A/N: Hello again! Chikane and Himeko are back. I apologize that it's so short but it was what I had. I also lied about the rest being not so angsty, but angst it just who Chikane-chan is…smh. Ah, well, we love her still. Anyway, I'd absolutely love it if you'd leave ideas for more adorable situations in the reviews. I'll credit you and make sure they're extra flufftastical! Enjoy!
This is miserable, thought Chikane as she walked home with a pounding headache. The lectures had certainly been complex that day at Tokyo-daigaku and Chikane felt like her head was about to explode from over-exposure to information. It's disappointing but I don't have any energy left to go out with Himeko tonight. I guess I'll just spend the night in and we can go out tomorrow night. With her head throbbing, Chikane turned the key in the lock. Maybe I should take some medication, or maybe just go to bed. As she opened the door, a delicious scent assaulted her nose. Following the source to the kitchen, she found Himeko stirring something on the stove.
"Himeko?"
"Welcome home Chikane-chan. I got done with classes early today, so I thought I'd surprise you at home. I know we had plans to go out tonight, I hope you're not mad."
"No, not at all; this is actually much better. I was going to cancel on going out because I have a headache. I'll go take some medicine and then I'll get the table set. Thank you so much," Chikane said, kissing Himeko on the cheek.
Chikane poured out some tea for the two of them and set the table. She sat, watching Himeko industriously mix salad. The look of intense concentration on Himeko's face made Chikane smile. It always amazed Chikane how beautiful Himeko looked in the most ordinary situations. Himeko was wearing jeans and an apron spattered with food. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, she had a smudge on her nose, and her cheeks were flushed from working over a hot stove. I never thought I could live such a normal life with her. I never even expected to have any life with her. Chikane thought with happiness about the life they had ahead of them. I love her so much. It feels almost like we're newlyweds. Although, if we were newlyweds, we would be doing… Chikane stopped the thought in its tracks. She always tried to avoid thinking about Himeko in that vulgar of a manner. It's hard, Chikane mused watching Himeko from behind as she filled plates. I can't imagine her ever wanting to do something like that without being… afraid of me. By hurting her so badly…I don't know if we'll ever be able to have a wholesome relationship. The thought pained Chikane, but she hid her distress when Himeko proudly presented her food. They both began to eat and Chikane tried to keep up a happy façade for Himeko's sake. She can't know what I'm thinking about. That would just frighten her more. Chikane hated that she had destroyed her chances of having a relationship devoid of fear.
"Let's watch that new movie," Himeko said, cutting through Chikane's depressed funk.
"Sure," Chikane said, trying to keep her tone light.
Chikane set up the movie and sat down in the middle of the couch, giving Himeko space. Contrary as always though, Himeko scooted across to Chikane's side and slid under her arm. Chikane absently kissed the top of Himeko's head while thinking to herself about control. I'm in love with her. I can't hurt her, no matter what my body feels, no matter what I desire. Love is not all about the physical relationship, and I know I can be happy with just our emotional relationship. I'm strong enough for that, right?