Chapter 41: Meeting the Family

Yuzu lay panting on the bed, beads of sweat running down her temples as kisses were placed along her neck.

"H-how are you so fucking good at that?" Yuzu asked, just coming down from what must have been her seventh or eighth orgasm that morning. She had woken up with Mei between her legs and had been in a similar position ever since. In those hours Yuzu had been in an endless stream of pleasure as as soon as she was finished one orgasm Mei would start on her next, never giving the blonde more than two minutes to recuperate.

"You exaggerate, you are just sensitive," Mei replied as though it was obvious, her eyes flicking to the clock to see the time.

"You only have an hour before you have to be at work, I think I could fit in one more and you'd still be there on time," Mei said, more to herself than Yuzu.

With the blonde flush on her back, Mei was leaning on her elbows over her, her fingers tracing the clammy shoulders as she raised her eyebrow. Yuzu, however, quickly pulled back from Mei's lips that came down to meet hers after a moment more of thought.

"No more, I can't go again. I'm already exhausted and I still have to work all afternoon and tonight. I don't even think I can stand up straight." Yuzu whined through her still uneven breathing. As much as she would have liked to spend more hours in bed with her girlfriend, Yuzu knew if she stood right now her legs would give out from under her. It was Saturday, the busiest night of the week, Yuzu couldn't afford to be tired and make mistakes today of all days.

"That just means I've done my job right." Mei smiled but heard the blonde's words all the same.

"What's gotten into you this morning?" Yuzu asked after she saw Mei reluctantly pull back and move onto her side after pulling her night-shirt over her head.

"Does there have to be a reason for me to sleep with you?" Mei's voice held some offence to it, but Yuzu could only stifle a chuckle as she replied.

"That many times, usually." Also moving to her side so she could face Mei, Yuzu gave a weak smile.

"Seriously Mei, you can't tell me all that was just cuz you were in the mood because you wouldn't even let me make you cum." Yuzu quired, quirking her eyebrow up as she moved her face closer to Mei's, her eyes wide with curiosity as she watched Mei think of her answer. What she said was true; no matter how hard she tried to persuade Mei into letting her have a break and return the favour every time she was turned down.

"I... Don't have to explain myself or my actions." Mei began strongly, however quickly found herself not knowing what to say. With her shorts still on as Yuzu had not been allowed to -or given the chance to- remove them, Mei rolled over and out the bed, turning her blushing cheeks from the blonde. But she didn't quite make it off the bed as two arms wrapped around her waist keeping Mei in place on the edge of the mattress.

"I'm sorry, don't be mad!" Yuzu cried out, hoping she hadn't made her girlfriend mad when she had only meant to ask if everything was okay. When she realised that Mei had indeed stopped her advancements towards the door, she gently pulled her back onto the centre of the mattress. "I didn't mean to be annoying, you are just acting a little out of character today." Yuzu smiled as she rolled Mei over onto her back and leaned over her to place a few kisses to the still pink cheeks.

"There is nothing wrong, I have just seen less and less of you in the past couple weeks, and you've been working none stop the past two days and when your not working your at school. I just wanted some... attention I guess. I've missed this, I mean it's not like you have the energy for it when you get in from work." Directing her eyes away from the blonde's as she spoke Mei confessed the reasons behind her extra affections.

A large grin made its way over Yuzu's lips as she listened to her girlfriend, "Awe Mei that's so cute!" Yuzu squealed as she wrapped her arms around Mei's neck and leaned down for another kiss. It was brief, but the warm contact sent butterflies through both their stomachs.

"You know It's not gonna get any easier? my working rota is the same pretty much every week." Brushing her nose across the tip of Mei's, Yuzu gave a sympathetic smile. She was acutely aware of the lack of time she was spending with her girlfriend. Sure they slept in the same bed every night and woke up together, but that just wasn't the same as being able to spend the afternoon with the other or going out for dinner or even just being in the others company.

As Mei had promised herself she waited up every night no matter how late it got to make sure Yuzu got home safe, but some nights as soon as she heard the blonde walk through the front door she would fall asleep instantly. This left little room for conversations at night as both were tired and just wanted to go to sleep when they finally saw the other.

Yet it wasn't all doom and gloom for Yuzu, she was thoroughly enjoying working so far. It was a tackle to get a handle on everything to start with, but now she knew the job like the back of her hand. It was a happy and enjoyable workplace that she could see herself working in for months to come.

She had even earned enough so far that she had made her first payment towards Mei's engagement ring. That was a feeling Yuzu didn't know how to describe, being one month closer to having the velvet box in her pocket was something she could only describe as true happiness.

"I know and I'm not complaining, I just wanted a morning with you. Which I got... You are going to be late if you don't hurry up." Mei stated, not seeing the point in dragging out the pointless conversation. She had no intention of making the blonde feel guilty for their lack of contact, she got what she needed -Yuzu- there was nothing more to it.

Leaning her body up to see the clock, Yuzu nodded her head in agreement. "Yup you are right. I gotta go shower." Smiling, Yuzu moved herself off Mei and after finding the pyjamas Mei had taken off her earlier, slipped out of the sheets; Only just grabbing herself on the edge if the bed with her hands as her knees buckled slightly. Laughing nervously as she allowed several seconds to get used to the weight on her momentarily weak legs, Yuzu glanced up to see Mei smiling smugly at her.

...

When Yuzu came rushing into the kitchen/dining room she was met with Mei sitting at the table, coffee in hand. Quickly filling up a mug of coffee and popping two pieces of bread in the toaster before she rapidly started drying her hair. There was little under a half-hour until twelve, meaning Yuzu still had fifteen minutes until she had to leave.

"Will you stop moving so fast? You still have time." Mei asked as she nipped the bridge of her nose, brain hurting at watching Yuzu wiz back and forwards.

"Oh sorry, I just don't wanna be late." Grabbing her toast from the toaster Yuzu smeared butter over it before sitting opposite Mei at the table a large smile as she couldn't help but admire the woman sitting across from her. How she had managed to snag thee Mei Aihara still occasionally baffled her, she was beautiful, intelligent, kind and considerate -To Yuzu-.

"Grandfather has said a guest is coming over next weekend, he won't tell me who it is only that I must be there to welcome them. Would it be possible for you to get the weekend off work to accompany me?" Mei asked, looking somewhat nervous as she made the request.

"Umm in not sure if I'll be able to get the whole weekend off... I can ask for Saturday and Sunday afternoon if that'd be enough?" Her finger moving to her chin as she thought what her boss would allow her to take off so suddenly. Saturday was the busiest night of the week, but she hasn't taken a day off since she started so maybe she would be allowed.

"Why didn't Gramps say who it was?" Through chewing her toast Yuzu asked. It seemed more than a little out of character for him to keep something like this to himself.

"He said if he told me I wouldn't come, and apparently it is essential that I'm there. So I will just have to wait and see." Mei's voice was one of disbelief as she rolled her eyes, thinking her grandfather was just being childish by implying she would act so improper. Yuzu, however, chuckled at Mei's words.

"Yeah, that does kinda sound like you though, I have to give him credit for that." Grinning, Yuzu couldn't help but give the man a few points thinking about that.

"Awe comon' don't scowl at me, I love you really." Yuzu teased, the words not shaking the look from Mei's face.

"I think it's time you leave for work." Turning her head completely from the laughing blonde in front of her, Mei was ready for the conversation to end. She had already had the argument with her grandfather about her not caring who it would be, she was not going to do it with Yuzu as well.

"Fine, I'll leave." Humphing as she stood from the table, Yuzu patiently waited for Mei to turn around and apologise; She didn't. When she realised that she had probably upset the younger girl with what she had said, Yuzu moved behind her and laced her arms over her shoulders. Leaning down over Mei's shoulder and nuzzled her face into the girl's neck as she layed several kisses to the soft skin.

"I'm sorry Mei, I didn't mean to upset you... Please don't ignore me..." When she didn't get an immediate response Yuzu gave a soft squeeze to the girl's arms and lightly rocked her from side to side.

"I'm not mad, but you do need to leave." Her response did seem a little forced but Yuzu took that as a win compared to the times where she would be outright ignored.

"Okay, I'll see you soon then." Planting a big kiss to the girl's cheek, Yuzu backed away and after picking up her purse and jacket left. Leaving Mei alone for the fifth weekend.

Just after the blonde had left the apartment, Mei had gotten from the table and went back through to their bedroom as she did every weekend since Yuzu had started working. Retrieved her books from her desk before going through to the study. It wasn't the best-litten room or the most spacious, but when the house was empty it was the only place Mei didn't feel completely alone. She spent her afternoons there and when Yuzu left for her evening and night work Mei would return to the room for the seven hours Yuzu would usually be gone for.

For most, it might have seemed like some sort of isolation, but for Mei, it gave her something to do in a place where she wasn't constantly reminded of the blonde's absence. After all, this was the only room in the house where Yuzu spent very little time. There were fewer memories for her to relate to when she was sitting at the desk doing paperwork.

It may have seemed like five weeks wasn't that long to go without seeing her partner much on the weekends, but from spending next to every moment with her it was proving to be quite the adjustment. The first week Mei bathed in the freedom and quietness, the second she did much the same. But the quietness soon became the thing she tried to avoid, she welcomed the cheery voice and the noise.

And as usual, the afternoon went by relatively fast, with plenty of notes done by the time Yuzu arrived home. After welcoming the blonde back and sitting down to have lunch, Yuzu returned to their earlier conversation.

"So I asked my boss about next weekend and he said that should be fine." Yuzu smiled brightly as she relayed her good news. "Which means we can both go and see the person you don't like together." Teasing the younger girl, Yuzu couldn't help but giggle when she saw Mei roll her eyes.

"I don't know why you think I wouldn't go just because I didn't like someone," Mei argued, but Yuzu had her argument well prepared and the cocky smile on her face told Mei she was very confident in her next words.

"Oh yeah? What if I asked you to go and have coffee with Matsuri this afternoon, would you go and be polite?" Her grin so wide it was almost unsettling, Yuzu playfully tapped her fingers off the wooden table. She watched as Mei's brow furrowed and her teeth visibly clenched.

"If there was some reason why I had to then I think I could force myself." Though her body language clearly contradicted her words, Mei continued to stick to her argument. It had been several weeks since the whole ordeal with their younger friend, but Mei still held it against her. The week it happened Yuzu and Mei received the two girls at their front door and Yuzu had to physically stop Mei from leaping onto the pinkette out of rage. The young girl had explained herself and apologised several times for what she did. Even if the couple weren't told of the details that occurred outside the restaurant, both were very much aware of the harm it had caused.

Yuzu being the kind and loving person she is, had forgiven Matsuri on the spot and after a minor lecture about buying unsafe products had invited the two to stay for dinner. Mei, however, was still coming to terms with it. She could still remember the events clearly in her mind if she thought about it and it was all because of one immature child. Though with some begging from Yuzu and several more apologies from Matsuri and Harumi Mei was finally starting to speak to younger girl again, that didn't mean she had completely forgotten about it.

"I'm sure you would," Smirking, Yuzu got from the table and placed a quick kiss to Mei's cheek before going to the couch. Mei was quick to follow as she sat down next to her girlfriend and refused to move from her side until she had to leave again for work.

"It's my turn to stay behind and help clean everything up tonight so I won't be home until late. You don't have to stay up for me, after all, I have no idea when I'll be home. It'll probably be sometime around one I think." Edging off the couch as Yuzu looked at the time, sighing as she moved out of Mei's company to a standing position.

Placing her book down on, Mei looked up to her girlfriend who at the moment was wearing a weary smile, "Then I'll stay up until quarter past one when you arrive home." Mei said it matter of factly. Yuzu still didn't like taking the car to work as she said it was a waste of money and bad for the environment, so at this moment she was still walking home from work. Given that little to no incidents happened where they lived but that didn't mean Mei couldn't be a little cautious when her girlfriend was walking home in the early hours of the morning.

"Don't worry, it isn't a bother for me. You are going to be late if you don't hurry up," Mei said as she picked up her book again and waited for Yuzu to leave. "If you're sure... I'll see you later, I love you!" Giving a loud mushy kiss to Mei's reddening cheek before she grabbed her coat and keys, Yuzu shouted a final goodbye into the apartment before she closed and locked the door behind her.

The next few hours Mei had spent reading her book before making something small and simple for her dinner. Yuzu had informed her it wasn't necessary for her to make her dinner as every night she worked she was allowed to bring food home for herself. As expected Mei wasn't fond of this idea either, but Yuzu had assured that she would just be having rice and a sauce, nothing exceptionally unhealthy.

Washing her dished before she returned to the study for what would be several more hours of study. As expected it was a long night before Yuzu returned home, Yuzu washed up quickly for bed and joined Mei beneath the sheets where she was only just managing to stay awake until her girlfriend returned home.

...

The week had passed quickly for both girls, Yuzu always felt as though the week went by so fast with school and work, it was a greeting when the weekend came and she didn't have to think about being at lectures on time. It was currently Saturday morning and as planned the two were preparing to make the journey down to their grandfather's house for this surprise guest.

"So are we staying the night or just over for the afternoon?" Yuzu asked as she spat her toothpaste into the sink and washed off her brush, contemplating whether she would need to bring it or not.

"No I don't think so, just this afternoon and we will most likely stay for dinner but that is all," Mei replied as she similarly put her toothbrush away and started on her hair. She had only been asked to come over to meet this person and nothing more.

It wasn't long before they were both leaving the house with Yuzu in the drivers stop. It was almost as if she was the designated driver of the house as it was rare for Mei to drive unless Yuzu was incapable of doing so. It was a casual thing, Yuzu always seemed to pick the driver's seat over the passenger's seat.

It wasn't long before they arrived at Mei's old home, well the time passed quickly for Yuzu, but for Mei, it was an endless questionnaire about who she may have a vendetta against. Who was the mystery man they were coming to meet? Yuzu seemed very excited to find out, Mei, however, seemed much more reserved about the whole thing.

They were met at the door by the butler of the house who greeted Mei with a smile, "Good morning Miss, I hope your journey here was relaxing." The elderly man smiled, not sure of the meaning behind the side look Mei shot Yuzu at his words.

"It was many things, relaxing was not one of them." Yuzu stifled a giggle, as she tied her hands behind her back to give off an innocent impression. The well-dressed man being forced to shrug off the interaction as he motioned inside.

"Mr Aihara is waiting for you in his study, he said he would like to speak with you alone before you meet your guest. I would be happy to bring your friend some tea while she waists," Closing the door behind the two, the man took both their coats before waiting for Mei's verdict. Looking at the coat hook Mei noticed another woman coat, so it wasn't a he was here to meet but a woman.

"Very well, I can find my own way to the study, please take Yuzu to one of the lounges I'll be there shortly... Please don't cause any trouble." Mei nodded to the man before turning to Yuzu with a serious expression. "Honestly, what bother could I make while I'm drinking tea with your butler?" Yuzu laughed, but Mei only shook her head. "Knowing you you'd find something." After saying her last words, Mei began walking down the hall and soon she was out of sight leaving Yuzu and the elderly man alone.

"Miss Aihara's guest is currently in our first lounge, would you like to join them?" Turning to Yuzu, the man continued, already leading her down an opposite hall from the one Mei had just taken.

"Are you sure that's allowed? I mean if Mei isn't allowed to see them shouldn't I wait until she's here? If it's a business partner I don't think she would want me meeting them first." Yuzu rambled out, not thinking she should be the first one to meet her girlfriends guest. However, her thoughts where quickly put to rest as they came to a halt outside a large door.

"Do not worry my dear, Miss Aihara's guest is a family member. Mr Aihara just wanted to talk to her so she would not leave straight away upon meeting her. You are more than welcome to come and meet Miss Scott," Smiling the man waited with his hand on the handle waiting for the blonde to give the okay for him to open the door.

Yuzu was both surprised to hear that the person they where here to meet was Mei's family, but that the entire house seemed to be aware of Mei's dislike towards her. That along with the name Scott, Yuzu wasn't aware MEI had any foreign family. Giving a nod of her head Yuzu walked into the room and was announced by the Butler.

"Miss Scott, this is Miss Aihara she will be joining you for the moment," After he was finished the man closed the door behind the pair leaving the two completely alone in the large room.

"Hi," Yuzu said nervously as she stood at the door where she had been left, looking in amazement at the blonde sitting before her. She was, in fact, forgive Yuzu could tell that just by the blonde hair, and when she spoke Yuzu seemed mesmerised by the Scottish accent that came through her flawless Japanese.

"Good morning, I'm willow, but you are not Mei?" Yuzu could see that the girl was confused by her being introduced with her new last name, if this girl was family then surely she should have known that Shou had remarried and had a stepdaughter.

"Oh well, that's a bit of a long, complicated story. I'm Mei's girlfriend...but ehh also her stepsister. My Mama married her dad when we were sixteen, so that's how I became an Aihara, but Mei's my girlfriend. I can tell you probably don't approve, but-" Yuzu cheeks reddened in embarrassment. She always found it so difficult to explain her and Mei's relationship to other people, yet she was cut off with a smile and a laugh.

"You don't have to be so nervous you know? Come and sit down, you can tell me all about it. I never would have thought Mei would be one to have a girlfriend though it'll be good to get some gossip before she turns up. And in case you are wondering, I'm Mei's cousin." With a grin so bright Yuzu couldn't help but smile back, the two soon delved deep into conversation.

To Yuzu this girl seemed amazing, she couldn't think of anything that would make Mei dislike the girl as much as she allegedly did, but she would soon find out as it wouldn't be long before Mei would join them.

...

Assuming she had gone to the main lounge to wait, Mei continued her sluggish walk there only to slow even more when a familiar giggle sounded through the hall. A giggle that she hadn't heard in years but still recognised in an instant had her frozen in place as she tried to figure out if Yuzu was with the girl or if she could escape without having to say hello.

Obviously, it wasn't exactly polite for Mei to hope she could avoid the run-in with the girl, but she thought her reasons were more than justified. She had informed her grandfather that she had no reason to meet with the girl and had planned to find Yuzu and go.

But as she dreaded, Yuzu's loud laugh came shortly after and she was left with no other choice but to enter the room to hopefully retrieve her girlfriend and leave as fast as possible.

Sighing Mei rubbed her temple before walking into the room. The movement of the door catching the attention of both girls who Mei saw sitting on the plush sofa. Yuzu's expression lit up at seeing her girlfriend again, but Mei barely managed a smile as her focus was on looking over her old 'friend'.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUZ!" The congratulations came as a shout and along with it came two arms wrapped around her neck in a tight embrace.

A woman head hight with Mei, natural blonde wavy locks flowed halfway down her back, a figure of that which was showcased in magazines and eyes that matched Mei's; perhaps they were a shade lighter.

Her Scottish accent showed strongly through her fluent Japanese as she greeted her cousin. Something Yuzu found greatly interesting and extreme delight in listening to.

"We are not cousins Willow, and my birthday was last month." Mei's voice came out naturally cold as she peeled the slender, but surprisingly strong limbs from around her neck.

Eventually getting the woman off her, Mei took several steps towards Yuzu who was looking a little confused at the moment. Most likely because Willow had no doubt told her girlfriend that they were cousins, plus her rather monotone reaction to their guest.

"Yeah yeah I know, but I got delayed by some things or I would have been here last month to see you. And hey, don't lie, we are cousins!" The scot whined as she pouted her plump, gloss covered lips, hands coming to rest on her hips as she eyed the couple.

"Mei?" Yuzu's voice stopped Mei's growingly cold stare she was giving, turning it soft as she shifted to look at Yuzu.

"Willow is my Grandfather's Grandfather's second sons sons sons daughter. Her father Atomu, moved to Scotland when he was in his twenties, met a woman and that's where Willow came from. When my mother left me when I was five, father left shortly after and I was with Grandfather for a short while, however, several weeks later Willow and her father offered to take me in, back to Scotland with them. Apparently, he and my father were good friends from business anyway, and after he heard what had happened came to help. Claiming we were family and he couldn't just leave me alone." Mei recited the information to Yuzu who furrowed her brow at the information.

She never did like hearing about Mei's mother, it made her so mad! Who would willingly leave their daughter, especially one as amazing as Mei?

Yuzu looked back to her newly acquired friend to see her nodding in agreement.

"But you told me you grew up with Gramps?" Yuzu asked, even more confused by that than trying to work out what Willow actually was to Mei.

"I did. I refused their offer, but they decided to stay anyway. Grandfather also knew Atomu so he was happy to let him stay with us, after almost two months her mother came over as well and they lived here for almost six years before moving back to Scotland. I kept in touch with them through Grandfather and business associates but nothing more and over the years I lost contact with them." Mei said all this with a sour spin on her words.

Yuzu was stood in amazement, this girl was practically Mei's sister.

"So she's not your cousin but your sister cuz you got to know each other so well?" Yuzu's excited voice rang out as she jumped a little in place, but her idea was immediately shot down.

"I'm afraid not Yuzu, Mei won't even let me call her my cousin never mind her sister. She's always been distant with me, at first I thought she was just sad cuz ya know her mum and dad left, but even as the years went on she still kept her cold walls up. It made me so sad." As she said this she had a remorseful look on her face, but it quickly changed into her cheesily smile.

"But I still haven't given up!" Yuzu grinned at this girls enthusiasm, she really did remind her of herself.

Unsure why Mei had failed to ever even mention this part of her family, Yuzu could only imagine Mei's reasons. Willow seemed like a bright girl from where Yuzu was standing, but from past experiences, Mei didn't seem to take to people often.

"Anyway I know why you never liked spending time with me," a cocky grin crept it's way onto her face as she turned to face Mei again, being met with an even colder glare.

"And what would that be?"

"Jealousy." A sure nod later from the platinum blonde and Mei narrowed her eyes so far Yuzu was beginning to wonder if she should leave for her own safety.

Her mouth opened to retort to the words but Mei couldn't bring herself to argue; She was right.

"Let's go home." The words more of a demand than a question or statement, Mei began walking towards the door confident that Yuzu would follow.

"Awe Mei, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you upset. Please just talk to me, I came all the way here to see you again," Willow pleaded childishly as she practically ran to Mei and took hold of her arm.

"Please don't touch me," Slipping her arm free of her slightly older family member, Mei's glower softened slightly, but still cold enough that no sain person would initiate a conversation.

"Thank you for the birthday wishes and I appreciate you making the journey here but that is it. I have to get home I have some things to take care of... Yuzu." Mei paused at the end, giving Willow one last look before turning to Yuzu, motioning to the door with her hand. But again she was stopped by a blonde, only this time it was one she was more than familiar with.

"Babe C'mon, you don't have a class until tomorrow afternoon I'm sure you have time to stay for a catch-up, or we could even stay the night and I'll drive us home tomorrow morning?" Now at Mei's side, Yuzu gave a warm smile while she waited for Mei to speak but they were brought out of their conversation at the sound of laughing.

"Haha... 'Babe?'" Willows laughter filled the room and Mei felt her chest tighten. "Never would I have thought that Mei would ever let someone call her 'babe' and get out of it alive!" A burst of laughter filled the room again and Yuzu, who had a slight blush on her cheeks, could see where she was coming from. It did seem a little bizarre that Mei let her call her that, along with some other random cute little nicknames she came up with randomly.

"My personal life is of no concern to you," Gritty, salty words were spat out of Mei's mouth and she turned to leave the room, this time not stopping when she heard the new arrival try and stop her.

"Sorry about her, I'm ehh not too sure what's going on here but I'll talk to her. Here's my number, it was great meeting you!" Scribbling down the numbers on a piece of paper, Yuzu gave the girl a fleeting smile as she tried to rush after her girlfriend who was now nowhere in sight.

Bolting out the door, Yuzu just managed to see her girlfriend's hair before she disappeared around the corner that lead to the front door.

Running, Yuzu made up the distance relatively fast, and by the time Mei was walking down the stairs of the porch, Yuzu was in front of her trying to get her to stop.

"Mei slow down, what's going on here? She's your cousin or something like that, why are you being so rude to her? She came from Scotland to see you!" Lunging to a stop, Yuzu managed to get Mei to stop on the gravel just a few feet from their car.

"Yuzu I'm not fighting you on this, move out of my way and get in the car." Her voice sterner than ever, Mei had one sole purpose which was getting home right now.

After a few moments of consideration, Yuzu moved out of Mei's way and walked around to her side of the car. By the time she got there Mei was already sitting with her seatbelt on and ready to go, clearly not wanting to be here for any longer than she had to.

"...Mei?" Silence filled the car before Yuzu finally managed to break the tension, hoping her girlfriend would at least explain to her what was going on.

All she got was a sigh in response ere gesturing to the road, making it clear that she wasn't going to speak until they were on their way home.

Driving was not something Yuzu wanted to do at the moment, she poured all her attention into figuring out her girlfriend's expression. Sure over the years of them being together it got easier, but Mei was a mystery through and through. You had a better chance of winning the lottery than figuring that shit out.

"Will you stop watching me?" Her voice came loud through the silence of the car and Yuzu flicked her eyes back to the steering wheel, a light cough to take from the awkwardness.

"Umm... are you going to explain at all?" Yuzu tentatively asked as she forced herself to keep her eyes away from her girlfriend.

"Does it really need any explaining? You met her you know who she is, I don't have anything else to say about her. She is a distant family member, I have no business relations with her so there is no need to continue the relationship."

"You don't have business relations with me so does that mean we don't need to have a relationship? Hmm, what about Mama, she doesn't have any business with you and yet you still talk and associate with her?" Yuzu knew what she was saying was pushing buttons that should have been left well alone for a while, but she wanted answers. Proper ones.

She got a quick catch up of who this girl was but she didn't know why Mei was being so cruel towards her. Or what she had been 'jealous' of her over, along with why in five years of a relationship she had failed to mention that she practically had a sister for seven years.

A growl could be heard and Yuzu instantly regretted what she said. "That is completely different. Mother took me and treated me like her own daughter, you are my significant other. Both of which rules you two out of what I just said." Her tone was slowly becoming colder the more she spoke, but Yuzu couldn't find it within herself to let this fude go on. They were family and Yuzu knew Willow was a great and genuine girl just by meeting with her for a short while, she really wanted to at least try and fix this broken relationship.

"They did that too though, right? When you were left alone they came and took you in. Surely Willow's Mum and Dad would have treated you as their own, you were five!... I just don't get why you were being so mean to her when you clearly mean so much to her... Did she do something to you when you lived together?" Yuzu's raised voice dwindled down when she considered that maybe something had happened to Mei to induce this deep dislike for the girl.

"Listen: my mother all but walked out on me then and I haven't heard from her since. Father left months later due to grief and only just recently came back, I was five, I was upset, mad, full of hatred but I still loved them. She was my mother, who raised me for years and he loved me unconditionally, I refused to let some random family come into my life and try and replace them... Even if I knew that mine wasn't ever coming home." Mei's voice grew weak as she spoke, bitter hurtful memories from the past pulling at her heart.

Yuzu felt her own heart clench at her girlfriend's pain. She could see the pain and sadness in her eyes, but before she could even attempt to comfort her Mei spoke up after quickly drying her eyes.

"Willow was their daughter and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't beat her at anything. No matter what the subject was she always seemed to excel in it more than me, she always got the praise from her parents and no matter how hard they may have tried I was always watching from the outside. Instead of trying to be part of something I knew I wasn't I decided to avoid them, there was no point in me trying as whenever I did I was never good enough. Not for my mother, not for my father, not for Atomu or Jane and no matter how hard I tried I was never good enough to be Willow's equal." Mei had tears streaming down her cheeks at the painful words she spoke, the feeling that had haunted her for years was being relived and she hated it.

Mei heard the click of a seatbelt before she felt warm arms wrap around her. Holding her tight against her chest, Yuzu held her arms around her back while she let Mei tuck her face into the crook of her neck, her cries hurting Yuzu's heart as she listened to her childhood heartbreak.

"Hey, it's all okay. You Mei, are amazing, brilliant and loved. You are more than good enough for me, I love you more than anything. Mama and Papa they both love you too..." Letting the soft words escape her lips as she placed a few soft kisses the back of Mei's head, Yuzu tried to soothe her by combing her fingers through her hair and making soft 'shushing' noise to calm her down.

Gently rocking them back and forth, Yuzu felt her guilt build even more. Why did she have to push Mei to the point where she was in tears, again.

Within a few minutes, Mei had stopped her tears and moved out of Yuzu's grasp to fix herself up. She could say she felt like a muppet right now. Crying over things that happened so long ago and seemed so childish in Mei's eyes, it was not something she really wanted Yuzu to see.

Jealousy was not an attractive trait and she did not think Yuzu would appreciate or understood when she said that she didn't want to spend time with Willow because she always managed to outshine her. It didn't matter what it was, Mathematics, Literacy, science, business or even simpler kiddy things such as arts or even making friends. She always had Mei beat.

Anything she tried to do and show her 'parents' Willow always produced something better than her. Pop quizzes - she scored higher, Test's and exams - Her grade was always second best, Friends - She had one to rival an army of Willow's.

Now, of course, Willow's parents never meant to outcast Mei the way they did, it was just subtle things but they meant a great deal to a young girl who had already been through so much.

Yuzu sat back into her seat and let Mei think for a moment, Yuzu reached a hand over the gearstick and took hold of Mei hand. Noticing the small trembling it was doing, Yuzu tried to calm it by laying small patterns on the hot skin.

"You don't have to be ashamed or anything Mei. I might not fully understand how you felt then, but you excel in loads of things, always scoring the highest in school and even in university all of your assignments have been in the nineties. You don't have to compare yourself to her, you just have to be you." Yuzu tried to coax the girl into speaking, hoping her words were doing anything in the ways of comforting her still sniffling girlfriend.

She didn't get a reply but the grip on her hand told Yuzu that Mei was listening to her.

"I'm sorry Mei if I'd known I wouldn't have pushed you like that..." Yuzu mumbled the apology, now wishing they were closer to home so Mei would feel more comfortable.

"You can't apologise for asking, you were curious and nothing could have helped it. Anyway if you wouldn't mind I would appreciate some silence," Mei's voice came rather solemnly as she let go of Yuzu's hand to stare out the window.

Knowing better than to push, Yuzu allowed herself to be freed and let the car sink into quiet. They were still sitting outside the grand house, Yuzu still hoped she could persuade Mei into going back inside to try again. Though it did seem rather pointless at this point as Mei continued to sit in silence.

Cursing under her breath Yuzu reached for Mei again when she saw her wiping the back of her hand across her eyes to dismiss the tears forming there.

"Hey?..." Edging closer to Mei to be able to plant her hands firmly on her shoulders, Yuzu spoke softly as she tried to get Mei to look at her.

"I'm fine, it is just not part of my past that brings back the happiest of memories for me." Mei gave a reassuring squeeze to her girlfriend's hand.

"I know you don't want to talk about it, but I just have to know... Even if she did outshine you when you were younger, Willow seems like a really nice person and I can't see her intentionally being malicious or mean to you... what I'm asking is why do you hate her so much?" Yuzu's voice was small as she asked her question knowing it was slightly too soon to be prying and more information from Mei, but wanting answers none the less.

"I do not hate her Yuzu, I love her, in my own way. I hate that I could never be better than her, but she is a nice person. Caring, gentle, smart, extremely outgoing and generous... A lot like you, but she can also be one to tease too much, she's competitive, fueled to win and always has to be right. I lived with her for seven years, it would be impossible not to feel something for her during that time, but her presence is only a reminder that I was abandoned by everyone apart from my Grandfather and lived as the second-best for the better part of my childhood. It's not that I don't care or appreciate her coming here, but I would rather let the past stay in the past." Mei spoke quickly as she ushered the words who Yuzu to wore a sorrowful look as she listened.

"You know I'll do what you want, if you don't want to meet her again then we don't have to... but it's clear that she cares a lot for you, who knows maybe now that your life is a little more... stable, that you would like getting to know her. I mean it's still morning and you did say that we would be staying until dinner. Would it not be better to at least try and get to know her again? I mean she seemed really nice when I was speaking to her, and she really seemed to miss you." Yuzu gave a hopeful smile and Mei could see that she was hoping she would say yes, as it was clear that Yuzu had taken a liking to the blonde.

Mei stayed silent for a moment longer before she dried her eyes of any remaining tear and wiped her hand over her long skirt. "Very well, you might be right. Does she know about us?" Mei replied, seemingly having centred her thoughts as her voice took it's normal -when with Yuzu- gentle tone.

"Yeah, I kinda had to after your butler introduced me as Miss Aihara, but she's completely okay with it. I explained it to her and she thought it was cute. So are you ready to go back inside to talk with her?" Yuzu asked a final time as she opened her door and waited for Mei to do the same.

"I am," Opening her door, Mei got out of the car and took a deep breath as she eyes the house from the bottom of the stairs.