Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Imagination Running Wild
"When will you show me what it is?" Mei asked with a sigh as she closed her book in frustration. She wasn't even having a conversation with the blonde at the moment, she was sat at the kitchen table writing notes, Yuzu was playing her newly acquired game on the PS4. The two were sitting content in the other's company as low music played from the blonde's phone.
Mei turned in her seat to face her girlfriend who gave a short laugh as her eyes flicked to the younger before focusing on the enemy she was trying to kill.
"Mei, I already told you I don't know. I haven't decided yet, but it shouldn't be too long." Yuzu said as her thumbs flew back and forth across the controller, not bothered too much by the question as Mei had asked the same thing earlier that morning when they were eating breakfast.
It was currently Sunday afternoon, Yuzu's last day off before she returned to work on Monday. She was just working the evenings this week and had advised her work that she would be looking to cut down on her hours as she had fulfilled her reason for taking the job, but that didn't mean she wanted to quit, rather, she enjoyed working for the most part.
"I just don't understand what is keeping you from showing me. You have it in the bedroom, why not just tell me?" Flicking her pen in annoyance on the back of the wooden chair, Mei waited for her response. She really didn't know why Yuzu was keeping her in suspense, why tell her she had her surprise if she was unwilling to give it to her. It was cruel in a number of ways.
"Yeah, cuz I'm going to spend all that money on the most important thing I have ever gotten anyone, and hand it to you over the kitchen table?" Pausing her game, Yuzu turned on the couch to face Mei, her head tilting to the side as she waited for Mei to work out that she wasn't about to spill the beans of what the surprise was.
"Well, if it matters that much then maybe you should stop wasting time playing your game and go and figure it out. I won't wait forever." Mei said, the slightest hint of saltiness to her words as she narrowed her eyes on the blonde.
"Ouch, someones desperate to see their gift, especially when you said you hated surprises... But I guess you are right, I could give it some thought, but how can I be sure you won't start peeking while I'm in the bedroom planning?" Yuzu queried with a grin as her perfectly shaped eyebrow arced. Mei, however, scoffed at the accusation, she was no peeking tom.
"Please do not accuse me of such things, I would never do something like that. If you want some time alone in the bedroom all you have to do is ask, I won't bother you." Defending herself, Mei turned back to her notebook as she readied herself to start her studies again, if Yuzu wasn't going to be any help then she would continue to spend her time productively.
Pausing her game, Yuzu got from the couch to wrap her arms around Mei's small shoulders, wrapping her in a loose embrace as she brought her head down to peck the girls cheek. "I know, I was only kidding Mei, but this is my time off and I wanted to spend it with you not locked up in our room hiding from you. I can plan your surprise when you are at your class tomorrow." Yuzu smiled as she felt the shoulders relax in her grip, she was desperate to propose to Mei, but they were currently having some long-overdue couples time. This was Yuzu's first weekend off in months and she had planned to spend it with Mei, these new improvements to the engagement didn't change that.
"I promise it won't be too long before I reveal what the surprise is, but I just really want to spend the rest of my time off with you. We could even go out for dinner if you wanted to?" Yuzu offered as she released the girl's frame to sit on the edge of the table.
Mei sat in silence for a moment as she considered the offer, she couldn't remember the last time they had gone out to dinner together. Yuzu was working next to every evening they had never been given the chance since the blonde had started her job.
"That sounds nice, I would like that. Should we make reservations for six?" Mei asked as she nodded in agreement to the blonde, who's smile grew at her acceptance. "Sure! I'll pick the restaurant and call them for us." Yuzu grinned as she stood to peck Mei on the cheek again before bouncing to the living room to grab her phone from the table.
One quick call later and Yuzu picked up her controller again and began playing her game, happy with their new plans, though was much happier when Mei brought her book to sit next to her on the couch.
"You just can't stay away, can you?" Yuzu said smugly with yet another cock of her eyebrow as she offered a smirk to Mei who rolled her eyes at the comment, her cheeks darkening when the blonde sprung from the other side of the couch to plant a quick kiss to her cheek.
"Just kidding, I think I'm the one who can't stay away," Yuzu confessed as she placed her hands in her lap as she brought her gaze to meet Mei's: they were full of wonder, probably curious as to what was running through the blonde's head at the moment, but most importantly Yuzu saw the softened expression the girl wore only when they were alone.
She could tell just from a simple look of the Aihara's eyes that she loved her with all her heart, and that's all Yuzu needed to know to be sure she was making the right decision.
"I think we are both the same," Mei said as she gave a modest smile to Yuzu, gently taking her hand, "I am quite sure I would do nearly anything to be by your side." Her words were quiet, confidence clearly not what Mei was feeling as she pushed herself to speak her feelings. Though she had nothing to worry about as Yuzu broke into a grin as she pulled her into a tight hug at her girlfriend's words.
Pulling back ever so slightly, Yuzu placed a soft kiss on the girl's lips as her hand came to cradle her jaw. "You know, you never cease to amaze me, Mei. And I love you a little bit more every time you say something like that," Yuzu smiled as she pulled back from the girl who was blushing more than Yuzu felt necessary.
There was no doubt in the blonde's mind that the shining ring hidden away in their bedroom belonged on this girl's finger, and she would make sure it stayed there until her very last breath.
After a few more hours spent in the living room, both Yuzu and Mei got ready to go out. Both opted for dressing quite smart, Yuzu wore a knee-length blue dress while Mei wore a similar type of dress, only her's a pale purple. They were going out and wanted to look respectable, Mei was aware that the restaurant Yuzu had chosen was quite popular and dressing to impress was a necessary requirement to get through the doors.
Not that she was complaining, she did enjoy seeing Yuzu all neat and presentable in a dress.
It wasn't long before they were walking down the sidewalk to their reservation, both in high spirits for their long over-due date.
"This is so fancy, I didn't think it was like this last time we came," Yuzu said as she nervously scratched the back of her neck. She and Mei were dressed for the occasion none the less, both wearing classy dresses, yet Yuzu couldn't help but feel slightly out of place in the elegant restaurant.
"It has been a while since we were here, but it looks nice... Can you try and look less nervous, it's just a restaurant and you look fine so calm down." Mei said as she browsed the menu, aware of the fiddling Yuzu was doing, clearly slightly uncomfortable with the environment.
"... If you don't want to eat here we can leave and go somewhere else?" Placing the menu down on the table, Mei gave Yuzu the offer, she wanted to have a nice meal not have to sit and watch the blonde fidget all night.
"N-No, here is fine, I'm just not used to fancy places like this. Let's order before it gets too late." Yuzu gave a reassuring smile with a dismissive wave of her hand as she picked up her menu.
The place was definitely more than amazing: Imacutly placed tables; rose centrepieces; a pianist in the far corner play soft melodies; chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Yuzu was definitely out of her comfort zone, but Mei seemed to be enjoying the vibe the place was giving off. And to that, Yuzu had no objections.
Yuzu smiled quietly as they finished off their meals, they had had a splendid meal and Yuzu couldn't help watching in contentness as Mei spoke of her future in the Academy, her future with Yuzu. There was a happiness to the young girl as she spoke of the academy, she was relaxed and clearly enjoying her time out.
"Maybe I could help run the academy, I could teach a biology class or something?" Yuzu said, not serious in her offer but curious to see Mei's response all the same.
"With the direction that your studies are going, I believe that your mind would be better suited elsewhere helping people. Though the offer is appreciated." Mei retorted with a smile, she was sure that Yuzu was destined for more than being a teacher; Her passion for medicine was something Mei helped the blonde embrace, she was glad to see Yuzu aspiring for something that was both rewarding and helping people.
"Can you believe that we're almost finished our second year, I'll be starting my final year in half a year!" Yuzu squealed as she thought of her studies, it was not long before she would be finishing her studies at their current university and be moving onto study medicine.
"I feel the same, though this could prove to bring about some problems for our living situation, have you given any more thought to where you would like to study medicine?" Mei asked as she eyed the blonde, they had not had this conversation in any great detail, but she was sure they would figure something out.
"Not too much, it's still over a year away so we have plenty of time to figure it out." Yuzu smiled as she watched Mei nod in agreement. Yuzu was sure Mei would like a more descriptive answer, but she was happy to leave it there for the time being, they were having a nice dinner and Yuzu was sure Mei would being it up eventually so there was no rush.
They sat in a content silence for a moment longer, Yuzu couldn't help but smile at the look of comfort on Mei's face. She didn't look all that happy to anyone in the room, or even to Yuzu, but she could tell Mei was enjoying herself, enjoying talking about their future, enjoying her company.
"We should do this more often, I can see you are really enjoying yourself," Yuzu smiled as she watched Mei take a sip of her wine, mindful of the blonde word choice at her action.
"I am enjoying myself, but we don't need to go out for an expensive dinner to enjoy each others company. The reason I am enjoying tonight is that I am getting to spend some quality time with you that isn't either stuffed up in the apartment or a study session." Mei said as she placed her glass on the table, the change of scenery made a world of difference, and getting out of the house every once in a while did help in improving her spirits.
"You know Mei, we have the rest of our lives ahead of us to go out to fancy dinners and stay in the house for days on end, I plan on spending my whole life with you doing, all the things that make you smile and happy. I love you more than anything and anyone in the world, and no matter where our future takes us, I'm positive we will always be together..." The tone of the blonde's voice took Mei by surprise, there was a serious edge to her nervousness, but there wasn't a hint of doubt in her eyes as she spoke.
"So, I'm asking with everything that I am, if you'll marry me?" A shaky breath and Yuzu stepped out of her chair and bent down on one knee, bringing the small box from her purse as she presented the ring to Mei. After a drawn-out breath, Yuzu raised her head as she met Mei's gaze. The moment felt perfect, she could hear the piano in the background, the shocked look on Mei's face as she watched the blonde get down on one knee, and right at that very moment she felt anxious, yet thrilled as she watched Mei from below. She just had to say yes.
"Yuzu, are you listening to me?" Mei said in a slightly raised voice as she reached her hand over to the blonde, lightly shaking her hand to bring her out of her daze.
Shaking her head, Yuzu focused back on Mei, realising she had been looking at a spot on the floor beside Mei.
"Oh year sorry, I spaced out a little, sorry Mei!" Yuzu grinned as she scratched her head. It was a silly thought, she hadn't even brought the ring with her, it was impossible for her to propose to Mei now. She was caught in the moment, her thoughts of spending the rest of her life with Mei was too much, she wanted to seal the deal, and she wanted to do it soon.
"You should really be more mindful Yuzu," Mei tutted as she drew her hand back, arranging her chopsticks neatly on the table as she waited for Yuzu to regain her senses.
"You know Mei, I think that we should finish up here and head home. Dinner has been really nice, but want to spend the night with you at home if you don't mind?" Yuzu grinned as when she saw Mei's eyes lite up at the suggestion. She wasn't the only one who wanted to snuggle up.
"Very well, let's get the bill and head back," Mei smiled as she waved down the waiter for the bill.
"I have enjoyed myself this evening, I appreciate you taking me out tonight." Mei smiled as they walked hand and hand in on the way home. She was used to dinners for the academy, but she always enjoyed it when she and Yuzu went out for a meal, it was a welcomed difference to just eating at home.
"I enjoyed myself too, I have told my work that I will reduce my hours so we will be able to go out and be together more!" Swinging their arms as they walked, much to Mei's dissatisfaction, Yuzu prepared to open the door for Mei as the neared the apartment.
The pair made their way up the stairs and Yuzu opened the door for Mei and watched as Mei made her way into the house, placing her purse down on the couch as she turned to Yuzu who was locking up the door.
"Yuzu, hurry up. I want to go to bed," Mei said, believing Yuzu was taking slightly too long to lock up and take her shoes off.
"Coming!" Yuzu shouted as she flicked her shoes off and jumped after Mei. When she got into the bedroom, she saw the dress Mei had just been wearing fall from her shoulders and pool at her ankles, revealing her slender back and legs to the blonde.
Unable to resist, Yuzu made her way to her girlfriend who still had her back turned to her, bringing her hands to Mei's shoulders, she rubbed them once before drawing her fingers down the length of the girl's back before wrapping her arms around her waist. Head resting on the top of Mei's back, Yuzu spoke quietly as she felt Mei shiver at the breath on the base of her neck.
"I know I don't say it enough Mei, but you are perfect. Your body mesmerises me every time I see you, your skin is so soft and delicate, and your hair is solo soft; like silk..." Yuzu smiled, one hand tracing Mei's stomach and hip, the other twirled a strand of the black hair between her fingers, showing just what she was talking about.
"Yuzu, wha-" Mei started to turn in the blonde's grasp, wondering just where the slightly solemn mood had come from, though she was stopped when Yuzu held her firmly in place.
"I love you, Mei," Yuzu said quietly as she placed a kiss to the back of Mei neck, squeezing her tight.
"I know I say it a lot, but it's only because I love you so much, I don't ever want you to forget it or think that I somehow will ever stop loving you because that will never happen. I promise that'll never happen, I'll make sure and tell you I love you every day, even the days I am mad at you, because even when you make me furious I still love you." Yuzu continued to hold Mei tight against her as she spoke, her words heavy in the silent bedroom.
Before Mei had time to speak, she was released from the blonde's grasp and lead to sit on the side of the bed before the blonde took a step back. Mei only narrowed her eyes in confusion; she knew all of this, and never believed Yuzu would just one day stop loving her.
Turning, Yuzu walked over to their bookcase, ruffling through the books before turning back to Mei who was still sitting on the edge of the matters waiting for the blonde to get to her point.
Walking back over to Mei with slightly shaky feet, Yuzu bent down on her knees as she placed the box on the floor and took Mei's hands in her own. She placed a quick kiss to the knuckles, making the much of Mei silence as possible to think of her next words.
Raising her gaze, Yuzu swallowed hard before releasing Mei's hands.
"I won't ever let you down, I will be there when you need me, to hold you, cheer you up when you need it and love you for the rest of my life... So that's why... Will you marry me Mei Aihara?" Her voice firm as she spoke, Yuzu held the open velvet box to Mei, unsure if the pools lining her eyes were good or not. She watched as Mei let out a trembling breath, her hand reaching out to the box for a moment before she looked back to the slightly more panicked looking Yuzu.
"I-"
"Yuzu are you going to stand there all night or get changed?" Mei asked as she tried to hand the blonde her pyjamas but having to lunch as her hands hung helplessly by her sides, mind clearly on a different planet at the moment.
"Ohh, crap sorry Mei was thinking about something else again. I'll get changed now..." Yuzu said, slowly taking the shorts and top from Mei, confused as to when Mei had gotten changed, or out of her grip.
Crap I really need to be more careful, I might say something that tips her off before I'm ready... that could've lead to some pretty great se-
Shaking her head again to try and remove the thought from her mind, Yuzu quickly changed into the outfit Mei had given to her and scootched under the covers beside Mei.
"Is everything alright, that's the second time you have spaced out tonight, are you sure you don't have something on your mind?" Mei asked as she turned to the blonde beside her, curious and concerned for her girlfriend's wellbeing.
"Everything is great because I have you and I'm happy and you're happy! I couldn't be better!" Yuzu smiled as she leaned in to place a kiss to Mei's lips. Happy was an understatement, but there were no words to describe the happiness she felt tonight. She was having the best thoughts of her life, she just had to plan the right one that would make Mei feel that happy too, and Yuzu had no doubt she would conquer that.
"Very well," Mei said, eyeing the blonde again before taking her book out to read before they went to bed. It was past nine, they had spent a while out, she was tired and just wanted to spend some down-time in bed with Yuzu. A simple movie and a cuddle was all Mei needed to end this seemingly perfect night.
And reading her mind, Yuzu pressed play on a rom-com that would keep her occupied as she sat up and wrapped one arm around Mei's shoulders, easing Mei into her side as they found their comfy position to enjoy the rest of their night together.
The pair were nestled snuggly together under the quilt, Yuzu had nothing to complain about as Mei sat under ear arm, head resting on her shoulder as she read. She remembered a time when she would have been blushing madly at just the proposition of sitting like this with Mei, where she would be full of nerves and on the verge of uncomfortable, but right now there was nothing that could make her more comfortable; This was her happy place.
"Could you imagine us sitting together like this a two years ago? We sure have grown and gotten a lot more comfortable with each other, don't you think?" Yuzu asked as she nudged the top of Mei's head with her nose, the smell of Mei's shampoo putting a smile on her face as she waited for her response.
"I can imagine it, but I doubt it would feel much like this... Why are you thinking about that?" Mei replied quickly, not paying too much attention to the girl's question, but when it sunk in she was quite shocked as to why Yuzu would be thinking of such things at the moment.
"Nothing bad, I was just thinking about us and how far we've come. I mean we know so much more about each other now and I feel like we are a proper couple, not just some high school fling. N-not that I ever thought you were just a fling, I always knew I wanted to be with you in the long run, but I mean that we have a life together now: We have this flat, we are at University together, we bought a car and tonight we were talking about our future, I just feel like we are settling down... And I really like the idea of that." Yuzu said, her voice showing some nervousness but it was the sweetness that caught Mei off guard.
It was a few minutes of letting the words sink in before Mei spoke, "I feel the same, I like the idea of settling down. We are starting to lay roots down, obviously, we don't plan on staying in this flat forever, we will need to buy a house at some point for our future family, but we're starting and that's what matters." Mei answer had Yuzu nearly choking, she hadn't expected Mei to respond with such a sincere answer.
"I like talking about our future family... You know you've never said what kind of family you want Mei?" Yuzu asked after getting over the nervousness in her voice, she loved these conversations but they rarely happened and she didn't think she had ever heard Mei explain in any detail what she was hoping for with there futures in regards to their family.
"What do you mean, 'what kind of family'? A happy one I would hope, children, marriage, a house, stable careers." Mei's answer almost made Yuzu laugh, after giving a squeeze to Mei's arm Yuzu continued.
"No, I mean like what and how many children you would like, or what kind of house you would like." Yuzu said with a smile as she could now see Mei's attention was no longer on her book, but thinking properly about her question.
"Well I suppose two children would be ideal, I am tempted to say girls as my experience with boys is little but I wouldn't be against it. I mean as long as our children are healthy and happy I'm sure I would be too. The house, I'm not sure, part of me wants to live in my Grandfathers home once I take over the academy, it seems a shame that such a house would go to waste after generations of Aihara's living there, but I know that is not your home and you may feel more comfortable buying a house of our own. I believe I would be fine with either, I mean finding a new home just for us does sound nice," Mei offered her response to the blonde who was looking rather taken aback at the girl response.
"...We'll be happy together no matter where we live Mei!" Yuzu gave a confident smile as she looked down to her girlfriend who was patiently waiting for Yuzu to have some input on her comment.
"You know, if we're talking about putting down roots there's something I have been meaning to ask you." Getting out of bed, Yuzu collected the ring from behind the stack of books, opening the small box for Mei as she came to sit back on the bed, her legs crossed as she gave an eager smile at the look of astonishment on the girl's face.
"I mean we have mentioned it a few times, but it's never really been official. So, will you marry me, Mei?" Yuzu gave a nervous side glance before focusing on Mei who looked slightly dowey eyed at her question, it certainly wasn't the most romantic way to propose, but it felt right. They were talking about there future and the next step in that for Yuzu was proposing to her girlfriend, so that's what she had to do.
"Waddya say, Mei, do you really want to start a life and a family with me?" Yuzu asked as she showed off her toothy grin, happy with the mixture of emotions Mei seemed to be processing at the moment. Opening her mouth, Mei broke out into a smile as she wrapped her arms around Yuzu's shoulders, nearly knocking her off balance she threw herself at her with that much force.
"Of-"
"Yuzu!?" Mei's raised voice once again brought Yuzu out of her trance, looking down to Mei she saw a slightly annoyed expression awaiting her.
"W-what was that?" Yuzu nervously asked as she scratched the back of her head and tried to avoid Mei's gaze. She got a sigh in response and watched as Mei put her book down on the stand before switching the television off.
"Again? I'm tired of repeating myself, let's go to bed. You clearly need a good nights rest to clear your mind, let's hope you are this ditsy tomorrow." Mei said as in an exasperated tone as she lowered herself so she was ready to go to sleep. She had no issue falling asleep early, and she hoped a good nights rest would do Yuzu some good.
There was no quarrel from the blonde, she only wriggled down under the covers and wrapped an arm over Mei's waist making herself comfy.
"Good night Mei, I love you." Yuzu smiled and gave a kiss to the back of Mei's head as she closed her eyes, she too hoped her mind would be a little more focused when she woke up.
"Goodnight... I love you too," Mei responded as she pressed herself back into the blonde, a small smile on her lips as she let herself fall asleep. The idea of a small family the last thought on her mind as she lost consciousness.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone