12 Chapter 12: Misunderstandings

The fire was blazing strong while the four girls sat around it, it was pitch dark and the stars were in full bloom. Matsuri, although had intended to be sociable and talk to the others, had found it growingly painful not to be on her phone. Sitting with one earphone in and her phone in her hands, she leant back into Harumins shins who was sitting in a fold-out chair.

Yuzu sat sideways in a similar chair a meter away, her back leaning on one armrest, her legs dangling over the other. Mei was sat leaning back into Yuzu, her legs crossed on top of the blondes while reading a book, Yuzu's hands lying on Mei's stomach lightly patting her thumbs and fingers. Mei's book light slightly disturbed Yuzu as she tried to enjoy the light from the campfire but she didn't let on.

While the two less sociable girls amused themselves Yuzu and her best friend had a well-needed catch up; latest gossip about who got together with who or who had kids, Yuzu medical program and Harumi's family. The two chatted amicably for hours while Mei and Matsuri occasionally spoke up about certain topics.

"Yeah, I know It's kinda normal but has she really already had two kids? She's got to be what, 21 now?" Yuzu asked a nodding Harumin, who was playing with strands of pink hair.

"Yeah, I saw her last week. Her kids were adorable but c'mon, she has practically sold her life away for the next 16 years. The worst part is I heard that her husband is actually seeing someone else. It was an arranged marriage but that's still pretty low if you ask me, leaving her with the kids while he's away getting some," Harumin nodded to herself before looking back to Yuzu, who watched in shock as Matsuri allowed Harumin to actually fiddle with her hair. If she had tried to play with the girl's hair she would most definitely have been swatted away, even in high school Matsuri loved attention but wouldn't let her touch her hair in such a way.

"Ahem. May I remind you insensitive people that had things played out ever so slightly different, I would probably be in the same position. An unhappy, non-functioning marriage, possible children, no life of my own. All at the age of 20." Mei had looked up from her book and was glancing at Harumin with a raised eyebrow.

She felt the blonde tense slightly under her, her fingers stilled for the first time at her words but Yuzu didn't say anything, instead, Harumin was the one who spoke up. Mei assumed Yuzu was giving her a 'Get me out of this' look. "Ehh, yeah sorry Mei. But that didn't happen you have Yuzu and you're happy, so its all good right?" She let out a strangled chuckle with her words, hoping that Mei would just go back to her book.

Mei gave her one last look, "Yes," before going back to her book, where she felt the body beneath hers relax again. The fingers started up again returning to their relaxed playing pattern and she felt Yuzu pull in closer to her, "Sorry," Yuzu's voice was soft and calm making a small smile appear on Mei's face.

"Matsuri what time is it?" Yuzu asked, after a few moments Matsuri looked up from her phone. "Eleven fifty-three, not that late." She said before turning back to the glowing screen, her fingers moving rapidly.

"It's late enough, we need to go to sleep if we want to get up at a decent time tomorrow," Harumin said as she plucked the phone from the younger girls grasp, turning the phone off as she brought it to her lap.

"What the fuck Harumi! Give it back I'm gonna die!" Matsuri shouted as she scrambled to her feet prying at Harumi's hands. 30 seconds later Matsuri finally retrieved the phone, quickly turning it on she glanced over the screen before scowling at her smirking girlfriend. "Fuck sake Harumi, don't touch my phone when I'm using it. I was about beat my high score!" Matsuri scrunched her face up a still chuckling Harumin.

"Okay whatever you say, let's go to bed. We'll see you guys bright and early," Harumin smiled at the two before walking to her tent while Matsuri continued to brief her on the rules of touching her phone.

"Hmm she really hasn't changed much, are you ready to go to bed?" Yuzu asked, her fingers still playing on Mei's stomach. Mei nodded, unfolded her legs and sat up on the blonde's stomach. She sat for a few moments as she closed her book and allowed her eyes to adjust to the darker environment. Yuzu shuffled uncomfortably beneath her, trying to breathe while also continuing to tense her stomach so Mei didn't completely crush her.

"Mei hurry up and get off," Yuzu's voice was strained as she looked pleadingly to Mei. Mei turned to her with a smug smile, purposely moving her hips more than necessary, "What are you trying to say? Am I too heavy?" Pouting she flicked her head away from the blonde as she got up and stared down at her.

Yuzu could see the playful sparkle in Mei's eyes and knew she was joking, but she decided to play it safe and not make any jokes about her girlfriend's weight. That could, and most likely would end very badly for Yuzu. Jumping up from the seat she placed both her hands on Mei's waist.

"Of course not, if you were would I be able to do this?" Yuzu wore a toothy grin as she slid her hands over Mei's backside to the top of her tighs and effortlessly hoisted Mei onto her own hips. One arm wrapped around the small of her back the other reached over her back to her shoulder, "Or this?" Bending forward, she tipped Mei so she was horizontal to the floor and placed several kisses to the exposed neck and chest. Yuzu felt the legs around her tighten as she continued to hold Mei over the ground.

"Okay okay! Bring me back up!" Mei laughed as she clutched tightly onto Yuzu's shoulders, her face buried in the crook of her girlfriend's neck in attempts to stay as far away from the dirt as possible. Yuzu immediately pulled back up, her cheeks a little red from the strain but she cheesed at Mei nun the less.

"See, never too heavy," She placed a quick kiss on Mei's smiling lips before dropping her to her feet, "I've got to put the fire out, do go you wanna go and set up the sleeping bags?" Yuzu asked as she picked up a large bucket of water. Getting a swift reply from Mei she moved over and carefully put out the flames, being sure to mix all the ashes with soil and extinguish all the cinders from the logs.

Yuzu, as she walked with the assistance of a flashlight to the tent, heard Mei mumbling to herself, "This won't do...No, not like that...hmm... share...no..." As her jumbled nonsense went on Yuzu finally walked in to see Mei with both their sleeping bags unfolded and sprawled out on the floor.

"I could have sworn I said set the sleeping bags up not ransack them," Yuzu watched as Mei didn't even flinch at her comment only continued to manoeuvre the beds. "Well I don't know about you, but I don't want to sleep alone and was trying to think of a way which will keep heat in but also give us enough room. We can't just share one because there won't be enough space but if we open them like this" Mei held up an unzipped bag to Yuzu, "Then I think all the heat will be let out," Mei sat on her heels as she doubtingly eyed the blankets.

True Yuzu hadn't thought about the sleeping arrangement and had just packed a single sleeping bag, much like Mei had done. But it wasn't like they were going to be ruffling the covers and moving a lot, so just using it as a duvet should be fine.

"I think that it will be fine, just lay them out open and we will just use it like our bedsheets at home. And if I get cold I'll just cuddle you for warmth," Yuzy gave her iconic smile as she helped Mei lay out the sheets. Changing into some more comfortable Yuzu watched and waited for Mei to do the same, Yuzu lay under the sleeping bag her, arms slack behind her head as she leant on the pillow. She had a devious grin on her face as she admired Mei bending down in only her panties to get some warmer trousers.

"You know Mei, I don't know if I have ever told you this, but you have an amazing ass. Like it's really nice, irresistible even," Yuzu said, putting emphasized the word 'really', Mei spun around at the words, cotton bottoms in hand. Her cheeks now as red as roses she quickly tugged her trousers on.

"T-thanks," Mei stuttered as she slipped under the makeshift quilt, laying down next to Yuzu. Propping herself up on one elbow Yuzu observed Mei's flushed face, "I don't know why you're blushing so hard, I mean I have seen and touched that perfect, firm round ass a hundred times. There's no reason for you to get so embarrassed." Yuzu said as she ran her hand over Mei's stomach, slipping it around her hip and grabbed the previously spoken of cheek through the cotton joggers.

"Mhm Yuzu! We can't do that right now, Matsuri and Harumin are literally 20 meters away." Mei let out a small squeak at the blondes action before coming to her senses, hastily removing the hand off her cheek and placing it back on her stomach. Yuzu let out a small groan as she slumped back into the pillow, her body making a dull thud as she made contact with the floor.

"That's not fair, You said I could do you 'later', now is later and you're saying no. That's mean Mei, first you fuck me in the middle of the woods, scratch my back, make me go through the gruelling pain of putting ointment on, plus, now you won't even let me get you back. That's shitty." Drawing her hand off Mei's exposed torso she folded them over her chest, letting out a small grumble.

Mei instantly sat up, gaping incredulously at the blonde who was now looking away, refusing to make eye contact. She is really doing this right now, right here, for god's sake Yuzu. Ridiculous.

"You can sulk and give me attitude all you want I don't care, we're not doing it here. When I said later I assumed you would make your move when we were alone, not within earshot of our friends. Also, I know you're in a pissy mood now, but please don't use language like that unless it's necessary." Mei remarked saltily as she laid back down, turning away from the blonde. She was well aware that she had just contradicted herself by cursing, but she couldn't help it, Yuzu was being irrational and childish.

Yuzu was a little shocked by what Mei had said, she didn't think Mei would get mad at her, It's not like she had said anything to actually get angry at. I'm not in a pissy mood, I'm annoyed. Yuzu snorted to herself turning away from Mei, if she wants to act like this then that's what she'll get.

Pulling the cover close to her Yuzu tucked them under her chin trying to comfort herself, the tent was filled with an awkward silence that neither of the two wanted to break.

"Night," Mei gave Yuzu the single word before shuffling into a final position still with her back to the blonde. After several seconds of contemplating Yuzu gave a similar response before the night went silent again.

"Goodnight Mei"

"Yuzu get up! Harumi and I are going for a walk, do you want to come?" Matsuri said as she banged on the side of the tent. Groggily opening her eyes Yuzu reached for her phone, 09:13. Shit, I should have been up before now, why didn't Mei's alarm go off?

"Mei, get up we slept in," sitting up Yuzu wiped her eyes before reaching out to the space beside her, though her hand found nothing to grip onto. Her eyes snapping open she looked to her right, the 'bed' was empty, Mei wasn't in the tent.

Chucking the sleeping bag to the side she scrambled to get some clothes on, "Two minutes, sorry," she gave the delayed reply as she pulled on fresh pants and socks, yanking her boots onto her feet she practically jumped out of the tent.

"Sorry, Mei set an alarm but she didn't wake me up. Do you know where she is?" Yuzu scanned the campsite and found no sign of Mei. She stared at the two fully dressed and awake girls who were looking between each other curiously. Matsuri shrugged prompting Harumin to step forward.

"Yeah, Mei has been up for a couple hours, she made breakfast like an hour ago when we got up then went for a shower in the waterful like 20 minutes ago. Did something happen with you two?" Harumi placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. Mei had acted fine this morning, they had both thought that Yuzu had said she wanted more sleep and that's why she didn't get up with Mei.

"Nothing really, Mei's just being overly sensitive about some crap I said last night. But I should probably apologize before I'm in the doghouse for the rest of the trip," Yuzu said, giving a dry laugh toward the end. Matsuri's eyes widened as she made gestures for Yuzu to stop talking, which she didn't notice until she had finished talking to Harumi.

"What Matsuri?" Harumin spoke irritatedly, "Can't you see I'm trying to talk to Yuzu?" Yuzu also looked at her with a raised eyebrow. She didn't reply just looked past them with an apologetic sigh.

"She was trying to tell you to stop talking before you dug a bigger hole for yourself," Mei's voice was crisp and sharp, it cut the air like a blade. Yuzu froze.

"Sorry Mei. We're going on a walk, if you need anything call kay," Matsuri gave Mei a small smile before grabbing a gaping Harumi by the arm, pulling her away.

Yuzu slowly turned around to see Mei standing with her dirty clothes and a towel in her hands, scowling coldly at her. Shit, how do I get out of this one?

Yuzu opened her mouth several times but each time nothing came out, she didn't know what to say. First, she pissed her off and probably offended her last night, and now she was talking about her behind her back, claiming her to be 'too sensitive'. What could she possibly say right now that didn't make it look like she was grasping at straws to cover her ass?

"So you're going to insult me to our friends then just stand there, nothing else to say? Or do you want me to turn around so you can say it behind my back?" Yuzu could practically taste the poison that laced her girlfriend's words, that position seeped into her like a finely cut blade. Great now Mei thinks I slag her off behind her back. Shit shit shit.

"Mei, I ehh that sounded worse than...ehh, sorry about last night. You were right I was wrong, I didn't think you'd react the way you did. I thought you would make light of it or ye know let me continue, but I didn't think you would actually get mad. Then I was annoyed cuz you said I was in a pissy mood when I wasn't as well as warning me about my language, it just annoyed or maybe irritated me." Yuzu hadn't moved, there was still several meters between the two and Mei's stare hadn't weakened, instead, Yuzu saw it harden at her words. Yup definitely sounds like I'm covering.

"So, I was ''overly sensitive'' to you last night trying to guilt trip me into having sex, I irritated you when I retaliated and then when I didn't wake you up, it gave you the right to bad mouth me to our friends. Even more so you didn't want me to know. Your attempt of getting out of the doghouse as you called it, didn't even scratch the surface. In fact, you probably just added more time to your sentence." Mei, although was fuming, didn't have anywhere to storm off to, they were in the forest where was she supposed to go?

Charging past the shocked-still blonde she dumped her stuff in the tent, grabbed her book and walked back to where she was previously standing. "I'm going back to the waterfall, don't follow me. If they come back before I do let them know where I went, without insulting me if you can," Without another word she left into the woods.

Did I actually try and guilt trip Mei into sleeping with me? Tears bubbled and flowed over Yuzu's eyes, her sobs instant as she watched Mei walk away without looking back. She felt horrid, she hadn't thought about it at the time but she had essentially tried to make Mei feel bad for refusing to have sex. What kind of loving girlfriend or person does that, Mei must think I'm disgusting.

In Yuzu's defence, she hadn't meant to guilt trip the raven-haired girl in that way. Given, her tone wasn't full of laughter and she wasn't looking at Mei but she didn't intend for it to come across as cold-hearted blackmail. She wasn't upset enough about not having sex to intentionally use Mei's words against her, she had hoped that Mei would rethink or make a joke of her actions. The thought of forcing Mei or having unwanted sex with her made Yuzu feel sick, did Mei really think she would want to do something like that?

Or perhaps Mei was more annoyed at the fact that she had said that Mei was the one in the wrong to their friends, or maybe because she hadn't apologised last night. But of all these the first was the worst. Yuzu could handle Mei being mad at her for taking to long to apologise, likewise, she could get Matsuri and Harumi or even their college friends to vouge for her about talking about Mei behind her back. Yuzu hardly ever said something bad about Mei to one of her friends. Yes, she would sometimes call Harumi after they had had an argument and claim that Mei was clearly in the wrong, but she never said anything that would actually count as insulting her. So that could be cleared up relatively easy as well, but how was she supposed to tell Mei that she didn't mean to and would never think about sleeping with her under such conditions?

Yuzu was now sitting hunched over on a tree stump, her crying never stopped as she continued to think about Mei believing she would do such a thing. She wanted to run after Mei, wrap her in a tight hug and apologise until her throat hurt but she couldn't. Mei had made it very clear she was furious at her and didn't want to see her.

Mei had never looked at Yuzu the way she had earlier, previous arguments had nothing on this one. When Yuzu had been upset and lied to Mei about it, Mei had hurt and pain in her watering eyes, but nowhere in her eyes did Yuzu see pure anger or distaste. Not like now, she had given Yuzu and unsettlingly cold glare, her face was emotionless however her eyes spoke mountains to Yuzu. They had an intensified pain accompanied by the anger that was spattered with a nauseating distance. Although it wasn't all-consuming, Yuzu knew that Mei was deeply offended at her actions whether she had meant them or not, now Yuzu felt she was looking at her with disgust.

Surely Mei was blowing this out of proportion, she couldn't hate her for a simple misunderstanding, she wouldn't leave her simply because Yuzu had spoken without thinking it through properly. As the thought ran through her mind Yuzu's eyes snapped open, Mei wouldn't leave me, right? No, I can't let her leave me over this.

Confirming that she wouldn't lose Mei over what had started as a petty argument, Yuzu quickly got to her feet, and through blurry vision ran into the forest. The waterfall was about 6 or 7 minutes if you walked but Yuzu didn't feel like she had that time, she had already left Mei for over half an hour what if she was actually thinking about breaking up with her over this.

Yuzu's eyes continued to pour liquid, clouding her vision, she felt several branches scratch across her bare arms and legs along with her face. She didn't care, she didn't even feel them, her one incentive was to get to Mei; apologise and hope that she could make Mei see that she hadn't meant to make her feel guilty. Pray that Mei still loved her.

Yuzu could hear the river clearly, surely Mei was close. Picking up her pace she moved her legs as fast as her sobbing body would allow, she could see the river and clearing up ahead. Her chest tightened as the possibility of Mei's rejection grew nearer, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand she took the last step into the clearing. Well, the last fall.

Yuzu's uncoordinated body dove forward, her foot caught on the snapped branch of an upturned tree trunk; sending her falling for the ground. Her elbows dug into the hardened floor along with her knees, covering her bare flesh in the dirt. Her elbows and knees now staved, she looked a mess; eyes were swollen, cheeks tear-stained, arms and legs covered in scratches now her knees and forearms where staved and Yuzu could feel them starting to bruise.

"Fuck sake," Yuzu shouted to herself, turning on her bottom to clasp her pained knees, her sobs catching in her throat as she tried to bite back any more cursing or whines. Making a quick recovery Yuzu got to her feet and examined the river bed, Mei wasn't there.

Yuzu looked to her right, the forest cleared substantially to expose the cliff edge, the sun poured in through the gaps in the trees and she could see the river falling over the edge of the hill. Maybe Mei wanted more sun or something. With that thought Yuzu burst into her sprint again, she needed Mei to be there, she needed Mei.

When she finally got there her weak legs stopped at the sight of Mei facing her, perched against a rock book in hand. Mei looked up at the noise her puffy eyes widening at the blonde, her eyes instantly flicked over the mud-covered body checking for any serious injuries. Satisfied that she was okay her gaze hardened somewhat again, not as stern as earlier but stern nun the less.

"What are you doing here Yuzu? I'm sure I was very clear about not wanting you here," Mei eyed the blonde, Yuzu's eyes were watering and red, her cheeks still had the odd lingering tear on them. It was obvious to Mei that Yuzu had probably been crying since she left, but it didn't do much to soften her resolve, tears wouldn't fix this.

Yuzu could still hear the anger in Mei's voice, it crushed her. She couldn't take it, she had to tell Mei her thoughts, she wouldn't let Mei sit and make up any more scenarios in her head as she had done. Moving her wavering legs she quickly made her way over to Mei. Collapsing at her feel Yuzu couldn't keep the waterworks closed any longer and once again the tears streamed down her face, clutching onto Mei's legs.

"P-please don't leave me Mei, I didn't mean to make you feel like you had to sleep with me, I-I didn't realise you saw it that way. I-I would never intentionally try and do something like to you and I know you don't think that after last night but I mean it. I'm s-sorry but please Mei, don't leave me. Tell me what to do to make it better and-and I'll do it but you can't leave, anything but that. Please..." Yuzu broke down into an endless stream of tears at the end, her voice was strained as she wept onto Mei's knees, chocking the words through her cries.

Mei, however, was taking her time to process the blonde's words, What is she talking about? I wouldn't break up with her over something like this.

Mei put a hand on Yuzu's head and waited for her cries to die down a little before she spoke up, "Yuzu I don't know what you have been thinking about but to start with, get it out of your head that I'm leaving you. I wouldn't break up with you over this." Yuzu's head shot up at the words, her nose running her eyes watering, "R-really? You're not gonna leave me?" Yuzu pried at Mei's knees hoping she had heard right.

"No, honestly Yuzu I'm mad at you, I don't hate you. And what made you come to the idiotic conclusion that I think you would force yourself on me? I know you're not like that. Yeah earlier I said that you tried to guilt trip me into doing it, but I know you would never act upon it if you knew I didn't want you to. Not that I've forgiven you for doing that yet, but it had never even crossed my mind that you would force me to do that kind of thing, I know you are better than that." Mei spoke softly as she cupped the scratched face in her hand. She truly didn't know what had wormed its way into Yuzu's head in the past half an hour but nun of it was true in the slightest.

Mei could see the regret in the blonde's eyes and even considered forgiving her for her actions but that was quickly swept away as she took her hand off the blondes face.

"But I'm still mad at you for saying I was being overly sensitive and that you spoke about me behind my back to our friends, I don't understand why you would do that, or what you gain from it." Mei now had her arms crossed on her chest and her eyes never leaving the blondes. Yuzu jerked quickly at the accusation, her hands rising from Mei's knees to provide her argument with gestures.

"I don't slag you off to our friends Mei, the worst thing I have ever said about you was to Harumin like a year or so ago when we moved in together, and you wouldn't let me decorate the bedroom. What you heard this morning was me being mad at you for not waking me up and I didn't know that you felt I was guilt tripping you, I had thought you were just saying no for no reason. So I thought you were overreacting, but I don't think that now, not after hearing what you said earlier. I know I was in the wrong, I should think more about how you will react and what I say." Yuzu tried to make a little smile but she was struggling, she wasn't out of shit creek yet.

"Okay, I'm not finished being mad at you but, I need a hug." Mei placed her book down and pulled herself up onto her knees so she was level with Yuzu, who immediately took her in a needy embrace. Yuzu squeezed her so tight Mei thought she was going to pop a lung. Mei wrapped her arms around the now weeping blonde's neck, she had missed her even if it was just one night.

Yuzu buried her face into Mei's neck, "I'm sorry Mei," Mei nodded lightly and continued to hug her.

After several moments Mei moved away, tracing her hand down one of Yuzu's cut arms.

"You should go and wash before any of this dirt gets into your cuts. Clean up and I'll see about talking to you again," Mei moved away to sit back against the rock, picking up her book she gave the rising blonde one final look before focusing solely on her novel.

"Okay, I'm a bit of a mess right now but I'll be back soon, and Mei." Yuzu stopped and waited for Mei to look up. When she finally had the eye contact she was looking for she started, "I love you," with a faint smile she turned and went.

Yuzu made her way back to camp where she found Matsuri and Harumi sitting on the logs next to the fire. Matsuri was the first to notice her and held a finger up to Harumi, telling her to stop for a moment, "How'd it go, did you make up for your mistake? Mei seemed really pissed at you," Matsuri eyed Yuzu along with Harumi.

"Yeah it went fine I think, I apologised for what I said but she said she is still mad and will be for a little bit, which is understandable. But we hugged it out and she said was willing to forgive me so that's better than I could have hoped for. I thought she was going to dump me right here." Yuzu had a relieved expression and her tone was light, much calmer than when the two had last seen her.

"That's great news, but what exactly did you say to think she was gonna dump you? I feel like you would have to kill someone for that to happen, even then she would probably still help you hide the body," Matsuri laughed as she questioned the blonde. Harumi smiled, she, much like Matsuri wanted to know what was going on but she didn't say it, she knew it was an invasion of privacy. Matsuri did too but she wasn't so scared to ask.

"Umm, I'm not gonna answer that... How was your walk?" Yuzu shuffled uncomfortably on the spot, trying to change the subject.

"It was nice, relaxing. But I'm not sure what you guys want to do now, we have all of tomorrow as well so we should probably just spend some time chilling." Harumi said as she rose from her position to take Matsuri's hand.

"Well I'm going for a shower just now, I fell when walking through the woods earlier, so Mei said I need to make sure no dirt gets in any of the cuts. Plus I really just wanna sit in the water even if it is gonna be cold," Yuzu smiled at the pair as she went to her tent to get some fresh clothes and a towel.

"See even when she's super mad at you she still cares so much. We'll still be here when you get back and we can play some games or something, Kay?" Harumi practically sang the words, she thought Mei was super cute, not in an attractive way-not that she could deny that she was attracted to her physically but who wasn't?- but in an adorable way. Always putting Yuzu before herself, making sure she was okay or going out of her way to do something unnecessary for the blonde. Harumi was somewhat envious of it, not that she would trade her girlfriend for anyone but a little more compassion would be nice. Matsuri spent more time with Mei than she did, surely some of that 'love, romance and unconditional care' would rub off on her, but it never did.

Yuzu gave her a quick smile before heading back to the forest. She reached the waterfall they had found the previous day, it was slightly further upstream than where Mei was currently sitting and was completely covered so no one would see. It wasn't a large waterfall, no more than two meters tall but it didn't matter as it would work for them.

Stripping out of her clothes, Yuzu slowly stepped into the water. The water was slightly warm from the heat but it stung the scrapes along her body. Clicking her tongue at the discomfort she finally submerged herself completely in the look-warm water. Rinsing the dirt that covered her body off, Yuzu sat under the splashing water letting it smack of her back.

How long is Mei gonna stay mad at me? I know she's talking to me but having a conversation with a mad Mei is like talking to an NPC, all I get is automated responses. Awkward, boring and worst of all it is soo not fun.

Sighing Yuzu tried to prolong her time in the water, but she eventually had to get out; the water was too cold to actually sit in it for a long period of time

Getting out and getting dried and dressed Yuzu started walking back towards Mei, walking back to drop her clothes off would disturb Matsuri and Harumi but she also couldn't be bothered for the extra 15 minutes of walking.

"Hey, how are you feeling now?" Yuzu shuffled into Mei's view and waited for her response. With only a small smile on her face she looked at Mei, she didn't want to seem too 'okay'. Yuzu knew Mei was still upset, she didn't know how much but she knew it was enough for her not act jolly and happy. That would seem like Yuzu thought everything was fine now, which she knew it wasn't. Not yet.

"Same as before, still annoyed but I know it was a misunderstanding so I can't really continue to be mad. You can sit down if you want. Were the others back from their walk when you went to get your clothes?" Mei's voice was somewhat flat and distant, Yuzu knew she was trying to steer the conversation to something that didn't concern their relationship.

"Yeah they were back, Harumi said it was really relaxing. Maybe we could go on one later today or tomorrow?" Yuzu slowly inched towards Mei's hand as she spoke, when she was finished speaking her fingers lightly brushed Mei's. Mei's hand reclined slightly at the sudden contact, but she soon opened her hand to allow the blonde's fingers to intertwine with her own.

"Yeah," Mei answered before they sat in the uncomfortable silence Yuzu knew was inevitable. She ran her thumb over the back of Mei's hand as she tried to think of a conversation starter. Nothing came to mind, she just wanted to have fun on this trip, but at this rate that wouldn't happen.

"Mei, how long are you going to stay mad? I know I really offended you last night and this morning, but I think things were blown way out of proportion. I mean on both parts, we both misunderstood the other and therefore acted out, me more so than you I admit. But we came on this trip to have fun and spend time together and with Harumi and Matsuri, so do you think you could skip the being mad part till we get home? We should be out here climbing the hills, going fishing or playing in the lake, I don't want this trip to be us fighting. So please, can we spend these next few days being happy then when we walk through the front door of our apartment you can be as mad as you want?" Yuzu squeezed Mei's hand, she honestly didn't think Mei would just let it go but she wanted their first camping trip to be full of fun memories, not fighting over something unthinkably stupid she had said.

Mei watched Yuzu intently, her eyes were fixed on her shoes that dug into the dry mud, her free hand was tapping rapidly, something Mei had noticed she done when she was anxious or scared, and her hand holding Mei's was squeezing tightly.

It was clear that Yuzu really wanted Mei's forgiveness, she could see that. Mei after getting over that initial disappointment of coming wanted to enjoy her time here with the girls. She admitted that it seemed a little wired to postpone her anger till they had gone home, but Mei could see how much Yuzu was struggling to ask her for this.

Getting to get knees, Mei moved over the blonde so that she was straddling her. Placing her hands on either side of the blonde's face, Mei leaned in placing a small kiss on the quivering lips.

When she pulled back Yuzu's eyes were full of confusion, "Okay, we can argue about it when we get home. For now, I think you owe me a relaxing walk," Mei smiled when she saw the face below hers light up.

"Oh my god thank you Mei!" Yuzu exclaimed, lifting her body from the rock she pulled Mei into a slightly more passion filled kiss. When Yuzu felt Mei pull back slightly she instantly let go of her. Yuzu although she trusted that Mei had said the truth, didn't want to prove her earlier thoughts right by making Mei continue the kiss when she wanted to pull away.

The rather abrupt stop left Mei slightly unsatisfied, she wanted the blonde to kiss her hard. If this had been any other day Yuzu would have pulled her in deeper, ran her hands over her body. That's what she wanted, instead, the blonde's actions were reserved and somewhat timid. Mei knew she was only being cautious so Mei wouldn't think she was forcing her to continue the kiss, but she wanted Yuzu to act normal.

"Yuzu... I told you before, you have never once forced me to do anything. You don't need to be so wary, if you didn't pull me in for a kiss until my breath was heavy it wouldn't be any good." Mei ran her hand down the side of the blondes face as she looked straight into the glistening emerald orbs. "We're fine now or at least until we get home, so you don't have anything to worry about. Just act like you normally would and forget about thinking I don't want you to do anything to me. If I want you to stop I'll say so, until then, you do what you think is right. Just like always go with your gut, and kiss me till I'm breathless," Mei waited until she got a small nod from the blonde before pushing herself against her, clasping their lips together.

Yuzu took Mei's words on board and wrapped a hand around Mei's back, one sliding down over her backside and thighs, kissing her fully. Their embrace was not rushed, their lips didn't crash against one another, instead, it was slow, loving and tender.

Yuzu wanted to convey her feeling through the kiss, how much she loved her shown through the way her hand caressed small neck. How much she cared portrayed though how gently she kissed the soft lips. Although it wasn't an extremely heated kiss It went on for quite some time, and the two soon had the need for air.

Yuzu lived for hot, steamy makeout sessions but she enjoyed these more. She loved the way her lips just melted against Mei's, she didn't need to enter Mei's mouth to feel her warmth she could feel the heat from her lips alone. It wasn't as adrenaline packed or fierce but Yuzu loved it, it made her heart race being so close to Mei, to have her lips pressed against her own made her warm inside, it gave her butterflies.

Yuzu once she had pulled away looked, briefly into Mei's eyes before lunging into Mei's body. Bringing her arms around Mei's torso as she buried her nose in the crook of her neck. Squeezing her tight, Yuzu refused to let go. The warmth that radiated from Mei's body was something only she wanted to be able to feel, Yuzu needed that warmth. It made her feel safe and secure, Mei knowing this, pulled her close and soothingly ran her hand over the blonde's back.

"Thank you, Mei, I know I'm kinda being a crybaby but I'm so glad you stayed. I don't think you understand just how much I need you." Yuzu held her close as she sat in the warmth of her girlfriend. The words stunned Mei a little, but at the same time, if the blonde needed her just as much as she did the blonde, there was a good chance that the thought of Mei leaving her, even if she had made up the situation in her head would be traumatic for Yuzu.

"Yuzu, you know it would take a whole lot more than an argument to get rid of me. Yeah, I was mad, but there are going to be loads of times where we get mad or frustrated at one another. But given time and space or a good apology, we will work everything out. So next time we fight don't immediately think I'm going to leave you, because I need you just as much as you need me." Mei pried Yuzu off her to look into the watering eyes, she didn't know why Yuzu would think of something so drastic, just the thought of never being able to look into the deep green pools again made Mei shiver.

Giving Yuzu one final peck on the cheek Mei got off the blonde and reached her hand out to help her up. "C'mon we have kept the others waiting long enough," Mei gave Yuzu a rare bright smile as she lent down to help her up, one that Yuzu couldn't help but burst into a grin of her own at. When Mei smiled it was almost contagious for Yuzu, and it was kind of rare for Mei to give Yuzu a large toothy grin but when she did Mei always got an equally large one back from Yuzu.

Taking her hand Yuzu jumped to her feet, clasping tightly onto Mei's arm.

"Everything better?" Matsuri said as she ignored Harumi who had her back to the two girls, Matsuri although had asked it generally was looking Mei in the eye, asking her directly. Since they had met in high school Mei and Matsuri had slowly grown closer to one another. Matsuri called her usually at least once a week and although Mei never called the pink headed girl, Yuzu knew she enjoyed the pointless conversations. It was possible to say that although it had only been 4 years, Mei's friendship with Matsuri ran as deep as the blondes did. Perhaps deeper. That wasn't to say Mei didn't still find her to be annoying at times.

"Everything is great, nothing to worry about. What are we doing now?" Mei gave the concerned girl an honest smile as she walked hand in hand with the blonde. Matsuri looked over at Yuzu and gave a quick nod before turning to Harumi, "Well we were going to play some card or board games, she brought a whole bunch with her," She said as she waved a large bag in the air gesturing to Harumi.

Yuzu gave her an excited response, "I want to play, have you got Monopoly? I'm killer good at that," Yuzu asked as she browsed the bag, but she didn't need an answer as she pulled the cardboard box from the bag, a large grin on her face.

Over two hours later the overly competitive game of Monopoly was finished, Yuzu sat proudly with several properties that were scattered with houses and hotels, while the other three had nothing but dust in their banks.

"I don't like this game," Harumi had gone bankrupt over a half hour ago, her strategies to keep her money without purchasing any buildings proved to be very wrong as the game played out. Mei gave a curt laugh, "Try playing it with her every two weeks, losing every time," Mei felt she had the upper hand when it came to losing to the blonde, Matsuri, however, didn't like losing.

"I'll have you know Mei, I have lost at this particular game for almost 12 years, you have nothing on me," Matsuri puffed her chest out as she packed the game away as if having the highest number of losing matches was something to be proud of.

"And I've won this game since I was old enough to read the instructions," Yuzu grinned at the three losers, she got three cold glares back which only made her smile grow bigger.

"We're going to play a different game, and you are most definitely going to lose," Matsuri said as she emptied the bag of games out onto the floor, looking for one she was confident she was going to win.