Chapter 43: A Small Gift

Yuzu stood in awe as she watched a vibrant yellow Lamborghini pull up into the driveway, reaving the engine once before the car stopped. As Yuzu stood in awe Willow jumped from the steps and ran to the car, getting there just in time to hug the tall man who stepped out. The hug was received in full as he picked the lightweight girl up off her feet and spun her around while giving her a long kiss to her neck.

"Damn..." Yuzu said as she looked at Willow's boyfriend, he was more than a treat for the eye and was definitely rivalling his girlfriend for the handsome one in the relationship.

Over six ft tall, dark messy hair that was longer than most men Yuzu had ever met coming down to his eyebrows and brushing the collar of his shirt. Muscles well defined, Yuzu could tell not only by his slender torso but the muscles that flexed in his forearms when he picked his girlfriend effortlessly from the floor. His smile was bright and white, his green eyes, though they weren't as prominent as Yuzu's, were soft and full of life. His black jeans and brown boots showed his fashion sense along with the plaid shirt that was unbuttoned slightly at the top. His skin tanned compared to most of the company, clearly a sign of his British ethnicity.

A sharp, fast pain shot through Yuzu's side as she was admiring their newest guest. A sharp wheeze sound could be heard as Yuzu hunched over, just in time to see Mei's elbow retracting.

"The car, I was talking about the car!" Pulling herself together before Willow or her boyfriend could see her state, Yuzu awkwardly stood up straight and grabbed her side with her hand. Trying, and failing, to ease the lingering pain.

"Don't lie to me. Honestly, I'm standing right here and you still say it." Standing by her girlfriend, Mei rolled and narrowed her eyes at the blonde beside her.

Not that she showed it, but Yuzu's immediate interest in Willow's partner stung. Stung badly. Was this just another thing she paled in comparison to Willow at? Was her own girlfriend more attracted to Willow's boyfriend than her?

A pleading grin on her face, Yuzu clamped onto Mei's arm and swung it back and forth.

"C'mon Mei, he's hot as hell you can see that! It's not my fault. Anyways, I have you so it's not like I'm gonna go sticking my nose in, you don't have to worry about me running off with him or anything like that because I'm happy where I am." Yuzu said, though it appeared that the words didn't have the desired effect on the younger girl and she got a very low and cold "Let go." before Mei tugged her arm out of Yuzu's grip.

"Mei, Yuzu this is Ashton my boyfriend." Smiling proudly, Willow gestured to the man on her left arm who gave an awkward bow and introduced himself.

"Good morning, I'm Ashton Welling. Please to meet you both," He gave a gentle and welcoming smile to the two ladies, not aware of the recent tension between them.

Yuzu gave a curt bow back and grinned at his slightly blotchy Japanese, the accent still making her laugh.

"Nice to meet you." Smiling again as she answered him, Yuzu could feel Mei's eyes watching her and decided it best to step closer to Mei so she would take the hint and say hello.

"The pleasure is mine, Willow has said little about you but you seem pleasant." Giving what might have been considered a smile, Mei bowed to the young man.

"He's not been speaking Japanese for that long so you'll have to excuse his strick speaking, trust me he is super talkative in English. Though he can understand most of what is being said, just responding is a little difficult, so don't say anything inappropriate cuz he'll understand." Willow laughed as she gave the man a sympathetic tap on the shoulder and began leading him into the house.

Mei followed quickly behind the couple, not waiting for Yuzu who was checking out the smart car in the drive. Sensing that she had been left alone, Yuzu quickly turned and just caught Mei by the wrist to pull her back outside. She instantly felt resistance but managed to get Mei out of earshot of Willow and Ashton who were already on their way to the lounge.

"Mei, can you give me a minute?" Yuzu asked as she released Mei's hand and took a step toward her. Mei stood silent, her expression blank and uninterested as she looked down at her girlfriend. Gulping down her nervous lump of saliva that had accumulated at the back of her throat, Yuzu tried to approach Mei warmly and at least try to make her feel at ease.

"I'm sorry for what I said, I didn't think about it properly and it came out wrong. Yeah, he's good looking, but so are you. You're my girlfriend Mei, and I'm not looking to replace you. I still love you more than anything in the world, not a single person could make me happier than you do. I looked and that was it, nothing is going to happen with me and him because he's just not as amazingly beautiful as you are." Yuzu said in a comforting voice, looking past the plain expression on Mei's face to the saddened and hurt look in her eyes.

"I know that. I don't think you are going to run away with him; he is here as Willow's boyfriend. Just try not to so openly show how attractive you think he is, you might not intend to do anything and you also might not intend for it to hurt... but it does. I don't want to have to compare myself to someone like that because that's what you like. I can't compete with that; I'm not tall, muscular or have broad shoulders that you like, nor can I pick you up like that. Seeing you fawn over him is just a reminder that I'm not what you are naturally attracted to." Mei said as she choked back a sob and turned away from Yuzu.

It was no secret that Yuzu was straight as a lamppost before she met Mei, even now Mei still suspected it some days. Yuzu showed little to no interest in other girls aside from her, but a hot guy would catch her attention. Today proved it. Sure if a good looking girl stripped down and started coming onto her, Yuzu would turn red and body flustered, but Yuzu saw nearly every girl as a friend and nothing more. The same could not be said for guys. It was obvious that Yuzu loved Mei with all her heart, but she also found many other people hot and didn't exactly hide it very well.

It was natural to look, obviously, and normally it wouldn't have bothered Mei as much; She would have grunted in dissatisfaction, probably make a smart comment about her looking and that'd be it, but today it hit home. Today she was trying to see herself as Willow's equal, not feel insecure about her appearance because Yuzu couldn't keep her mouth shut.

"How can you say that?!" Yuzu's raised voice was offended and hurt by her girlfriend's words. Did Mei really think that about her? How could she not be attracted to Mei, she was everything to Yuzu. Window shopping, as Harumi called it, was completely normal. They looked and admired but never considered buying anything, they had a perfectly good wardrobe at home that didn't need replacing. Yuzu knew people didn't just stop finding others attractive when they got in a relationship, that just wasn't how things work.

"I'm your girlfriend, Mei! I wouldn't be with you if I didn't find you attractive!" Running her hand through her hair as she shook her head, Yuzu gave what would be considered a scoff of disbelief at what Mei was saying.

"Honestly, I'm pretty sure I'm gay if I've been with you for this long. I'm not exactly going around looking for dic..." Stopping to collect herself and from saying anything further. Yuzu stepped back from Mei, taking note of the many emotions playing in her eyes, but her annoyance winning ultimately.

"Listen, I brought you back out here to apologise, not for this. I love you and I want you, not a guy and not another girl. So will you just accept my apology and forget about this?" Yuzu asked, her voice rather calm, but snippets of irritation showed through.

Mei was a little taken aback when she saw Yuzu's reaction, maybe she should have thought more about her accusations before blurting them out as it had clearly offended the blonde.

Yes, Yuzu was aware Mei was under a lot of stress and seeing Willow out of the blue was surely hard for Mei, but that didn't mean she could have a pop at her girlfriend over the smallest of things. Yesterday she got mad and walked away, pushed her off the bed, last night she got upset over a joke and now she was saying this? Yuzu was nearing the end of a long length of string that was her patience, she was clinging to it by its last threads. She wanted to be supportive and help Mei with all this, but there was only so much of Mei's short temper and pushing away Yuzu could take. But she would continue to eat her words and try stop an argument from starting.

"... Okay, let's go inside." When Yuzu didn't get an immediate response from her girlfriend or any response, she decided for them and begun walking into the house. Honestly, Yuzu thought sometimes Mei was the emotional one in the relationship. How could she put on such a brave and unaffected face while she came out with all these feelings randomly?

When Yuzu started walking away, Mei snapped out of her trance. "Yuzu wait, I'm... sorry. I'm not myself at the minute, you are right; let's just forget about this conversation and move on." Her glassy violet eyes showing regret, Mei reached her hand out and waited for Yuzu to take it. A sign of acceptance of her apology.

A soft sad smile appeared on the blonde's lips as she made her way back over to Mei to accept her peace offering.

"Hey, if this is really something that's been bothering you we can talk about it when we get home? I am attracted to you Mei, I think you're beautiful, smokin' hot and cute all the time. And I'm sure there are ways I could prove it to you." Yuzu said, her cheeks tinted just a dark enough shade of red for her to feel the heat in them.

Mei apologising so fast usually meant that she was being honest but felt guilty for it. Whether it was upsetting Yuzu over something like this where she said what first came to mind and realised she could have picked a better time or wording, or scolding her for doing something silly or doing something wrong and Mei saying some condescending remark about her being wrong. It was those times when she apologised and took back what she was saying. Mei realised what she had said was uncalled for, untrue or inconsiderate of the blonde's feelings, therefore giving a sincere apology and taking back what she said.

It was when she was purposely winding Yuzu up, or if they were having an argument that held no particular importance that Mei would just let it fizzle out on its own instead of saying sorry.

"No I'm fine, let's just go inside?" Mei asked as she shook her head and looked slightly away from Yuzu's questioning gaze.

After a moment of standing in silence, Mei was cocooned in the blonde's warm embrace. With Yuzu's arms wrapped around her neck, pulling her close Mei felt just that little bit better.

"We're gonna talk about this okay, and prove to you that I do love you the most?" Yuzu said on the verge of a whisper while giving Mei another quick squeeze before letting go.

Mei watched as the Yuzu gave a nod before keeping a firm grip on her hand as they walked back into the house.

She knew her words were mostly due to their company, she knew Yuzu thought she was hot, just today wasn't the right day to be challenging that. But as per usual, her girlfriend's caring side prevailed and she'd forgotten her irritation and offence to make sure Mei was okay.

...

"Mei, I really gotta go or I'm gonna be late!" Yuzu whined as she pulled on her arms that where wrapped around the taller girl's neck. Mei who was sitting on her girlfriend's lap on the couch placed several more tongued kisses to the pulsing skin of her girlfriend's neck. God how she loved hearing Yuzu moan, but she also knew Yuzu was going to end up having to run to work if she didn't release her.

After a few more quick nips to her jaw, Mei moved off Yuzu to let her stand. A few moments of silence before Mei shifted her gaze from the floor to Yuzu's flushed face.

"If it's possible, could you try and be home before midnight?" Mei asked as she brushed a few strands of hair out of her girlfriend's eyes.

"If I can be, I will be," Giving a sympathetic smile to the longing look in Mei's eyes, she placed a quick peck to Mei's cheek before bouncing out the door. A loud ' I love you' echoing through the now empty living room as the front door slammed shut.

Flopping, unMeilikely back onto the cushions, Mei let a loud sigh escape her lips.

Alone at last.

Well, that's what she wanted to think after having spent the better part of the whole afternoon with Willow and Ashton, but all that she could think was she was alone... again. She was really starting to dislike Yuzu's schedule, she never got any time to herself with the blonde anymore.

Why did she have to be like this? Today of all days when she wanted to cuddle up and be with the girl she loved, Yuzu had to shoot off before the clock even struck five. All the time for cuddling would pass before she returned home and Mei was feeling rather bitter about it.

'Everything is all set up here, you can come round for dinner if you want, I'm inviting Harumi and Matsuri over and they have both said they'll come. It'll be great, and there'll be wine so that's even better.'

Mei's attention was grabbed as a loud ping broke the silence of the house, looking to her phone that was lying on the coffee table she read the message from her cousin. She rolled her eyes and sat back in the chair. The afternoon had been spent with the two aforementioned friends along with the two blondes. They had all hit it off amazingly well, so much so that they were going round for dinner and drinks? Things just seemed to be moving all too fast for Mei's liking, how did people become friends so fast?

She sent a blunt, but relatively polite, text back declining the offer. She had to have some time away from the natural blonde after spending the last day with her.

'Oh and I messaged Yuzu to come round after her shift too, she said she'll meet you here.'

The message came through just before Mei had sent her's. The text confusing her more than anything. Mei sat with her phone in her hands reading the message again, her fingers squeezing the device as she thought back to the promise Yuzu had made about coming home right after her shift.

Ugh, what did it matter? Yuzu shouldn't be shackled down to a boring night with her when she could be out having fun with her friends and new acquaintances. She shouldn't make her girlfriend feel obligated to come home when she wanted to go out after her shift.

'I'll remain at home thank you, tell Yuzu when she gets there I'll see her at home.'

She got a reply back within seconds, a long paragraph that should have taken much longer to write than it did. Well, it would have taken Mei much longer to write.

A long moany text practically begging her to come so they could spend time together, but by the end, she was saying she understood and would let the blonde know when she arrived. Mei chose not to respond to the message, mindlessly tossing it onto the table as her mind wandered back to the day she had.

It hadn't been bad, it had actually been rather nice. Willow and her reminiscent about their younger days and how she enjoyed being with Mei, and for the first time in years she was happy to think about it. But now all she wanted was for her girlfriend to hold her, tell her she was loved and give her a kiss.

Study.

When did I start getting so emotional over not spending time with her? I need to focus.

Mei thought as she pulled herself from the couch and made a determined walk through to the bedroom. She used to be able to study for hours at a time while Yuzu went out for nightly shopping sprees with Harumi or weekend sleepovers. Now she was getting lonely because Yuzu wanted to go out after her shift? That just wasn't right, or fair, to Yuzu or to Mei. Yuzu deserved to go and have fun, and Mei shouldn't have to be so reliant on the other's presence.

So with a purposeful mind, Mei sat herself down at her desk and brushed all thoughts of the blonde from her mind. It was a little after five now giving her hours of ideal study time. Time that she would put to good use tonight, not to forget about the blonde but because she wanted to be more like she used to be: A dedicated student who put all her efforts into her study. One that didn't immediately miss Yuzu when she was gone for a couple of hours.

That's what Mei would be tonight, and every other night Yuzu was working and out with her friends. Crap, she was thinking about Yuzu again.

Mei forced her pen to the paper and her eyes to read the words from her textbook, she had to get some work done.

Why did today have to happen so fast? All she really wanted was to sit with her girlfriend and let all her problems melt away. Now she was sitting at her desk, unused notebooks staring back at her, telling herself she needed to stop relying so much on her girlfriend's presence. That she should stop spending so much time thinking about Yuzu and put it back into her studying.

Yes. That's what she needed to do. Definitely.

Her pen made contact with the crisp paper and Mei was set off on a writing spree. She never waisted a second, every moment that could be spent sucking up information was spent doing just that.

Mei felt as though she hadn't properly indulged in a good study session in far too long. Sure the past few weeks she had been doing them, but only as a way of forgetting the blonde's absence. Now she was doing it for herself, to help her feel more like her old self. And she had to admit, it felt good.

It was nearing eleven when her hand had started to cramp, forcing her to remove herself from the textbooks. Sitting back into the chair, Mei let a pleasant sigh escape her lips as she flicked through all the notes she had taken. A feeling of accomplishment was settled in her chest...

-Gurgle-

...And one of hunger in her stomach. Turning in her chair, Mei looked to the small digital clock on the blonde's side of the bed. The room had turned dark, only being illuminated by the glow of her desk lamp. It read just after eleven, gaining half past, she mentally scolded herself for forgetting the time.

She had only recently been getting on at Yuzu, making sure she was eating after work. This was all due to the fact that she still told Mei not to cook her anything and therefore, Mei was taking the older girls word. Now she was the one who had not eaten.

Standing from the chair, Mei slowly made her way to the kitchen, her stiff joints protesting all the way. It was late and Mei didn't want anything heavy, so making a small sandwich she sat herself down at the table with a fresh glass of water.

It was now past half eleven, Mei had finished her dish and was contently staring at the oversized stuffed animal sitting beside her.

"She'll be home when she wants to be, we don't need to call her," Mei whispered the words to the bear, almost as if he had suggested the idea that was floating around her head at the moment. Sadly the bear sat unmoving in the hard seat as Mei watched him, looking for some sort of guidance in her current predicament.

She had finished her amazingly refreshing study session, now she wanted Yuzu. Surely there was nothing wrong with that? But then again it had only been seven hours since she had last seen her...

She'll call me when she finishes or when she's coming home...

Mei told herself when she felt her hand reaching for the device in her pocket. She knew she had upset Yuzu the past day or so. Well maybe upset wasn't the right word, she knew she had been though to handle. Her emotions were a little haywire, being nice to her one minute pushing her away or doubting her the next. Calling would definitely seem too clingy, the last thing she wanted was for the blonde to feel she had didn't want her to spend time with Willow and Ashton.

Now that she thought about it, Yuzu hadn't brought up their most recent falling out over the dark-haired boy, calling and asking how long she was going to be would probably look as though she was checking up. And she wasn't.

Right now Mei felt like a completely different person to earlier that day, she couldn't care less if Yuzu spent time with the young man. She had no insecurities towards the subject at the moment, the complete opposite to what she had said to Yuzu earlier. But that was just at the moment, a clear sign that she clearly wasn't in the right headspace right now. She just missed her girlfriend, but calling most likely wouldn't send that message.

Calling wasn't a good idea.

No. Absolutely not.

She would just wait up like every other night.

Ring...Ring...Ring.

That was until her phone started vibrating furiously in her pocket, the sound making her jump and smack her knee off the hardwood table. Fumbling for a few seconds and rubbing her bruising knee, Mei pulled the phone out to reveal just the person she was thinking about.

Coincidence, I didn't call her by mistake, did I? No, I definitely didn't.

Clarifying that she hadn't mistakenly called the blonde while her thoughts ran, Mei quickly answered the call while taking a quick glance to the clock.

11:43

Surely she would have finished work by now, perhaps she was just calling to say she was on her way to Willow's?

"Hello?" Mei's voice came through slightly quieter than she would have liked, but said nothing else to rectify her tone.

"Hiii babe! Why aren't you here?" The blonde's just slightly slurred speech was transferred through the phone, and Mei couldn't help but double-check the time. Surely the blonde couldn't drink fast enough to already be tipsy, on the verge of drunk.

"I was tired. What time did you finish?" Mei asked.

"Ummmm around half ten I think... came straight here, but you've not shown up!" Mei could hear the pout in her girlfriend's voice and hand no doubt she had her bottom lip pouted out. She gave a verbal groan down the phone. A drunk Yuzu was not the easiest person to explain things to.

"I told Willow to tell you I didn't plan on coming. Remember you have a class tomorrow morning so don't be out too late or drink too much." Mei said as she glanced back to the clock, mentally checking the blonde's school time table.

"Yeah, I know thaat! But I thought you would show up anyway! Please come round, I miss youuu!" The blonde's whining tone came through, Mei wincing as the high pitched plea reached her. She had completely missed the whole part about school, only commenting on what she was interested in. Mei could only smile at the blonde's words, she really was just too cute. Not that Mei would say that to her.

"I'm afraid it's late and I'm not quite feeling up to drinking tonight. I'll wait up for you or if you need me to, I can come and pick you up. Please don't make it too late though, Yuzu, I would like to get to sleep at a decent time tonight." Mei said rather solemnly as she nipped the bridge of her nose in frustration. She wanted Yuzu to stay out and have fun, but she didn't like going to bed until she knew she was home and safe. And if Yuzu did need a lift home she wasn't just going to abandon her, so Mei didn't really have a choice but to stay up.

"Awe Mei pleeeease?!" The blonde asked again as if it would miraculously make the younger girl change her mind.

"Yuzu I said no, I'm happy just to wait until you are ready to come home. I don't have the energy at the moment... just enjoy yourself and let me know when you think you will be home okay?" Her voice a little harsher than she would have liked to begin with, Mei stopped herself for a moment to continue.

There was a silence on the phone for a few seconds, well from Yuzu, Mei could still hear the noisy background.

"...Alright, I love you." And with those four words, the line went dead leaving Mei sitting at the table shocked. Yuzu's voice seemed to sober up at her last statement, maybe she was too harsh when she spoke and had upset the blonde? Sighing again, the raven-haired girl decided it best not to call back and after clearing her dishes away, retired to the couch with a blanket. Mildly confident that a good documentary would cheer her up.

Yuzu, on the other hand, could hear the longing in Mei's final words. She knew she meant them, that she was certain of, but she could feel there was something she just wasn't saying. Something along the lines of she was lonely. Yuzu gave a smile as she looked to her screen; she was getting a lot better at this whole diagnosing her girlfriend's mood.

"Sorry guys ama have to leave early!" Yuzu shouted as she bounced back into the heart of the small gathering, placing her can down on the table as she started putting on her coat and shoes at the door.

Without much else to say, Yuzu made her way down the flat and started on her way home to meet Mei. She couldn't deny that she was rather happy Mei was missing her. In truth she had been waiting to hear from her younger counterpart, wishing she was going to join her at some point even if she had said she wouldn't be attending. Or at least call, but this was good enough for the blonde, she could live knowing Mei was missing her but didn't want to show it.

She was maybe fifteen minutes before she was running up the flat stairs, taking two at a time to beat the clock.

11:57

Bursting in through the front door, Yuzu was a panting mess as small pieces of sweat covered her hairline. She was back before twelve, even if she had to run across the streets to get here.

The door slammed loudly begin her as she rested her panting body against it, much lower than she had intended it to be. If Mei was asleep, she definitely wasn't anymore. She was shrugging her jacket off and just flicking off her flats when she heard a timid voice come from the living room.

"Yuzu?" The quiet voice came cautiously through the house, Yuzu heard the rustling and the TV muted.

"I'm home!" Yuzu shouted back to put Mei at ease that she was alright, and that it was her coming into the apparent.

Briskly walking into the living room, Yuzu saw Mei sitting upright on the couch, surrounded by a blanket a cup of tea in her hands. An animal documentary playing on the television.

"Your home early... Why are you sweating? Are you alright?!" Mei first noticed that it had been less than twenty minutes since she had spoken to the blonde and that she looked pretty much sober now. Then she noticed the sweat on her brow and the heavy pants, panicking that something had happened on her walk home Mei straightened up on the couch as she took in the blonde's appearance.

"I'm completely fine, but I'm back before twelve!" Yuzu grinned as she wiped her forehead with her arm before flopping down onto the couch just at Mei's feet.

Mei could smell the alcohol from the party on the blonde's work clothes but chose not to comment on the matter. She had just run to get back in time.

"You didn't have to leave if you were having a good time. I didn't mean to pressure you into coming home..." Pausing the TV so she didn't miss too much of the different species of bear, Mei nervously cast her gaze to the girl at her feet.

A sweet laugh came from the wide-awake blonde before she rested her hand on Mei's leg and gave a soft squeeze.

"You didn't pressure me, Mei, I wanted to come home. I missed you just like I said!" Yuzu smiled, moving just a little bit closer to Mei on the cushions.

"But I'm sure I do smell a little, so I'm gonna go for the quickest shower possible, then we can do whatever you want!" Slapping her knees before she jumped to her feet, Yuzu gave Mei a final smile before she disappeared down the hall without time for a response. Mei was left speechless again by the blonde, her heart felt like it swelled at Yuzu's reaction. She had nothing to worry about this entire time.

True to her word Mei was met back in the living room a little over five minutes later, a towel being ruffled through damp blonde locks. Now dressed in her normal nightwear of an oversized shirt and shorts, Yuzu gave a smile as she made her way around to Mei.

As soon as Yuzu sat down beside her, Mei could smell the citrus body wash she had used and instantly felt the need to be closer to the blonde.

When Mei didn't say anything as to what she wanted, Yuzu tossed the towel to the floor, not paying attention to the disapproving look she got for it and sat behind Mei. Her legs either side of the younger girl and her back to the armrest. Leaning forward, she placed both hands on Mei's waist as gently pulled her back so they where flush.

Leaning back onto the armrest, Yuzu let Mei go down with her so they were both now lying under the fluffy blanket.

"How bout we just cuddle up here and you can keep watching your show?" After speaking softly, Yuzu placed a soft kiss to the top of Mei's head and reached for the remote. As expected, she got a nod from Mei before she turned in the embrace to better see the TV. Not that she would be able to stay awake for very long once she was snuggled up in the warm embrace.

Her face snuggled into her girlfriend's chest, Mei made sure Yuzu had enough of the blanket then turned her attention back to the screen. Happy with the arm that was around her back tapping a light pattern.

The slow fall and rise of the chest blow her told Mei that Yuzu was on her way to being fast asleep. They had been in this position for less than ten minutes and the blonde was already struggling to keep her eyes open. The alcohol had probably kicked in and was sending her to sleep, leaving Mei the only one awake, but she could still feel the lazy fingers on her back attempting to keep the motion up for Mei. Well aware that the younger girl liked it.

Smiling, Mei raised herself to her elbows to hover above Yuzu for a moment before leaving down to the soft and lightly parted lips of the blonde. It was soft and slow, only a peck, but it was warm and blissful for Mei.

Just as she opened her eyes and pulled back, she was met by barely open emeralds looking back up at her.

"I love you, Mei," Yuzu offered a weak smile up to her girlfriend, her eyes flicking shut again when Mei smiled back and returned to her chest.

I love you too

Mei said to herself as she nuzzled back into a comfy position and returned to the TV. Though it not being long before she was in a similar state to Yuzu. The screen playing to itself as the gentle synchronised breathing filled the room.

...

The sound of traffic and daylight coming in through the window slowly brought Mei out her sleep. She had attempted to turn away from the bright and rather irritating light by snuggling into the blonde's chest, however when she did this all she could find was the soft, but not soft as Yuzu's skin, cushions of the couch.

Curiosity quickly winning over, Mei opened her eyes and was confused and deflated when she was met with the bright living room but no sign of her girlfriend anywhere. The blanket was still wrapped around her, and where the blonde once lay as her pillow was now one of the couch pillows. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes and pulling the blanket back up her body to try and keep the warmth surrounding her, Mei noticed a small piece of paper on the coffee table. A large love heart drawn on the front in red pen.

Leaning forward, the young Aihara picked it up and began to read the familiar handwriting.

Morning babe!

Just like you said last night, I have a class first thing but you where sooo cute sleeping I just couldn't wake you! I'll be back this afternoon, so we can spend some time together then. And we can talk about yesterday.

Also, I didn't leave without giving you a kiss good morning and I also made you some breakfast it's in the fridge.

See you this afternoon,

Love the love of your life, Yuzu! Xoxox

PS!

I love you lots and lots and lots, and I think you are the most beautiful person in the whole wide world! xxx

Mei felt a heat rise in her cheeks and butterflies in her stomach reading the letter. She could only smile in adoration as she scanned over the note again, Yuzu really was too good to her.

Mei, unlike her girlfriend, didn't have any classes today and would support her study with self-studies from home. Though today would be spent doing just that, Mei did feel like doing something for the blonde even if it was something small. Just something that would make it clear that she was sorry for her temperamental behaviour yesterday. But what could she get Yuzu, she had everything she wanted for.

Mei sat and dwelled over her possibilities for a while before she came to a conclusion. A rather simple one, but one none the less: Earings.

Yuzu was always wearing a pair of earrings, perhaps it was time she got a new pair. After all, Mei hadn't seen her buy any jewellery in weeks, and this was a something Mei had never seen before. For as long as she had known the blonde, Yuzu had always gone out on the weekend with Harumi and returned home with at least one bag of clothing or girlish item.

Having decided what she would get Yuzu, Mei peeled herself from the couch to make her morning cup of coffee and opened the fridge to reveal a plate of scrambled eggs, a pink note on top saying, 'Have a great day, I love you!' Smiling Mei took the plate and heat it up before sitting down with her books and materials at the dinner table. She would spend the morning revising her uni work and head to the jewellers before Yuzu got back. Hopefully, she would be home before the blonde was as well.

The morning passed quickly and before Mei knew it, the alarm she had set on her phone was going off, letting her know that she needed to leave soon or the blonde would beat her home. A mere half-hour later, Mei was walking into the closest jewellers, a serious look on her face as she scanned the hundreds of items behind the glass screens.

What would Yuzu like? Something eye-catching perhaps? Gold or silver? Big or small? Loops or studs? Diamonds or crystal? Plain or colourful? Too many options presented themselves and Mei found herself becoming confused as to what she was looking for. That was until a woman greeted with a small smile.

"Is there something I can help you with today?" The woman gave an encouraging smile as she glanced to the cabinet of earing the young girl was currently looking at.

"Yes thank you, I'm looking to buy my girlfriend a pair of earing but I'm not quite sure... what," Mei said as she looked back to the daunting items all sparkling in the light. She watched as a warm smile appeared on the older woman's face that had most likely appeared due to the nervous expression on her own.

"That's quite alright, you wouldn't believe how many young men get coming in here looking for makeup gifts and having no idea what to get. What are you looking to get today?" The woman laughed at her own joke before going silent and waiting for Mei to speak up. Concerned at the furrow of the young girl's brow, the store assistant was shocked at the words that left Mei's mouth next.

"I am not here for a present to get out of the dog house, I merely want a gift that shows how much I appreciate and love her." It came off rather offensively and the womans hands shot up in a defensive manner as she tried to bow while apologising to her customer.

"Oh not at all, I didn't mean to insinuate anything at all just that we get customers in who are not sure what they are looking for either. I apologise if I have offended you in any way!" The older woman's rushed voice hit Mei's ears and she realised she had taken what the woman had said too personally and tried to coax the lady back to a standing position, giving an apology of her own.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean... You have nothing to apologise for. I just want to get some earings that she will really like, though I don't shop for things like this often so I'm a little lost." Thinking for a moment, Mei retrieved her phone and after flicking through several things, presented the screen to the businesswoman. A young youthful smile graced the screen, bright green eyes sparkling in the natural daylight, and the factor Mei was trying to show was the loop earing that hung from the small ears.

She heard a small gasp from the attendant and shot her a quizzical look, double-checking she had shown the right photo on her screen, she had, so what was with the reaction. The woman quickly pulled herself together, "Sorry, I thought I recognised her from somewhere that is all," She gave a somewhat nervous smile to the young Aihara who only nodded,

"She does spend a great deal of her time shopping and buying jewellery perhaps she has been in here a few times before... Anyway..." Swiping through a few more photos Mei showed many of the different types and styles Yuzu wore.

"They are quite nice, I suppose the question is what are you looking to buy her?" The woman couldn't wipe the smile from her lips from that moment onwards. So rarely did she meet both sides of a couple, much less seeing the love from both parties in such a way. There was just something about the way the young girl in front of her was smiling in adoration at the photos on her phone. She could remember the exact expression on the blonde's face when she had been in to make her first payment not too long ago. Talking about her beautiful girlfriend who she loved so much. Now she was seeing the recipient of such love and could honestly say it was one of the best parts of her job.

Mei thought for a moment. Yuzu did have many rather extravagant earrings, perhaps something simpler that looked like something Mei would buy.

"Probably something smaller like a stud, though I'm not all that sure," Mei said as she turned to the earrings once again, browsing the options There were many different studs, just saying that wasn't much help. Though it did lessen her options somewhat.

Something that said I love you. Something that Mei would buy but something Yuzu would wear. Though if Mei was honest it didn't matter what she bought, if it was a gift from herself then she had no doubt that Yuzu would wear it. After looking into the glass from several more minutes a small pair hidden in the back caught her eye. Why they were put at the back so out of site Mei didn't know, but she wanted to see them.

"Would it be possible to look at those?" Pointing to the small blue box at the back, Mei took a glance to the woman beside her before her eyes went back to the earing in the case. Perhaps she didn't need help after all.

Mei was in the living room no more than ten minutes before Yuzu walked in the front door, her greeting loud as she stormed the apparent.

"Babe! I'm home!" Skipping into the kitchen, the energetic bundle of blonde tussles struck a pose as she slipped to a halt on the laminate flooring.

"So I can see, how was school?" Mei gave a minute smile at the childish display before her, fully believing Yuzu had the mind of a child some times.

"It was all good, but more importantly how was your day?" making her way to her girlfriend who was currently making tea for the two, Yuzu managed to coax the younger girl away from the teapot and lace her arms over her hips. Effectively pulling Mei away from her current task as a small, very discreet pink tinged the tips of her ears.

"It went well, I got a few hours of study in..." There was a silence in the air as the two looked into the other's eyes. Something drawing the pair closer but neither wanting to break the eye contact they had.

That was until Mei glanced to her purse on the table and back into the bright grass green orbs that still watched her.

"I'm... sorry I was so temperamental the past few days. I haven't treated you fairly at all, I was rude and short-tempered as well as doubting you. I wanted you to know that I'm aware that the way I've been acting isn't right, so I got you something which I hope will make up for it..." Breaking away from the humble embrace, Mei reached for her bag and pulled out a flat rectangular blue box.

It had Yuzu gasping when she saw the box, she didn't know what to say. All she could do was let her mouth hang agape as Mei walked back towards her. The blush much more prominent now than it had been a moment ago.

"It's not much, but you haven't sent shipping in a long time because you are saving and I thought you might like something new..." Mei said as she slowly revealed the silver diamond earring to her shocked still girlfriend.

They were hearts with a few small diamonds on each piece, Mei had though Yuzu would like them. They where cute but reserved didn't look too mature but held a soft of elegance to them. However, maybe she had been wrong. Yuzu hadn't said anything, she had only stared in silence as her eyes where fixed on the box in her shaking hands.

"If-if you don't like them I can take them back and get you something different, or even bring you with me to-" Mei's stuttering was cut off as Yuzu let a whimper escape her lips.

"No Mei... they're beautiful... Thank you," When she finally had it in her to realise she had left Mei waiting a little too long, Yuzu flicked her eyes back to Mei's who's where full of caution.

Yuzu reached out her hand to take the box from her partner, who's hands dropped in relief as if a great weight had just been lifted from her palms.

The blonde was suddenly a ball of excitement as she giddily looked to the gift in her hand. Her eyes scanned them for every detail as her hand reached out to Mei's cheek.

"They're wonderful Mei!" Pressing her lips to the younger girls with more force than intended, Mei felt her body melt and the pressure gone when Yuzu began showing her excitement. Who would've thought that something as simple as this was as nerve-wracking as presenting a meeting or talking to the student body of a school?

Only Yuzu could have that effect on her. Mei was certain of it.

"I love them!" Mei's thoughts were disrupted when she was pulled into a tight embrace as Yuzu placed a few more appreciative kisses to the side her neck as she gave her girlfriend a tight squeeze.

"I'm glad... I love you too Yuzu." Mei said back, knowing Yuzu hadn't said those exact words to her but had meant them all the same. And it was a relief to feel so carefree and relaxed after the bombshell that had been dropped on her not a few days ago. To feel the warmth that encapsulated her right now was enough to make all her worries slip away.