Thanks to everyone's reviews I have been rapidly typing the next chapter all the while working full-time. I sincerely thank every reader for clicking into this story and actually giving it a chance. Now I decided to explain why it says Romance/Humour when everything you've read so far has been rather...sad. I thought this story to be a Drama/Romance/Humour, humour being the slightly teasing and fluff. But for the moment you'll have to bear with the slight angst that needs to be cleared. I promise that you will find a lot more teasing and fluff later in the story so please bear with me. Now on with the story!
-"Talking"
(Natsuki's thoughts)
Third person's perspective
Disclaimer: Nothing to own, just something to share!
--
For a split second Natsuki thought she saw a flicker of sadness in those eyes but the moment she
caught a glimpse of it, it disappeared and they became hollow again.
-"Ara, it is a rare occurrence when you find someone entering your company, injure your guards and
afterwards asks the owner what the purpose of their presence is."
Anger mixed with embarrassment made Natsuki's face colour truly red.
- "You're the owner? THE owner?"
-"How many owners do you usually have?"
Not really being able to answer that Natsuki only made a grumpy kind of noise.
-"You're the owner who I'm supposed to protect?"
And something rare happened. Shizuru had nothing to respond nor did she know the reason why Natsuki
were here.
-"I'm afraid I cannot response to your question. I have not made an attempt to hire you."
-"What?! If you didn't hire me then who did?"
As Shizuru were going to reply a roaring voice were heard.
"I hired her!! You stupid bubuzuke woman! You can't even injure your own safety!"
A more timid voice could be heard.
- "It's assure, Haruka-chan."
- "Huh? What do you mean? I just said that!"
- "Ara, meet the vice president Suzushiro Haruka and her secretary Kikukawa Yukino."
Still quite shocked over the impressively amount of sound produced from a single person Natsuki said
the first thing that popped up in her head...or out of her mouth.
- "Eh...Nice to meet you."
- "Ah, so you're the famous bodyguard. Good now listen up you, we need you to be sufficient-"
- "It's efficient, Haruka-chan."
- "That's right, Yukino. Just as I said."
Haruka now turned her full attention towards Natsuki, which made our bodyguard a bit nervous.
-"Now we require your full corporation-"
-"It's full cooperation, Haruka-chan."
-"Yukino! Why are you insisting in repeating everything I say? Am I speaking to quietly?"
Suddenly everything was in complete silence. Only a passing by crow's croaking can be heard.
-"What? Did I say something wrong?"
During this pause Natsuki finally composes herself.
-"Eh...so...tell me about my assignment."
Once again Haruka was quite eager to respond however Yukino stops her while shaking her head. Silently
begging Haruka to leave it to her and amazingly Haruka obliged without resisting. Getting the
permission to continue Yukino takes a deep breath and pushes up her glasses.
-"Your task is to protect Shizuru 24 hours every day. We've also concluded that for better
availability your belongings have already been moved to her apartment where you will stay until your
services are no longer required. Summarized, you are not to leave and always stay by her side."
(Geez, it sounds as if we're getting married, in a forced way.)
-"Wait a sec here! I'm supposed to live with her too?! No way!"
-"What!? Now listen up you we paid you a great deal of sum to-"
-"Calm down, Haruka-san. There really is no need to force Na...Kuga-san to do something against her
will. Even if you will, I will not and cannot tolerate such actions."
-"But you need the best protection! Who knows what that psycho will do?"
Not understanding who they were referring to Natsuki somehow became worried about Shizuru. Then caught
herself worrying she pondered over the reason as to why she even cared.
-"I do not require protection. Furthermore I do not wish to bring any trouble upon anyone else when
the trouble was brought upon myself and therefore should only concern me. There really is no need to
bring Kuga-san into this...again."
The last word was said in a whisper but to Natsuki it was as clear as any word. Shizuru was hiding
something deliberately from her and something told that she wanted to know what this was and Natsuki
was not someone who gives up that easily. So she decided to interfere.
-"Where do you live?"
-"Pardon?"
Clearly Shizuru was not expecting this turn of events which made Natsuki quite proud.
-"Isn't it obvious that I need to know where I'm supposed to live from now on?"
Said and done this little group headed off towards Shizuru's current apartment with a beaming vice
president, slightly ashamed secretary, worried president and slightly nervous bodyguard. Things could
not have been better, for the moment.
--
Upon arriving to Miss Fujino's apartment many would wonder why someone as wealthy as Fujino Shizuru
would choose to live in a simple apartment. It did not fit her status on the society-ladder but many
do not know that she lives in a private neighbourhood. This also means that not just anybody can get
"lucky" and become her neighbour. She lives in a secluded area for extra privacy. Her apartment
consists of a living room, balcony with a nice view of the ocean, kitchen, a quite spacious bathroom,
office and finally a bedroom...huh? Realisation hit Natsuki like a brick. There is only one bedroom.
(Oh, hell no!)
Natsuki started to frantically search for a hidden bedroom to magically pop out of nowhere. The others
were staring in confusion while trying to follow the movements of our panicked protector. Finally not
being able to contain her curiosity Yukino asked.
-"Eh, excuse me but what exactly are you doing?"
Natsuki, who for a split moment, totally forgot about her current company were now desperately
thinking of a valid reason for her strange behaviour.
-"Uh...I was...ehm...I was making sure the area was totally clear! Yeah, that's what I was doing."
Nodding like crazy as if trying to convince herself. Doubt was written in every ones faces, except for
our suddenly very energetic vice president.
-"That's the spirit, Kuga! One must always head straight forward no matter what obstacles lay before
you, just keep running with your head first-"
So caught up in herself Haruka kept babbling all the while Natsuki and Shizuru were watching Yukino
intensely hoping for some kind of translation. Sighing and pressing her fingers against her temples
she tiredly replied.
-"I apologise but for the moment I'm as lost as you are and no longer have the energy to even try
understanding."
Everybody kept nodding together as if agreeing to let the mystery keep being one. While Haruka on the
other hand thought she had everyone's agreement and kept beaming even more, which scientifically
should be impossible.
-"Ara, there is an important package that should have been delivered to me as by now however it
seemed to have slipped my mind. I am afraid I need to ask you a favour Haruka-san. Is there any chance
that you will be able to pick it up for me? Or is it perhaps a bit too difficult?"
Giving one of her best and most innocent smiles all the while skilfully pressing the right buttons to
trigger the desired effect.
-"Difficult!? Nothing is too difficult for Suzushiro Haruka! Come on Yukino
we'll head off to finish this simple task."
Stomping of determinedly and loudly complaining about the president's incapability Haruka and her
faithful secretary, in every way, headed out. Somehow relieved over the silence but at the same time
worried over the fact that they were the only ones they remained in the hallway, with an uncomfortable
stillness. Natsuki could feel Shizuru's eyes pierce her but refused to look her in the eyes. Not being
able to withstand what she deep inside wanted she finally looked straight into the most beautiful
amber eyes. For a moment Natsuki was overwhelmed with feelings reflected in Shizuru's eyes. There were
sadness, joy, concern, pain and anger. It was all too much to endure. Just as Shizuru were about to
speak Natsuki quickly averted her gaze away and hastily mumbled.
-"I'm going to go unpack my stuff."
-"Your belongings have already been brought to the bedroom; make yourself as comfortable as
possible."
Shizuru finished the sentence with a weak smile but she was found smiling towards an already turned
back, who was slowly walking away. There were emotions unable to be formed with words and hope who
slowly was crumbling away to nothingness. Shizuru could only follow and observe, from far behind.
--
The bedroom was located furthest down the hall. Upon entering Natsuki stopped and thought about how
Shizuru's room would be like. Mentally smacking her once again for caring she carelessly entered and
was shocked. The walls were all white and the floor was in red carpet. There were big windows on the
opposite side of the room that had yellow curtains and a gorgeous view over the ocean. There was also
a door in which you could go down to the beach if you ever wished. On the left side were the bathroom
who was connected with the room and the bed was located on the right side. It was a wooden king-sized
bed with white sheets and red covers. It was a lovely room aside from the fact that it felt a bit
lonely or perhaps you could say cold. There were colours but something was missing. Not only this but
something else was bothering Natsuki. Something seemed out of place and she finally spotted something
violet who was pointing out from under the pillow. Curiosity got the best of her and she decided to
see what it could be. Slowly approaching her destination and with shaky hands she slowly pulled the
piece of clothing out from underneath. Her eyes widened in surprise. It was a horrible knitted scarf.
The story behind the scarf was very interesting though. It was a present to Shizuru from...Natsuki. In
an attempt to give something personal and handmade Natsuki had for the first time in her life tried
knitting. Reading countless of books and endless of trouble with understanding the pattern it took her
4 months completing this scarf. By mistake Shizuru later found it and wondered about the battered
scarf which forced Natsuki to tell the truth and ending by adding that she would later find a better
present. Never intending giving it however Shizuru would have none of this ridiculous talk about
throwing it in the trashcan. She even wore it several times just to make her point about the
possibility of actually wearing it. Though Natsuki never would tell she was grateful and very happy
that Shizuru liked the scarf, or the thoughts and efforts behind it. Unable to stop herself she smiled
at the memories of the past and how much she truly missed those times, missed Shizuru. Then the
recollections with all its reasons came flowing back. Still fresh in her mind and the pain still there
in her heart, anger once again filled her. She clutched the now cursed part of clothing who reminded
her of the painful reality. Just then the door opened and Shizuru entered in a quite cheerful mood.
-"Natsuki, dinner is ready would you-"
She then stopped abruptly when seeing Natsuki's upset frame. Natsuki looked at Shizuru and her eyes
were blazing with fury. Shizuru then looked down to what Natsuki was holding and her eyes widened.
-"I can explain-"
-"Why do you still keep it?"
Emerald eyes tore into amber ones, neither wanted to surrender.
-"There really is no need for me to explain myself. I am a grown and free woman I am free to possess
whatever-"
-"Just for once in your life tell the truth and stop hiding!"
Shizuru did not realise what Natsuki's words really did to her. Until she felt that saying the next
words were so painful and difficult. She almost choked on the words.
-"I miss you."
The words were simple however its meaning deep. For someone like Shizuru it was the simplest words
that were the hardest to speak.
-"How am I supposed to believe you? I learned the hard way three years ago that I couldn't trust
your words, what makes you think I will today?"
-"I am not asking you to forget and I find it hard to convince you to forgive. I guess the
possibility of me being important to you is very little. I only wish to be part of your life, even the
smallest part is enough-"
-"What makes you even think that I want you in my life again? I just want to get this job finished
and I'm out of your life. You shouldn't even notice me during this mission. Just pretend that I'm a
shadow."
With this Natsuki turned her back and was going to walk away, just as every time.
-"Is this how you wish for it to be?"
-"Yes!"
-"I see."
--
The days went by and everyday it was the same. Natsuki would accompany Shizuru wherever she went but
at a safe distance, not too far but neither to close. She almost unnoticeable for most people however
for Shizuru it was a different matter. She would always notice her raven haired no matter where. They
remained civil with each other and would exchange some polite words but never more. It always stayed
shallow. Natsuki wanted it this way and Shizuru would always comply with her wishes. Some of the
things never changed. Have you ever noticed that if you are upset with someone you notice this person
more than anyone else? Whenever this person entered a room you would assure yourself that you wore an
angry expression and hoping to be noticed. This in turn were supposed to lead into guilty feelings and
when you are the one who notice you always remind yourself to keep your composure. After a while you
get tired but refuse to give up because of your pride. It was all an act to show no emotions and yet
it was so full of it. Someone always gives up and this time it was Shizuru. She did not want this all
the while she was starting to feel again. For three years she has felt nothing, becoming numb and only
living by logic. There were only right and wrong, nothing was cruel or light. It was peaceful; there
was no denying, but there were no excitement either. So for the first time in three years she started
to feel again, and it terrified her. To not being able to think logically and no longer be able to
rely on logic to solve it all. Never been one to trust her own feelings and instincts Shizuru was left
on her own and it hurt, it truly hurt to be alone and finally accepting it. She kept enduring the pain
but for each moment that passed it became harder. She tried so many times to speak to Natsuki but she
would hear none of it. Explanations, reasons, feelings and apologies were offered but none were
accepted. Yet still Shizuru stubbornly tried and for each time Natsuki's heart softened a little.
Surely it was not much but to Shizuru it was an encouragement, something to fight for. All the while
attending meetings and doing her paperwork one would think her as a very strong-minded individual and
yet her heart was delicate.
--
After about a week the day started the same but would end dramatically different. Today a meeting was
scheduled for Shizuru. Unlike every other time Natsuki was told to stand-by outside the office. It was
a very boring task and troublesome. For every time she had nothing to do her thoughts drifted to a
chestnut haired woman. It was very frustrating but there were questions that never were dared to be
asked, the problem was that with the source of answers so close it was also very tempting. Then it
would reoccur to her that it was she that requested this platonic relationship and her pride was also
standing in her way. Her trail of thoughts was interrupted with a cough, or several.
-"Hey, Kuga! What's wrong with you two? You're not even talking to each other."
-"Nothings wrong, Suzushiro-san."
-"I can't believe that bubuzuke woman was miserable over someone like you."
Natsuki did not know if she was shocked or angry over the statement. What right had Shizuru to be
upset? When it was Natsuki that was betrayed.
-"She should be, when I was for so long."
-"I don't understand this. All this because of some girl Tomoe?"
Yukino was desperately pulling Haruka's arm urging her to stop and whispering that it was none of
their business.
-"What do you mean none of our business? It becomes my business when it took almost three years time
to make her somewhat mentally stable again."
-"What are you talking about?"
-"She was a psycho when me and Yukino met her. That woman was out for blood. It only took her about
one year to wipe out the mafia organisation led by Tomoe. After that she was a total wreck, didn't
know how to move forward or backwards. We couldn't leave her alone for five minutes without her
wanting to commit suicide or trying to find you."
-"Did Shizuru want you to tell me this?"
Yukino decided to finally enter the conversation.
-"Fujino-san is too occupied with forcing herself from scaring you away. She is suffering as much as
you and you both affect each other in the same way. I suggest you two sit down and talk this out.
There seems to be some kind of misunderstanding between the two of you."
-"There is nothing to misunderstand. It couldn't be clearer than it already was. She betrayed me and
I can't accept it."
Haruka was getting very impatient.
-"What are you, stupid?! Do you honestly believe someone would be this miserable for so long if she
never cared for you? Or are you too afraid of the answer? You're a damn coward Kuga and a pretty
pathetic one."
With that Haruka walked away with Yukino, leaving a confused Natsuki behind. For once she did not know
what to respond and she was getting second thoughts about the whole incident. Was she wrong to never
find out the truth? Is it true that she is scared of the response? Why would Shizuru wipe out an
entirely organisation for nothing? The questions were piling up even more. Haruka was right; she was
tired of running away from reality. It was time to face it.
Just the door to the office opened and a man walked out followed by Shizuru. They said their goodbyes
and the man took the elevator down. Natsuki were just looking at her. She still could not believe
Shizuru became mentally instable for their breakup. She still looked as breathtaking as ever. She knew
what the next would be, they would proceed going home. Shizuru started walking and Natsuki followed.
They went inside the elevator.
-"What happened between you and Tomoe that I don't know about?"
Even though Natsuki was standing behind she still saw how Shizuru suddenly stiffened.
-"Is it really necessarily to bring this up?"
-"I have the right to know."
-"You never wanted the right to know that day, why now?"
-"Because I need to know or I won't be able to put it behind me."
-"Then I'd rather you never know. Just pretend it was all my fault and leave it."
The elevator doors opened and Shizuru abruptly walked out, not wanting to look back. Still afraid of
what she might see. Natsuki hurried to follow.
-"Why won't you tell me?"
Shizuru just kept walking and silently hoping to be able to just walk away from it all. Finally
exiting the building and it the only thing left was to walk over the street were her car was parked.
-"Is it Tomoe that is after you? Because you destroyed her entire organisation?"
Shizuru froze on the spot. How did she know? She was not supposed to know. Natsuki was too close to
the truth. Seeing that her question managed to stop her client Natsuki stopped in front of Shizuru.
-"What are you hiding from me?"
Shizuru's heart was pounding loudly in her ears and she was scared. Natsuki cannot find out.
-"Dammit Shizuru, I was going to propose to you that day! I went and bought a freaking ring and was
preparing to give you a lifetime promise!"
Shizuru's defence wall was slowly collapsing and she was processing the fact that Natsuki was going
to propose. Her heart broke once more and she was simply standing there, in shock.
-"Fine then, don't tell me."
Natsuki turned away and continued to cross the street. She looked both sides and there were parked
cars but not much traffic. She walked and managed to come halfway before hearing a car engine roar.
There was a red sport car heading towards her and instead of slowing down it kept accelerating.
Natsuki's eyes widened and tried to run but her feet would not listen. She then closed her eyes and
waited for the inevitable to happen.
--
Sorry it's a cliff-hanger. Feel free to guess what will happen but keep in mind that this story is long from finished so no need to worry about that. I will update as soon as possible and faster the more reviews I get. Sorry it's just the way I work