It's been six months since I wrote this and oof I don't know how this is going to go.

A lot...has happened in my life and if you've read my other stories you know what happened if not here's a short breakdown:

Bad depressive state, moved across the country, recently I had a bad head cold, and my grandfather died. That was last week and now my mom has pneumonia! The location I transferred to is just a nightmare, so I'm working on figuring out how to transfer or quit and look for a new job. I'm sorry I left you guys hanging with this story, but I've been thinking about it.

Also I cut this chapter off earlier than I intended. it'll pick up right away in chapter 5 but after 6-7 months of not writing this story...I didn't want to get in over my head and I'm sorting out how I want this conversation to continue and where to take the rest of the story. Sorry if it confused you. I haven't had a lot of confidence in my writing lately so I'm trying to figure out when and where to cut off so I don't overwhelm you all, like I did with my fiasco chapters in "Uncomfortable Truths"

First thing is: I'm thinking of turning this into a book! Would you guys like that? TOTAL retcon on the characters, origins, stuff like that, but...I think it could work. How about you guys?

Second of all: I need help with cosplay for a character called Caduceus clay and Fjord. If you know what I'm referring to, feel free to drop a line.


Chapter 4

"That should do it," grunted Mei as she tossed the last garbage bag into her trash can, before wiping away some sweat with the towel she was keeping in her back pocket, proud of what she'd accomplished.

It had taken almost five hours for her to clean out the guest room and her back was killing her, though she only had herself to blame.

Ever since her grandfather had died, she'd had no reason to use the room since her and her father had their rooms, so she'd ended up using it as a means of storage for old cans of paint, brushes, and tarps she'd been too lazy to throw away.

Thankfully, most of the items she'd kept in there held no sentimental value, but that didn't make her feel better about it. Ever since her grandfather had died, she'd done her best to keep the house clean, but it had been a wasted effort. That much was evident when she saw the evidence of mice having inhabited the room forcing her to call an exterminator to investigate the house.

It had been an awkward meeting as it essentially forced Mei to admit that her living conditions had fallen further than she'd thought. Once the issues were identified Mei spent a fortune hiring a cleaning crew to come in and clean up the mess she'd wallowed in over the past several years. Though she did make sure to tell them which rooms were off limits as she would be cleaning them herself. Luckily, they didn't ask too many questions, and when they were gone, Mei hardly recognized the house and spent any time she had not working doing laundry and any remaining menial tasks that required her attention.

But finally, after two weeks of hard cleaning, Mei could finally say she was finished and was looking forward to a relaxing shower and a long sleep.

Stretching her Mei let a loud sigh and twisted, only to grunt when she felt several loud pops go up and down her spine.

"That wasn't smart," she groaned, slamming the trash can shut and headed back into the house, clutching her side in pain, though smiling at the fruits of her labor. "But it sure was worth it."

Pulling her shoes off, Mei made her way into the kitchen and took a deep breath, amazed at how different everything looked and smelt. While she didn't care for the lingering scent of lemon, she had to admit it was nice not having to watch where she stepped out of fear of tripping over something and breaking her neck. Grateful for finally being able to relax, Mei pulled a soda out of the fridge before heading into the living room and dropping onto the couch and turned on a news channel.

Barely paying any attention to the report, Mei sipped her soda and scrolled through her phone, looking or any signs of an email or text from her clients, Himeko, or Yuzu.

It had been almost three weeks since she'd heard anything from Yuzu and when she'd asked Harumi about how Yuzu was doing during her most recent session with Mitsuko, the brunette had said she didn't know anything about it.

"I haven't talked to her since the movie," had been Harumi's answer while she messed around with something on her phone. "She's been busy lately and had to meet with a bunch of her clients and had to head out of town to meet with one of the companies that use her to scout for them. Why? Did you two have a fight or something?"

"Nothing like that," had been Mei's reply, feeling relieved that Yuzu hadn't said anything to Harumi about how she'd stormed off. "I was just wondering if she was okay since I hadn't heard anything either. Is it normal for her to disappear like this?"

"I wouldn't say she disappears." Himeko gave Mei a cautionary glance over her phone and shrugged. "She gets busy this time of year, so I've gotten used to it. Why? You want me to ask her if she lost your number or something?" Harumi's eyes held a mischievous smirk, causing Mei to blush and shift uncomfortably, earning her a growl from Mitsuko.

"Stay still, unless you want me to screw this up."

"Sorry," Mei returned to her original position and avoided Harumi's reflection and began focusing on the familiar, soothing sensation of the tattoo needle, "and no, you don't need to do that. I was just curious, that's all."

"Whatever," chuckled Harumi before excusing herself to go and meet up with some friends.

That had been four days ago, and as she gently tapped her side to stave off the itching her tattoo was causing, Mei pulled up Harumi's number, staring at it, her thumb hovering nervously over the call button as she contemplated whether or not to ask if Yuzu had been in contact.

"Better not," said Mei quietly, deciding that by doing so might make her come off as clingy or obsessive.

Despite wanting to apologize for her reaction and to ask about Henry, Mei knew it was none of her business what the blonde got up to when she wasn't around. Yuzu had no obligation to her and Mei didn't want to impose anything on her that she didn't want or wasn't interested in she couldn't resist reading last text message Yuzu had sent her before the movie.

I'll see you there! I'm excited to see you again!

"She was being friendly," Mei told herself, ignoring the burning in her ears as she remembered the sound of Yuzu's voice saying her name. "That's it, nothing more."

Setting the phone down and cracking open her tea, downing it in a few gulps. When she finished, Mei took a look at the clock and saw she had a good four hours before she had to leave for the airport. Deciding that she'd risk a nap after a quick shower, Mei got ready to climb to her feet until she saw her phone screen light up, followed by the heavy vibrations it made against the oak coffee table.

Excited at the prospect that it might be Yuzu calling her, Mei practically lunged for the phone, but only succeeded in dropping it on the floor.

"Damn it," groaned Mei when she saw it slide under the couch.

With a pained grunt, she got to the ground and being careful not to agitate her still healing tattoo, she grabbed her phone, recognizing the number as HImeko's and answered it with a worried, "Hello? Himeko?"

"Mei-Mei!"

On impulse, Mei's head jerked away from the phone, but in doing so, she hit her head on the underside of the coffee table causing her to howl out in pain.

"Mei-Mei are you all right," she heard Himeko's worried voice shout from the other end. "What happened?"

"Stop yelling, please," winced Mei as she felt the back of her head, already feeling a welt starting to form. "I hit my head on the coffee table, I'm fine."

"Are you sure," cried Himeko, her voice still elevated but a great deal lower than it had been. "It sounded painful."

"It's nothing I can't handle."

Climbing to her feet, Mei returned to the kitchen and after grabbing an ice pack asked, "What about you? Is everything okay? Did your flight get delayed."

"Not exactly," chuckled Himeko over what sounded like two dogs. "Shush Pucchi, Yukio. I know you're excited to see Auntie Mei-Mei, but you need to keep it down."

Mei smirked when she heard a few whimpers and the sound of a voice saying something to Himeko.

"That's very kind of you," answered Himeko in heavily accented English, "but we'll be getting out soon, and I can handle them. Oh, why thank you."

"What happened?" Mei shifted the ice pack and winced, but sighed in relief as the coolness. "The cab driver didn't ask you out did he?"

"Very funny" giggled Himeko in Japanese. Mei could hear the sound of a door opening but a lack of traffic and wondered where Himeko was. "He gave me a card for a cafe that caters to dogs, and I'm thinking of visiting it when I have the time."

"Well let me know where it is, and maybe we can plan a trip there when we both have time off." Mei filled a glass with some water, sipped it after popping a couple of aspirin in her mouth. "Where are you anyway? Did you have to stay overnight somewhere? Did your flight get delayed?"

"Umm no," giggled Himeko. "I'm almost at your front door believe it or not."

"No, you…."

Mei stopped short as the muffled sound of barking dogs echoed through the front windows followed by a loud knock.

"I hate you," laughed Mei, hanging up the phone just as Himeko began to laugh; her feet moving her subconsciously toward the door.

Her hand extended, shaking in excitement at finally being able to see her best friend after almost six years. A smile was affixed firmly to her face as she reached for the handle, pressing it down before she pulled open the massive slab of wood. The first thing she heard was the loud, shrill barks of the two small purebred dogs Himeko had brought with her almost everywhere, followed by the excited scream of her best friend and her vision being obstructed by a frilly, bright pink dress, spiraled hair, a large, bushy pair of eyebrows, and what felt like a wrecking ball slamming into her chest.

"Mei-Mei," squealed Himeko as they tumbled to the ground as the dogs ran around them, barking excitedly as they climbed over Mei and their owner, leaving tiny scratches on their arms in an attempt to lick them. "It's been so long! I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too." Mei did her best to hug the wriggling mass that was her best friend while trying to ignore the throbbing pain in her side and head.

"How are you," asked Himeko, straddling Mei and staring down at her while the dogs sat on either side of her friend's head. "I didn't hurt you did I? Did you hit your head again?"

"No, my head is fine," said Mei trying to sound reassuring, her face turning red when she realized the position they were in. "But I'd appreciate it if you got off of me, you're hurting my side. Not to mention how this would look if someone were to walk in on us."

"What?" Himeko sat up and looked down at how she was sitting, her face turning as bright as her dress when she saw how she had positioned her legs.

"So...sorry," stammered Himeko before sliding off of Mei and returning to the door so she could bring in one of her suitcases.

"It's okay." Mei winced as she stood up, holding her side as she helped Himeko with her luggage. "What are you doing here, I thought you wouldn't be here until this evening? I had everything planned out."

"I managed to catch an earlier flight," giggled Himeko before reaching into her purse and pulling out a couple of treats, catching both of her dogs attention. "Which is beneficial for me since it gives me a little more time to prepare them for the show and to check out the competition."

"Is this a big competition," asked Mei, watching as Himeko put the dogs through a short series of routines, unaware that she had slipped into Japanese, "or are you meeting clients that are interested in your next litter?"

"It's not a big competition," answered Himeko once she was satisfied with the dog's behavior, "but it is important. It's a gateway competition, and if either of them places well, I will be able to come back for the one in New York, and I might even be able to go to England. Well, I mean I'll be able to go regardless, considering I'm handling two major competitors in both. But I'd also like to go with my dogs, not just as someone else's trainer."

"You'll get there," said Mei patting Himeko's head gingerly.

"You think so?" Himeko stood up and turned to Mei, eyes watering. "Do you think I'll be able to make it?"

"Well if you handle Pucchi and Yukio the same way you handle your client's dogs, I have no reason to doubt that you'll be able to make it."

"Thanks, Mei-Mei," said Himeko, wiping away a tear, "it means a lot to hear….wait...what did you mean by 'the way I handle my client's dogs'?!"

"That you're good at your job," replied Mei, rubbing her nose with her finger. "You know, like the way you lead that big shaggy dog, I think it was called a Wolfhound, around the floor or that German Shepard. I don't understand it but you..."

"You watched that?!"

Mei took a step back as Himeko's face flooded her vision and barely avoided stepping on the dogs.

"Please stop yelling," asked Mei quietly while gently pushing Himeko off of her. "You're making my headache worse, and yes I saw it. Your parents sent me an email about it, and I had a little free time between jobs when it aired so I spent a couple of days watching it. It was...interesting. I never knew the judges had to touch the dogs so much."

"It takes some getting used to," giggled Himeko when she saw Mei's face turn a little red, looking down at Pucchi who had made a spot for himself underneath the hallway side table, a glum look clouding her face. "Especially for him. He got disqualified in his first competition last year because he bit the judge when he started inspecting him."

"What happened after that," asked Mei, taking a step toward Himeko and placing a hand on her friend's shoulder, squeezing it when she felt how violently it was shaking. "Did...are you in trouble?"

"It depends on who you talk to," sniffed Himeko, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hands. "But I'd be lying if I didn't say that I had some ulterior motives when I asked you to stay with you. You see...I..."

"Let's take this to the living room," said Mei, gesturing toward the couch when she saw how raw her friend's eyes were. "You've had a long trip, and I'll make you some tea or would you like something else?"

"Tea would be lovely." Himeko tried to smile but only managed a weak grin. "Also, could I possibly trouble you for a cool towel?"

"Sure." Mei placed her hand on the small of Himeko's back and led her into the living room, with the dogs hot on their heels, their nails clicking on the hardwood floor as they panted excitedly.

After making sure Himeko and the dogs were comfortable, Mei headed to the kitchen and prepared the tea and towel while grabbing a few of Himeko's favorite snacks. When she returned to the living room, Mei was surprised to find that her friend had sunk so far into the couch that she looked like she was about to be swallowed by it.

"Here we are." Mei set the tray down and cautiously lifted Pucchi off Himeko's lap and set him next to Yukio, causing the female dog to growl while Pucchi nuzzled and licked Himeko's arm.

"Help me up," sighed Himeko holding her hands out. "Please?"

"All right," grunted Mei taking her friend's hands and feeling the familiar twinge of pain in her side but fought through it so she could attend to her friend's needs. When she was upright, Mei gave Himeko the towel before preparing the tea.

"Thanks, Mei-Mei," sighed Himeko, as she adjusted herself and wiped her face, letting out a satisfied sigh as the coolness of the towel soaked into her raw skin. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect to talk about this right when I showed up."

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Mei gave Himeko the warmest smile she could as she poured the tea. "I've missed talking to you. I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch more, and from the look of it you've wanted to talk about this for a while, so please don't hold back."

Himeko accepted the tea and snapped up one of the cookies Mei had put on the table. She bit into it and chewed it slowly, her eyes surveying the living room while Mei sat patiently, drinking her tea waiting for her friend to answer.

"The house looks a lot cleaner than when I was last here," said Himeko, noticing how clean everything was. "Have you hired a housekeeper?"

"I'm thinking about it," sighed Mei, knowing that Himeko was staving off her explanation. "I hired a cleaning company after I started cleaning the guestroom. It was disgusting, and I didn't want you to see that.I'm sure my grandfather and father would be ashamed of how I treated the house."

"I see," said Himeko sipping her tea and sighing. "But doesn't your father visit you occasionally? Wouldn't he have said something?"

"He does visit, but it's normally only for a night or when I'm out of town." Mei gulped her tea and set her mug down and moved a little closer to Himeko. "If he does show up, the most I see of him are some flowers or a gift on the kitchen table. But that's beside the point, Himeko so please stop dodging my question and answer me. Are you in trouble or is this just a work visit?"

"It's a combination of both," said Himeko over the lip of her mug.

"How? It's all right for you to tell me these things, I won't laugh."

Mei's voice was quiet, but carrying a warmth that only a small number of people managed to coax out of her.

Even though they'd been friends since they were children, Mei could count the number of times she and Himeko had fought on one hand. The last time being when they were twelve when Mei had visited Japan with her grandfather for the duration of her summer vacation.

While most people were often amazed that the two of them were friends, but neither of them thought anything about it. Since their families had been friends for generations, the two of them were just naturally drawn to one another and Mei found Himeko's more energetic and positive attitude refreshing, not to mention how well it translated into her work breeding and training dogs.

However, it was Himeko's attitude that always made it easy for someone as socially awkward as Mei to tell when something was wrong, and despite her concern, she found herself getting annoyed with her best friend's aloofness.

As she poured herself another mug, Mei caught a glance of Himeko's face out of the corner of her eye and noticed a stream of tears pouring down Himeko's face as she clutched both of her dogs tightly in her arms.

Setting aside the mug and teapot, Mei moved closer to Himeko and awkwardly put her arm around her best friend's shoulder and pulled her close, where despite the discomfort, Mei felt glad that Himeko didn't pull away.

Instead, Mei allowed Himeko to rest her head against her shoulder, staining it with tears as she cried, "I'm sorry, Mei-Mei!"