Disclaimer: I do not own Mai HiME or any of the characters used
Now, Then and Later: A Natsuki and Shizuru Story
Summary
We see the daily interactions between both Natsuki and Shizuru with their friends.
Chapter Two: Our Daily Lives
Life was not too bad Natsuki thought. She wasn't lonely anymore since she had her friends, especially Mai who she could rely on for guidance and advice. And last but not least there was Shizuru. She was not sure about the nature of that relationship. Natsuki had no idea what to do when it come to relationships like that. Nobody showed her how to deal with it. It was times like these she wished she had her mother around for guidance and understanding. In her mind, some things were just too personal to share with friends. She knew she couldn't live without Shizuru by her side but what exactly did that mean.
"Argh" she grumbled. All this thinking was giving her a headache she thought.
"Hey, Natsuki are you alright? You know they say grumbling to yourself, is the first sign of madness" she teased as she watched her friend with mounting concern. Mai noted that Natsuki had not touched her lunch and seemed to be locked into deep thoughts.
"Isn't it, talking to yourself is the first sign of madness" Natsuki retorted.
Mai shrugged her shoulders then replied
"It's the same thing"
"…Whatever" Natsuki grumbled but the light tease did bring her back to reality somewhat.
As Mai and Natsuki silently continued their lunch two figures approached them. One had cat like features and unruly black hair. While the other had red shortly cropped hair accentuated with jade irises.
"Hey, What's for lunch today" Nao asked as she sat beside Natsuki.
It was consistently becoming a daily habit that she followed Mikoto to where she had lunch with Mai and Natsuki. Without permission Natsuki plucked out a shrimp from Natsuki's bento quickly placing it into her mouth before Natsuki could retrieve it.
"Oi, get your own lunch" Natsuki growled but made no move to shift her lunch away from the assailant.
"That's okay, Nao I brought an extra bento for you" Mai announced as she gave Nao the box.
"…Ah….thanks" Nao replied awkwardly as she accepted the bento.
As soon as she opened it foreign chop sticks found their way into her food. However, Nao reacted too late as Natsuki successfully removed a shrimp.
"That was for earlier" Natsuki admitted with a smirk.
Life had been funny after the Carnival, Nao and Natsuki had a love hate relationship, which changed after the fact that Natsuki announced that they were alike and in the progress save Nao from Shizuru's wrath. The two had forgiven each other for their actions during the Carnival and somehow the relationship evolved into an awkward friendship, where neither was gentle with the other but instead they understood each other. Nao smiled as she glanced at her friend wolfing down her food. If the theory that your Child reflected your innermost qualities, then it would be true for Natsuki. She was a wolf-like human.
"Hey try not to choke, Natsuki-inu" Nao teased.
Nao was plastered with a fierce icy stare then Natsuki returned to her food. Lunch continued in usual pace with Mikoto finishing her lunch before everyone then napping on Mai's lap. Nao and Natsuki usually conducted a meaningless argument. Nao mood took a nose dive when her gaze locked onto Shizuru. It was not often that Shizuru came by but when she did Nao always took a hasty retreat. The truth was that she still feared and despised that woman. In her mind Shizuru was a sore that wouldn't go away no matter what you did.
'What does Kuga see in her' she wondered.
Noa stood stretching taut muscles as she peered down at Natsuki who was quietly watching the scenery around. Natsuki had one of those rare peaceful look on her face Nao noted.
"Well, I've got to go, see you guys around" Nao announced.
"Huh" Natsuki mumbled as she stumbled out of her daydream. "Oh, okay"
"But I want to stay some more with Mai" Mikoto complained.
"Hey, you can stay longer with your Okasan, Mikoto-chan"
"Nao" both Mai and Mikoto shouted.
"I'm not a baby" Mikoto complained.
"Hmm, I guess I'll catch you later" Nao muttered as she walked away.
It was after Nao stalked off that Mai realized why she left so abruptly. Shizuru was trying to make her way over to them as fan girls excitedly crowed her. Natsuki on the hand seemed to remain oblivious to what was happening around her as she slipped back into a state of mindless daydreaming. Shizuru was able to gracefully excuse herself from the girls and stood behind Natsuki smiling. She courteously smiled at Mai silently communicating hello.
The older girl kneeled down behind Natsuki, gently placing her hands around Natsuki's waist. She pulled herself even closer to Natsuki's back resting her chin on Natsuki's shoulder. The younger girl stiffened immediately; at first she had no idea who was holding her but eventually her mind registered that only one person would do such a thing and that was…
"Sh…Shizuru" Natsuki muttered as she blushed.
"I'm glad Natsuki recognizes my hugs from behind"
"Mou, Shizuru not in public"
"Ara, Natsuki doesn't want me to hug her" Shizuru teased. "My hugs aren't good enough for Natsuki"
"I like them….like….just fine" Natsuki babbled.
Shizuru and Mai giggled at Natsuki, causing her blush to change into a deeper red.
She decided to let Natsuki off the hook and released her then turned to face Natsuki.
"I see you've finished lunch"
"You probably wolfed it down with a "healthy" serving of mayonnaise"
"Haaa…so" Natsuki stuttered.
Shizuru smiled and continued.
"Wasn't it today that Natsuki agreed that we would have lunch together"
"Uh…sorry… I forgot"
"Well then, Natsuki will have to make it up to me" Shizuru chided as she placed a finger on her chin in thought.
"How about dinner"
"And since we don't to end up in a hospital like last time, I suggest we go out"
"Alright I guess" Natsuki mumbled.
"So it's a date, pick me up at six from school"
"Hey, wait it's not a …."
"Natsuki wouldn't be going back on her word to eat with me would she?"
"No!" Natsuki shouted.
"Great, I think we should go to a restaurant of my choice, if it's up to you we'll have horrid fast food" Shizuru stated as she smiled at Natsuki.
"Alright…alright, I guess I'll see you later" Natsuki grumbled.
"Good bye, Takiha-san and Minagi-san"
"And I'll see you later, Nat-su-ki" Shizuru whispered softly as she got up and left.
Mai looked at Natsuki sympathetically; the former Kaichou was as clever as a kitsune there was no hope for Natsuki to avoid that trap Mai thought. But she was sure that Natsuki would enjoy the time she spent with Shizuru.
As Shizuru re-enters the University one person in particular keeps an avid lookout for her. Piercing blue irises spot their target and danced with joy as she moved towards Shizuru.
"Hey Shizuru, where have you been?" Sakurai asked curiously.
"I was looking for you so we could have lunch together"
"Kanin na, Sakurai I had a lunch date with a friend" Shizuru answered.
"Oh" Sakurai said sadly.
"Ara, unfortunately it did not happen, so guess I'm free for us to have lunch"
"Great" Sakurai beamed.
"Let's go to that new restaurant"
"How does that sound"
"That sounds fine to me" Shizuru answered.
"It will be my treat"
"Are you sure?"
"It's no problem at all"
"Ookini, Sakurai"
"Sakurai often spoils me"
Sakurai reflected on the fact that she had to work on Shizuru to get her to be this causal with her. At first Shizuru was distant with her but always polite. After all it was Shizuru's grace and beauty that attracted her. She often felt like she was a moth helplessly attracted to a glowing light bulb. Even though Shizuru did her best to cover it, she sensed a wounded and lonely vibe from Shizuru. Sakurai instinct to comfort and protect was triggered immediately as soon as she observed this. She was wise enough to know that she shouldn't push Shizuru to reveal what was bothering. In time she hoped that Shizuru would open up to her. And that would be that greatest day of her life.
Omake 2:
Shizuru: Ara, when am I going to get Natsuki all to myself?
Natsuki: Eh!
KiziB-chan: I'm working on it. I haven't decided how I'm going to do but I have a general idea.
Shizuru: (fake smiles) Then author should get to it really soon. After all we don't have an eternity.
KiziB-chan: (sweat drops) Aahhh, yes ma'am. I'll work on it right away.
Natsuki: Oi, What about my say. You guys have been ignoring me.
KiziB-chan: What is it Natsuki?
Natsuki: Well, I don't know how I feel about us being alone a lot.
Shizuru: (plastered on a fake hurt expression) So, you don't want to have me around you're alone.
Natsuki: (shouts nervously) That's not what I meant!
Shizuru: (smiles cheerfully) So you do want me to yourself.
Natsuki: Ehh! Baka, don't get carried away.
Shizuru: (smiles seductively) Well, in any case Natsuki can have her way with me anytime.
KiziB-chan silently exits the room sensing an intimate moment coming.
Natsuki: (shouts) Where the hell are you going? (as Shizuru latches herself onto Natsuki's neck)
KiziB-chan: (starts to run) To the Land of wood and water.
Ok every Monday evening I'll update this story until it's finished. Thanks for the reviews, seeing them encouraged me to continue on . Please enjoy.