Chapter 9, not as spicy, but some fun is had and finally another challenger joins the battle.

Also, I've had a few people ask me about Mei's weight, and the reasoning behind it is merely me going for a more realistic approach. People gain and lose weight over their lives, and some women do in pregnancy, some women don't, some lose it, and in Mei's case, she gained it and couldn't lose it though I understand a few people's concerns about Mei having those extra curves given her frames. But more than likely never know what happens to her in a situation like that so I thought I'd have some fun. Nothing more nothing less. Plus I honestly I think Mei would look pretty hot with some curves and the woman whose body type she shares is a badass mom and I believe Mei and Yuzu would be badass moms.

Oh and I don't think I've explained the title.

Even though right now the story is at the moment taking place in the summer, the fact is that the "Autumn" aspect of the story means that Mei and Yuzu are approaching the autumn of their lives as they're middle-aged now with them being around 38 years old.

So think of it like this, Youth is the spring and summer of their lives, autumn middle-aged, winter when they hit they've hit senior citizen age. Just thought I'd make that clear if I never did and people were wondering.

And you guys will probably hate the ending of this chapter, but I thought that maybe it makes some sense narratively, because not everyone fully gets over things like that.

Also...I'm sorry about the length of the chapter again.

Chapter 9

"Let's go, Mama!"

"Gimme a minute," panted Yuzu as she made a few more painful steps up the slight incline the path they were using had taken. Even though she'd done her stretches before putting on the backpack that held their picnic supplies, Yuzu could feel her back stiffening and knew that despite their time frame she had to take a short break before continuing. " Let me catch my breath, okay? Mama's back is starting to hurt."

"But Mama," Airi ran to where her mother was sitting and began tugging on her arm, "we gotta get to the place we picked out. You said cuz of the rain yesterday that we have to do everything today or else we'd have to wait."

"I know what I said," sighed Yuzu setting down the backpack and twisting carefully in hopes of popping it. "But my back is killing me Airi, so just give me a minute to rest, and we'll get back to our hike as soon as I'm feeling better."

"But Mama..."

"Airi, leave Mama alone." Mei appeared from behind them, a worried look on her face. "You know she needs time to recover so let her have it. We spent a lot of time this morning packing everything up for tomorrow which means that as usual, she overdid it."

Yuzu chuckled nervously at the subtle transformation from worried to menacing that Mei's face had undergone before taking a moment to give Airi a consoling pat on the head.

"I'll be fine in a minute," said Yuzu, hoping that Airi understood. "I promise."

"You better," snorted Airi, glaring at her mother and puffing up her cheeks in annoyance. "We gotta make sure we do everything today, remember?"

"I remember." Yuzu leaned back and stretched her legs out just as a cool late morning breeze blew through her hair. "I promise that we'll do everything on our list and then some. But we can't do anything until my back feels better, so I need you to be patient."

"Okay." Airi stood up and pulled the workbook her teacher had given her and pointed off at a small field, well within her mothers' eyesight. "Can I go over there and try to draw some pictures for my book?"

"That's fine." Mei nodded and pointed at her watch. "We'll give you fifteen minutes, and when we shout you immediately stop what you're doing and if we have time on the way back we'll stop and you can finish it. If not, we'll help you complete it tonight or tomorrow at the inn and make sure you don't get your jeans too dirty. I'm not sure if the inn offers laundry services.

"Yes, Mommy." Airi nodded and patted Yuzu's knee. "You get better Mama."

"I'll try." Yuzu smiled and watched as Airi ran across the small paved path toward the field and began crawling around in the dirt and begin searching for the items necessary to start her summer homework while Mei tried to pick up the backpack and snorted when she realized how heavy it was.

"That explains everything." Mei set down the bag with a loud grunt; her eyes narrowed at her wife. "What on Earth did you pack in here? We're only going to be gone a few hours at the most. Was it essential to pack the majority of the campsite?"

"I didn't pack that much." Yuzu blushed and pulled the bag away from Mei and heaved it to the opposite side of her before patting the seat next to her. "Just a few essentials."

"What 'essentials' could we possibly need Yuzu?" Mei sat down next to her wife, fighting between watching Airi try and complete her homework while chastising Yuzu. "I know you feel guilty about not keeping some promise to Airi yesterday due to the rain, but is it worth hurting your back over?"

"It's not just Airi."

Yuzu shifted closer to Mei and rested her head on the younger woman's shoulder and took a deep breath. She could still smell the lingering scent of yesterday's downpour in Mei's hair as she curled her fingers around her wife's hand and smiled.

Thanks to a freak thunderstorm, the plans Yuzu and Airi had made to take Mei out on a picnic had been postponed as the rain started shortly after they'd finished breakfast and didn't finish until dinner. Luckily they'd brought plenty of games, and their rechargeable batteries were more than enough to keep the tablet powered for them to watch movies, and as always Mei had brought an ample supply of age-appropriate books for the three of them to enjoy. So while boredom didn't eat at them, the frustration of not being able to treat Mei to a picnic had nearly forced them to send Airi to bed early. Luckily they'd managed to talk her down to the point where they all spent the night curled up in Airi's blanket among the pile of stuffed animals and blankets, and when they woke up, they found that the weather had turned in their favor. Which was why they were in the position they were in now, even though the secrecy annoyed Mei.

"Then what is it about?" Mei nuzzled Yuzu's hair and smirked when she saw Airi jump back and let out a scream. "Airi, is everything okay?"

"I found a really fat frog," shouted Airi as she bent down and picked up a large object. As she held it above her head, Mei and Yuzu could barely make out the appearance of two long spindly legs, dangling down in front of Airi's face. "It jumped on my leg!"

"That's a toad Airi," giggled Yuzu, squeezing Mei's hand. "Make sure you don't touch it too much or else you'll get warts!"

"That's not true," gasped Airi turning to Mei. "Is it Mommy?"

"It is." The look of skepticism on Airi's face was too much, and Mei couldn't resist teasing her. "So do what Mama says."

Airi stared at her mothers, then at the toad in her hands, before shrugging and setting it down and continuing her search.

"I honestly thought she'd freak out after hearing that," chuckled Yuzu pressing herself tightly against Mei's arm. "But at the same time, I'm not surprised."

"Me neither," sighed Mei pulling her phone out and checking a text message and typing out a quick reply before putting it back in her jeans. "Though she is more like Hideki and Yui were at this age, so I expected as much."

"True." Yuzu sat up and stretched loudly and grunted when she felt a pop deep in her back and smiled contentedly. "There it is."

"I heard." Mei let out a groan of disgust at the sound and shook her head. "You're seeing your chiropractor and massage therapist first thing after we get back. No arguments."

"Wasn't planning on arguing," replied Yuzu as she stood up shouted for Airi to come back to them. "Why do you think I got us some time at an inn with a big bath? Partly because I know how my back would get and also..."

Yuzu bent down and kissed Mei's ear, risking a quick bite on her lobe before whispering, "Because I wasn't going to waste the chance for me to give you one of my famous post bath massages."

"I see." Mei's face turned bright red just as Airi approached, her notebook raised and her face beaming with excitement. "Well if that's the case, I hope that you got us two rooms because it's been a while since you've done that."

"Already taken care of," chuckled Yuzu smiling at Airi who was waving her book around. "You sure look happy. Did you find some of the stuff you needed to finish your homework?"

"Uh huh." Airi opened up the book and pointed at all of the things she found. "I got a flower, and an animal, and some bugs, and some other stuff. I need more, but I got lots."

"I'm glad, Kiddo." Yuzu bent down and kissed her daughter on the cheek before picking up the backpack and pointing up the hill. "All right Airi, think you can read us the signs and lead the way?"

"Yes, ma'am!" Airi gave her mother a salute and marched rather awkwardly toward Mei, who rolled her eyes but smiled. "Mommy, wanna help?"

"Why not," sighed Mei standing up and taking the hand Airi had extended to her. "But only if you hold both our hands."

"I can do that."

Smiling, Airi stuffed her workbook in her small backpack and ran to Yuzu, pulling her toward Mei and once she was sandwiched between them, navigated them to the large fabricated field that Yuzu had found on the map.

"This is nice," said Mei, sitting down on one of the park benches as a couple of older kids and adults played with a beach ball and frisbee nearby. "I can see why you wanted to come here, though I'm not sure Airi is going to get much work done. There's not much here that she'll be able to put in her notebook."

"That's part of the reason we stopped," grunted Yuzu as she set down the backpack and while Airi began crawling around patting the grass.

"I see. What is she doing?"

Despite her wanting to continue talking about Airi's homework, Mei's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but watch their daughter with great interest. While it wasn't unusual for Airi to do things like this as she, Hina, and the few friends she had sometimes acted like animals or played with toys on the ground. But seeing as Airi had no other children to play with or any toys, it was a little odd.

"You'll see in a minute." Yuzu rolled her shoulder and gave Mei a wink. "Airi you find it yet?"

"Yep!" Grinning, Airi stood up and walked a few feet to her right before jumping up and down in excitement. "It's right here, Mama! It's nice and dry!"

"All righty!" Yuzu swung the backpack over her shoulder and took Mei's hand and pulled her off the bench. "Come on."

Surrendering to her wife's whims, Mei followed the blonde to where their daughter was in the process of pulling what appeared to be a well-folded blanket out of her backpack and began unfolding it.

"Mama, I need help."

"Mei, can you help her?" Yuzu dropped to her knees and began going through her bag and smiled at Airi who was having little luck in shaking open the blanket. "I got to check a few things before we..."

"Sit down to lunch?" Mei smirked and rubbed Yuzu's cheek, making her wife blush. "It'd be my pleasure. Airi, let me help you."

Within seconds, Mei had the blanket unfolded and with Airi's help smoothed it out while Yuzu moved onto it and began passing out containers of sandwiches, the remaining fruit and vegetables, cookies, some rice balls, a large thermos, and a few canteens of water.

"Yummy," exclaimed Airi through a mouthful of a tuna riceball. "Mama, you're a good cook."

"Thank you." Yuzu smiled and poured out what appeared to be tea for the three of them. "But make sure you save a few rice balls for Mommy and me. I didn't have time to make a lot before we left home and we ate most of them on the trip here."

Despite not having finished her first, Airi was in the process of reaching for a second rice ball and instead began looking at the sandwiches her mother had made.

"What kind are these?" She asked looking through one of the containers. "I want something with meat."

"I made a couple with meat," said Yuzu taking a sip of her drink and a bite of an apple slice. "There are some steak sandwiches I made using last night's leftovers. There are also egg sandwiches that I made this morning and a few fruit and cream ones that need to be eaten soon. But you have to open the container to find out what is inside because I didn't mark them."

"I think these are the fruit ones," said Mei opening the container she was holding, a satisfied smile on her face when she was proven to be right. "Yuzu would you like one of these or do you want a steak one like Airi?"

"Egg, please." Yuzu took another sip of tea and rolled her eyes when she saw Airi begin shoving her mouth full of rice and sandwich. "Airi, slow down, or you'll get sick."

"f'am oongry," said Airi, exposing a mouthful of half-chewed food.

"Manners," ordered Mei, handing Yuzu her sandwich and handing Airi a napkin to clean herself up. "Honestly you're worse than your brother sometimes."

Airi finished chewing her food, and after gulping down her drink asked, "Can I have some fruit?"

"Finish your other food first," sighed Mei as she began cleaning Airi's face, "and do what Mama says. The last thing we need is for you to get a stomachache before we go for our bath."

"But it's good," protested Airi with a loud grunt. "And I wanna take a bath at the inn. You said we could take a bath there."

"We will and are," answered Mei after a bite of her steak sandwich. "But we've been here a few days, and you've been rolling around in dirt today, and we're going to be all sweaty after walking so much that we need to get cleaned up."

"I haven't rolled in dirt," huffed Airi before finishing her sandwich. "I was doing homework and helping Mama."

"Part of which you spent crawling on your hands and knees and picking up that toad," countered Mei, ignoring the pouting lip her daughter was giving them. "Which reminds me, you didn't wash your hands before you began eating."

"Here," said Yuzu with a grimace, realizing the mistake and handing Mei a bag of wet wipes. "Sorry about that."

"We're both to blame," said Mei, taking the apple Airi was eating and handing her a napkin.

"That's mine!"

Airi made a lunge for the apple but was repelled by Mei who placed the wipe in her hand and with a cool look said, "Clean up, then eat."

Scowling, Airi did as she was told and hurriedly cleaned her face and hands before putting the wipe in their small trash bag and crossed her arms, her gaze locked on Mei.

"There," she huffed slamming her arms down against her body, "I'm clean. Can I have my apple?"

"Manners." Mei took a bite of her sandwich and chewed slowly as she waited for her daughter to follow her directions and wasn't surprised when Airi looked to Yuzu.

"Mama, tell Mommy too..."

"I'm not telling Mommy anything," interrupted Yuzu after swallowing a bit of a rice ball. "You know the rules; manners or you don't get it back. Either you do what Mommy says, or you find something else to eat."

Airi stopped mid-grab and sat back down, her lower lip protruding as she said, "Mommy, can I have my fruit please?"

"Yes, you may," corrected Mei but regardless of her daughter's grammar, gave her back her apple slice as well as an extra piece. "Remember how important manners are, Airi. I know it's hard when you're upset, but remember always to try and use them. You never know when guests will show up, and it's always wise to be on your best behavior."

"Mei." Yuzu waved her wife toward her while Airi continued to eat her fruit in sullen silence.

"What is it Yuzu," asked Mei quietly after shifting closer to her wife.

"You didn't change any plans we had did you?" Yuzu looked to Airi who was eyeing her mother suspiciously before continuing. "You know that most of the time I'm okay with last minute changes, but if you..."

"I didn't change anything." Mei kissed Yuzu's forehead and smiled. "But I understand your worry. Those plans are still the same. However, I hope you don't mind that I did make one minor change in today's plans."

"That depends on what it is," said Yuzu nervously, realizing that Airi had moved several inches closer in the hope of hearing what they were discussing. "Because I don't think she's going to be good company if it takes time away from us being together."

"I don't think you have anything to worry about," said Mei looking over her wife's head and waving at something behind them. "Because I'm sure both of you will enjoy this surprise."

"What surprise," asked Yuzu, turning around to see a large black luxury car pull up and two familiar men in suits, one with salt and peppered hair and wearing sunglasses while the other had cropped gray hair, both of whom ran around to their sides respective rear doors and opened them.

Yuzu's face lit up in excitement, and she waved Airi to her and pointed at a small girl of ten with neatly trimmed green hair and bright green eyes wearing a colorful blue yukata with yellow flowers on it along with a green sash. From the other side of the car, a woman with the same green hair and eyes wearing a solid green Yukata and a yellow sash appeared, failing to hide the small smile that had briefly formed.

"Airi look," said Yuzu excitedly. "It's your Auntie Shirapon and Honoka."

Airi moved a little closer to Yuzu and waved shyly at their approaching company while Mei and Yuzu stood to greet them.

"It's lovely to see you two again," said Shiraho after giving Mei and Yuzu each a brief, caring hug. "I'm surprised you three came such a long way, but I am glad you contacted me Mei-san. Things have been a tad boring at our vacation home with my husband out of town, but my brothers have been keeping things lively."

"That's good to hear." Mei gave her friend a gentle smile before bowing and addressing Honoka. "Honka, thank you for coming to visit us today."

"It's my pleasure," replied the young girl with the same muted, penetrating expression her mother often wore, though her voice easily betrayed it. "Aunt Yuzu, Aunt Mei, I hope you've had an enjoyable summer; you as well Airi. My mother says that you've been having some problems. Is that true?"

Airi popped her head out from behind Yuzu's leg upon being addressed and said, "Kinda. I got picked on, and Hideki got into a fight, and we had to go to a police station. But I've been doing summer homework and taking music lessons, and those are kinda fun, and I play with Hideki and my cousins a lot. Do you have homework too? Mommy also said you play instruments and sing too"

"That's partially true." Honoka's body stiffened up as she approached Airi, her eyes lighting up at hearing that Airi was also a musician. "I don't sing, but I do have a great deal of homework, and I play the flute and the piano. What instruments do you play?"

With the conversation turning to music, Airi's shyness all but disappeared, and the two girls wandered off to where Airi had been eating and once Honoka had a piece of a fruit sandwich in her hands they all but forgot about their mothers which came as a relief to Mei and Yuzu.

"That didn't take long," chuckled Yuzu as Airi began excitedly explaining how her piano lessons had been going. "I can't believe it's been a year since we've seen her. She's gotten so big I barely recognized her."

"Meanwhile, Airi is the same as ever." Shiraho managed a chuckle when she noticed the excitement in Honoka's voice. "Shall we sit? I haven't eaten, and I would love to have some of your cooking, Yuzupon."

"Of course."

Mei gestured to the blanket and picked up the container holding the last two rice balls and put in a couple of sandwich halves and pointed toward the car and asked, "Would your brothers like something to eat? It's not much, but we're more than happy to give them some, and you don't need to worry about returning the container we can always visit you in Tokyo to retrieve it."

"I think they'd enjoy that." Suzuran took the container from Mei and turned toward the car. "I will be back shortly. Honoka, your aunts, are in charge while I head to the car. I'll be back shortly."

"Yes, Mother." Honoka waved to her mother and turned back to her conversation with Airi. "If you ever want to come over and practice piano I'm sure Mother would be more than happy to let you."

"I'll ask my moms," answered Airi with a nervous look to Mei and Yuzu, both of whom gave brief short nods which immediately made Airi smile.

While Airi and Honoka spoke, Mei and Yuzu remained quiet as they watched them, thankful that Airi was finally beginning to open up to someone and didn't say anything until Shiraho returned.

"They both wanted me to thank you for the food and that they'll drop the container off once they're done."

"It's no problem." Yuzu looked past Shiraho and waved at the two men who were standing outside the car, who waved back with sandwiches in their mouths. "If you want, we have some leftover food that we can share if you have time to come by the campsite."

"That does sound nice," said Suzuran, her gaze softening when she saw Airi pull out her workbook and begin asking Honoka for help. "It would be a nice distraction from the longstanding plans we have later this week.

"Might I ask what kind of plans?" Mei's body stiffened which worried Yuzu, and prompted her to retake her wife's hand. "It isn't anything that requires some arrangement on Honoka's behalf, is it?"

"Oh, no. Nothing of the sort," said Suzuran, her stoic demeanor briefly transforming into a humored one when she realized what Mei was suggesting. "They're merely plans involving a possible investment opportunity, and Honoka's music lessons have been postponed for the past month due to her teacher being in the hospital, and since she's out of the hospital, her teacher wants to spend a couple of days making sure she actually practiced. Though we will be able to attend the festival and we would love to spend the day with you. I also think Honoka would like having someone to play with. She's been rather lonely since her best friend moved abroad and I think Airi being close to her age and having similar interests would be a big help."

"It looks like it's doing Airi some good as well," commented Mei as she chewed on a carrot stick. "She's been having some issues with being vulnerable around kids her age. I think having an older friend may give her a confidence boost. If possible would you allow Honoka to come over to our house on occasion? Or perhaps allow Airi to come to your house? We do miss having you over, and we hope that we can remedy that soon. What do you think Yuzu?"

"Sounds good to me," said Yuzu after taking a long sip of mugicha tea. "We haven't had anyone over in a long time outside of family so the more, the merrier. Maybe we can get Harumin and Matsuri to come out of their cave and Himeko to quit working for a bit; make it a reunion."

"I doubt it." Mei shook her head and let out a loud sigh after hearing the suggesting Himeko join them. "Himeko and her husband are about to launch a new clothing line, so I doubt she's willing to take time off, but I have been meaning to visit her. Maybe I should take a day off to go and check on her. Would you be okay with that?"

"You know I am," giggled Yuzu before kissing her wife on the cheek. "She's your, third best friend, I think, so why would I get mad?"

"Third best friend," repeated Suzuaran, unaware of the joke Yuzu was attempted to pull off. "I thought Momokino-san was your only best friend. Who are the other two?"

"Me and Mama."

Airi and Honoka reappeared, both of them dirtier than they had been when their mother mothers had last seen them with Airi sitting in Yuzu's lap while Honoka sat off to her mother's side.

"And just what have you two been up to," inquired Mei, hoping that Shiraho wouldn't be upset at the state Honoka's yukata was in.

"I was helping Airi with her summer homework." Honoka's voice was stiff, and it was easy for them to see that she had the same worry as Mei about what her mother would say about the dirt on her hands, face, and yukata. "She said she had to find some more animals and plants, so I helped her with answering some of the questions and finding some more things to add to her book. We did, however, fall into a small ditch which is why we're dirty. I'm sorry Mother."

"It's quite all right."

Despite Honoka and Mei's fears, Shiraho managed a kind look at her daughter and placed a hand gently on her head.

"You were helping a friend with their studies, and your clothes are easy enough to clean. Let's be thankful your grandmother isn't here because if she was, I'm certain we'd both have a lot more to worry about than a bit of dirt."

Honoka's lips disappeared inside her mouth in an attempt to hide a smile from her mother but ultimately failed and raised her sleeve to her mouth to cover it.

"It's all right," said Shiraho pointing at her friends. "I think for right now it's safe to shirk tradition and allow ourselves to enjoy the company of our friends as it's just you, me, and your uncles at the house right now."

"All right." Honoka dropped her sleeve and allowed her smile to be seen.

It was a kind and gentle smile, one that reminded Mei of Yuzu's and Mei couldn't help but smile along with her.

"Good girl," said Shiraho rubbing her daughter's hair and doing her best to smile back at her, though it was easy to see that it was a difficult task for her. "Remember, that Mei-san and Yuzupon are people you can freely show your emotions around; that is how much I trust them."

"Yes, Mother."

Honoka nodded and gave Airi a cautious sideways glance before asking, "Mother, would it be possible for Aunt Mei, Aunt Yuzu, and Airi to accompany us back to the house? There's something I wish to give her."

"I get a present," giggled Airi bouncing briefly before hearing her Yuzu tell her to stop. "Sorry, Mama. What's my gift Honoka-chan? Can I know?"

"It's a surprise." Honoka's face turned a bright red at seeing Airi's excitement and turned her attention back to her mother. "Mother can they?"

"That depends on what plans they have," answered Shiraho giving her daughter a curious look. "Does it need to be right now? They'll be here for a few more days and I'm sure we'll be seeing them at the festival, can it wait until then."

"It can't." Honoka gestured for her mother to lean down and whispered into her ear, causing her mother to nod in understanding and when they separated Honoka said, "Does that make sense?"

"Of course it does." Shiraho nodded and shifted her attention back to Mei and Yuzu who were both doing their best to keep an excited Airi from asking too many questions about this gift Honoka had waiting for her. "Mei-san, Yuzupon, Airi, if it's not too much trouble, we would be honored if you'd spend some time with us at our family home."

"I don't mind," said Yuzu smiling as she held onto a squirming Airi. "Mei, do you want to go? I mean it was your idea to invite them."

"I don't see the harm in it." Mei shifted her legs and felt did her best to hide the uncomfortable tingling sensation she was feeling. "We've already prepared everything for tomorrow except for the bedding and the tents so I don't see why we can't spend the evening with Shiraho-san and Honoka until it's time to put Airi down. But would it be a problem if we stopped by the campsite to the extra food Yuzu mentioned? We can use it to make dinner as thanks."

"Of course." Shiraho nodded and looked around at the mostly empty containers. "Would you like our help cleaning up? Also, we can give you a ride back to the campsite and follow us back to the house."

"Are we going to stay the night," asked Airi as she and Honoka began cleaning up the containers.

"That wasn't exactly the plan," answered Yuzu, taking the containers and putting them into her bag while Mei and Shiraho began folding the blanket. "But it is possible, although it would be a waste of a night at the campsite."

"Oh, okay." Airi returned to helping Honoka pick up the garbage and the remaining containers, not saying anything else about the possibility of a sleepover, and Yuzu couldn't help but notice the look of disappointment on her daughter's face.

When they finally finished cleaning, they returned to the car, but not after an unexpectedly loud and cheerful greeting from Shiraho's surrogate brothers. Both of whom wasted little time in hugging both Yuzu and Airi while maintaining a respectful distance from Mei though not letting up on the enthusiasm. Once they'd finally settled down, Shiraho took the front seat, allowing for Airi and Honoka to continue chatting while Mei and Yuzu spoke genially with the other adults.

Upon their arrival at the campsite, Mei and Yuzu gathered the remaining food before returning to their car, leaving Airi with Honoka and Shiraho so they could continue talking and followed Shiraho to her family's forest vacation home. While it wasn't nearly as massive as the main house of the Shiraho family, it was roughly the same size as Mei and Yuzu's though like most traditional Japanese homes the majority of it only took up one floor complete with a small garden in the center of it.

"I always forget how big her family's houses are," chuckled Yuzu as they parked the car. "Think we should look into buying one of these?"

"Given our work schedules it would be a waste of money," commented Mei while heading to the rear and pulling out the cooler. "We barely take time off as it is so there's no reason to pour money into something we'll never be able to enjoy."

"I guess," sighed Yuzu while slinging the backpack over her shoulder. "Maybe once we retire and the kids are out of the house we can look into a place like this. What do you think?"

"That depends on our children's love lives." Mei shifted the cooler in her hands and approached the house just as Honoka helped Airi out of the car and began pulling her toward the woods that were off to the side of the house. "Depending on the direction, we may need a larger house than the one we have, or we convert the office into a bedroom. That would be the more pragmatic thing to do."

"I guess." Yuzu watched as Shiraho left her car and called for the girls to come back, but they refused, saying that they found something interesting that they wanted to look at and before she could protest the man wearing the glasses disappeared into the woods, saying that he'd keep an eye on them. "But it would be nice to have a place we can go to if we wanted to get away."

"I'm sure if we ask, Shiraho-san would allow us to borrow this place if it isn't in use," said Mei, nudging her wife with her elbow and gesturing toward the house. "Come on, let's get inside. My arms are getting tired."

"Fine." Yuzu sighed and followed Mei into the house with the other brother while Shiraho remained outside to make sure the children were safe.

"They'll be fine," said Yuzu placing a comforting hand on Shiraho's shoulder.

"I know they will be." Suzuran patted Yuzu's hand in agreement before carefully removing it. "But I'd rather wait and see it with my own eyes. Please make yourselves at home, and I'll be in shortly."

"Are you sure?" Yuzu adjusted her backpack and pointed at the spot next to her. "Do you want some company?"

"I'm certain." Shiraho's face remained stoned-faced as she spoke, reminding Yuzu of the first time they'd met and knew there was no chance of dissuading her. "So as I said, please go in and enjoy yourselves. My brother will show you around and answer any questions you may have about the house."

Not saying anything more, Yuzu nodded and set her bag down on the ground and folded her arms as she joined Shiraho in waiting for the girls to make their grand reappearance.

"Yuzupon, I told you that there's no reason for you to..."

"We're staying," said Yuzu tilting her head toward Mei who had taken a seat on the cooler, "and no matter what you say, we're not leaving."

"I had a feeling you'd say that." Shrugging, Shiraho and let out a loud sigh before nodding. "I suppose it can't be helped."

"Damn right it can't," chuckled Yuzu and together the three of them waited for the return of their daughters.

Finally, after almost half an hour, the girls reappeared, both of them with mud covered shoes and legs while their escort looked like he'd been hit in the face with a bucket of mud and then showered in leaves and twigs.

"Hi, Mama! Hi Mommy!" Airi appeared holding her practically pristine workbook alongside a giggling Honoka while Shiraho's brother staggered forward, looking exhausted. "We finished most of my homework."

"That's nice," said Yuzu holding her arms out for Airi and when her daughter approached her for a hug she adjusted herself so that she managed to get in a very powerful flick that had Airi sniffling while Yuzu put on her best disciplinary face.

"What the heck were you two thinking running off into the woods like that without asking our permission?" Yuzu's face was turning red as she scolded her daughter, doing her best to not lose her temper. "You had no idea what was out there and could have gotten seriously hurt or lost, not to mention that you and Honoka are both filthy!"

"I'm sorry," sniffed Airi, hiding her face and tears behind her book. "I got excited cuz Honoka said there was lots of stuff in the woods that we could look at for my book and I followed her because I wanted to finish my homework so I could spend time with you and Mommy."

"I...we understand that, Airi." Yuzu pointed at Mei and then reached out and patted Airi comfortingly on the head. "But like Hideki, you have a bad habit of running off without thinking. If this were the park near home, it'd be one thing. But we don't know what it's like around here so promise me you won't go anywhere without me, Mommy, or someone else we trust, deal?"

"Deal," sniffed Airi, wiping her eyes with her forearm and smearing dirt across her face making her mother's laugh. "What? What's so funny? Why are you laughing at me?"

"It's nothing," said Yuzu bending down and giving her daughter an actual hug. "You're just too cute, and Mommy and I are happy that you're safe. Aren't we Mei?"

"Yes, we are." Mei removed herself from her seat and joined Yuzu in hugging Airi. "But Mama is right, and for the rest of the trip, you aren't allowed your tablet or any music videos which includes the television. Do I make myself clear?"

"Okay." Airi nodded and nuzzled both of her mothers, getting a little bit of dirt on each of their cheeks before bowing in Shiraho's direction. "I'm sorry for running off and scaring you Auntie. I promise to be good for the rest of our visit."

"I believe you," said Shiraho with a polite bow of her own before turning her cool glare in her daughter's direction. "Honoka, I trust I can expect the same from you?"

"Yes, Mother," answered Honoka obediently with a slight quiver to her voice. "I'm sorry for running off with Airi, Aunt Mei, and Aunt Yuzu. I didn't intend to cause you any trouble, and I take full responsibility for my actions and will accept whatever punishment my parents feel is necessary."

"Your father and I will think of a suitable punishment," confirmed Shiraho pointing toward the house. "Not only for your running off but also for ruining your Yukata. Thankfully it's one of your usual ones, but that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want in them. You need to be more careful. What if you'd gotten hurt or had been taken after you ran off? I have explained to you how dangerous it is and how careful you need to be, not just for the sake of the family but for mine and your father's well-being as well."

"I know Mother." Honoka lowered her head and turned her attention to her surrogate uncle who was in the process of drinking a bottle of water that Mei had offered him from the cooler and cleaning his face with a handkerchief. "Uncle, I apologize for causing you so much trouble. If there is anything I can do to make it up to you, please let me know."

"Don't worry about it," said the man, lifting his sunglasses and winking at Honoka. "It's natural for kids to do things like that, but promise me that you won't make a habit of it. I don't want anything to happen to you or Sis. Not to mention your grandmother would kill me if something happened to you."

"That would be a problem," agreed Honoka her eyes locked on her uncle's.

As they watched her speak, Yuzu and Mei noticed that even though her mother had given her permission to smile in their presence, Honoka was still struggling with it and instead offered a polite bow, though they did make out a slight twitch in the corner of her mouth.

"I'll do my best to make sure she doesn't find out about this; you have my word."

"Thanks," replied the man before thanking Mei for the drink and telling Airi to be good. "Uh Sis, I know we have guests and that normally something like this is offered to them first, but would you mind if I took a quick bath and changed my clothes?"

"It's no trouble." Shiraho's face had remained set throughout their conversation, but it was clear from the tone of her voice that she was grateful. "Please take your time and relax. You've done an excellent job, and I'll make sure to prepare something in thanks."

"I look forward to it."

With that Shiraho's brother disappeared into the house along with Yuzu, Mei, and the others. While they waited for the bath to be free, Mei, Yuzu, and Shiraho spent the time catching up and discussing everything from work to the latest books they'd read. For the kids, it was a dull conversation, so dull that the girls disappeared into Honoka's room to play, but it was nice being able to catch up with Shiraho and both Mei and Yuzu were happy to hear that everything was going well between Shiraho and her husband.

After a few hours of conversation, some of which was interrupted by Honoka giving Airi a lesson in the fundamentals of piano playing before escorting her to the bath. As the girls bathed, Mei, Yuzu, and Shiraho retreated into the kitchen along with Shiraho's brothers to begin preparing dinner with Mei and Yuzu focusing on entrees, the men focusing on the side dishes, while Shiraho prepared the dessert.

"That looks delicious," exclaimed Mei upon seeing the lemon pinwheel cake that Shiraho had managed to make. "Where did you learn how to do that?"

"I've had plenty of time on my hands thanks to being able to do most of my work at home," said Shiraho as she finished piping some frosting onto the top of the cake. "It's amazing what you can accomplish when you're able to do everything from one location."

"Apparently." Mei sighed and looked down at the slightly misshapen croquettes she'd barely managed to assemble and grumbled. "Yuzu do these look right to you?"

"Only one way to find out."

With a smile, Yuzu abandoned the karaage she was preparing and grabbed the plate, checked the oil temperature before carefully picking one up with a pair of chopsticks and nodded when she saw how well it held up.

"So far so good." Yuzu gave Mei a reassuring smile and surpressed a laugh when she saw how nervous Mei looked given she rarely made them. After a quick good luck kiss Yuzu placed the croquette in the hot oil and with a satisfied look, watched as it sizzled and slowly changed from a pale almost white color to a golden brown. "Looks like we're good to go. Good job."

Yuzu watched as Mei's shoulders dropped in relief and gave her one more kiss, refusing to ignore the chuckles that Suzuran's brothers were giving them.

"If you two got time to laugh you got time to finish those entrees," ordered Yuzu pointing at the stove where a pot was gently bubbling. "I know we're good on the salad but how're you guys doing with the soup?"

"The soup is almost done," replied the gray-haired man ladling some into a small saucer and eagerly handing it to Yuzu. "Would you mind checking it for me? I want to see if it meets your standards."

"Sure."

Mei watched in amusement as Yuzu's managerial side came out while she tasted the soup and began instructing the man on how much more seasoning it needed along with having to turn down the heat to a simmer instead of a gentle boil.

"Do you mind if I try cooking these," asked Mei, turning each of the croquettes with the chopsticks Yuzu had used. "How long do we need to fry these for and how much longer do we have before we can start frying the karaage?"

"Three minutes in batches of six for the croquettes should work, but you can let them go for a little longer to make sure they're cooked through. The oil for the karaage is almost..."

Before she could finish, they were all caught off guard by a sudden, ear piercing scream. When they heard it, Mei nearly dropped the plate she was holding, and Suzuran let out a loud gasp while her brothers got to their feet and Yuzu ran toward the kitchen door only stopping at the sudden appearance of a flustered Honoka dressed uncharacteristically in a tee-shirt and pajama bottoms.

"Honoka," asked Mei in a worried voice while Yuzu stuck her head out of the kitchen looking for Airi, "Honoka, what happened?"

"I don't know," said the girl after catching her breath. "I was combing Airi's hair, and I barely got the comb through it when she suddenly started to cry and scream. I swear I wasn't trying to make her do any of those things."

"It's all right," said Yuzu reassuringly before looking to Mei who had an understanding look on her face while she gestured for Shiraho and the others to calm down. "Your Aunt Mei and I know what's going on so calm down and come help me take care of Airi. Mei, do you think you and Shirapon can handle the rest of the cooking? You already know how to handle the karaage right?"

"I do," said Mei with a relieved smile. "Now go take care of her; I'll be right here if you need me."

Nodding Yuzu grabbed a small red bag out of her purse and asked Honoka where her bedroom was.

"It's at the end of the hall on the right," said Honoka nervously. "I'm sorry about this. I didn't mean to hurt her. I was only trying to comb her hair."

"It's not your fault." Yuzu smiled at Honoka and patted her purse as she followed her down the hall. "Your Aunt Mei and I forgot to tell you about her hair so don't blame yourself, and I'll show you what to do. Is this the room?"

"Yes." Honoka nodded and pointed at the closed door and proceeded to open it a crack. "Airi, it's Honoka. I brought your Mama; can we come in?"

"Yes," sniffled Airi from inside the room.

When she entered, Yuzu couldn't help but let out a quiet, "Oh," when she saw Airi curled up in a ball wearing nothing more than a bathrobe, her hands clutching the spot on her hair where a silver comb had lodged itself in her hair.

"I couldn't get the comb out," explained Honoka taking a seat next to Airi while Yuzu removed a couple of odd-looking combs and bottles from the bag. "I tried to tug it loose but instead I jerked Airi's head back, and that's when she screamed, and I came to get you."

"Thank you for that," said Yuzu picking up Airi and placing the girl in her lap. "Now I need you to pay attention while I do this, in case this happens again."

"Yes, ma'am," said Honoka with a nod, her eyes focused on Yuzu's hands as they began working on the comb."

"Good girl," said Yuzu with a smile as she started her work. "Now, because Airi's hair is so thick and curly it requires you to be more careful than with other people's hair. Okay?"

"I understand." Honoka nodded again, this time so strongly that Yuzu thought her head would fall off.

"I'm sure you do, Sweetie." Yuzu smiled at Honoka before pulling one of the more difficult knots out of the comb. "Airi, Kiddo are you going to be okay if Mama pulls out the comb? It might hurt, but I promise to be gentle."

Airi only whimpered and nodded in response and after a couple of short cries and gentle tugs, Yuzu managed to remove the comb and handed it back to Honoka.

"There we go," said Yuzu quietly, kissing her daughter's head. "The combs out and if you're fine with it, Mama's going to comb your hair. Can I do that?"

"Yeah," hiccuped Airi screwing her eyes shut as Yuzu began working in some of the hair relaxer she'd brought with her.

"So, Honoka," began Yuzu as she massaged the product into her daughter's hair, "this is stuff is called relaxer and we put into Airi's hair before we brush it because it helps make it easier to get the knots out and these..."

Yuzu pulled out two combs, one of which looked like it was double-layered and the other one looked like it had multiple sets of teeth in it which got Honoka's attention as she began carefully working the double layered one through Airi's hair.

"Now, these are combs meant specifically for hair like Airi's. We try not to make it too straight because she likes it curly, and so do her Mom and me. But we also don't want there to be too many knots because then it gets unmanageable, so Mei and I try only to get out the bigger ones."

"How come," asked Honoka while Airi remained quiet and occasionally grunted while Yuzu began carefully working out a particularly difficult knot. "I think Airi's hair would look pretty straight so how come you don't do you keep it that way? It'd be easier to manage."

"That's true," chuckled Yuzu when she heard Airi snort after hearing Honoka's suggestion. "But we think Airi's hair is already pretty so we do enough to make sure that it's easy to take care of, but that's it. Though I think it's almost time for a haircut. You're getting a little too shaggy Airi, and I am finding a lot of knots. Want me to talk to Mommy about taking you to get a haircut?"

"Okay," said Airi with an uncaring shrug. "Mama, can you do a ponytail?"

"Already on it," chuckled Yuzu slipping a hair tie around Airi's hair and making a simple ponytail before turning her around.

"There's my pretty girl," said Yuzu lifting Airi's face and kissing her cheek, managing to coax a smile from her daughter. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah." Airi wrapped her arms around her mother and rested her cheek just above her mother's ring. "Did I scare you again?"

"A little." Yuzu kissed the top of her daughter's head, enjoying how clean she smelled before stroking her hair. "But once Honoka told us why you screamed Mommy, and I knew what happened."

"I'm sorry I hurt you," said Honoka going into an apologetic bow. "I promise that if you ask me to comb your hair again, I'll make sure to have one of your mothers show me how to do it. I hope you aren't angry with me."

"It's okay." Airi's voice was soft but sincere as she spoke. "It was an accident so you can still comb my hair. I'm not mad."

"I'm glad," replied Honoka, sitting up to reveal a fleeting smile. "If you're feeling better and you're okay with it Aunt Yuzu, would you mind if I had a moment alone with Airi before dinner?"

"Uhh sure."

Yuzu turned to Airi, a nervous look on her face and asked, "Does this have to do with your present?"

"Yeah." Airi managed a smile at the mention of her present. "It's a surprise so you gotta go wait with Mommy."

"I see." Yuzu rubbed her nose against her daughter's before pressing their foreheads together. "If that's the case then I'll go and check to see how Mommy and the others are doing. We made lots of yummy food and Honoka your mom made a cake that smells a lot like some ice cream Airi's cousin Reo made before Hideki left. I think you'll enjoy it."

"I'm certain I will," replied Honoka with a nod.

With that, Yuzu gave Airi one more kiss on the cheek and exited the room and headed to the kitchen to find Mei and Shiraho sitting at the table drinking tea while Shiraho's brothers told them about of the stunts Honoka pulled while drinking a couple of beers. Asking for a glass of her own, Mei poured Yuzu a beer and smiled as they listened to a story about how Honoka had once managed to keep a duckling hidden from her parents for nearly a month before taking it to an animal sanctuary.

Finally, after a short story about how difficult Airi had been during potty training that ended up with Yuzu tripping over the training toilet in an attempt to make sure Airi didn't have an accident, Honoka appeared in the kitchen doorway, still dressed in her pajamas and wearing a proud look on her face while Airi nervously peeked in from around the corner.

"I would like to present, for the first time wearing a summer yukata, Aihara Airi."

Mei and Yuzu's eyes lit up at the announcement, their eyes turning to where Airi had been standing only to find the space now empty.

"Airi," whispered Honoka walking to where Airi had retreated. "Airi they're waiting."

"I know."

Airi's voice sounded nervous, and as much as they wanted to see her, Mei and Yuzu remained seated, though Yuzu had already removed her phone from her pocket and had it ready to take pictures.

"But what if they laugh, Honoka-chan," they heard from behind the kitchen wall where Aili had hidden behind.

"We won't laugh at you," said Mei gently, hoping that Airi believed her. "Mama and I, along with everyone else, are very excited to see you in a yukata. Aren't we?"

Everyone gave their agreement especially Yuzu who said, "Airi I want to see you in your yukata. Mommy and I were planning on getting you one soon but if Honoka gave you one I'm sure you look beautiful. So can we see you, please?"

"I guess. Honoka can you hold my hand?"

"Of course."

Honoka stuck her hand out and nodded before walking back into the kitchen. As she walked in, Airi's arm appeared, first revealing a long lavender sleeve, then a pristine white sock followed by a blue sash trimmed with gold. Finally, they were rewarded with the sight of a nervous looking Airi whose ponytail was slowly puffing up as she kept her eyes focused on the floor, refusing to make eye contact with anyone as she shuffled into the kitchen, revealing the entirety of the lavendar yukata that Honoka had chosen for her.

"Oh my," gasped Mei her hand going to her mouth, tears forming in her eyes. "Airi you look…."

"Gorgeous," squeaked Yuzu taking a couple of pictures before getting up from the table and running to embrace her daughter. "Honoka she looks amazing! Is this the gift you wanted to give her?"

"Yes it is Aunt Yuzu," said Honoka after stepping away to allow Yuzu to inspect a now smiling Airi. "I have a couple more in my room that I'd like to give her since I can't fit them. A few of them will be too big, but they are in excellent condition."

"Thank you," said Yuzu turning Airi around and giggling at the sight of her daughter wearing her first yukata. "I can't believe how adorable you are, Airi. I mean you're always adorable, but this just makes you even cuter. I can't wait to send Hideki and your uncle these pictures."

"Do you think they'll like it," asked Airi, spinning around in a failed attempt to see if she could make the bottom of her outfit rise. "I like the purple cuz it looks like Mommy's eyes."

"It sure does." Yuzu took a few more pictures before leading Airi to her seat at the table between her and Mei while Honoka joined her mother. "Mei, can you believe how good she looks?"

"I believe it." Mei raised Airi's face to hers, smiling broadly at how much the outfit brought out the color of her eyes while Yuzu inspected the bow Honoka had used to secure the sash. "You look lovely Airi."

Airi's face turned a shade darker at hearing her mother's words, and instead of answering, she proceeded to distract herself by eating the food that had been made, causing all the adults to chuckle before returning to their meals. Though it didn't go unnoticed that throughout the meal, that Mei and Yuzu couldn't resist chuckling at how Airi used one of her hands to hold back the sleeve of her outfit in an attempt to avoid getting it dirty.

Finally, they managed to finish their meal, and thanks to Airi's methodical eating habits, they managed to get through the meal without staining the yukata.

However, by the time dessert was over, it was getting close to Airi's bedtime and while she and Honoka returned to the elder girl's room to dress Airi in her freshly laundered clothes and pack up the remaining outfits while Mei, Yuzu, and Shiraho sat in the garden enjoying a cup of tea while Shiraho's brothers laughed at some television show they were watching in the living room.

"So, you're sure you're okay with us coming and staying here if you guys aren't using it," asked Yuzu after a sip of cold oolong tea. Their conversation had recently turned to the discussion she and Mei had had about looking into buying a vacation home, and Shiraho had offered them the liberty of using the house.

"Just as long as you call ahead by a couple of weeks to ensure that we don't have any plans that require the use of the house," answered Shiraho calmly. "We don't often use this place, and we would need a few days to hire a cleaner to get it ready, but I don't see any problem with it, and I'm certain my husband won't either."

"That's very generous of you," said Mei with a yawn after finishing her tea. "We'll make sure to treat it like our own home should we find time to take you up on your offer."

"I do not doubt that you will." Shiraho sighed and stared up at the stars, a faint glimmer of a smile in her eyes.

"Are you all right Shirapon," asked Yuzu while she poured Mei another cup of tea. "You look like you got something on your mind."

"I am fine, Yuzupon." Shiraho turned her attention to Yuzu and managed a soft smile when she saw Mei begin to rest her head on the blonde's shoulder and begin to close her eyes. "I'm just remembering the night we went to the festival and am rather excited that we'll be able to spend an evening like that together very soon. It's hard to believe that it's been over twenty years since we met."

"It is," chuckled Yuzu as she felt Mei's body begin to grow heavy and the sensation of her wife's warm breath against her neck. "It hasn't been easy, but it's been worth it."

"I imagine so." Shiraho watched as Mei's head began to nuzzle against Yuzu's shoulder and shook her head in amusement. "I'm glad you two have found your happiness. It does my heart good when I see you two together."

"Thanks, Shirapon." Yuzu coughed back a giggle when she felt Mei's breath against the back of her neck but managed to recover. "But, everything's going all right for you though. You haven't been having any problems have you?"

"As I said, things are going splendidly." Shiraho brushed a bit of hair out of Yuzu's face as she spoke. "We have the occasional problems with our business partners, but nothing I can't handle. Thank you for your concern."

"All right." Yuzu nodded, and when Shiraho finished fixing her hair, she turned her attention to the now silent hallway their daughters had disappeared down. "Promise me that if things get bad, you'll tell us. You know you can count on us if you have a problem."

"I will, you have my word," agreed Shiraho before following Yuzu's gaze. "I wonder what's taking them so long."

"I was thinking the same thing," asked Yuzu before gently nuzzling Mei's head in an attempt to wake her, but Mei refused to move. "Come on Mei; you gotta wake up. We need to leave."

"Just a little longer," whispered Mei, sleepily kissing Yuzu's neck and wrapping her arm around her wife's before letting out a soft snore and causing Yuzu to blush and Shiraho to chuckle.

"I'll go check on them," she said before climbing to her feet and looking down on the pair as Yuzu continued to try and wake Mei. "I'll be right back."

"Thanks, Shirapon."

When Shiraho disappeared down the hall, Yuzu shook her head and kissed the top of Mei's head before saying, "You really make things difficult sometimes, but you already knew that didn't you?"

Mei let out a small grunt but refused to wake and tightened her grip on Yuzu's arm.

"You're lucky you're so beautiful," whispered Yuzu, caressing Mei's sleeping face, "and I'm lucky to love you."

"I love you too," said Mei before subconsciously turning her head to kiss Yuzu's shoulder before falling back to sleep.

Before Yuzu could say or do anything, Shiraho returned with an amused look on her face and a cell phone in her hand.

"Is everything all right," asked Yuzu quietly, making sure not to disturb Mei. "Is Airi ready?"

"Not quite."

Shiraho shook her head and tapped something on her phone and turned it to reveal a picture of Airi, still dressed in her yukata, on the floor, curled up beneath a blanket with Honoka's arms wrapped around her protectively, both of them sleeping peacefully, blissfully unaware to the world and the sounds around them.

"Looks like we're staying the night," laughed Yuzu, giving Mei one more kiss before beginning to wake her wife.

"It appears so," snickered Shiraho as she watched Yuzu explain to a groggy Mei what was going on before leading them to the guest room.

Once they were settled, Shiraho politely excused herself so she could take a bath before bed, only stopping when she heard Yuzu call out for her.

"Yes, Yuzupon," asked Shiraho, sticking her head into the room to see Yuzu sitting up on the futon while Mei slept peacefully beside her, holding her hand. "Is something wrong?"

"Nope," sighed Yuzu as she plugged her phone in, smiling at her friend. "I just wanted to say thanks for spending the day with us and for, you know, for being a good friend. It means a lot."

"I understand." Shiraho bowed her head politely, giving her a sincere and loving smile that she hardly showed to anyone. "I feel the same way, Yuzupon."

"Good," yawned Yuzu before letting out a loud groan as she stretched only to stop when she felt Mei slap her arm.

"Yuzu," mumbled Mei briefly opening her eyes before shutting them again, "you're too loud. Go to sleep."

"She's the boss," chuckled Yuzu as she stood up and pulled the string that shut the light off. Sitting back down she waved at Shiraho who was still standing at the door, her eyes focused on Mei.

"Hey."

Shiraho jumped a little at hearing Yuzu's voice and turned her attention from the room to her friend.

"Yes, Yuzupon? Do you need something?"

"Are you all right," asked Yuzu, removing Mei's hand from her arm and climbing to her feet. "

"I'm...," Shiraho holding back the tears as she felt an old familiar pain she hadn't felt since her school days form in her chest. "I'm fine. I've just been lonely since my husband left and while I have Honoka and my brothers to keep me company, they don't understand some of the pressures I'm under and I miss having someone around to talk to about them."

"You can always call us," chuckled Yuzu, taking Shiraho's hand and squeezing it. "Or come over for dinner or spend the night. I mean I don't understand everything you and Mei deal with, but I listen to her enough that I kind of get it and I know that Mei would love having you over. She misses having you guys over, even if she doesn't say it."

"I understand." Shiraho managed a small smile but instead of happiness, she felt tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Come on," whispered Yuzu giving Shiraho's hand a gentle tug and pulling her toward the closet. "I'm pretty sure I saw an extra futon in the closet and..."

"No," exclaimed Shiraho taking a step back, causing Mei to open her eyes and Yuzu to stare at her in shock.

"I'm sorry," said Shiraho fixing her hair and wiping her eyes. "If this were another day I would take you up on your offer, but I need to bathe, and my husband should be calling shortly to check in. But thank you Yuzupon for being so considerate. I hope you both have a good evening and I will see you in the morning."

"Wait a moment."

Shiraho watched as Mei removed her blanket and called for Yuzu to help her up.

Once on her feet, Mei earned herself a look of confusion from both Shiraho and Yuzu as she shuffled toward the taller woman and as Yuzu had done before her, took her by the hand and squeezed it.

"Mei-san, what are you...," began Shiraho before being silenced by Mei taking another step forward and in an unprecedented move hugged the older woman, making Shiraho's face turn red and Yuzu chuckle at the adorable sight in front of her, unaware of what

"Thank you, Shiraho-san," said Mei after breaking the hug and wiping a tear from her friend's face. "For everything"

"Of...of course," whispered Shiraho, barely managing to maintain what little composure she still had and removing Mei's hand. "I hope you both rest well, and if there's anything you need from me, please let me know. You remember where my room is, don't you?"

"The one right next to Honoka's," said Yuzu confidently. "And remember what I said, about the spare futon, we'll be right here if you need us."

"I will." Shiraho did her best to smile but only managed an odd looking half-cocked one while she felt her cheeks burn. "Have a pleasant evening."

With that, she turned around, and as she headed toward her room she heard Yuzu ask, "Are you sure she's okay?"

Shiraho could make out Mei saying, "It's complicated," before shutting the door and muffling the sounds of their conversation.

Turning her head, Shiraho watched as the light shut off followed by a few more muffled words and then silence.

When she was sure nobody else could hear her, Shiraho headed to her room and slid the door shut and collapsed against the wall and began wiping away the tears that had started flowing. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get them to stop, and she practically jumped out of her skin when she heard her phone begin to vibrate.

"Sis," came the worried voice of her gray-haired brother. "Sis, is everything okay?"

"I'm fine," answered Shiraho after a brief cough and checking her phone to see that she'd missed a call from her husband. "My phone startled me. Please don't worry about me and enjoy your evening."

"Are you sure," he asked sounding concerned. "Do you want some tea?"

"No thank you," replied Shiraho as she dialed her husband's number. "But I appreciate the gesture. Have a good night."

"Good night, Sis. I'll see you in the morning."

There was a sound of shuffling footsteps, and just as Shiraho lifted the phone to her ear she heard a deep, familiar, comforting voice ask, "Hello? Shiraho," followed by the sensation of all the pain she'd felt begin to fade.

Please know that this ending isn't indicative of me trying to start drama or turmoil. I just feel that in some ways, Suzuran might still be somewhat in love with Mei. I think a lot of us keep feelings toward the first person we ever fall in love with and some of us are unable to fully get over it. I've been in that position, still am, despite the fact that I am in a relationship with a person who I love very much and genuinely like as a person. But sometimes, in regards to my first love I do wonder what my life would be like if my first love would have worked out and it hurts.

That's all I'm trying to portray.

That sometimes, despite even if you're happy with your life, you love the person you're with and are truly happy for someone, it hurts even though you have gotten over it.