Chapter Text
Marine was in a hurry, she hadn't meant for this to happen, honest. She forgot it was the first day of school and was now running in the halls ignoring teacher shouting at her to slow down. When she finally made it in class she was heavily breathing at the doorway with everyone staring right at her. The teacher who had long pink hair didn't look amused, "Well so nice for you to join us Marine."
Marine nervously chuckled, "S-sorry Mrs.Mori, uh hows Mrs.Takanashi?" Her teacher Calliope Mori wasn't one to show many emotions other than happy and angry, but this time she was as red as can be, Marine had her before and knew that if you talk about either about her wife Kiara or daughter Clara Ms. Mori would get flustered and forget about situations like these. "J-Just sit down dang it." Marine then walked over to her long time friend Pekora who was supporting her head with her hand.
"Nice one peko." Pekora teased. Marine sat in front of her then whispered, "Oh shut it, I forgot to set my alarm clock ok?!" Pekora just giggled, "Even as a Senior you still haven't changed huh?" Marine just rolled her eyes and slumped her head onto her folded arms. As class was going on Marine scanned the room, everyone seemed usual, no one new to her knowledge, but immediately ate her thoughts as she saw a small and dainty girl with green hair in two buns. The girl was in the front of the class politely listening to Ms.Mori.
As class ended and everyone filed out of the room, Marine saw both Noel and Flare talking to the girl in the halls, the green haired girl then smiled and seemed to thank them then walked away in a hurry. Marine quickly sped walked to the couple, "Who was that just now?" Noel put her hands up, "Woah slow your roll, she just asked us where the anatomy room was. She didn't say a name."
Flare then raised an eyebrow, "Why do you even want to know?"Marine opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out, why was she so curious? "I-I don't know really? I guess I just like meeting new people?" Marine then shrugged. Noel then piped up once more, "Wheres Pekora? I would think she would be laughing at you by now."
"I thinks she's with Moona? I did see Pekora smile big when seeing both her and Moona's schedules." All three nodded, everyone in Marine's friend group seemed like they were dating someone, not that Marine was jealous or anything it just gets hard when you want to hang out with someone but end up being a third wheel. Flare then gasped, "Shoot class is almost starting!" She then grabbed Noel by the arm and dragged her away as Noel waved bye to Marine.
Marine's next class was...Anatomy...dang it.
When she entered the class she noticed that there were lab stations as the desks for students, only fitting two students at a station. With luck she found the new girl by herself at a station and Marine plopped herself right next to her with glee.
Marine turned to the new girl and put out her hand, "Hi! My name is Houshou Marine, and I would like to be your partner!" The green haired girl blushed wildly with a cute, "Eh!" But immediately the new girl calmed down and smiled at Marine, a smile that made her knees weak for some reason. The new girl met Marines hand and shook, "My name is Uruha Rushia, and I would be glad to have you as my partner."
"Uruha Rushia," Marine repeated and then smirked, "Pretty name for a pretty lady." Rushia's face returned to a blush making Marine giggle a bit, Rushia seemed pretty easy to tease with. Though it was weird how Marine flirted with her and barely even met the girl.
As class went on Marine found out Rushia was a really smart girl, like super smart to where she could probably rival teachers at their own subject. She also learned that Rushia wanted to be a doctor after she goes to Med school, and to be fair Marine could see that happening and she barely met the girl. That class time flew by so quickly that even they were surprised when the bell rang.
They both decided to talk again during lunch since they both had it the same period. After her talk with Rushia ended it seemed as though all time decided to screw with Marine and slow it down. Then finally lunch came and she guided Rushia to her friends table. They all introduced each other and chatted all the way through the period, good times all around. By the end of the day Marine had made a new friend, and later walked new friend home.
Marine asked, "So why did you guys move here?" Rushia closed her eyes and sighed, "My dad became the director of the local hospital." Marine smiled, "Well I have to thank your dad then." Rushia tilted her head in confusion, "Why?" Marine leaned over to Rushia closing in on her face, " Cause of his job I got to meet you!" Rushia was now flustered but then turned her head and pouted, "Quit teasing me like that Marine." Marine chuckled, "Sorry, sorry force of habit."
The rest of the way was filled with more talks of how their upbringings were and what the future would hold.
A few months have now gone by it's now October, Rushia and Marine had gotten every close to where even their friends ship them, only to be met with an unamused Rushia. One day however Noel came rushing in the cafeteria, "Guys guess what!" No one said a word, instead they just stared at her, "Anyways, Coco had just invited us to her halloween party!"
"You mean our upperclassman Coco?" Marine asked confused with Noel just nodding a yes. Moona just sighed, "Ah sorry I can't, gotta take my niece to go trick or treating." Pekora then wrapped her arm around Moona, "And I want to spend time with Moona's family that night peko." Noel groaned at that fact, Flare just rubbed Noel's back, "Don't worry i'll go with you." Just like a dog Noel perked up smiling, "Really!?" Flare nodded, Noel then turned to both Rushia and Marine waiting to hear their response.
Rushia took a sip of her water then answered, "Yea sure, but I probably won't drink though." Marine looked at Rushia and was worried a bit, college men plus a small cute girl did not mix well. Marine sighed, "Yea ok i'll also go." Noel clasped her hands together, "Thanks guys! Can't wait!" Marine knew something was going to go wrong.
Later that night the 4 girls finally made it to the party and were immediately greeted with loud music and the smell of alcohol. After only about 15 minutes Rushia and Marine had lost sight of Noel and Flare. Then another 10 minutes go by and now Rushia is missing. Now Marine was in panic mode trying to find Rushia but was then stopped by one dude who was obviously drunk.
"S-Sorry i'm trying to find my friend so i'll just be-" she then was forced up against the wall by the man's hand who had a raspy voice, "Hey no need to be in such a hurry, I am sure your friend is doing just fine." Each time Marien tried to escape his hold he grabbed her collar bone harder to the point it would bruise the next day.
Just when it seemed like a lost cause the man turned around for an odd reason and Marine saw what made him turn around. Seeing familiar green hair and a small body it was Rushia. The only thing different was her eyes, she had them cold as steel and said something to the dude, to which he responded by laughing. Biggest mistake of his life as the next thing that happened was Rushia with all of her might kicking the guy in the privates dropping him to his knees.
Next thing Marine knew she was being dragged out by the small girl and they were now walking home. "Where are we going Rushia," Marine managed to finally say something after walking for quite a while. Rushia turned her head to which her eyes were back to her beautiful shade, "I was thinking a sleepover at your house if thats ok."
It was sudden but a welcome one as Marine smiled, "Yea I would like that as well." Later on they were finally in her room and Marine was weirdly nervous. After Marine changed into her pajamas and bringing out cloths for Rushia, she saw the exact same woman look through her sketchbook. Marine quickly snatched the book from Rushia blushing.
Rusiha was shocked at the sudden movement, "You ok Marine?"
"Y-yea it's just embarrassing for you to look at it."
TIlt of the head," Why? I looked at some of them and I thought they were really good." Marine dropped her guard, "R-really?" Rushia smiled and nodded her head, "Mhmm." Marine held the book close to her chest and looked to the side, "This book just has a lot of doodles of anime characters..."
Rushia was now kneeling in the spinny chair with sparkles in her eyes, "You watch anime too!" That had caught Marine by surprise a bit, she barely knew anyone who like anime that wasn't over the web. This girl must have been a gift cause no matter what Marine just has so much in common with her. They then talked the whole night about Marines drawings and discussed over the characters she has drawn.
While they were looking through Rushia had an idea, "How about you draw me!"
"Only if its in a sexy pose."
"Deal."
Now Marine's face was blushing, Rushia took noticed and had a smug look on her face, "Well well looks like the tables have turned."
"Oh shut up!" she then wrestled Rushia a bit with her holding down both of the green haired girls wrists both exhausted and both staring at each other. Marine then slowly moved her head closer to Rushia and Rushia closed her eyes. Both felt sparks as their lips touched as they both separated both winded, Rushia put her hand on Marine's cheek, "I-I like you a lot Marine."
"I would hope so cause that kiss was...wow." Rushia just giggled, "Shut up," they then both kissed again and eventually fell asleep in each others arms. This was bliss for both of them.
Christmas finally rolled around and now Rushia and Marine had been going out for almost two months. Their friends gave them the "We knew this would happen" faces when they came out. But now the hardest task of all...what to give to your girlfriend as a gift. Marine had been struggling all month just thinking about what to get her. but today was finally the day they spent Christmas together...or at least on Christmas eve due to being with family all day tomorrow.
They were sitting in Marine's room with their gifts out and Marine was first. She opened up the present to reveal gloves. "Their for your digital art, I noticed how much you say your wrist hurts after drawing for too long...it's a dumb gift I know." Marine immediately hugged Rushia, "Don't say that, they're perfect, thank you so much." She then kissed Rushia on the cheek and tried on the gloves...a perfect fit.
Now it was Rushia's turn and she held up Marine's coat she usually wears on her shoulders Marine blushed a bit and rubbed the back of her neck, "I really didn't even know what to get you to be honest, so I thought maybe give you something that will always remind you of me?" She looked at Rushia who was now bundled up in the coat smiling goofily making Marine crack up. Rushia then gave Marine a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you Marine." They both then hugged, after that Marine dropped Rushia at her doorstep.
"Oh wait a second!" Rushia ran inside with Marine looking confused. Rushia came back with something behind her back and a big smile on her face, "Ok close your eyes."
"Eh?"
Rushia sighed, "Just do it." Marine shrugged and did it.
A moment later she heard Rushia give an ok to open her eyes up and saw that her gf was holding a fake mistletoe as high as she could above them. Marine giggled and looked at Rushia, "Well I can't break a tradition can I?" Rushia smiled back and shook her head, "Nope!" Marine then held Rushia and gave her a deep kiss, one not forgettable.
More months rolled by and now was Valentines day. The day of couples and new love. Usually Marine would just think of it as some regular day. But now she was the one in a relationship and she was the one in love. That day both her and Rushia went to the carnival, they played lots of games, rode a lot of rides, and ate really good food...little did Marnine know this was one of the last days she would see Rushia in a long time.
After Rushia not coming to school and not picking up her phone after Valentines day she got worried. She tried to talk to Rushia's parents but they said they didnt know where she was and the teachers wouldn't help either.
That first week of March was miserable and it showed. Mrs. Mori had even called for her to stay after class to discuss what the issue was.
"Whats going on kid, your grades have been slipping and you seem out of it every day."
"Rushia hasn't been to school in a long time...her parents don't know where she is nor do I..." Marine sounded dead no pip in her step like usual.
Calliope tightened her fist, "Listen, you didn't hear this from me but...Rushia is in the local hospital...you should ask her what happened yourself..." Marine looked up surprised and got to her feet so quick, "T-Thank you Mrs.Mori!" She then zoomed out surprising the other Mrs.Mori who was entering her wife's room.
Kiara found Calli looking down at her desk, "Rough day?" Calli just shook her head and then looked over at Kiara with tears swelling in her eyes, "Kiara please I need you," Calli outstretched her arms and Kirar came running to her, embracing her wife while she was crying. As Kiara was petting Calli's head she then asked, "Whats wrong babe..."
"I just feel so bad for her Kiara...I couldn't imagine that happening to one of-"
"Shhh, shhh, shhh, its ok..." the two were left in the room alone as Calli's cries were still occupying the room.
After finding out the room of Rushia she immediately barged in with Rushia looking shocked, "M-Marine what are you doing here!"
Marine stomped over, "What am I doing here? What are you doing here!" Rushia looked like she wanted to say something but couldn't. Marine sat down in a chair next to her bed and held Rushia's hand, "Please Rushia...tell me." Tears welded up to her eyes, "I...I have pancreatitis cancer Marine." Marine's heart shattered,and she felt dizzy.
"C-can't they just take it out?" Rushia shook her head and her voice was cracked, "It already has done it's damage Marine...there is nothing we can do." Marine got on her feet fast, "Bullshit! There has to be a way!I-Im not losing you!" Tears streamed down Marines cheeks and she tried to speak but only sobs came out. She sat back down and covered her mouth trying to suppress coughs but failed.
After she had calmed down Marine looked at Rushia, "How long? How long have you known?" Rushia looked down,"After our date, I felt very ill, we went to the doctors and he found the cancer...apparently it had been there for a while and over time without me knowing it messed up my body."
"Im so sorry Marine, if only I knew!" Marine then set her forehead on Rushia's forehead, "Its ok...I don't blame you trust me. I love you Rushia."
Rushia had tears in her eyes and smiled, "I love you too Marine!"
Two months went by in a flash and it was almost graduation. A week from it Marine did her daily visit of Rushia. Rushia's condition got worse and worse as time went on. But she kept fighting. That night they were talking and Rushia had a smile on her face, Marine smiled back, "What are you smiling for?"
"I got permission to be able to walk for graduation! I can walk with all of you guys by my side." Marine hugged Rushia, "I cant wait Rushia...me and you walking, gives me a big smile just thinking about it." Marine looked at the time and realized she had to go, "Ah I have to go Rushi," as she got up she felt her arm get pulled back.
"No just stay the night please?" Marine frowned, "You know I can't, plus its a school night." Rushia looked dejected, Marine saw and gave a sad smile, she then leaned over and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Ill visit tomorrow same time so don't worry k?" Rushia smiled and nodded.
The next morning the phone rang, her mom answered as Marine was making breakfast and she could hear her mom gasp and give an "Oh my god!" Now she was curious, after her mom hung up and went to the kitchen, Marine picked up her plate of pop tarts and asked, "Who was that on the phone?"
Her mom looked nervous but finally said, "It was Mrs.Uruha...Rushia's dead sweetheart." Marine froze and she dropped her plate shattering it on the floor. "Y-your lying....your lying!"
"Sweetheart I know its-"
"No! Shut up! She wouldn't do that! She wouldn't leave me!" Marine then ran out of the house, got on her bike and pedaled as fast as she could towards the hospital.
She ran right past the office and towards the room with security on her tail. She quickly opened the door expecting to see Rushia look over and smile, but instead the bed was empty and neatly done. Marine fell to her knees in shock and two guards grabbed her by each arm and panic then set in. She was now screaming on where Rushia was thrashing everywhere.
She then saw Rushia's dad. "Mr.Uruha!" He looked over at her and she saw his face and it said a thousand words as his face was a mess and looked like he was just done crying his eyes out then turned away from Marine telling them to get her out of here. Marine still couldn't believe it still and until she was finally outside she let it all out. She was shaking,sobbing, banging the ground with her fists till they bruise, and screaming. Her mom pulled up after the episode and saw her daughter a husk of who she really is.
She had to guide Marine in the car. During the car ride Marine looked dead, just staring out the window not making a sound, not that she even could. Once again she was guided to her room this time and her mom closed the door to let her daughter have some alone time. Marine finally moved looking around the room and no matter where she looked she was reminded of her.
Anger filled her as she was now throwing everything and every time an object hit the ground an image of Rushia filled her mind. Marine fell to her knees and bawled once more in a mess of a room.
Next day her friends heard the news and went over to her house and comforted her as well as letting a few more cries out with it. A day before the graduation ceremony Marine asked the principle if he could call out both her and Rushia's name to accept the award he merely nodded and said he will. He kept on that promise as next day he call for both of them, Marine held a photo of Rushia as she walked across the stage and got both diplomas.
After the ceremony Marine and her friends went to Rushia's house and Marine delivered the diploma to Rushia's mom who held it close to her. Before they left though her mom said Rushia left Marine a letter before her death and handed it over to Marine who accepted it.
That night she finally opened up the letter and it read as stated:
To my dearest Marine...
I know you may be sad or even mad, but I wanted this letter to tell you thank you, thank you for being one of the first to talk to me, thank you for being a great friend, thank you for being the love of my life, thank you for always being there for me even when it hurt. Im sorry our time had to end so abruptly and I wish I had more time so I would potentially walk down the isle to marry you. Just know that you shouldn't let this love dictate your life. I want you to live and to remember me but not let it hold you back. Plus continue on making your best art you can! Ill be watching!
Your love for eternity Rushia
Marine wiped a tear from her eye and chuckled, "Geez Rushia, you sure know how to make things harder huh?" She looked over at her dresser which had a picture of both her and Rushia cheek to cheek. She kissed Rushia's side of the picture and whispered, "I love you Rushia."
Marine's mom then called from downstairs with Marine responding with a "Coming!" she then put the photo face down and ran out of the room running to a future unknown.