I don't own these characters; Sunrise does.

2: Desert Rose

Natsuki was in a funk, fleeing Garderobe for destinations unknown. She just knew she needed to get away from Nao. What an annoying, little pest! her mind roared.

The raven-haired Otome continued on her way, not sure where she should go. She considered going to check on the ring, but she doubted it would be done a day after she made the order. Besides, she did not have her coat or hat to hide from anyone who might see her on the street in the city. She needed to figure out some place else to flee to for a little while.

"Stupid Nao. Ruining things already. Her, help me figure out how to propose? Yeah, right!" Natsuki scoffed loudly, footsteps turning into stomps.

The very idea Nao would even offer to help made Natsuki want to punch something, preferably Nao, but she was principal and had to show some self-control. Nao did not have a steady significant other in her life, not as far as Natsuki knew anyway. In fact, as far as Natsuki knew — which was much more than she would ever admit to when it came to stupid Nao — Nao did not even date. Nao conducted interviews when she went out, looking for her perfect man; a rich idiot who would take care of her for the rest of her life.

"What the hell does Nao know about romance, anyway? She's worse at it than I am, I bet!" Natsuki stopped herself when she realized what she just said.

Realizing she was going to give herself a headache, Natsuki decided to stop thinking. Her stomach suddenly growled and that gave her an idea of where she should go. She went to go see Mai and showed up right in time for lunch.

"Hey, Natsuki, what brings you by?" Mai inquired as she sat down at the table with Natsuki and Mikoto, both of whom were stuffing their faces with ramen. Thankfully, no one else was around because of the cold weather.

"I was hungry." Natsuki shrugged. That was the easily answer.

"Yes, and usually when you're hungry, you're fed by Shizuru," Mai pointed out.

Natsuki waved that off. "She's out doing holiday shopping." Again, the easy answer and it was also the truth.

"Holiday?" Mikoto echoed in an interested tone. She knew that holidays meant more food. She could not wait! Her eyes darted over to Mai.

"Yes, Mikoto, I'll make a feast," Mai sighed. She held in a laugh, thinking it humorous that Mikoto did not even know what holiday it was, but she knew to expect plenty of food. Then the redhead turned her attention back to Natsuki. "Do you have plans for the holiday?"

"Of course. Big plans actually," Natsuki admitted. She blamed the delicious food for loosening her tongue because that slipped out too easily.

With a small smile, Mai arched an eyebrow. "Oh. What are they?" She leaned forward on her elbows, eager to hear what her good friend was going to do.

Natsuki pretended not to hear, but that did not stop Mai. In fact, that only made her prod more, figuring if she got on Natsuki's nerves enough, the hotheaded former biker would just blurt the information out. It was frightening how well she knew Natsuki.

"Natsuki, if you don't have anything planned, you can tell me. I won't tell Shizuru and I'm sure she'll forgive you. She's done it in the past, after all." Mai gave her a big, pitying smile accompanied by a shrug.

"Like hell! I do have something planned! Something great, okay! So there!" Natsuki barked, slamming her hand down on her own leg. Her face was tight with anger. She hated being accused of not having something when she had huge freaking plans. People always assumed the worst with her and she was doing her best, damn it!

"You always say that and then we find out later that you forgot. You know, you shouldn't forget this year, not after you guys almost messed up, you know." Mai shook a disapproving index finger at the principal.

"I know that! That's why I have something special planned!" Natsuki roared, hitting the table with her fist and causing her empty dish to rattle.

Mikoto had seconds and just watching the fight. She was calm about the whole thing because she could tell that Mai was playing around. She would not get worked up if Mai did not show any signs of a problem.

Mai scoffed. "I've heard that song before, too."

"I do! I'm going to ask her to marry me!" Natsuki hollered to prove her point… and then she realized what she said. She sighed and hid her face in her hands. She could not believe she let Mai get her so easily. "You might as well laugh now…" she grumbled, feeling her stomach twist. It was a good thing Mai had hardwood floor because she might actually projectile vomit.

"Laugh? Why would I laugh? I think it's wonderful that you're going to ask her!" Mai practically had stars in her eyes, the hopeless romantic inside of her coming out and shining off of her like rays from the sun. She clutched her hands together and pressed them to her right cheek as if she was declaring such a thing adorable.

Natsuki blinked hard and scrunched up her face. "You think so?"

"Of course I think so! How are you planning on doing it? Oh, a candlelit dinner? That would be romantic!" the redhead practically howled as she stood up to lean closer to Natsuki.

"Umm… I actually haven't figured that out yet," Natsuki confessed, eyes glued on the floor now. She scratched her cheek for a brief moment.

"No?" Mai looked thoughtful for a moment with a finger to her chin as she sat down. She then flashed her friend a big smile. "We can figure it out together if you like."

Emerald eyes narrowed as they locked onto Ma. "You won't laugh?"

"Don't sound so suspicious! Of course not!" Mai vowed. She held up one hand, palm out. "This is a serious matter, after all! It has to be perfect!"

Natsuki nodded in complete agreement. That was what she kept telling herself; things needed to be perfect. She decided she could trust Mai to help her.

Mai practically bounced on her heels with giddiness. "Have you gotten a ring yet?"

Natsuki shrugged a bit and ran a hand through her inky mane. "I ordered one. It's going to be custom made. I should be able to pick it up in a week, they said."

Mai clasped her hands together and twisted her body. Mikoto looked at her, trying to figure out what was wrong with her. Natsuki waved the behavior off, hoping to assure Mikoto nothing was wrong.

"Oh! How sweet!" Mai cooed. "A custom made ring. Does Shizuru know about it or is it a surprise?"

"Surprise."

There was more squirming and a slight blush invaded Mai's cheeks. "Cool! Natsuki, I never imagined you were such a romantic at heart! You might not even need my help. How're you going to propose? You're going to get down on one knee and everything?"

Natsuki's brow wrinkled and she rubbed the back of her neck in an uneasy manner. "I guess. I don't know about all of this proposing stuff. I mean, I've never even seen it done before."

"Well, don't you have like a million older brothers? You could've asked one of them what they did," Mai suggested.

Natsuki blanched and shook her head vigorously. There was really only one brother she could ask such advice and she would never be able to ask him. Hell, even if she could, she doubted he would be able to answer.

Mai's brow wrinkled. "What? You think your brothers will kick you out of the 'brother club' if you ask them for advice?" She imagined something like that had to go through Natsuki's mind. She knew how much it meant for Natsuki to be accepted by her brothers as one of them.

Waving the whole thing off, Natsuki shook her head. "No… it's nothing like that. This just isn't their thing. I mean, out of the five of them, my eldest brother was the only one who got to pick his wife, anyway. He wouldn't be much help on something like this."

Mai nodded, even though she did not completely comprehend what her friend meant. "Well, that's fine. We'll be able to figure something out. I mean, we're relatively smart." A joyous laugh escaped her as she motioned between the two of them.

Natsuki nodded as a smile spread onto her face like butter on toast. Mai's attitude was infectious and she was starting to believe they would be able to come up with the perfect way for her to propose. Her whole posture changed as she sat up straight with her shoulders squared.

"I'm so happy you finally decided to do this, Natsuki!" Mai grinned and then she seemed to be struck by a thought. She turned her mouth upward and put her finger to her chin. "Are you sure this is a good time for it? Is it right to propose after you guys almost lost each other? Is it healthy?"

"Healthy? Hell if I know." Natsuki shrugged. She honestly did not even care. "Right? Yes." There was a solid nod. "It was because of that… time apart… I figured it was time to do this. I mean, I probably should've done this a long time ago. I don't know, but I'm doing it now."

Mai nodded. "Just wanted to be sure you're sure about this. Now, let's get to planning this proposal!"

Mikoto was silent through the whole thing, not totally understanding what was going on. So, she ate and slept while they planned. The only time she interrupted was crawl onto the sofa and lie in Mai's lap, which was not much of a distraction to the exciting conversation. Mikoto showed she was paying some attention by asking a question once Natsuki left.

"Mai, what's a proposal for?" the cat-goddess asked with her mouth turned up a little and her eyebrows scrunched together. She was still stretched out in Mai's lap, looking up at the Otome with big golden eyes.

"Well, a proposal is when you ask someone you love to marry you," Mai explained in a soft tone.

"Marry?" Mikoto echoed. She had heard that word a few times before, but the meaning was lost to her, just like proposal. "What's that?"

"It's when you get to spend the rest of your life with the person you love."

"Oh, like me and Mai!" Mikoto beamed.

Mai laughed. "No, not quite like you and I, but it's close."

"Why not? I love Mai and we're going to be together forever!" Mikoto pointed out.

"Well, yes, but a marriage, you go through a nice ceremony with your whole family there and everybody's happy for you. But, I guess the idea that you have works fine for you," Mai said, petting Mikoto on the head. She was going to explain more, but the grin on Mikoto's face practically begged for her to not burst the goddess' bubble.

-8-8-8-8-

Natsuki walked home, thinking about what Mai said to the point where the cold did not really register. She was not thinking of the proposal plan, which she supposed was the best idea that she had so far. She was more thinking about how Mai asked if it was right for her to propose after the trial she and Shizuru had gone through. They had almost lost each other to their own stupidity then.

"Now, we're a little bit older — by a few months, anyway — and a whole lot wiser. I'm not going to let this woman get away from ever again. I couldn't stand being without her and she couldn't stand being without me. We've talked things over and talked things over. Should we talk more?" she wondered, weaving by people on the street automatically.

Natsuki sighed, knowing she was starting with her bad habit of over-thinking things. There was so much to over-think, though. So, while going to Mai had helped, it had also caused a problem Natsuki hoped to avoid.

Was she acting too hastily? Yes, they had been together for ten years, but they had also recently had the biggest test of their relationship. Sure, they came away intact, but they were not without wounds. Would proposing help heal those wounds or would it just be like putting a Band-Aid over a broken bone?

Natsuki rubbed her head, mussing her own hair a little. She almost did not notice when she got back to the school. She sighed as she returned to her office. She started cleaning up, putting away work she never got to and research she did not finish, to get ready to leave. Shizuru would be there soon, after all.

"Hello, my precious, dearest Natsuki," Shizuru chirped with a delighted smile. She held a few bags in her hands, so it was obvious she had just come back from shopping. Shizuru took holiday shopping seriously every year.

"You're in a particularly good mood," Natsuki noted, a small smile gracing her features because of her lover's demeanor.

"Ara, ara, I saw the most wonderful gift for my mother. She is such a hard woman to shop for, so I'm quite happy to have spotted it. I am ashamed to admit that I almost had to gnaw an old woman's arm off for it," Shizuru remarked, her smile still in tact.

The principal could not help chuckling while picturing her lover beating up some poor old woman for the gift. She walked over to Shizuru's side and tried to peer into the bag, but Shizuru pulled it from her view. Natsuki pouted because of the move.

"No peeking! Natsuki's gift is in here as well," Shizuru reprimanded with her smile. Her eyes shined. "Are we clear to go home now?"

"Yeah, let's get moving," Natsuki replied, putting an arm around her love's waist and leading her toward the door.

"Strange. Natsuki has no work to take care of," Shizuru commented, glancing back at the clean desk.

"I was able to finish it all before you showed up!" Natsuki said, a bit faster than she meant to. Damn this anxiety, she thought. She could not wait to get it out of the way… if she even went through with it now.

Natsuki started wondering, what if Shizuru did not accept? After all, she might think that it was too sudden or too soon since they had gotten back together. Or she might even accept for the wrong reason. Ah, so much to think about!

Shizuru watched Natsuki as they walked to their quarters. Her face was scrunched up and her body was tense. Her hold on Shizuru had tightened, which she did not seem to notice. Shizuru guessed her Natsuki was lost in her own head, which was not completely unusually. She wondered what put Natsuki into such a state.

"Is Natsuki all right?" Shizuru asked in a low, concerned tone as they came to the apartment door. She hoped she got an answer now. If not, she was worried they were regressing and she could not and would not stand for that. She would never lose her Natsuki, especially to something as generic as a lack of communication.

"Well… I was… just thinking." Natsuki shook her head as she opened the door. She led Shizuru inside without releasing her.

Ruby eyes studied Natsuki to the point faint lines appeared underneath those eyes. "About?"

Natsuki rubbed her forehead, trying to figure out how she should put things. She sat down on the couch with Shizuru while still thinking. Shizuru put her bag down, making sure it was out of her love's reach, so Natsuki was not tempted to sneak a peek. She then took Natsuki's hand, hoping that would help get her girlfriend to open up.

"I can't really figure out how to put this. Do you think our relationship is good?" Natsuki asked, eyes on the floor.

Shizuru's brow furrowed from the question. "Yes. Is Natsuki having doubts?"

"No! No, no, no! Not that!" Natsuki shook her head vigorously to deny that charge. Her eyes locked onto Shziuru's face. "I'm not having doubts about the relationship or anything. It's just that I was wondering if we're the same now as we had been before… that guy… showed up."

Shizuru nodded slowly, not sure where Natsuki was going with this. "That guy" referred to Takeda Masashi, Natsuki's brief fiancé thanks to her father; and maybe a little thanks to her own stupidity, she mentally admitted. Neither of them liked using his name, feeling he represented the lowest point in their relationship, but Shizuru thought it was because of him they were able to come to a new zenith in their relationship also.

"Of course we're not the same," Shizuru pointed out in a gentle tone.

"Oh…" Natsuki seemed to deflate. Her whole body just sort of drooped, which her love could not help thinking was both sad and adorable.

"Natsuki, that ordeal made us stronger." Shizuru gave her love's hand a squeeze. "We were able to realize how much we mean to each other and what lengths we need to go to for each other. We know we don't want to lose each other and we know we don't want to take each other for granted. We know we want to be together."

The principal nodded, almost absently. A smile crept onto her face, which was pretty much a signal for Shizuru. Shizuru actually glomped her love. She clutched Natsuki tightly while Natsuki flailed around for dear life.

"Stop being silly!" Natsuki ordered, as if that would work.

"But, I love being silly with my Natsuki!" Shizuru declared. She knew from the half-hearted attempt to remove her, Natsuki really did not mind it either. She also knew the crisis, no matter how small it might have been, was over, which was very pleasing.

"Come on, Shizuru! Cut it out!"

-*-(New day)-*-

Natsuki was out and about in her "disguise." She strolled the cold streets to the jewelry store, entering and catching the attention of the few people around. She peered around, looking for one specific person, but was approached by someone else.

"Excuse me, can I—?" a salesman tried to ask. He wore a polite smile, but his stance bothered the Otome. He was leaning forward, hunched over, reminding her of a crooked used-car dealer. The smell of his cologne stung her eyes.

"I don't want your help," Natsuki stated briskly, looking over him, as if he was not there. "Where is the woman who's been helping me before? Where's Sumire Chandler?" That was the saleswoman who helped her get through the first time she had been in the jewelry store.

"Sumire?" he echoed almost as if he did not know who the woman was.

Natsuki frowned, but was halted from saying anything when she spotted the affable woman in question. She pushed by the man in front of her, almost throwing him to the side. The woman, Sumire, smiled graciously when Natsuki came up to her.

"Natsuki-san, you are fast," Sumire commented, smiling brightly still. She had only phoned her customer fifteen minutes ago.

"You said the ring is ready, so I hurried to come get it while I had the chance," Natsuki explained.

"Is the special person still doing holiday shopping then?" Sumire smiled softly.

Natsuki scoffed. "No, she finished all of that. Probably in one trip, but has just been going back because she's a holiday warrior. Lately, she's taken to hounding me about certain days, so I had to give her something to do to leave me alone for a couple of hours. She's nervous I'll forget."

"Have you forgotten in the past?" Sumire inquired with an arched eyebrow. She had a feeling it was unlikely for Natsuki to forget much, but she also had a feeling that Natsuki was the type to pretend like she did forget.

"Never!" Natsuki raised her chin in the air with pride. "It's just… because I've forgotten other days, that makes it seem plausible for me to forget this day."

"And what day have you forgotten that makes it plausible?" Sumire seemed genuinely surprised and curious. Even though she had only spoken to Natsuki a few times, she had come to believe the Otome to be quite the considerate and thoughtful lover.

"My own birthday," Natsuki admitted with a slightly sheepish laugh. A rosy tint covered her cheeks briefly.

Sumire blinked hard from that answer. "Your own birthday?" She expected the lover's birthday or something, but her own? That took considerable skill, but it still showed Natsuki probably did not forget any days that involved her love.

"I've forgotten it on more than one occasion, but I'd never forget this day. She doesn't seem to get that she's so much more important to me than I am to myself," the principal explained with a rather charming, small smile that she was very unaware she even owned.

Sumire almost swooned. The look of love in Natsuki's eyes and the sound of it in her voice were almost too much. Sumire could not believe someone like Natsuki could be so romantic and so oblivious to the fact that she was. It was bordering on the incredible.

"Well, the ring has come in Natsuki-san. Let me go get it for you. I hope you have your other affairs in order," Sumire said casually.

Natsuki laughed a bit. "I'm trying my best. Like I keep telling you, though, I'm not really good at this sort of thing. Maybe it's because I've got so many brothers… or at least that's what some people say."

"I'm sure you're doing fine. Your brothers would more than likely be proud of you."

Natsuki scratched the side of her head, as if she was thinking on it. All she could see in her mind was her brothers laughing at her for being so cheesy. They used to laugh over romance movies and things like that, for crying out loud! They would probably think that she was being a wuss.

"Well… if it's for Shizuru, I suppose it's fine…" Natsuki muttered to herself.

Thankfully, Natsuki did not have enough time to think on anything more. Sumire walked back up to her, holding a small jewelry box. Natsuki looked down at it, almost as if she did not know what it was.

"I thought you'd like to see the finished product before I put it in the bag," Sumire explained.

"Oh, right." Natsuki had to take a deep breath. Suddenly, she felt butterflies in her stomach and her heart beat so quickly she was certain it would overwork itself. The deep breath did not help much, so she took another and another until it soothed her somewhat. "Okay, let's see it," Natsuki whispered, unable to speak any louder.

Sumire nodded and opened the box. Natsuki looked down at the ring and gasped. She was not sure why she had expected it to look mundane, as it was just a ring, but she could feel more from it. It was her impression of their love, the embodiment of her love for Shizuru, and a representation of the forever that lay before them. How could all of that be kept in such a tiny thing? But, she knew all of that and more was inside of that ring.

Natsuki reached out for it when a trembling hand. She was almost scared to take it, fearing she might drop it and manage to lose it forever. Her hand thankfully steadied as she held the ring. She swallowed hard as she felt the weight in her hand. She was certain that nothing in the world had ever been so light and yet so heavy simultaneously.

"I take it you like it, Natsuki-san?" Sumire asked with a proud smile.

"It's…" Natsuki was not sure what word to describe it.

"Perfect?" Sumire arched an eyebrow.

"Yes. Thank you so much!" Natsuki said and she bowed.

Sumire was taken aback by the action to the point she wondered what the hell Natsuki was doing. She had come to understand Natsuki was casual to a fault, but she never would expect Natsuki to bow. Not when she knew the woman before her was an Otome, a princess, and the principal of Garderobe. It was almost like having a god bow before her.

"Natsuki-san, please, you're embarrassing me," Sumire whispered through clenched teeth.

"Huh?" Natsuki then realized what she did and stood back up. She nervously rubbed the back of her head as her cheeks burned a bright red. "Uh… sorry…" She just could not think of a better way to express how gratitude.

With a smile, Sumire waved her behavior and the apology off. It was fine now that Natsuki stopped. "It's all right. I'm glad you're so happy with the ring. I hope everything goes well and don't forget me when you need to have a wedding ring made. Maybe by then, you'll bring by this special woman for me to meet."

"Wedding…" Natsuki gulped and a lone bead of sweat ran down her cheek.

"Don't worry, Natsuki-san. You'll do fine and I'm sure she knows just how lucky she is to have you," Sumire said.

"Lucky… yeah…" Natsuki grumbled. I'm the one who almost destroyed us in the first place. She would be lucky if Shizuru did not laugh in her face for what she had planned.

"I promise you, she is quite lucky to have you," Sumire said with a bright, sincere smile that made her eyes shine.

Natsuki decided to take Sumire's word for it since the saleswoman had yet to steer her wrong. She put the ring away in her pocket, forgoing a bag. She exited the store, having already paid for the ring when she ordered it. She had a couple more items to pick up before the moment of truth.

-8-8-8-8-

Natsuki paced in her office. She never noticed how her office was sort of perfect for pacing. Her desk was at the back wall with two chairs for guests in front of it and she had a couch against the wall with a coffee table not too far from it, so there was an open space for her to just walk.

She had everything ready, except for one thing. She had to go get Shizuru. She was not sure if she wanted to give Shizuru time to go change into something other than her uniform or if she should just whisk her away to get things rolling. Whisking was the original plan, but once again, Natsuki was over-analyzing her own plan.

"God, if this was battle, I'd make a plan and then act on it. Why not here?" Natsuki muttered. Of course, this was her usual. Work, she could just power through and do what needed to be done, but her personal life… she could think and re-think and re-think some more until life passed her by.

She growled, upset with herself. She then tore out of her office, marching to Shizuru's office. She yanked the door open to find Shizuru, sitting at her desk and working on the busywork left for her.

"Yes, Natsuki?" Shizuru asked in a calm tone, even though her lover practically burst into the room.

"Leave that stuff for later. I want you to come with me right now," Natsuki replied in a firm tone.

Shizuru was not sure if she had ever heard that tone with Natsuki; well, that tone directed at her anyway. It was more the tone Natsuki used to command others. Shizuru felt herself following her love instinctively. They went down to Natsuki's bike and sped off without Shizuru asking any questions.

As Natsuki's drove, she was proud of herself for being so resolute, but she could feel her nervousness taking over as they sped closer to their destination. She knew Shizuru was aware of her anxiety, too, because Shizuru had her arms around Natsuki's shoulders. Shizuru could feel the rapid heartbeat of the principal underneath her fingertips.

What is wrong with my Natsuki? Why does she seem… scared? Shizuru was not sure what to make of her beloved's behavior. This was all so new.

Shizuru could guess where they were going long before they arrived at the little secret desert oasis. It was a space Natsuki showed Shizuru after their ordeal and being rid of that man. So, she was not surprised when the bike stopped and they had to walk the rest of the way. She could understand now why Natsuki was so insistent they should leave immediately.

"Oh, Natsuki wants to watch the sunset in our private little area!" Shizuru cooed under her breath. This was just the sort of thing Natsuki would do, but not know how to exactly execute it.

She noticed Natsuki grabbing a bag from her bike. She supposed Natsuki might want to do something else at the oasis, but she could not guess what. Because Natsuki could do romantic things, but seemed to always be a little jumpy about it, it was hard to pin down whatever she might try to do.

"Come on, let's go," Natsuki said, taking Shizuru's hand.

Shizuru allow herself to be led to their oasis. They sat by "their" tree, near the shining, cerulean pond, twinkling as if it were made just for them. Natsuki opened her bag and revealed she had a picnic basket. Shizuru smiled.

"A little picnic? How delightful… as long as Natsuki didn't cook," Shizuru said quite seriously. They had never been on a picnic that she had not planned, so this was a lovely surprise.

"Idiot, as if I would even try. I got this from that restaurant you like. You know, the one I always mispronounce the name," Natsuki explained with a small smile.

The Third Column smiled brightly upon hearing that. She watched as Natsuki emptied the basket with two well-wrapped meals, two glasses, and a bottle of wine that was still cold. They ate in a very comfortable silence, finishing just in time to focus on the sunset. Shizuru wrapped her arms around her beloved and turned her eyes to look at the fading blue sky.

Shizuru truly loved the sunset from the small oasis. The beautiful way the sky was bathed in orange as the sun ducked behind the tall palm trees brought a sense of calm to her, as if everything was all right in the world. She thought they would just sit there and watch the sunset quietly, but just as the sun hit the tree tops Natsuki moved in front of her.

"Shizuru, I have something that I need to say," Natsuki said in a low voice.

"Please, say it," Shizuru replied. Maybe she would get an explanation for Natsuki's anxious behavior for so long.

Natsuki managed to lock eyes with Shizuru and not look away. "Shizuru… you've been the sun in my world for longer than I even know. I know sometimes I give you a hard time because my skull is thick as lead and some things I don't get, but I do get we belong together, through the good times and the bad times. I need you more than I need air. You are the most important person, place, and object in my life. Nothing can ever compare to you. For me, you are like this wonderful oasis in the desert and I would love nothing more than to bask in your glory, the warm rays of you love forever and always. So…" Natsuki paused, having to swallow as her throat began to seize. The problem was remedied and she was able to finish. "Marry me, please?" She went into her pocket and pulled out the ring.

Shizuru's eyes automatically fell to the item being presented to her. Just hearing the question made her short of breath, but seeing the ring made her head swim. The band was pure silver, no doubt influenced by Natsuki's Column tag. The gem was magnificent and it made her mind whirl.

The center stone was a glorious red gem that Shizuru thought was a ruby. It was set as if it was the center of a rose, which was crafted out of silver like the band. Then there were emerald leaves cut around the rose. Shizuru felt a little lightheaded and she swayed slightly.

"Shizuru…?" Natsuki sort of squeaked. She had to swallow again and those butterflies were back in her stomach at full force. Why had Shizuru not said anything yet?

"Ara… ara…" Shizuru muttered as she put her hand on her forehead and closed her eyes for a long moment, trying to gather herself. She had to will herself not to faint right away.

Natsuki's hand shook and she started to laugh nervously, the sound so hollow it was surprising a human being could make the noise. "Um… you know what… never mind. I guess it was too early…"

As Natsuki pulled the ring away, Shizuru seemed to gather what was going on. She shook her head, hoping to rid herself of the overwhelming feeling. Her mouth started moving before that, just making sure to stop Natsuki from withdrawing her offer.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Shizuru chanted and then she threw herself onto Natsuki. "Yes, I will marry Natsuki!"

"You will?" Natsuki choked out with wide eyes.

"Of course! How could Natsuki think otherwise?" Shizuru asked. Her eyes were tearful as she felt almost every positive emotion possible wash over her.

Natsuki was about to answer, but did not get the chance. Shizuru leaned in for a deep kiss that chased away all doubt in Natsuki's mind. In fact, she kissed Natsuki breathless and seemingly mindless too because when she pulled away Natsuki had quite the dopey expression on her face.

"Is Natsuki going to put the ring on my finger?" Shizuru whispered.

"Oh… right." Natsuki took Shizuru's left hand and slowly slid the ring on the appropriate finger. "My rose in the desert," she said in a low, almost seductive voice.

Shizuru felt her insides melt. The day was almost perfect. And then Natsuki said the words that turned the day into absolutely perfect.

"Happy birthday, Shizuru," Natsuki said and she leaned in for a fresh kiss. Yes, it was.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: Shizuru reconsiders her answer… and we get to see where Natsuki is from.