We've reached the end of the experimental therapy arc.
I wanted to try something new outside drama, fighting, and makeup. I wanted to try some actual consequences and a genuine attempt at fixing the problems. It was a fun and tiring experiment, but it was unique.
Soon, soon a Christmas chapter. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
There will still be one little visit to the therapist, but that won't take long.
Also, trigger warning for those reading: A mention of attempted suicide is made in this chapter regarding an old sitcom called "Soap" from the 1970s, so just a forewarning.
Chapter 21
"Finally," sighed Yuzu as she stepped into the break room, dropping into a well-worn sofa while Yui and a few other staff members shuffled in after her.
All of them were looking haggard, and while one or two managed to grab their things from their lockers so they could head to the changing rooms, Yui and the other part-timer, a new kid named Kaoru from Yui's class, sat at the table and rested their heads in their arms.
"How many more of these Christmas dinner orders do we have to plan for, Aihara-san," asked Yui while the two team members at the lockers excused themselves and headed to the shower room to get cleaned up before heading home. "I thought they'd never end. I'm amazed we're even keeping up with regular customers and everyone coming in because of the seasonal goods."
"I don't know," groaned Yuzu, covering her face with her forearm. "This is only the second time we've been this busy at this time of year since we opened up three years ago, but it's a good sign. It means our customers like us, and we're building a good customer base. And remember, these are just pre-orders we've been getting. We'll have to pull a lot of overtime to fill them before Christmas. Which reminds me, Udagawa-san and I approved overtime, so if you want to come in on the weekends for some extra cash, it'd be appreciated. But if you can't, I'll understand since you guys have entrance exams coming up."
"I can make it," offered Yui from her spot at the table. "I already passed my exams and interview, so I gotta work as much as possible to save up for expenses and gifts."
"How'd you manage that," grumbled Kaoru, raising his head. "Entrance exams aren't supposed to happen until January. It's only the first week of December, and you're already got into your first-choice school?"
"My college set up their exams differently," shrugged Yui, casting a periphery glance to Yuzu, who'd lowered her arm to pay attention to this conversation. "I took mine at the start of November, but I'll start around the same time as everyone else. I think they just wanted to beat the rush and not keep people waiting."
"That is strange," sighed Yuzu, wondering if she should ask Yui about what was going on with Hideki. "But congratulations all the same, Yui-chan. Have you already gone out to celebrate?"
"My parents took my siblings and me out," yawned Yui before stretching out like a cat. "But I won't say no to another party if you're offering. I know you and Mei-san are probably planning something big when that jackass finally gets off his ass and gets into his school. Has he said anything to you two yet? I know you guys have had the flu going through your house, so he hasn't visited, but has he said anything yet?"
"He hasn't," sighed Yuzu, staring at her phone to see if Mei had responded to the text she'd sent hours ago. Unfortunately, it still showed her message as unread, so Yuzu turned her attention back to Yui, who grabbed her after-work clothes while Kaoru pouted.
"I'm surprised he hasn't told you anything either," chuckled Yuzu while Yui sniffed her clothes to make sure they didn't smell. "I expected you to let something slip today, but you haven't said anything."
"I know how to keep a secret, Aihara-san," snorted Yui while the other two employees walked in to grab their things before wishing them all a good night. "Believe me, if he'd ask me to keep it a secret, I wouldn't say anything. But he's said nothing, so we're both stuck waiting to hear what he says."
"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough." Yuzu leaned back and let out another sigh. "But don't worry about that now; go home and get some rest, both of you. I'll update the schedule soon, so keep an eye out for your emails. I'll be in the office a little bit if you need me before heading home."
Yui and Kaoru both said goodbye to Yuzu, and after shutting her door, Yuzu went to her office, wandered over to her desk, removed her face mask, and flipped through the stack of papers sitting in her "to be started" tray.
As usual, it was the same old pile of bills, invoices, payroll, and other documents she had to get through, and after five minutes of staring at the same paragraph, she set them aside and began rubbing her face.
"I don't know how she does it," whispered Yuzu, jealously remembering how Mei somehow managed to go through her work with machine-like efficiency as she began digging through all the paperwork she'd fallen behind on the past couple of weeks.
Unfortunately for Mei and Yuzu, a bout of bronchitis had swept through Airi's school, with a vast majority of the kids getting sick, including Airi, who did not enjoy herself one bit during her time sick.
She's spent hours crying when her coughing was at its worse, wondering if she'd be able to sing again, and Mei and Yuzu had to stay up to console Airi until she fell asleep.
However, despite their precautions of handwashing, masks, gloves, and everything to avoid getting sick, a few days after Airi recovered, Yuzu was next in line to contract the illness.
Thinking it best not to risk Airi getting sick again, Mei packed a suitcase, and they sent her off to stay at Udagawa and Rena's until it was safe to come home.
There were tears, of course, as Airi apologized through tears to Yuzu for getting her sick during their goodbyes.
"There's nothing to be sorry about, Airi," rasped Yuzu through a cough while waving goodbye from the door. "These things happen; it's not your fault."
"But what if Mommy gets sick and you guys die," sniffed Airi from the walkway.
"We won't die," chuckled Mei while she loaded the bag into the car and stroked Airi's head. "I might get sick, and you'll need to stay at your uncle and aunt's house for a bit longer, but we won't die. I promise."
"But what about work," said Airi as she shuffled her feet and looked between Yuzu and Mei. "Mama said she's got a lot of work coming up, and you're always busy, and I don't want you guys..."
"I know you're worried," said Mei pointing at Yuzu, who was doing her best to smile at Airi through her cough. "But Mama and I will be fine, and we'll keep in touch. I'll read your stories at night, and Mama can do some work from home, and I can also work from home. You focus on having fun with your brother and cousins and feeling better."
"But what about music school," asked Airi before chewing on her lip. "Do Auntie and Uncle know about my new school, and what about my instruments?"
"I took those over yesterday when I went to work," explained Mei, shuddering at remembering how heavy the keyboard and cello were. "Your practice books are there as well, so you can practice, and Mama already gave them the address for the school and everything they need to know about your meetings with Fukui-san."
"You told them about that," asked Airi, staring at her feet in embarrassment.
"We did," confirmed Mei, who waved at Yuzu, who was still watching them. "We told them because it's important and you need to go. They know your appointment times and dates and that you have a recital coming up, which Mama and I should be able to make as long as this illness doesn't keep us home for longer than a couple of weeks."
"You promise?" Airi's eyes lit up in excitement at the prospect. "You promise you'll come?"
"As long as we're not still sick," explained Mei, keeping her voice soft to not upset Airi. "If one of us is sick, that one won't be able to make it. But if we're both healthy, then yes, we'll make it. Mama and I told our staff at the school and restaurant that we wouldn't be in that day and why."
"Pinky promise." Airi's hand rose to Mei's face, her pinky extended. "You gotta pinky promise."
"Okay," said Mei without hesitation, locking her finger with Airi's.
Their hands rose up and down, reciting the pledge to fulfill the promise, including the part involving swallowing a thousand needles should one of them break it.
"I won't make you swallow the needles though, Mommy," explained Airi when they separated their fingers. "I know you and Mama are important, so if you can't come, it's okay."
"It's not okay," explained Mei, caressing Airi's cheek. "I know you're trying to be brave, but it's okay to be upset if we don't fulfill a promise. But we're trying to be better, and it hurts us when we can't make it because we know it hurts you. But remember, if we can't make it, it's not because we don't love you or want to be there and that we'd rather be there watching you than where we are when we can't be with you."
To Mei's surprise, Airi didn't have a response. Instead of saying anything, the girl ran into her mother's chest and embraced her.
Sighing contentedly, Mei embraced Airi and held her tight before kissing the top of her head and reminding Airi that she still had to make the promise to Yuzu.
Gasping, Airi let go of Mei and began running towards Yuzu, stopping several feet away, holding her hand up in the air, and repeating the promise sans contact.
After one final goodbye to Yuzu, Airi ran back to Mei, and a few minutes later, they were gone, Yuzu waving until they were out of sight.
Mei had told Yuzu everything she and Airi had talked about when she came back, which made Yuzu smile as she drifted off into a heavy slumber for the remainder of that day, setting in motion Yuzu's routine for the next ten days.
While she didn't mind being sick, Yuzu wished it was a little more varied. All she did was sleep, wake up, communicate with the shift managers for the day, and clarify some business orders. After that, Yuzu would eat something light that Mei had made her and fall into a deep sleep until she was woken up by Mei reading to Airi over video chat.
Yuzu's throat was beyond sore when she woke up, so the most she could manage was a wave and a kiss before cuddling up next to Mei before she and Airi were lulled to sleep by Mei's soft voice.
It wasn't the worst time Yuzu had had while being sick, but it did wear her out. By the third day, she couldn't talk and had to resort to writing emails or texting people, but eventually, she'd recovered, only for Mei to fall into the same spiral Yuzu and Airi had experienced.
While it wasn't unexpected, the time it took for Mei to get sick took much longer than they'd thought.
Usually, when one of them got seriously ill, everyone was sick within a day or two of each other, especially with Mei and Yuzu both on kid duty. Still, this time it was different, and Mei had managed to get through both Airi and Yuzu's illnesses before eventually succumbing.
With Mei sick, Yuzu did most of her work from home to avoid spreading it to her employees, but she managed to find time to keep up with the majority of work but couldn't ignore the other perks that came with working from home.
Those perks were that Yuzu had time to get her work done without one of the kids interrupting. The other was that, despite her sickness, Mei was much more receptive to Yuzu's affections when they had a spare moment between work-related issues, just like Yuzu had been when Mei took care of her.
Meanwhile, despite Yuzu's best efforts to keep on top of her work, Mei, for a time, had somehow found the strength to complete her daily tasks. Not only that, but Mei had somehow managed to get ahead on some projects, which got under Yuzu's skin a little bit.
There was no doubt that Yuzu was proud of Mei for accomplishing such a feat, and Yuzu admired her willpower to get the work done. Mei had always shown this kind of constitution, and Yuzu wished that she would be able to keep up, but they both knew she couldn't keep up the pace forever, and after the fourth day, Mei's spirit and body reached their limit.
"You're never going to learn," chuckled Yuzu as she wiped down Mei's back with a cool rag while her wife coughed and wheezed.
"I wanted...to...get ahead," wheezed Mei after a particularly long coughing fit. "I didn't want to miss Airi's recital. She's...been practicing..."
"I figured that was part of it." Yuzu kissed Mei's shoulder, noticing the warmth despite the coolness of the water. "Don't move; I'll be right back."
Mei nodded and remained seated while Yuzu swapped out the now dirty water for some clean water and grabbed a fresh shirt and clothes for Mei.
When she turned to face Mei, Yuzu was surprised to see that Mei had managed to stay seated and hurried over to the bed to finish helping her wife.
"Just a little more, and then you can lay down," said Yuzu softly as she moved to Mei's front and began wiping away the sweat.
"I'm sorry," panted Mei as she struggled to remain sitting. "I didn't...expect to get this sick."
"That's why we had the doctor come by and give you that prescription," smiled Yuzu as she did her best to avoid Mei's more sensitive areas. "It's going to take a few days, but soon you'll return to your old self. But until then, you're going to sleep, and I'm going to go to the pharmacy and the store and get you whatever you need. Do you have any requests?"
"My medicine," said Mei, doing her best to smile. "But that one is obvious. But if it's not too expensive I'd like some fruit, and I know it's cliche, but can you make some okayu for me? Yours tastes much better than mine."
"Yours tasted just fine," chuckled Yuzu as she helped Mei get on her new shirt before assisting her into a new set of underwear and pants. "Honestly, you're too hard on yourself about the cooking. You are a good cook, Mei, and we all enjoy your food."
"I'm still not as good as you," mumbled Mei as she helped Yuzu with her undergarments.
"Well, I have a lot more experience," laughed Yuzu while Mei adjusted before moving on to the pajama bottoms. "And I do it for a living now, so yeah, I'm going to be a better cook. But remember what you said when I made that cake on our first Christmas, about how you don't eat things you don't like? Why would I eat your cooking if I didn't like it? Do you think I'm like that idiot spy anime Udagawa and Hideki watched?"
"The one where he threw up whatever his sister cooked," asked Mei as she finished dressing while Yuzu nodded in confirmation. "No, I suppose you or the kids wouldn't eat my cooking if you didn't enjoy it."
"Then stop beating yourself up over it." Yuzu stood up and leaned down, pressing her forehead to Mei's. Both to check the temperature and comfort Mei. "It was salty to you, but to me, it was tasty. Heck, the fact that I could even taste the salt was why I ate it, so cut yourself some slack and get some rest. You've done enough, and now it's time to recover. You need rest to do that, and if you don't get better, you can't make the recital."
"Fine," sighed Mei as she checked to ensure she was fully dressed. "You win, Yuzu. I'll sleep, but on two conditions."
"What are those," chuckled Yuzu as she set the television to a channel that played quiet, soothing music to sleep to.
"I wa...wa..want you to sit with me when you get back," yawned Mei, earning a giggle from Yuzu that Mei ignored. "And if you're okay with it, I want you to read to Airi tonight since I don't think I'll be able to stay awake. But do it here so I can see her reactions while I'm awake."
"Deal," said Yuzu without hesitation.
Mei smirked and tapped her cheek, which Yuzu kissed before moving to her wife's lips and softly kissing her.
"Sleep tight," whispered Yuzu as Mei drifted off to sleep.
That had been five days ago, and after a round of medication and lots of rest, Mei was finally on the mend, but she still had a few days before returning to school.
That didn't stop her from finishing the work her associates needed her help with, which wasn't much, which surprised Yuzu but not Mei despite her hands-on attitude.
"I'll admit I was worried," said Mei when Yuzu left that morning for work. "But I have faith in their abilities, and they've managed to hold things together without me. However, I'll feel better if I can ensure the work is properly done the first few times without needing my corrections."
"If they could do that, they wouldn't need you," Yuzu replied as she put a cup of tea down on Mei's bedside table. Mei did look several times better, but she was still somewhat congested and had a lingering cough which worried Yuzu. "But remember, you're still recovering, so don't overdo it. I'm going to be busy today, so I might not be able to answer you immediately, but if it's an emergency, call the store line and anyone else you might..."
"I'll be fine, Yuzu." Mei grabbed Yuzu's hand, pulled her wife to the bed, and kissed her cheek. "But I will keep you updated, and I promise to rest. Just make sure you don't crowd people and do whatever you can not to get them sick. You don't need the health board investigating you."
"Don't remind me," sighed Yuzu as she remembered the restaurant was due for an inspection in the next couple of months. "But don't worry about me getting anyone sick. I will deal mostly with computer orders and stuff like that until you're better. Besides, my back could use the rest with how busy we've been."
"Okay." Mei smiled and gave Yuzu another soft kiss before waving toward the bedroom door. "Now hurry up and get going; you don't need to be late."
"I love you too," grumbled Yuzu, hearing a faint confirmation from Mei that she loved her as well as she walked down the stairs.
"I hope you're doing all right," sighed Yuzu as she lifted her gaze from the payroll sheet to her phone to see if Mei had replied to her last text message.
She hadn't, but Yuzu was convinced that Mei had fallen asleep, but one from Harumin asked if Yuzu could meet up for drinks and food the following week. The other was from Matsuri, saying they wouldn't be able to make it for Christmas due to their work schedules but could meet up after the New Year.
Saying she'd double-check with Mei that dinner and drinks would be doable and answering Matsuri that she understood, Yuzu went back to her work paperwork and made a sizeable dent in the pile before a soft knock echoed through her office.
"What's up," she asked after applying her seal and signing her name to a series of supply orders.
"Is now a good time, Aihara-san," asked Yui, poking her head through the door. "Or should I come back?"
"A good time for what, Yui-chan?" Yuzu set aside her pen and seal, confused at Yui's request. "We aren't supposed to go shopping until this weekend if that's what you're asking about. Or do you need to talk to me about something in private?"
"Oh, no, nothing like that." Yui's head disappeared for a moment, followed by some quiet chatter, and the young woman reappeared. "It's just that Honoka-chan's mom, Suzuran-san is here to see you. She wanted me to ask if now was a good time or if you'd like her to leave."
"Uhh, yeah," stammered Yuzu putting her mask back on and setting her work aside. "Send her in and go and get some hot tea and a couple of snacks from the break room, please."
Yui nodded and pushed the door open, revealing Shiraho standing in the hallway, hands gripping her bag as she stared nervously at Yuzu.
"Are you certain I can come in?" asked Shiraho, looking alarmingly disquieted.
"Of course, you can come in," said Yuzu with a slight chuckle. "Sorry about the mess, but I've just gotten back from being sick and haven't had a chance to catch up on cleaning."
"It's understandable," Shiraho politely bowed to Yui. "Thank you, Yui-san. Please make mine a black tea with milk if you have it."
"Nothing fancy like those boxes Mei-san keeps at home," answered Yui nervously. "But I can do that. Do you have any other requests?"
"I think we'll be fine," answered Yuzu, who earned a nod from Shiraho. "Get me my usual and the snacks, then get out of here, please. Also, confirm with your parents that they're okay with you working overtime. I don't want this getting in the way of your schoolwork. You still have four months to go."
"I promise."
After that, Yui excused herself, and Yuzu led Shiraho to one of the plush chairs and, after making sure she was comfortable, took the chair next to her.
"This is a surprise," chuckled Yuzu as Shiraho adjusted her outfit and set her bag down. "It's been a while since you've been in here, not since the summer, I think."
"Around that time, yes," confirmed Shiraho, pulling at the sleeve of her yukata. "I didn't know if I'd be welcomed back after...after what I did."
"Why wouldn't you be welcome here," asked Yuzu, understanding what Shiraho was getting at but allowing her to lead the conversation.
"You know why, Yuzupon," sighed Shiraho as her eyes began to water. "I thought we could chat a little before this happened, but I can see we may as well rip the bandage off, as the saying goes."
"We don't have to talk about it right now," said Yuzu, reaching over and waiting to see if Shiraho would allow her to touch her, which she did by placing a hand on top of Yuzus. "You don't need to explain yourself. I know why you did it, and I get it."
"Do you," inquired Shiraho, her voice breaking slightly. "Do you think I don't have to explain myself for attacking you the way I did without listening to your side of the story? Was that fair of me? Was it right for me to lose my temper and attack one of my closest friends who was hurting just as much as the woman I..."
At that moment, Yui reappeared with the drinks and snacks and froze in her tracks when she saw Shiraho's frustration and Yuzu's nervousness.
"I'll just put these on your desk; is that okay with you, Yuzu-san?"
"That'll be fine, Yui." Yuzu gave the girl a smile from under her mask, and Shiraho let go of Yuzu's hand and placed it back in her lap. "Thanks for today; now go home and get some rest. Please?"
"Sure thing." Yui coughed nervously and looked at Yuzu, then at Shiraho.
"Yui, go home," repeated Yuzu, seeing the mental gymnastics the girl was attempting to do.
"Sorry," squeaked Yui before giving an apologetic bow, running out the door, and shutting the door a little too loudly.
"That girl is a handful," sighed Yuzu, picking up her green tea before lifting her mask and sipping a warm mouthful while her employees asked what Yui's problem was.
"She's certainly grown up," sighed Shiraho as she poured milk into her tea and sipped it. "I remember that one summer, she and Hideki were running around and chasing you, Rena-san, Udagawa-san, and Himeko-san around the backyard while Mei and I sat and talked on the porch talking. Until you turned your water guns on us, forcing Mei-san and me to get involved."
"You still ended up more drenched than us," chuckled Yuzu while she steeped her tea leaves into the pot. "But she's a good kid."
"She is," agreed Shiraho before adding a bit of sugar to her mug, "and I'm glad she and Hideki have remained friends for so long."
"So am I," sighed Yuzu after nibbling on a cookie. "Reminds me of us a bit."
"Do you think so," inquired Shiraho, chewing on one of the snacks Yuzu had offered. "I don't ever recall them having the issues we have."
"Well, that's because neither deals with lingering romantic feelings towards a friend's spouse."
Shiraho's face turned bright red making Yuzu laugh.
"I'm sorry," whispered Shiraho, setting her tea down. "I'm sure I've said this at one time or another, but I thought that...I thought I was over it, but that night, I saw how affected she was and the pain she was in..."
Shiraho shook her head and ran a hand along her face, her mask breaking a little.
"I lost control; I lost the one thing my family values above everything. I let my emotions take over, and I hurt you. Both of you agree with how Mei-san talked to me afterward."
"Mei talked to you," inquired Yuzu amazed at this revelation. Mei had never said she and Shiraho had discussed what happened that night, though it wasn't hard to believe. But for Mei to do it without Yuzu present was a bit worrying.
"She did," sighed Shiraho, regaining some of her composure, though she still looked on the verge of tears. "She said many things I'm sure you're about to say. That she understood and appreciated my defending her, but that the manner I went about it was unacceptable and that I owed you an apology."
"When did this happen?" Yuzu took a sip of her tea and watched Shiraho closely, hoping she wasn't pushing her friend too hard, but she wanted to hear about this and better understand why she hadn't heard from her friend over the past several months.
"Almost a month after it happened," explained Shiarho, straightening herself a little as she wiped her eyes with a tissue from Yuzu's desk. "We were having lunch one day; it was a business lunch, but she'd requested privacy, and I was strongly suspicious as to why. When I saw her at lunch, I could tell she had something to say to me and what it was about, so I let her. I didn't interrupt or offer any excuses but explained myself. Mei-san said she understood and knew where it had come from but again said that it was unacceptable, and I agreed and said I would apologize. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to find the time to do it."
"Yeah, well, I could have reached out to you too," said Yuzu, finishing her drink. "I mean, I have a lot to apologize for, too. Leaving with Airi was not my best moment, nor was blaming Mei for everything. But I guess, like with me, life got in the way of you reaching out to me, didn't it?"
"It did." Shiraho sighed as her phone buzzed and apologized after sending a few quick texts and continued while Yuzu smirked from behind her mask. "Don't give me that look, Yuzupon; you and Mei-san do the same thing."
"We do," chcukled Yuzu. "But it's funny to see you do it; it's a nice reminder that despite everything your family tries to do, you still have moments when you can let the mask slip."
"It was shameful," snorted Shiraho, taking one of the bottled waters Yui had brought with their tea.
"It was normal," countered Yuzu before thinking. "That's why I wasn't all that mad at you because I knew why you did it. I screwed up, and it was the wake-up call we needed between that, Himeko, and everything else."
"I still wish it hadn't happened." Shiraho wiped away the tears that refused to fall and sighed. "I promised to help both of you, not just her, and I failed because part of me refuses to let go of her."
"That's not entirely a bad thing," whispered Yuzu once Shiraho had finished her musings, earning her a shocked stare.
"Elaborate," said Shiraho once she'd recovered herself, though she'd finally decided to drop her act enough to let her genuine emotions slip through. "I'm curious how part of me still loving Mei-san is not a bad thing."
Getting up, Yuzu grabbed the reusable water bottle she kept and took a deep drink, swishing the water in her mouth before swallowing and continuing.
"I know part of you is still in love with Mei, Shirapon; that much has been obvious since you found out about Mei and me." Yuzu looked up at a flustered Shiraho and winked. "And I'm fine with it because after Mei left, I was still in love with her, despite everything. But you know all this, and honestly, part of me wondered if someone would ever make me feel like that again."
"But they didn't," answered Shiraho knowingly. "Considering your failed relationships and Abby, it's clear that Mei-san still had a firm hold on you, stronger than I felt, at least after I gave up on her."
"Yeah." Yuzu chuckled dryly, ignoring her friend's bluntness, and took another sip. "Abby was probably the closest, but you saw the fallout from that trainwreck, and you've seen how Mei acts. Twenty years and she still can't get over it entirely, but it's not like I'm one to talk. I mean, I live with a constant reminder of the things she and Udagawa-san did, which is incredibly difficult to try and forget."
"That can sour a relationship."
"That's all you have to say," exclaimed Yuzu while Shiraho took another sip of water.
"Well, what else can I say, Yuzupon," explained Shiraho calmly. "You act as if I haven't been through something similar. Do I need to explain how Honoka came into this world, or should I let your imagination fill in the gaps?"
Yuzu looked up in surprise at Shiraho, who shrugged, and they continued to stare until, eventually, Yuzu broke into a fit of giggles while Shiraho chuckled.
"I like this side of you," said Yuzu through her laughter. "I wish I got to see it more."
"I will try to make more of an effort when we aren't in public to be a little more emotionally open," said Shiraho sighing as she slipped her hands inside the sleeves of her yukata, her brow furrowing in frustration.
"What's on your mind," asked Yuzu, sitting up and stretching to help loosen the knot growing in her lower back.
"I'm just wondering if the feelings I have for Mei-san will ever go away," asked Shiraho, shifting her gaze to the ceiling while playing with her wedding ring. "Because from how our conversation has gone, it sounds like they never will, and I'm worried that if they don't go away, I'll make the same mistake I did back then."
"To be honest, I don't think they will," said Yuzu sadly. "I mean, she was the first person both of us felt something like that for, and that stays with you."
"Do you truly believe that? "inquired Shiraho, turning her gaze back on Yuzu. "Because I never went through what you did with her, and I feel foolish that the feelings remain, but do you honestly think they will never go away."
"I do," said Yuzu with a shrug. "We were young when we felt those things for the first time. And as much good as there was, there was also bad, and you remember it forever, and even if you move on to someone else, that pain can come back. You don't know where or when it will. It could come back because of a song or food, and that wound opens up again and hurts. But I don't mind the hurt too much because it reminds me that it was real, and if something happens to Mei, I'll always have those experiences and memories to remind me of her, and I'll cherish them."
"What if you met someone new," asked Shiraho, lifting her hand and pointing at her wedding ring. "Someone who doesn't make you feel the way that person did but makes you feel something similar."
"I think I'd be okay with it." Sighed Yuzu shaking her head. "I mean, I don't want it to happen. But the therapist Mei and I talked to helped us out a lot, and she feels we're going to make it, and we think we will too. But it can still happen, and that scares the hell out of me."
"I know," Shiraho smirked when Yuzu looked at her, panic on her face. "I don't want it to happen, but know I'll be there for you and her, regardless."
"I know you will." Yuzu exhaled in relief but felt her heart pounding in her chest. "But if it helps you understand why I feel this way. It's because when I do, I remember this old tv show I watched in college. I still watch it sometimes; it's this old American show from, I think, the seventies, so it's old, you know?"
"Quite," agreed Shiraho, her attention still focused on Yuzu. "But why did you watch it, or still watch it?"
"I was watching it for my English classes," explained Yuzu. "You know because I had to have a language elective for my degree, and since I went to a lot of English-speaking countries and still speak to my friends who speak English, it helps keep me remember certain words and sounds, but that's not the important part. The important part is one of the main cast who is a gay guy, an openly gay guy."
"All right," was all Shiraho could manage, lost in what any of this had to do with their conversation, and hoped Yuzu would get to her point soon.
"Yeah," said Yuzu sensing Shiraho's frustration and confusion. "It was a big deal back then, lots of drama around the show's making, but that's not important. What's important is what happens in this one part of the show with this guy where right before a controversial surgery, his boyfriend breaks up with him, saying he's going to marry this woman because it was the right career move for him and it protected him."
"Sounds familiar," chuckled Shiraho making Yuzu blush.
"I guess it does." Yuzu gave a nervous laugh, remembering the similarities between the show's situation and her life. "I guess that's why it stuck with me so much. But what happened afterward is that the guy decides that he's sick of it. Sick of being mocked, feeling unloved, and everything and decides that he's going to take a bunch of pills and, you know..."
Shiraho nodded in understanding, signaling to Yuzu that she didn't need to continue with the explanation.
"So yeah," sighed Yuzu, her heart still racing slightly, "after he takes the pills, he lies down and waits for everything to happen. But then this old guy he was sharing the hospital room with comes in and apologizes and tells him that he heard everything and that he was sorry and not to give up hope."
Shiraho kept her comment about the show's writing to herself but could appreciate the idea of the scene and asked, "What did he say?"
"He told Jodie that's the guy who took the pills," explained Yuzu before continuing. "He told him that when he met his first wife that it was great, it was fantastic and the best feeling in the world, but then one day she got sick and died shortly after."
"That's sad," acknowledged Shiraho though not surprised that a dramatic show used such a plot point.
"It is." Yuzu sighed, trying to remember if that was how her birth father had passed, but continued with the story. "But then the man, I think his name was Barney, talked about how he just went through the motions and not caring about anything until one day, he started laughing. After that, he started singing and other things and began to enjoy life again, and that's when he met another woman and how while it wasn't the same as it was with his first wife, it was still just as meaningful. It was different, but it was time he cherished and remembered, but unfortunately, after ten years together, she died because of a drunk driver."
"That is...shocking." Shiraho remained calm but was amazed that the show would do something like that.
"I know." Yuzu chuckled sadly and shook her head, and shrugged. "I thought she would show up when he started talking about her, but she didn't. So he told Jodie that he was in the hospital to get his heart fixed because Barney had hope that, even though finding two people to share his life like that with was almost impossible, he hoped that there was another person out there for him. Even after everything, he believed he could have another few years with someone who could fill his life with joy and happiness. He said he hoped that one day, despite his pain, Jodie would laugh and begin feeling like he could live again."
"That's...rather beautiful in a way," admitted Shiraho while Yuzu dabbed her eyes. "And I can see why you found solace in the scene, and while I might not understand it the way you do, I will take your words to heart and think on them."
"You do that," sniffed Yuzu, smiling beneath her face mask, "and we'll call everything that happened this summer even. Deal?"
"Yuzupon, I came here to apologize to you," explained Shiraho, her expression shifting to show a moment of discomfort before attempting to hide it again. "Yet it seems you've done more to console me than I have even attempted to make amends for what happened; how can you consider us even?"
"Did you listen to my side of the story," asked Yuzu
"Yes," confirmed Shiraho.
"Did you apologize earlier?"
"I did."
"Are you going to remember what happened and talk to me before jumping to conclusions again?"
"You know I will," answered Shiraho, blushing.
"Then we're square." Yuzu shrugged and took her friend's hand. "I love you, Shiraho, as much as I love Harumin and Matsuri and a little more than Himeko, but don't tell her that."
"I won't," smirked Shiraho squeezing Yuzu's hand.
"Thanks." Yuzu returned the squeeze and sighed. "I don't want to lose you as my friend. You promised us that you would watch over us, and you have done that, and I know I can be selfish. But I want you to know our friendship goes both ways, and I hope that what happened on our trip and right now, and everything else we've been through, won't change that."
"I understand." Shiraho leaned in and briefly pressed her forehead to Yuzu's and smiled. "I love you as well, Yuzu, and I promise to remember what we've talked about and not to tell Himeko-san where she stands with you. Although I'm certain, she also holds a similar fondness for you."
"I'm sure she does."
Yuzu and Shiraho both shared a laugh before separating and getting to their feet.
"I'm sorry I intruded," said Shiraho looking over at Yuzu's desk. "I forgot you'd been sick and had a lot to catch up on."
"I did a lot while at home sick." Yuzu waved at her desk as if to brush off the work as inconsequential. "That's just more of the same, and I'll have to come in and do overtime anyway. We got our holiday stuff coming up, and it's going to get busy."
"I'm glad things are looking up."
They began walking down the hallway, and when they hit the restaurant, Yuzu was glad to see that the evening crowd was manageable for her crew, as it meant she could get out earlier.
"Thank you again for seeing me, Yuzupon," said Shiraho, acknowledging her brothers in the back corner. To both Yuzu and Shiraho's surprise, Honoka was stuffing her face with one of the over-the-top hot chocolate beverages, complete with chocolate wafers, sprinkles, marshmallows, and whipped cream the shop served.
"It was good to see you." Yuzu resisted her impulse to hug Shiraho and instead gestured to the case where a few of the last remaining cakes of the day were resting. "Why don't you take a cake home, as a sign of us, you know, burying the hatchet; my treat."
"Yuzupon, I couldn't." Shiraho looked a little embarrassed that several customers were frustrated that Yuzu had made such an offer, not to mention her frustration at the amount of sugar her daughter was eating. "But I will buy one as a sign of wishing you prosperity for the future year."
"I take it you won't be eating it tonight," said Yuzu as she grabbed some gloves and stepped behind the counter.
"We will not." Shiraho shook her head and looked at Honoka's sight at seeing her daughter try to scrape every last drop from the bottom of her mug with a spoon. With a groan, Shiraho turned her attention to Yuzu and requested a rolled raspberry cream cake and strawberry pistachio cake. "Believe me, if you think I was scary during our misunderstanding, you have no idea what they're in for when we get home."
"Just not in front of Honoka," said Yuzu while she packaged the cake and handed it off to one of the closing staff to finish the transaction.
"Of course not." Shiraho thanked the woman and then asked to apply her change as a down payment for an order of a Christmas cake and other treats the restaurant was offering.
"You didn't have to do that." Yuzu's ears turned red as she walked over to the table and greeted everyone, including a chocolate-covered Honoka.
"I wanted to." Shiraho then turned her attention to her brothers and daughter, who shrunk in their seats. "Besides, after Christmas, there won't be any snacks like this until the start of the next school term."
The brother wearing the sunglasses went to protest, but one look from Shiraho had him simply saying, "Sorry, Sis. We just wanted her to have some fun while we were waiting."
"Instead, I'm the one who will have to deal with the inevitable sugar rush and crash when we get home." Shiraho sighed and pointed at the bag. "These are not to be touched until tomorrow night. If I find out any of you have touched them, there will be consequences."
"Yes, Ma'am," was all they could say to Shiraho's looming form, and after Honoka was cleaned up, the woman made it a point to have Honoka talk with Yuzu.
"Honoka, say goodbye to your Aunt Yuzu. Afterward, it's home and then homework."
Honoka nodded, walked over to a dumbfounded Yuzu, and gave the girl a tight hug.
"Bye, Aunt Yuzu. Please tell Airi I said, 'hi.'"
"I will," said Yuzu kissing Honoka's cheek through the facemask, making the girl blush. "Are you coming to her recital that's coming up?"
"Yes," said Honoka, grinning before remembering that she was in public and adjusting her appearance. "Umm, Mother, can I stay over after the recital if it's okay with Aunt Mei and Aunt Yuzu?"
"We will discuss it in a couple of days," said Shiraho, her voice less curt. "But we need to go home now. Your father will be home early, and your grandmother is preparing dinner for us. She said we're having hotpot tonight, and she got plenty of meat."
Honoka's eyes briefly lit up at the sound of hotpot, and after one more quick goodbye to Yuzu, the four of them left, leaving Yuzu to finish some small jobs before eventually heading out herself.
After a quick stop at the store for dinner necessities, Yuzu parked the car and headed in, glad it was such a short walk as the wind picked up, stinging her face and ears.
Once inside, Yuzu gasped in relief at the warmth and felt like hopping into the shower, but first, she needed to check in with Mei.
"Mei, I'm home."
There was no reply, and after hanging up her coat and setting aside her shoes, Yuzu walked down the hall and repeated what she'd said.
"I'm in the kitchen," came Mei's voice, much clearer than it had been in days.
Turning the corner, Yuzu found Mei standing at the counter with a cup in her hand, drinking some juice while a song played on her phone.
Setting down the bags, Yuzu wasted little time walking over to Mei, wrapping her arms around her wife's waist from behind and swaying to the music as she breathed in Mei's scent.
She smelt clean, like vanilla and lavender, and her pajamas were also fresh, smelling like their detergent. Yuzu breathed in Mei's scent repeatedly while Mei did her best to move along with Yuzu while also trying to drink her juice.
"Are you all right," asked Mei, not moving away from Yuzu but not entirely relaxing into her embrace. "Did something happen today? If you're upset with me, I'm sorry for not answering. I had meetings, and they wore me out and..."
"It's not you," said Yuzu, moving aside the collar of Mei's shirt and robe to kiss the soft skin underneath. "I mean, I was worried, but I know you're tired, and I'm happy you're not stuck in bed anymore. Can you go shopping with Yui and me for Airi's presents this weekend?"
"I will." Mei's voice caught a little in her throat as she felt Yuzu's cool hands on her bare stomach but let them stay. "But if it's not me, then what is it? Is it something to do with work, or did something else happen?"
"Both." Yuzu gave Mei's neck another kiss, her hands moving across Mei's stomach to warm them up until Mei moved away.
Thinking she was pushing Mei to her limits, Yuzu prepared to let go, but then Mei turned, locked eyes with Yuzu, and held her wife's hands in place, asking, "What happened?"
"No...nothing," stammered Yuzu, the only thing that could come to her mind until Mei pulled Yuzu back against the counter, gently pinning the blonde's hands behind her.
Yuzu blushed, but Mei ignored it and instead put her arms around Yuzu's neck and pulled her close, saying, "Tell me what happened. Please?"
At that, Yuzu's body caved in, and she relaxed into Mei's arms and told her what had happened at work. About how busy they were and all their plans for overtime. Yuzu also said her time would be limited until after the New Year.
"That's to be expected," said Mei with a small smile. "Busy is good. It means people like what you do, Yuzu, and that the restaurant is finding its feet."
"I know," Yuzu smirked as she felt Mei's arms wrap tighter around her and begin swaying again, along with the new song playing. "I like this song."
"I do too." Mei kissed the top of Yuzu's head before continuing. "But you're doing an excellent job, Yuzu, and I promise you don't have anything to worry about. I'm working on making my schedule more flexible. We can talk to the others about helping until the end of the holidays."
"We also need to talk to the kids," sighed Yuzu, gripping Mei's robes and pressing her face into Mei's neck. "Airi's going to be so upset."
"It'll be fine, Yuzu." Mei used one of her hands to stroke the back of Yuzu's head and placed small kisses on top of Yuzu's head. "Hideki will be fine; we know that. Also, Airi's doing well with Fukui-san and adjusting to her new music school. From what they said about her latest progress report from her schools, she's doing much better. She'll be fine if we're honest and explain it to her."
"You think so?" Yuzu nuzzled Mei's neck, wanting to fall asleep, surrounded by the scent of Mei's soap and fresh laundry.
"I do." Mei suppressed a whimper when she felt Yuzu's head brush her ear while soft fingers massage her back. "We're doing better, and I know you're worried because we ended our sessions with Hayashi-san earlier than expected, but she said we can always come in and talk to her when she has an opening. But please remember that you can be honest with me because if you can't, we wasted months of time and energy for nothing."
"You're right," grumbled Yuzu, kissing Mei's neck before squeezing her tightly. "I'm sorry I didn't come out and say, but it wasn't just working and stuff with the kids bugging me. Something else happened at work today, and I'm still rattled."
"What happened?" Mei pulled back enough and began scanning Yuzu for any sign of injury. "You weren't hurt, were you? What about Yui and the others? Was it a robbery or..."
"Everyone is fine," chuckled Yuzu before kissing Mei's cheek and pressing their foreheads together. "Nothing like that happened; it's just that, Shirapon came into the store today, and we finally hashed things out."
"Oh." Mei's shoulders slumped as she relaxed, and Yuzu's smile widened. "That's a relief. She told me back when Airi got sick that she'd finally have the time to visit. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you."
"We had a lot going on." Yuzu played with the collar of Mei's pajamas as she looked into her wife's eyes. "So I forgive you. But we talked it over, and we're on good terms again. She even placed a big order and bought one of our more expensive cakes for her Christmas dinner and two other cakes to eat until then."
"That's a surprise." Mei knew that Shiraho wasn't against sweets, but even for her, such a purchase was unusual. "They must be having family over, or she's doing it to show support or to be festive."
"Or all three," laughed Yuzu as she watched Mei's mind at work. "I tried to offer her one, but I think I overstepped. But still, it's nice to know she cares, and we had a long talk about some things I thought we were over."
"Like what," asked Mei concernedly.
Knowing she couldn't avoid it, Yuzu explained her and Shiraho's conversation to Mei. About Shiraho's guilt over her lingering feelings and how Yuzu had found a way to handle it thanks to a television show.
That got a laugh out of Mei that caught Yuzu off guard, but she smiled sheepishly at how absurd it sounded.
"I'm sorry," said Mei, collecting herself once she saw the tinge of red on Yuzu's face. "I remember you told me about that, and I'm sorry for laughing. I wasn't trying to belittle you."
"You didn't." Yuzu felt her face relax when she saw the worry in Mei's eyes. "I know it's silly, but people find meaning in books and songs, and when I saw that, I was at a place where I needed to hear it. You know what it was like back then, and it made me realize that what I was doing was chasing something that I wasn't ready for."
"I'm sorry I put you in that position." Mei leaned in and kissed Yuzu softly before pulling back and pressing their heads together. "I...I should have been more honest with you and with myself. And I'm sorry for the problems my jealousy has caused us, I pushed you away, and I should have been more understanding. It was only natural for you to want to find the happiness I couldn't give you."
"Chasing it doesn't make it real," answered Yuzu, closing her eyes, grateful to feel that Mei's fever had finally broken. "It means that I wasn't ready, and it took time to realize that, but I'm happy you found me, and you've given me plenty of happiness and love since then, Mei. I've said this before, but it's okay to forgive yourself. I've forgiven you, so please, try for me?"
"I am." Mei pulled Yuzu closer and sighed. "It's taking a lot longer than I thought, but I'm getting there."
"Good." Yuzu kissed Mei and smiled when she felt Mei return it. "You can make working on it my Christmas present."
"That's not much of a present," snorted Mei.
"But it's enough for me," whispered Yuzu when she felt Mei's cheek against her neck.
"But what if I already got you a present," asked Mei nervously.
"Well, that's just the icing on the cake," giggled Yuzu, feeling Mei's warm breath as she exhaled in relief. "Besides, I got you something too, so I'm not one to talk."
"I'm excited to see what it is," said Mei standing up and caressing Yuzu's cheek. "I just hope you'll like my gift as well."
"You know I will."
Yuzu's eyes closed at the touch, and she reflexively turned her head to kiss Mei's wrist.
"You're warm," commented Yuzu, staring lovingly at Mei as she nuzzled her cheek into her wife's palm.
"It's the furnace," said Mei, blushing at how Yuzu looked at her. "I was cold earlier, and I turned the heat up, and you know I had a fever until recently, so..."
"That's not it," chuckled Yuzu, kissing Mei's wrist, then the top of her hand before the rings adorning Mei's ring finger. "I know you're warmer because of the temperature in the house, but I'm talking about how you touch me, Mei. It always feels warm, even when you're not."
"Oh." Mei's ears burned, and she was glad her hair covered them. "That...yes...I understand now."
Yuzu smiled and quietly said, "If something happens to Mei, take what time you need to heal, but don't lose that warmth; please don't lose it. If the kids or someone else keeps it going, promise me you won't lose it. I couldn't forgive myself if that happened."
"I promise," replied Mei, gripping Yuzu's hand tightly, hoping her conviction came through in her touch and words. "But only if you make the same promise."
"You know I will."
Yuzu looked up, tears in her eyes, and Mei attempted to wipe them away until she realized her vision was blurry and that Yuzu was trying to do the same for her.
"We're a mess," chuckled Mei as they tried to clean each other up.
"If anyone saw us, I'm sure they'd be laughing," giggled Yuzu after grabbing some tissues and letting Mei clean up the tears. "Matsuri definitely wouldn't let us live it down."
"Then I'm glad this memory is just between us," said Mei, tossing the tissues away before allowing Yuzu to do the same for her.
"Me too." Yuzu balled up the tissue and threw it in the garbage, and returned to Mei, placing her head on Mei's shoulder. "Sorry, I brought all this home after you've been sick."
"Don't worry about it." Mei reached down and clasped Yuzu's hand. "I'm glad you told me. We're doing what we said we would do; we need to remember we're not alone and can rely on each other."
"That's a good way to look at it," said Yuzu, nuzzling Mei's shoulder. "Thanks for listening Mei."
"You're welcome, Yuzu," Mei smirked and gave Yuzu another kiss on the head. "I'm sure Shiraho-san feels the same about you. Honestly, if you hadn't gone into your current line of work, you would have made a good counselor or teacher."
Yuzu's head shot up at the compliment, her eyes wide as she asked, "You think so?"
"I do." Mei tapped Yuzu's forehead as she spoke. "I'm surprised you didn't think of it before."
"I did once." Yuzu's cheeks turned red as she avoided Mei's gaze. "Back when we were...you know.."
"Oh." Mei's voice was low as she spoke. "I never realized."
"I never said anything." Yuzu laughed, and Mei chuckled at the reply. "I thought it'd be a great way to support you and for us to learn about each other, and honestly, if we were more mature, we could have made it work. I mean, our relationship would have had a lot of people talking, and everything might have caused trouble, but I thought about it and considered studying it in college."
"But," asked Mei, sensing Yuzu's hesitance.
"But after a while, I realized I needed to figure out what was good for me," explained Yuzu shaking her head. "And it felt like the whole teacher thing was me trying to chase after you or something, so I remembered what it was like working with Udagawa-san and how much I liked helping people, and that's when it clicked."
"That's why you went into hospitality." Mei nodded in understanding while Yuzu did the same in agreement.
"Yeah." Yuzu grinned sheepishly as Mei continued to stare at her. "Besides, it's like the kids tell us when we're teaching them something. Even though we don't have a teaching license or degree, we still teach people and help guide them, so it's not like I completely abandoned the idea; I just switched where I focused my energy."
"And you're doing well at it," said Mei leaning in and kissing Yuzu's cheek. "I'm proud of you, Yuzu. You're doing an excellent job. Although part of me is glad, you didn't go into it. Imagine us working together at the school after a fight like the one we had over the summer. That definitely would have gotten people's attention."
"You have a point," sighed Yuzu pressing closer to Mei. "But who knows, maybe in another life, it'll happen. It still could; I could be a home-ec teacher or help with a cooking or business class."
"That's...not a bad idea," said Mei after a moment of consideration. "I'll discuss it at my next meeting if you'd like. We can have you in as a guest speaker or have them visit the restaurant here in town when you're less busy. It's not unusual for us, and most staff wouldn't mind. Also, I'm positive they'd welcome the chance to have a day to relax."
"Feel free to ask." Yuzu was beaming at Mei's suggestion which made the taller woman blush. "If they approve it, I'll make sure it stays in the school guidelines, but I'll add my spin on it if that's okay. Will I have to submit something or..."
"We'll discuss that after I talk with them," said Mei pressing a finger to Yuzu's lips. "If they say yes, I will get you the necessary information, and we can go from there."
"Fine," said Yuzu before kissing the finger Mei had pressed to her lips. "I'll let you handle it. Don't take too long, or I'll get even more annoying."
"And here I thought that wasn't possible," sighed Mei making Yuzu's jaw drop in surprise.
"You know what," huffed Yuzu pulling away from Mei. "I had this whole plan to make a nice dinner for us since the kids were gone, but that comment ruined it. You can cook for yourself; I'm going to get sushi."
Despite Yuzu's attempt to move away, Mei noticed that the blonde's hand still hadn't loosened its grip; to Mei, it felt like Yuzu was gripping even tighter.
Taking the risk, Mei gently tugged Yuzu back, causing the blonde to hop a little before Mei caught her and again hugged her and said, "I'm sorry, Yuzu; you're not annoying."
"You mean it," asked Yuzu, though it was clear that she was only playing along with Mei calling her bluff.
"I mean it," sighed Mei, feeling a little embarrassed by what Yuzu was putting her through even though there was no one around to see it. "You're not annoying, and I would appreciate it if you would make the meal you had planned for us. I'll even help."
"I guess I can do that," hummed Yuzu, looking up at Mei, grinning mischievously. "But only if you give me a kiss before we start."
"Haven't you gotten enough kisses today," asked Mei, rolling her eyes.
"Nope." Yuzu's smile grew as she saw the annoyance on Mei's face grow. "But if you don't want to do it, I'll respect it, and you can kiss me when you're ready."
Not falling for her wife's false attempt at surrender, Mei shook her head, wrapped her hand around Yuzu's waist, lifted the blonde's chin, and pressed their lips together.
From Yuzu's throat came a low whimper, and Mei felt her hands return to her waist as they kissed, sending a new wave of warmth through Mei's body as they embraced.
It didn't last long, but Mei continued kissing Yuzu's neck and shoulder when they parted. Yuzu attempted to return the affections but found herself struggling to hold onto Mei when she felt Mei's teeth press against her flesh.
"Was that too much," asked Mei kissing the mark she had just left on Yuzu after feeling the blonde's grip tighten and the loud grunt of pain she let out.
"A little," answered Yuzu, kissing Mei's neck and cheek. "But not because it didn't feel good; it felt great. It's just been a while, that's all."
"Maybe...maybe we should do something about that," suggested Mei, slipping one hand up Yuzu's shirt.
"You sure," panted Yuzu as Mei's nails carefully scratched the spot below her rib cage.
Mei nodded and pulled away from Yuzu's neck to kiss her warm lips again, her throat tightening in anticipation as she whispered, "I'm...su.. su..."
Unfortunately, before she could finish, the tightness in Mei's throat turned into a tickle. Knowing what was about to happen, Mei reluctantly separated from Yuzu and turned into the sink as a coughing fit overtook her, frustrating her more than anything.
As she coughed, she heard Yuzu run to the sink to fill a glass with water from the dispenser before setting it on the counter and massaging her back.
"I'm sorry," panted mei after the fit finished, her hands gripping the counter so hard she thought it would break. "I'm sorry, Yuzu."
"It's okay." Yuzu leaned in and kissed Mei's cheek before handing her the glass and returning to massaging her back. "
"But...," started Mei after her first few sips of water.
"Don't worry about it," chuckled Yuzu, hugging Mei after she'd finished her water and recovered from her fit. "You made me feel good, and I know you want to do those things again. But it'll happen when it happens, so focus on feeling better, and when we're ready, we'll know."
"All right." Mei returned the hug and sighed contentedly before continuing. "If that's the case, we should start dinner and figure out what we'll do for the rest of the evening. Did you have any ideas?"
"I did." Yuzu's smile returned before separating from Mei and heading to the bags of food she'd brought in and began pulling out ingredients and placing them on the counter.
Mei took stock of everything Yuzu had bought. While there wasn't any meat, Mei counted several mushrooms, chrysanthemum leaves, negi, tofu, and other ingredients she knew were common for making a hot pot.
"What kind of hot pot were you thinking of making," asked Mei as she walked over to the cabinet where they kept the earthen pot and portable stove they kept for such occasions.
"I was thinking Osaka-style mizutaki," said Yuzu, pulling out some chicken she'd planned to make kaarage the night before. "Shiraho said her mother was making hotpot tonight, and I figured it'd warm us up, and it'd be easier on your stomach than fried chicken."
"I see." Mei blushed at Yuzu's consideration while the blonde smiled happily, and Mei couldn't help noticing that Yuzu hadn't bothered to fix her disheveled appearance, making her face burn even more. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"You can start by making sure the pot's clean," suggested Yuzu, winking at Mei after spotting her wife, taking in her appearance and the minor red marks left on her neck. "Then you can help me with the veggies. The quicker we get this done, the quicker we can relax and enjoy ourselves."
Mei, unsure of the implications behind her wife's words, nodded and went about her assigned tasks.
After a while, primarily due to Mei's low energy, they finished their preparations and moved into the living room, where they watched movies while waiting for the food to finish.
Afterward, tired from the day's events and full bellies and not wanting to clean up, they sat, basking contentedly in one another's embrace as some mindless show played on the television before falling into a blissful sleep.
I wanted to get a Christmas chapter out today or tomorrow as I am posting this on December 24th, but I hope this will do!
Merry Christmas, everybody; I hope to have a few chapters out in the next couple of weeks as I'm off work and have a new life goal.
That life goal is to get enough non-ai fanart to make a slideshow video of my stories chronologically to make an AMV set to Tracy Chapman's "The Promise" such a good song. Also, her song "Baby Can I hold you" reminds me of early Mei and Yuzu.
Also, if you're interested in the show I had Yuzu talk about, you can check out a video on Youtube by Matt Baume on the show Soap, and if you're wondering about the speech given, you can head there and look up:
"Soap (it gets better)" posted by user maragratia.
As for me, I'm going to spend the next few hours cooking and hanging out with my mom and girlfriend!
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah!