Kapitel 40: Chapter 40: Warm
She looks so beautiful sleeping but if she doesn't get up soon we'll both be late... Her neck looks sore though.
Yuzu frowned as she stroked her fingers over Mei's neck as she looked at the marks she had unknowingly left the evening before. Rubbing the bruises a moment longer before Yuzu gave a quiet kiss to Mei's forehead and shuffled out of the covers trying to make as little noise as possible.
They had ended up staying up long past midnight talking, watching movies and doing some much-needed couples bonding, so it was no surprise that Mei was still sleeping at half eight. She had class at eleven meaning they would have to leave the hotel at ten at the latest to be home to get changed into fresh clothes and grab Mei's books.
But Mei looked a long way from waking up, so grabbing her clothes Yuzu quickly changed before slipping out the door making sure to have her phone and the key card.
One thing Mei needed in the morning was a coffee, and so Yuzu decided she would get it. And while she was out, she had also made the decision to get the car. It would be quite the walk away, but if she drove back she believed she could do the trip in under half an hour. And hopefully before Mei woke up.
And so that's what she did. Almost a jog she was walking so fast down the street. Soon Yuzu saw their car come into view, the sight a welcomed one in the morning sun. Grabbing coffees and a few variations of pastries Yuzu hopped into the car and drove back to the hotel. And after scooping up all their breakfast rushed back up the stairs to meet her girlfriend who she doubted would even be awake.
Tip-toeing into the room, Yuzu flicked her shoes off and slipped into the main bedroom to see if her girlfriend was awake. Yet the two eyes remained closed a small content smile came to Yuzu's lips when she saw Mei's brow furrowed as she clasped onto the blonde's pillow.
Knowing what she was looking for, Yuzu placed the coffees on the dresser and gently shuffled onto the bed and pried the pillow from her girlfriend's fingers. The action forcing Mei to open her eyes as she tried to tighten her grip on the pillow, looking for the thief.
"Good morning, babe," Yuzu smiled and pecked Mei on the lips, amused at the lack of awareness Mei was showing as she grumbled a response and wiped her eyes as she sat up, holding the white sheets to her chest. After a few more minutes of taking in her surroundings and stretching, Mei finally noticed the blonde's attire.
"And where have you been?" Still waking up from her slumber Mei hadn't noticed the beverages on the counter or the smell of coffee in the room. Jumping to her knees on the soft mattress, Yuzu laced her arms over Mei's bare shoulders and layed another kiss to her girlfriend's lips.
"I went and got us some breakfast then I went and got the car from down the street." Giving a bright smile when she was finished, Yuzu placed a peck on Mei's cheek before bouncing off the bed to retrieve her girlfriend's coffee.
"We still have to go home to get fresh clothes and your books for class, so I thought it would save some time if I got it for us to have here, plus it means we get to stay here for a little bit longer," Yuzu smiled as she spoke and handed the to-go mug to a still somewhat drowsy Mei.
"Thank you," Taking the cup without hesitation, Yuzu watched as Mei took a large mouthful before leaning back against the cushioned headboard.
"Sorry for keeping you up so late, how'd you sleep?" Grabbing her own drink and bringing the selection of pastries to the bed, Yuzu sat with her legs crossed in front of Mei.
Turning her nose up at eating just after waking up, Mei opted for sipping on her coffee alone. "I slept well last night, you don't need to apologise for staying up. I enjoyed talking and staying up cuddling." Mei answered, turning her head away as she spoke, Yuzu assumed to avoid showing her embarrassment. Yuzu, however, was feeling very extra today and so risking her luck, edged forward and brought herself up to her knees until she was just a few inches from Mei's face.
"Enough to give me another kiss?" Eyes hopefully as she looked to Mei, but instead of the lips on hers, Yuzu was met with her girlfriend's palm over her face as she was pushed back onto her bum.
Though all she could muster was a chuckle, she had already stolen two good morning kisses, she was pushing it to ask for another.
"Will I see you at all today?" Mei asked, her tone somewhat low as she spoke. She had not forgotten that today was Yuzu's first day at work, and that not only would she be working lunch but also that evening. The same could be said for the next four days.
Yuzu nervously looked away, she was very aware of Mei's hesitance towards her getting this job and the especially the amount of hours she was doing.
"Umm maybe? I'll be home sometime after two, but I have to be back at the restaurant at half four for my shift. I'll have to leave at about quarter past to get there on time, so we might see each other when we pass at the house... but your piano tutor's house is a fifteen-minute walk from the house so I doubt it..." Yuzu gave a nervous smile as she watched Mei nod in agreement, but she could see the disappointment her words brought to Mei's eyes.
"I don't really know what time I'll finish tonight, but I'll see you when I get home and if you're asleep then I'll make sure and cuddle you when I get into bed so you know I'm there." Smiling brightly at the thought, Yuzu offered the compromise to her girlfriend as she nibbled on a scone.
Mei nodded again, she knew Yuzu could see through her act but she put it on anyway. She was happy Yuzu had gotten this job if it was something she wanted and would make her happy, but Mei couldn't deny that she knew she was going to miss the energetic presence in the house. She would come home from class to an empty house, come home from her lesson to an empty house, eat dinner alone, shower alone before going to bed alone. Although the silence did sound nice in theory, and Mei did enjoy some alone time she could tell that she would get lonely sooner or later in what would be a silent apartment.
"Please make sure you get home safe if you are going to be home any later than eleven or twelve would it not be better to take the car? I know there is very little crime around here but I want you to be safe, no one can hurt you if you are in the car." Mei's voice was weary, clearly worried for more than just her own loneliness, but for the dark nights Yuzu would be walking home in.
"Mei the restaurant is super close by and that would waste a lot of fuel. The whole point of getting a job is to save money not to spend it." Yuzu made a silly grin, but it was one that Mei didn't share or appreciate.
"Your safety is hardly something I grudge paying fuel for." The comment was serious and swiped the smile off the blonde's face.
"Hey, I know you are just worried but you don't have to be. I probably won't be too late tonight because it's my first night, but if there is ever a night where I know I won't be home until really late then I promise I'll take the car. But if I'm just finishing at a normal time then walking should be just fine." Yuzu reassured though she couldn't deny that Mei trying to take such precautions for her safety did make her happy.
"And what about you? Not going to start any fights today?" Yuzu wore a mischievous grin as she raised her brow and poked Mei's leg with her foot, her smile only brightening when she saw Mei give a scowl her way.
"It wasn't a fight, and as I'm sure you can guess I didn't initiate it. I don't, however, plan on doing it again so you can rest assured that your friend will be fine." Mei said as if it was obvious, gritting her teeth at the end as though it was painful to say the words.
"I think I'm more afraid of the sour mood you will be in when I get home tonight." Grinning for a few moments as she waited for a reply, Yuzu watched as Mei turned her head away. Accepting that Mei would not respond to her comment, Yuzu scooted around so she was sitting next to Mei and slipped back under the covers. After slyly trying to snake her arm around Mei's waist to pull her closer, Yuzu placed a kiss on her cheek at her success.
With her fingers tracing over Mei's bare side Yuzu couldn't help laying several kisses to her shoulder. "Your skin is so soft, I thinking we should sleep like this more often." Speaking as she ran her hand over Mei's back before going back to her waist and giving a gentle squeeze. Her lips giving another kiss to the pale shoulder before nuzzling her nose over it and settling with her head resting on Mei's shoulder.
"That won't be happening we have pyjamas for a reason, sleeping naked would prevent you from going to sleep when you get into bed. Hence your wandering hands last night." Mei said as she smiled down to Yuzu, amused at her attempt, but refusing it all the same.
"Hey! I only cuddled you and I only ever touched your arms and stomach. I only touched your boob once when we were making out, and I stopped pretty much straight away. You seemed pretty preoccupied with me anyway." Yuzu defended as she pulled Mei closer to her, her hand holding her in place securely.
"Yes, and you were holding back last night because of what happened, had we just been renting out the room for no reason and gone to bed like that you wouldn't have lasted five minutes without trying something." Mei said smugly as she listened to the huff Yuzu gave.
"You don't know that for sure, I can control myself when I want to. And I don't know why you are putting all the blame on me, you know you would want to do something as well; I mean doesn't me lying completely naked next to you in bed turn you on even a little?" Yuzu asked, her cheeks a little pink but getting the words out with sass all the same.
Mei could tell she was playing with her, she was impressed with how Yuzu had managed to say that without a giggle or a stutter. But she would have the final word on the topic and it was a no from the start, but that didn't mean she couldn't wind Yuzu up. After all, what Yuzu was describing; sleeping every night without clothes on would definitely make it difficult for her to sleep soundly when she had the blonde's hot body flush against her.
"Not in the slightest, now if you were to show me what you wanted me to do to you then maybe I would consider it. However, we both know that wouldn't happen and neither is this idea." Mei smiled, as Yuzu sat in silence for a moment and just as she thought she had won, Yuzu sat up straight removing her hand from Mei to sit in front of her.
"So me touching myself in front of you will turn you on?" A lecherous grin had made its way onto her face and Mei knew she had made a mistake... But then again the suggestion wasn't completely dislikeable.
"Let's leave this conversation for now, come sit back down?" Patting the space beside her, Mei patiently waited for her girlfriend to return to her side. Which after another moment of playful thoughts of the future she did, her hand snaking back to where she had it before.
"We are gonna have to leave soon ya know, so drink up!" Yuzu said as she tapped Mei's cup with her pinkie, motioning to the clock on the wall reading 09:26.
Eventually, the pair had gotten dressed checked out, returned home for a change of dress and to collect Mei's books. Now they were once again standing outside Mei's class saying goodbye for the day.
Yuzu was dressed unusually formal for a university student, wearing a pure white dress shirt tucked into her black skirt and tights along with black flats. Her hair tied up in a bun added to her sophisticated look.
"Have a good day and I'll be sure to message you when I'm home and what time I should be finishing when I find out okay?" Yuzu asked as she leaned against the wall, swaying her leg back and forth as she waited for Mei's reply.
"I will. Make sure you don't overwork yourself. Have a big lunch in case you don't get a chance to have dinner until you come home and be safe. If you get nervous about walking home just call me and I'll come and pick you up." Mei continued her version of a ramble, even though her voice was steady and she didn't appear to be nervous Yuzu knew better.
"I know, I know. You don't have to worry so much Mei, I've worked as a waitress before I'll be completely fine. Promise, you just have to make sure you're not late for your class and enjoy it." Smiling and gesturing behind Mei, Yuzu pointed to the familiar professor nearing the classroom.
With a quick look behind her to see what her girlfriend was pointing at, Mei quickly tightened her grip on her bag and turned back to Yuzu for a brief goodbye.
"You're welcome. Have a good day I love you," Yuzu grinned as she spoke in a light-hearted tone before placing a quick peck on Mei's cheek. Just in time for her lecturer to arrive next to her.
"I would appreciate my students in the room before I arrive Miss Aihara." Saying the few words before he stepped into the room and waited by the door for Mei, preparing to close it behind her.
"Right, sorry sir!" Not even saying a word to Yuzu Mei scurried into the classroom, looking back at Yuzu with an apologetic look but all she got was a large smile back.
"Alright, now that nobody is outside the door lets begin today's lesson." Wracking his knuckles over the podium front and centre, the older man began his lesson as Mei pulled her materials from her bag, still cursing herself for being late and caught by her lecturer. There were a few giggles at the comment, only furthering Mei's embarrassment.
For Yuzu, it was a long walk back home before she would soon have to leave again to be at her first day of work at twelve. She could feel the excitement coursing through her as she practically skipped home. Sure she was sad about not being able to see Mei, but this would go towards the first payment of Mei's engagement ring. And that was the most exciting thing for the blonde, the thought of being down on one knee asking Mei to marry her was the only motivation she needed.
She had toyed with the idea of taking out a credit card to pay for the ring outright but opted out of the idea when she realised she could just work for the year instead. If anything changed which would make it difficult for her to continue working the way she was then she thought she might consider it again. All Yuzu knew was that she wanted to propose to her girlfriend within the next year, whether it was through working her ass off or by taking out a loan. Either would work, all she needed to see was that sparkling ring on her girlfriend's finger come this time next year.
After grabbing something to eat as she had promised Mei she would, Yuzu straightened out her shirt a final time before heading back out the door.
As she had planned, Yuzu arrived at work just on time and after hanging her purse up in the back was given a waist-high apron and sent into the already somehow busy dining room.
After just arriving at twelve Yuzu was surprised to see several tables already being occupied.
The restaurant was no small feat, it was one of the leading restaurants in the city. Being two floors and far more than a thousand square metres, the decor was one that had initially and still currently amazed the blonde every time she entered the building.
She had briefly been in the kitchen when taking some dishes through on her training day but she had yet to properly inspect it's greatness.
"Good afternoon Aihara, nice to see you are looking so energetic for your first shift. Today you'll just be waiting, clearing and serving tables if you have any questions just ask one of the other members." Her boss said as he stood behind the main counter watching over his restaurant.
"As you know each waiter has a section which is their own responsibility, today you will be helping one of our other staff until you get a hang of things. We have several bookings this evening so make sure you get a good feel for the place before then." Giving a brief smile before he motioned to another young girl who looked to be of similar ages to Yuzu who was currently refilling a customers glass.
Nodding, Yuzu waited until she left the table before she approached the girl. She was just taller than Yuzu, hair pure black which contrasted her vibrant blue eyes. Her physique was one that would catch the eye of many and her smile warm.
"Hello, I'm Aihara Yuzuko but you can just call me Yuzu. I'm new here today and I was told that you would show me the ropes a little." Bowing after she finished, Yuzu was surprised to hear a laugh and a hand on her should pulling her back up.
"Yeah, I know who you are I was told I would be training you for a few days. The names Airi, this place is pretty awesome I think you'll like it here. And I can tell we are going to get on great." The young woman gave a bright grin to her new co-worker before motioning for her to follow her through to the back.
...
Mei waited at the kitchen table for the blonde to walk through the front door. Her dinner was waiting for her in the fridge and Mei was anxiously awaiting her arrival. It was past half eleven and she had received no word from Yuzu since lunch when she sent a message saying she was going back to work.
Mei, however, didn't want to appear clingy, she had said her piece before her lecture and now she had to let Yuzu decide what she wanted to do. But it was late and no matter how tired she grew while waiting for her girlfriend to arrive home, Mei refused to go to sleep until she was next to her.
Though she didn't have to wait much longer as just after quarter to twelve the front door clicked shut and Mei heard an exhausted sigh.
"I'm home," Yuzu whispered quietly into the apartment as she closed the door behind her, thinking maybe Mei would have already been asleep.
Quickly getting from the table Mei met Yuzu at the front door. She was sitting on the wooden lip splitting the hallway from the front door, her bag slumped on the floor and her shoes in the process of being pried off.
"Welcome home," Mei replied, her expression relaxing once she saw the blonde was safe and sound.
"Oh Mei, you're still awake?" Yuzu spun around, clearly not expecting Mei to still be awake. Seeing her partner, Yuzu jumped from her position on the floor to go and meet Mei.
"I wanted to be awake when you got home. How was it?" Mei asked as she showed Yuzu to the kitchen, getting her dinner and heating it up before placing it down in front of her.
"Awe thanks Mei, you know you don't have to make me dinner when I'm working? I could just get a sandwich or something when I get in." Yuzu said as she smiled at the full plate of food in front of her, it did look delicious but she didn't want to rely on Mei to make her food whenever she was working evenings.
However, she only received a scoff from Mei before she sat opposite her girlfriend and waited for her to answer the question.
Giving a nervous laugh at how quickly her comment had been brushed aside, Yuzu continued. "It was really good, I am being shown how to do everything by this girl named Airi and she's super nice and knows pretty much everything. It was super busy tonight though, my boss actually sent me away when the last table left so I didn't get to help cleaning everything up which Airi said usually takes about an hour at the end of the night. Which means when its busy like this I might not be home till late." Yuzu smiled as she ate, impressed with the quality of the food she was eating. Her energy seemingly restored at being in Mei's presence.
"I see, I'm glad you enjoyed it but why didn't you message me to say when you'd be finishing?" Mei asked, her fingers tracing the grain of the wooden table. She was expecting something along the lines of 'I forgot about it, or it was too busy' but she got a very different reply.
"Actually I couldn't tell you when I was finishing because I didn't know when I would be. At the restaurant, we have set starting times at night, so mines is five but we just work until it either gets quite or until everything is cleaned up." Yuzu said nervously, not sure Mei would be happy with the news but having to tell her all the same.
"I see. Well if that's the way things have to be then there isn't anything I can really do. But maybe if you know if gonna be busy or you will be a while longer, try and send me a message when you get five minutes." Mei said in a low tone as she kept her neutral expression.
Yuzu only nodded her head as she looked at Mei, not knowing what else she should say.
"That was great Mei, thanks for making it. I'm going to go for a quick shower and then jump into bed, I'm super tired." Yuzu said as she stood up from the table to place her dish in the sink.
"Very well, don't be too long," Mei said as she stood up and walked down the hall to their bedroom, being followed after by the blonde.
"I won't, I promise." Grabbing her pyjamas, Yuzu left the room and made her way for a quick shower before she was soon walking back into the bedroom. Feeling much more refreshed than when she had arrived home. Seeing Mei already lying down under the covers clearly wanting to be asleep as soon as possible.
Ruffling up her hair as fast as possible with the towel, Yuzu scootched in behind Mei and flopped down on her back, arm resting over her eyes letting out a sigh at finally being able to lie down.
It had been an exhausting seven hours for the blonde, her feet were sore and her back much the same, but she couldn't wipe the smile from her face.
"Hey Mei?" Yuzu asked as she turned on her side facing Mei's back, her fingers tracing down it.
"Yes?" Not moving her position, Mei replied, her words quiet in the bedroom.
"I'm sorry if I'm not gonna be home a lot, but I promise I'll be worth it in the end." Yuzu smiled as she drew herself closer and wrapped her arm over the small waist.
"I wouldn't know, you won't tell me what all this is for so I can't say if it is or not."
"You can't make me feel guilty for not telling you Mei, the whole point of a surprise is that you don't know." Yuzu laughed as she pulled Mei flush against her and kissed her neck.
"Are you sure? Because I'm sure if I really wanted to I could. I mean for all I know you have been out partying all night, leaving me at home... all alone, with no one to talk to just waiting for you to return." Mei said, her voice sad as she spoke, drawing out her words to emphasise them, but the smirk on her lips couldn't be disguised.
"Mei that's mean, you know I feel bad about leaving you here alone." Yuzu moaned as she nuzzled her face into the back of her girlfriend's neck.
"Well if you told me what this was for then I would understand and therefore I wouldn't get lonely whilst you are away."
"Mei I can't, it's important and it'll only be special if you don't know until I'm ready for you to know." Yuzu complained, she really did want to tell Mei and she really did want to ask her the big question, but she didn't have the ring yet which meant she couldn't.
"I know, but it would be nice if it wasn't going to take so long. I mean a year is a long time for you to be working so hard and me not knowing what it is all for." Mei said, turning in the blonde's embrace.
"... I just don't like surprises, you know that." Mei said as she looked into the bright emeralds, seeing the look of consideration cross them.
"Well maybe I could cut down the time it will take, but I would still have to work to pay it back. Obviously not as much but..." Yuzu rambled but soon ran out of words to say as she began thinking of her options in her head. Maybe taking out a loan would be the best way to get her the ring.
"Yuzu stop," Mei's words brought Yuzu from her thoughts, the words followed by a hand on her cheek, softly cupping it in the dark room.
"Yuzu you don't need to change your plans for me, I was only messing with you. Forget I said anything, I'm glad you like working and I can deal with some late nights if it makes you happy." Mei smiled, her eyes warm as she looked into Yuzu's who's had widened slightly at her words. Placing a gentle kiss on her lips, Mei gave another smile her blush visible on her cheeks when she pulled back.
"It's long past twelve Yuzu, we need to get to sleep. Goodnight." Mei said before Yuzu could reply to her, brushing her nose over the blonde's chest, as she placed a kiss to the skin.
"Yeah, you're right. goodnight Mei, I love you." Kissing the top of her head, Yuzu wrapped her arms around Mei to hold her tight but her mind still seemed to waver on their conversation. Should she really make Mei wait so long for her to get the ring when she could have it in a fraction of the time?
With her energy wasting away with the warm sheets surrounding her and Mei snuggled up close, Yuzu found it more and more difficult to keep her mind focused. Within minutes her eyes were closed, her thoughts drifting off as she tucked her face down into the top of Mei's head.
The conversation would surely be something Yuzu would be thinking about in the coming days and weeks.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein