A/N: So,,, Even though my wrist is aching badly by writing endless shit in the exams(still left), i am posting this new chapter.
Thanks for every body who has reveiwed, added this on alert, and even have just read it...But guys as much as i like my story being read, i also need to know how am i doing or what am i doing wrong or right! I have not received a single criticism and all are positive reviews... well, trust me i am beyond happy but will be good to know about my writing in some detail or being pointed out to my weak/strong points. So please be kind... Thanks again.
Notes:In the flashbacks, thoughts are in bold! The process of how private institutes work is not adapted from real life. Just went with what came to mind. And Shizuru's subject is also my creation, if it wears any resemblance to real subjects in management then well...SUE ME! The hell i care...
Also, flashbacks are tricky to write, so i beforehand apologize for any mistake that you might encounter.
DISCLAIMER: I claim to falsely claim that i own Mai-HiME/Mai Otome/ or anything related to it! Am already getting sued, so does not matter...
Without further ado, go ahead...
CHAPTER 3: Revelations In Time
A month ago, sometime during the afternoon…
Her last meeting had run an hour longer than expected. Five minutes of peace and it was all too good to be true.
Shizuru let out a lengthy exasperated sigh before answering , "Yes Miya". She was drained but had to wait for another few hours before she could allow herself to be enveloped by the warmth of her 'home sweet home' and be swathed by the shiny, creamy-white, and lovely bath tub of her!
"Miss Fujino, you appointment for three thirty has been waiting for the past hour", said the secretary.
"Ara…yes, yes kindly send them in", She alerted herself.
In the next two minutes she had a woman of probably mid or late forties standing at her door asking for permission to get in. Shizuru only gestured her right hand permitting the woman to enter but did not take the trouble to lift her head up from the file she was currently double checking. Picking up a pen she signed the said document on her table and kept it aside.
"A very good afternoon", greeted the lady who was still standing across Shizuru's table.
"Oh… please do sit down…
The previous sentence was left hanging and the older woman took the hint that it was her time to introduce herself, the older lady brought her right hand forward as she sat, " Maria Graceburt, Director of Fuuka University".
"Ah…Fuuka University", Shizuru repeated with a slight interest while she shook the offered hand. "Huh…this should be interesting". "Miss Graceburt, I apologize for you had to wait for so long", she gave a blank apology.
"There is no need", Miss Graceburt brushed off the apology and continued, "I can only hope that by the end of our talk, my time would be worth it".
"Ara…I sure will try my best", Shizuru replied in an assuming tone as mostly the private educational institutes only came to companies for funding purposes. "Forgive me for my rudeness but I do not interpret how I can be of any help to you"? Meanwhile Shizuru had asked her secretary for two cups of tea.
Maria Graceburt had taken this moment to study the polite ways of the impressive executive in question. She started listing all the qualities her persona presented. By this time she was easily convinced that "Shizuru Fujino" was in fact the perfect combination she required. Seeing that her guest had not said a good word in last few minutes she came to a conclusion and suggested, "Miss Graceburt, if you are here for funding purposes then I am afraid I am not the right person to be approached".
Maria Graceburt never liked when people jumped to conclusion before talking. But, here she could not afford to lose her cool as she and more importantly her institute needed the presence of someone like Shizuru Fujino. Steeling her voice of any emotions she finally started, "Miss Fujino, I recently attended a conference in Garderobe where you were one of the CEOs talking about the future of business management", she waited for a reply and continued after receiving a nod, "I am completely in awe of the passion you show for your work. I also agree with some of the observations you made about today's business scenario". Shizuru did not speak a word, merely furrowed her eyebrows a little and tilted her head slightly.
Miss Graceburt noticed the expecting look on Shizuru's face and got directly to the purpose of her visit, "Miss Fujino, I would like you to be a guest lecturer in my institution for this coming semester", the delay in getting any instant reaction only made her fret and she blurted out, "and if you like it there then may be as long as you wish".
"Ara...Miss Graceburt, I am very honored but surely I am not quite eligible as I do not have any prior experience in teaching", she managed a disbelieving reply.
"Well, thank you Miss Fujino, I appreciate your concern. And I am very much aware of the fact that you have no prior experience in teaching. And believe me after watching you speak at that conference, I pay no heed to such trivial requirements", Miss Graceburt hurriedly replied.
"Miss Graceburt, if you do not mind may I have some time to make my decision", Shizuru asked hesitantly.
"Of course, Miss Fujino you may", Maria Graceburt left the chair reaching out in her bag she took out her card. Placing it on the table she said, "The new semester will be beginning next month, so if you feel comfortable kindly contact me within a week or two as I will have to get the permission of the whole board if you riposte affirmatively which I encourage you to do".
"Sure…I will contact you soon".
With that Miss Graceburt was out of there leaving Shizuru to weigh her options.
"Ara, ara… that certainly was interesting". She had gotten back to work forcing herself not to think too much about it. Now while relaxing in her comforting bath-tub her mind seemed occupied with all kinds of potential scenarios and possibilities. Being a Fujino, she definitely knew she never had the scarcity of opportunities for anything in life, but this was not the opportunity that her family name had thrown in her lap. Rather it was something she had always wanted to pursue but could not because she was demanded to be a responsible Fujino and take over her father.
She was soon going to be twenty five. She never was the one to look back in the past and question her decisions. But, when a few months ago she felt the fear of getting married off into a loveless marriage and her incapability to stand up to her father, she had been suspecting every single decision and action in her past. She required a few answers and some soul searching, if possible. She was definitely more lost than she would have liked to admit! The raw feeling of helplessness was the only reason she wanted to jump on this opportunity of having a change in pace of life. A year had gone by since she had been the CEO of Fujino Corps and during that she had gained quite the public recognition. At a conference subjected for future of business management, she had expressed the desire to share her ideologies with current management students. And as a respond to her desire, here she was facing the big issue whether to take it or leave it. After a painful week of pestering herself with doubts and uncertainties, the only resort as she could make out was talking to her friends.
Three weeks ago, during dinner at Haruka Suzushiro's mansion…
"What is the surpass of having this discussion when in the end you will do as your father says", Haruka inquired not exactly trying to keep the slight anger off the tone. She had known Shizuru long enough to realize that she would never disregard her father. Not even if it meant silently suffering her whole life while dedicating every ounce of her strength to his company! Which, as a matter of fact, she had been doing since last year.
"Purpose, Haruka", Yukino pitched in with correction, "What is the purpose, not surpass".
"This is not the time, Yukino", Haruka warned softly not wanting to sound rude. She turned her attention to the silent and lost looking Shizuru, "damn it Fujino, say something"! The raise in Haruka's tone shook Shizuru out of her thoughts. Feeling tired and unable to form any words, she excused herself for some fresh air.
"And I can't believe I smother about her well being", Haruka leaned in her chair with a dejected sigh.
"Bother, Haruka", Yukino again corrected but did not push it. Haruka did not seem to notice it, though. "Haruka", she called out in a low voice. When she received a low hum she continued, "Can we really not do anything"?
Haruka's rage was elevating by every second. She was now pacing around the room in no particular direction. "The real question is why can't she"? She whispered to no one in particular, but Yukino knew what that meant. Haruka came to a halt, "you and me, we both are important members of the board", she did not turn to look at Yukino to confirm if she was listening. "I guess we could talk to Mister Fujino. If he is convinced that we can handle it without Shizuru for few months, then there should be no projections from him I hope", she finished unsurely.
Yukino stood up and came to stand behind Haruka. She wrapped both her hands on Haruka's waist and gave her sometime to relax into the embrace. "Objections, not projections", she whispered into the relaxing girl's ears and placed a kiss on her temple.
After sharing the togetherness of few moments in each other's arms, they had rested themselves on the couch. "Shizuru is still living under the shadow of her mother. I sometimes wonder if she will share the same fate", Haruka's pitch had a tinge of sad amusement to it. To Yukino's surprise, she did not have to correct the sentence this time. The phenomenon was rare, but occurred from time to time. She got up and held out her hand for Haruka to take it, "you are a good friend, you know that"? Yukino praised her comrade making her cheeks slightly red which in turn forced a scowl out of the stubborn one. "Come on now", she pulled up an unwilling Haruka and proceeded towards the veranda to get Shizuru.
The next Sunday, a little late in the afternoon…
Shizuru's luggage was placed carefully in the trunk. She was so over the cloud nine! At first, when her father had allowed her to leave, she could not believe her luck. She was not jumping and dancing like a little girl, but she so wanted to let loose herself just this once. The only thing stopping her from behaving like a maniac was that she was out on the streets, ready to leave to Fuuka for whole six months! Bidding a hurried good bye to her two most trusted family friends/colleagues; she hopped in her BMW and sped into her new found freedom. She knew this decision would change her life forever, and on some level she was right. This was going to be a life changing decision, but may be a little differently than what she would have pictured.
( ( ( ( (_) ) ) ) )
Monday, today, at approximately five past ten in the morning, she stood in the lecture hall, stunned! Could fate be any crueler? Here she stood, bright and ready to welcome the new day, staring back at a name that was not permitted anywhere near the confines of her new beginning! "Ara…after almost driving myself crazy, making my friends vouch for my selfishness, running away from my responsibilities, and trying to discover myself, this is what I get… huh"? Shizuru folded back the list of students and kept it with the pile she had carried with herself. She took out a non-dusting chalk and wrote on the black board her name and the subject. She saw the hall was almost full, and those who had not come by now were most probably bunking it out. "So much for a new beginning", she mused before she greeted the class in a soft yet authoritative voice, "A very good morning class. I am Shizuru Fujino and I am your temporary lecturer for 'Modern Business Management & Strategies' i.e. 'MBMS'". The lecture had begun!
( ( ( ( (_) ) ) ) )
After having such an awful start of the day, Natsuki had decided to stay back in the dorms while her friends had gladly gone to start their new semester. She never understood the excitement people had for these so called 'new beginnings'! "What's new with another six months of god awful lots of student drama"? After freshening up and having a high-caloried breakfast, she had gone back to sleep. This amazingly was not much different from what she would have been doing during some boring lecture at that time! Natsuki's day had almost gone by in a peaceful unproductive slumber.
Shizuru was today spared from lecturing class-B consisting the students Miss Graceburt had warned her against. Also, the same class ironically had a particular student whom she wanted to avoid at any cost. Running away and quitting job was a spur of the moment decision but once she had relaxed she reasoned with herself that giving up her freedom was definitely not worth it. So, like a normal lecturer, she would bravely face Natsuki Kuga tomorrow without any preconceptions. This being the most mature and grown up solution, she stuck to it.
Back in the dorms, Natsuki was flipping through some magazines when Nao had entered the apartment. After half an hour, she heard Nao rustling through the kitchen for some eatables. She only had to wait five more minutes before the read head came into her room and sat herself down on the study table, without saying a word.
"You done sulking", and there was no reply. "Oh come on", this time the pitch rose. Nao knew it was no use. Besides she had what she wanted. She stood up and walked to the door. Before going out she turned and said, "I will be late, don't wait up". She had only taken half a step when Natsuki called out her name. Not saying a word, she only stood facing her back to the other girl.
"Leave the keys, Nao".
"What keys", Nao bemused but knew her cover was blown.
"You are not taking my bike. Give me the keys now", Natsuki warned.
"Fine whatever", she shrugged and threw the keys over her head for Natsuki to catch. "Damn it! I was so clean in picking those this time…shit, now I am gonna have to look for another ride", she left the room smashing the door behind her.
( ( ( ( (_) ) ) ) )
It was Tuesday morning. A certain group of girls were sitting on a bench beneath a big shady tree. It was time for their second lecture of the day. After chatting idly about almost nothing important, the clock struck at noon. Natsuki, Nao, and Chie got up as it was their cue to get to class. Mai and Aoi also left for their respective buildings. Chie took out her mobile and after watching something on it, she smiled to herself.
"What? Watching your last night session with Aoi"? Nao mocked. Natsuki laughed at it and they both high-fived. Chie was not looking at her mobile anymore but the smile was not wearing off. Seeing that the tease did not have any effect, Nao knew it had nothing to do with Aoi. Genuinely getting curious she asked, "What is it"?
"Do you know what lecture are we going for right now"?
"Mmhmm…MBMS", Natsuki was surprised that she knew her schedule.
"And who is the lecturer"? Chie was now excited about something but did not want to give away.
"Yeah", Nao said while trying to remember something from the previous day. " I heard some new chick is hired for this sem". "A new addition…this should be fun"! Nao had a reputation of giving a very hard time to the lecturers. She had a witty remark for every single question in every subject!
"Who is she", Natsuki asked with no particular interest while putting a gum in her mouth.
"Dunno! But class-A people were saying she is good", Nao casually replied and kept adding as the pieces of information from the previous day kept coming to her mind, " and hot", again, "and sexy", then again, "also…
"Okay fine. Stop", Natsuki cupped Nao's mouth and scolded her playfully, "She is going to be your teacher, Nao. At least leave her out of your twisted fantasies". Though she knew it was no use.
"I think…it was…ah…wait…something Fu…ummmm…something Fujino", Chie said while still trying to remember the full name.
Natsuki froze as she was. Nao finally struggled free from her hold, "what the hell, idiot", screaming she turned to look at Natsuki.
Natsuki's eyes were wide open and she was not blinking. After a moment her system realized she had stopped breathing. When she attempted to inhale, the chewing gum somehow got down the wrong direction and prevented her from breathing. She was turning paler. Nao who saw every second of transformation in her features, kept asking what was wrong. Not being able to keep up, she started coughing violently as she held on Nao's hand for supporting herself up. "Che…che….gu..uhhh", she managed to get a few strangled words out. Trying to make her friends understand better she kept pointing her right fore-finger to her mouth. Another fit of violent coughing proceeded.
Chie only watched from a distance. She could not sense how suddenly the situation had changed from discussing their new lecturer to a chocking Natsuki. "Chocking…huh…Fuck", she realized something and ran towards Natsuki chanting, "oh my god…oh my god…no…nonono…..god no".
"What no", shouted Nao worriedly. Chie pushed Nao aside and wrapped both her arms around Natsuki, a little above the waist. Tightening her hold, she counted, "one, two, three, and go", with that she pushed Natsuki's body into herself a lot more and as a result strangled her diaphragm in order to get the gum out. After repeating twice, a slimy ball of white chewing gum came flying out of Natsuki's mouth. Tired, they both fell on their knees.
"Oh…..chewing gum", Nao stretched it out. When she saw Natsuki glaring at her she gestured her hands in a mock surrender, "Oops….sorry".
Chie stood up and hurried towards the class. She instructed Natsuki to rest for a bit and told Nao to get a bottle of water from the cafeteria. When Chie and Nao were gone and she herself was out of the shock, her mind started working once fresh oxygen reached the brains. Chie's words "something Fujino" rang in her ears.
"Is she the same Fuino? What is she doing here"? Her mind went to the events that had taken place a few month ago, pertaining to this very dangerous name. "First time this name almost made me lose my mind, second time it almost killed me! This frigging Fujino name is definitely my ticket to hell", frustrated she started pulling her long locks in two fistfuls.
After waiting half an hour for Nao to get back, Natsuki had gone back to her dorm room. Again she had missed out her classes. She could not afford to think about some petty stuff as there were more important grave matters keeping her mind busy and running vigorously. A restless hour later, she changed into a pair of denim shorts, a tank-top with unbuttoned checkered shirt over it, and her comfortable dark blue converse. After getting ready she picked up a satchel kept by her study table. Putting it across her shoulder diagonally, she picked up the keys to her ducati and left.
It was such over thinking situations that made Natsuki feel like trapped and claustrophobic. The power of being able to cut through the expansive air by riding her bike was the only cure she knew and liked. The adrenaline rush, complete sense of control, and no care for the world…if only she could spend her whole life like this!
Back at the university, the classes had finished. The four girls were sitting together but not engaged in a common talk. Nao was on her mobile fishing for her tonight's ride, Chie was getting shouted on by Aoi for praising a certain new lecturer a bit more than necessary. Mai had some personal things to think about. These last few weeks could not really be called as cheerful for her. She opened up her mobile to go through a particular message she had in her inbox.
"Mai, you bitch! I won't allow you to do this…I will be there on Friday and then we will talk. You can't get rid of me that easily…baby… I have done too much for you and now I am gonna have everything back….with interest. See you love".
Every single time she read that message, she lost a piece of her heart and hope. "Should I talk to someone"? The college counselor came to her mind but then the issue will be bloated out of proportion un-necessarily. "May be Chie and Aoi will understand"? But they never seem to keep anything from Natsuki. "No…Bad thought"! Natsuki did not think of the consequences whenever she was angry and that made her the last person on earth she would want to involve in this thing. May be she will have to wait it out till Friday and see what happens. "God please don't let Takumi suffer because of my stupid choices". She silently pleaded and walked with her friends back to the dorm. She had a bad feeling about what was going to happen but as earnest as she was to help her friends in their time of need; when it was her in trouble she avoided getting their help.
When Natsuki opened the door to her apartment, Nao was about ready to go out.
"Glad to catch you before I leave", Nao revealed while putting on her boots by the door. "Chie said she will be here to check on you". She checked her wallet if she needed some extra cash but it was sufficient. "Oh yeah….hey Nats", she called out from the door itself. Natsuki would have normally avoided it but when it was her name she called and not some insulting adjective, it had to be something decent. Natsuki stepped out of her room and looked in Nao's direction, "Ummm…Mai seemed a little out of it today, you should go probably talk to her", with everything said she turned to leave and shouted, "Later", over her shoulder and disappeared.
Nao always came off as an inconsiderate and non-caring person, but everyone knew it was just not in her nature to accept that she cared. On many occasions she had hinted Natsuki about their friends' problems. Natsuki was a lot oblivious when it came to observing people where as Nao, though appearing to be too involved in herself, she never missed a single beat. Also, she knew Natsuki had a special soft spot for Mai in her heart so she did her part as a 'trusted informant' and left the 'brave knight' part for her dark-haired friend.
Natsuki caught up on her two days of missed out notes while Chie could not shut up about the new MBMS lecturer 'Shizuru Fujino'. The other girl not wanting to pressure her mind further with this stupid mess of a situation, she put in the earplugs and switched to heavy metal music. Not having to do anything while Natsuki was studying, Chie felt mischievous and went snooping through Nao's room.
Shizuru's resolve of facing Natsuki as nothing else but her lecturer was not put in use today. The setback in the day of their 'face-off' was successfully tempting her to ditch the maturity and just leave everything in a whim. She only hoped on Thursday this 'Natsuki Kuga' shows up in class or she was damn sure she would run out of resilience. Despite of this particular glitch in her escape, she felt strangely satisfied with the job. She knew not every student will be inspired by her but even if a few of them are, then her life, her passion, and her belief in knowledge would be worth it. Just knowing that she was capable of making a positive difference in someone's life, was enough rush and stimulation for her.
( ( ( ( (_) ) ) ) )
As if yesterday was not enough, Chie was still blabbering about her new favorite teacher of century! The girls surrounding her occasionally 'oohed' and 'aahed'. She had already put people on work for surveying the extent of 'Fujino Effect' in the entire campus, not only the management building. "If only she could put this much effort into studies", a girl among the crowd thought. The results were shocking though!
"And it's only eleven in the morning", Natsuki who was surrounded by the same group of starry-eyed girls, thanks to Chie, felt sorry for herself. She placed her forehead on the desk and groaned loudly stopping Chie for a moment, "Chie, say one more word about that Fujino princess, and meet your bloody-gory end".
"Hey…I have waited six fucking months for a subject so grand", Chie backfired, "And when finally the 'Goddess of Gossip' has answered my prayers, you have the nerve to say something like that"! She kept her dramatic tone intact. "This council will not be adjourned until I say so".
She knew it would be foolish to waste anymore energy on arguing. She silently stood up, jumped over the desk and went out of the class. Her cell phone buzzed the moment she reached the hallway. It was a text from Chie. "Sorry Nats! You are already popular, and I couldn't let this chance slip away…besides gossip is fun.. :)". Natsuki could only shake her head in disbelief. She remembered how her father had once praised Chie for her ability to form an informative mesh of networks. He had also added that it might be useful for her in future, though she still did not understand how!
After she was done pondering about Chie, her mind went back to thoughts related to 'Fujino Princess'! Same questions as previous day dug her mind. Just then an obvious thought made its way through all the questions, "Doesn't she know I am in her class"? That was clearly not possible! "Does she even know I am the person she was set up with"? Then she remembered that she had bolted out and had ended up in some store room with that beautiful red –clad figure. A small smile flashed across her face when the events of that evening replayed in her mind. Shaking herself out of the flashback, she came to her present thoughts. "Wait…what am I saying? I don't even know if she is the same Fujino". She continued her walk, "Fucking shit…my mind is gonna blow up"!
After five minutes, she found herself standing in front of a small office with a black name plate nailed to the door. A familiar name, in golden stylish curves, ran through it. First sixty seconds she debated with herself if she should enter. In the end, curiosity got the best of her and she pushed the door open.
The first thing she noted was the brightness! Walls were painted in pure white, making the sunlight two times brighter than suited for normal eyes. "Is she blind or what"? She walked to the window and pulled down the blinds to reduce the brightness for now. Satisfied with the intensity of light, she began going through the stuffs kept at the table. Considering it had only been two days since she had started, the room was organized. Too organized for Natsuki's liking. "Neat Freak", she muttered. The next thing she noticed there were no family photos of any kind. Shrugging the thought, she again stood by the table. There were minimum of three books laid across with different pages opened up and a notepad with some rough notes written on it. "Who writes so fashionably for rough work", she started reading the notes and it was most probably the notes for next lecture. There was a printed page visible beneath the notepad. As she picked it up, the listing in bold black letters made it clear that it was the students' list.
"My name", she flipped it to the second page and saw her name. But there was something she did not expect. Her name was encircled multiple times, those circles were then bordered by multiple rectangles, and inside that there were some vines or leaves and even flowers of some kind. It was evident that someone has spent hours decorating her name like that. Also, the doodling was a proof that this Shizuru Fujino was indeed the same person she was supposed to 'date'. "Arrghh…this is pure hell", she sighed dejectedly. This was enough information for now, the face-off could wait a little longer. Natsuki turned on her heels to leave, when she heard a voice from a distance. Afraid that she had been busted she did a 360 and checked every corner of the office for another person. At the extreme left of the room, there was a thin door leading to a cramped up storage area. She took a deep breath bracing herself for consequences and slowly proceeded towards the door. Before opening it she cleared her throat and questioned she didn't know who, "is anybody there"? She waited few seconds but no reply. Finally she opened the door and saw someone sprawled on the ground beside a slightly declining steel ladder. The scene registered and she knew whoever this woman was, must be hurt badly!
"Talk about bad timing", she cursed her bad luck. When she neared the unconscious body a sense of familiarity enveloped her. The body lay on its right side; Natsuki knelt beside it and gently turned the woman on her back. Her breath hitched when her eyes fell on the familiar face. "Fuuuccckkkkk ….no", the previous calmness was instantly replaced with fear. She cupped the woman's face and shook firmly, "Hey…..hey". No response. The fear was now dangerously on edge. She did not realize she was on the verge of crying, her eyes floating. Subconsciously, she did question it but now was not the time for pointless 'whys'.
Just sitting there and feeling awful was not a solution. She jerked her arms and body, getting ready for what she intended on doing next. She bent down a little more and stopped when she was leveled with Shizuru's face. Her eyes were fixed on Shizuru's face while she put her left hand around her neck and reached around her shoulder to right side. For trial purpose she pulled Shizuru even closer to herself without wavering her eyes that were still fixed on the face. When she was confident that grip was firm, she put her left hand below Shizuru's knees. Inhaling deeply once, swiftly she pulled herself from the floor. Not so surprisingly, lifting her was not too hard as she was quite light. "Hurry, you idiot"!
The student crowd, and some teachers, kept staring as Natsuki paced towards the infirmary with passed out Shizuru in her arms. Also, it did not help that this particular style was normally called as 'bridal style'! The thought made her cheeks a little pink. As much as she would have wanted to shrug the blush off, in mere moments it only spread and deepened; courtesy to the soft breaths tickling her neck. "Man…finally", she growled when the infirmary came in sight. Pushing the double door by her back she entered.
Her emerald eyes darted around the room to search for a certain woman. "Hey doc", she shouted and walked to one of the beds to place Shizuru down. Dr. Youko Sagisawa, was an assistant professor and also the college nurse. She recognized the voice of the call. It was not new for Natsuki to visit by, sometimes for herself or sometimes for some punk she'd spotted misbehaving. Youko came out expecting either of the case but surprise was not the word to describe what she saw!
Natsuki slowly bent down and let Shizuru's lower body loose. Youko's eyes widened when she saw the new lecturer being carefully laid down on the bed by the 'bad girl' of university. "What the hell did she do this time"? This certainly was something new. Her now free left hand went behind Shizuru's head keeping it in place. While lowering Shizuru's upper body, her own body lowered with it. Their faces were at the same level, mere inches far.
The world around her was a blur. She could only see the calm face of Shizuru, not caring about the nearness. Her right hand traced Shizuru's hairline and the left lightly brushing her left cheek. Natsuki's heart was sore with confusing emotions she could not understand. Anger, depression, guilt, sadness, protectiveness, and god only knew what else. That moment she felt damn tired. She rested her forehead against Shizuru's and smiled when their noses touched. She flashed back to seven months ago, when she had the desire to reach out and touch this beautiful woman. "But not like this", the thought aggravated the sadness and guilt deep within her.
Youko still stood there watching everything unfold. Her attention shifted to the unconscious body Natsuki seemed so taken with. She walked towards the bed and when the dark haired girl did not acknowledge her presence she cleared her throat, "mmhh…mhhmmmm"!
Natsuki jumped up to her feet. And oh god was she blushing! The sight again was unexpected for Youko. Beet-red cheeks, sharp frown, and struggling to speak, "ah…ummm….I….I uh…fff….found", could not say her and only pointed to Shizuru.
"Is this really Natsuki Kuga", Youko eyed Natsuki for a second and only nodded in response. Then she tended to taking care of Shizuru. Natsuki stood there watching while Youko did her thing. Nobody uttered a word for good twenty minutes. The crack on Shizuru's forehead had required two small stitches. When she came out after cleaning her hands, she saw Natsuki staring at, now sleeping, Shizuru. Her gaze was too soft for a person whose 'death glare' was known too well around campus.
"You can go now. She is okay just needs rest. She will be out for hours".
Natsuki did not move her eyes. Her mind was again filled with questions that were previously only subconscious. "Who the hell is she? And what in hell is she doing in my college and what the fuck was she doing in Fujino's office"?
Not sure if Natsuki had heard her previously, Youko repeated herself, "she won't wake up for few hours". This time she had Natsuki's interest. "I will send for you once she is up, okay", she further added thinking she must be worried. "Who knew she could be this cute", she sniggered inwardly at the urge to 'aawwww' that moment.
Natsuki's mind did not relax at the knowledge of Shizuru's well being. Instead, she was still swirling in the whirlpool of uneasy questions. "I freaking need some sleep", she told herself and moved from her previous spot of half hour. "But I also need answers", whining she stopped. She gave up thinking and turned to face Youko, "who is she"? Finally, she felt relieved. Her shoulders slumped as if a weight had been just lifted off of them.
"Huh…you don't know", youko was confused! "What kind of a person displays such affection for a stranger"? Now she knew why this girl was an enigma! "Oh, well", she returned to filling the daily log, "she is your new lecturer, Shizuru Fujino". Hearing this was enough to suck out the remaining energy from her currently lifeless body. A couple of stifled sarcastic laughs came rolling out from her throat before her legs gave up and her body fell on the ground.
Youko heard the thud but thought that it must be the door. Today had definitely been not boring and she was itching to tell Midori about all this. She checked her watch and it was nearing lunch time. She went back inside the office and got out of the doctor's coat. She rarely had something interesting to share and today what she had was not only interesting but extremely fascinating and definitely H-O-T! She excitedly walked out of the office with a grin on her face but it seemed like gods were against her walking out of the infirmary today. "Great", she watched Natsuki who had earlier passed out, thanks to a name!
( ( ( ( (_) ) ) ) )
Destiny sure is a cruel thing. How else can one explain this? Who knew, two people who first met as strangers and stirred up something unknown in each other. Now, both on their escape routes collided at this university. Natsuki, who wanted to make up her mind and needed time to figure herself out before joining her father in business came here to be free. Shizuru, who wanted to escape the melancholy and sham of a life she had been leading, needed a break. Life presented her with an opportunity and guided her here. This second, they both were in deep slumber blissfully unaware of future. Someone has wisely stated, ignorance certainly is bliss; but then again, maybe not always.
( ( ( ( (_) ) ) ) )
Sometime around five in the evening, Natsuki was walking back to her dorms. She didn't know why but for some odd reason students had been staring at her all the way. "Get something else to do idiots"! Her head was still throbbing and earlier she had felt a bump rising at the back, gratitude to the 'Fujino Induced Pass-out'. "In two days, this freaking name has twice, almost killed me". Almost being the key word here! She pinched the bridge of her nose out of frustration. As she stepped in the dorm building, girls had started giggling, whispering, and laughing. "What is with everybody today"? And then at the stairs, she heard someone say, "Isn't she the one who carried Miss Fujino to the infirmary", just as she finished other one giggled and spoke, "Yeah…see, I have got the whole video".
Now Natsuki knew why everyone was staring at her. But a video didn't make sense and seriously who would do that? Well, apparently someone had and now the video was certainly circulating throughout the campus like a wildfire. That meant her friends might have already seen it which in turn meant she was going to have a hard time trying to shut them up. "Nao and Chie are never going to let me forget this". As she neared her room she could hear subdued laughter coming from inside. The sounds had died down when everyone inside heard the click of the doorknob being twisted. They all knew who it was, so they tried to appear horribly serious with their own stuffs. Natsuki entered and locked the door behind her. She knew what she was going to face and she sure did not have the heart or energy to play along. For a second she rested against the locked door and took in a few lung filling breaths. Nao, Chie, and Aoi were sitting on the sofa pretending to read something. Natsuki stood there to tackle whatever her friends were intending to throw at her. A minute later she went to her room to change in more comfortable clothes. She could here muffled laughs coming out of the hall. She came out and without looking in her friends' direction walked to the kitchen. She was not exactly feeling hungry but she needed something to get over this tiring feeling. Without thinking much she took two bottles of beer and started walking back to her room.
Nao's insides were burning to say something but she also knew that pushing too hard right now would definitely land her in trouble. Besides, she already had another plan to enjoy this whole thing and that would be delightful to watch. "Oh so delightful", she smirked. Clearing her throat she attempted, "Hey mutt, you know what everyone is talking about"?
Natsuki stood in front of Nao, glaring her down. Chie and Aoi had already slipped out when had seen Natsuki approaching them. They now stood a few feet away from the couch. "NOT A SINGLE WORD, NAO", she warned. And the tone was really dangerous which Nao did not miss. So instead of wording something out she only lifted her right hand in air, flashing the middle finger rotated her wrist in clock-wise motion three times signaling something. Natsuki creased her brows in confusion. She heard some rustling from Chie's direction. She lifted her head to see what the disturbance was. Chie was now carrying Aoi bridal style. For a second she really thought if Aoi was not well but when Chie tried her hard to imitate Natsuki's particular scowl and slightly puffed cheeks, the light-bulb in her mind went out! Chie started taking long steps, like Natsuki, and walked ahead trying to keep her composure. Four long steps later she had started laughing, still with Aoi in her arms. Natsuki was red out of embarrassment or anger, she herself did not know. Feeling rather week and defeated she only adorned her scowl and stomped into her room, smashing her door severely. Mostly in these types of situation, Mai would be there to calm her down but she was not in her room today. "Now that I think about it, I have not seen her all day", then she remembered Nao telling her something the previous day. She made a note to talk to her friend the first thing in the morning tomorrow.
The three did not stop with their jokes even after she had been out of there for ten minutes now. Natsuki knew it was not going to end soon. She put in her earphones and tuned in some heavy metal music on highest volume. She opened the first bottle of beer while fishing out her PSP at her study table. She was not a great multi-tasker but right now she could divide her attention between music and game. Mostly she would only relax either by listening music and sipping beer or by playing and sipping beer, but today she wanted, no needed, to create a wedge between her mind and its ability to form thoughts. Any thoughts, that is. She absoluterly needed the rest if she valued her sanity! An hour of gaming and two beers later she had let sleep take over her.
( ( ( ( (_) ) ) ) )
On the other hand Shizuru was having another restless night. First, with every movement it seemed as if her head would split open. Second, the knowledge that after her little accident she had been carried bridal style all the way through the hallways that too by a student. Third, the revelation of the student's identity was a major shock to her system. She remembered she had fainted twice when Youko was updating her of the little fiasco caused by this teacher-student stunt.
The material beneath her body was hard, too hard for her comfort. She stirred and tried making herself cozy but her head was a hundred pound heavier. She grunted and lifted her right hand to her head. Still sleepy she slightly pressed her forehead over the bridge of the nose and traced the path to her right temple. In between she stopped when she felt something sticking at the top right-side of her forehead. She ran her fingers over it a few times and after not realizing what it was, she pressed onto it. "Aaahhhh…..um..ouch", she mumbled. Her throat was sand dry and itchy. She let her eyes flutter open. She blinked almost fifty times to make her vision normal but still everything was a little blurry. When she tried pushing herself up, a strong yet gentle hand nudged her shoulders back.
"Rest, you need it", she heard someone. The effort to form a reply died down when the dryness of her throat made it too hard for her to speak. She tilted her head to right and saw a woman in her late twenties with a white knee-length doctor's coat. It took her five long minutes to come back to complete sense. Now she knew she was in the college infirmary and that was the reason the bed felt so uncomfortable. "But how did I get here"? Before she could ponder ahead she heard the other person speak again, "Here, drink this", she handed a small bottle of water to Shizuru, "and then you will be able speak". With some help she was able to sit up. Water had never tasted so good to her! Fifteen minutes had gone by in silence and she was feeling much better now. She had moved around a bit although it heightened her headache. She was sitting with her legs hanging from the bed and her face in both the palms, "how are you feeling now", asked Youko when she entered and saw Shizuru sitting up. She lifted her head up a bit forcefully which she regretted a second later but she only smiled and replied, "Ara…I am feeling fine thank you". Youko was now checking her pupil responses when she felt an intense jab of headache. "Are you sure you can't do anything about this headache", she only could hope a positive reply.
"Sorry", Youko replied. "Well, if I go by your facial expressions it does not seem so bad"! Another smile plastered Shizuru's face. Youko realized that the sudden appearance of smile meant her last comment did not go too well with Shizuru. She thought may be a little introduction would ease up the air. She held out her right hand, "Youko Sagisawa, Asst. Professor. I teach Human Resources plus I am the college nurse too".
Shizuru shook the hand, "Shizuru Fujino". She waited Youko to sit down on her chair before continuing, "I have just joined this Monday as a temporary lecturer for MBMS".
"I know", Youko said with a knowing smile. She was not surprised why this lecturer had gained a reputation with gossip-mongers in only three days. And after what happened today, it will be hard for them to keep her out of news.
"Ah…Miss Sagisawa…
"Youko is fine. No need to get so formal".
"Ara…thank you", she had expected some level formality but then she was not in a position to complain. "How…how did I get here", hesitatingly she asked.
Youko only burst out into laughter and took out her mobile phone. She did something on it and came to sit beside Shizuru. "You yourself have a look", and she played the video. In the starting there was a lot of disturbance and shaking, only a moving pair of legs was visible. In the next frame it showed Shizuru in the arms of someone she knew. Her eyes widened when she remembered, "Aa..ara ara…Th..that person…that girl! What is she doing here"? As per her knowledge she was the second person, beside Natsuki Kuga, she had intended on avoiding all her life. Her vision appeared dark when this girl's exact words from their last meeting swirled in her mind. And next instant her body fell on the bed.
"Eh", Youko looked in Shizuru's direction and sighed. She straightened her body and waited it out. She was checking her pulse for the third time when Shizuru came out of her shock. Her mind had started working in a flash. "What is she doing here? How did she find me and more importantly was she who found me in my office"? It was exhausting to work her brain that much but she could not afford to face two biggest threats to her freedom at the same place.
She cursed herself for sticking to her mature decision of staying here and instead thought may be running away and leaving all this 'freedom crap' behind would have been a safe bet! Five minutes later she was standing up by Youko's side smoothing down her trouser. She ran her fingers a few times through her hair though it looked like freshly combed. She had requested Youko to change the big white colored bandage with a small skin colored one. Now she did not have to worry about leaving a few strands loose at her forehead also she was now satisfied with the almost non-visible proof of trauma she had suffered.
Youko sensed that Shizuru was deep in thought about something and she knew what. She place a reassuring hand on Shizuru's shoulder and gave it a little squeeze, "hey, no need to get embarrassed! These things happen, okay". They both knew it was not true but what's the harm in saying it to comfort someone. "A student rescuing her teacher, possible but carrying one of your teacher in your arms all the way through college corridors to the infirmary…no way these kind of things happen", Youko's smile was threatening to turn into a full grown smirk. She controlled as she did not want to ruin the moment.
"Ara…thank you", She knew whatever the other woman had said was not true but only said to make her feel better. Though she appreciated the effort and for once it felt nice to be comforted by lies and not by being forced to face the unkind, ruthless truth of veracity. She let the comfort engulf her and unintentionally voiced her thoughts, "who is she"?
Youko did not understand who she was referring to but then obvious events only could suspect only one person she could be asking about. "Oh her…she is from first year, class-B. Natsuki Kuga", her hands on Shizuru's shoulder tightened as she saw her getting paler.
"Ssshhhh….she..she is…", the thought could not see its end. The anger she had felt on destiny for the cruelty it had showered on her was now boiling inside her. "I hate being helpless", and the anger took a turn to sarcasm. "She is Natsuki Kuga, of course she is. When has fate ever been kind to me". Her hands were now struggling to hold onto Youko's white coat.
The heat produced by the sudden explosion of wrath inside her had melted down every bone in her body and destroyed any leftover strength. Her eyes began shutting down and body slumped, swaying forward she fell over Youko. "Today has to be record for number of pass-outs", she sighed as she tried to move Shizuru back on the bed.
Sleep was not going to accompany her tonight. She kept turning every five minutes. "Aarrrggghhhhh", she groaned. She was stunned, she never groaned! It was so out of character for her. "I never groan…but then I did get some sleep before, so I guess it evens out", she chuckled at her ridiculous and senseless thought. She shook her head and wondered if those medicines had affected her mental acuity. "What if I take those orange pills tomorrow before class", she gave out a hearty laugh. She knew something was wrong but this lightness felt good and she was enjoying it. Everything in her room was doubled or tripled by now and she was seeing colors in darkness. "Fucking shit…I need more of those pills", while again laughing out loud, alone in her room, like a maniac she soared with pride that she swore! And how good that had felt, my god! Her eyes had started feeling heavy. She closed her eyes and her mind chanted a single name, "Na-tsu-ki Kuga", but now she also had a face and a personality to pair it up with. Her brows furrowed as she concentrated to further analyze the combination. And yes, it suited! The name and personality complemented each other beautifully. Her cheeks became a little pink when she pictured how amazing Natsuki had looked in the moonlight and how shamelessly she had wished to see more of this beauty. She dug her face further into the soft pillow and purred, "mmmmm…beautiful Na-tsu-ki". Contrary to her thoughts sleep had showered its graces on her, and she had slept peacefully with a blush and smile on her face.
A/N: We meet again! Hope you enjoyed this chappie... it is a little rushed! Have not proof-read it! Be lenient guys, i am struggling to acquire at least 60% in my exams and it requires efforts, sadly! Anyhoo, i might not be back for sometime. Meanwhile, dear readers, please market/spread the word about my story. I want my reviews/critics to rocket up when i come back, help me with it? Please...
Also, i deeply am sorry for my reviewers as i not personally acknowledging you guys here... i swear will PM you guys once am done with studies! But don't stop reviewing...
Ciao
C ya'll...
