Eli rolled her eyes to one corner to look at Thea, "How so?"
"The ranch was given to him by his wife as an anniversary gift. Back when Umi was still an infant. They were such a good family for a couple of years until the wife found herself another man."
The blonde didn't answer. She was supposed to feel sympathy for the father but on the other side of her mind, she shouldn't. She kept listening.
Thea continued on, "Addition to that, his wife even took his business away and used his money to buy things for her man."
The blonde's eyes widened. Did Umi's mother really did that? Why would she do such a thing such as hurting her husband's feelings so much as well as letting her daughter take the burdens of what has been done? To her, it is unfair for Umi's part because she had nothing to do with this. Even if there is, it is still not enough for the blue-haired to gain such hatred coming from her father.
"Along with that, his wife told Umi about it and told her to keep it a secret." Thea added.
'Huh... No wonder that bastard hated Umi and the ranch.' Eli thought.
"But, where did you get this information? I know you didn't eavesdrop." Said the blonde.
The brown-haired sooner giggled at what the other said before answering, "It was all thanks to Seth."
"Really now?" Eli raised an eyebrow, "Continue."
"I think it's best if Seth will tell it herself." Thea replied.
Eli's eyes softened in disappointment and released a sigh before nodding, "Alright."
"I want to remind you to be very careful. There's someone behind us who is watching. Don't turn around." Thea warned.
Eli's eyes widened and gulped before answering back, "Okay."
And the two of them could feel it. There is someone watching from outside of the store with their binoculars. It is a tall man in black with shades. The man was focusing his binoculars towards the both of them and it took him a few more moments before he put it down and hopped into his car, start its engine and drove away.
Thea sooner finished picking up fruits and putting them in the basket, "Protect Umi."
"Of course."
The brunette gave a smile before she turned her heels and went to the counter to pay for the fruits, leaving Eli alone.
The blonde narrowed her eyes as she focused her gaze at the fruits , seeming to think about something. Protecting Umi is one thing but there is something else that has been bothering her.
Why is it that everything makes her lead to think that Seth has something to do with this?
Late afternoon within that day...
Umi rests her elbows on the railings as she focused her gaze at the scenery in front of her. She is standing beside a house bridge and what's under the bridge is a clear stream, surrounding the stream are rows of maple trees, which leaves are making a mess around. The gentle wind just added to that soothing atmosphere that can easily calm one's nerves and stress and the soft blazes of the sun just added to that kind of warm and fuzzy feeling.
Nozomi sooner came in her casual clothes and approached the blue-haired, "Umi, you called out for me?"
Umi turned her head towards the other and stood up erectly, "Nozomi! Well, yes, there's something I want to ask."
The purple-haired female then stood beside her with a smile, "What is it?"
"How will you know when you're ready for it?" Umi's eyes narrowed as she uttered the question. And judging by her intense gaze towards her friend, it totally indicates that it is one serious question.
Nozomi blinked at the question and tilted her head, she knows it was serious but her maneuver is telling otherwise, "Ready for what?"
"Ready to confess."
The purple-haired's eyes widened slightly, even if she hasn't gotten to talk to Umi that much due to her responsibilities as a mother and a wife, she knows what the other could mean. It all started back when they were renovating the ranch. Nozomi could feel what's going on between Eli, Umi and Honoka. The way they interacted that day... the way they do things around together. She had been observing.
And she is right.
"Is it her?" Nozomi asked.
Umi nodded.
Nozomi then softened her eyes and heaved softly before she darted her eyes towards the maple trees. Umi then went to look at it also. The purple-haired pondered for words as she stared, of what Umi asked is something that she couldn't understand it just yet but Nozomi knows just how stubborn she is.
Few minutes later, Nozomi finally found the right words to say, she opened her mouth to speak ,"You will know if the time felt right."
Umi then softened her eyes, "You see... I'm planning to tell her about it after this problem of mine."
Nozomi just hummed without bothering to look at her, "Did you love that woman?"
"Yes, Nozomi. I have loved her ever since we were children. Even after she left and after she came back."
"Are you ready to face the world with her?"
"Of course."
"And are you ready to face her?" That's the time when Nozomi averted her gaze towards the other female, who was obviously stunned by the question.
But Umi knows who Nozomi was referring to. Her eyes just focused on Nozomi's turquoise ones with sheer determination before nodding.
"Yes." Umi answered.
"I see..." Nozomi then looked back at the scenery once again, "You see, Umi. I just noticed that there is something wrong going on between the relationship of you and Eli. It's like there's this mystery that must be solved. It must have been too tough on you to go through that, Umi. Add the fact that your father came to add more stress."
Umi just went quiet as she listened.
"Things get more complicated whenever we don't tell our feelings. Worse, it just makes us feel lost. That's why, we have to go up and tell them about it. Even if it means rejection." Nozomi added.
'Nozomi has a point...' Umi thought as she just listened.
"I will just give you a tip. You have to tell her what you really feel. Otherwise, it will destroy you."
"I see..." Umi spoke, "But I'm just afraid you know..."
"Afraid that she might leave?"
"...Yes."
"I could feel that she won't." Nozomi smiled, "But moreover, there are still things left unsolved aside from your personal problem."
Umi blinked in curiosity, "What could that be?"
Nozomi stood up straight and looked back at Umi once again, "Don't you think there is one more person you should pay attention to?"
Umi was dumbfounded, who is this person that Nozomi was talking about? She knows that it is someone she knew but who could that be...
Nozomi knows that expression and it made her giggle, "You'll find out soon enough."
"What is this about?" Umi asked.
"Someone close to you will say something to you. No matter what, keep your mind cool and your heart kind." Nozomi replied.
Umi blinked, "Well... okay?"
Nozomi's phone then vibrated in her pocket and picked it up, placing the phone on the purple-haired's ear, "Hello, Tanya?" She sooner looked away.
"Honey, what's for dinner?" Tanya's voice from the phone answered.
"Hmm, anything you want to have for tonight?"
"Pork Cutlets." Tanya simply answered in her natural voice.
Nozomi giggles, "With strawberry shortcakes?"
"Yes."
"Cutie. Alright, I am on my way to the convenience store."
"Take care then." Tanya said.
Nozomi then hung up and put the phone back into her pocket before facing the blue-haired, "Well, wife duties called me. I have to go and buy dinner."
Umi nodded and smiled at the other female, "Thank you for hearing me out."
"You're welcome." Nozomi sooner walked past by her, "I'll see you when I see you? You can always visit us you know!"
Umi nodded as she watched Nozomi walk away, "I will."
However, she forgot to ask something. Realizing that, she opened her mouth to speak, "U-Umm, Nozomi!"
The purple-haired halted in her tracks and looked over her shoulder, "What is it?"
"Before you and Tanya got together, what did you do?"
Nozomi blinked before she released a soft chuckle, "Isn't obvious?" But she stopped and winked at the blue-haired female with a cheeky smile, "Of course I followed my heart."
Umi just stared at her friend; her eyes are filled with seriousness.
'Follow my heart huh...' She thought.
Later that night...
Brenda and Honoka sat by the dining table in their dining room, having their supper. It was indeed one tiring flight for the both of them but of course, facts aside, they could feel that their relationship had changed. After of what happened to them at their ranch, they sure had learned a lot.
The black-haired kept her gentle pace in eating her food, which was unusual. It seems she is trying to match Honoka's pace, but then she noticed that the said female has yet to touch her meal and is obviously lost in her thoughts. Stopping herself, Brenda brought her utensils down and eyed the orange-haired female intently, "Hoka, food is running cold. Better eat or it won't taste good."
"Ahh..." Honoka finally snapped back in reality and diverted her gaze at Brenda, "S-Sorry..."
"What's wrong?"
"I'm...just scared."
"Scared of what?" Brenda's eyes sooner softened.
"I was worried about Umi... If ever her father managed to burn down the whole ranch then... It might ruin things again..." Honoka gripped on her utensils tightly and the black-haired could actually feel that worry that it made her stand and sat by the orange-haired's side before wrapping her arms around and pulling her into a warm and tight embrace.
Honoka wrapped her arms around Brenda in response to the hug, "Add the fact that our relationship has changed since that time back in Austin. Ever since our days in that place, I began to feel different about my relationship with Eli. In all honesty, I am also afraid that she might hate me because I did my first with you."
Brenda was silent for a moment before the corners of her lips quirked up to form a smile, "I'm confident though."
Honoka then looked up at her but she stayed silent to let the other continue.
"I'm confident that everything will go well as long as we tell the truth. It's because I am here with you." Brenda then leaned down to nuzzle the orange-haired's neck, "I could never ever regret those nights back in Austin. Those moments were so memorable that I want to repeat them all over again. I want to kiss you under the sunset just like the one we had back there. That first night in the barn. The grace of your walks as you enter my room. I want to hug you just like when we were rebuilding the ranch. Most of all, I want to see your smiling face glow under the warm daylight."
Honoka giggled, "Are you saying that because you need another one again or you just love me too much?"
"Both." Brenda answered, "Moreover, I will always be here for you when you need me the most. I have accepted all of your insecurities and flaws. Everything about you is beautiful to me, even if you see them as the opposite. Nothing can ever stop me from loving you and from giving you with all that I have. I know it sounds too sweet and romantic but I can never get tired of showing you just how much you mean to me. Be it heaven or hell, I will always protect you."
Honoka blushed at what Brenda just said, it did sound too sweet and romantic yet it also delivered such butterflies into her stomach, she felt absolutely giddy about how Brenda tells her things like this, in which she has never get to experience before; even with Eli. The orange-haired just shook her head with a smile, "Are you really sure about me?"
"Of course." Brenda then stared down at the other female with her warmest smile.
Honoka's smile turned into a grin before she leaned up and pressing her lips against Brenda's, closing her eyes in the process.
Brenda returned the kiss passionately, and both of them know that it will be another long night for the both of them.
The next day...
It was another fine yet cold dawn. But that did not stop Eli from riding Platinum around the ranch. It is one of her duties to allow horses to get used of their surroundings. It took her an hour before she came back into the ranch and headed to the stables. The blonde sooner hopped off from the horse's back and removed the equipment attached before someone came in and approached her.
"Good morning, Eli" It was Brenda.
The blonde flinched a bit and turned around to face the other female with widened eyes, "Brenda! Didn't expect you here! Good morning! So you and Honoka just came back?"
"Actually, we just came back yesterday but we are both tired from the flight." Brenda chuckled.
"I see, well, I'm glad you guys are back safe and sound."
"Can I speak to you at the moment?" Brenda then asked.
Eli laughed, "We are already speaking to each other."
The black-haired laughed along, "Right, right. But let's go outside shall we? The air is fresh and cold you know."
"Sure thing."
The both of them then went out of the stables and went to the fences while facing the wide view of the land. Eli then propped her elbows on the fence, "Well, what do you want to talk about?"
"Just gonna ask how you and Umi been." Brenda answered.
"Aside of what happened back at Umi's front garden, we are doing great."
"The front garden? What happened back there?" Brenda focused her gaze at the blonde, who heaved a sigh.
"Well, her dad came and attempted to hurt her."
Brenda's smile dropped and her eyes narrowed, "Really? But why?"
"Well, he was asking about the ranch. Obviously, Umi wouldn't dare tell her dad about that."
"Man, he's such an asshole." Brenda rolled her eyes.
"I know right. Ever since then, I began keeping a close eye here." Eli then looked at Brenda, "So how was Honoka? Why wasn't she with you?"
"Well, Honoka told me that she's going somewhere and didn't tell me where." Brenda raised a hand and rubbed the back of her head apologetically.
"I see..." Eli then adverted her gaze towards the land once again and the black-haired immediately felt the awkwardness between them.
Brenda then settled her eyes on the land. The both of them then remembered something. To Brenda, she remembered her night with Honoka while Eli remembered her night with Umi. Just seeing each other from the start became awkward for the both of them. It was to be expected since both of them let their feelings get carried away and both of them immediately felt that kind of fear that telling such a thing might ruin their friendship.
But the truth has to come out and Brenda knows that. It's better than having Eli to find it out herself. Brenda then heaved a sigh before she faced the blonde once again, "Say... about me and Honoka..."
"Hmm?"
"This has been going on for a while now but you see... I love her." Brenda finally confessed.
However, Eli didn't budge nor reacted, she just stayed silent as she listened.
This urged Brenda to continue, "And she said that she loves me too. I know this is hard, Eli. Considering with all that is happening right now but I actually came here just to confess that. During those times in Austin, I admitted my feelings to her and she returned it. Every night is full of warm kisses and lovemaking. I just... couldn't handle myself, Eli. With each day that passes by I am falling in love with her more. And remembering that you and her are still in a relationship just gave that kind of pain to me to the point that I just want to steal her from you."
"Mhm..." Was the only thing that Eli said as a response.
"Well, that's all about it to be honest... Again, I'm sorry for hurting you but I do not regret my decision of falling in love with her." Brenda's voice is firm and filled with sincerity. Typical soldier.
The blonde should feel pain and anger. Pain because Brenda and Honoka finally became one, and anger, because Honoka did it with one of her close friends. But she didn't feel any of those, in fact, it gave her a large wave of relief within her heart. It felt like the weight on her shoulders was removed.
"I'm not hurt, Brenda. For I will confess something, too." Eli spoke.
Brenda blinked in surprise, "Really? Tell me."
"I fell in love with Umi." That sentence, alone is enough for Brenda to be in total shock but just like what Eli felt, it was a great relief.
The blonde then looked at Brenda with a smile, "Actually, I was the one here who lets herself live by the edge of the cliff because I know what you can possibly do if I ever get to hurt Honoka. I'm in no match with a soldier you know." She grinned, "But it seems we were on the same boat in the first place!"
Brenda blinked and the two of them stared at each other for a moment before they burst out laughing.
Later that day...
Honoka arrived at the police station in where Tanya works, it is already lunchtime so most of the police officers are out to buy something to eat while some are still on patrols. The orange-haired advances her steps until she reached Tanya's office. The door is opened so she could see what's inside.
And there's Tanya, sitting on her swivel chair with her crossed legs resting on the table. She is wearing her usual nonchalant expression while she has her eyes focused on her phone, she is busy in tapping and dragging her fingers around the tilted screen, indicating that she is playing a game.
"Tanya, can I talk to you for a moment?" Honoka spoke and Tanya just let out a short hum before she rolled her eyes up to look at the orange-haired.
But it was not for long, Tanya immediately focused her gaze on her phone screen, "Close the door then."
"I mean, privately. Where no one can disturb us." Honoka narrowed her eyes. Her orbs are holding a serious aura.
Tanya then sighed before she stopped playing and settled her phone down on her table before she put her feet down and standing up.
"Alright." The white-haired replied.
The two of them then walked out of the police station and went to the back of the building, which is deserted.
"So, what is it that you want to talk about?" Tanya started the conversation as she leaned her back against the wall with her arms crossed. Her golden orbs are staring down into Honoka's blue ones.
"Well, I just want to ask for an advice. You see..."
"Hm?"
"Me and Brenda... we had already done it back when we were in Austin. I know it was so wrong considering that I have a relationship with Eli but... Tanya, I love Brenda. I didn't realize it until she first kissed me. The kiss felt too different than the one I had shared with Eli. It felt wonderful." Honoka smiled softly as she looked down.
Tanya didn't speak, she knows that Honoka will ask something.
"I just want to ask if it is okay to feel that way? Falling in love with someone else, far greater than the one I am currently with." Honoka finally brought up the question.
Tanya just stared down at the other female before relieving a short breath, "It does not depend on other people's opinions, idiot. If it feels right then it is right, if it feels wrong then it is wrong. Simple as that."
The orange-haired just nodded as she listened.
"You know, It'd be easier if you were honest about how you feel."
"I'm just scared... that it might ruin my friendship with Umi..." Honoka then looked down at her feet.
"I don't think so." Tanya answered, "Umi came to ask a similar question to Nozomi yesterday."
Honoka's eyes widened, "R-Really? What did they talk about?"
Tanya shrugged, "I don't know." She sooner turned her heels to walk away but then Honoka remembered something, which made her call the white-haired out once again.
"Tanya!"
The white-haired stopped in her tracks and looked over her shoulder, "What?"
Honoka stood firmly as she stared at the other female with her eyes filled with determination, "Before you and Nozomi-chan got together, what did you do?"
Tanya blinked once before answering, "I followed my heart."
Honoka's eyes widened as she stood there in awe while watching the other female walk away.
"And also..." Tanya raised a hand and waved it off lightly, "We have an operation tonight! So come with us!"
"O-Operation?" Honoka blinked.
"We are going to end this once and for all." Tanya replied.
A/N: Heeeyyy guys so here is the latest chapter! How's it going? Good? Good! Bad? Relax for a while and listen to some good music! High five and I hope you liked this chapter!