A/N - Hey y'all! I may be a few days late, but Happy Halloween! I hope everyone had a fun, safe holiday! This is just a quick, fun, sweet story in honor of the holiday and at the request of a few of my most diligent readers. ;) Please, enjoy the read!
Haunt of the Heart
Calming warmth - That's what she felt. Despite the hum and thrum of the vehicle beneath her ear, despite the whispered conversations around them, that warmth was all Sachiko could focus on. Honestly, that was all she wanted to focus on. It was late and darkness surrounded the van that was taking them to Suguru's country estate where a Halloween festival awaited them. And Yumi, utterly exhausted from a strenuous few weeks of endless projects and assignments, lay curled against Sachiko's chest sound asleep, every once in a while mewling softly in contentment and tightening her hold on Sachiko's waist.
Sachiko could hardly believe that it had finally happened. Their relationship had blossomed into something more than friendship. They had waited so long, missed so many cues from each other, and let opportunities pass them by ever since their high school days. Yet she couldn't bring herself to regret the time they spent as dear friends and sisters rather than lovers. No, that time was precious and foundational to the women they had grown into. It was because of that time that they knew each other so well. They knew each other's strengths and weaknesses. They knew their likes and dislikes. They also knew how life would be without each other, due to Yumi's two-year stint at Harvard Medical College. Neither had the wish to repeat the experience ever again.
The day of Yumi's return would forever be engraved in her mind as one of the best in her life when both she and Yumi, without a word spoken or plans laid bare, had forever changed their relationship. All of their friends had gathered at the airport to welcome her home. Most held signs proclaiming her return and referring to her as Dr. Fukuzawa, despite the fact that she had yet to complete her formal education. Sachiko stood amongst them with nothing save a radiant smile when Yumi emerged from the throng of travelers cascading from the terminals. As if sensing her exact position in the crowd, Yumi's eyes immediately found hers and never strayed as she moved briskly into Sachiko's outstretched arms and angled her head upwards for the kiss she instinctively knew Sachiko would give her.
Whoops of shock and excitement accompanied many cries of, "It's about damn time!" and "Finally!" Sachiko had let all of that, all the noise and distractions of the moment, fall to the wayside. All she could hear was her own racing heart and Yumi's quiet moans of appreciation. All she could feel was Yumi's trembling form beneath her hands as they settled around her slender back and pulled Yumi flush against herself. That and the swell of Yumi's small, firm breasts against her own. When at last they pulled back all Sachiko could see was Yumi's happy glowing brown eyes and her rakish smile, silently proclaiming she had fully anticipated Sachiko's public display of affection and FULLY appreciated it as well.
That was all it took, just that one moment of unbridled passion and unfiltered honesty, to make their union beyond friendship a reality. Yumi hadn't returned to the dorms or found a place of her own. Without discussion, they had returned to Sachiko's apartment, hand-in-hand and ready to start building a future together.
Yoko had commented on how everything had gone, how fast and succinctly things had progressed, but Sachiko had not once felt any uncertainty or regret for the swiftness of their actions. Especially at moments such as this, where Yumi's small frame was pressed seamlessly against her own and she could feel the trust and love emanating between them.
When the friends had gathered to travel together and Yoko had seen the dark circles beneath Yumi's eyes, her dear sister had insisted that the two of them take the back row of the van so that Yumi could rest with as little disturbance as possible. Sachiko, having anticipated this, had climbed in before her, produced a pillow and a blanket, and laid across the bench. When Yumi had climbed in behind her with a raised brow, Sachiko had merely smiled and lifted the blanket, indicating Yumi should curl in between the seat back and Sachiko's side. With a look of thankful contentment, Yumi had done just that, stopping only a moment to kiss her deeply, before curling in and using Sachiko's breast as her own pillow. They had not even left the parking lot when Yumi's soft breathing and relaxed shoulders indicated she had surrendered to sleep.
At some point during her musings, the van had quieted and heavy breathing filled the air. Without looking, Sachiko knew Sei and Yoko were awake in the front, keeping each other company in the darkness of their journey. In the rows between them lay Rei and Yoshino, Shimako and Noriko. Eriko, Toko, and a few other friends were all planning on meeting them there, each coming from the homes they had made outside of Tokyo.
Outside, the clouds parted and moonlight flooded the vehicle, casting a soft iridescent glow over Yumi's gentle face. Without thinking, Sachiko softly caressed her lover's cheek and brushed a stray hair from her face. Unconsciously, Yumi nuzzled into her warm hand. Sachiko let a genuine smile touch her lips as she was allowed this rare opportunity to observe the woman she loved without distraction. That was until she felt Yumi's soft lips against the palm of her hand and realized that those brown eyes she adored so much were smiling up at her in the moonlight.
"Hey there gorgeous." Her softly spoken words sent a tendril of excitement snaking down Sachiko's spine. When waking Yumi's voice always held a husky note of wanting and desire that set Sachiko's own desire on edge and her body at attention.
Swallowing back her instant arousal, Sachiko returned her smile with a grin of her own. "Hey there beautiful." This was always how they greeted each other since that day at the airport, with a kiss and these particular words of affection. The level of passion in the kiss varied depending on their location, but never the words. Always gorgeous and beautiful, despite their attraction and love going far beyond the physical. Though, Sachiko would unashamedly be the first to say that she was utterly pleased with Yumi's physical appearance.
With that thought in mind, she let her hands wander beneath the cover of the blanket, sliding down to Yumi's rounded hip and then back up and under her shirt. At her soft caress, Yumi arched her back into the touch. How she closed her eyes and bit her lower lip signaled exactly how much she enjoyed Sachiko's touch. It was her eyes though that truly showed just how affected Yumi was, pupils blown, her eyes were now dark pools glimmering from mischief and moonlight.
If asked later, Sachiko would not be able to tell who moved first, her or Yumi, but the next thing either of them knew their lips were moving against each other's in a furious storm of passion and need. As Yumi's tongue played along Sachiko's, Sachiko had to stifle her moan, not forgetting that the van was occupied with other couples. Yumi, however, didn't seem at all phased by the lack of privacy. In fact, Sachiko was momentarily afraid that her lover saw it as a challenge.
As if sensing her discomfort at the setting, Yumi pulled back, her mischief turning into sweet tenderness as she peppered Sachiko's cheeks and nose with quiet kisses. "I've missed you." She whispered between pecks.
Closing her eyes and enjoying the array of affection she was getting, Sachiko shook her head. "We live together, Yumi. We see each other almost every day."
"Saying hi and bye doesn't count." Having doled out enough kisses, Yumi pulled back and laid against Sachiko's side once more, only this time leaning up on her elbow so she could see Sachiko's face clearly. Beneath the blanket, her hand sought out Sachiko's and intertwined their fingers. "I don't like it when we get so busy that I can't remember the last intelligent conversation we had beyond, 'How was class?' or 'Are you going to eat that?'" Yumi shook her head, only cracking a tiny smile at Sachiko's muffled giggle. "It's not funny. I may not have many brain cells to spare at times, but I do like having intelligent conversations with you."
Leaning in, it was Sachiko's turn to kiss Yumi's nose. "Alright, alright. I know and I agree. We knew it would be like this at times though and I promise I won't hold it against you. What are you going to do if you get the job at the research facility? You still have another three semesters before you finish your Master's in Clinical Research. Didn't you say that they wanted you to start right away?"
Yumi's expression fell slightly at the mention of the research facility and she shrugged. "Yeah, when their recruiting officer and research director spoke with me they indicated I could work these next three semesters in conjunction with my classwork. Apparently, it's not uncommon for them to headhunt straight out of the Master's program at the college, so they must be used to working with students."
Sachiko shook her head at that. "No, from what I heard they don't typically go after someone so early in their program. They must really want you." With a sly grin, Sachiko leaned in and nibbled Yumi's ear, whispering, "I know all about that myself."
It was no secret between the two of them why Yumi had chosen the medical research field. Aside from them, only Yoko knew about the cancer scare Sachiko had had in her first year of college. A lump that thankfully had been benign had sent them reeling. Yumi, a young high school senior at the time, had declared she would fight to find a cure for the horrible disease. Sachiko tried to ease her mind, saying the chances of anything else developing were slim, Yumi had leveled her with a serious gaze before saying, "For one horrible week I thought I might lose you. Even if there is only a slight chance for you, it's a certainty in the lives of many others. I want to be part of the team who fights to find a way to stop this. No one, not even a friend such as me, should ever have to feel as helpless as I did." Sachiko had wanted to tell her then and there that she was so much more than a friend, but they had not been ready for that. Meaning, Sachiko had been too terrified of the feelings the scare how set flaring in her life.
Sachiko marveled at Yumi's dedication to her and her willingness to make every sacrifice possible for their future together. Guilt tugged at Sachiko's heart at the thought, knowing that Yumi had been supporting her ever since high school. So many challenges seemed less overwhelming with Yumi by her side. Yet Yumi never acted as though Sachiko owed her or that she was doing any great thing. But it was great. To Sachiko it was everything. Now that they had truly embarked on a life together, Sachiko felt the need and desire to return the favor. She wanted Yumi to depend on her as much as Sachiko depended on Yumi. Some may think it a pride issue, but Sachiko had no desire to stop depending on Yumi. No, she simply wanted to support Yumi as well, to get to a place where Yumi never doubted her ability to make sacrifices of her own. For that to happen, Sachiko knew she needed to stand on her own two feet more, so as to lighten the load currently on Yumi's shoulders.
A light caress along her jaw drew Sachiko's attention back to her lover, who was gazing at her curiously. "Where did you go?"
Grabbing the hand that caressed her, Sachiko drew it to her lips and slowly kissed each finger in turn before moving on to her palm, then her wrist. By that point, Yumi was breathing hard. Sachiko knew exactly what she was doing when she slowly drew her teeth along the underside of Yumi's wrist. Yumi tried to stifle her gasp by burying her face in Sachiko's neck, but that only served to spur more action from them both.
In a feat of stealth and coordination that Yumi wasn't aware Sachiko was capable of, the older woman turned, held herself up with one arm, wrapped her free hand around Yumi's waist, and pulled. Before Yumi knew what was happening, she was laying on her back with Sachiko kneeling over her, her arms braced to either side of Yumi's head.
Seeing the curling flames of desire in Sachiko's sapphire eyes, Yumi breathed out in a whisper that was barely audible. "I missed you." Her tone of voice, the flush on her cheeks, and how she angled her head just so - Sachiko got the message loud and clear.
Taking a moment to appreciate her new vantage point, Sachiko let her eyes rove. Yumi had been letting her hair grow out and now it splayed out around her in a gorgeous, enticing halo. It was her porcelain neck though that was Sachiko's weakness. With the way Yumi angled her head to expose more of it- Sachiko bit her lip. The little vixen knew exactly what that did to her.
Without another moment of hesitation, Sachiko lowered herself so that their bodies pressed together all along their lengths. Still supporting herself with one arm, Sachiko used the other to gently grasp Yumi's head, dug her fingers into the hair she loved so much, and guided Yumi's head to an even deeper angle. Then Sachiko's lips were on her and Yumi instinctively tried to move beneath her, to produce much-needed friction between them, but Sachiko wouldn't allow it. Not yet. She needed to feast first and so she did.
She didn't know how long she lay there kissing and suckling, nibbling and nuzzling, but by the time Sachiko was ready to move forward Yumi was a ball of trembling need, sweat glistening on her forehead and exposed chest. How exactly that had happened, Sachiko couldn't remember, but the view was unparalleled.
"Sachiko, please." Yumi's whispered plea set Sachiko's heart racing once more. Just as Sachiko was about to reach lower, the van came to a sudden halt, sending an unsuspecting and wholly unprepared Sachiko tumbling to the floor of the van.
Her sudden shriek came just as Sei announced, "We're here!"
It was late when they arrived at Suguru's country estate, yet still, he was up and ready to greet them. "My friends, welcome! And my dear cousin…" He narrowed his eyes, inspecting Sachiko's rumpled appearance and flushed cheeks before asking, "Are you well?" Then his eyes fell on Yumi, in a similar state of appearance, and his smile seemed to light the whole courtyard. "Ah, it seems both you and Yumi-chan are doing quite well."
Before the others could question them further, Suguru quickly shuffled them all inside where he had servants waiting to lead each couple to their rooms. He himself led Sachiko and Yumi to theirs, a small suite with a view of the lake and cliffs beyond that he said would look marvelous in the dawning light. Thankfully their host didn't linger, instead choosing to invite them to brunch the next morning and wish them a swift goodnight before leaving them to their own devices.
Eager to take up where they had left off in the van, Sachiko turned to her lover but instead of letting her passion ignite once more, she took in the tired eyes and drooping shoulders of the woman before her and her only desire was to take care of her.
Moving to Yumi's side, Sachiko lifted Yumi's bag from her tired shoulder and set it aside with her own. Taking Yumi by the hand, Sachiko silently led her lover into the adjoining bathroom. As Sachiko began to tenderly, but not sensuously, remove Yumi's clothes, the smaller woman reached for her. "Sachiko, I want-"
"Shhh." With an understanding smile, Sachiko kissed her forehead softly while rubbing gentle circles into her tight shoulders. "I know, love, but you're exhausted. Let me take care of you tonight. Let me hold you."
While there was a momentary flash of disappointment in Yumi's eyes, it was soon replaced with gratefulness and a softly whispered, "Thank you."
Without another word, Sachiko finished removing their clothes and guided them both through a brisk shower before depositing Yumi in a steaming bath to relax while she got their belongings settled. By the time Sachiko returned, Yumi had drifted to sleep in the warmth of the water. Before waking her, Sachiko took a moment to admire her unfailing beauty. In sleep the worry and strain of her classes seemed to ebb away, leaving behind an image of the young girl Sachiko had once known. She smiled remembering the innocence of that girl, the timidness that so rarely showed itself any longer. This woman was truly a force of nature, one with whom Sachiko loved to contend.
"Staring isn't polite." A wisp of a smile crossed Yumi's tired face as she peeked up at Sachiko.
"How about admiring?" Sachiko quipped, a smirk gracing her lush lips.
"That is acceptable." Yawning, Yumi stretched her sore muscles beneath the water and enjoyed the look of appreciation that flashed in Sachiko's eyes. "Enjoying the view?"
Hissing, Sachiko moved to the side of the tub. "You're truly wicked, you know that, right?"
"I do and you love me regardless."
Sachiko extended a hand and helped her lover to her feet, unashamedly looking her firm, supple body up and down as she took her time responding. "Yes, yes I do. You and that divine body of yours."
With a wicked gleam in her eyes, Yumi stepped out of the tub and right against Sachiko's robe-clad body. "Are you sure all you want to do tonight is hold this body?"
Groaning at her restrained pleasure, Sachiko allowed herself to touch the treasure before her, letting her hands glide up and down Yumi's arms. "If I had it my way I would ravage your body endlessly - morning, noon, and night."
In response, goosebumps rose along Yumi's arms and a shiver shook her small frame. "Sachiko," Her name spoken as prayer, a plea for mercy and release, nearly brought Sachiko to her own knees in supplication.
In a show of restraint that she didn't know she was capable of, Sachiko retrieved the soft green towel from the rack nearby and gingerly dried Yumi's body, inch by tantalizing inch. By the end, Yumi was panting in need, eyes glassy and unfocused as if Sachiko's hands had already sent her over an orgasmic edge. Sachiko took her hand and Yumi clung to her, pressing her naked body as close as possible as she was led from the bathroom to the large king-sized bed. A predatory gleam in Sachiko's sapphire gaze promised euphoric pleasure as she drew the covers back, her eyes never leaving Yumi's.
Yumi, however, instinctively glanced at the newly revealed sheets and alarm, sheer utter terror, replaced the desire of moments before. Pulling Sachiko back from the bed, Yumi cried out, frantically looking around for anything she could use.
Confused, Sachiko allowed Yumi to pull her away from the bed but turned back only to stifle her own cry of shock. Even in the dim light of the room, she could see the black masses atop the crisp white sheets. Spiders. Big, enormous, deadly looking- Sachiko narrowed her gaze and then growled aloud - fake spiders. "Suguru!"
The night, as it turned out, was less spicy than either of them would have liked, the spiders sufficiently dowsing their arousal enough to put thoughts of continuing to the side. When the morning light came streaming through the windows, Sachiko found herself in the same position as the night before, holding Yumi close, the smaller woman with her head on Sachiko's shoulder. Contentedly, Sachiko kissed the top of her head and held her even closer. The feel of this woman, her woman, nestled securely in her arms was more satisfying than any victory in the board room at work. Truly, more satisfying than anything else, the only thing to rival it was giving this woman a trembling orgasm. How she loved it when Yumi reached her peak, her body quivering with the sensations for long minutes afterward. It was in those moments when the pleasure she gave Yumi held the woman captive, her body being engulfed by the sensations Sachiko caused, that was when Sachiko found true peace. As if that moment always proved to her that she was where she belonged, at Yumi's side.
How long she lay there holding her slumbering lover Sachiko didn't know, but eventually, her bladder craved release and drove her stealthily from the bed. Despite desiring to return to her warm cocoon with Yumi, Sachiko forced herself to get dressed for the day, pulling from her bag the clothes that Yumi had selected for her. The jeans were her favorite, well warn and soft to the touch. The navy and teal flannel shirt with a white tank beneath were new and, while not Sachiko's typical style, she had to admit she liked the look. More importantly, they were comfortable and warm. Stepping into her slippers she moved silently from the room and down to the dining room where voices and heavenly scents told her the group was gathering.
Upon entering the room Sachiko had to do a double take before she broke out into unrestrained laughter. Standing near the head of the table was her dear cousin, dressed for all to see as a scarecrow, straw hair and all. Good-natured as always, Suguru smiled warmly and did an awkward lumbering strut in her direction, pieces of straw leaving a trail in his wake. "Like it?"
"Yes." Sachiko smiled wiping at the tears forming in her eyes. "Somehow it suits you."
Shrugging, Suguru extended a mug to her. She accepted the coffee graciously as he continued, "Maybe so. It's not what I would have selected, but the only way I would get Yuki to wear collaborating costumes was if I let him pick."
"And what did he pick? The cowardly lion? The tin man?" Sachiko asked amused as she looked around trying to spot another Oz costume.
With a slight bit of chagrin, Suguru shook his head pointing to Yuki across the room. Yuki who was dressed as a black… crow? Sachiko had to fight back another bout of laughter. "I'm guessing to explain why he is running scared from you? Still no luck then?"
Shrugging, Suguru grinned his roguish grin. "I wouldn't say that. He's here after all and he is wearing a collaborative costume with me, despite the subtle message it sends."
Lifting one eyebrow in question, Sachiko scoffed, "Subtle?"
"I'm nothing if not optimistically determined, dear cousin. Now, where is my charming Yumi-chan?" He leaned around her as if to imply Yumi might be hiding behind her and frowned deeply when he discovered that wasn't the case.
"I'm letting her sleep. She has only gotten the barest amount of sleep these past few weeks because of her class demands. Anyway, we'll be up late this evening." Taking a deep sip of the dark brew in her hand, Sachiko sighed contentedly. Coffee wasn't her favorite beverage, but it was warm, strong, and roasted to perfection. "Now, cousin, tell me - What should I expect tonight?"
Curiosity lit his boyish face as he cocked his straw-clad head to the side. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, what should I be anticipating out there? You were extremely vague in your description of events."
Scratching his neck distractedly, Suguru shrugged once more. "Normal harvest events, though I have borrowed some inspiration from my time in the states as well. You'll find traditional stalls, games, and food but also hay rides and apple cider, spiced and sweet."
"Are there any scary events going on?" She pressed further, wanting to know, to prepare for her outing with Yumi. It was only a small way, but she knew things in the dark made Yumi nervous and she wanted desperately to prove she could be her protector.
"Of course, but why would I tell you ahead of time? Don't you want to experience it firsthand?" When he got no response, he leaned in closer and inspected her. It only took a moment for him to smile in that annoying knowing way of his. "Alright then, let's prepare you to be a shining pillar of strength tonight. I can only show you what is already prepared, which is the barn and festival grounds. And I'm afraid it's not quite the same in the daylight."
"Oh, shut up." He motioned for them to move out of the side doors and as she followed she whispered, "Thank you, Suguru. I'll take anything I can get."
With a wink, he responded, "Anything for my favorite couple."
Yumi couldn't believe it was nearly noon and no one had woken her. Having woken up in the empty bed, Sachiko nowhere in sight, Yumi had rushed to get herself dressed for the day. Her outfit was similar to Sachiko's save for the color of her flannel, brown and cream with a tinge of rust orange - Sachiko had said she liked how warm and inviting her eyes looked while wearing it. Though Yumi had to admit, the invitation in them may have been due to the close quarters of the changing room they had been in at the time.
Before leaving the room she walked to the windows overlooking the lake and cliffs at the far edge. It was as divinely beautiful as Suguru had implied it would be. Along the closest bank, she could see stalls and vendors setting up for the festival. Off near the woods to the left was a line of wagons topped with hay and to the right was an old-fashioned barn, looking worn from time and age. She could see figures moving through the woods beyond that, but the distance and foliage were too great to discern any more than that. Just when she was stepping away from the window movement below caught her eye. A figure clad all in black with large wings was moving at a fast pace down toward the lake followed by another taller figure in flannel and overalls leaving a trail of straw floating in the breeze behind him. She didn't try to rein in her laughter at the sight of Suguru and Yuki. The two were a pair, no matter how tsundere her brother insisted on being. No doubt existed in her mind that eventually, Suguru would break down those false barriers with her brother.
Shaking her head at their antics, she went in search of two things, food and Sachiko. As she moved through the sprawling mansion Yumi drifted into thoughts of the past few weeks. She had tried so hard to be there for Sachiko, to support her, but she felt like such a failure. Every night she came home to find Sachiko had already made dinner and cleaned up. Sachiko had even done the laundry multiple times which was a chore she loathed with the very essence of her soul. Yet not one complaint or harsh word did Yumi receive. Only kisses and hugs and tender support. In this Yumi felt the failure. She needed to pull her own weight and be supportive of Sachiko as well. It was a role she had always played in their life together. How could it change now?
It was nearly one by the time she located her tall, flannel-wearing goddess. She was walking back to the house from the direction of the festival grounds. A smile lit her angelic face when their eyes locked from across the field. With a grin of her own and a giggle of excitement, Yumi took off at a smooth jog. Sachiko, ever the proper lady, did not run to meet her, but instead laughed and lifted her arms, waiting. Launching herself into Sachiko's arms, Yumi laughed as the older woman squealed in surprise and they tumbled into the cushion of tall grass at their feet.
Together they laughed until they found themselves curled into each other once more, staring into the autumn sky and watching as fluffy white clouds crawled across the sky. It was cool outside, with a nice chill breeze blowing. It was the perfect weather for a Halloween festival.
Festivities began at 3 pm, a mere two hours before sunset was predicted. While Yumi was apologetic for not having time to help Sachiko create a collaborative costume set for them, Sachiko seemed unphased by it, stating she preferred it this way. So the two walked hand in hand from stall to stall, eating and enjoying their time together. It came as no shock that Sei, in her Cloud Strife costume complete with Buster Sword and all, won the costume contest. Yoko had come in a close second with her creepy rendition of Lulu, also from the Final Fantasy series. At one point Sei was so convinced Yoko's doll had actually moved that she insisted it be put away before going into the haunted barn. They had all laughed, but secretly Yumi agreed with Sei. The doll was too dang creepy.
So, having put both Sei's sword and Yoko's doll away, the group traveled to the Haunted Hollow, a portion of the festival grounds that held the Haunted Barn, a large campfire around which the older folks told ghost stories, and the starting point for the Test of Courage Trail. Suguru said it wound all the way up by a long-forgotten church on the cliffs and then down around the lake to the other side of the festival grounds. Thankfully it was a small lake, so the trail only spanned roughly three miles. Yumi knew they could easily run that distance if they needed to.
Taking hold of Sachiko's hand she gave it a gentle squeeze as if to say, "I got you." Sachiko's returning smile and squeeze set Yumi's heart fluttering as if she were a high schooler with a secret crush all over again.
Now that it was dark the crowds grew thick and Sachiko felt the silent tendrils of unease begin reaching for her. It wasn't often anymore that she succumbed to her fear of crowds, but it had also been a long time since she had allowed herself to be in a similar situation. Having noticed Sachiko's pale face and the start of a cold sweat on her brow, Yumi immediately pulled her from the crowd and led her to a hay bale at the far edge of the firelight.
Concern clouded Yumi's chocolate gaze and Sachiko cursed herself for her weakness. She had resolved to be strong and supportive for Yumi and yet at the first obstacle, she was back to being dependent on the smaller woman. There was no denying though the comfort she gleaned from Yumi's caring touch and the soft caress of Yumi's lips on her forehead.
"Do you need anything?" Yumi's loving voice wrung Sachiko's heart of all feelings save gratefulness.
Putting aside her shame for the moment, she nodded, "Water, please, Yumi."
With a sliver of a smile, Yumi nodded determinedly. "Stay right here. I'll be back." A moment later she disappeared into the surrounding darkness, leaving Sachiko alone near the fire. She was close enough to hear the story being told, yet far enough away from the crowd that she felt comfortably and sufficiently alone in order to recover.
To avoid thinking about the milling crowd in the darkness, Sachiko tuned into the story a weathered woman of advanced years had begun to tell. Her raspy voice reached out above the pop and crackle of the fire as it devoured the wood in its scorching blaze, capturing the attention of all gathered. Even from a distance, Sachiko could see the shadows that carved their way along the crone's face, each wrinkle and line telling a story all their own. A story of her life, her victories and failures, her joys and her despairs. It was because of this, the wisdom that was so easily read on the woman's face, that Sachiko found herself hanging on her every word.
"It was a night much like this one, though we could hear thunder in the distance. My friends and I thought it would be fun. We wanted to prove ourselves as all foolish children do. At least, until they realize a day comes when that proof carries a hefty price. That night we paid the price for our foolishness." Sachiko could have sworn the woman's eyes flashed and landed squarely on her, but when she blinked the glassy gaze was back focusing on the heart of the flames before her. "It was a steep cost. Five of us went into these woods and only four of us returned."
No one spoke. No one even dared to breathe as they waited for the weathered crone to continue her tale. It had been a mild night, yet even sitting so near the flames Sachiko felt a chill rise from deep within, cooling her to the bone.
"Up upon the ridge is a tree, twisted and gnarled from wind and age. It has a sorted history, it does. Some know it as Hanging Haunt. Others as the Wishing Willow. Each name is valid in its own right, though no wish of mine has ever been granted." She shook her head, thinning white hair falling before her clouded eyes as she continued. "It is said that if you place your hand upon the trunk and voice your heart's true desire that the spirits of the tree will grant it for you. Be warned, only the purest of hearts and truest of wishes will be granted though. Dare not place your hand upon that tree unless you're willing to speak true, for if you don't-" The woman stilled, as if frozen in time. When at last she moved, it was only her eyes that indeed found Sachiko through the wavering flames of the fire between them. "Pray you are one that gets no response from the tree. If you should look up into the gnarled limbs and you see a body hanging over the cliff - Run, girl. For it is an omen far darker than the depths of hell your nightmares come from."
An icy hand grasped her by the nape of her neck, nearly causing Sachiko to give up her soul right then and there. Swallowing her scream and grasping at her neck in surprise, Sachiko whirled around expecting some specter of the night to be reaching for her but found only a startled-looking Yumi, water in one hand and a matcha smoothie in the other.
With an apologetic smile, Yumi lifted the ice-cold water and shrugged. "Sorry, I didn't have a big enough pocket and this water is so cold. My hand feels like a solid block of ice." Lifting the smoothie she added, "I thought that you could use something with a bit of sugar instead." With a hopeful look in her eye, she extended both offerings, waiting for Sachiko to pick her beverage.
She had asked for water, but Sachiko reached for the smoothie instead. Before she had even finished her first sip of the complexly flavored beverage she was moaning in appreciation. Yumi had been right; she needed this bit of tangy bittersweetness. Looking back up she noticed Yumi had looked away, but even in the deepening shadows, Sachiko could make out the blush that had reddened Yumi's ears and neck. Pulling Yumi down to join her on the hay bale, she leaned into her shoulder and gently teased. "What has you blushing this time?"
Unscrewing the lid from the water in her hand, Yumi took a long swig before turning an accusing glare Sachiko's way. "You know exactly what you did."
With a giggle, Sachiko teased more. "I don't know what you mean by that."
Yumi hesitated only a moment before she turned, straddling the hay bale and nestling right up against Sachiko's side, her arms naturally winding their way around her waist. "If you insist on teasing and tempting me with those moans of yours you'll find I'm not as opposed to public displays of affection." Her eyebrow cocked as if daring Sachiko as she added, "Very public and very affectionate."
Instead of responding immediately, Sachiko found a blush beginning to rage on her own cheeks as her imagination began to run with that very alluring and scandalous idea. Despite not being brave enough to take the teasing further, Sachiko wrapped her free arm around her middle, clasping Yumi's slender arm and then leaning her head atop Yumi's on her shoulder. It was only then that Sachiko's attention was drawn back to where the weathered woman had been sitting. She was gone, replaced by an eager older man giving an animated account of a childhood scare.
Without lifting her head she looked about, wondering where the woman had gone and how her story had ended. What had happened to the child that didn't exit the woods? What exactly had been the cost? Had the crone seen a body hanging from the tree? Why had it seemed she was talking only to Sachiko? All of these were questions she wished to have answered, but knew instinctively wouldn't be.
"What's wrong?" Yumi asked, sipping on her water and seeming more than content to simply sit by Sachiko's side.
"Oh, it's nothing really. A granny was telling a story when you came back and it appears I missed the ending."
Lifting her head, Yumi looked up at her in confusion. "A granny?" She shook her head. "That guy has been telling stories this whole time."
Shaking her head, Sachiko straightened in her seat. "No, I swear. I weathered old woman with white stringy hair was sitting right over there telling the story about the Hanging Haunt or Wishing Willow, whatever it's called."
Narrowing her eyes, Yumi looked from where the older man was telling his story and then back to Sachiko. "You're certain?" When Sachiko gave her a look of Did you really just ask me that? Yumi raised her hands in surrender. "I was only asking. That's odd though, Sachiko."
Sachiko could only nod in agreement. Suddenly the fire felt too warm and the press of people coming to hear the exuberant old man was too much. "Yumi, can we move?"
Instantly understanding what she needed, Yumi stood, grabbed her outstretched hand, and then without releasing her hold on Sachiko, led her out of the crowd. When they were in the darkened shadows of the barn, Yumi pulled the trembling Sachiko to her, holding her close. "Do you want to head back to the house?"
Shaking her head, Sachiko merely inhaled Yumi's reassuring scent and clung a bit tighter. "No, let's just stay like this a moment, then we can return to the festival."
"Oh, lookie what we have here, boys." A slurred, raspy voice spoke from the front of the barn and they turned to find three men, none impressive in size or appearance, leering at them from feet away. When Yumi pulled away from Sachiko only to step between the men and her lover, the leader merely scoffed. "Don't stop on our account. Please, continue. It was really turning me on." The guy's laughter was joined by the snickering of his friends.
Trembling hands grabbed at Yumi's hips from behind, and Yumi set a calming hand over Sachiko's. "You three can move along. You won't be getting a show out of this lesbian couple."
"Oy, did you hear that boys? I was right. Come on, ladies." The leader stepped closer, raising his hands as if to appease a wild animal. "We could make this a night you'd never forget."
Having no shame, he reached down and adjusted himself, smirking as if in triumph when Sachiko turned her face away. Yumi, however, refused to break eye contact with the brute. "Back the fuck off." She growled. She wasn't strong, but both she and Sachiko were fast. By the looks of these three, they were drunk and didn't appear as though running would be in their skill set.
Seeing Yumi's strength and determination, her unwillingness to cower even when they were outnumbered, gave Sachiko a jolt of courage. Taking a deep breath, she straightened herself and releasing one of Yumi's hips reached into her pocket. When she was ready, she stepped forward to be by Yumi's side rather than hiding behind her. If Yumi was surprised by her move she didn't show it.
"You three think you're such a hot commodity that we should be grateful you want to watch us?" Sachiko scoffed, her voice taking on the icy tone she reserved for hostile boardrooms. "All I see are three pathetic pock-faced swine waiting in the shadows of the barn to jump unsuspecting women. Real men don't have to resort to tactics like this. Real men earn a woman's love and affection. You three?" She surprised even herself as she took a half-step forward and spit at their feet. "You are the furthest thing from men that I've ever seen. Take your sorry excuses of manhood and go hump a tree."
Yumi had never in her life heard such ire come from Sachiko. Her boldness, demeanor, and sudden willingness to stand up for them both were some of the sexiest things Yumi had ever seen. Pride bubbled up inside her and she had to laugh at the mixed looks of rage and shock on the men's faces. "Yeah, what she said." Yumi laughed, jabbing her thumb at Sachiko with a smirk.
"Why you little, bitc-" The man's rage was cut off by a sudden flood of light around them.
Yumi found herself suddenly blinded and didn't resist when Sachiko pulled on her arm, leading her away from the barn and out of the direct beam of the light.
"Now, now - No need for such unseemly language, gentlemen." Suguru, hands in pockets and looking as intimidating as one could be in a scarecrow outfit, stepped from behind the barn with five security officers at his side. His eyes were narrowed, his rage seething just below the surface. "I believe you three have overstayed your welcome. These officers will be showing you to the exit where an officer of the law will be waiting to take you into custody. We will be taking your information and blacklisting you from all businesses and events run by the Ogasawara Foundation and our many subsidiaries. That means banned from both employment and patronage." Turning to the side, as if the three pieces of scum were no longer worthy of his gaze, he instructed the security guards. "Secure them and lead them away. Be sure we know the name of every individual they arrived with. Do a thorough sweep of the area and make sure there are no other predators lurking about."
The lead officer nodded and immediately began issuing orders. Suguru waved both Sachiko and Yumi over and swiftly led them away from the area. "I do apologize, dear cousin. I try to ensure the safety of all my guests, but filth like them always seems to slip through the cracks."
"How did you know we were in trouble?" Yumi asked curiously, still very conscious of Sachiko's iron grasp on her hand.
"Sachiko is very resourceful." Suguru winked at Yumi before smiling at his cousin. "Nice move calling me. Telling me how many there were and exactly where you were was exceedingly helpful." He applauded her, clapping his hands in slow admiration.
Eyes wide, Yumi turned to Sachiko and smiled. "You really did that?"
Embarrassed by the sudden attention, Sachiko nodded and shrugged. "I did, but it was nothing. You would have done the same. Eventually."
Shaking her head emphatically, Yumi squeezed her hand. "No, no I wouldn't have. My only plan was to run." She laughed at herself, a bit of shame lighting her face. "Your solution got them out of here and protected everyone else too." She didn't have to say it. Sachiko could see the pride in Yumi's eyes and just that fact lifted the stress from her shoulders.
Instead of continuing in the same vein of conversation, Suguru motioned from them to the barn entrance. "Don't let this event ruin your evening, dear ones. If you haven't already, why not try the Haunted Barn?"
Before Sachiko could respond, Yumi was already shaking her head. "I don't think that's such a good idea."
Sachiko knew her instant rejection of the idea wasn't because Yumi disliked Haunted Houses and such. No, she knew intuitively that Yumi was merely trying to protect her again. Trying to shield her from anything that might push Sachiko's limits. Simultaneously Sachiko found herself both grateful and shamed by it. Little did Yumi know that she had an inkling of what to expect behind those barn doors. IT would be different in the dark with the actors in place, but still... Steeling her nerves, Sachiko took a half-step forward and without looking to Yumi for reassurance said, "I think that is a wonderful idea, Suguru."
His expression sliding between confusion and satisfaction, Suguru nodded, stepping back smoothly and gesturing the way to the door. "Then by all means, enjoy. Now, I must go find my wayward crow." With that he turned and walked away, leaving behind a comical pile of straw.
Not wishing to delay for fear she would lose her nerve, Sachiko moved toward the entrance but stopped when Yumi refused to move. Turning to her with a question in her eyes, Yumi took her by surprise by gently placing a soft hand against her cheek. "Sachiko, are you sure?"
Touched and even emboldened by Yumi's concern, Sachiko grinned at her lover and nodded. "I want to experience this with you, Yumi."
The light in Yumi's eyes instantly made the discomfort in Sachiko's gut ebb away. This was what she wanted. She wanted Yumi's happiness, regardless of what she had to sacrifice to achieve it. Leaning in she gave her lover a short peck on her lips and then pulled Yumi toward the barn. It was time to get scared.
The barn had actually been fun, Sachiko realized as they exited the far side still laughing from their encounter with Rei and Yoshino inside. Rei had nearly fainted when a zombie monkey lurched from the rafters and accidentally knocked her over. Yoshino, ever the defender, had all but unleashed her wrath on the poor swinging monkey, stuck in place hanging upside down in their harness. It had taken Rei and Sachiko to move Yoshino away and an apologetic Yumi to set the monkey free of their harness. Thankfully they all, including their harried monkey friend, were laughing by the end of it.
Parting ways with a flushed Yoshino and a grinning Rei, Sachiko found herself pulling Yumi closer, walking with her arm around Yumi's shoulders instead of holding her hand. Her stomach did a little flip when without a comment Yumi's arm looped around her waist and held her close. "That was actually a lot of fun." Sachiko grinned down at Yumi.
"It really was." Yumi laughed. "Your reaction to the spider was" She snickered. "Expected."
"Hey! That was a real spider!" And not part of my original tour, she added silently. Shaking Yumi slightly, Sachiko couldn't help but laugh as well. "What about your reaction to that witch?"
"In my defense, she came out of nowhere! Suddenly she was right there! And I swear she got far too close and smelled way too strongly of garlic." Yumi wrinkled her face at the memory. "If she had jumped into your face and let out a foul-smelling cackle I'm sure you would have also run."
Sachiko laughed. "I did run, but only because you would have torn my arm free of my body had I not moved with you."
Lifting her free hand in surrender, Yumi chuckled, "Okay, okay - I think it's fair to say that we both had our moments in there. That was overall the best haunted experience I've had."
It was then that they spotted the trail. A sign proclaiming "Test of Courage Haunted Trail" stood to the side of the path, looking weathered and foreboding as if it had been tucked beneath the canopy of the forest for decades, forgotten and left to decay in the elements.
They looked at each other in silent question. It was now fully dark, the moon a sliver of light that rarely broke through the thick foliage. Sachiko knew Yumi still had no fondness for the dark and was about to offer for them to skip it when Yumi used her hold on Sachiko's waist to guide her in the direction of the trail.
Yumi wasn't about to be the reason they didn't walk the trail.
"Yumi, are you sure?" Sachiko asked, concern evident in her tone.
"Absolutely!" Yumi responded without hesitation. "I want to see the church Yuki told me about. It's older, but the architecture is unique. Elegant and quaint at the same time, if my brother is to be believed."
Nodding in agreement Sachiko went willingly onto the trail. "It does sound intriguing, though I honestly wonder if he were simply pulling your leg to get you to walk the trail."
Laughing, Yumi scanned the trees for any signs of jump scares along their path. "I wouldn't put it past him."
They walked along the pitch-black path, the darkness broken only by small webs of moonlight that set random patterns moving along the uneven ground. Soon the path became too precarious for them to continue moving as closely as they were. Separating, they instead joined hands, and Sachiko was momentarily shocked when Yumi took up the lead. Yumi was truly an amazing woman. She had been a wonderful girl, an incredible young woman, but now a truly awe-inspiring woman who had grown far beyond the limits she had once placed on herself. Sachiko did want to be there for Yumi, to have the woman lean on her, but she couldn't deny how attractive this self-assured Yumi was. Her show of strength, whether natural or with effort, was inspiring and Sachiko found she had never been more proud to be Yumi's partner.
Partner? The word rang in her ears. Maybe she had been thinking about it all in the wrong way. Maybe, just maybe, it was okay to lean on Yumi too.
A noise up ahead had her refocusing on the here and now as Yumi came to a sudden stop. She was breathing deeply now and Sachiko knew it was not from the effort of hiking the steadily inclining path. Squeezing her hand in reassurance, Sachiko stepped forward to be by her side. "Do you see anything?"
Yumi merely shook her head, hating herself for the panic that had suddenly gripped her heart at the sound coming from the darkest part of the forest. She was a grown woman yet still the darkness held sway over her. Standing firm she silently shook herself. She could do this. She could be brave. Sachiko's warmth at her side and the heat of their joined hands helped to pull her from fear. With Sachiko by her side she knew she could do it.
So it was with confidence that Yumi stepped forward into the looming darkness. A low growl echoed amongst the trees all around them. Then it was with overwhelming confidence in the strength of her legs and speed of her feet that she pulled Sachiko into a run, squealing all the way. After they had run a good distance, passing more scares along the way, dodging obvious traps and scarers, but giving nothing else a chance to touch them, they came to a halt in a wide plot of moonlit path.
Doubled over and gasping for breath they looked at each other and instantly began to laugh. Tears of mirth ringed their eyes as they leaned against each other, shaking uncontrollably. "You…are…ridiculous." Sachiko gasped between breaths, smiling at her lover affectionately.
Falling to her knees, Yumi nodded. "I can't… deny that."
Joining her on the ground, Sachiko wrapped her arms around the smaller woman and held her close as their laughter petered out. Leaning back, Sachiko lifted her hands to cup Yumi's glowing cheeks. "I love you, for all your ridiculousness." And then they were kissing, the heat immediately igniting between them, hands clutching wantingly in the pale moonlight.
A cry from up ahead followed by peels of laughter broke them from their cocoon of warmth. Separating reluctantly, they parted with gentle pecks and then stood. Without a word between them, they continued hand in hand along the path. Before long they stepped beyond the trees into a clearing. A church sat a ways back from a cliff, a graveyard spanning the space between them and a massive willow tree clinging to the crumbling cliff edge. They walked through the graveyard, trying to read the family names on the tombstones and taking note of incense burning at many gravesides. Though old, this burial ground was far from forgotten. That knowledge brought a smile to Yumi's face.
Seeing the willow tree moving in the gentle cool breeze of the night, Sachiko was reminded of the old crone's story. "Yumi, look, that must be the Hanging Haunt."
"I thought it was the Wishing Willow?" Yumi peered at the tree, both confused and intrigued.
"Apparently, it's known by both names."
"What's the story?" As if by unspoken agreement, the two made their way to the side of the massive willow. Its trunk was indeed twisted by the harsh winds of years gone by, its limbs broad yet gnarled by age and elements as well.
"You place your hand upon the trunk and make a wish. The wish has to be your heart's truest desire. If you are pure of heart and so is your wish the benevolent spirits of the tree will grant it." Sachiko stopped a good few stops from the trunk, as if cautious about accidentally touching it.
"And if you aren't deemed pure enough?" Yumi wondered aloud, stepping closer to the tree as if to touch it.
Sachiko held her back, her eyes never leaving the foreboding tree. "Then you may receive an omen of ill fate, a body hanging from the limbs."
"Oh god," Yumi paled a moment, looking at the tree with new respect. "Do you think it's true?"
Shrugging, Sachiko spoke her mind softly. "I'm not sure, but legends and tales often have a grain of truth in them. I'd rather not scoff at any of them outright. There has to be a reason for the legend, right?"
Yumi nodded and after a moment turned a pair of earnest brown eyes to stare up at her from the shadow of the willow. "I know my heart's truest desire."
With a grin, Sachiko drew her lover forward and wrapped her in her arms. "Do you now? Would it be a tin of chocolates for Christmas?"
"No, of course not." Yumi giggled, "Though that does sound divine."
"A big fluffy blanket to keep you warm at night?" Sachiko grinned down at Yumi, tenderly brushing some of her hair from her face.
"Why would I need that?" Yumi's face flushed as she spoke, slowly drawing them back toward the tree. "When I have you in my bed each night?"
"Very true." Giggling, Sachiko stepped with Yumi until she had the smaller woman pressed to the trunk of the tree. "Well then, Yumi," Taking Yumi's hand in hers she lifted it until she had her arm pressed to the rough bark above Yumi's head, both of their hands touching the haunted tree. Their fingers intertwined as Sachiko removed all space between them. "Tell me, my love, your heart's truest desire. We'll say it together and whatever happens, we'll face it together." As she spoke she lowered her mouth ever closer until they shared the same breath and Sachiko could feel Yumi's lips trembling against her own. "I'm not afraid as long as I'm with you."
Swallowing hard, Yumi nodded ever so slightly. Before she spoke though, she leaned up on her toes and gently caressed Sachiko's lips with her own, her tongue flicking out to tease Sachiko's mouth open. With a wanting gaze, Sachiko returned the gesture, licking boldly into Yumi's mouth, touching her in a way that only she was ever allowed. The fact that she was the only one who had the privilege to be with Yumi like this sparked a sense of pride within her. She was indeed blessed to have this woman as her own. On a night such as this, surrounded by reminders of their own mortality - death and darkness abounding in this celebration of Halloween - it felt so good and so right to have Yumi so near, an ever-present reminder of why her life was so good and worth living.
Resting their foreheads together, each took in deep breaths to steady themselves before meeting each other's gaze. With a joint nod, they spoke their wishes.
"To be by Sachiko's side, her partner in life and love until the day death separates us." Yumi spoke firmly, though quietly for only Sachiko and the tree to hear.
"To be worthy of Yumi's love until the day I die." Sachiko's voice broke, feeling her wish would be a tall order even for the spirits of the tree. Who could really be worthy of the angel in her arms?
They smiled at each other, tears unconsciously forming silvery wetness in their eyes. "Sachiko, I adore you so very much." Yumi sniffled but continued. "You're important to me, beyond words and beyond reason. I know you don't need me as much as you used to but I only want to stay by your side, to love and care for you."
A tinge of confusion flashed in Sachiko's eyes as she shook her head, lifting her hand to gently brush the tears from Yumi's cheeks. "What do you mean I don't need you as much? I need you more than words can say."
"You are so much more confident now and I'm so proud of you for the steps you've taken." Looking down self-consciously, Yumi continued in a quieter voice. "I just sometimes wonder where I fit and what use I am to you now."
"How you fit? What use?" Shocked by Yumi's reaction to her endeavors to be more dependable herself, Sachiko felt her heart ache just knowing Yumi thought this way at all. Placing one hand on Yumi's cheek she angled her face up even as her other hand took hold of Yumi's hip and pulled them even closer. "You're not an accessory in my life, Yumi. You're the love of my life. I wanted to become more dependable, not to push you away, but to be as strong for you as you are for me. Don't you see? I want us to be a strong unit together. And as for fit," She took the opportunity to grind their hips together, drawing a moaning gasp from Yumi. "I think we fit just fine, don't you?"
"I can't argue with that." Yumi moaned, moving instinctively for more friction. When she felt Sachiko's cool lips against her forehead, she held tight to Sachiko, running ghost-like fingers through the hair at the nape of her neck. "But you do know that it's okay to still lean on me? To depend on me? It's not a weakness or a shortcoming."
Lips still pressed to Yumi's warm skin, Sachiko nodded. "Yes, I think I just figured that out."
Resting her cheek against Sachiko's shoulder Yumi opened her eyes to see a view that took her breath away. "Sachiko, look." Turning, they both looked out over the cliff down to the lake and beyond the lights of the festival below, all under the glow of the crescent moon. "It's amazing."
Sachiko nodded then turned her eyes back to study the only thing around that she would ever consider beautiful. Yumi's face glowed in the moonlight, her smile radiant as she looked down at the festival far below. "Yes, indeed." She agreed, reaching out and running her fingers through Yumi's hair, loving the length. When Yumi's eyes once more fell on Sachiko's face she lifted that devilish eyebrow of hers, as if daring Sachiko to make a move.
With an uncharacteristic roughness, Sachiko drew Yumi close, digging her fingers into Yumi's hair and angling her head to perfectly match her swift approach. Lips clashed and Yumi's hands clung to Sachiko as if for dear life. When Sachiko's lips lowered to Yumi's neck, Yumi groaned in appreciation and whispered, "Hey there gorgeous."
Sachiko chuckled against her skin. "Hey there beautiful."
"This really is the Wishing Willow after all." Yumi closed her eyes, enjoying Sachiko's wandering touch.
"Right, nothing scary up here." Sachiko responded reassuringly, pointedly not discussing their quick run through the woods.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." A voice spoke from behind them.
They both stopped, looking around for where the disembodied voice may have come from. Fear gripped their hearts as tightly as they held each other, as together they looked up into the tree. When the voice came again their eyes were drawn instantly to the dark form in the limbs above with the pale white face peering down at them. "I've seen some scaring things up here tonight."
They both screamed, jumping back together from the tree before recognition struck Yumi. Grinding her teeth together she lifted a warning finger to the figure above, "Yuki, you're dead. You hear me?"
"Well, I kinda wanna die after that awful display of affection. Seriously, I think I'm scared for life." Yuki, still dressed in his costume, perched above on a wide tree limb, smiling down mischievously as the two women.
"Just you wait!" Yumi strode to the tree, kicking it hard enough to send a shudder up its gnarled body.
"Whoa! Don't kick the tree, Yumi!" Yuki cried, grasping at the main trunk for support.
"Hello, cousin?" Sachiko's voice rang out clearly above the siblings, catching their attention as she held her phone triumphantly in her hand. "Yes, I believe we found your wayward crow."
"Huh?" Yuki's eyes grew wide. "No, not fair!"
Sachiko smiled up at Yuki and then at Yumi and spoke to all three. "Consider it both a trick and a treat. Happy Halloween."
A/N - There was so much more I could have added, but I thought I'd TRY to write an actual short story this time. ;) lol Not sure if I succeeded, but I hope you all enjoyed! Best wishes to each and every one of you! Until next time!
