[A/N: Using their English names]

Portuguese Translation: click!

Chiao had never been the type to wear her affection on her sleeve. She had feelings, but tended to show them in her own unique way. Not one to outright say she cared for someone, she chose ways to express her emotions that not everyone understood. She sometimes felt frustrated when her purest sentiments weren’t felt as strongly as she wanted to convey them.

Somehow, she’d still managed to secure more than a friendship with a sweet girl people nicknamed ‘Milk’. Chiao thought she deserved to know how appreciated she was, but just couldn’t seem to make her understand.

Milk was a bit of a dreamer and though she was rugged and boyish, her shell harbored a girl who liked girlish things. She liked to feel protected, desired, doted on. Though she wasn’t selfish or demanding, her low-maintenance exterior cloaked her true want to feel special. Somehow, Chiao managed to notice, but try as she might, felt a failure at winning her heart. She knew Milk liked her – they’d been dating six months already, but she needed to find a happy medium. They needed a bridge between Milk’s needs and Chiao’s handicap conveying what was in her heart and gut.

In hopes of growing the romance in their relationship, Chiao organized a getaway for two. The tranquil greenery was a stark contrast to the concrete jungle they inhabited. Chiao had traveled to the mountains before, but Milk had never left the city. She was visibly excited and probably imagined a picturesque fairytale cottage in the woods. Chiao’s vision for their weekend was a bit more down to earth. There were trees; there was a ‘cottage’ of sorts (more of a quaint Bed & Breakfast run by an old couple), but Milk had not been prepared for hiking, sweating and getting dirty.

For a city slicker, it may have been considered roughing it, but Chiao thought it was nice that the old couple looked after them, cooked them meals and lent them their canoe. Their property had a private lake and the view from the dock was spectacular. Still, Milk seemed a bit grumpy when fantasy clashed with reality.

The turning point probably occurred when Chiao decided to soak her frustrations headfirst in the lake. She thought she might convince a reluctant Milk to join her if she acted like a buffoon. Once she reached the center of the lake, she begun treading water. It wasn’t very deep but she started flailing and splashing to make Milk laugh. But when she actually went under and the sputtering stopped, Milk jumped out of her comfy lawn chair.

Milk wasn’t a great swimmer, so she hesitated. The delay setting down her glass of lemonade, taking off her shoes and ball cap allowed her to focus her courage. She was scared and wondered what she’d do if Chiao was really drowning. Nevertheless, she doggy-paddled to the area she’d last seen Chiao and was relieved when the prankster came up for air – albeit feigning a coughing fit and spraying water into Milk’s face.

The latter was still convinced the situation was dire and managed to wrestle the slippery girl into her arms. Frightened, she smoothed back Chiao’s wet hair and repeatedly asked if she was okay. When Chiao got bored of her act, she played dead in Milk’s embrace. Her action was so exaggerated, Milk instantly realized she’d fallen for a bratty trick.

“Jerk!” she screamed and pushed Chiao away. Chiao thought this was the funniest thing ever and swam after the form slowly receding onto the shore. Since she was a better swimmer, she caught up with her quickly. When she tried to hug her, Milk slid from her grip. The latter splashed a tsunami of water at her and cursed her for nearly giving her a heart attack.

When the water was shallow enough, Milk stomped toward her chair and sat watching rivulets of water fall from her hair to the soil under her feet. Chiao ambled up, taking a seat on the chair next to her. She apologized for startling her sweetheart but Milk only mumbled,

“That wasn’t funny.”

Chiao realized the gravity of what she’d done and said she was sorry several more times before Milk acknowledged the regretful expression in her eyes. Chiao cursed herself for being so childish when all she wanted to do was get Milk to laugh and possibly join her in the water. Why couldn’t she express herself as others did?

“That was really insensitive,” Milk stated, as if it wasn’t already obvious. She took a sip of her lemonade, continuing to avoid eye contact.

“I know. I’m stupid. And I’m really sorry. I am,” Chiao held her hand and never took her eyes off the offended party. Milk could tell she was being genuine but it didn’t erase the scare she’d had.

Receiving no acceptance to her multiple apologies, Chiao let go of the warm fingers that held hers and headed back to the water. She was hurt but she knew she deserved it.

“Chiao...” Milk stopped her before she could get very far. “Come here. I’m sorry too.”

“Why are you sorry?” Chiao asked.

“I’ve hurt you,” Milk threaded her fingers through Chiao’s wet hair.

“I’m fine,” Chiao lied.

“You’re not,” Milk gently insisted.

The tenseness lifted as two pairs of sad eyes forgave each other and arms intertwined.

“I’m sorry,” Chiao muttered into Milk’s wet shirtsleeve. Milk held the head of wet hair close to her and admitted to herself that she’d only been so off-put by the prank because of how much she liked Chiao. She was worried for her safety. She drew back so she could observe the drippy face. Offering a half-smile, she said,

“Though you look kinda y w