Bittersweet

Normal

Chapter 18

Natsuki sat at a small desk across from Ms. Santiago, her social worker.

"Natsuki. We understand that you have no family that can take you in." the woman began, gazing down at the documents which held all of Natsuki's information.

Well, there's Pops... but I don't think he counts...

Natsuki dismissed the idea of her senile grandfather as she waited for the lady to continue.

"Since you're still in school and a minor, we can provide the funds for you to finish high school. However, we can't provide a place to live unless you don't mind foster care...?" Ms. S trailed off, glancing up to hear Natsuki's reply.

"No. No foster care." Natsuki said quickly shaking her head in disagreement.

"I figured as much. Then we're going to need to find you a place to stay." Ms. Santiago implied with a shrug.

Yuri...

"C-Could I stay with my girlfriend?" Natsuki asked timidly.

"I don't see why not. I'll need her to come in and sign a few papers, though." Ms. Santiago shrugged again, chewing the tip of her pen with disinterest.

Natsuki stood and bolted from the office, down the hall, and into the lobby where Yuri sat.

"What's wrong, sweets?" Yuri said, cocking her head to the side.

Natsuki paused for a moment, a blush filling her cheeks at the use of one of Yuri's pet names for her.

"I, um, asked if I could live with you... If you don't mind, of course..." Natsuki said, biting her lip.

Yuri's face lit up as a smile spread across her features.

"What did they say?" Yuri asked, standing from her chair.

"You'd have to sign a few papers but they'll let me if you're okay with it..." Natsuki rubbed the back of her neck anxiously.

Why did I even ask?

You're just going to stress her out!

"Let's go!" Yuri exclaimed, grabbing Natsuki's hand as she sprinted down the hall to Ms. Santiago's office.

"Where do I sign?" Yuri said as she threw open the door, startling the poor woman enough to knock her out of her chair.

"Fuckin geezus!" Ms. S placed a hand over her chest, panting lightly.

"Sorry." Yuri apologised as she and Natsuki entered the room.

"It's cool. Sign here, here and here. Initial this, sign there, and that's it!" Ms. Santiago pointed to the blank lines in turn.

"You too." she said, holding the clipboard towards Natsuki.

Natsuki drew a quick breath before signing the desired slots.

Yuri squealed and picked Natsuki up, twirling her around giddily.

Natsuki smiled down at Yuri, leaning in to plant a soft kiss to her lips.

Yuri kissed back, her heart hammering wildly.

She set Natsuki down and seized her hand, holding it tightly in her own.

The two girls excused themselves and walked out of the room with smiles on their faces.

"Today sure was something, huh?" Yuri inquired, swinging their joined arms back and forth rhythmically.