Disclaimer: I don't own Mai-HiME or Mai-Otome.
Summary: Shizuru was forced into an arranged marriage by her father. Not wanting to be married by force, she sought help with her best friend, whom she secretly loved.
"Ne, Suki-chan," a seven year old Shizuru was laying by the grass beside the six year old Natsuki. They were currently in the latter's back yard under the tree house that Natsuki's father built.
Natsuki turned her head to look at Shizuru who in turn was looking at her as well. "What is it Zuru?"
Shizuru stared at her for a moment then turned her head to look up before answering her. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Hearing this Natsuki's face lit up and a smile broke out of her face. "I want to be like papa! I want to create things as well! How about you Zuru?"
Shizuru smiled softly and turned to look Natsuki in the eye. "I want to be Natsuki's wife."
Natsuki's face immediately went red as a full blush covered her whole face. "B-b-baka Shizuru what are you saying?"
"Ara, Natsuki does not want to be my wife because I'm stupid? Does Natsuki find me ugly to be her wife?" Shizuru feigned a hurt look but of course Natsuki did not notice this and started to panic.
"O-of course not!" Hearing herself speak out the wrong words Natsuki sat up automatically and corrected herself. "What I mean is you're not stupid or ugly, in fact you're the smartest and prettiest person I know!"
Shizuru smiled inwardly. "So Natsuki thinks I'm good to be her wife?"
Still red in the face Natsuki turned her head away from Shizuru. Not hearing any response Shizuru thought that it was bad for her to tease Natsuki like that. She thought that she went too far. She sat up as well and was about to reach for her best friend the other girl suddenly spoke. "Y-yes.."
It was just barely a whisper but Shizuru heard it and her heart warmed at the response. She then hugged the younger girl from behind by surprise. "Ookini my Natsuki."
"O-oi!" Natsuki shouted in surprise and her face went beet red once more. She was about to retort something when her mother called out for the both of them.
"Natsuki, Shizuru-chan's parents are here to pick her up," Saeko called out. The two looked at Natsuki's mother at the backdoor waiving her hand at them.
"We're coming mom!" Natsuki shouted back removing herself from the hug. Shizuru frowned slightly but was immediately replaced by a smile when Natsuki stood up and held her hand out for Shizuru to take. "Let's go Zuru."
...
15 years later...
"You called for me otou-han?" Shizuru now 22 walked in her father's office. Clad in a black knee length skirt that fitted her hips, and a black blazer on top of a white button up blouse, the young woman certainly matured over the years. Dark blonde hair cascaded down below her shoulders, striking red eyes that were like her mother's, a perfectly sculpted face and a fully developed figure. Certainly Shizuru was a woman to die for.
"Ah Shizuru there you are," Shin Viola greeted his only daughter. He stood up and adjusted his suit before motioning his daughter to the seat infront of him.
Shizuru walked in and sat down on the offered seat. This was not new to her. Her father was always business-like even with family. Its as if it was the only way he knew how to operate. Though her being called in was something unusual and this got her curious. When he usually has something to say he just calls her. This must be something important for my presence to be required.
"Is there something you need me for father?" Shizuru inquired looking at her father who sat down on his chair after her. She studied his features for a moment and noted that he was becoming old for his age. Short brown hair that once was full of color now mixed in with gray, and face now showing the signs of wrinkles due to stress, but his eyes, one that mirrored hers in color still has the luster of youth and energy.
"You know the Minagi Co. right Shizuru?" Her father asked as he sat down on his swivel chair and faced her placing his elbows on the table entwining his fingers infront of him. Shizuru nodded in recognition."Well, they called me a few days ago and gave a proposal for a merger."
"Ara, well, that's great news father," Shizuru responded crossing her legs and reclining a bit in the chair getting more comfortable. She knew where this was headed to. She knew the moment the company was mentioned that this was something to do with her. After all if you put two and two together you would eventually figure out what this courtesy call is. But still she didn't want to conclude too fast so she played along. "But if they already proposed a merger what would you need me here for father? I'm sure you would've accepted it as soon as you can, even I wouldn't object to it, they are one of the leading companies in the continent, I'm sure you wouldn't need my opinion in that anymore to decide."
"Actually, I already decided to accept the proposal, since I knew you'd be alright with it," Shin said as a matter of fact. "That's why I called for you, as of today you're now engaged to the heir to Minagi Co., Reito Minagi."
"Ara," Shizuru's assumption was correct. She's being married off to someone she barely knows just for the advancement of the company. Still, it came as a shock to her when she heard it from her father. For a fraction her facade showed a slight crack that was evident in her eyes if one would look closely. Ever since she was a child she had come to a conclusion to be married, yes, but to only one person, and that would be to her best friend. She was sure of it back then but then the accident happened. She closed her eyes in an attempt to still her feelings. Whenever she remembers that her whole facade threatens to crumble. And the last person she wants to see her insecurities would be her father. He always reminds her that emotions are weak and will be your downfall. "When will the wedding be?"
"A month from now. We'll be announcing the merger in two weeks at the annual charity ball," her father answered. "Oh and you'll meet him a week from now when he comes back from South Africa."
Shizuru let the news sink in. She sat there unmoving still eyes closed trying to still her emotions. Everything was happening too fast. She's going to get married in a month with a person she barely knows. She knew she would break down if she still stayed in this room with her father so she composed herself and opened her eyes. "If that is all father, I would need to get back to my work, after all, it would not do it by itself."
"Alright, I'll call you soon." Shin nodded to Shizuru who stood up and bowed before leaving the room.
With swift strides Shizuru walked out of her father's room. She was greeted by the attendant, her father's secretary, but she did not pay any attention. She was focused to leave the building as quick as she can. Anyone in her way felt her dark aura and avoided her as much as possible and even those in the elevator would not want to ride with her. As soon as she got to her car in the parking lot she released all her frustrations. She shouted and hit her steering wheel letting her tears fall freely. This isn't supposed to be what will happen. Now how am I going to get away from this. She let her emotions run free for a few minutes. Natsuki... She immediately composed herself and pulled out her phone and dialled her best friend's number.
"Kruger," a gruff voice answered on the other line and a small smile formed its way on her face. Natsuki could really use some social skills. "Ara Natsuki, is that the way you greet me now?" Though her voice a bit rasp from the shouting and crying earlier she still managed a teasing tone.
"Shizuru! Sorry I didn't look at my phone, Maya just came in with another pile of paperwork." By the mention of paperwork Shizuru knew why Natsuki was distracted. She hated them. "So, what's up?"
"Are you free?" Shizuru inquired.
"Wait lemme check with Maya, I don't want Miss Maria breathing through my neck if I skip out on any appointments, thinking about it already makes me cringe," Shizuru unconsciously felt a tinge of shiver on her spine. Maria Graceburt was Natsuki's mentor since she was nine and was the one who kept Natsuki in place and taught her everything she knew about the company. Maria was previously Yamato Kruger's secretary and became Natsuki's advisor after the death of her father. Shizuru became gloomy at the thought. "Hey Shizuru you still there?"
"Yeah, I'm still here," Shizuru snapped out of her reverie. "I checked in with Maya, I got a meeting before lunch, but after that I'm free to go. So, lunch at the usual place?"
"Alright, see you," Shizuru ended the call and put back the phone in her purse. Looking at her watch she still had and hour and a half before she meets up with Natsuki. She decided to fix herself up knowing that she looks like a wreck right now, she pulled out a small mirror from her purse and checked herself out and confirmed her assumption. She took out a small handkerchief and wiped away the tears that clung to her cheeks and also her eyes.
...
"Hey there Shiz," Natsuki greeted as she approached the woman who sat in the table at the farthest corner of the restaurant. They were at Linden Baum. Ever since high school they frequented this place due to one of their friends Mai Tokiha. The Tokiha family owned this place and no one can argue that this place serves very delicious food. "I hope you weren't waiting that long."
"It's alright Natsuki, I wasn't here that long, though I did order for both of us a few minutes ago knowing that you'd be hungry," Shizuru said while Natsuki sat down in front of her. "How was the meeting?"
"Boring as usual," Natsuki said not actually interested in elaborating but she had to say something. "We had to extend a bit because of the new project that is coming up. But enough about me, are you alright Shiz?"
Before Shizuru could answer the waitress who assisted their table came with their orders. "Spaghetti Marinara?" She asked to whom the order was and Shizuru raised her hand slightly. The waitress then placed the plate in front of her and placed the other in front of Natsuki. "Lasagna, with extra mayo. Would there be anything else you need?"
"No thanks," Natsuki answered. The waitress bowed and left without another word. Natsuki then got her fork and raised it at Shizuru with a smile signalling them to eat. "You know me too well Shizuru."
"Ara I should after all, I've been your best friend since we were little." And what kind of wife I'd be to Natsuki if I don't know what she likes. Shizuru added in thought. She gave a small smile to the other woman and started to eat. They spoke about light topics such as work and friends but they both knew that after their meal the conversation is going to be more serious since there was still a question hanging.
"So, Shizuru, why the sudden call?" Natsuki asked getting back to her original topic. The pasta now long gone in their stomachs and was now eating a cup of ice cream.
"Ara, is it bad to miss my Natsuki?" Shizuru teased and earned a blush from the other woman.
"O-oi!" Natsuki stuttered. Whenever Shizuru claims her as hers she always blushes tenfold than her usual blush. But nevertheless she does not really voice out any opposition since she knew where it would lead if she does. So she ignores the possessive word and continues on with a more serious tone. "It's only been a day since we last saw each other. So quit fooling around Shiz. Drop the act I know something's wrong. You were crying earlier when you called."
Shizuru looked at Natsuki with surprise. This was the first time Natsuki used a very serious yet concerned tone with her and she knew the other woman is not in the mood to take any teases. She closed her eyes for a moment and composed herself before opening them again to answer the question. "Father called for me earlier," she started and looked at Natsuki who was listening intently. "He said that we will be merging with Minagi Co."
Now this confused Natsuki. She's sad about this? Shizuru noticed the confusion in Natsuki's eyes and continued on with her answer with a solemn face. "And I will be marrying Reito Minagi in a month."
Rage filled Natsuki's mind and she didn't know why. Seeing Shizuru's hurt face about this news didn't settle well with her. She knew Shizuru didn't want to be married to him. So she got a hold of Shizuru's hands over the table deserts long forgotten. "Don't marry him," she said with a stern voice.
"But, how? Father already agreed and the wedding is already set," by this time Shizuru's cheeks were wet with tears once more. And this broke Natsuki's heart.
Seeing her best friend hurt, hurt a lot more. Her heart clenched inside her at the sight of Shizuru like that and she thought of ways to get her out of the situation, she let go of her right hand and placed it in her right pocket and one solid idea came to mind. "Marry me," Natsuki said looking her in the eye. "Let's get married so that you wouldn't have to marry Minagi."
"W-what about you Natsuki? Didn't you already promise someone to marry her?" Shizuru asked with eyes wide. Is this a dream? Oh Natsuki if only you could really remember.
"Don't worry, I'm not planning to break my promise, but my best friend needs me more right now," Natsuki held Shizuru's hand tighter. "When the right person comes for you, we can always get a divorce but with both our consent that your father cannot impose on you."
"But-"
"It's about time you live out your own life Shizuru, I don't want to see you hurting anymore, you should be able to make decisions on your own," Natsuki interrupted her before she could voice out her hesitations. "So what do you say?" Natsuki let go of her hand and stood up moving to Shizuru's side and knelt infront of her. She fished something out from her pocket and lo and behold a small velvet box was presented to Shizuru. Natsuki opened the small box which encased a golden ring with a single red diamond cut into a rose with emerald vines covering the band. "Will you marry me?"
"A-ara" Shizuru was speechless. Talk about a very impromptu proposal. "B-but Natsuki isn't that for her?"
"This was my mother's and my grandmother's and they told me to give it to the person who deserves it, I can always have a ring made for that time but this suits you better," Natsuki said and asked once more. "So, will you marry me?"
"Y-yes,"Shizuru answered and Natsuki smiled. Natsuki then removed the ring from the box and slipped it in Shizuru's ring finger which fitted perfectly just as Natsuki said. She then tackled Natsuki into a hug and let out her emotions on her best friend's shoulder. Their moment of peace was interrupted by clapping and when they looked behind them they saw people they don't even know clearly congratulating them about the proposal. This earned a full out hundred fold blush from Natsuki.
Later on they sat side by side in the table after acknowledging and thanking the people. The noise finally died down and they were able to get back their peace. "I thought they would never stop."
"Ara, Natsuki really put on a show there," Shizuru giggled.
"Isn't that how you propose?"Natsuki said confused.
"Yes, but you really shouldn't have,"Shizuru answered.
"I guess I got carried away huh?"The blue haired woman scratched the back of her head.
"But I really thought it was lovely Natsuki, I couldn't even say no to such a proposal," Shizuru teased with a hint of seriousness. If only it were really true.
"Ah," Natsuki blushed once more. And Shizuru could only giggle. This is the most I saw Natsuki blush in one day. So cute! She then remembered a time where she first made Natsuki blush back then when they were still children.
I really do hope you could remember my Natsuki...
-To be continued...
A/N: Hope you readers liked this. Next chapter will come out possibly after New Year. Then I'll make a steady weekly release date after that. Till then!