This story is a Christmas present for everyone who reads my stories, likes Shizuru/Natsuki or anime in general. The past year I've gotten so much encouragement and nice comments on my work, which really made me happy. So I want to share my joy with everybody around here and say Merry Christmas to all of you!

(yeah, that was all cheesy, I know. But I always get so sentimental this time of the year ' )

October

Ring

Ring

One time, two times, three times.

Natsuki picked up her mobile from the kitchen counter where it had been left next to an empty bowl, formerly filled with ramen and mayonnaise. Maybe, she pondered, she should get herself a decent ring tone. The monosyllabic, always-the-same old fashioned "ring" started to annoy her somewhat. A short glance on the display, before she flipped the phone open confirmed her suspicion who might be calling her at half past ten.

"Hey you" she greeted the person on the other end without detaining herself with courtesies.

"Ara, Natsuki's still awake." The other voice didn't really sound surprised at the fact. "You should be in bed and get some sleep. You have to go to work again tomorrow."

Natsuki grinned. "I can't because a certain person always calls me late in the evening to ask me how I've been and now I'm gotten so used to it."

There was a chuckle over the line. "Natsuki tell me who this irresponsible person is and I'll show her."

Natsuki gave a short laugh and the other one went on. "Then tell me, how was your day?"

"Same as yesterday, Shizuru, boring as ever. …..And what about you? How's business going?"

"I can't complain. The new deal will be a great extension to our US-branch. Though I must admit the opinion on what a sense of duty is differs quite a bit from mine."

In Natsuki's mind formed the picture of American businessmen coming into the conference room half an hour after the actual beginning with a coffee cup in one hand and some papers in the other, the crumbs of their just finished breakfast still remaining in the corners of their mouths. Adding dishevelled hair to one or another man as well and an untidy tie. And in the middle of the room her Shizuru, already sitting at the table, waiting for half an hour with her perfectly tidy business suit and the essential cup of tea next to her laptop. Maybe she would feel well over there, Natsuki mused, at least she would come just as late into the meetings.

"Did you eat something nutritious for dinner?"

Her attention was drawn back to the phone. Natsuki smiled, a gentle smile reserved for Shizuru. She was glad to know somebody cared about her, glancing with a slight pang of guilt at the remains of instant noodle bowl on the counter.

"Sure, 'course Shizuru." She quickly lied. Though Shizuru must have detected it in the tone of her voice.

"It was some instant food, am I right?" Shizuru let out a heavy sigh. "Then please tell me it was at least without mayonnaise. You consume way too much of that fat unhealthy sauce."

Natsuki felt like a little child being scolded. "It was only a little. Just to add some taste."

"My, you know you will get all heavy plump if you continue eating such large quantities of mayonnaise, and I don't want a hippo-like girlfriend."

Natsuki stuck out her tongue at the stupid cell phone and the stupid caller. "Just let me get some sleep already and go bother someone else about their eating habits!" she growled into the phone.

A light laugh was her reply. "You're right, you should get some sleep now, it's quite late in Japan by now." Goodnight Natsuki, I love you."

A short pause followed like every night, then. "Night Shizuru, I love you too. Goodbye"

"Goodbye."

Now that she had got her daily call, Natsuki wandered over into her bedroom, ignoring the dirty dishes. She could always do them tomorrow, it wasn't like they would run away. While she got undressed and brushed her hair, her eyes fell on the queen-size bed. One side was neatly made, the other occupied by a heap of messy sheets. Shizuru was already gone for two weeks, and it would be not until the second half of December before her return. The bed, Natsuki mused, looked lonely.