A/N: This story is based on something that happened to one of my friends and her boyfriend when they went to Hawaii last year. I thought it would make a nice comedy one-shot with some fluff. Also, I haven't really done an Ellen X Kaoru story, except as a side pairing.
This is a request from one of my readers who wishes to remain anonymous.
Hawaiian Holiday
'Ah...this is the life,' Kaoru dreamily thought, as she basked in the sunlight.
She and Ellen had only arrived a few hours ago, jet-lagged and tired, but Kaoru was already enjoying herself. For the Christmas holidays, Director Maniwa had given what the pink-haired loli believed to be a well-earned break. Being one of the Elite Guards, Kaoru normally would only be allowed a couple of days maximum on leave. However, as Maki and Suzuka intended to remain at the Origami Estate for the holidays, Sayaka and Kaoru were given an extended absence.
'But honestly, even as Elite Guards, they shouldn't make us overwork our asses off!' Kaoru grumbled internally.
She reached for the virgin piña colada next to her beach chair, taking a large gulp of the ice-cold fruity drink. Adjusting her sunglasses, the pink-haired loli simultaneously stretched her limbs. It felt as though invisible cords that were holding them down finally snapped off. Having been sent on missions without end last week, Kaoru was wasting no second of what was definitely going to be a beautiful vacation to relax and unwind.
Turning to the left slowly so as not to disturb Nene, who was sleeping on her head, Kaoru murmured, "Ellen, you are an angel sent from Heaven."
The blonde-haired Toji sitting next to her lowered her book to give her usual cheerful grin. "Kaoru, you've been repeating that ever since we got here."
"I know. I just wanted to remind you."
The faintest blush appeared on Ellen's cheeks, as she resumed reading. As a Christmas present to her partner, the American Toji bought them tickets to Hawaii where Ellen's summer home was located. It was a large modern mansion at least three-storeys high with lush palm trees surrounding it. Its large windows that offered exquisite views of the private beach and ocean, glittered in the sunlight. A week of just her, Ellen, and the privacy that the latter's home offered... Kaoru smiled, letting out a sigh of contentment. She was going to enjoy the week; she was sure of it.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
"Augh!" Kaoru yelled, jumping from her beach chair and knocking Nene off her head in the process.
Those familiar voices... With dread, the pink-haired loli turned around to see, clad in beachwear, were four girls she knew all too well.
"Hello, Kaoru-chan!" Kanami chirped.
"It's good to see you again," Mai added.
"You're all here finally!" Ellen said, getting up from her beach chair to hug them all.
"Finally?" Kaoru asked, her eyes getting wider by the second.
"Ellen bought us all plane tickets to come over for Christmas," Sayaka explained.
"It was part of your Christmas surprise, Kaoru," Ellen giggled.
Fidgeting with a strap of the green bikini Kanami wrestled her into, Hiyori grumbled, "You don't seem very impressed to see us, Kaoru."
Trying to hide her disappointment for Ellen's sake, the pink-haired loli flashed a toothful grin at Hiyori. "No, I was simply thinking how even in that bikini, your chest is still as flat as ever."
"Why, you little—!"
Diving at Kaoru to squeeze her neck, Hiyori was stopped by Kanami, who grabbed her bikini strap. "Come on, Hiyori-chan! Let's play in the water!"
Releasing what was probably her fifteenth sigh of annoyance, Kaoru's ears were tormented by the loud annoying cries of joy of her teammates. As much as she liked them, she quite frankly didn't want them here. All she wanted was some peace and quiet, relaxing on the hot sandy beach, alone with Ellen. This was supposed to be their private time! And to make matters worse, without her knowledge, the other five had planned a long hike up to some mountain or volcano or whatever. Kaoru couldn't care less. The word "hike" to her only meant one thing—excessive exertion. The very thing she wanted to avoid during this whole week! And why hike today of all the days, when they just arrived at the island only a few hours ago?!
"I don't want this..." the pink-haired loli moaned since the others were too busy playing in the water to hear her. Her loyal pet let out an equally weary "Ne..." in agreement.
"Kaoru-chan, come play with us!" Kanami called. "The water is so warm!"
"No, thank you," Kaoru grumbled, curling as much as she could on her beach chair.
For now, she intended to move as little as possible before that hike. The other five could at least spare her this indulgence...
Somehow miraculously, Kaoru was able to survive the entire hike and back, not collapsing once. However, right when they returned to Ellen's mansion, the pink-haired loli slumped immediately into the first chair she encountered, trying to ignore the flashing lights in front of her vision. Dazed and unmoving, she closed her eyes. The few curse words that came out of her mouth were mere slurs that it would be hard for anyone to make out what she was trying to say.
"Kaoru-chan, we're heading into the living room to open our presents. Want to join us?" Mai asked.
"...eave...lone..."
"What was that, Kaoru-chan?"
"I think she said to leave her alone," Sayaka said.
"Kaoru-chan seems tired. Perhaps it would be best for her to catch her breath," Kanami mused.
"Feel free to join us when you're ready, Kaoru!" Ellen called, as they all left the pink-haired loli by herself.
Still keeping her eyes closed, Kaoru could faintly hear the joyful chatter coming from the living room. Her chest tightened a little at the sound of Ellen's cheery voice. This was so stupid. Ellen didn't need her to be happy... Kaoru's heart felt as heavy as a stone at the thought. Perhaps her partner didn't want to be alone with her...
'Is she possibly tired of me?' Kaoru thought. 'We've been together for years. Maybe I'm now too boring for her.'
Normally, Kaoru wasn't one to cry, but to her surprise, she felt a single tear squeeze itself out of her left eye. The sound of approaching footsteps and a clinking sound on the table next to her made her open her eyes.
"You look like you need a drink," Hiyori said, seating herself in the chair beside Kaoru's. "Here. Got you some juice."
The Heijou Toji allowed Kaoru to take her first sip before asking, "So, what's the problem?"
"Nothing."
"We both know that I'm not buying that," Hiyori frowned. "I mean, you're always cranky, but this time, you seem more so than usual."
"Look who's talking," Kaoru shot back.
When Hiyori didn't budge, the pink-haired loli exhaled deeply. "I just wanted private time with Ellen. No offence, Hiyori—but I hardly get quality time with her nowadays. We used to have such long talks and special moments together before we met you guys. I'm not saying I don't like being with you, Kanami, Mai, and Sayaka but..."
"Yeah, I understand. I guess it's the same with Kanami and me," Hiyori admitted.
She took a sip of her own glass of juice before adding, "I know how you feel, Kaoru. But I think you should tell Ellen this."
"I don't want to make her upset though," Kaoru said. "She's already done this much for me. I'm worried I'll appear ungrateful."
For a minute, neither of them said anything. If a stranger happened to look in on them, the scene would have appeared almost comical. Two Tojis with drinks in hand...it would have been hard to not compare them with two individuals talking at a bar. Hiyori drank the last of her juice, going over to the fridge to grab some more before saying something over her shoulder.
"Ellen is a very understanding person, I'm sure. I mean you must've complained to her every now and then, right?"
"Yeah, but..."
"Kaoru."
"What?"
"She needs to know how you feel. You've told me yourself several times before I started dating Kanami. She won't be able to understand your feelings if you don't even tell her."
Kaoru's mood soured at having her own words thrown back at her. This was so ironic. Just a year ago, it was Hiyori that would be moping and pouring out her troubles to her. Now, the Heijou Toji was acting as a support for her this time. And yet, there was some truth to what Hiyori was saying. A storm cloud appeared over the pink-haired loli's head.
"Ne!" came a chirpy sound from atop her head.
"You think so too, Nene?"
"Nene!" was the agreement.
Releasing yet another sigh, Kaoru grumbled, "Fine..."
That night, after making sure everyone was in bed, Kaoru tapped on Ellen's door. The response was immediate.
"Come in."
The pink-haired loli entered to see her partner, sitting up in bed with the same book she was reading earlier in the day. Kaoru tried to not linger her eyes too long on the blonde-haired Toji's chest, which was practically almost exposed due to the lavender nightgown she was wearing.
"Kaoru? Are you better? You seemed upset earlier."
"Yeah, well...that's what I wanted to talk about."
Plopping herself on the edge of Ellen's pink bed, Kaoru paused before saying, "I just wanted to tell you that well...I am thankful for all you've done for me. You're the best partner I've ever had—well, the only partner really, but..."
'Really scraping the bottom here, aren't you?' Kaoru internally said to herself. 'Lord, this is painful...'
Taking a deep breath to regain her composure, the pink-haired loli continued, "I just miss us being together. Just the two of us. I really was hoping for some alone time with you."
"Kaoru..."
'It's now or never,' the pink-haired loli cringed, ducking her head.
"The truth is..." she began, "...I-I like you. I want us to be partners, and not partners as in what we are right now—but romantic partners."
The silence that followed was agonizing. Great, she totally blew it. Now, Ellen would leave her alone for good. Getting up from the bed, Kaoru did not meet the American Toji's face, not wanting to see her expression. However, just as she took one step towards the door, something caught her hand. In surprise, Kaoru turned around to see Ellen with red cheeks and widened eyes.
"Kaoru, do you mean that? Do you really like me that way?"
'Must I really repeat myself?' Kaoru internally groaned.
"Yes. I like you. I know it sounds—"
However, her words were interrupted by Ellen enveloping her in a tight embrace. "It doesn't sound weird, Kaoru. So, don't say that. I've been waiting to hear those three words for so long. Kaoru...I like you too."
The pink-haired loli was sure she would get a nosebleed. Not just because her face was literally squished right in the middle of Ellen's huge bosom, but also from the words her blonde-haired partner just uttered. Pulling away, Ellen gave Kaoru a smile before pecking her on the lips.
"W-W-What?" Kaoru stammered.
"Let's go out, Kaoru. Tomorrow, it'll be just the two of us after all."
"Wait, b-but the o-others—"
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. They were only staying for Christmas. Tomorrow morning, they're flying to Honolulu for their own quiet time. Kanamin and Hiyoyon will be staying at one hotel, and Mai-Mai and Saaya at another one. Isn't that wonderful? All three couples enjoying the rest of the week to themselves and their significant others! I was very clever, wasn't I?"
"So then..."
"It'll be six days of just you and I!" Ellen giggled, nuzzling her cheek against Kaoru's. "Now, come on. It's getting late; we should go to bed."
She held up the covers invitingly, giving a smile to the pink-haired loli. Kaoru let out a sigh, but this was one of amusement. Snuggling next to each other, the two partners closed their eyes with Nene nestled contentedly in Ellen's cleavage.
'This really is the life...' was the last thing Kaoru thought before falling asleep.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed this one-shot. Sigh...wish this whole pandemic was over. Now, I have a sudden desire to go to Hawaii (which of course, I can't and won't do). Definitely better than the cold wet weather we have where I live...