She will Rock you
Cool fingers ran down the side of its neck, feeling all the smooth slopes and curves of the dark polished wood, before briefly and ever so lightly running across four steel strings…two were missing.
"You…can't be serious?" Green eyes never left the beautiful object in front of her. And that was the perfect word for it, she thought. ...Beautiful.
"I can be, on occasion." The Kyoto girl chuckled behind her.
Natsuki could hear the smile in her friend's voice, and couldn't help but smirk as well. However, it vanished quickly as she resumed staring wide eyed at the object before her. She let her gaze fall down the long mahogany neck where it joined an equally deliciously shaped body of mahogany and maple.
The whole guitar was in various shades of dark grey, with black lines of wood grain covering the body. Natsuki recognized the shape immediately. She glanced up to the head of the guitar, and there it was scribbled in gold, 'Paul Reed Smith'.
It's a PRS…She looked back down to the rosewood neck and saw the Mother of Pearl birds inlayed down the fret board, serving as further conformation…A real one.
"But, Shizuru…T-This-" She stuttered, "I can't!"
"Why not? Don't you like it?" Shizuru pouted, carefully managing to mask her real concern. It wouldn't really matter if she didn't like it…but please do!
Natsuki shot up to her feet. She had spent a long time crouched down in front of the mahogany masterpiece, inspecting it silently in awe. She had spent so long in fact that Shizuru had taken a seat on her swivel chair and pulled it to the centre of the room, patiently awaiting Natsuki's return to the 'real world'.
"Like it!?" Natsuki half yelled, whirling around to face the older girl. She stumbled a little as the blood rushed back into her legs, causing Shizuru's calm smile to widen a little.
"How could I not!?" Natsuki was yelling now and clearly trembling with excitement. The Kyoto girl sighed inwardly to herself with relief. "But Shizuru! Do you even know what you've got here? You don't just give something like this away!?"
Shizuru sighed again, only this time it was aloud and in exasperation. She put her left elbow on the arm of the chair and rested her chin in her hand. "Yes Natsuki, it is an electric guitar. A 'PRS, Santana II' to be exact, that was first produced in 1995. And I'm not just giving it away, I'm giving it to you." Shizuru casually flicked her hair back with her free hand, somehow adding to the finality of her statement.
Natsuki pursed her lips in thought, while her deep green eyes stared intensely into the glimmering red ones that locked back onto hers. "…Santana…Carlos Santana?" Natsuki asked rather timidly.
Shizuru fought to keep her growing amusement from showing on her face as she matched Natsuki's serious expression and nodded her head once. "I believe so."
Natsuki's eyes widened even more, sparkling for just a moment before she turned her head back to face the guitar. A Santana II… she hadn't known that. "But…" She crouched down beside it once again, catching the shine of the polished curves and tracing a gentle finger over them. "-But doesn't this belong to your Uncle?"
Shizuru shook her head, even though the bluenette couldn't have seen it. "No, Uncle passed it down to me some years ago, hoping to save it from Auntie's bonfires I think." Both girls chuckled.
Red eyes watched a little too hungrily as smooth pale hands felt their way around the contours of the body leaving no edge unexplored. She felt a little jealous of the inanimate object being stroked with such affection. She tore her eyes away from the girl, only to imagine those hands caressing up and down her bare legs! Oh my, Shizuru felt her face flush hot, daring to imagine a little further…
Natsuki bit her bottom lip and frowned. This was all a little too much. "I…I'm not that good, Shizuru." Her words trailed off into a whisper. Nevertheless, the tone of sadness quickly snapped Shizuru back out of her rather pleasant daydreaming. Natsuki spoke a little louder this time, "I'm hardly - I mean - I'm NOT worthy Shizuru!"
The fair-haired girl gasped silently and felt her own jaw slack open, what a thing to say? …This girl sometimes, honestly!
Natsuki continued, speaking more to herself than anyone, "It would be a waste."
Before Natsuki could say anything more, warm arms came around her from behind. She stiffened automatically, but it was ignored. An arm draped over her shoulder and across her chest, while the other snaked it's way securely around her waist.
"Uh!" The bluenette lost balance and fell back onto Shizuru's lap.
"Fufu, so Cute." Shizuru whispered into the younger girls ear. Said girl, was already blushing, and the hot breath blowing on her ear and neck amplified her warm cheeks to a near burning state. All the same, she attempted to turn her head away and glare at an unsuspecting wall. …Like walls could suspect such a thing! She scoffed to herself.
"Natsuki," The older girls strong accent gave off a very grave tone, yet never lost its sweetness. Green eyes softened and her head turned forward once again, signalling she was listening. "There is nothing in this world that could ever be deemed as a waste on you."
Natsuki shivered involuntary, but tried to hide it with a laugh, "Haha, except the finer points in dining, apparently!"
Shizuru burst into a sudden laugh as well, remembering how only an hour ago the young girl in her arms had taken her to a dingy little fast food restaurant, that Shizuru hadn't even known was there. The two had bickered playfully about the standards of the place, - or lack of, in Shizuru's opinion.
"Ara, so you are agreeing with me now?" Shizuru laughed, referring to the restaurant.
"W-What, no!"
"So then do you agree that nothing can be wasted?" Referring back to the guitar.
"Only if you agree that it was the finest fast food you've ever tasted!"
There was silence, and Natsuki felt a wide toothy grin plaster itself on her face. It wasn't exactly a victory. After all they had trapped each other. But still, she'd take what she could get, and it seemed like a truce, for now.
Shizuru was smiling into her deep blue hair. It had only been recently that Natsuki had been able to trip her up over her own words, and though she enjoyed their banter immensely, she'd have to be more careful with what she said from now on. The mere thought that her Natsuki was paying such close attention to her now made her heart skip with joy. However, there was still the issue at hand…
Shizuru inhaled a lungful of the intoxicating scent that was Natsuki, - I need my daily dose - And sighed. "Why must you make it so hard for me to give you a gift?"
"Because," Natsuki stated, "It's too much. I won't accept it."
"Won't?"
The blue haired girl grunted, refusing to give in. This 'gift' is worth thousands! I would never be able to repay you Shizuru! What could I possibly give? I have nothing that could equal this…
"If you don't…" - Shizuru's said, braking her from her frantic thoughts - "it will simply go back into storage." Natsuki's brows pulled into a slight frown, "Surely that would be the biggest waste of all, don't you think?" The bluenette nodded and Shizuru continued, "An instrument is meant to be played, is it not? So do me a favour…" She said the last words with a deeply seductive tone that no living thing could refuse! "…And play."
Natsuki gulped loudly. She wasn't sure if it was the demanding voice, the electrifying embrace, or the glistening object beckoning before her, that made her almost drool. That would have been embarrassing…
The Kyoto girl allowed herself a smile, feeling victory nearing.
"But…" Natsuki began- Shizuru sank her head onto Natsuki's shoulder in frustration. She had a distinct urge to bite the girl for being such a pain, but managed to suppress it in time. She gave her a firm squeeze instead, before snapping her head back up, deciding to change tactics.
"Very well, I won't give it to you then." Natsuki's reaction wasn't at all surprising. She seemed quite taken aback, yet still wary. And the older girl could feel her become more tensed in her hold. Shizuru spoke softly into her ear, "I shall lend it to you."
"Lend?" Natsuki's brows shot up in bafflement.
"Yes. That way Natsuki can't complain about it as a gift, because it will still be mine, and I am merely doing Natsuki a favour."
"You can't just-"
"-Ara, I believe I can do whatever I want. It is mine, after all." Shizuru finished, tapping Natsuki on the nose.
For a while Natsuki said nothing. Shizuru had won, and she couldn't work out a way to steal back the victory…wait, do I even want to? She's letting me use a gorgeous PRS that's worth - I don't know how much! – No strings attached! …That reminds me, I should get some replacement strings…and maybe a new plectrum or two…that strap looks pretty worn as well…
The blue haired rocker suddenly felt the stare of intense eyes on her, and she realised her captive was still awaiting a reply.
"F-Fine." Natsuki silently cursed herself for her blunt yet weak answer. Don't sound too enthusiastic now…She rolled her eyes at herself. "I mean," She back tracked, "…Thank you."
Shizuru smiled and released her hold on the girl only to find that apparently, Natsuki was quite comfortable there. She chuckled and eased her arms back around her. Natsuki half turned snuggling into the nook of Shizuru's neck as the embrace evolved into a mutual cuddle.
"You're welcome, Na-tsu-ki."
Later that same evening, Natsuki returned home absolutely ecstatic! She raced around the kitchen and living room aimlessly. Her stepmother sitting at the living room table glanced up from her work and chuckled at the bizarre behaviour, before the girl dashed into her bedroom and dived on her bed, throwing all the cushions in various directions. She laughed at herself as she lay there, catching her breath.
Her fingers itched and her heart pounded. She couldn't wait to test out Shizuru's guitar! Natsuki had refused to bring it home with her tonight seeing as the only case she had for it was a flimsy looking fabric one, and the very thought of carrying it on her back while she drove her bike was utter madness! What if I'd crashed? Not that I ever have…badly.
Shizuru had laughed at her reasons, but hadn't argued. It was perhaps, a little too dangerous. And this way she would be spending more time with Natsuki outside of school. And quality time with her most favourite person was something she cherished. Shizuru sighed happily at the instrument in its corner stand and grinned to herself as she lay her head down and snuggled into the duvet.
She closed her ruby eyes and allowed her sleepy thoughts to drift back to earlier, feeling the warmth of a gorgeous girl snuggling into her neck. Admittedly, she had been rather caught of guard by the sudden cuddle session. Affectionate moments from Natsuki were scarce and quite abrupt, yet she'd come to love that about her. It gave her a sense of satisfaction knowing when she had earned such moments, and always strived to receive more.
Shizuru's eyes blinked open as she attempted to shake her rambling thoughts away. She had an early start in the morning thanks to her own Student President duties, and couldn't afford to lose the sleep.
…However…a familiar nagging feeling seeped into her chest.
With a hiss through gritted teeth Shizuru rolled onto her back, resting her left arm above her head, and her right spread out beside her with her fist clenched on the bed sheets.
God…every night, it hurts so… Shizuru subconsciously bit down on her bottom lip while staring pensively at the dark ceiling.
We are best friends. We speak to each other every night, regardless of the day or the time. And I know that she is just as protective of me as I am of her…I fancy she even becomes jealous too.
Shizuru frowned. Even at school they treat us like an exclusive couple! …But I don't know what we are. Does…she know?
The next day passed with such unimaginable boredom that even lunch felt slow. The blue haired teen sat with her friends, Chie, Aoi, Mai and little Mikoto, who were all busy chatting away about an up coming Kendo tournament and some other such nonsense. Natsuki hadn't been paying attention to most of the conversation, so why they were talking about it, she didn't know, and couldn't be bothered to fathom…Fathom?
What? …Since when was 'fathom' apart of my brain vocabulary? She questioned herself.
Her mind quickly pictured the culprit who had been steadily tainting the functions of her brain. The golden haired girl waved politely at Natsuki. Mocking her! So this is your plan? Planting time bombs into my subconscious, having me shout random words I would never say, at inopportune times! …Like - like inopportune!
Natsuki narrowed her eyes as she picked up a lone pea sitting on her plate. She eyed it suspiciously. Yes, I know your game…
An annoyed Mai slapping her on the back shook Natsuki rather violently from her paranoid mind games.
"Ouch! -H-Hey! What the hell?" Natsuki dropped her pea.
"Jeez, Natsuki! When someone's speaking to you it's common courtesy to answer, you know." Mai crossed her arms with a sigh.
Failing to find her pea again, Natsuki looked back up at Mai, "Well, I didn't know you were speaking to me."
"Who else would I be speaking to? We're the only ones here!"
Natsuki looked around in surprise, realizing that they were indeed alone. The others must have already left for class. "Oh." Did I even say goodbye to any of them? …Woops.
Her friends violet eyes softened and she placed a reassuring hand on Natsuki's shoulder. "It's fine, Natsuki. You were so quiet today we all figured something must be on your mind. Is everything ok?"
The biker was taken aback by the sudden change in Mai. She looks concerned. Natsuki scratched the back of her head with a sheepish grin on her face, "Y-Yeah, everything's great!" And she'd meant that, truly.
Mai raised a quizzical eyebrow "Really?"
Without another word both girls stood from their table and exited the cafeteria. The clicking of shoes and slight squeak of sneakers were the only sounds to be heard in the empty hallways of Fuuka high. They were late for class, but neither girl seemed in a hurry.
Natsuki caught sight of Mai staring at her from the corner of her eye. She turned to face her as they walked. "What?"
"How?" Mai asked curiously.
Natsuki blinked in confusion, "Huh?"
"What I mean is, how did that happen exactly?"
"You're gonna have to elaborate a little more." She said waving her left hand around slightly, as though trying to coax out a decent reply.
"It's just, you've been so down in the dumps for weeks after that little…umm…incident on the stairs, in fact you were in a full blown depression!" Mai exclaimed.
Natsuki groaned, "Did you have to remind me? And don't exaggerate! It wasn't that bad."
"Hey, I'm not the one seeing the school counsellor." She retorted with a smirk.
"It's nothing like that!" Natsuki growled trying not to shout in the hallway.
"Still in denial?" Mai laughed.
Ever since the little drama on the stairway a month ago the biker girl had been ordered to report to the school counsellor every day. There was no select time slot for Natsuki. Sometimes she'd be expected before the start of school, and sometimes after the last bell. Though lately the time of the sessions had been rather random, and she found herself being called upon even during class. That's what you get for having a drunkard for a counsellor…not that I'm complaining…
The bluenette huffed in defeat and stopped outside her classroom door.
"Come on Natsuki, what's happened? For you of all people to say 'Everything's great' must mean something amazing has happened!" prodded Mai.
Natsuki rolled her eyes at the red head, while reaching for the door handle. "You'll miss class if you don't –"
Mai grabbed her friend's arm in protest, "-Naaaatsuki!!" She whined in an irritating tone, causing Natsuki's eyebrow to twitch.
"It's nothing amazing." She lied. Just thinking about it made her body begin to tingle with excitement and she tried to hide it.
She failed.
An evil grin formed on Mai's face as she poked the girl's cheek. "You're face says otherwise."
Natsuki released the door handle to bat away Mai's hand. However the biker found she was being pulled away from the door completely as Mai skipped back a few steps.
"I'm going to find out eventually, so you may as well get it over with and tell me." She said, eyes full to the brim with mischief.
Natsuki groaned loudly. "Look, don't get so worked up, Shizuru just-"
" -Shizuru-san?" Mai cut in.
"Y-Yeah…She's been trying to cheer me up. So lately we've been hanging out a lot."
"Doing what?" Mai asked, growing increasingly interested.
"You know - meeting for lunch, watching movies, going swimming…I take her out on my bike sometimes too." Mai nodded her head encouraging her friend to go on. "Then last night, after dinner, I went back to hers and she -"
"WHOA! Natsuki we're in school!" A sudden blush had formed on Mai's cheeks. She hadn't expected Natsuki to be quite so forward! "I'm you're friend, you can tell me anything, but you wont want that kind of information circling Fuuka!"
"That…kind…of information?" It had taken Natsuki a few moments to click all the clogs in place and get them spinning again. Once she did, her face flared up into a shade not too far from beetroot.
"What the fuck! I never…she didn't…that's not what I meant!" Natsuki shouted at her friend who had released her arm and started to run off down the hall.
Oooh, my mistake, Mai thought to herself as she ran off laughing. She wanted to get the truth from her friend, but knew it was quite impossible now with her in such a state. And besides, she was indeed very late for class.
"GET BACK HERE SO I CAN KICK YOUR ARSE, WOMAN!!" Natsuki bellowed, shaking her fist at her retreating friend. Her only reply was a distant guffaw of laughter, and then Mai disappeared from view.
Natsuki sighed. Then heard the distinct sound of a man clearing his throat behind her. The blue haired girl turned around sheepishly to find her English teacher standing behind her in the doorway, tapping his foot on the floor.
"What a brilliant use of the English language, Kuga-san. I thank you for gracing us with your presence, but perhaps it would be better appreciated in the Counsellors office?" The man twitched his thick moustache as he raised a questioning eyebrow.
"N-No, no…that's alright." Natsuki calmed herself quickly. She hadn't even realized she'd slipped into English…but it wasn't unexpected really. She was technically still a British Citizen. Not that such a thing could get you out of tedious English exams…
As she slinked past the teacher and into the classroom she was greeted by at least twenty pairs of eyes gawking at her as she made her way to find her seat. The room was silent and almost all of the stares she received had been laced with fear, save for one lime eyed vixen.
Nao winked at the biker as she sat down at the desk in front of her. Natsuki returned the gesture with a crooked grin. The two rebels had clashed violently on an almost daily basis when they'd first met only two months ago, but now their bond was surprisingly solid, and no one dared to challenge the new alliance.
Natsuki turned forward in her chair as the teacher continued on with his lesson. Making no effort to catch her up with his lecture in the slightest, Natsuki zoned out.
Her thoughts wandered back to the day Nao and she had forged their pact. Natsuki felt her nails dig into her palms as she unconsciously balled up her fists. I'm…still so…angry. She thought to herself in shame. After all that counselling, all that grieving, and all that apologizing…I know I wouldn't do anything differently! It's like Midori sensei said, I'm not sorry I did it, I'm just sorry of the consequences…Sorry I got caught! Sorry I got the blame! Sorry that she got NONE!!!
The only tiniest bit of silver lining to that awful day was the backup of Nao.
Natsuki rested her head on her crossed arms, letting her hair fall forward around her face, hiding the rest of the class from her view.
She knew she shouldn't be thinking about it, but it was too late, the bull was already in the china shop, sharpening its horns.
Four weeks ago:
She was prepared for the spiteful thump and shove to the chest. She didn't even blink. It was the sound of ripping fabric that truly startled her, but as she instinctively turned her head to glance at the strap that was just barely hanging on her shoulder, she received a second blow to the head.
Everything seemed to phase into slow motion. And it was this moment that her dizzy mind decided to rationalize the situation to her.
So, we have a few problems here. You were silly enough to get into a fight on the stairs…right on the edge of the stairs I might add, with a maniac. You were even fool enough to turn your back on her, now look at us! Why I do believe we have lost balance…shit. This is going to hurt. Quick! Grab the railing!
But just as she did so, she felt the last of the strap slip from her arm. She turned her head back in panic. She tried to reach for it, but could only watch on helplessly as her guitar case flew away from her. It bounced down the stairway and before she knew it herself, she fell after it. Letting go of the railing she used all the strength in her legs to push herself towards her precious item, awkwardly diving sideways down the stairs.
All sound was lost to her now, all focus centred on the tumbling case. She was vaguely aware her left side scraped down the last of the stairs, but felt no pain. She crawled quickly to where her case lay by the wall. Bleeding knees knelt beside it as she hastily unzipped the bag.
Emerald eyes widened and tears threatened to spill instantly.
What a mess. The long pale neck had been nearly snapped in two, probably hanging on by only a few fibres…Three of the pick ups were smashed in, and a nasty gash was left in the body of the guitar where the whammy bar had been ripped from it's place. Funnily enough, the steel strings had remained intact, and were likely the only things holding it together. Two nuts fell out of the bag, and Natsuki stared at them while they spun slowly to a stop on the laminate floor.
The bluenette took a strangled breath and looked up, finding shocked lime green eyes staring back at her. Nao? Warm tears trickled down her cheeks as the blurred version of Nao gaped at her, seemingly frozen in place. Natsuki noticed the pure shock in Nao's expression, and it shook her from her own numbed state.
Her senses came back to her in a violent rush, knees stung, her side ached and she had a feeling she might have dislocated her right arm. She could smell the blood from her grazed knees, but it hardly bothered her, not after her sense of hearing returned. And all too abruptly she was surrounded by the vicious laughing of one singular person still standing proudly at the top of the stairs.
Tomoe…
"Ahahaha! Look at you! Crying over that piece of crap! This is hilarious." The teal haired girl sneered and continued to laugh, infecting others around her who soon joined in. "I can't believe you actually threw yourself down to save it!?"
Natsuki stood slowly and faced up to the hysterical bitch. Trails of tears still stained her face, but her sight was no longer blurred. Tomoe faltered after seeing the bluenette steadily make her way back up the stairs, forsaking her wrecked guitar on the floor.
Tomoe's hands, which had been casually placed on her hips, moved to cross her arms firmly over her front, in a defiant yet defensive gesture. "Haha, what's this? The dog wants more?" There was something incredibly eerie and intimidating about the way the dark haired student silently walked up the stairs. The blood covering her knees and dripping down her legs did little to dispel the horror of it, and she felt a cold chill ripple up her spine.
Natsuki glared right through the girl, silencing her. Yet none of Tomoe's posse seemed to catch on as they continued to snigger.
The biker girl forgot her physical pain. She reached the top of the flight of stairs, standing on the same level as Tomoe and leaned towards her, whispering just loudly enough for her and the closest of her minions to hear.
"Yes, I want more." Emerald flames burned into startled grey.
"Alright, everybody pair up!"
Natsuki jumped at her teacher's sudden burst and she just about managed to control a yelp as her shin collided with the underneath of the desk. She pouted and rubbed her leg. Ugh…I got too distracted. Natsuki glanced around the room to see her classmates fighting over potential partners. Most stood up and switched desks with others on the other side of the classroom, causing little spats with those who didn't want to move.
Natsuki rolled her eyes and simply spun around on her chair, coming to face a ruler wielding Nao, who promptly spammed it against her forehead.
"OW! …Shitting hell." Natsuki grumbled, rubbing her palm over the red mark.
"…Spam?" Nao commented innocently, and then grinned wickedly at the biker.
"I regret teaching you that game."
Nao laughed. Though she knew she was forgiven she kept a good hold on the ruler, not willing to tempt the dark haired rebel with a chance at revenge so soon.
That's what I like about this girl, Natsuki thought to herself. Nothing's ever serious with her. I don't have to explain myself to her like I do with Mai, or concern myself about whether she's worrying about me like Shizuru always is…because with Nao, it's like a continuous ongoing joke…Hell, our whole friendship is one big joke!
Natsuki had begun to unconsciously smile at the work sheet they were both looking at on Nao's table. The red head noticed this and quirked her eyebrow.
She even saw…saw me lose it that day. Like, complete wild woman! And she doesn't give a damn. Hasn't even mentioned the fight…the fight she backed me up in, without even being asked.
Since that day, Natsuki had a growing admiration for her. And she sensed Nao had some kind of respect for her too. Though they'd never say it aloud, they showed it in their own special way of playfully bugging each other in such a way, that most people still thought they hated one another. Their friendship was safe. Nothing was real. Their arguments were always fairly tongue in cheek, and without any real threat, no matter how menacing it could seem at the time. It was oddly comfortable.
"My God, you're chipper." Stated the red head, with the look of confusion and possibly slight fear swirling in her lime eyes.
Natsuki began to scribble down the correct English grammar into the worksheet, her smile broadened. She found it funny that her friends were the ones to remind her that she was actually happy, for a change.
"I do feel somewhat merry" Natsuki replied in Posh English.
"Hahaha, well that's fucking fantastic" Nao also spoke in English though with a rather heavy accent before switching back to her preferred native tongue, "Now hurry up and finish that sheet."
Natsuki answered another question before glancing back up at Nao with a smirk, "That's the only English you know."
Nao's eyes twinkled, "Well, I've yet to hear a better line. And Sensei seems to enjoy hearing it over and over."
Natsuki quietly giggled at the sarcasm and continued on with the work. She didn't mind doing it, because she could complete it far quicker than Nao could, and that would give then more time to muck about. It was times like this with the red head that made her feel particularly stupid for being so heart broken over her lost guitar.
But then, no matter how much she tried to rationalize it, she couldn't deny the feeling. That instrument had meant so much to her, the heart brake was real…
"I'm stupid," she whispered unintentionally.
Nao grinned, "No arguments here."
The bluenette snapped up to attention swiping the ruler from Nao's grasp. She rapped it across the red heads knuckles once then went in for the finisher, smacking it on her forehead, which created a rather delightful sound.
Nao screamed, "SHITTING HELL!"
Natsuki beamed, "Spam."
Her bag was packed and headphones were already in place. Just a few more seconds…and, three, two, GO!
Natsuki had leapt from her seat a whole second before the final bell. Dashing forward along the aisle of desks she slammed her workbook into the teachers expecting hands before vanishing through the door!
The dark haired student heard a delayed yelp from her poor teacher and the muffled laughter of her classmates. She felt a little guilty but couldn't keep the grin from her face. Slinging her bag over her shoulder she pressed play on her ipod and sprinted down the corridor.
Directly above on the second floor Shizuru Fujino was calmly walking along the hallway making her way to the student counsel room, tea in hand.
The last bell had sounded and students soon began filing out of the classrooms. Most walked out in a fairly rushed and excited way, but quickly slowed their pace when they took note of the Counsel President casually walking by.
She spared them a polite smile in gratitude for being so considerate of her slow saunter and her scolding tea. The other students couldn't help but return the smile all the while continuing on there way slowly and quietly.
Ah, after such a long day it is nice to have such relaxing moments. And there is something delightful knowing that I don't have to worry about someone jostling the tea from my hand. She grinned inwardly. Not that I've done this before. But it is interesting to see such a reaction. Not that I expected much trouble from walking down a hallway carrying tea…but I did not expect such a parting of the seas…and all for me? Shizuru repressed a chuckle from the unintentional rhyming of her mind. Ara, I'm sure Haruka-han will soon accuse me of going mad with power! Heaven forbid I walk down this hall carrying more than one cup!
Shizuru slowed to a stop right next to a window over looking the side court of the building. She admired the tiny hedgerows and peach roses that made up a small maze right next to the cobblestone path that led onwards to the side gates of the school.
She loved this part of the school. It was old and somewhat neglected in parts, but for the young lady it still held it's magic. She brought the steaming cup of tea to her lips and gently blew. Watching the swirls of heat dance about and condense on the glass in front of her, she closed her eyes to savour the first taste.
BANG!!
Shizuru's entire frame jumped up almost sending her cup flying and her tea everywhere! What on earth?!
Still aware of other equally startled students around her she quickly composed herself and set her gaze back outside as she placed her cup on the windowsill. Was that from the side entrance? Shizuru quickly scanned the area below, Haruka-han will have the head of any student damaging school property, eyes locked upon a very familiar figure leaping over the miniature maze of roses and bounding off down the cobblestone path. Her heart skipped. Or running through it…
Shizuru once again brought the tea to her lips, smiling, "Ara…you naughty girl."
This was a race against time! Natsuki still had to get to her bike, speed home (maybe outrun the cops), drop off her school stuff, change her cloths, then motor it to the closest music store (which was damn expensive!) buy some new strings then drive all the way back to school to pick up her best friend. Sure it wasn't a lot, but with such little time to do it all in, it sure felt like it!
So much to do! So little time! And she was going to do it all to the James Bond movie soundtrack she had blaring in her ears.
Making a quick turn, half skidding, down the hallway she saw her target, the side entrance door. Unlike the other newer heavier and glassier doors of the school, this one was old and wooden. And made the most awesome crashing sound when you rammed it just right.
In the two months Natsuki had been attending Fuuka, she had perfected the art of crashing through the door at speed, gaining the delightful sound (whilst scaring the shit out of anyone nearby) and skilfully avoiding the rebound of said door.
Running full pelt at the door, Natsuki held her breathe as she performed a powerful flying sidekick! Brass hinges groaned and immediately gave way, swinging the wooden door outwards and colliding with the wall behind it.
BANG!!
Without loosing any momentum whatsoever Natsuki transferred all her weight to her kicking leg and leapt off the wooden frame, sending her a good five feet off the ground. She landed surprisingly well and continued on her fast paced mission.
What a perfect soundtrack to my awesome action scene. She thought to her self whilst leaping over some oddly placed shrubbery.