I don't own these characters.

A/N: this was a request from Yukiheart19. I'm not usually good with requests, but this idea came to me right after the request was made, so here we go. And, as always, for updates on this story or just come say hi to me on Facebook; there's a link on my profile.

Public Service Announcement: There is futa/g!p and quite a bit of sex in this story. If that's not your thing, then you might want to skip this one.

First Comes Love

1: Break Up to Make Up

Dinner went over well, as it typically did when Shizuru and Natsuki spent time with Shizuru's parents at their home. Shizuru and her father retired to the den to have tea and discuss whatever topics might come to mind. Natsuki made herself scarce, as tea still was not her thing after so many years with Shizuru, not as just a lover, but as a friend. Shizuru was not sure what she might have to do to change Natsuki's outlook on her favorite beverage. Of course, there were so many other things she would like to change that tea was near the bottom of the list.

No, don't think like that. She was happy to have Natsuki and she would not change that for the world. So, she put it out of her mind as she sat across her father in the den. He smiled at her.

"How is it every time I manage to feed Natsuki, she then manages to slip away when it's time to enjoy tea together?" Shizuru's father asked with a wink as they both settled at the low table in the den.

Shizuru smiled. Her father pondered the same things every time they spent time together. It was a form of teasing, toward her, and Natsuki should she ever take up the hobby of eavesdropping. But, since Natsuki usually spent tea time in front of the television, killing mutants or zombies or mutant zombies or something. Video games. Natsuki was all about her video games, which Shizuru did not begrudge her. Natsuki needed something to relax her, even though she liked screaming about how people were cheating when she played.

"Otou-san, we both know Natsuki will never sit down and have tea time with us," Shizuru replied, watching the steam rise from her cup.

Her father sighed, his broad shoulders slumping around his t-shirt. "It is such a pity. I always thought we did our best father-daughter bonding over tea. How ever shall I bond with Natsuki?" A familiar lament.

Shizuru chuckled. "All is lost, unless you take up the hobby of shooting zombies." Her father had tried. He was rubbish at it. Of course, she was not much better, but Natsuki always encouraged her.

With a frown, her father shook his head and put his cup down before he slipped tea all over himself. "No, no, no. Any daughter of mine must enjoy tea and my company."

"Then, I suppose Natsuki will never be your daughter." Shizuru snickered. Natsuki's relationship with her father reminded her much of her relationship with Natsuki. Natsuki was typically annoyed with her father and grumpy in his presence, but she never turned down a chance to be in his presence… except for teatime. Maybe their teatime was Natsuki's "me time." Surely, she needed a chance to recover or at least reapply her cantankerous persona.

Her father laughed, full of life and delight, as was his way. His eyes sparkled. "Natsuki will always be my daughter. I still wait with baited breath for you to make it official." He was so dramatic. "When are you planning to marry Natsuki? Surely, she will take the name Fujino. Yes?"

Shizuru sipped her tea to give herself time to formulate an answer. She would probably never have the courage to ask Natsuki to marry her. She feared the answer. At least for now, she had Natsuki.

"I thought by now I would have a grandchild or two with you," her father continued. The light in his eyes was gone. He was serious.

Shizuru sighed. "Otou-san." She did not want to talk about this, did not want to think about it. No, her life was not the way her parents wanted, not even the way she wanted, but this was so much better than the alternative. She refused to live with the alternative.

He pouted. "Can you blame an old man for wanting grandchildren?"

"Where is Okaa-san to stop you from these ramblings?" Shizuru rolled her eyes dramatically and grinned, not wanting to hurt her father's feelings. Her mother was off, on a business trip in the States. She and Natsuki had dinner with her father every night to make sure he was not lonely, but he was always lonely without her mother, mostly because her mother would entertain him. In that sense, she was like her father and Natsuki was like her mother. Too bad the similarities ended there.

"Why is it rambling to want to have a family? To want you and your beloved to have a family? To want Natsuki to be my rebellious daughter?" He laughed before finally taking a sip of his tea.

She had to laugh, too. "You have a rebellious daughter. Have I not been enough of a rebel for you?" Yes, she was prim and proper to the rest of the world, but her parents knew the truth.

A teasing smile settled on his face and he hid it behind his cup. "You a rebel? You are the perfect mix of me and your mother. I doubt there is another child on Earth who is a perfect half of both parents."

She smirked at him, feeling her cheekbones on full display. "You, dear father, are merely looking to compliment yourself."

"I don't have to. A compliment to me is always sitting right across from me." He smirked right back, shoulders squared.

Shizuru sipped her tea again. When she was with her father, she could understand how Natsuki felt when she complimented Natsuki. Her father chuckled, so she suspected she was blushing. What she did not understand was how Natsuki could not love the back and forth, playfulness of it all.

"I only want what's best for you, Shizuru. You and Natsuki are so happy. You should be married. Have children. I have no problems with being a young grandfather." He slapped his hands to his knees and grinned.

Shizuru rolled her eyes again. "We are happy as we are." They were the best and she would not do anything to jeopardize it. She would not lose Natsuki again.

"Well, yes, but eventually, you have to get married and there must be grandchildren. Let's talk romance. Your mother proposed to me on a vacation in Hawaii."

"I know, Otou-san. Then, her parents wept a new sea at her poor decisions." It was almost a true story. Her mother's parents disapproved of her father in ways her parents never had of Natsuki. In fact, her parents had only been supportive of her relationship with Natsuki, to the point that it still frightened Natsuki, years later.

He chuckled. "Oh, they cursed my name until you were born. Then, all was forgiven."

Shizuru put on her best pixie smile. "I do have that power."

"Indeed, you do. I've seen this power, which is how you are both me and your mother."

Shizuru smiled and shook her head. Her father was all sweet talk and silver tongue. She had learned the skill from him or maybe inherited it naturally. She could never be sure, having done it since she could speak as far as she knew. Sometimes, her parents made it seem she charmed people from birth. Sometimes, it was just her personality and sometimes it was through a conscious choice. She understood she used to abuse this power and she tried not to do so anymore, except when she was at work anyway. Business required her talent.

"But, you should get married. It's time, surely," her father said, clasping his hands together as if that made it final.

Shizuru sighed. While she entertained her father, this line of discussion was not fun for her. Natsuki was not interested in marriage or children. She was lucky Natsuki wanted to be with someone like her. She was wise to be happy with what they had.

"Otou-san, you should have gone with Okaa-san. You enjoy the States," Shizuru said. She would have been able to avoid this torture if he had gone with her mother. It was not like it was unheard of for them to attend each other's business trips.

"I do, but I know if I stay behind you and Natsuki will visit every day." He drank his tea and all but danced in his seat.

Shizuru could not deny him that. They did not come by everyday each time he was left by himself, but they visited more often when they knew he was alone. After tea, they went to sit with Natsuki, but found the living room empty, the television off and the game system gone. Shizuru was not shaken. Natsuki was snacker, so she might have gone for a snack. But, she was not in the kitchen. She had not gone to the bathroom. Shizuru glanced outside and her heart dropped. Natsuki's motorcycle was gone. Natsuki left. Natsuki left her.

"Otou-san, I have to go!" Shizuru rushed for the door as her heart dropped into her feet. Of all the times Natsuki could eavesdrop, it had to be when her father wanted to discuss marriage.

Shizuru did not stick around for her father's response. While searching the property and trying not to throw up as her stomach twisted and turned, she called for a taxi. Natsuki was definitely gone. She sighed and rubbed her forehead.

"Not again." Shizuru was not sure how much of this her heart could take in a lifetime. There were too many scars from this that had not healed yet. "No, not again." She took a deep breath, steeling herself. She would not be sick and she would not stand for this. Not again. Never again.

-8-8-8-8-

Shizuru knocked on the apartment door. It was their apartment, but Natsuki's in the beginning. It had never quite felt like home for Shizuru, but Natsuki allowed her into her sanctuary. For Shizuru, that was beyond home, even if it did not fit her quite right, like a fashion choice she would never make. And, no answer meant she was shut out of Natsuki's world and she feared using her key. Entering Natsuki's sanctuary without permission, she knew what that could lead to. But, you have permission. You have a key. You live here.

Do you, though? Shizuru shook that thought away. She was tired of doubt, tired of walking on eggshells. She was tired of scraps and settling. Natsuki was enough, but that meant she needed Natsuki. If she did not fight for Natsuki, then she would not have the one thing she required.

"No, not again," Shizuru said and put her key in the door. "Not again, Natsuki!" The apartment was dark, almost depressing.

Natsuki jumped up from the sofa, throwing away a pillow she cuddled. "Shizuru!"

"I will not let you do this again, Natsuki!" Shizuru could not stop the tears stinging her eyes. "I cannot let you do this again!" She slammed the door behind her.

"Shizuru, you know things are better this way," Natsuki said. Her lip trembled as she stood a few short feet from Shizuru, but neither of them dared move closer. It almost felt like if they moved closer, they could tear apart the fabric of the universe. It was already tearing apart the fabric of Shizuru's heart.

How can she even say that? "No, things are never better this way. Why do you keep doing this to us?" Shizuru pressed her hands together and sniffled.

"Because you deserve better, damn it! You deserve more than me and hearing you and your father talking about us getting married and having kids proved that. You shouldn't be stuck with me!" Natsuki used both hands to slap herself on the chest. "You deserve the best!"

"You are the best!" Shizuru sobbed. Why did Natsuki still not know that? No one could ever or would ever match Natsuki. "No one will ever be what you are to me. No one will ever mean to me what you mean to me. No one will ever love me as you do." She thought she showed this. She tried to show this, but she failed. She was always a failure when it came to Natsuki. No, never again.

Natsuki shook her head and sniffed as her eyes focused on a spot on the wall. "Tons of people will love you better than I ever could. What do I know about love, Shizuru? The only love I've ever known died when I was a kid and I've never been able to properly function as a fucking human being and you think I could love you the right way? I'm setting you free. You don't have to burdened with me ever again."

Underneath the hurt and pain, there lived a burning anger in Shizuru. Had she not treated Natsuki as if she were precious for so many years? Why was Natsuki still so certain she could be easily forgotten, easily thrown away? Perhaps because some part of her is still scared of you. That thought doused her fiery.

Shizuru took a deep breath, wanting to stay under control as best she could. It did not stop her tears. "You are not a burden and you never have been. I cannot go through this again, Natsuki. I cannot let you go, not again." She would not survive.

Natsuki stepped forward and grabbed Shizuru's trembling hands, holding them in her own. "You're not letting me go. I'm freeing you, like before."

Shizuru shook her head. "This is not free. It's never free. We've done this too many times and I know. It's heartbreak and anguish. It's pain and suffering. It's death. This will kill me." It had killed her so many times before, but this time she would not recover if she could not stop it.

Natsuki smiled, but her eyes were shattered and dull. "Shizuru, you'll find someone better."

"You don't think I've looked?" Shizuru screamed. What the hell did Natsuki think she did with her "free" time? "You don't think I haven't tried in the five times you've 'set me free'? You always think running from me is better, but it never is. It's never easy." She wanted to give Natsuki space, she wanted to find happiness, and she wanted so many things, but in the end, if there was no Natsuki, there was nothing. There was a void and she tried so hard to fill the void, learn to live without Natsuki. It was impossible.

Natsuki licked her lips and her mouth quivered before the words managed to come out. "You've… you've… you've been with other girls?"

Shizuru pulled a hand away to wipe her tears. "Wasn't that your wish? The first time you set me free?" A cruel freedom to be sure, but she tried to live as Natsuki wanted. All it did was prove Natsuki was made for her.

"The first time…" Natsuki took a deep breath, but her lip still trembled and her hands shook at her sides. "It was for the best. You were with that college girl and you were so happy." She wiped at tears that did not fall. "Every time she called, your face lit up and you spoke for hours about things I hadn't even heard of. She was so much more sophisticated than I could ever be. I had only just barely graduated high school. You deserved her."

Shizuru scowled. "You mean Kina?" Yes, Kina had been a wonderful friend. They clicked in ways Shizuru did not with others, but that did not mean Kina wanted her or that she wanted Kina.

"Yeah. You always wanted to go places with her and do stuff with her. You guys were practically a couple already and she was good for you, better than I could ever be," Natsuki said.

Shizuru wanted to tear her hair out. Instead, she stomped her foot, which felt more mature somehow. "I didn't want her! I wanted you. I want you. She was a friend, just a friend. You see she isn't around anymore." Life got in the way of many of her relationships and friendships seemed to run their course with her. Did Natsuki not notice or had she willfully ignored it? "I don't want someone else, Natsuki. Why don't you understand that? I've tried this and you're actually the only one who does want me." It sounded bad, but it was the truth. Natsuki was the only one who wanted her, but it worked out. Natsuki was the only one she wanted.

Natsuki blinked and stepped back as if she had been assaulted. "Excuse me?"

Shizuru took a breath. She did not want this to come out wrong, as an accusation, or even as her settling for Natsuki. Natsuki was not a consolation prize. "As I said, I was with other girls. I know you wanted me to find someone better and there were times when I tried to find someone compatible with me or someone to ease the loneliness of your absence. None of them were you on so many levels, but on a basic human level, it was worse. Do you know how often they called me a freak? Do you know how many women have told me to never call them again because of who I am?" She stepped away and made tight fists. Her nose ran, her face was hot, and she knew she looked a mess, but she did not care. She could not do this again, so she needed Natsuki to see all her hurt, anguish, and suffering. Natsuki needed to see her scars.

"Shizuru…" Natsuki pulled her back, took her in loving embrace, and held her. She rubbed Shizuru's back, which only made Shizuru cry more.

"No one is like Natsuki. No one will ever accept me like Natsuki and I will never love anyone as much as I love Natsuki, as I have always loved Natsuki," Shizuru said, clutching onto Natsuki. She would never let this woman go, no matter how Natsuki tried to drop her like so much dead weight.

Natsuki rocked her back and forth. "That's not true, Shizuru. You're so amazing and I don't get why you waste your time on me. You're smart, beautiful, successful, and charming. I'm, like, the exact opposite. People love you and I hate people."

"I love you!" Shizuru pulled away to stare Natsuki in the eye. "I love you so much and you keep trying to run from me."

Natsuki sniffled as she cupped Shizuru's face with one hand. She wiped away one of Shizuru's tears. "I'm not trying to run. I really want the best for you, Shizuru, because I love you so much. You've grown on me and it makes me want the best for you. I just… I never feel like I'm the best."

That was sweet and tragic at the same time. Shizuru felt like it was her fault, but she did not know what else she could do to show Natsuki how much she appreciated her. She did her best to let the relationship move at Natsuki's pace. She did every little thing Natsuki wanted and she was never short on praise for her beloved because Natsuki was truly amazing.

"Natsuki, my love, you are the best for me. How can you not see that? When you look at me, you see Shizuru. No other girl looks at me that way once they're with me. They just see the snake," Shizuru said and she meant that on so many levels. She was the snake on every level.

"No, no, no." Natsuki shook her head and caressed Shizuru's face with her thumb. "You're not a snake and you're more than that. I don't know what's wrong with people. People are so stupid."

"You don't want me either." Maybe that was why Natsuki broke up with her five times, trying right now for the sixth. She always chalked it up to Natsuki's insecurity, but maybe Natsuki had really been trying to get rid of her, like every other girl she dated. The only trouble was she kept going back to Natsuki and Natsuki was too polite to simply break it off properly.

Natsuki's face scrunched up. "You're kidding, right? Shizuru, I love you. I love you so much."

Shizuru shook her head and began sobbing even more as realization assaulted her worse than any hime's CHILD could. "No, you don't. You just take me back each time because you pity me. I'm sorry, Natsuki. I've been pestering you to take me back all these years and you've just been trying to get away from me. I'm so sorry." Wiping her eyes, she turned, needing to get out of here. Ten years… ten years she had been tormenting Natsuki with her affections. That did not even count before they were romantically involved. She definitely was the snake.

"Shizuru, no!" Natsuki was on her by the time she was at the door. Natsuki put herself between Shizuru and the door. "Are you kidding me? You're the only person who'll suffer my presence for any extended period of time who isn't Mai! You're really the only one I want in my presence. I just can't get rid of Mai for whatever reason. Of course I love you, you idiot!"

Shizuru wailed, vision a blur. "No, you don't! Why would you? Why would anyone? I'm little more than a freak. A charming freak, but a freak nonetheless. No one could ever love me." Just because she could use charisma to get people to do whatever she wanted, it did not mean she would ever be truly loved by anyone beyond her parents.

Natsuki touched her shoulder. "Did you miss what I just said? I love you. You're not a freak. I'm sorry if someone's ever said that about you or to you. I've never thought of you that way. I swear whenever I leave it's because I think there's someone better out there for you."

Shizuru shook her head and wiped her face, not caring how much of a mess she appeared. "That's never been my experience. To the few women who have at least given me a chance, it's been as an experiment, an experiment they tend to dislike."

"How the hell can anyone dislike you? I've had to beat away cats following you home."

"Natsuki…" Shizuru sighed. "You are too kind." She was foolish to think anyone, especially Natsuki, truly wanted her.

Natsuki's hand went from her shoulder to her cheek. "Babe, I'm not being kind. You're so damn awesome and I love every awesome thing about you. It's taken a while to get used to you, but every little thing about you is great… and the not-so-little thing about you, too. You're not a snake."

"I've been told I shed my skin to become whoever is close to me."

Natsuki scoffed. "Get the hell out. You're nothing like me and I think you're the closet person to me. You just happen to connect with tons of people and that's good. You're able to approach and talk to so many people. It's like magic to me and try as I might, I can't figure out how you do it. It's a good and natural ability and I know you got it from your parents."

"I lie in wait and then ambush people." Shizuru wanted to throw up the more she realized people were right about her. She was sick.

Natsuki shrugged. "You're a businesswoman. What the hell are you supposed to do? You can't be all cuddly and lovey-dovey in business. You're a charmer and sometimes people don't realize you've charmed the pants off of them and that's their faults. I used to get jealous when I saw you do it to people outside the office, but I get that it's part of you."

"And… and…" Shizuru glanced down, unable to bring herself to even say it. How many looks of horror and disgust had she gotten in life because of it?

"Oh, babe." Natsuki leaned in, kissing her so softly Shizuru cried more. How would she be able to live without these wonderful kisses?

"I'm sorry." Why did she have to be so awful? Why did she have to be marked? Branded really. She carried a sign of her misery with her always.

"For what? I absolutely love that thing." Natsuki put her hands on Shizuru's hips and pulled her close.

Shizuru groaned as Natsuki's body connected with hers. It always felt like they were made of each other, but she guessed that was all in her mind. Natsuki could not possibly feel the same way, which was why she broke up with Shizuru do often.

"You don't need to do this," Shizuru said. She could leave with whatever bits of her dignity she still had, not that it felt like she had any left.

"I want to do this, just as much as I want to do you. I'm sorry I put you through all this stupidity. It's just I heard you talking about marriage with your dad and I'm just… I mean, would you really want to have a family with someone as broken as me? I wouldn't be able to give you or a family what you need. I'm broken."

It tore Shizuru up all over to hear Natsuki say such a thing. "Natsuki is not broken. You have gone through many things and come out better for them. We both have. You've made me a better human being." Shizuru would never deny that. She had learned so much from Natsuki and she would list everything if it helped Natsuki understand just how extraordinary she truly was. "You having such patience with me helped me understand the dark place I had gone with my emotions and you brought me to the light. There's no one on this green Earth I'd rather have a family with."

Natsuki gave her a quick peck on the lips. It made her smile. If they were not over, she would have to figure out how to get Natsuki to understand how important she was.

Natsuki gave her a shy smile. "Being around you helped me understand what love is. You've helped me have healthy relationships. You helped me maintain my friendship with Mai and you pushed me to continue my education. You've done wonderful things for me and I thought everyone knew how awesome you were."

It almost made her puff out of her chest to hear how Natsuki saw her. Natsuki was not with her out of pity. Natsuki was not trying to shake her off like so many fleas. "On a surface level, yes, people might agree with you. No one who has dug a little digger seems to think so."

Natsuki snuffed. "They're idiots, then. I love you so much, Shizuru, and that's why I do dumb things like this. I feel like you deserve the world and I can't give that to you. Hell, I can barely give you a roof over your head." She motioned around the apartment. It was tiny, like a shoebox really, but that never mattered. It was where Natsuki wanted to be, so it was heaven for her.

Shizuru laughed through her tears. "You give me more than you can ever imagine."

Natsuki did not say anything, leaning in for another kiss. This one was more than a peck. There was so much love and affection in something they had done at least a million times. This one felt new, fresh. Shizuru felt renewed from each movement of Natsuki's lips. Natsuki pulled her even closer, a hand on the small of her back and the other on her ass. Her hands made themselves comfortable on Natsuki's cheeks.

"I love you," Natsuki said, panting against Shizuru's mouth.

"I love you, too."

Natsuki backed her against the wall and pressed them together. "I love every part of you." She ground against Shizuru, yanking a hiss from Shizuru's throat.

"Natsuki, don't…" Shizuru was not sure if she was in the mood, not while thoughts of people throwing her away flashed through her mind.

"Don't love you?" Natsuki kissed her again.

Her heart fluttered and she felt like she melted. Natsuki's lips were tender and gentle, but her tongue really got Shizuru's attention. Shizuru welcomed Natsuki's tongue as always and was not disappointed. Shizuru felt like her body jumpstarted and all she wanted to do was be with Natsuki now. She returned the kiss with as much passion as she could muster.

Natsuki smiled. "There's my Shizuru."

Shizuru laughed. "I must look a mess."

Natsuki brushed some of Shizuru's hair out of her face. "You're beautiful. I'm sorry I made you cry. I love you so much, Shizuru."

Shizuru could only kiss Natsuki again. Words did not matter. Kisses, feelings, affections mattered at the moment. Natsuki wanted her. She wanted Natsuki. That was all that mattered. No one else's thoughts or feelings of her mattered. There was only Natsuki. Natsuki kissing her with fire, Natsuki pressing her against the wall, and Natsuki rubbing against her in just the right way.

"Natsuki…" Shizuru hissed as they broke briefly.

Natsuki gave her a peck. "Yeah?"

"Are we still together?"

"Yeah."

"Then can we move this to our bed?" Technically, it was Natsuki's bed, just as the apartment was Natsuki's, but Shizuru was here now, too.

Natsuki grinned and a light danced in her eyes. "Yeah. Then I can show you how much I love every little bit of you."

Shizuru smiled at the suggestion and Natsuki led her to their bedroom by her hand, pausing to kiss her every few steps. It was still a very short walk, which Shizuru was thankful for anyway. When they got to the bedroom, Shizuru reached for the hem of Natsuki's t-shirt, wanting to get her undressed as soon as possible. Natsuki took control of her hands, though.

"No. This was my mistake. Let me make it up to you," Natsuki said.

"You don't need to," Shizuru replied.

Natsuki shook her head. "No, I do. I want to show you just what you mean to me. I don't do stupid things because I don't love you. I do stupid things because I love you so much."

Shizuru snickered. "And yet you call me an idiot."

"I never claim I'm not an idiot. Now, you sit back and let me take care of you."

Before Shizuru could object, Natsuki kissed her again and pushed Shizuru onto the bed without breaking the kiss. The mattress creaked under her weight. Natsuki stepped away and snatched her shirt off before Shizuru realized what was happening. All words abandoned her when she caught sight of Natsuki's sexy black lace bra. She loved Natsuki still had a thing for lingerie.

"You like it?" Natsuki smirked, knowing the answer.

"It's my favorite." Shizuru enjoyed dark colors against Natsuki's porcelain skin. The contrast made her shift in her pants.

"Wanna touch?" Natsuki asked.

Shizuru scoffed. She did not need to answer. Natsuki stepped close and grabbed one of her hands. Shizuru purred as she cupped Natsuki's perfect sized breast. It felt as wonderful as ever. Smooth, warm skin incased in soft lace. She ran her thumb across Natsuki's nipple, watching it come to life under the fabric of the bra. She could not help leaning in for a taste. Natsuki yelped.

"You're going to mess up my bra, Shizuru," Natsuki said.

Shizuru smiled, knowing how serious Natsuki was about her underwear. "Then, how about you take it off?"

"Not a problem." Natsuki stepped back and the bra was gone.

Shizuru's mouth fell open as she was practically eye-to-eye with two adorable pink nipples. She would never get tired of the sight or taste. Her tongue came out, flicking Natsuki's nipple. Natsuki moaned and pressed closer, which told Shizuru to give her more. She attached herself to Natsuki's breast, suckling, delighting in the little moans escaping her beloved. She would do this all night if she could and never find herself bored, but Natsuki would probably consider it torture after awhile. She brought her hands to Natsuki's waist, wanting to rid Natsuki of her pants.

"Nope." Natsuki stepped away, ripping her pants out of Shizuru's grip. Along with her went her nipple, causing a low pop to echo through the room as it was pulled from Shizuru's adoring mouth.

"Natsuki!" Shizuru whined. She wanted Natsuki in her hands and her mouth right now.

Natsuki wagged her finger at the older woman. "I got this. You sit back and watch. Then, I'll take care of you."

Shizuru huffed, but it was hard to stay upset as Natsuki wiggled out of her pants and panties. Natsuki was bare, in more than one sense. She waxed, thinking it highlighted her lingerie better. Sometimes, Shizuru teased her about it, especially when Natsuki made her go along for her own landscaping. She could not believe the things Natsuki would do for her lingerie. Waxing was far from her favorite thing and maybe being coaxed into coming along was her punishment for the taunting.

"Now, it's your turn," Natsuki said, moving back to Shizuru's range.

Shizuru wasted no time putting her hands on Natsuki's naked body. Feeling Natsuki's wonderful curves under her fingertips was paradise. Feeling Natsuki's fingers popping open the buttons on her shirt could not be qualified. She whined when Natsuki moved away again, taking her blouse with her. Shizuru decided to make short work of her own bra. Natsuki's eyes locked onto her chest and quickly the tables had turned. Natsuki ducked in low, placing wet kisses all across Shizuru's breasts.

Shizuru moaned, throwing her head back. Each kiss felt like lightning dancing under her skin, etching Natsuki's image into her heart. The lightning intensified as Natsuki's hand settled between Shizuru's legs and massaged her just the way she liked it. Her mind went blank, except for memories and thoughts of Natsuki.

"Natsuki… please…" Shizuru hissed. Her pants were uncomfortable and her body was on fire.

"I got you." Natsuki continued on giving attention to her breasts, light kisses and nibbles, but made quick work of her pants.

Shizuru sighed as soon as she was free. Natsuki yanked her pants down until she could kick them off. Natsuki's mouth went back to her chest while her hands settled on Shizuru's length. Shizuru groaned as Natsuki worked her magic, hand moving at just the right pace, lips doing just the right thing. Her tongue lapped at Shizuru's nipple as her thumb brushed across the head of Shizuru's penis.

"Fuck," Shizuru said and then squeaked as she realized she swore. That was rare indeed. It had to be the stress, not that it mattered.

Natsuki snickered. "I must be doing something right."

"You're doing everything right." Shizuru ran her hand through Natsuki's hair. The cracks in her heart healed with each little touch from Natsuki.

"Then, I best continue." Natsuki smirked before her mouth was back at Shizuru's breast and her hand slid up and down Shizuru's shaft.

Shizuru took a deep breath, trying to keep some control as her body buzzed with pleasure, her heart fluttered with care, and her soul lit up with love. She could feel Natsuki all around her already. She never wanted this feeling to end. She never wanted things with Natsuki to end.

Natsuki began kissing her way down Shizuru's torso. Shizuru knew what was coming and the anticipation made her pant. She feared she might explode right now. As Natsuki sank down to her waist, she paused while Shizuru could hardly breathe. This was all too much suddenly. Natsuki was too much.

"Shizuru, calm down. It's not like this is the first time," Natsuki pointed out.

"No, but this feels different." It felt like every bit of her was bathed in the fresh air and sunshine that was her beloved.

Natsuki nodded. "Then, sit back and enjoy it, babe. Don't hyperventilate. That's more my thing."

Shizuru chuckled, but the laughter choked as Natsuki took her into her mouth. Shizuru almost bit her tongue to avoid howling her glee to the ceiling. The feel of Natsuki's tongue and the back of her throat, Shizuru would not last long. Shizuru pulled away, trying to escape Natsuki. Natsuki grabbed her around the waist, but let her go from her mouth.

"Where you going?" Natsuki asked.

"Get on the bed," Shizuru replied.

"What if I don't want to?"

"I want to be inside of you." There was no better place to be and if she was going to climax prematurely, she would rather Natsuki get some pleasure from it.

Natsuki smiled. "Of course. How do you want me?"

"On your back." She might be able to drag this out a little longer if she could set the pace and rhythm.

Natsuki did not tease or argue, moving to the middle of the bed. Shizuru settled on top of her, kissing her as soon as she was close enough. Natsuki's hands were on her back, blunt nails scratching up and down Shizuru's flesh, digging into her spirit and anchoring her to this world. She never wanted Natsuki to let go. Shizuru's hands went to Natsuki's breasts briefly before one eased down Natsuki's body in between her legs. The warm silk against her fingers made her throb. Natsuki moaned into her mouth, but then broke the kiss.

"You can just…" A moan halted Natsuki's words as Shizuru gave her slow, careful strokes with her fingertips.

"No." Shizuru would never just push into Natsuki without preparing her first. She would never chance Natsuki feeling even a little bit of discomfort with their coupling.

Natsuki hooked her leg around Shizuru's hip, pulling Shizuru closer. Shizuru almost fell over and had to adjust her elbow, which propped her. The head of her length rubbed against Natsuki's slick clit and they both grunted. Shizuru exhaled slowly, but her hips moved. She felt like she would blow just rubbing against Natsuki.

"Shizuru," Natsuki whined.

"I love you so much." Shizuru eased a finger into Natsuki and hissed at the feel of her, warm, dipping all around her, hugging her just right. She would never not feel lucky to be able to be with Natsuki in such a way.

Natsuki tossed her head to the side and let loose several cute noises. Shizuru sat up more, wanting to watch Natsuki's face as she slid another finger inside. Natsuki was so perfect, velvety, and inviting. The way she pulsed around Shizuru's fingers made Shizuru harder, almost to the point of pain.

"Shizuru, inside now," Natsuki said through gritted teeth.

"Patience, my love." Of course, if Shizuru waited a little longer, she would have to wipe down Natsuki's belly. She was not sure Natsuki would appreciate it, even if it was an accident.

"If I get any more patient, I'm going to flip you over."

Shizuru smiled and went in for another kiss. Natsuki bucked against her as their lips and tongues moved together. It was now or never. Shizuru removed her fingers and positioned herself to push inside. Natsuki moved first and Shizuru was there before she was ready. Shizuru's head dropped to the side as Natsuki embraced every bit of her, loved every inch of her. Her hips pumped, driving her into Natsuki with everything she had.

"Oh, god, babe." Natsuki gripped Shizuru's shoulders before one hand found the back of her neck and gripped.

Shizuru hissed and kissed Natsuki's cheek. Natsuki turned her head, seeking Shizuru's mouth. Their lips found each other, which pushed Shizuru more. She plunged into Natsuki, who arched her back to meet each of Shizuru's thrusts. She lost herself in the feel of Natsuki, each touch was like some wonderful drug. It was over all too soon. Her body exploded in the pleasure that was Natsuki, her beloved.

"Natsuki…" Shizuru groaned as her release shook her whole body and felt like it dragged her from this world to some sweet dream. She collapsed onto Natsuki, panting and thoughts blurred.

Natsuki caressed Shizuru's back, like she was soothing her. Did I fail to please Natsuki? She was too overcome and emotionally exhausted to do anything, though. Sleep claimed her before she could even let Natsuki know how much she loved her. Natsuki was her heart and soul.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: Natsuki takes time to reflect on their relationship.