Chapter 8: Storm
"Uuggh… my head hurts." Yuu complained when she opened her eyes the next morning. The room is still dark thanks to the ceiling to floor block-out curtains.
"Of course, it does." Sayaka said. She was sitting at the corner of the room with a little lamp shade on as she reads a book. "Come, you need food so you can drink some meds for your headache. And lots of fluids."
Yuu sits up, trying to massage her forehead. "Good morning, senpai. Did I cause you too much trouble last night?"
Setting her book on the cozy armchair, Sayaka stands up and walks over to Yuu's side. "No trouble at all. You help me a lot, really. The design team loves you. I think they like you more than me."
"Not possible. Aw…" Yuu said pressing her temple.
"Alright, come on. Let's have breakfast. I got room service deliver food here." Offering her hand to help Yuu up.
"Cool." Yuu took the offered hand. When she got out of the sheets, she noticed that she is wearing a hoody but no pajama bottom. "Wait. Why am I on my underwear?"
"Next time don't drink the whole party. Here, I got this from your bag last night." Sayaka hand her the pajama. Which Yuu gratefully wear immediately.
"Did I embarrass myself the whole time?"
"No, you are the life of the party. But please don't drink like that again. Unless I am with you. Things could have happened if no one is around to protect you."
"You protected me?"
"I dragged your body up here. If you can remember."
"I can't. I am very surprised that I am back to this room when I woke up. Thank you."
The table at the dining area is adorned by several silver covered platters. Sayaka open each one, revealing pancakes and fruits. Some sausages and eggs. Toast and different kinds of jams. A pitcher of orange juice and another filled with ice water.
"Now eat and drink up. I don't want to see a single drop after."
Yuu tried to complain but sat down and obeyed. She doesn't want to cause more trouble for her senpai. Sayaka watched her eat. Since yesterday, she hasn't seen Yuu eat anything but some finger foods at the dinner party. And scold herself for not being mindful enough. To her delight, Yuu spent the next hour trying to gulp down everything.
"How is it possible that you are so skinny?" Sayaka said as the last toast was eaten.
The little girl carefully chewed first and swallowed before answering. "I am one of those people who can eat whatever they want and not gain any weight."
"You rascal."
"Jealous?" Yuu said as she finished the last glass of orange juice.
"Does your head still hurt?"
"Yeah, I still need the meds if you have them." Sayaka gave her a tablet, and Yuu happily popped it in her mouth and drank it with the last glass of water.
"Now senpai I obeyed your order. No food and drink left."
"Good girl. Now rest, if you are up for it, we can go somewhere in the afternoon."
Sayaka walks over to the couch and turns on the TV with the remote. The news channel was on display. Yuu cleaned up the table as much as she could, putting everything on the tray provided. Her stomach feels heavy.
"There is a storm coming our way today."
"Really?" Yuu said as she walks over behind the couch.
"Yeah, heavy rain with thunderstorm. I am sorry about this. I was so busy checking everything else but the weather."
"Ah, not everyone checks the weather anyway. I was so excited to even think about that."
The announcer advised everyone within the affected areas to stay indoors as much as possible.
"Oh yeah, we can't go out."
"Apparently so." Sayaka said. "Does that disturb you?"
"Why?"
"Being alone in a room with me all day."
"One of the best things that could happen to me."
"You're shameless, aren't you?"
"The real question is, does it disturb you? Being alone with me."
"You are so small I can grapple you with a finger." Before Yuu can retort. "Want to watch a movie?"
"Sure." Yuu said as she slowly sits down at the corner of the couch. Feeling so full and sleepy again.
In the afternoon, Sayaka decided to shower and asked Yuu if she could take a nap, still feeling tired from yesterday. Yuu did the same. Feeling refreshed and still full from breakfast, she happily lay on the bed again. The block-out curtains were drawn closed. And the two were overcome by sleep once more.
Yuu woke up with a yelp at the sound of thunder. Being inside the warm room as the storm raged outside filled her with a sense of relief. But with the sound being so loud in spite of being inside, it means that the storm is worse than they thought. It was already dark outside, but flashes of lightning still peeked through the curtain every few seconds.
"You okay, Yuu?" Sayaka's soft voice brings comfort.
"Yeah, you?"
"I am alright. I was rouse by the sound. It is wild out there."
As if on que, a loud thunder rolled. The sound reverberating around them followed by another.
"Are you scared?"
"I usually am not. But this is crazy."
"Here, you can hold my hand. If you like."
"Were you expecting another answer than 'absolutely yes, please.'?
"Pretty cheeky for someone scared of thunder."
Their hands met between them as the wind howled outside, banging on the glass wall. Sayaka felt a tight squeeze on her hand.
"It's alright I am here."
"Yeah, we can toast together when that lightning breaks the glass."
"I am taller I will toast first."
"We are lying on the bed, senpai."
"I am closer to the wall?" Sayaka offered. Yuu chuckle. Another flash of lightning followed by a hollering thunder. Yuu's body leapt a bit, more from surprise than fear. "Come here." Sayaka offered, thinking the girl was scared to death. She envelops the girl with her arms. Yuu's face rests near her chest, using her arm as a pillow. Yuu reciprocates by placing her arm on Sayaka's back and patting it slowly. Sayaka stiffened.
"Sorry is that weird for you?"
"No, it's just that my back is my weakness. Every time someone touch it, I feel things."
"I'll stop."
"No. It is okay. If anything, I crave being touch." She felt the small hand rub her back again. She relaxed into it.
"You smell divine, you know."
"I have been told."
"By whom?"
"By you, multiple times last night."
"Oh, sorry I was drunk." Sayaka feel Yuu's cheeks warm up on her. 'She's blushing. So cute.'
"That's alright." She hugged Yuu closer.
"Uhm senpai."
"Yes."
"You know I have a crush on you, right?" a small hum came as a reply. "Then you know that your breasts are very near my face right now. And I don't want to take advantage of that."
Sayaka chuckled. "It's more like I am the one taking advantage of you."
"How so?"
"Being touch like this is very comforting for me. Touch is my love language you know."
"You like to receive touch as an expression of love?"
"Yes, I like words and time too, but touch is the main language for me."
"Oh, and I think you express your love to others by doing things for them."
"You think so?"
"Yeah, you took care of me this whole trip."
"Did you feel loved?"
"Yeah. I can't believe my luck that I am here with you now."
"Then what about you? What is your love language? How do you want to receive and give love?"
"I don't know if I have a main love language. I kind of like them all. Words, time, gifts, acts of service, and touch—but right now, it feels incredible to be touched by you."
"So greedy. I am surprised you know these categories."
"I worked at a bookstore you know. Read things. But I might still be dreaming, anyway."
"You still think that?"
"Then explain this to me. How can a person as beautiful and remarkable as you be lying in bed hugging a girl like me?"
"It can happen anytime. You are so cute and charming. You can seduce anyone."
Yuu pulled back a little to look up at Sayaka. "Me, cute and charming?"
"Most definitely." They stayed like that for a moment, staring at each other. A flash of lightning illuminated them for a second. "What are you thinking?"
"Uhmm…"
"Tell me."
Yuu was intoxicated by Sayaka's scent. "I am thinking what it would feel like to kiss you."
"Cheeky as ever." Sayaka laugh. And kiss Yuu on the forehead. "There."
"Wow that was amazing. Thank you."
"You're welcome." And hugged her closer. Sayaka feel Yuu's warm face again on her neck.
"Can I kiss you in the forehead too?" she whispered.
Sayaka suddenly feels warm all over. She is sure that she is in love with Touko. But this whole trip, she hasn't thought about her love interest until last night, when Yuu accidentally confessed that her friend stole her first kiss.
"If it's too weird, it's okay. I am sorry." Yuu whispered, burying her face in the taller girl's neck more.
"No, it's alright. Go ahead."
Yuu pulls back and lifts her face to touch Sayaka's forehead with her lips. They are soft, and it comforted Sayaka. It lingered for a few seconds before Yuu released her. There was a flash of lightning again, and Sayaka saw the blush on Yuu's face and that charming smile.
"Thank you."
Yuu's gratitude woke up something in Sayaka.
"Can I kiss your cheeks?"
"Sure," Came the reply with a gasp. Sayaka touched Yuu's cheek with her hand before leaning in slowly. Her lips graze a very warm cheek and then go to the other. Lingering. Yuu's eyelids flickered a few times, like she was waking up from a daze. "Can I kiss your cheeks too?" a hum in reply, and Yuu moved in slowly as well. Her breath came in and out quickly. She kisses the right first, then the left. Her calculations were a little off as she felt the very corner of Sayaka's lips touch hers. "I am sorry that was not intentional."
"It's alright." They are both breathing erratically now. Filled with tension. They stared at each other. Trying to decide if they can push pass another line. Sayaka spoke first. "Yuu, if we kiss. What would you feel?"
"Like a dream come true."
"You are already dreaming, you said."
"Then." She swallowed shakily, remembering that old love song. "Just like heaven."
Breaths dancing around their faces. Senses, all on alert.
"You always know what to say, huh?"
"I have read at least a thousand books, I think. But this is beyond everything I have ever read. My heart is ready to jump off my chest. I can feel you, hear you, see you, and smell that intoxicating scent of yours. If I taste you as well. I think I will be crazy after."
"Cheeky rascal."
"Sayaka, I think I am falling for you." Yuu breathes out. Sayaka was stunned. "No, I think I am in-love already."
"Yuu."
"I am sorry, senpai. I love…" The last word was lost. Sayaka had moved in and captured her lips. Yuu doesn't know how to kiss. At first, their lips just pressed together. Then Sayaka moved both of hers to caress Yuu's upper lip. Learning quickly, Yuu did the same as Sayaka moved to the lower lip. Everything she does is mirrored. They continued that lip dance for a while before Yuu felt Sayaka's tongue touch her lower lip. She mirrored it. And their tongues met for the first time. They both moved away from the feeling. It was like a pulse of electricity passed through them. Eyes widely open, then they both laugh. They dive in again and let their tongues get acquainted. After a while, they both let go. Gasping for air.
Sayaka had kissed before, but the way she's feeling right now is quite blissful. Receiving unadulterated affection. She felt safe. She felt trusted. Yearned for. She felt all the other feelings of being loved. She moves in again, this time rolling Yuu on her back and she on top. She started showering Yuu's face with swift kisses from the forehead to her chin. Yuu laughed heartily at this action. Fully enjoying herself. When Sayaka reached the neck, the pace changed, and she savored every patch of skin. Kissing, nipping, and sucking, she could hear Yuu moaning a little, and it only fueled her desire. She goes to the corner where the shoulder meets the neck and bites on it. An audible gasp escaped Yuu's lips.
"Did I hurt you?"
"No but I have a request."
"Tell me."
"I want to kiss you too." She wriggled a bit.
Sayaka discovered that she was hugging Yuu with both of her arms on the side, pinning her in place.
"You are not getting on top, Yuu."
"Eh, not fair." She squirmed trying to break free.
"Stop resisting. I am not done with you yet."
Yuu chuckled happily. It had become one of the best sounds for Sayaka's ears. She continued kissing Yuu's neck and stopped at the collar bone. She knows she can't go lower. She doesn't want to rush things. They basically take the plunge with the kisses, but now with a clear head and good intentions. She knows she needs to cherish the girl in her arms.
"What do you want to kiss?" Sayaka asks as she leans away to see Yuu's face again. Her hair hiding them both from the flashes.
"Forehead"
She bends down and offer her forehead. It was met with swift and loud kisses.
"Mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah. Cheeks?" Sayaka adjusted and the rush of kisses came back. "Other one." Same thing happened. Yuu swallowed. "Uhm how about the lips?"
"No" Sayaka teased.
"Why not?"
"Ask another one."
"Neck?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. Her request was granted as Sayaka bent closer to her with an exposed neck on the side. This time, the kisses are slow and sweet. Each one is sending a mild electric shock to Sayaka's lower abdomen. She moves on her own accord and offers the other side. Her breath is catching as kiss after kiss lingers on her skin. She pulled away before she became more turned on. "Now lips?"
"Since you are asking nicely." And their lips met and refused to be apart longer than a second. "You are getting better."
"I have a good teacher."
They kissed like that for a couple more minutes. Violent flashes and rolling thunders were forgotten until Sayaka rolled them to the side from fatigue. She let go of the embrace to lie on her back. Finally, Yuu can move again. Their breaths were trying to catch up with the beat of their hearts.
"That was amazing thank you."
Sayaka can only gasp louder in respond.
Once their breathing was back to normal, both turn to face each other again.
"Now you had a good first kiss." Sayaka whispered as she traces Yuu's face with her fingertips.
"How did you know that this isn't my first kiss?"
"You were drunk out of your mind yesterday and blurted it out. Told me that your first kiss was stolen."
"Oh…"
"How did it happen, if you don't mind me asking?"
"It wasn't really bad." Yuu considered. "I was just surprised when it happened. And it was fast, not like the ones we just did."
"What do you mean?"
"Like this." She leaned in and pressed her lips on Sayaka's lower lip for three seconds, then pulled away.
"Ah, that wasn't bad, but if you are not prepared for it, it does shock you a little bit."
"Did I just steal a kiss from you?"
"You did, but I am happy you did." Sayaka didn't press her to reveal who stole the kiss. She's not sure if she's prepared to hear it.
"I think I will steal a lot more kisses from you. Until you tell me otherwise."
"You can steal all you want but do it when we are alone. I like intimate kisses."
"Sayaka, is this really happening. Are you sure I am not dreaming?"
"You are already calling me without honorific."
"Sorry Sayaka-se…" Sayaka move forward to steal the last word with a chase kiss.
"I am not complaining." Yuu blink at her several times. "We're even, I've stolen a kiss from you."
"You cannot steal what's freely given." Yuu said as she plays with Sayaka's hair.
"Mmmn…" Sayaka feels like she was bewitched by Yuu. Her charm, her smile, the way she looks at her, the way she expresses her feelings without filter, and the way she accepts everything about her, loving her without reserve. "Are you this smooth with everyone you talk to?"
"No, I only talk like this with you. I am usually shy and indecisive. I was surprised at myself when I asked you to walk out of school last week." She said with a light chuckle. "But the first time I heard you playing the piano, I felt like you were so sad, and I just wanted to make you happy if I could." She gazes up at Sayaka. "Not to mention how gorgeous you were at that time. But I realize now that that was the moment I started to fall for you."
"Don't go to classical concerts. I am the jealous type."
"Don't worry, I love only..." Sayaka leans in again and kisses her for a long time. When she was released. "Cool I can just say I love…" Sayaka leaned in, but Yuu stopped her by putting a hand over Sayaka's lips. "Please let me complete that one sentence." They both laugh. "I love you, Sayaka."
Sayaka can't reply to it yet. She likes kissing Yuu. But she doesn't know if it is love or just comfort or her craving being satisfied. Yuu seems to read her mind.
"It doesn't matter if you don't know how you feel about me yet. I don't care, well, I care of course but not so much as to demand it. You don't have to say it back."
"You are okay with that?"
"Yeah, I knew from the start that you are pining for another. Your song won't be that lonely if you aren't."
"I'm sorry Yuu. I am being selfish."
"I belong to you now." Yuu says, staring at her intensely. "From the very first notes I heard. I was captured. You can take your time to decide or not. Just know that I belong to you and want to love you."
"How can you love someone like me I am broken. I have many faults. And hang-ups."
"It is the easiest thing in the world. The books I've read talk about love, even in songs and movies and manga. They talk about how they struggle to achieve it. How it made them fly. I thought I would never be able to feel that way. But when I met you." She caresses Sayaka's cheek. "I finally understand what they are talking about. It doesn't matter if you have faults or if you are broken. All people are."
"Stop talking like a mature person. I am the senpai here." Sayaka chuckled and Yuu joined in. Sayaka hold her closer and kiss her forehead.
"You smell a little like me."
"Well, you kissed me a lot."
"I don't like it." Yuu pulls away and then bury her face on Sayaka's neck sniffing around. Tickling her a little bit. Then she goes to her shoulder. "Ah here. This is divine."
"You really like that scent huh."
"I don't like it, I love it."
"You want to see the bottle?"
"Sure."
They both sat up and eventually stand up. Yuu follow Sayaka to the bathroom. Light switch on. A pink and purple orb was pick up. And she sprays a little on Yuu's wrist.
"No, it smells different."
Sayaka spray it on her wrist. Let it dry for a bit and offered it to Yuu.
"There it is."
"You are kidding me, right?"
"I am not. Try." Yuu offered her wrist and she sniff it. Then sniff her own wrist.
"They are the same."
"You might have good ears, but your sense of smell is wrack." Sayaka tried again but she can't place a distinction.
"Maybe because I am used to the scent?"
"It's your skin that made it different, silly." A small growl came from Yuu's stomach.
"Let's eat?"
"It's the middle of the night."
"Room service?"
"In the middle of the storm?"
"Definitely, want to check the menu?"
"Only if you pick a movie."
"Deal"
