Summer had arrived; the land once again brimming with tremendous heat. Anyone caught in the searing touch cursed the season. However, Japan would be awarded with the annual melody of the cicadas. Each year, their anthem mirrored across the city of Tokyo. It was this harmony Mako attempted to croon as she rhythmically knocked on Ryuko's apartment door.

After graduating Honnouji, Ryuko found a flat for sale within Tokyo. She had intended to pay it off on her own, but Satsuki insisted on using their mother's remaining earnings for the sum. After some debating, Ryuko gave in to the idea. She had always felt like an inconvenience to the Mankanshokus. She thought the sooner they were left at peace, the better. Ryuko requite their hospitality with a voluminous payment, which they respectfully accepted - but not of course - after some tough convincing.

Two days had passed since Ryuko left the family's home. Ryuko promised to check in within the coming week, but the anticipation made Mako grow restless from staring at the phone, waiting for that call. After merely the second day, she took it upon herself to check in on the girl, personally.

Footsteps resonated; stopping behind the door. A shadow could be seen reflecting on the gap at the bottom of the doorway, as if someone were looking through the peephole. The door unlocked, then opened.

"Ryuko-chan!" Mako leapt through the doorway and clutched the apartment's occupant.

"Mako, what are you doing here?" Ryuko blurted each word with a joyful laugh; striving for air in Mako's firm embrace.

"You broke your promise, dummy! Since you moved, you haven't called. Dad and Mom said I should give you time to settle in. Mataro is still mad you left. Oh, and Guts misses you too! I don't know if two days is enough time for you to settle in, but if you are still moving boxes, I could help! You know you should really-" Ryuko placed a hand over Mako's bickering mouth.

"Ok! I get it. I'm sorry. I'll have to apologize to them later. Come on in," Ryuko smiled and directed her hand towards the living room.

Two days - indeed - weren't enough, but Ryuko wasn't surprised by Mako's eagerness. Irregardless she was pleased to have company over in her new home.

Mako ebulliently marched into the apartment, through a hallway, towards the living room.

Scattered through the path towards the living room were numerous, untouched boxes. Mako wondered what they held exactly, considering Ryuko kept few belongings when they lived together. Maybe she felt the place was empty and had gone shopping for more than just furniture.

In the living room, a dark leather couch - of the cheap variety - laid pointing towards a television set, with an armchair on the opposite side. On the walls hung two framed posters which displayed imagery of a popular music band, detailing Ryuko had time to decorate the place.

The flat itself looked comfy yet narrow. It's design was simple and modernized, with the overall layout appearing more Western than Japanese.

"I'm wanting to catch Satsuki on a free day to help me with the place. She's busy for the remainder of this week. She was bugging me about what goes where when I moved in. Jakuzure wanted to help but God knows that be a disaster. She would paint the walls pink and fill the room with plushies if I left her to it," Ryuko explained when she realized how messy the place may look to a visitor.

"I said I could help! Where do you want to start?" Mako waved at the mess.

"Thanks but you and your family have helped enough. You are a guest in my home now. Why don't we take a seat?" Ryuko suggested and they did just that.

The two sat still in reticence, until the hostess politely offered, "Can I get you anything to eat or drink?"

"No, thank you."

"How's everyone?"

"Great."

"How have you been?"

"Good."

"I was going to call... but about the other day. You didn't speak or look at me. I couldn't figure out what to tell you at the time... and I don't know what I should say to you now," Ryuko stammered through her justification, fiddling with the straps on her short sleeved jacket.

The room went silent once more. Ryuko and Mako laid unmoving in the strangeness of their silence.

Things had never been the same since the day humanity overthrew the Life Fibers. The aftermath brought peace; a chance for a normal life. Before the fateful day, all Ryuko had known was to fight. It was difficult for her to adjust to a life without fighting, and a life without Senketsu. Ryuko was thankful to have Satsuki, the Mankanshokus and the Elite Four helping her through the challenge. Now all Ryuko did was dwell on a certain piece of that memory from Honnouji; the moment Mako kissed her.

Sexuality did not trouble her; Ryuko was never disconcerted by her sexual preference. No, it was Mako. While their date had gone well, ever since, the friendship had strained. They never spoke openly about their sentiments about love, nor agreed to being in a palpable relationship. So what did that kiss mean to Mako? What did anything mean to her?

Ryuko wanted to discuss the subject with her, but she considered that maybe Mako was inexperienced. That or she didn't think a kiss as serious as the former did. How could Ryuko talk to her about something like this?

Ryuko decided it was time to stop dodging the issue. She was going to ask her directly and get it over with.

"Mako..."

"Hmm?"

"I need to ask you a serious question."

"Ok."

"Are you in love with me?" Ryuko asked forthrightly.

Mako buried her face at the question, causing Ryuko to sigh in annoyance.

"I want to know."

"I don't know how to tell you what I feel!"

The answered bewildered the older girl. Ryuko hadn't meant to force anything out Mako, or rush her to a decision. But her anxiety had become unmanageable through the passing months. Ryuko knew it would worsen if the pair didn't resolve this affair now. She was sure there was no other way of making Mako concede.

"Well then, would you trust me to do something?"

"Hmm?"

"You'd have to stay still. Close your eyes."

"Mm." Mako agreed to obey without any question.

Guilt plagued her for what would transpire, but Ryuko needed a straight answer; an evident sign of love. She position herself face to face with Mako. She closed her eyes and slowly moved her head towards the younger girl.

The stillness in the air heighten the senses; Mako incontrovertibly felt the distance draw thin between them. Assured of what was to come, she puckered her lips as an invitation. When Mako sensed a breeze sweep through, she opened her eyes to see Ryuko had withdrawn.

"I thought as much," Ryuko chuckled, her brows arced with amusement.

Mako had given Ryuko the answer she had longed for. It was all the incentive required for what was next.

"Close your eyes again and relax."

Mako granted her an innocent scowl but complied. She once again closed her eyes.

"Ok. Here goes," Ryuko puffed her cheeks, rubbing her sweaty palms against her thighs. She was shaky but able to gather the courage to commence.

Cautiously, Ryuko extended her left hand. Her fingers brushed Mako's chest, over her tank-top. The tickling motion caused Mako to snigger, but the sound didn't stop Ryuko and only seemed to give permission to advance.

Slowly, Ryuko traced her fingers across the clavicle; resting her left hand on Mako's right shoulder. Attempting to place Mako in a state of ease, Ryuko caressed the limb with her thumb. Another tiny giggle came from the younger girl, but it was enough for the latter. This was the calmest Mako would be.

Ryuko drew her head closer but stopped as their lips nearly touched. She wanted to savor the moment. With her right hand, she lovingly stroke a finger down Mako's jawline. Lifting Mako's chin, Ryuko's hot breath teased the neck with each inhale and exhale. When she felt the younger girl shiver under her touch, Ryuko decided to test the skin with a quick kiss, winning her a soft moan of approval. Confident, she began leaving a trail of kisses up the neck and onto the cheek. Each time, Mako shyly whimpered under the ecstasy. She relished every second, but the awareness of this only made Mako ignite with blazing shame.

After a peck on the chin, Ryuko took another moment to study the younger girl. Mako's eyes remained shut, but the overall expression on her told Ryuko she was in awe. Her eyes and nose twitched from the exhilaration. She would bite her bottom lip, struggling for control. Ryuko was satisfied with her reaction and decided enough was enough. She believed what she saw in Mako was a sign of 'love'. Ending this torture, she enclosed the space between them and their lips met.

The sudden sensation caused Mako to tense, but it was her only way of letting the moment settle in. Ryuko began with light tugs and sucks, as Mako, having no prior history, stood stiff and awkwardly. She didn't want to ruin the memory of this moment by doing something inappropriate.

Discerning her lack of confidence, Ryuko's hands comforted Mako's.

"It's ok. Don't be afraid," the older teen encouraged her as they broke their kiss, allowing gentle pants between them to escape.

The younger girl opened her eyes, the sight making her redden. Ryuko stared back with sincerity and compassion, her gaze assuring everything would be alright. Mako knew she had no reason to doubt Ryuko or conceal her emotions any longer. Although Mako had little insight in this sort of relationship, whatever mistake she were to make would be pardoned. Her best friend - and now partner - believed in her. Mako sought not to fail Ryuko.

Understanding each other through thought, the two smiled in unison. They slowly drew closer to resume the kiss.

This time, Mako attempted to replicate each motion to the best of her knowing ability. After many efforts, their kiss became near synchronized. Although imperfect, each stroke was sufficiently endearing. The sensation intensified as the two moaned into each others breath. Their lustful sounds signaled for something greater and Ryuko wasn't about to miss the opportunity. She deepened the kiss as her tongue gently invaded Mako's. When the muscles touched, Ryuko guided the less experienced girl with light pushes and circulation. Mako clumsily followed her instruction with great determination. Their tongues massaged with slight discomfort, but the feeling was arousing enough to stretch on for far longer than expected.

Soon - by their own passion - the two found themselves struggling for air. They broke their kiss; heavy pants surfacing the room. Their eyes glued - wanting to communicate - but no words could form. Finally, after they had gain composure, Mako brought her arms around Ryuko and nuzzled her.

"That was great, Ryuko-chan! Let's do it again!" Mako exclaimed, putting the entirety of her weight over the older girl as they embraced.

"Alright! Alright! Calm down," Ryuko laughed, her back falling flat on the couch.

Mako stood on top, meeting her face to face.

"I hope you're happy here. I'll see that you don't get lonely and come visit every day! I'll come over when Satsuki-sama is free, and together we'll make this place the most chirpy home a girl could ask for!" Mako promised.

Their cheeks flushed red simultaneously as Mako declared, "I love you, Ryuko-chan."

She lowered her head and gave Ryuko a peck on the lips.