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Makoto pulled her motorcycle up to the curve and dropped the kickstand before cutting the engine and removing her helmet. She smiled to the beautiful young woman with fluffy pink hair who was approaching her. “Ready to go, Haru?” she asked, silently noting with approval that Haru was wearing leather pants under her long sundress, boots, and a leather jacket, all of which would keep her safe for the ride.
“Yes!” Haru giggled, taking the helmet held out for her and pulling it on. “Thank you so much for this, I really need the break!”
“Me too,” Makoto chuckled softly, waiting until Haru was settled in at her back. “Did you want to stop anywhere on the way, or right to the beach?”
“Let’s go straight there, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course!”
Satisfied that they were both ready, Makoto started back up the bike and pulled onto the road once more. They took the expressway towards the ocean, cool autumn air passing them by. It was the off-season, but that was exactly what made the trip worth it. In their final year of university, classes, exams, studying, it was all piling up and adding to their stress. A little bit of time at a mostly empty beach, simply taking in the view, the sounds, and the smells would help calm their minds and bring them a peace that would make things easier.
Makoto enjoyed the feel of Haru’s arms wrapped around her, the strong grip that most people wouldn’t expect when they looked at the gorgeous debutante. Of course, she knew exactly what those powerful arms could do, particularly when armed with an ax. Grinning to herself, she sped up and could feel the excitement in the other woman’s grasp. It was almost a disappointment when they turned back onto surface streets and had to slow down, and more so when they arrived at their destination and those arms released her.
Haru shook out her head then ran fingers through her hair after removing the helmet, trying to restore some of the thick curls after they had been trapped. Makoto smiled and slid her own fingers into Haru’s hair, letting her trimmed nails scrape gently over a sensitive scalp as she helped. Smiling warmly, Haru set her hand over Makoto’s wrist and leaned in for a short kiss. With no one around at the moment, she felt emboldened, and she stroked Makoto’s wrist for a moment longer as the two shared tender expressions.
“I’m glad you invited me out today, Makoto,” Haru spoke softly, dismounting from the bike and stretching her arms out behind her back. “Things have been so busy, we haven’t been able to spend much time together lately.”
“I know,” Makoto said with a hint of disappointment, reaching out to lock pinkies with Haru as the two descended wooden steps leading down to the beach sands. “Just a few more months until we’re done with university. Then, I suppose, the real challenges begin.”
Haru nodded and leaned in closer as they walked, the long skirt of her dress rippling in the strong ocean breeze and catching against her legs. “After everything else we’ve been through, I don’t imagine it’ll be all that difficult,” she giggled, smiling up at Makoto. “Shareholders aren’t nearly as scary as shadows.”
Laughing, Makoto grinned at her and rested her cheek against Haru’s temple for a moment as they walked, the sound of the surf crashing onto the beach their primary accompaniment. “We just can’t let ourselves grow overconfident. I don’t think it would go over well if you took your ax to the board room.”
“Oh, you never know,” Haru said sweetly, a devious glint in her eye, “I did invite someone over to have a discussion and chopped some of next year’s firewood while we spoke. I found it very effective.”
“You didn’t,” Makoto laughed.
“No, I didn’t,” Haru agreed, giggling, “At least not really. I did have a dream like that, though, and I found it very cathartic.”
“Everyone’s afraid I’m going to beat them up, when you’re the one they should be afraid of.”
“I thank you for taking that attention off of me,” Haru grinned, threading their fingers together and squeezing Makoto’s hand. “The surprise I give people really helps make my points stronger.”
Leaning in for a lingering kiss, Makoto laughed softly against Haru’s lips as she rubbed their noses together affectionately, “I can’t wait to see what a wonderful, loving terror you become.”
Haru grinned, tilting her head for another kiss, leaning into Makoto and enjoying the quiet privacy of an off-season beach. “I can say the same to you. I’m looking forward to watching your career, you know.”
“Thank you,” Makoto whispered, a world of truth and gratitude in that simple phrase. She wrapped Haru up in a hug and kissed her once more before the pair reluctantly parted and resumed their walk.
“Do you think the cafe is open?” Haru asked curiously, gesturing further down the beach.
“Only one way to find out,” Makoto smiled. She shielded her eyes with her freehand and squinted at the distance, “I think there are cars outside it, though, so probably. Lunch, or just drinks?”
“Lunch!” Haru smiled, tugging on Makoto’s hand and starting to lightly run on the sand, though her heavy boots and long skirt made it difficult.
Makoto laughed at the enthusiasm and quickened her pace, the pair running down the beach, the terrain slowing them down and making a workout of the play. They were breathless as they approached the cafe, laughing and leaning against one another for support. Gratified to find it open for business, they took a moment outside to kick the sand off their boots and catch their breath before entering the small building.
Seated by a window facing the ocean, they spoke of future plans as they enjoyed warm drinks and delicious sandwiches in the calm cafe. Life would be busy, but it would also be fun, and while business may keep them apart more than they would like, the comfort and ease whenever they were together would always be there to reward them for their hard work.