made sure the vehicles stand still she ran toward the gate.

"Hello!" She cleared her throat before shouting once again. "Someone there!?" She put her hands beside her face to protect her eyes from snow. "Hello!" After moments she saw a man came out from security guard-house.

"Who are you!?"

"Let me in! I need to see Ra-Cassandra!" She almost forgot only close friends called the other woman with her diva's name.

"You have your ID!?"

She gripped the gate. "Listen, tell her Nami wants to meet! She knows me!"

"Sorry I can't! You better go!"

She saw the man turned around. "Hey! Let me in you damnit!" The man then turned around approaching her.

"Go away or I call police!"

"I AM a police!" She yelled greeting her teeth. She turned her gaze when another man approaching them.

"What's happening here!?"

She recognized the voice. "Satou!? It's me Nami!" She was beyond happy to see the man.

"Nami!? Open the gate!"

As soon as the gate opened she ran inside. "I need to see her!" She said to Satou and saw him nodded.

"She's inside!"

"Thanks!" She thanked the bodyguard and turned toward the security man. "Take care of my scooter!" She then ran toward the house.

Ray kept her eyes shut close hearing sound of strong wind against windows. The storm had come but she paid no mind. Let it come. Even if it destroyed the whole world she could care less. Truth be told she silently hoped it would destroy everything around her. She raised her hand rubbing her forehead. She stopped when she heard a knock on door. The door pushed open and someone approached her. Still closing her eyes she said. "I told you to not disturb me."

"I am sorry Miss, but a woman is waiting for you."

She snapped her eyes open and turned to the servant. "Who?"

"Satou said her name is Nami. She is waiting in living room."

She gave a nod toward the servant. "You can leave." She leaned her head back against the back of chair letting out a small sigh. Honestly she had thought the other woman will come, she knew Nami. Letting out another sigh she got up and left the library. Another time her heart would pound inside her chest. She took a deep breath before approaching living room.

Nami put tea cup on table and lifted her head as she heard footsteps approaching her. She got up when she saw the older woman. For her surprise Ray was calm, there was no sad nor heartbroken hints on her face. Or maybe she was hiding it. Ray then looked aside and took a sit on the other couch. She couldn't decide whether she greet the woman or no, so she decided to just sit back.

Ray held her gaze on dancing flames in fireplace. She noticed the other woman sitting back on the couch. As the host she should greet the guest but she kept her mouth shut. After moments she stole a glance toward the other woman. Nami's jeans and her coat beside her were soaked, so was her hair. She noticed her slightly pale lips and she was rubbing her shaking hands. She couldn't help taking a good look at her. Did Nami come by walk or something, she couldn't help wondering.

They were sitting in silence and it was slowly killing her. She was the one who messed up this relationship it would be fair if she fixed it. During her 'journey' here she had thought about what she would say to the other woman and now she was ready. She glanced at the older woman. Ray kept her gaze at fireplace, leg crossing over the other. She took a long deep breath before stood up.

Ray noticed the other woman walked toward her but she kept her gaze at the flames. She knitted her brows when Nami kneeled down folding her legs sitting in seiza-style. When Nami lifted her gaze at her she turned her gaze back to fireplace.

Nami inhaled and said. "Ten years ago I met a girl, a beautiful girl." Her lips curled up in a small smile as she remembered their first meeting. "She's a singer, a very famous diva in my country. My first image about her is she's a perfect diva, but after met her I changed my image about her. She said a rude thing to my friend, not really a friend actually, and without thinking it first I scolded her,"

Ray closed her eyes remembering their first meeting as Nami continued.

"After that she kept clinging into me. She'd call me every day, send stupid messages," Nami let out a small chuckle. "She'd follow me wherever I go. At first I ignored her, I thought she's annoying…but then, somehow, she made a place in my heart, her own place."

"She said she loves me, something she never felt before. She even tried to destroy my group so I can sing with her. All she wanted to do is getting near to me that she'd do anything. I never told her, I was happy to hear that. And that day I realized that actually I care for her, even though I don't want to admit it, I can't bear to see her crying." She let a tear running down her cheek.

Ray clenched her fist as tear slowly watering her eyes.

"When my single hit the number one, beat her single, she surprised me. She said if it was me she's happy, and I could see she's truly happy for me, although I also could see she's trying to hide her sadness. That day I realized that maybe I was wrong, she's more than an arrogant and annoying diva, and maybe, I feel more for her,"

Nami let another tear out and added. "But I had secret, and I was afraid that she would hate me if she finds out my secret. But once again she surprised me. She said she didn't care if I'm a man or a woman, she still loves me. No one ever say that to me,"

Tears finally made its way out as she listened to Nami.

"I accepted her love and we became a couple. We had dates, had trip together. She made me feel alive, for the first time in my life I feel like…I've found the place where I belong to. She lit up my life. We're happy, very happy…Until, I made mistake, terrible mistake. I felt jealousy toward her new producer and didn't believe her, I said the unforgivable thing to her and hurt her,"

Ray pressed her lips together as tears runned down her cheeks.

"We broke up, no, I left her." Nami dropped her gaze down. "When I realized my mistake she's already gone. For the first time in my life I regretted myself for letting her go. No day passed without her leaving my mind, and then I decided to follow her, to find her,"

"Eight years later, I met her again. She's still as beautiful as I remembered she is." A small smile bloomed as she recalled the memory of her first meeting with a gorgeous woman at restaurant. "But she has someone else already, a perfect man. I know I don't deserve another chance from her, but I couldn't let her out of my heart, of my life. I thought I'd lost my chance but she forgave me and gave me another chance," She lifted her gaze and saw tears were running down from Ray's close eyes.

"I got her heart back, we're couple again. We spend time together happily, just like before. But then a case happened and it made me realize that there are many things I didn't know about her. I should believe her but I didn't. I shot her accidentally and after that I doubt myself, my love. I thought she's better without me, because I only bring pain to her, she deserves someone better than me,"

Nami gulped a breath and sniffled. "Without giving a thought about her feeling I decided to let her go. I make the same mistake and run again," She looked at the older woman. "You're right Ray, I never trust you, neither myself,"

"I was afraid…that someday you'll leave me. Look at you, you're famous, beautiful, rich," She cleared her throat before adding. "Maybe I lied when I told you that I don't care about your background or who you are, you…you're too perfect for someone like me,"

"And me? I'm a jerk, a coward, short-tempered, I…I always afraid that you'll find out that, I'm not perfect and leave me," Nami raised her fist to her mouth as sobs finally made its way out. "…that's why I didn't trust you."

Ray lifted her eyelids up making tears flowing out from her eyes. Looking at the woman in front of her, how could she hate her, let her out from her life. She couldn't. She pushed her body up from couch and kneeled down in front of Nami, mirroring her. She grabbed Nami's shaking hand and held it. "You think I chose you because you're a perfect person? I look for a perfect person?" She shook her head. "No, Nami. Like you said, I don't care if you're a man or woman, or the ugliest person in the world. What matters to me is here,"

Nami looked down as Ray brought her hand to her chest where her heart belonged.

"You care for me, your love," Ray then raised her hands cupping Nami's cheeks lifting her face. "I could choose another person, someone better than you, but I don't want to, because they're not you. I'm not perfect either Nami, you knew it well. That's why I need you, to complete me,"

"You're wrong if you think you only bring pain and tear to me, yes you broke my heart, two times," She stared at those brown eyes of her letting out another cascade of tears. "But you also give me love, something I never felt before, you make me happy, you make me smile, I could be myself when I'm with you,"

Nami raised her hands and covered the hands on her cheeks.

"You also give me strength. It's not easy Nami, this life, it's not easy," Ray shook her head lightly. "But you make me strong, even you're not here with me, these past years, just thinking of you, feeling you in my heart, I could stand strong. You make me stronger Nami, it's you. So never again say that you only bring pain to me. You give me all I need. No, you are all I need."

Nami didn't bother to hold sobs as she looked at Ray's warm gaze. This woman, she was still the same woman she had fallen for years ago. She was stupid to think Ray will leave her. She forced words out between her sobs. "Ca…can you…forgive me?"

Ray wiped away tears from Nami's cheeks with her thumbs offering a smile. "I already have,"

Nami leaned forward and hugged the other woman. "Thank you…thank you," She kissed Ray's head and buried her head on the other woman's neck.

"Forgive me too for keeping secret about my life." She felt the other woman nodded. She kissed Nami's shaking shoulder tightening her hug.

Ray trailed her fingers over the sweater and brought it up to her nose. It had Nami's scent. She liked Nami's scent, sweet with hint of citrus. Put the sweater on coffee table she looked up as Nami came out from bathroom approaching her. Nami had dried her hair, she looked adorable with the bathrobe. "I know you prefer sweatpants and shirt but I only have PJs, I hope you won't mind."

Nami sat on the bed beside Ray tightening the robe. "That's okay, thanks," She looked down and played with the belt. Suddenly she felt nervous sitting beside the other woman.

She watched as Nami played with the belt. She reached over and took the hand holding it. When the other woman turned to her she said. "From now on, I want us to always be open up with each other. No more secret. I promise to tell you about my family, my company, everything. And I want you to tell me anything you think or feel. Is it okay?"

Nami ran her thumb over the hand and gave a nod offering a smile. "I promise."

"And one more thing," Ray pulled back her hand pulling down the corner of her lips to its former place before pinching Nami's arm.

"Aw, aw, Ray!" She pushed Ray's hand but the other woman pinched her harder. "Itteee!" When Ray finally released her arm she pushed the sleeve up rubbing her poor red skin. "What are you doing?"

"Next time if you endanger yourself again, it'll be more hurt than this. You could have died in storm Nami."

Still rubbing her red skin she looked up. "I know, but I have to go after my princess." She let out a chuckle and saw Ray lifted an eyebrow giggling. Slowly she felt the nervousness went away.

"Silly." Ray took a breath and pressed her lips together. "Okay, I'll leave you to rest." She patted Nami's thigh and half stand up when Nami grabbed her wrist.

"Ray," She dropped her gaze and feels the nervousness come again.

"What's wrong?" When she saw Nami kept gaze down she gave her a nudge. "Didn't we just agree to talk everything? What is it?"

'You can do it Nami, this is what you want.' She inhaled the air and turned her gaze to the older woman. "Make love to me Ray."

A breath was caught in Ray's throat as she heard the words. She looked through Nami's brown eyes looking for hesitation but didn't find it. She took Nami's cheek in her palm before leaning and kissing her lips gently. "Thank you for saying that." She lifted her gaze to meet Nami's. "I want too, but you don't have to prove me anything."

Nami turned her head and kissed the palm before looking back at Ray. "I want you to teach me, teach me Ray."

Ray lowered her gaze, after moment she took a deep breath and stood up bringing the other woman with her. She gazed at Nami. "Are you sure you want this?" She saw the other woman took a breath and nodded. She then reached the belt, untied it before pushing the cotton robe off from Nami's shoulders.

"We don't have to do this if you aren't ready."

Nami raised a hand and touched Ray's cheek. "I'm ready." She could feel Ray's gaze look through her eyes into her soul.

To tell the truth she was nervous and afraid, a little. Nervous for this was her first too, and afraid for she didn't want to hurt the other woman. However, looking at those eyes of her, she wanted to tell Nami how much she loved her. "I didn't lie when I told you, you're beautiful." She trailed her fingers over Nami's jaw line, her neck and down to her chest. She moved her fingers to Nami's small yet firm breasts, she liked the shape of her breast. "You're perfect Nami." She lifted her eyes and saw Nami had her eyes close. She then leaned down and kissed her lips gently. They said there were many ways to express love, through word, glance, gesture, even touch. She trailed her lips down to Nami's chin, neck and across her shoulders. She liked the feel of Nami's skin against her lips.

Nami took a long breath as Ray's fingers and lips trailed over her skin. She remembered the feeling of the other woman's tender touch on her skin, her body remembered it. Still the touches sent sparks through her veins bringing pleasant feeling to her body.

She kissed Nami's soft breasts before planted another over a scar beside it. It seemed she was fond of the scar for it reminded her how much the other woman loved her. She kissed the scar once again before moving her lips down. She put all feelings, love she had on every kisses and touches she left on the other woman's body.

'No matter what has happened in the past, no matter what you've done, no matter what you'll do, I will always love you. Can you feel it Nami, can you feel my love?'

Ray leaned on her elbow sliding her arm when Nami arched her back and held her shoulder. "Nami, look at me."

With the powerful feeling that waved from her head to toe Nami found herself coudn't control her own body. This sensation was foreign to her yet it felt right. She forced her eyelids up while catching a breath, and looked at Ray's eyes. They said you could see love through eyes, she had seen it many times through the other woman's warm gaze, but tonight, she saw the true meaning of it. She saw that love for she found herself in those deep brown eyes. Trying to keep her eyes open she brought her hands to the other woman's cheeks pulling her down for a kiss. Her eyes never left Ray's as she breathed in and out on her mouth. She couldn't make out any word so she told the other woman through the kiss.

'I can feel it, I can feel your love. Thank you for loving me, I love you so much Ray.'

She wasn't a clinging type but she held the older woman as if her life depended on her, and for her surprise Ray's arm was strong. Ray held her firmly as her body started to shake. Ray's lips captured her in a passionate kiss as she reached the peak of intense pleasure.

Leaning on her elbow Ray took damp hair from Nami's sweaty forehead and tucked it behind her ear. She traced her thumb on Nami's warm cheek as she took a look at her. Her closed eyes, flushed cheeks, parted lips, it was a beautiful sight. Turning her head she reached blanket to cover their naked body. She got alarmed when she saw drops of tear when Nami opened her eyes. "Did I hurt you?"

Nami took a long deep breath and shook her head. "These are happy tears." Her heart warmed when Ray kissed the tear and wiped the other side with her thumb.

"You always cry."

She pushed Ray's shoulder playfully and heard her giggles. That was when she saw the scar on Ray's shoulder. "I left a scar on you." She traced her fingers over the scar.

Ray looked down at her shoulder and took the hand kissing it. "You also left scar on my heart, your name." Their eyes met before they burst into laugh.

"Where did you get that from?"

"Andrew," Ray wriggled her brows. "You like it?"

"Very much," Nami pushed head up and kissed the scar first before planted another on the corner of Ray's mouth. She slid an arm around Ray's slim back bringing her down with her.

Ray lay with half of her body on the mattress and half on Nami's. She leaned her head against Nami's throwing an arm over her taut stomach.

"I love you Ray." Nami kissed the older woman's forehead pulling her body closer before closing her eyes.

She could feel Nami's heart beat against her chest, it beat in rhythm with her. "I love you too." Ray shut her eyes close feeling their hearts beat together and let sleepiness take her.

Nami raised her hand narrowing her eyes as she looked at the apple. She was shopping for grocery with Ray. While the other woman was looking for meats she was left with fruits. Ray said look for the good one but all look good in her eyes. "They must taste same." She shrugged and put the apple in her basket, she then took more.

"They look same, don't they?"

She turned around and was surprised to see the man. "Sir,"

"Glad to see you again officer Kawachi."

She watched as Lieutenant Kennedy approaching the fruits. She had called Owen and told him that she changed her mind but since she was still on her off she didn't have chance to talk with him. "Sir, about…"

"You know how to pick the good one?"

"No, Sir."

"Well they must taste same, right? So, tell me how's your vacation?" He picked some of big apples and put it inside cart.

"Good Sir," She inhaled lightly before adding. "About, the letter Sir…" She lifted her gaze and the man turned to her.

"Letter? What letter?"

She saw Lieutenant lifted his brow, his lips curled up a little in one-side smile. "Thank you Sir."

"Have a good day Kawachi," He pushed the cart passing her. "You better learn harder, because the exam isn't easy."

"Exam?" She turned around to her superior. "You mean…I can…?" Lieutenant turned around facing her.

"As I said it isn't easy, and you won't get any special treatment, understood?"

She couldn't wipe her grin and straightened her back. "Yes Sir!" She ignored gazes from the other and grabbed the basket after Lieutenant turned around. She then ran toward meats corner looking for Ray.

"Hey, you got the fruits?"

Nami put the basket on floor and pulled Ray around to face her. "Guess who I just met now?"

"Who?"

"Lieutenant!"

Ray knitted her brows. "And?"

"He said I can take next year's exam!" Nami said or rather shouted.

"Really? That's great!" Ray let out a small scream and laughed when Nami lifted her body spinning around. After Nami put her down she pecked her lips. "Finally you can reach your dream."

"Yeah, but I have to pass the exam first."

"Don't worry you'll pass the exam."

"What makes you so sure?" She grinned when Ray leaned in and whispered.

"I don't do date with an incompetent officer." Ray winked.

"So, I'm a competent officer?" Nami's grin grew wider as Ray lifted an eyebrow undressing her with her eyes, a sly smirk tugged on her lips.

"I'll have to test that first."

"Oh God, you'll make those fishes nose bleeding. C'mon they're waiting for us." Nami took the basket and pushed the laughing woman.

"FIVE…FOUR…THREE…TWO…ONE…HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Nami threw her arms around her two best friends hugging them. They were celebrating New Year at Asahi's condo with the other. Pulling off from the group hug she said. "Thanks, you know, for still be there with me all this time, though I was being a jerk lately."

Asahi let out a chuckle and patted Nami's shoulder. "That's what friends do, no need to thank us."

"And yes you're a jerk lately." Hinata added and chuckled. "But yeah, we're BFF after all."

"Hey ladies, happy new year." Leon approached the ladies. He hugged Hinata and Asahi before turned to his coworker. "Glad you changed your mind Nami chan."

"Yeah," Nami patted his back as he hugged her. She then turned around when Abi and Andrew approaching them. After hugged the couple she approached the last member. "Hi, Shane, happy new year."

"Happy new year to you too." Shane bent down and hugged the short woman. "I know you must be tired hearing this, but I'm glad you changed your mind."

Nami chuckled and said. "Yeah, everyone said that, but thanks."

Shane then leaned down and said in low voice. "Next time I'll take her from you."

Nami lifted her gaze and was relieved when she saw his lips curled up. "Oh man, I thought you're serious." She saw the man laughed and turned to Hinata. "Hinata, what did you do to him?"

"What I did what?" Hinata asked in confusion.

"Nevermind." Nami turned back to Shane joining his laugh.

"Anyway, your woman is waiting for you." He gave a nod toward kitchen and winked.

Nami let out a chuckle giving a pat on his arm before heading kitchen counter. Ray was sitting on counter chair talking with Asahi. She approached them and grinned when Asahi smiled and left them bringing pizza to living room. She stood behind Ray and put her arms around her belly. "Hey,"

"Hey too,"

She watched as Ray cut another pizza. "You didn't forget something?"

"Hmm," Ray hummed cutting the pizza into eight slices. "Forget what?"

She rolled her eyes, here again, her girlfriend ignored her. She hated it if Ray ignored her. She released one arm and reached over to take a slice of pizza but stopped when Ray slapped her hand.

"I'm not finishing it yet."

Blowing a breath she put her arm back to its former place and put her chin on the other woman's shoulder. "It's new year already but I only got a slap on hand."

Ray bit her bottom lips trying to hold her chuckle. "Oh, it's new year already? Happy new year." She said still keeping her hand busy with the pizza. She loved teasing the other woman.

"And a greeting." Nami pouted. When Ray didn't say anything she grabbed pizza cutter from Ray's hand and threw it somewhere on the counter top. "They can cut a damn pizza themselves."

Ray let out a laugh turning around to face her frustrated girlfriend. "What do you want?" She put her hands on Nami's waist.

"I want," Nami leaned closer and whispered. "…my new year kiss."

"They'll see us." Her eyes trailed down to Nami's pink lips as the woman leaned closer.

"Like I care." Their lips were mere inch apart, it was so close that she could feel Ray's warm breath. Until Hinata's voice forced them to separate.

"Guys we're running movie, wanna watch?"

Letting out a heavy sigh Nami replied, a bit snapped. "Movie? Fantastic. What?" She turned her head when Ray pinched her belly.

Ray narrowed her eyes at Nami. "You're snapping," She couldn't help a chuckle looking at the pouting woman.

"Sorry,"

"You want your kiss?" Ray let out a giggle when the pouting woman lightened up nodding. "Then I guess we move to living room."

Nami knitted her brows. "We're gonna kiss there?"

"Watch movie of course, silly." Ray pinched her girlfriend's nose and got up pulling the woman with her.

"What about my kiss?"

"Patience is a virtue." She chuckled when Nami curled the corners of her mouth down.

They took the couch for themselves. She was sitting at the end of couch while Ray leaned against her. She brushed the other woman's silky hair with her fingers watching the movie. She turned her head when she felt Ray ran her thumb on her palm. "You're not watching?" She felt the other woman shook her head. After moments Ray pulled off and leaned against couch facing her. "What?"

Ray shook her head. "Just thinking, I never thought will spend christmas and new year with you again."

Nami smiled a little and took her girlfriend's hand. "Me too. Last year, this time, I looked up at sky wondering where you are, what you're doing, were you alone or with…someone else,"

Ray released Nami's hand and took her chin pulling her into a kiss. She felt Nami's hand on her neck pulling her closer as their lips moved against each other. It didn't take long until the slow pace kiss turned to passionate kiss. She moved her other hand to Nami's back pulling her body closer.

Nami was glad Leon insisted they watch Die Hard series for the loud sound from the movie covered their moans. A moan slipped out her mouth when Ray's warm tongue roamed inside her mouth. Moments later they parted for the need of oxygen. She couldn't help a smile looking at Ray's flushing cheeks, she looked adorable. She brushed her thumb over Ray's warm cheek and opened her mouth.

Ray put a finger on Nami's lips. "I know." She didn't need to hear the word. They had learnt that there were many ways to say 'I love you'.

Smiling Nami pulled the other woman to their former position and threw an arm over Ray's shoulder. She turned her gaze back to the movie, lucky for them no one noticed their make out session. After moments she felt Ray sliding fingers under her sweater, she pulled the corner of her lips up but didn't stop the other woman. Ray then started to draw circles on her stomach, at first she ignored it but the touch began to distract her. She cleared her throat hoping the older woman will take the hint. Instead of stopping she felt Ray's lips on her neck. "Ray,"

Ray hummed but didn't stop. She trailed her lips up to Nami's jaw line and to her earlobe. Her lips curled up when Nami tilted her head aside making better access.

Although she wanted to stop the other woman but it felt good. She let out a hum closing her eyes as Ray kissed her earlobe. She lifted her chin when Ray moved to her neck. The next second she had to cover her mouth with her palm when the other woman bit the base of her neck. She fluttered her eyes open as she heard giggles. She turned her gaze and found Ray was grinning at her. This woman was really enjoying teasing her.

Ray leaned slightly and whispered in Nami's ear. "You think we can use Asahi's bedroom?"

"Asahi's bedroom?" The second the words out Nami covered her mouth. Thanks to her girlfriend her voice came out louder.

"No, you're not using my bed." Asahi turned around to the couple.

"Nami chan really, it's barely thirty minutes and you can't hold it?"

Nami shot a glare toward the detective flushing as the other turned to them laughing. Andrew sent a wink toward her grinning. She turned her gaze to the laughing woman beside her. "No, you're not laughing." She took pillow couch and threw it to Ray. "Thanks geez."

Ray tried to pull her girlfriend to face her but the other woman kept her gaze ahead. "Sorry," She said between her giggles.

"No, I'm mad at you."

"Who asked for a kiss?" Ray let out a laugh when Nami glared at her. "You're blushing. Sorry, I'm sorry, please?" She chuckled when Nami reluctantly nodded. She took the pillow hugging it as she let out a yawn.

"You're sleepy?" Nami asked the older woman and Ray nodded. She took the pillow from Ray put it between her lap and armrest before pulling Ray down to lie on her lap. She saw Ray closed her eyes and kissed her head. "Good night."

Hinata glanced at the couple behind them and saw Ray was lying on Nami's lap while her best friend was leaning against the couch also sleeping but she held the woman on her lap protectively. She couldn't help a smile looking at them. Leaning a little she whispered to Asahi. "Seems someone has found the end of her journey."

Asahi followed Hinata's gaze and smiled when she found the couple. "Or they just started a new journey."

"Yeah."

So...am I forgiven? If no, then I don't know what to write, just kidding :D Thank you for reading.

For Janedoee, you want to take back your present or should I keep it for my Christmas present? XD

See you again guys on next chapter ;)