Full Summary:

After 10 years, Megumi pushed herself to finally reveal her feelings for Soma. At first, it seemed like everything was going to work out, as they ended up sleeping together that night. However, when Megumi woke up alone the next day and no responses from the man she had bared herself to, she concluded that she made a terrible mistake. Crushed, Megumi decides to not bother herself with Soma anymore. She can't forget him, though. How can she, when she had loved him for so long and is the father of the child growing inside her?

I really tried to wait to post this story after I finished "Experience". I really did. But this demanded to be written. And It doesn't hurt to have more SouMegu stories.

Well, it might. This has some angst in it.

Enjoy!

It's been 10 years…

Megumi drained her cup, the alcohol burning her throat as it went down. She never was much of a drinker, even though she had been surrounded by avid drinkers for friends.

But tonight was different.

It wasn't like she was aiming to be drunk. She had plans that required her to have a clear head. However, she could not be completely sober, either. She needed to make sure that she drank just enough to take off the edge of her nerves.

The very same nerves that had dragged a particular matter for 9 years.

She also had to watch the amount that her best friend was drinking as well. Across the small table was Soma, telling her about another adventure as they shared a late dinner. She had heard this particular story before during a phone call, but she had a feeling that Soma did not remember that he did. But she didn't mind hearing it again, as he was too animated and too distracted at the moment to pick up his own drink.

They had just returned from an event that their dear friend Ryoko had helped to set up. Megumi had came to this city to specifically go to it. She knew that Ryoko had spent so much time and energy to do this so Megumi felt that she needed to take time to come see her friend's hard work. It so happened that Soma found that he had a little bit of free time between trips about two days before Megumi was set to leave. Once the bluenette had heard, she immediately invited him to come with her and that they could share the room that she had booked. Soma agreed, and they both met up at the inn and explored the area before going to the event.

Ryoko's event was also the place they had gotten this specific bottle of alcohol. As soon as she was free from the restraint of being a minor, their fuchsia-haired friend was legally able to make alcohol for her experiments.

Well, she had followed the Aldini twins to Italy for a couple of years right after high school to start and came back to Japan once she had reached the legal age limit here.

Ryoko also loved to give her successful brews as gifts to her friends. This time was no different. Especially after hearing about the accommodations that Megumi and Soma were in. When the event winded down and Soma was distracted, Ryoko had pressed the bottle into Megumi's hands.

"Liquid courage for this perfect opportunity." She told the bluenette with a wink and a nod toward their other friend. Megumi only turned red, not even having the energy to protest anymore. Ryoko knew. Half, if not most, of their friend group knew. And they were probably getting impatient about this.

10 years…

The opportunity was perfect. They were alone. The night was quiet. The mood was amicable. They had one bed, which had not been a problem in the first place because they had shared a bed many times. She even had the notion to do it tonight.

All this needed was a bit of courage.

As Soma winded down his tale, she started to muster up said courage. Her mouth opened, but Soma spoke up first.

"I think that it's time for me to shower." He announced.

"O-oh. Okay," Megumi answered. "I'll clean up." She added as he started to gather up his empty plates. "It makes sense, since you were waiting for room service while I was in the shower."

Soma nodded in agreement and soon went to the shower room. Megumi was grateful that he left for a bit. It would give her a bit of time to gather up more courage.

She found herself standing outside on the balcony after cleaning up. Even though summer was just about here, the night wind was cold enough to feel nice on her heated face.

"Kinda cool tonight, isn't it?"

Megumi jumped at Soma's voice come from the doorway. She whirled around and saw him half out of the room, his hair still flat from the water.

"It is, and you're going to get sick!" She stomped over and started to push him back inside. He laughed as he allowed her to do just that.

"I've been out in worse and in less. I think I told you the time I met Hayama on the roof in Hokkaido. Or the many times I went out without a shirt to meet up with the fisherman of your village during the holidays"

"That was years ago, Soma. We are older now and more susceptible to things."

"I'm only 25. I'm in the prime of my life!"

Megumi rolled her eyes playfully.

"Besides, I came to check on you." He continued.

"Me?"

"Yeah. You seemed off ever since we said goodbye to Ryoko. And you drank a little more than usual tonight."

Megumi blinked in surprise. Then her slightly foggy mind remembered that Soma has always more perceptive that he let on.

"Nothing's wrong." She assured him. "I was just trying to deal with some thoughts and feelings."

"Like what?"

Megumi walked off and sat on the bed. Soma followed and sat next to her.

"Megumi?" He prompted again. "You know that we've been friends for years. You can tell me anything."

The bluenette could her nervousness start to creep back into her.

No! I can't waver now! I've waited too long to do this!

Determination and the courage she had been waiting for finally flared up in her. She leaned towards her best friend and kissed him, closing her eyes once they connected. It was short and awkward, but she pulled back slowly. When her eyes opened, she saw a pair of wide golden eyes staring back at her. For a brief moment, Megumi felt the need to apologize for the brash decision. Her mind was even making an excuse, albeit a bit slowly.

But that notion disappeared when Soma leaned forward and kissed her back.

Megumi had a lot of scenarios in her head when it came to this moment.

She did not expect this.

Nor did she expect to all the way with Soma that very night.

Nor did she expect to wake up the very next morning with only a vase full of yellow chrysanthemums keeping her company.