Sorry about the lack of updates on my other stories, things have been hectic over here.

This is dedicated to my umbrella holder. The one that puts up with me whining and moaning to her and mentors me with patience. : /

Fuuka campus was covered by grey rain clouds. The rain pounded down to the floor and in the distance thunder rolled. All of those with an ounce of sense were inside. However it has been whispered, behind her back, that Yuuki Nao did not have a lot of sense. After all, why would she deliberately lure men into dark alleys if she had sense?

The pitiful figure was hunched over as if the entire world lay on her shoulders. An very keen observer could see that she wasn't shaking because of the cold but because she was crying.

Suddenly the rain stopped pouring as an umbrella opened up over her head.

Natsuki Kuga was a such keen observer. She's spotted Nao from the corridor window and had been surprised to see the girl. A closer look with aforementioned observing skills had picked up on the sobbing. Natsuki sighed and turned back to look into the room she had exited. Inside Shizuru an the rest of the student council were talking over business. The ever-calm Kaichou glanced around, sensing Natsuki's gaze.

Natsuki made a serious of hand motions indicating that she was leaving and Shizuru nodded in understanding. Natsuki left as Haruka noticed Shizuru's lack of attention and shouted in rage.

She reached Nao and flicked open her umbrella before holding it over her head. Nao made a small sound of surprise and then looked up, she scowled when she saw Natsuki.

"Stupid Mutt, don't you see I'm already drenched, as if the umbrella is going to help now," she muttered. Natsuki matched her scowl.

"It's the thought that Spider, I expect a thank you," she held a small staring contest with Nao, then abruptly her features softened and she looked away.

"I heard from Mai..," Natsuki ventured. Nao looked away, a bitter look on her face.

"So what? It's probably around the school anyway…," She trailed off. Natsuki nodded.

"Pretty much," she replied. Nao flinched. They fell quiet and the rain still fell.

"I loved her…," said Nao quietly. Natsuki just barely heard it.

"I know," she said, "Sometimes though, these things just don't work out,"

Nao grimaced. Another period of silence. Natsuki sneezed and Nao glanced up in surprise. Natsuki growled at her.

"Don't say a word Spider, this is all your fault,"

A smirk formed over Nao's mouth and she began laughing loudly. It gradually became sobs and tears though. For almost fifteen minutes Nao sobbed.

"I really love her still," She whispered, "And now I can't even say that… not if we want to remain at least friends,"

Her voice was raw with emotion. Natsuki nodded.

"I understand,"

Nao stood up and stared at Natsuki.

"You do?" she said hesitantly. Natsuki nodded in reply. Nao stared again as she took this on board. Finally she glanced up at the umbrella that still covered her.

"Thanks," It was grudging but it was still there. Natsuki hid her smile and Nao left the sanctuary of the umbrella and out into the rain.

"Don't think this means we're bonding Kuga! We're not y'know!" With the final remark she was gone. Leaving Natsuki drenched to the bone.

Later, when Shizuru fussed over and plied her with towels she thanked whoever was listening that she had someone she loved and who loved her in return.

That's all folks

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