A/N - I do not own these characters.

Chapter 8

Yumi stared at the stairs Sachiko had descended mere hours earlier. How exactly could a flight of stairs, stairs she had ascended and descended countless times before, appear so intimidating now that she knew the love of her childhood was at the bottom? Yes, that's right. Love of my childhood. It's in the past and despite what she's said, she knows nothing about who I am now.

Trying her best to guide her own mind back onto a safe path, one that didn't lead into the trap Sachiko's words and emotions had so obviously set for her, Yumi groaned. Could she deny that she still felt something for Sachiko? Hell, no. Holding her, standing between her legs up top, with Sachiko's pulse pounding frantically through her wrist beneath her hand- Yumi had to swallow as the memory instantly dried her mouth and throat. It would have taken nothing to have Sachiko right then and there, but Yumi refused to do that. She had a reputation back on the island, she knew, but Sachiko didn't. For all Sachiko knew, Yumi was still the epitome of innocence. Yumi's heart was not so pure any longer and she didn't know if she were ready for Sachiko to know the truth.

She continued to think about their awkward situation as she straightened and put the maps away, taking an extra moment to caress the outline of her home, Saorsa. None of her friends from Japan knew the truth about her life now, except Yoshino and Shimako. Sei didn't even know the full story, despite the many times Yumi had felt the need to confide in her older friend. What held her back though was the thought that Sei or any of the others might think of her differently should they know the truth. Giving Sei the coordinates to the island was a step she had agonized over for some time. Half of her reason for not telling them though, namely Sachiko finding her, was a moot point now. Yumi couldn't hold back the smirk, thinking of Sachiko sneaking aboard while her back was turned. The older woman was capable of far more daring gestures than she would ever have guessed.

It was not yet fully dark, but Yumi felt the rush of the days past catching up with her now that she knew Remy was feeling better and on the mend. For not the first time, she paused and thanked the Almighty for having brought such wonderful people into her life that they would care for the precious few in her life as if they were their own. Courtney and Zahra were friends she valued as family and she couldn't imagine ever living her life without them nearby. Which was another thing that she wondered how exactly her guest might react.

Climbing out of the cabin and back up top, Yumi secured the rigging and switched on her nighttime running lights. It wasn't a precaution she used as often as she should, but the channel they were traversing was popular with fishermen traveling between Fiji and Japan. For that reason, she wanted to make sure they would see her clearly should they come upon them after sunset. Pulling a Titanic against a fishing boat was not Yumi's ideal plan for the night.

In fact, her ideal plan would have something to do with the luscious woman waiting for her below, but with a firm shake of her head, she refused to allow herself to go there. At least, not while there was so much Sachiko still didn't know.

Once she was certain everything was secure, she switched the engine off. Closing her eyes, she stood still as she waited for the low rumble of the engine to dwindle into silence. There was nothing quite like the silence you could find at sea. The wind pulling against the bound rigging and sails created the sound of ruffled fabric in the breeze while the ocean waves beat firmly and irregularly against the side of the boat. Other than that, not a sound could be heard. Taking a deep breath of clean ocean air, Yumi allowed the salty freshness to permeate her soul.

After a few moments of enjoying the quiet stillness, Yumi opened her eyes and watched as the sun's final rays began to crest the horizon.

"God, I don't talk to you often. Uh, sorry about that. Would it be presumptuous of me to talk to you now?" She waited for half a heartbeat before continuing. "I'm going to hope you said no." Rubbing the back of her neck, she turned and was faced with the night sky on the Eastern horizon. "You know my lifestyle isn't… Well, it's not what it used to be. How can I tell her? Could she accept my past, the ugly truth of how far I fell? And how do I tell her about my family on the island? How do I explain the complexity of my life?" Burying her face in her hands, she growled low and deep, letting her frustration out. "I can't handle this shit!" With a start, she glanced at the twinkling stars and grimaced. "Uh, sorry... Again. Anyway… What do I do? Please…" Looking down at her clasped hands she whispered her final plea. "Show me what I need to do."


Sachiko had been about ready to go in search of Yumi when the younger woman finally descended the stairs. She smiled up at her from her seat on the couch before realizing the tiredness in Yumi's eyes. Standing hesitantly from her seat, she approached her slowly. "Yumi? What's wrong? Did something happen?"

With a weak smile, Yumi shook her head. "No, not much. You know, work stuff comes as a mixed bag on most days. Listen, I'm going to cut out early tonight. I just found out I don't need to rush as much in my return, so I'm really needing some sleep. Will you be okay getting your own dinner?"

Sachiko nodded, though she had no clue what was in the galley nor how she might turn any of it into a satisfactory meal, but she wouldn't admit that to Yumi. "What about you? Don't you need food?"

Looking almost unsteady on her feet, Yumi shook her head. "I need a shower more than I need food right now."

Concerned by the suddenness of Yumi's fatigue, Sachiko took her gently by the arm and led her to the bathroom. "You shower and I'll get you something to eat. You won't rest well if your stomach is growling at you."

"Are you sure?" Yumi asked hesitantly.

"Yeah." Sachiko smiled and shrugged. "It's not like I can burn the place down. We have an endless supply of water, after all."

With narrowed eyes, Yumi mumbled her response, "That doesn't exactly instill me with confidence, Sachiko."

"Oh, just go already." Sachiko laughed, giving Yumi a little push toward the bathroom door.

"Alright, but just don't - you know -" She waved absently toward Sachiko's hands. "Don't cut off anything important. I'm okay with a needle and thread but I'd hate to subject you to those skills unnecessarily."

"Your confidence in me is overwhelming, Fukuzawa." Sachiko glared at Yumi as the shorthaired woman smirked and slumped in the doorway.

"Well then, Ogasawara, show me what you've got."

Heat rose to Sachiko's cheeks and she found herself eyeing Yumi's toned arms and her smooth pink lips. Biting her lower lip, she shook her head. "Moves, right. I'll show you want I've got." She knew flirting wasn't the best way to build a friendship with Yumi- Scratch that. It wasn't the way at all! But when faced with that smirk, those arms flexing against the doorframe, and her dark chocolate gaze that seemed to bore into her soul, Sachiko couldn't help it. This woman aroused her like nothing else - literally!

By the quirk of her eyebrow, Sachiko could tell Yumi picked up on the flirtation, but not even a hint of blush touched her tanned cheeks. How times had changed. Had they truly swapped places in that department?

After a moment of Yumi studying her face intently, the younger woman shrugged and winked at her. "Alright then. I look forward to the show." With that, she closed the door between them.

That wink must have been connected to Sachiko's heart in some unfathomable way because instantly the rebellious organ went on a rampage beneath her breast, pounded uncontrollably against her ribs.

She stood by the door for a few minutes before shaking herself free of the trance Yumi had smoothly put her into. Placing a hand over her heart as if to forcefully calm it, Sachiko retreated to the galley. "Alright, Sachiko, you can do this. How hard can it be, after all?" Moving to the narrow refrigerator, she opened it and peered inside. There was little in ways of prepared food. A container of a smooth yellow mixture smelling strongly of egg sat on the top shelf along with Yumi's supply of bacon and eggs for breakfasts. Since she had no idea what the mixture was or how to prepare it properly, she placed it back in its place and continued looking. On a lower shelf, she found blocks of cheese and some type of sliced meat. Narrowing her eyes, she read the label. Summer Sausage… What makes it summer and not like winter or something? Despite not knowing exactly what it was, she could tell it was cooked and could probably be eaten well enough without being heated. Pulling that and the cheddar cheese free of the fridge, she turned and opened the package of sliced meat. Curious, she took a small piece and smelled it. Smokey and maybe a bit sweat smelling. Though she was uncertain, she knew that if it was good enough for Yumi it was certainly good enough for herself. Not letting herself hesitate a moment longer, she popped a small piece into her mouth and chewed. The flavor was… Well, she didn't know quite what to call it. It was different. A good different. She found the taste satisfying and imagined it tasted excellent along with the cheese.

"Yumi isn't going to want anything too heavy right before bed. This should do though." In searching for a knife, she found a package of crackers and pulled those out as well. Just as she heard the bathroom door open, she finished plating the meat, crackers, and cheese. Turning triumphantly, she opened her mouth to declare her meal a success when her heart leaped into her throat and she nearly dropped the plate.

There stood Yumi, hair mussed and dripping wet, wrapped in nothing but a stark white towel that left very little to her starved imagination. Swallowing, she couldn't help the path her eyes traced from slender, muscular shoulders, down scantily clad breasts and trim waist, to languidly study athletic thighs and slim, powerful legs. When at last her eyes found Yumi's once more, she saw a mixture of anticipation and amusement in her chocolate brown eyes. Swallowing hard, Sachiko stepped forward and spoke, her voice cracking a bit as she set the plate of food on the counter. "I thought I was supposed to give you a show, not the other way around."

A glint of laughter flashed in Yumi's eyes before she shook her head and turned away. "Well, if someone hadn't pushed me into the bathroom for a shower without clothes to change into this little show wouldn't be airing right now, I assure you."

With a laugh of her own, Sachiko called out after her as she disappeared into the main cabin where Sachiko herself had been sleeping. "And I assure you that that was not my intent when I pushed you into the bathroom, but it's a welcome result."

Yumi's voice echoed from the cabin, though slightly muffled, "What happened to the proper Onee-sama I once knew? Someone tainted your innocence. Was it Sei?"

Sachiko scoffed at the suggestion. "Firstly, I think you may have been imagining the extent of my innocence. And secondly, no, of course, it wasn't Sei." She set the two plates down at the booth table just as Yumi reemerged from the cabin. "It was Yoko, of course."

Smacking the palm of her hand against her forehead, Yumi chuckled, "Of course, if it wasn't one, it was the other."

"And if it wasn't the other," Sachiko continued.

"It was both." They both laughed as they finished the saying they had repeated countless times during those first few years of college.

They studied each other even as their laughter quieted. Leaning against the wall nearest the booth, Sachiko felt a chill and rubbed her arms as she looked her petite souer in the eye. "I missed you, Yumi."

Mimicking Sachiko's stance, Yumi nodded. "I- I did, too, Sachiko."

She could tell Yumi was nervous and maybe a bit uncomfortable, so Sachiko merely smiled and lifted her plate from the table. "I think I'll take my shower now. You're tired, so you don't have to wait for me if you don't want to. I'll eat my food when I'm done." Returning her plate to the fridge, she turned to find Yumi had yet to move, her eyes continuing to track Sachiko's movements. "And Yumi, you should really sleep in your own bed. I'll be fine in the cabin next door. I already moved my things in there earlier."

"Are- Are you sure? I don't mind."

With a genuine smile, Sachiko shook her head. "No, really, I'll be fine. Please, rest up. You seem like you're not feeling well. If you're getting sick you should sleep in your own bed where you'll rest easier."

Returning her smile, Yumi bowed her head in thanks. "I appreciate it, I really do. I'll eat a bit of my gourmet dinner and head straight on into bed."

Sachiko blushed at the meagerness of the meal and shrugged, "Quick and easy can only be so impressive."

"For real, Sachiko, thank you." By the glint in her eyes, Sachiko knew Yumi was no longer teasing. She was serious and the realization had Sachiko's heart soaring.

"My-My pleasure, Yumi. Maybe you can teach me to make something other than finger foods at some point on this journey."

As Sachiko moved toward the second cabin and Yumi toward the booth, Yumi responded, "That would be fun."

With a bold wink of her own, Sachiko whispered, "It's a date then." before disappearing out of sight.


Sachiko knew Yumi was indeed tired when the next morning she woke to the sun well over the horizon and no short skipper in sight. Dressed in a pair of cotton shorts and a thin button-down, she made herself a mug of tea and then meandered above where the air was still crisp with the chill of the night. A thin fog hung low against the water, though the heat of the morning sun was quickly burning it off.

Unlike the previous day, the waters were gentle and calm, lending a sense of peace to the morning that Sachiko had rarely if ever, enjoyed. Yumi had grown into a woman while on these waters. How must have that been for her? To explore and discover her limits in the boundless expanse of the sea - Sachiko shook her head at the thought. It sounded like an impossible way of life. She silently chided herself for the thought, as it was a sign of how her family had taken those choices from her. She had grown into a woman while in boardrooms and offices, more often than not expected to remain the silent observer. Now that she was free of those limiting expectations she was determined to no longer be relegated to that spectator role. No matter how she pushed to use her name and the power that came with it in the boardrooms, it had never garnered her the respect or acknowledgment that she craved. As the wind gently swept her hair from her face, she wondered if she could finally find a way to build a life for herself. One she could be proud of and make wholly her own, without the influence or control of others. And would Yumi be part of this new life she was to build or was this journey meant to be their farewell? While she didn't know the answer, she was certain of one thing. No one else, save for herself and Yumi, would make that decision for her.

Before her introspection could go further, a soft thud caught her attention. Straightening, she looked around for what might be causing the noise. She stilled and the sound came again - thud thud. It continued steadily, allowing her to follow it to the stern on the starboard side. It was coming from the water. Swallowing nervously she looked over the edge and her eyes grew wide in a mixture of shock and horror. "Yumi!"

A/N - Hey there friends :) I'm being entirely honest when I say that I've missed you all! Things are not calming down on my end. In fact, I don't have a single day off in the month of May. I'll be working at least one job or both every day this month. Sigh* However, I am still trying to carve out time for myself to write. This is my sanctuary and y'all's interactions with me keep me energized. :) I hope you enjoyed this installment and that you won't be waiting quite so long for the next!