Chapter 32: The Unintentional Cold Shoulder

"See, that's why I didn't come to you straight away when you brought up the piano. What else Mei?" Yuzu asked with a small smile as she looked at Mei eating a small stack of pancakes.

Like the pair had planned they had made breakfast for themselves and had a relatively normal, if not quite, conversation. For the past twenty minutes or so Yuzu had been explaining, in depth, about why she lied to her girlfriend about her fear of the piano and why she turned to her friends before Mei.

(I didn't want to bore you guys by writing all of that again cuz I would have just been repeating myself from a previous chapter)

The talk had gone well and Yuzu, but more importantly, Mei was feeling and looking a little more relaxed.

Lifting her fork to her mouth Mei gave Yuzu a small nod of the head in acknowledgement of her answer before she spoke.

"You told me when we went to buy the car that you didn't ask me about you getting a job because you really needed it, but why couldn't you have just told me that before or what you needed the money for? I would have-ehh probably would have understood." After finishing her statement Mei popped the piece of food into her mouth before watching the blonde.

Taking a moment to think her answer through before she spoke, Yuzu tried to think fast. She couldn't tell Mei that she needed money for but lying is what they were trying to fix, she couldn't just lie again that would be an even bigger breach of the girl's trust.

"I know you might have understood but I wasn't one hundred per cent sure you would. I didn't want to start an argument with you about applying for the job so I waited until I heard back from them." Yuzu answered, her eyes meeting Mei's and hoping she wouldn't push any further on the subject. Which of course she did.

"Okay, but what are you missing out? The only time you have ever even entertained the idea of having a job was when you bought our rings, so what do you actually need it for? And don't say its just saving because you don't even save your money, as soon as you get it and have paid your bills you are out with Harumi." Mei with her voice still somewhat neutral asked. She wanted this to go as smoothly as possible because she didn't think she could handle another night on this bad of terms.

"Yeah, okay your right, but this time I have something I want and I can't get it without a job, well I could but it would take years and years." Yuzu said with a bit of a toothy grin, the image of her girlfriend's future ring popping into her mind, the image unconsciously made her smile.

"And what is it? You better not be wasting money again on anything like your games or a new phone. I swear to god if you have bought a new phone after you just got one a few months ago-" Mei started to get a little off track but her thoughts were put to rest as Yuzu interrupted.

"Relax, I haven't bought a new phone I like the one I already have." Yuzu stopped there, but she could tell that Mei was patiently waiting for her to continue.

Scratching the back of her head Yuzu tried to think of what to say, but the longer she waited for the more she could see the doubt grow in Mei's eyes.

"I can't say, it's not that I don't want to tell you because I really do but it's supposed to be a surprise and if I tell you then it won't be." That's good enough, she can't make me tell her her surprise that would be the shittiest engagement ever.

Mei did not like the answer she got, not at all. Her eyes narrowed, but she moved on.

"Okay, what was that phone call about last week that you didn't want to tell me about then?" Her tone slightly colder than it was before, Mei waited for Yuzu but she could already tell by the perspiring Yuzu was doing opposite her she was going to get an answer she didn't want.

"That was about the surprise too, I needed to know I had the job or at least had an interview before I made the appointment but I can't really tell you what it was for..." Yuzu dwindled off as she neared the end of her sentence, she knew that didn't sound good. This was supposed to be about reassuring Mei not telling her that she was doing things but couldn't tell her about them.

"I know it's not what you wanted to hear Mei, but the surprise and the thing I am working for they are all for you. I'll have saved up enough in a little over a year so I can tell you then." With an affirmative nod, Yuzu looked to Mei who had lost her annoyed expression for one of complete utter disbelief.

"..." Mei couldn't muster a word. Yuzu seemed so sure of what she was talking about and Mei knew every word was the truth, but what could possibly take up an entire years salary? Plus she had her student loan coming in so whatever she was planning on buying would cost thousands but what was she buying?

"... Can you at least tell me how much you are planning on spending? I mean a year's wages working thirty hours a week as you said you would is thousands." Still full of disbelief, Mei asked though she wasn't sure Yuzu would give her an answer going by the perplexed look on her face.

"I'm not sure that's appropriate, I mean it's for you so should you really know how much it costs when I give it to you?" Yuzu almost stuttered her response, she wanted to make things better and if the girl wanted to know the price as a substitute for knowing what it was then she would.

"I don't think it's inappropriate at all." Giving the short answer, Mei continued to eat her food casually but her mind was searching for possibilities of what it could be.

"Well... I have a little under eleventhousandlefttopay" Yuzu started off slow but when the time came to actually say the price she spoke so fast it sounded all like one word. Used to the blondes rambling, Mei heard it clear as day and actually chocked on her pancake.

At her splutter, Yuzu was quick on her feet to get a glass of water. "Mei are you okay, here drink this." Cautiously handing the glass to Mei who was still coughing slightly, Yuzu sat back down.

"What do you need-" Started the younger girl but before she could finish Yuzu cut in... again.

"Surprise Mei, that means it's a secret, meaning I can't tell you. But I can tell you that I will tell you when I have it and you will completely understand." Giving a weary grin Yuzu watched and hopped Mei would accept her answer.

"Very well, but is it worth it? I know it's going to be your money but I don't want you wasting that much on something impulsive." Mei watched Yuzu closely but the blond was smiling contently as she spoke, not a hint of uncertainty in her expression.

"I've wanted to do this for years and there is very very little that would make me change my mind." Yuzu gave a bright smile and took a bite of her food. A short silence was shared between the two then Mei spoke up.

Apart from the one thing nagging at the back of her mind, Mei didn't really have anything else to confront the blonde on. Yuzu had justified herself in regards to the piano, and now although it was vague she had gotten an honest answer for the other things.

Mei's head dipped down slightly as she spoke. "...Nothings going on?" Her voice quiet, Mei stole a glance at the blonde who had lost her smile.

"Mei... Nothing is going on, I haven't been lying to you I was just trying to plan a surprise for you but clearly, I'm not very good at surprises. I am not doing anything unfaithful towards you and I most definitely don't feel like I can't talk to you... Phew, I'm super glad I got that off my chest, I thought you were going to be mad at me forever." Yuzu gave a small chuckle before she settled down and gave a bright smile, but it faltered again when she saw Mei's unsure expression.

"What is it, Mei?"

"If everything is good between us and you do feel comfortable speaking to me then... can you... tell me who it was? I know things like that shouldn't bother me as much as this and I know sexual dreams aren't always linked to sexual desires. I did a little bit of reading while I was at Grandfathers and I read that dreams of cheating can sometimes manifest from feelings of guilt or stress or sometimes it really is just lust. I won't be mad but it is eating away at me not knowing who it was, I know not knowing is worse than knowing." Mei was so sure as she spoke, her eyes were wide as she made her plea.

"...Mei...I can't. It's too embarrassing... I'm sorry I know you really want to know but trust me you really don't want to know what happened in that dream. You will think I'm super weird and you won't want to... to be with me anymore, that or you won't look at me the same... I can't." Yuzu didn't like telling Mei 'no' but she couldn't bring herself to explain what had occurred in her dream, and she was certain if she told Mei she would not take well to it.

"...Okay." After more than a minute's worth of silence, Mei spoke, her voice low with her gaze on the plate in front of her.

Mei didn't want to seem like she was pushing anything or forcing the blonde into telling her, but Yuzu not telling her really bothered her. But she didn't want to make the blonde feel bad for not telling her when she clearly felt deeply embarrassed by it, but this feeling of annoyance in her chest wouldn't go away.

She didn't want to be mad at Yuzu anymore but she couldn't help it, it wasn't so much anger more annoyance or irritation.

"Mother called, she said she spoke to you but you didn't get back to her. I told her we would be down at some point on Friday, I think it will be in the evening and we can just stay the night." Changing the subject Mei moved onto her phone call this morning where she had spoken to Yuzu's mother about her plans for her birthday. When she had spoken to the older woman this morning her mind was in another place, her thoughts riddled from the night before. Now after talking to Yuzu, and this feeling in her chest made her think clearly.

Mei wanted things to be good between them and what Yuzu had told her now had made things better, but not normal. She could take Yuzu's 'surprise' with a pinch of salt and get on with her day because Yuzu actually couldn't say without ruining whatever she had planned. Though the memory of Yuzu moaning out another person's name brought back the anger of the night she left, manifesting even more so because Yuzu couldn't bring herself to say who it was.

I would never leave her over a dream, I don't care what happened in the dream I just want to know who it was.

"Oh okay, if you want to spend your birthday night at Mama's house that cool, we can spend the day together instead. I think Papa is coming home for your birthday so he will be there too." Yuzu tried her best to sound like her normal chipper self but she could see the look on Mei's face, she wasn't blind.

"Thank you for talking to me about this, I am going to go and study. If you aren't busy would mind hoovering the living room? I didn't want to do it this morning in case I woke the neighbours but it is still covered in crap from yesterday and that stain from your noodles needs to be cleaned." Speaking when she stood up and took her plate to the kitchen, Mei didn't wait long before she started heading for their bedroom.

Fuck, she's still upset with me...

Study was what Mei did, for hours. The only time she had actually spoken to the older girl was when she had brought her something to eat for lunch. Taking a break from her studies just long enough to eat the food Yuzu had made her before she discarded the plate on the side of her desk and continued on.

Yuzu was very aware that Mei was still affected by her lack of answers and she also knew that their relationship would only heal with time, and yet she had made it her purpose in life to walk into their room every ten minutes to try and talk with Mei. Every time being shut down after a short conversation or point blank ignored depending on how ridiculous the statement was. Eventually, Yuzu brought her own books out and began to study on the bed, just so she could be in the room and occasionally ask Mei for help just to get the girl to talk to her.

Yuzu knew what Mei was trying to do: She didn't want to be mad or upset at Yuzu, it was tiresome and taxing on both parties least to say it made them both miserable, but Yuzu understood how unsatisfying her answers were for the younger girl. So not wanting to risk blowing up at the blonde, Mei was trying to distract herself as best she knew how- studying.

Every couple of minutes the flick of a page sounded throughout the room, scribblings of pens was a constant sound against the hard wood of the desk and it drove Yuzu crazy.

"Hmm... Mei would you like something to eat or drink?" Yuzu said, her eyes watched the back of Mei as they had done for hours. The perfect posture slumped and she gave a sigh before Mei lightly shook her head.

"No thank you." With her strict position returned so did the sound of pen on paper. After several more seconds of writing, Mei stopped. "Though it is getting slightly late, if you are planning on making dinner now would probably be a good time. Or I can make something if you don't want to." Not wanting to give the wrong impression, Mei finally gave the blonde the time of day she was looking for and continued on the conversation instead of just blunt rhetorical answers.

"Oh! Sure, Mei! Do you have anything you would like?" Jumping from the bed at the opportunity to fulfil Mei's request, Yuzu asked, a small spring to her step as she neared Mei.

"Not really, anything you want." Returning to her rather blunt replies, Mei kept her head down as she continued to scribble on the paper.

Only slightly disheartened by the darker haired girls response, Yuzu made her way to the kitchen to prepare a meal for her girlfriend.

It was only around five giving Yuzu plenty of time to make something for the two, but she wanted it to be just right. She had to at least try and get back on the girl's good books before her birthday, then the thought dawned on her.

What if Mei was still upset with her come Friday, would she make Mei dislike her own birthday? Surely not, that was five days away, giving Mei plenty of time to accept the situation and get over her annoyance... Hopefully.

The next few days had gone very similar to Sunday for Yuzu, only Mei avoided talking to Yuzu by staying late at the library after she had a lecture with several of her friends or just going to the library by herself. Yuzu felt as though she had lived the same day four times.

Wake up in the morning, usually after Mei as she would get up and get her coffee before the blonde. Have a silent or depressingly mundane conversation whilst eating, before one of the two had to head out for a class. If they had their classes were in the afternoon the house was still relatively quiet, with Mei and Yuzu speaking little to one another. A painstakingly silent atmosphere. The rest of their spare time ended with Mei studying in the room or opting for a book while Yuzu did the same with the interjection of her phone of course.

Come dinner time, Yuzu had made sure to have it ready for bang on half past six each night and made sure to make one of Mei's few favourites. Bath and bed was the most solemn time for Yuzu in this cursed routine, with them each taking a bath before heading to bed. But there was no cuddling or spooning, -one of Yuzu's favourites- as soon as they got into the bed Mei would say goodnight and with her back to the blonde, fall asleep.

Yuzu had attempted several times to give the girl a cuddle the first and second night of her being home, but she was instantly shrugged off. It being put down to 'it being too hot' or simply no explanation and her turning further away from the blonde.

Yuzu had given up after that and decided to wait until Mei made the first step in terms of affection.

Waking up the fourth morning, Yuzu had expected to wake up alone but to her surprise Mei was still in bed; facing her, looking at her. Blinking a few time, uncaring for the sunlight that was trying to burn her eyes, Yuzu focused on Mei who was perhaps a foot away from her face.

"Good morning Mei," Giving a weak lopsided smile, Yuzu raised her hand to brush several loose strands out of her face before resting comfortably on the pillow as she watched Mei watch her. Mei seemed to be very focused on her, she had clearly been awake for a while as Yuzu could see no traces of sleep in the shining amethyst orbs.

"Good morning," her voice clear and sweet and a daisy, Mei offered a small smile of her own before falling silent and continued to watch Yuzu.

The pair just sat lying towards one another for a while, Yuzu had no idea what they were doing but she didn't care. This was the first time in four days that Mei had actually looked at her for more than two minutes at a time and she wasn't about to put a stop to it.

Getting up seemed to be on neither of their agendas, as they both seemed to lie content in bed with the other. Mei still felt the same about the blonde and her inability to explain what had happened a week ago, but today was different.

For the last couple of days she might of practically been ignoring her girlfriend on a not too extreme level, but that didn't mean she didn't appreciate her presence. They might have been sitting in silence or muted, brief conversations but Mei liked the fact that Yuzu was there. But today she wouldn't be.

Today she would be leaving to go to her job in the late morning before coming home at two-thirty in the afternoon, only to leave at just after four when Mei would be getting back from her lesson until late that night.

After Mei left for her class that morning she wouldn't see the blonde at all for the rest of the day. Obviously, Mei could go a day without seeing the blonde, she wasn't helpless but for some reason, it stung a little more than usual today.

"I have to leave soon," Mei said quietly as she adjusted her head on the pillow, using the moment to glance to the clock on Yuzu's bedside table.

It was gaining ten at a rapid rate and Mei knew she could only procrastinate getting up for a short while longer.

"If you want me to... I could walk you to your lecture today? I don't have to be at work until twelve so I have time if you'd like." She wasn't a mind reader, but Yuzu could see something was different in Mei today. Maybe it was because she was actually in bed with her, or because she was actually starting the conversion with the blonde or perhaps the longing twinge in her eyes as she looked into Yuzu's. Whichever one, Yuzu was more than willing to take the opportunity to try and mend her relationship with Mei.

Mei stayed still for a moment before she nodded her head at the offer, though it didn't exactly fix this feeling of being away from Yuzu physically when she already felt distanced from her emotionally. Why? She still had no idea, and she didn't know how to fix it.

Now she wanted nothing more than to hold Yuzu in her arms, feel her warm lips on her own and yet she couldn't. She couldn't bring herself to. A single touch from the blonde and images of Yuzu moaning something else flashed through her mind.

That's why this feeling was so confusing for Mei at the moment. She knew how she felt about the situation but she didn't want to feel like this.

She couldn't understand her own thoughts and that frustrated Mei more than Yuzu could at times. Mei didn't like this indecisiveness going on inside her, she didn't know whether to distance herself more from the blonde or try and force herself to act how she wanted herself to. God how it angered her in ways Mei didn't even know were possible. To crave someone's presence and touch but unable to withstand it when she got it.

Tomorrow was her birthday and she knew Yuzu wanted to spend the day with her, but Mei didn't know if she could put up with it. She had purposely planned to stay the night at their mother's house so she would have the distraction of her family to keep her confused feelings of the blonde at bae, but Yuzu would be adamant on her enjoying her birthday and Mei wasn't sure she could do that.

"Yuzu, tomorrow... I don't want you to get me anything." Mei said as she watched the blonde's face drop slightly, she saw the blonde going to protest but Mei interjected.

"It isn't debatable. You told me you have a surprise that is costing you over ten thousand pounds, and whatever ludicrous thing you are buying is for me apparently, so I don't want you wasting any more money. Besides I've decided I'm going to be meeting with Himeko for the day before going to mothers." Mei said firmly, believing that this was best for her feelings at the minute. Yuzu wasn't going to miraculously find the will to explain what happened and to Mei, this seemed like the best option.

If she couldn't figure out her feelings, she would just avoid them. Simple.

"W-what? Why? We have always spent our birthdays with each other, why do you want to spend it with Himeko?" Yuzu was shocked. She had a hitching that Mei would refuse a present from her, but she hadn't expected her to trade her out for the friend.

"You don't have to say it as if its something unthinkable, she is my friend. It is just the way I wish to spend tomorrow. Do you know when you will be back tonight?" Mei kept her tone natural as she spoke, having come to her conclusion and deciding to detach herself from her feelings rather than let them rule her.

Yuzu didn't reply, well not straight away, she managed to hold the snippy comment at arm's length.

"If that's what you want then that's what you'll do. Ehh, I have no idea when I'll be home...I guess I can spend time with you at Mama's, but my class finishes an hour after yours so are we going to drive down together or what would you like to do?" Yuzu, after taking some much needed deep breaths, thought about why Mei was acting like this and put it down to her likely still being upset.

"It would be pointless for us to go down separately. I will come home first and pick you up at the university when your class finishes to save time, as by that time we won't be getting there till one in the afternoon. After, I can drop you at mother's before I go and meet Himeko." Mei said matter of factly.

After deciding to spend as little time as possible with Yuzu to avoid the war in her heart. Mei chose to get up and get ready to go. Now slightly regretting her accepting the blonde's offer to walk her to school.

"Oh, okay..." Yuzu mumbled as she watched Mei leave the bed. "You know Mei, if you are meeting Himeko just so you don't have to spend your day with me... I don't have to come. You can go and see Mama and Papa by yourself if you would enjoy it more. I know you are still upset with me and if me not being there will make you happier I understand..." Yuzu looked away from Mei whos eyes widened in response to the girl's statement. She definitely hadn't expected the blonde to say something like that, and if she was honest she didn't know whether to say yes or no to the offer.

On one hand, she had just told herself to avoid the blonde to try and stop having to deal with her feelings whenever she was in contact with her, but did she actually want Yuzu not to be with her?

"That will not be necessary, it wouldn't be fair for you not to get to see mother and father just because of the things we have going on." Mei knew what she said was true, they didn't get to see their parents as much now due to them being further away, but she couldn't help but think her answer was just a way for her to avoid answering herself. This way she didn't have to say whether she wanted the blonde there or not because she truly didn't know what she would have preferred.

"Mei I'm being serious. You haven't had a proper conversation with me since we talked on Friday morning last week, I know you are still really upset. You enjoying your birthday or at least as much as you can, is more important than me seeing Mama and Papa. It sounds harsh, but I facetime Mama every week and call her so it's fine. I want to know if you want me there because you can't seem to stand me here." Yuzu said she had started off with a caring tone which is what she was going for considering what she was saying, but towards the end, her last sentence was slightly bitter. Unintentionally of course.

"I said come so just come. I'm finished talking about this Yuzu, I'm going to school and forget about walking me I'll go myself." Mei was harsh when she spoke, her voice low and nothing to be reckoned with. It took Yuzu a moment to adjust to cold turn in Mei's voice, she hadn't heard her talk in such a tone for a long time and the sudden change had the girl stuck for words.

Just before Yuzu could retort Mei had already grabbed her bag and a fresh set of clothes before leaving the room. Leaving Yuzu stunned on the bed while Mei, unknowing to Yuzu, crumbled as she made her way down the hall only just managing to keep her cries in until she closed the bathroom door.

These stupid feelings, what is this? Mei thought as she tried to wipe the tears from her eyes, but she couldn't stop them. Why even when she tried to avoid the blonde was she forcing herself to spend time with her by making her come to their parent's house? Why did she want her there when all it did was cause her pain? And most of all, why did Yuzu have to push on the one button that was so sensitive right now Mei was in shambles crying against the bathroom door?

"Mei? I'm sorry I didn't mean what I said before, I didn't mean for it to sound like I was blaming you or anything." Yuzu said as she knocked lightly on the bathroom door. It had taken a moment but after getting over the way Mei had spoken to her, Yuzu went and found Mei straight away to try and apologise. But when she figured out she was in the bathroom she couldn't even get in because the door was locked.

The door swung open and Mei walked out looking presentable and ready to go, though her cheek was only slightly discoloured now Yuzu still found herself looking at it every time she looked at her. Mei had gotten used to the looks from Yuzu and the people from school, now she looked past it.

"I didn't say you had to apologise, you were only saying what you thought... I admit I have been more distant with you than normal but I don't know what else to do. I want to forgive you Yuzu, I get that you can't tell me about the 'surprise' but you not telling me who they were is not so easily swept under the rug. Don't you think I want to be able to hug you and cuddle you and just be in the same room as you? Every time you speak all I hear is his name, every time you touch me all I can think about is how you wanted his touch. When we had sex the night I came home I was scared to hear what you had to say, so I thought doing that would change things and make me feel like you really did want me, but every single time you spoke all I could picture was you and him... I want you Yuzu, but I can't just forget something like this and I don't know what I want. I need you in my life, I want you in my life, but right now no matter how much I want it all it's doing is causing me pain and I don't know how to make it go away."

Mei spoke surely, more confident than she thought she would have. She didn't want to keep fighting like this, she knew she couldn't just not tell Yuzu, that would have just caused more problems for the two but it didn't change how she felt. All her feelings were on the table now and Mei knew it was for the best. She didn't say it to try and make the blonde feel guilty or for self-pity, she wanted Yuzu to know how she felt so she could understand why she couldn't cuddle before bed or why she didn't want kiss good morning.

"And I know that this is hurting you as well. I see it every day when you try and talk to me or when you are looking at me from across the room waiting for me to talk to you and I don't. I'm sorry if this is an issue and you feel like I hate you being here, but the truth is I can't decide whether I want you here or not. I love you and I really do want to be with you but when I am it hurts... and I can't make it stop." Mei had now lost a little of her confidence, speaking her feelings finally catching up with her.

"I'm going to school now, but I think I would prefer to be alone," Mei spoke softly, walking out of the bathroom and towards the kitchen. "Have a good day at work, and I hope it goes well for you I'm sure you will do great. I'll see you when you get home tonight." Mei gave what she could of a weak smile but couldn't muster much, then walked out of the front door.

Yuzu had not managed to say a word since she met Mei at the bathroom door, everything Mei had said had left her unable to speak. Why couldn't she see that Mei felt this way about things, she should have known better than to think something like this would just go away. Why she thought Mei would just stop caring about what she thought had occurred Yuzu didn't know, now that she actually thought about it, it wasn't something she could have forgotten easily either.

Now she wasn't sure what to do. Mei had just told her that her being in her presence hurt her because of what happened, but Yuzu didn't know how to make it better if she didn't spend time with the girl. Whether Mei admitted it or not, she was spending tomorrow with Himeko instead of Yuzu to avoid her, there was nothing Yuzu could do to change that but she didn't how to fix things with Mei if she wouldn't spend time with her.

The thought to tell her partner what had actually happened definitely crossed her mind when Mei was explaining herself moments ago, but she couldn't find the will to speak. Her mouth was dry, she had never felt so parched in her life, but now that opportunity was gone and Yuzu didn't know whether that was a good thing or a bad one.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEI!" Ume greeted her daughter at the door, before bringing her into a big hug.

"Hello mother," Mei stated quietly while she waited for the woman to release her.

"Hi, Mama!" With Mei released, Yuzu was engulfed in a hug of her own, her mother smiling happily as she hugged her daughter.

"Come in, I've made lunch for the two of you and I thought we could go out for dinner when Sho gets home." Ume smiled proudly at her two grown-up daughters, seeing them both now twenty-one making her feel slightly old, but proud none the less.

"..." Silence.

Ume looked between the two young women who had both gone quiet. Yuzu had her eyes on her feet, while Mei continued to hold eye contact with the confused woman.

"...Actually, Mother, I made plans to spend the day with Himeko. I can be back in time for dinner, just let me know when Father will be here." Mei said, her voice somewhat nervous and ashamed for leaving their mother as soon as she arrived.

"Oh..." With a quick glance at the two figures two feet apart in front of her, Ume could instantly tell something was wrong with the pair; The distance between the two was a giveaway, Yuzu was always all over Mei, in front of their mother or otherwise. Along with the way the two refused to speak to one another or make eye contact with each other. Trying to recover from her stutter, Ume tried to show Mei she was okay with her decision.

"Well, that's fine by me. Sho should be here for around six, so if you come back around then that would be good." Ume gave her daughter a wide smile which clearly put Mei at ease as she relaxed her shoulders, and let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding onto.

"Thank you for understanding. I'll see you soon, and thank you for the birthday wishes they are appreciated...Goodbye Yuzu." With her thanks to Ume done, Mei edged away from the door towards the stairs only stopping when she heard a cough from the blonde.

"Bye." Yuzu said back dully and watched as Mei made her way down the stairs out of sight.

"What was that all about hmmm? What'd you do on her birthday to make her so mad Yuzu?" Ume cocked her eyebrow at her sulking daughter before giving a childish pout. Crossing her arms over her chest, Ume waited for her daughter to speak but soon realised she was waiting for nothing. With a more caring tone, she continued.

"...Okay, come in and get settled down. It's been a while since you were last here, how about some mother-daughter time while we wait for Mei and Sho to get back?" Ume gave a sympathetic smile and gently rubbed Yuzu's arm as she guided her into the apartment.

Sitting on the couch as her mother brought her a cup of tea, Yuzu let out a sigh before giving her mother a big, Yuzu sized grin.

"It's nothing, but some time together sounds nice I could use the company." Giving a weak laugh, "Ha, I don't think I've had a proper conversation in almost a week." This was true. Since Mei had been talking to her as much as a king would a servant, Yuzu had turned to Harumi, but unfortunately, she said she was busy this week.

Unknowing to what she had said, Yuzu didn't seem to notice the frown on her mother's face.

"If you don't want to talk that's fine, but if you do, you know I am always here." Ume gave another caring smile as she handed off the tea to her daughter, returning from the kitchen with their lunch.

"Yeah I know Mama, but it's nothing really. Besides, I think it would just make Mei madder if I was to go blabbering... How about after lunch we start getting ready to go out? We can try on dresses and do our hair, ohh we can even dress you up pretty for Papa coming home!" Yuzu gave what could have been a squeal of excitement at the thought of trying on clothes and getting her mother all dolled up for going out.

Ume gave a weaker smile this time but chose not to push any further. If they wanted her input on the matter they would ask, until then it really wasn't her business.

"Sure bub, whatever you want." Sitting next to her daughter, Ume couldn't help but smile at the grin on her daughter's face. With the blonde's mood now changed for the better, the two sat in peaceful chit chat for a while until they had finished eating. Both catching the other up on recent affairs and gossip, both eager to listen to the other stories.

Hours passed and the down Yuzu that once was was gone, she was completely absorbed in finding the perfect dress for her mother that would stun Sho speechless. The fashion show the two had going on had Yuzu happier than she had been in days, she even forgot about what was going on in her relationship for a while.

"Mama you look amazing!" Yuzu squeaked as she made Ume swirl one more time in the mirror. With her hair lightly curled, a tight fitted navy blue dress, small heels to match, and make-up Yuzu had placed just right had her mother looking stunning.

"Thank you. You did a good job Yuzu, it's been a while since I got this dressed up. What about you, are you going in your jeans and hoodie?" Ume raised her brow to her daughter, truly finding disbelief in the fact that Yuzu would let herself be outranked by such a scale in something such as fashion.

"I dunno, I know I still have some spare clothes here but I don't think any of my dresses are here." Yuzu's face seemed to drop at the realisation that she might not look as dashing as the others attending the evening.

Sho was fine, he was always wearing a shirt and slacks. Mei had brought formal attire with her suspecting Ume would plan something like this, but Yuzu hadn't thought that far ahead. Though her brow quickly perked up at her mother's next words.

"Well, how about we go and buy you a brand new dress? Make it a surprise for Mei?" Ume looked hopefully to her daughter, confusion taking over when she saw the blonde's smile fade.

"That would be nice Mama but I can't afford a new outfit at the minute, well at least nothing as nice as what you and Mei are wearing. So I guess I'll go and see if I have any nice shirts still here." Giving a pitiful smile, Yuzu made a gesture towards her room, indicating she would go and look, but was stopped by her mother.

"Nonsense. If you can't get one yourself, pick one out and I'll get it. I'm your mother, it's my job to help in such a crisis." Giving a military salute, Ume raised her eyebrow to Yuzu who giggled at her mother's childishness.

"You sure Mama? They are quite expensive-" Yuzu started but she was cut off by a wave of her mother's hand.

"I bought you clothes for eighteen and a half years, I know just how expensive they can be." With a cheeky grin and a wink, Ume began pushing Yuzu out of the bedroom, her tone light-hearted.

"Let's head out before Mei and Sho get back, we've only got around three hours before they will be here so let's stop wasting time and go find you a dress." With her child's smile returned, Ume smiled herself as she and Yuzu gathered their things and left to the shopping mall in search of the perfect dress.

When Mei returned to the apartment block bang on six o'clock as planned, she was surprised to see her father waiting anxiously outside the door with his fist raised ready to knock. He raised his hand again only to lower it in hesitation, Mei both smiled and cocked her eyebrow in confusion at the sight.

"No one will answer unless you actually knock, you know," Mei spoke up as she ascended the last few stairs to the concrete landing, her voice filled with amusement at seeing her father fluster upon hearing her voice.

"Ahh, Mei! I know that obviously- Oh wait, Happy Birthday!" With a large awkward grin at been caught, Sho gave his daughter a brief hug before stepping back.

"Sorry, Ume told me you girls would be here earlier so I was trying to plan what I was going to say without getting all rambily. Which has clearly not gone to plan seeing as I'm here rambling..." Sho trailed off, though smiling slightly as he saw the small twinkle of amusement in his daughter's eyes.

The four years of repairing the father-daughter relationship were one that was still in the works. Mei had fully accepted his path and Sho loved Mei as he always had, but he still travelled just as much as he used to. Returning for holidays and birthdays and rarely the passing visit, making bonding time somewhat limited.

Both parties tried with their best efforts to forward their relationship and with the help from both Ume and Yuzu, Mei and her father were closer than they had been in years. But that didn't mean that moments spent alone with one another weren't slightly awkward, or that he still didn't get flustered every time he was home trying to make the best impression possible for her.

Mei gave a quick 'I see' before walking towards the door, ready to enter.

"Where's Yuzu, Ume said both of you were coming?" Sho asked as he peered over the bannister looking for the normally energetic, loud girl. But he didn't see anyone.

"Yuzu is already here, I was spending some time with Himeko this afternoon," Mei said, her voice seeming somewhat drained at the reminder, though Sho didn't seem to pick up on it at all.

While Mei opened the door, her father continued his ramblings. "Oh right well I don't think Yuzu would have taken that well, seeing as what day it is." Giving a hearty laugh at his own comment, he walked in behind his daughter, Sho didn't take it to heart when he got no response from his daughter.

"I'm back," Mei stated as she walked in the door.

"I'M HOME!" Sho with much less grace and more noise, bellowed into the small apartment, smiling at the sound of something crashing inside the house.

"Papa!" Sho and Mei heard the blonde's excitement throughout the house, but instead of seeing the girl coming rushing out and hugging the man like she normally would they heard Ume's hushed voice.

"Yuzu wait! Mei's there, you need to surprise her." Followed by "Oh yeah, right Mama you go first, and remember to twirl to show your hair." The father and daughter where evenly confused at the hushed conversation going on behind closed doors. However, their thoughts where quickly put to rest as they saw Ume come walking down the hall, heels and all.

Mei rolled her eyes as she heard her father gulp down his excess saliva at seeing their mother.

Though only slightly disturbed by Sho's reaction, Mei could definitely say her mother looked beautiful at the moment. The dress showed her winning physique for her age and with her hair and makeup done outstandingly, she looked to be in her youth.

With the lack of a male voice, Mei spoke up. "You look, great mother." Nodding to the woman in front of her, Mei after getting bored of the silence, gave the tall man a jab in the ribs with her elbow.

"Y-yes! You look beautiful." Giving a bashful blush that made the grown man sound like a teenager, Sho stepped forward and placed a light kiss before smiling down to the shorter woman.

"And Mei, Yuzu is ready for you too!" Excitedly, Ume sounded much like her daughter as she moved aside to free the entryway of the hall. Mei, knowing what was coming next, walked over to and leaned against the back of the couch that faced where the blonde would soon appear.

With a quiet 'Okay', Mei waited for the spoken of to arrive. She assumed Yuzu had packed a dress without her knowing, and had decided to make an effort in hopes of cheering her up.

Feeling an unknown source of excitement, Mei shook her head as she decided just to wait. Yes, she and Yuzu were still on relatively bad terms, but the blonde had gone to this effort and Mei would respect her. It's not like she didn't like seeing Yuzu dressed up, only tonight she wasn't sure if she wanted to have to keep herself from looking at the blonde which she knew she would want to. Who wouldn't want to stare at such a beauty?

But it all came back to that pinching pain in her heart when her gaze lingered too long on the blonde. The one she didn't know how to block out, and the one she would be forced to endure tonight.

Several seconds later Mei was brought out of her thoughts as the sound of heels grew louder, her attention shifting to the hallway. Seeing the girl she was thinking about step out moments later.

Gasp.

Wearing a floor-length navy blue, almost purple dress, Yuzu had Mei speechless for a moment while she took in the sight.

The dress flattering her shoulders, straight away with only small straps exposing the near flawless skin. The material was fitted perfectly to the blonde's chest and waist, showing both the curve of her breast, ample cleavage, and slim torso. From the hips down the material was ruffled and split in the front allowing her smooth leg to show through. The legs that looked breathtakingly long with the help of the heels the girl wore.

Hair. In a high bun, showing off her viciously tempting neck. Small pieces of blonde left down to frame her face. Makeup. There was little; just how Mei liked it. Enough to make it a struggle to look away, and it definitely had Mei struggling.

Dry, her mouth was too dry. She needed something to drink... Maybe Yuzu? What? No! Mei didn't just think that she absolutely did not.

"...Nice... you eh look nice Yuzu..." Mei kept her eyes on the blonde, who was looking back at her. She saw the flash of disappointment in the blonde's eye before a smile cracked over her lips and she spoke.

"Thanks, Mei," Slightly duller than usual, Yuzu gave Mei her thanks, though wishing the outfit would have had more of an effect than 'nice' on her.

Swallowing hard, Mei realised she had done the exact same as her father did moments before.

"C' mon Mei, she looks gorgeous! Don't be so modest." With an honest voice, Sho wrapped Yuzu in a hug, doing his best to avoid ruining her hair.

"Thanks, Papa!" Her cheeks flushed with the compliment and she smiled even more when she saw the small twinge of blush on Mei's cheeks as she still had her eyes on the blonde.

"Yuzu picked this one out just for you Mei! She wanted it to be just right for your birthday, don't you think it's more than 'nice'?" Ume said as she walked over to sit next to Mei on the backrest of the couch, slipping her arm over the younger girl's shoulders.

In response, Mei looked up from the dress to Yuzu, who now wore an embarrassed blush as she waited for Mei to continue. With a slightly larger blush of her own, looked to her mother to avoid the other set of emeralds.

"As I said, Yuzu has dressed suitably." Trying not to linger too long on the subject of just how fucking stunning Mei thought her girlfriend looked at the minute. Mei picked up her keys again and walked to the door.

"I'll go and get my dress from the car then, I shouldn't take more than ten minutes to get ready so we can leave soon," Mei said as she made sure to keep her gaze on her mother.

"Pfft, don't let Mei's modesty get you down Yuzu; You look wonderful, I'm sure she just doesn't want to admit it. So where are we going all dressed up like this?" Sho said as he rested a hand on Yuzu's slightly sluggish shoulder as he turned his attention back to his wife.

"Well I have made reservations at the restaurant on xxxx street, I took Mei there once before and she really liked it so I thought it was a safe choice." Ume smiled as she spoke, knowing she had picked a place that although was extremely expensive was one that Mei loved.

"But Mama that place is so expensive! Honestly, I could buy a week worth of shopping for the price of one meal." Yuzu said, exasperated at the idea of spending so much on a single meal. Even more so that her mother had taken Mei there and not her.

"It's her twenty-first Yuzu, money isn't a problem besides, I know you spent more than the price of what this meal is going to cost on your birthday night out, only Mei will remember hers you didn't. Anyways it's worth it: there is a live band every night, a dance floor if you should get the courage to go up there and you are getting a five-course meal. So stop complaining and don't worry, dinner is on Sho." Ume smiled wildly while she flashed her gawking husband a wink, Yuzu gave a sigh of defeat as she nodded to her parents.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to ask you but how did your job go last night? I'll ask you now so that Mei doesn't have to hear about it all over again." Ume looked back to her daughter who was cut off by Sho. "What?! Yuzu got a job? When did this happen?" The pair didn't know if the man approved or not going off his expression.

"Uhh Yeah, I got a job as a waitress at an Indian close to Mei and mines apartment. Sorry, I didn't tell you, Papa, I kind of forgot. But it went really well and they said I got the job. It was a lot more tiring than I thought it was going to be, but they were super busy even though it was a Thursday. It's supposed to be that busy all weekend sometimes throughout the week, which I guess it really good. But I officially start next Thursday." With a bright and accomplished smile, Yuzu felt so happy when she saw the shin in her mother's eyes.

"Oh, congratulations Yuzu!" Taking her in a hug, Ume was very happy for her daughter, though slightly confused when her younger one walked into the room with a perplexed look on her face.

"Congratulations for what?" Her voice no longer neutral but piqued with curiosity, Mei asked as she came closer to the three.

"Yuzu was just telling us how she got the job she applied for. You must be super proud of her." Sho stated as he gave Yuzu another light pat on the head. Mei, however, creased her brow. "You got the job?" Mei asked, her voice showing the hurt at not being told first, her expression the confusion of it.

"Ohhh, emm Yeah. My boss told me last night before I left. I got back after twelve last night and I didn't want to wake you up... I guess I kind of forgot..." Yuzu trailed off as she eventually managed to peel her eyes away from Mei's who's were showing pain at the moment.

Crap, I should have just told her on the way here... But she didn't look happy, but now she's even madder at me...

"Right... Well done, I had confidence you would do well." Mei said with a faint smile as she excused herself with a bow and made a beeline for the bedroom to get dressed. Yuzu gave an awkward smile to the two people standing in silence behind her, neither knowing what to say.

"You didn't tell Mei?" Yuzu tried to avoid eye contact with her mother for fear of the lecture she was about to get.

"I just forgot about it, alright?" Yuzu said in a low tone, silently asking her mother to leave it alone. Which she did. Very reluctantly.

"I'm gonna go and talk to her, we'll be two minutes." Speaking as she had already begun to turn around, Yuzu only paused as she heard what her mother said.

"Just remember that it's her birthday." Ume's voice was somewhat superior. It wasn't like Yuzu wasn't obscenely aware that it was her partners birthday, it was the reason why she was going to wait until she told Mei the news.

Continuing her walk down the hall, Yuzu knocked lightly on her old bedroom door, knowing that Mei would have gone in there to get ready.

"Mei? It's Yuzu, can I come in please?" Unlike she had suspected, the door opened quickly and she was met with a... shirtless Mei? Realising that she had stared more than a moment too long and that Mei hadn't let her see even a fratching of skin since the night she returned, Yuzu fixed her gaze on the wall beside her. Hoping the action would show her partner that she was trying to respect her wishes and would abide by her rules.

"I ehh, wanted to come and talk... explain myself before anything escalates too much. B-but if you would rather I wait until tomorrow when it isn't your birthday I understand." Flustered and blushing more than necessary, Yuzu stuttered the sentence out, taking her eyes off the wall when Mei began backing into the room, showing her bare legs along with the nude back.

Taking it as a sign to continue, Yuzu scrambled in the room and shut the door behind her. Once inside she faced Mei but shut her eyes tight; if she could see then there was the temptation to look at Mei's naked form, and that couldn't happen, she had to take that possibility out of play and so squeezed her eyes shut as she began talking.

"I'm sorry Mei!" Her hands clasped together in front of her as she tapped her fingers mindlessly against the back of her hands. "I know we just talked about keeping secrets and me lying but I promise I wasn't!" Accompanied by an apologetic bow, Yuzu straightened up and continued.

"I was gonna tell you last night about it if you were up to talking that is, but when I got home it was super late and when I came to bed you were already asleep. I knew you had class early this morning and you looked tired so I didn't want to wake you... I tried starting a conversation in the car but you just shot me down, so I thought maybe you were mad that I came home so late last night and weren't talking to me. It's your birthday so I didn't want to force you to talk to me because I know it hurts for you at the minute, so I was just gonna wait until tonight when we were in bed or tomorrow morning." With her explanation over and no response or sign of movement, Yuzu took the silence as unspoken anger. Giving a final bow, Yuzu turned around and opened her eyes to leave Mei in peace.

"Can you zip up my dress please?" Mei said quietly, stopping the blonde's hand just before it hit the door nob.

When Yuzu turned around Mei's hair was pulled over one shoulder, exposing her back and neck. Yuzu's eyes flicked down to look at the dress, she had seen Mei wear this one before but she was still beautiful in it.

A slightly unsaturated red dress clung to her chest and waist but flowed freely from waist to her knees. Yuzu gladly stepped forward and raised a shaking hand to the zipper on Mei's dress. Slowly and gently Yuzu pulled the zip up the length of the girl's back, her eyes following the movement every step of the way.

"You look beautiful Mei," Yuzu whispered as she trailed her fingers back down the now done up zipper, removing her hand when she realised what she was doing.

A subtle 'thank you' could be heard in response as Mei turned around to face Yuzu, her hair now sitting across her back.

"Ehh sorry, I didn't realise I was doing that, it won't happen again." Yuzu apologised as she grasped her hand in her other, hiding them behind her back as if that would concealed what she had done. Not sure whether she should leave and give Mei the space she had made clear she needed yesterday, or stay and hope that Mei would talk to her. She wasn't exactly screaming at her to get out, but it wasn't ideal chit chatter.

"You don't have to apologise, it's a habit. As I said, I'm glad your induction went well, but I think we have kept Mother and Father waiting long enough." Mei said though she didn't make a move for the door.

After sever more moments of silence Yuzu made to make a step towards the door but was stopped by the sound of Mei's voice. "Emm, you look beautiful too," Even as a mumble under the breath, Yuzu turned and smiled at Mei. Both happy at the fact that all the effort she and her mother had gone through had actually worked, but also at the fact that Mei was clearly making an effort in taking a step forward here.

"Thank you very much." Yuzu smiled softly to Mei who had a tinge on her cheeks. Opening the door to the hall, Yuzu gestured for Mei to leave first before following closely behind her. Upon entering the living room, they saw that Sho had changed into a slightly less crinkled shirt and had a freshly shaven face. Most likely orders of Ume.

"You girl's ready to go?" Ume asked as she turned around from fixing a grumbled Sho's tie. Mei nodded signalling she was ready to go, and with a glance to Yuzu who imitated the gesture, soon all four were in Sho's car on their way to dinner.