"Wow Akko, it's huge!" Mari couldn't help but stare in awe as they pulled the car up to the lake house.
Mari was right, the place was massive. It looked very flash too. "It looks like we're the last to arrive." Akko commented as she noticed the three cars parked out front. One in particular happened to look very expensive. "That must be Sugi's car" She was almost embarrassed to pull theirs up next to it. "I bet her parents bought it for her…"
"Akko." Mari warned.
"What?"
"You better behave while we're here. We're adults now, remember."
Akko grumbled "I know, I know."
Before the two had barely stepped foot outside the car, a short figure was already at the door calling them. "Mari chin! Akko!"
The two smiled "Tamamin!" They waved, making their way to her.
"Wow Tamamin, you haven't grown at all since the last time I saw you." Akko teased.
Tamamin puffed out her cheeks. Even though she was in her twenties now, she was still around the same height as she'd been in high school. Coming up to Akko's shoulders at best. "I have too! It's just Akko that keeps growing!"
Akko laughed, leaning in to hug the small tawny haired girl. It was true though. Over the last few years, Akko had shot up in height. She even had a few inches on Mari.
"Where are the others?" Mari asked, looking over Tamamin and into the hallway. This wasn't a very hard feat to accomplish.
Tamamin giggled "Out back. Sugi's already cracked out the alcohol."
Mari sighed. She hadn't forgotten how much Sugi liked to drink but she'd hoped this week wouldn't be revolving around alcohol. Mari herself wasn't much of a drinker but she knew Akko would get very into it with a little encouragement from Sugi.
"Well then let's go say hi" Akko's eyes sparkled mischievously.
The three of them made their way through the house, Tamamin showing the way. "Just wait till you see the view Mari chin. You'll love it!" They stepped out onto a wide veranda that led down onto a long narrow walkway that then connected to a small wooden dock which looked even smaller in comparison to the large lake ahead of them. The sight was breath-taking. Mari was surprised such a large lake was hidden from view. It must have been the trees out front that covered the huge, deep blue lake.
"Bet this cost a fortune.." Mari dug her elbow into Akko's side.
"Look who finally showed up."
"Better late than never."
It took Mari a few seconds to recognise the two women sitting side by side at the glass outdoor table. "Taguchi! Your hair!"
"So you finally managed to grow it out."
The brunette touched her hair nodding. "Yeah, took me awhile though. Kept cutting it. Your hair's looking great Mari. Who cuts it?"
Mari blushed, "Akko."
"You mean you guys still keep in regular contact? That's amazing!" Kuno took off her sunglasses, shifting them to the top of her head instead.
"Oh yeah, they actually live together now." Akko and Mari hadn't noticed Sugi laying on the fold out chair. Although, seeing her now, it's a wonder they didn't. She wore nothing but a fancy, black lace bikini and sunglasses. In her hand was what looked like a glass of wine.
Tamamin giggled "You two are just like a couple."
"Oh don't be silly Tamamin. I'm sure we all would've noticed by now if they were dating. Make yourselves at home you two. Take a seat." Sugi gestured towards the empty seats opposite Kuno and Taguchi. Akko gave Mari a worrying look but the two took their seats anyway. "Do you guys want something to drink? There's some Kahlua in the cupboard and some milk in the fridge. I know how much you like it Akko" Akko blushed furiously, sending a death glare in the other woman's direction.
"No thank you, I'm fine. I bought some bottled water." Mari held up the water bottle she'd purchased earlier. She'd had a feeling they would be drinking.
"Geez Mari, you're such a light weight." Akko bent over, grabbing a drink from the chilly bin beside them.
Mari frowned but held her tongue. "Just don't drink too much Akko."
"What are you, my mother."
Taguchi snorted at Akko's remark. "She always was the motherly type."
"Yeah and Akko's the spoilt child!" Kuno joined in.
Mari leaned over, whispering something into Akko's ear, leaving Akko blushing madly "Fine, I'll only have a few…"
"What'd you say to her?" Tamamin was shocked. They'd always known Mari could keep Akko in check but not to this level.
"Nothing in particular. So what's everyone been up to? It's so great to see you all." She sure knew how to change the topic quickly.
Kuno was the first to speak up "Well you wouldn't believe what Ouji did!"
Sugi cut in, seeing where the conversation was heading "Before that, why don't we get the sleeping arrangements sorted? Then we can catch up with everyone."
"Great idea!" Taguchi was glad a crisis had been averted. Kuno leaned back in her chair in a sulk.
"There's only four bedrooms so there'll have to be two pair ups. I'll be taking one of the rooms by myself. I can never get any sleep when sharing a room. Also, one of the rooms only has a double bed, so someone's sharing. The other room has two single beds."
"Well me and Taguchi can share a room!" Kuno had rebounded from her sulk already. Taguchi groaned.
"And me and Akko won't mind sharing. Right Akko?" Mari turned to Akko for conformation.
"Yeah, sounds good to me." Akko nodded in agreement.
Tamamin pouted "Aw I feel kind of left out now. Sugi, let's share a room!"
"No. So now all that's left is to decide who's sharing a bed." A small smirk played at her lips "Akko and Mari, you guys wouldn't mind would you? You're best friends so it should be fine right?" Sugi asked innocently.
Akko blushed, her mind wandering back to what Mari and whispered to her earlier. Mari could guess where her thoughts were roaming. She gave her an elbow to the ribs "Sure, we don't mind" Mari answered for both of them.
I decided to upload chapter 2 a little earlier than planned seeing as I finished editing it so quickly. Chapter 3 might take a bit seeing as I've basically written chapter 4 but need to write the stuff leading up to it in chapter 3. Haha, it's all rather confusing.
Anyway, read away and tell me what you think!