A/N: Hi my lovelies! This story is so much more successful than I thought it would be. I hope all of you will keep reading my story, and continue to post lovely reviews. All of your reviews make me sooo happy! I'd love it if you could suggest ideas for chapters. I promise that I'll give creds and make it super fluffy for you! I think this one is a little less angsty (I mean it's Himeko), so happy reading!

Himeko huffed in frustration as she leaned her weight on the picnic basket. You will fit, she thought determinedly at the bulging sacks of food. With a final heave the top snapped shut and Himeko cried out triumphantly.

"It's finally ready!" she sang to Chikane.

"Great! You bundle up and we'll go."

Only Chikane-chan could manage to look so poised in mittens, thought Himeko, smiling and shaking her head. She put on an additional jacket, some gloves and a knitted scarf she had bought from a fair vendor. She paused for a moment in front of the mirror in her bathroom, scowling slightly at her reflection. She smoothed down her flyaway blond hairs and rubbed at a lone freckle on her nose. Once she discovered that the freckle was indeed not going to disappear she sighed exasperatedly and returned to the kitchen.

"I'm all ready," she told Chikane, hefting the enormous picnic basket. Chikane grinned at the sight of Himeko lugging the basket to the door.

"I hope you recall that there are only two of us, right?"

"Well I didn't want us to miss out on anything so I made sure to pack lots of extra, just in case," Himeko said, starting to blush.

"That's great, I'm hungry," Chikane said with her hands on her stomach. "Shall we?"

The pair stepped into the Tokyo street and set off for the nearest park. Chilly air was blowing among the tall buildings, whipping the girls' hair back and forth. Despite her layers of warm clothing, Himeko shivered and grimaced at the sky. Please, please don't rain. It was their one month anniversary and Himeko had decided to make the picnic to celebrate. She smiled fondly as she remembered how she used to cook with Chikane in the huge kitchen of Himemiya Manor, and how Otoha had been so shocked to find Chikane cooking in an apron.

Himeko slid her gloved hand into Chikane's, smiling at her shyly out of the corner of her eye. I still can't get over all of the things she did just to make me happy. After all, I selfishly asked her to give some of the food to Oogami-kun which must have hurt her. There are so many things I have to do to make it up to her. But it makes me happy to make her happy; my heart is all filled with love.

The girls rounded another corner and the park was within sight. But as they started down the final block, a drop of rain hit Himeko's nose.

"Oh no," she said wiping it off.

"We'd better get back quickly, it's going to start pouring," said Chikane looking up at the menacing grey clouds. As she spoke the pavement was dotted by more droplets, and they began to trudge their way back up the street. After a minute the heavens opened up and rain drenched them. They ran the last few blocks back to Himeko's apartment and rested, panting, against the door.

"Stupid rain," muttered Himeko angrily. I really wanted to do something special, Himeko thought morosely as she unlocked the door. "I'll get you some dry clothes," she told Chikane as she retreated into her bedroom. Himeko rummaged through her dresser to find clothes that would fit Chikane- a futile search- and her eyes ran across the three tea-light candles that rested on top of her dresser. A smile crossed her face as a new plan formed in her head. Himeko handed the largest clothing she had to Chikane and changed quickly. Knowing she had limited time, she gathered everything at record speed.

The living room was aglow with candles as Chikane stepped out of the bathroom. Himeko sat waiting on a blanket on the floor with the food set out around her.

"Surprise," said Himeko, breaking into a blushing smile.

"Wow… Himeko," Chikane said as she sat down. With amused embarrassment, Himeko noticed that even her largest pajamas were nowhere close to fitting Chikane's long frame; Chikane's ankles and wrists stuck out at least two inches.

"I thought we'd make the best of the storm, and this is much cozier; don't you think?"

"I love it," Chikane said with an earnest smile.

The girls sat down to the feast Himeko had spent hours on, but Himeko barely tasted any of it. She was too busy watching Chikane's reactions to the food. Chikane noticed Himeko's anxious glances with a laugh and said, "It's all fantastic. I think you've discovered a new talent!"

Himeko blushed furiously but felt proud. Finally I did something for Chikane-chan. "I just… wanted to keep my promise," she mumbled shyly, looking down. Her heart hammered as she waited for a reaction. I've never been this open with her before.

"Himeko, you don't owe me anything," Chikane finally said in a voice husky with emotion. "You've given me everything just by being with me."

"Oh, Chikane-chan," Himeko sighed, leaning contentedly into Chikane's embrace.

"I love you, Himeko."

"I love you too, Chikane-chan," Himeko replied with a sleepy smile.