Disclaimer: I do not own any character from this story.

VOLUME 1.

Chapter 3. The Bartender: The Good Wife

Summary: Natsuki tried her best to be the best date and wife. This is a continuation of The Bartender.

Last time...

"Oh… sorry… Shizuru… these two are my best friends… Mai and Nao."

"Mai, Nao… meet my wife… Shizuru."

'Ara… best friends… did I heard her correctly? Did I just witness her 'dating' her best friends in the same day. Wait! Is that even a date. Maybe she's just accompanying them. Wait again! Why am I thinking so much. Oh dear.. I'am really loosing it. Oh this girl! What have you done to me!' Shizuru's mental battle has just gone up a notch. She went to see Natsuki to set some rules and put on boundaries on their fake relationship as she has never felt like this before. Not from any other women that she have dated before… whom she's even slept with… but none of them made this kind of emotional connection with her. And knowing the fact that her relationship with Natsuki is fake, she must act now before it's too late. 'This is such a mess. Maybe it's much easier if I just married the guy my parents want me to.'

Earlier that day…

Upon seeing Natsuki a different girl, Shizuru just decided to go back home. However, her feet told her other wise. She unconsciously followed the two enter the mall in the area on which they must be going to watch the film. She followed them closely until they reached the fourth level where the cinemas are located. She saw Natsuki left Nao in one of the waiting bench to buy their tickets. "Ara… really such gentleman.' She watched the couple walked towards the entrance of the cinema and wines another upsetting event… Nao suddenly snaked her arms towards Natsuki's slender neck and Natsuki answered back by encircling her arms around the red head's waist. This is when she finally admitted defeat and went back to her office.

A lifeless Shizuru just walked passed her secretary in order to get to her office. The secretary's courtesy were ignored which worried the secretary as she has never seen her boss in that state. In less than a minute, Shizuru came out with her bag and proceed to exit the office. The secretary tried to open her mouth but no words came out. There's definitely something's wrong with her boss.

Currently …

"Shizuru? Are you okay?" Natsuki asked realizing Shizuru has not responded to the introduction.

Shizuru blinked and a took a deep breath. "Ara… I am… sorry for that." She responded. "Fujino… Fujino Shizuru. It's nice to meet you both." She extended a hand.

"Tokiha! Tokiha Mai." The carrot haired girl reached the hand. "Natsuki have told us about you. It's great to finally meet you."

"Me too." 'So the lunch date is Mai.'

Nao took the hand that was released by Mai. "Yuuki… Yuuki Nao! A pleasure!"

Shizuru unconsciously glared daggers on Nao and slightly grip her hand tighter than necessary.'Of course I already know you. I did follow you. And I witnessed you snaked your way to my wife!' She thought."Same."

"So what can I get you Shizuru?" Natsuki asked.

"Hmmm… can Natsuki give me a strong tea?"

"Sure. Hold on a sec." Then Natsuki looked back to her friends. "So how do you like those russians?"

'Ara… Russians? They serve Russians here? What kind of place really is this?'

"Let me try the white." Mai said.

"So I guess I'll have black." Nao replied.

'White and Black Russians… wow! what a variety!' Shizuru then looked if Natsuki will pass on any form of codes of get those russians. 'Is she really serving 'Russians' in front of me? Does she really not care about me? Of course… Shizuru what are you thinking! This whole thing is just an act! Get a grip!' But the bartender did not do anything out of ordinary, hence she picked up two old fashion short glass and a tall high glass. She put a little of this and a little of that… shake here… shake there… until she have completed preparing three drinks.

"Here you go! white russian for Mai and black russian for Nao." She placed the drinks in front of her friends.

'Of course… those are names of drinks! Argh… I really can't take this. This woman just made me realized how dirty my mind is… to even think of such things.'

"And Long Island Tea for my wife." She said with a wink remembering Nao's advice to use her charm.

'Did she… did she… just called me her wife? And did she just winked at me?' And the brunette lost it. She felt her heart fell and honestly hope that this woman those standing in front of her would catch it before it get shattered into pieces. Fortunately she too is good at pretending so she was able to compose herself before she makes a fool out of herself. Shizuru took the drink and took a sip. "This is good. Thank you."

"Natsuki… " Shizuru started. "About tomorrow… uhm…"

"Yeah about tomorrow…" Natsuki butt in.

'Ara… is she planning on canceling?' Shizuru tensed a little when Natsuki cut her off. She's hoping that Natsuki is not planning on canceling their date. She felt sad when she realized that one of those girls might have set a plan with Natsuki.

"Yeah… Natsuki… about tomorrow… is there something …" Shizuru's afraid to asked. "… is there something you want to say?" She sigh in defeat and decided to stop assuming things and let Natsuki to speak.

"About tomorrow… I would like to ask if you have specific plan?"

"What do you mean?"

"I was thinking if I should pick you up with my bike or my car." A paused. "I got scold-"

"EXCUSE US" Mai and Nao butt in and pulled Natsuki away.

They went into the office room and shut the door closed. Leaving a surprised brunette on her own. 'Ara… what just happened?' She let it go and just concentrated on her drinks.

"What the hell was that mutt!" Nao said as she slammed the door.

"What?"

"You almost told her that Mai scolded you for bringing a bike and not a car."

"Yeah… you're right… sorry."

"Come on Nao… don't be too hard on out friend. She just want that best for Shizuru and that's a good progress."

"Good progress? What do you mean by that Mai?"

"I'm saying that you Natsuki is running an extra mile for this date and even with that hero complex of yours, we never saw you give this much effort." A pause. "Now go back in there and check your wife. Will follow you shortly."

"Okay…" Natsuki said as she exited the office.

Mai looked at Nao. "I hope we did the right thing. I don't want Natsuki to be hurt."

"Don't worry Mai, she'll be okay. I can see it in Shizuru's eyes." Nao replied while remembering Shizuru's stare and hard grip.

As Natsuki walked toward the bar table, she saw Shizuru head down with both elbows in the table. The brunette tucked a hair behind her ears as she plays with the straw of her almost empty drink. Natsuki unconsciously stopped. 'Beautiful… she really so beautiful' She placed a hand on her chest and realized that her heart is beating faster than usual. 'What is this feeling… my heart only beats like this when I'm running…' She let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding, composed herself and went to approach her wife.

"Sorry about that." Natsuki said, startling the brunette.

"It's okay… no harm done." She took another sip. "You were saying something earlier."

"Ah… right… tomorrow… I was wondering… would you prefer riding in bike or a car?"

"Oh…" Shizuru raised a brow. 'How considerate.' However, a bike is a big NO since she's aware of the dangers that accompanied the said machine. But imaging herself behind the bartender and hugging tightly on her waist is enough reason for her to choose the bike. She blushed.

"Shizuru? Are you alright?"

"Huh?"

"Are you alright? Your face is red."

"Oh…" Shizuru put her palms on her face. "It must be the alcohol. Don't worry about me." She felt warmth on her face. Another feeling that she has never had before. "I would prefer riding in a car."

"Okay." Natsuki replied with a tone of disappointment that she didn't noticed she used.

Her tone was not left unnoticed by Shizuru. "But I would like to have a ride with your bike sometime."

"That's great." Natsuki cheerfully responded. She also blushed as she imaging herself being hugged tightly by the brunette. Now both women have their faces painted in red.

"EHEM" Nao broke the silence.

"We're going now. Enjoy tomorrow you two." Mai said.

'So they knew. Ara… I'm not sure if I should be relieve or what…'

"Bye mutt! And don't screw up!" Nao said.

'Ara.. don't screw up? Are they cheering for her?' Does those two knew that they both dated Natsuki yesterday? Oh dear… I'm thinking too much again.'

The two walked out from the bar.

"I better get going too Natsuki." Shizuru rose from her chair and opened her purse to pay for her drink.

A hand stopped her. "The drink's on the house." Natsuki smiled. "Take care."

"I will. Thank you Natsuki." She turned around in the direction of the door.

"Uhm… Shizuru…?"

"Yes… Natsuki?" Shizuru cocked her head back.

"Will you call me when you get home… or just send me an SMS… just so I know that you got home safely."

"I will Natsuki… thank you for your concern… I appreciate it." Shizuru saw the concern upon Natsuki's emerald orbs. She walked away smiling as she knew that those words were real. 'Natsuki… do you even realize that you're making me fall for you every single minute.'

When Shizuru came into her apartment, she walked directly into her bedroom. For the first time in her life, she neglected her evening routine. Both her body and mind were so tired that she didn't even bother to change into her evening wear. She let herself travel to snoozeville, after sending sms to Natsuki, hoping that everything will be fine.

Morning finally came and Natsuki woke up minuted before her alarm. She let out a big yawn and stretched her limbs as she excitedly got up. "Today is the day… today is the day… today is the day…" she cheerfully sang as she went towards her bathroom to do her morning routine. She washed her face, brushed her teeth nag tied her long raven colored hair. She then proceed to change from her lingerie which is part of VS special collection into a pair of jogging pants and sweat shirts. As she went out from her room, she was greeted by an equally cheerful Duran. "Come Duran… join me for a run." She then went to put Duran's leash and the two went on… slamming the door closed.

"Hey Duran… I got a big date today."

"Woof!"

"And I'm so excited!"

"Woof! Woof!"

Natsuki stopped running. And knelt on one knee to pat Duran's head. "And you know what… I don't even know why I'm so excited…" she added in a confused tone.

Duran must have felt the tension from her owner. He licked her face as if he is saying that 'everything will be fine'. "Woof."

"Thanks boy! Come let's go!" Natsuki stood up. "I'll introduce you to her one day! I'm sure you'll like her."

As always, the run went smooth and refreshing. Starting the day with morning run gives Natsuki the much needed energy she needs for the day. They went back to her house, gave Duran fresh set's of drinks, took a shower, prepared and ate breakfast and then proceed to slouch in her couch with a cup of coffee. She closed her eyes to remember what her friends told her.

"Natsuki, for me you did fine. Just take it easy on the mayo."

"Are you kidding me Mai? The mutt's my worst date ever!"

"Hey! That's so mean of you Nao!"

"But it's true! Mai… can you believe that the mutt fell asleep on the movie house and was drooling like crazy dog!"

"Hey I'm not!"

"Yes you are!" Natsuki crossed her arms in defeat as her friends laugh at her.

"But Natsuki, we can only give you one piece of advice." Mai looked at Nao.

Nao nodded. "Yeah… mutt… remember this."

Mai and Nao looked at each other before looking at Natsuki. "Just be yourself." They said in unison as they nodded their head. Without her knowledge, Mai and Nao already talked about their dates with Natsuki, and they only have one conclusion… that Natsuki is a natural charmer which both of them will not be able to realize if it were't for those mock dates. They have to thank Shizuru for that as they learned another good trait from their friend. They also noticed that their friend is giving more effort that necessary so they have concluded that Natsuki's beginning to fall in love with Shizuru. Of course being so dense and swallow, they knew their friend will not be able to realize it anytime soon. So the best thing they can do is tell their friend just to be herself so that even if this whole set up is fake, they knew that Natsuki will be showing her real self.

"Just be myself huh… " Natsuki shook her body to relieved herself from the tension she's been having. "Thanks Mai, Nao." She got up, walked towards her room, changed her clothes and went to garage to pick up Shizuru.

"Hmmm… should I wear this dress…" a brunette said in front of a mirror while holding a piece of dress in one hand. "Or this one…" She let go of the dress as she held another one in front of her. "Hmmm… maybe I should wear a skirt?… No… this one is too long… this one is too short… hmmm… how about this dress…. GAAHHHH." Shizuru yelled at herself. She's been fighting a war with her wardrobe for about an hour now. For the first time her closet was in a mess. "Goodness! Since when did I become this conscious?" And it's true… she didn't care how she dressed as her dates only says one thing 'You look great.' However, Natsuki is different and her opinion greatly matter. She looked at her wall clock and saw that Natsuki will be coming in about 30 mins.

A little more toss here and there, she finally decided on what to wear… a one piece lavender dress that is around one inch above the knee, which made it not too long nor short. The dress fits perfectly in her body… not too sexy and not too loose. But of course, she did make sure that little piece of flesh is visible from her front. She have two goals in this date: One is to get to know more of Natsuki as originally planned. And two… is well… to seduce the girl into liking her.

After finally finding a suitable dress, she went to put on a simple necklace to adorned her dress. Then she applied little make-up just to enhance her appearance… not that she really needed it… After a few moments, she looked at herself in her whole body mirror. "Yes! Perfect!" She took a 360 degree turn. "Be ready Natsuki because I'm going to make you mine! And mine alone! *evil laugh*"

Ding Dong…

'Ara… she's early.' She went out from her bedroom which is now in complete mess which has never ever happened before.

Shizuru opened her door and her jaw dropped upon seeing the most gorgeous and drop dead sexiest figure in front of her. Natsuki is wearing a plain white tank top under black leather jacket that matches her skin tight jeans and leather boots. "Hi…" Is all the word that she can said as if her vocabulary had boycotted her.

"Hello…" Natsuki said… "Uhmm…" She paused. "These are for you." she said after giving Shizuru a bouquet of roses that she's been hiding on her back.

"Th-Thanks!" She took the flowers and gave it a smell. "Smells nice. Again thank you Natsuki. Please come in." She manage to compose herself and gestured Natsuki in.

Natsuki observed the place as Shizuru disappeared to the kitchen to set the flowers. It's a one bedroom condominium. The room is painted in lavender with the walls decorated with different paintings. A flat screen TV is placed in front of the purple couch that complimented the color of the walls. Her observation was cut short when Shizuru came back and gestured them to go. Natsuki offered an elbow which Shizuru happily accepted as they exited her condo.

Natsuki parked her car and stopped the engine, raised the hand break. "Don't move an inch."

Shizuru got confused but obeyed. "Okay." She then saw Natsuki unbuckled their seat belts then went outside the car. After closing the driver's door, the raven haired girl jogged towards the passenger's seat and opened the door for Shizuru. She offered a hand which was greatly accepted. 'Ara… such gentleman.'

"So, where do you want to eat?" Natsuki asked.

"Hmmm… I'm not craving for anything special, so anywhere is okay Na-tsu-ki." She made sure to emphasize each syllables of her wife's name.

'Wow! I just love the way you say my name.' Natsuki blushed upon hearing her name in Shizuru's most alluring tone. "Uhm… ah…. let's see…" She began to stutter. "Come I know a place." She hurriedly said as she took Shizuru's arm. Their arms now tangled with each other.

Shizuru realized that they are walking in the direction of the restaurant where she saw Natsuki and Mai yesterday. 'So you like this place… hmmm… well… I guess this is the best time to clear everything and straight things up.' As they walked in, they were escorted by the waiter into their table. She let Natsuki lead the way as she's already expecting what Natsuki will do. And she was right. Natsuki helped her into her chair before taking her seat in front oh her. They were given a menu and after a moment of choosing, they placed their orders.

"You know…" Natsuki started. "You look beautiful today."

"Ara.. thank you Natsuki. However… are you implying that I only look beautiful today?" Shizuru replied, her palm on her face beginning a fake sob.

"Whoah…. wait… hey… don't cry…" Natsuki started waving her hands in front of Shizuru. "What I mean is… you look absolutely more and more and more beautiful today… than those other days that I saw you… Please don't cry… you're beautiful… really beautiful."

"Thank you Natsuki… glad to hear that." She released her palm and there was no sign of tears from her face.

'Oh boy… good ness Natsuki… you almost made her cry.' Natsuki inwardly though not realizing that she has been played.

The brunette took a deep breath to start the conversation. "So… Natsuki… shall we start?"

"Sure… let's start with the basics."

"Okay… then… let start…" Shizuru took a sip on the glass of water. "I was born on Dec 19, my favorite color is lavender, I love teas especially green tea. I do japanese ceremonies and flower arrangement as past time. I know how to play the piano and violin. I'm never good at any sports and I'm claustrophobic. There… I think that covers the basics."

"My turn then, I'm a summer child… born on Aug 15 and I don't have any favorite color."

"Natsuki… don't tell me that's the only information that you are going to share."

"Three" Natsuki said showing three fingers in front of Shizruru. "There was three most important thing for me." she continued. 'Actually… there are five, but I can't say the fourth… it's just too embarrassing. And the fifth… argh...' "My dog Duran, my precious bikes and mayo." She iterated while pointing in every finger.

"Mayo?"

"Yes… mayo… the white 'goo' as what my friends calls it."

"Okay…" Shizuru made a thinking gesture trying to absorb Natsuki's words. "Natsuki… I was wondering… why did you used the word 'was' ?"

"Oh… nice catch… because before… there was three… but now… there is four."

"Hmmm… may I know the fourth?"

Natsuki took a deep breath. "The fourth… " she took a sip on her water. "The fourth is YOU." Natsuki said as she turned her head. Shizuru did the same. They both blushed and stayed silent until their food was served.

'Ara… Natsuki… you really are incredible. Do you even realized that you're a natural charmer? Is this still an act? Get a grip Shizuru… you need to get things straight before everything went out of control.'

"Uhm… Natsuki… are you dating Mai or Nao?" She asked thus breaking the silence.

Natsuki almost choked upon hearing the question. 'Whoa… where did that come from?' "No I don't."

'Lie… I saw you with your "best friends" yesterday.' Shizuru wiped her mouth as she began to talk. "You see… I saw you here with Mai yesterday and with Nao on the cafe in front of my office. I was just thinking that for this set-up to work, we need to be clear with each other and set some boundaries." Shizuru saw Natsuki gulp. 'Gotcha!'

Natsuki gulp. "Okay… since I'm already busted… I might as well tell you everything." She took a deep breath. "First things first… I'm single… well… technically I'm married to you… but to be clear I'm not in any relationship before we got married. Then I took Mai and Nao to date yesterday because I'm clueless and dates and they tried to help me for this day by setting up a mock date."

"That the mock date includes you and Yuuki-san hugging in front of the cinema."

"Oh… you saw that too… well… Nao saw the guy that is persistently asking her on a date, so she kinda used me to shoo the guy away."

"Ara… " Shizuru tilted her head. 'So I'm over thinking for nothing… silly me… but wait… why would she go as far as to have a mock date just for this day? Does she…'

"Shizuru… is everything alright?" Natsuki asked realizing her wife got buried in deep thoughts.

"Oh… yes… I'm fine… Thank you."

"Great… now let me be clear… I agreed to help you because I wanted to, so you don't have to worry about any complications on my part. Well… Nao and Mai scolded me at first, but it's okay now. So let's us do our best to make things work and I promise that I will never ever do something without your consent."

"Thank you Natsuki, I really appreciate this." Shizuru said in a disappointing tone. She really is grateful to the help and effort that Natsuki is giving her, however, based the raven haired girl herself, Natsuki is just trying her best to help… no more… no less. 'So this is really all an act.' She concluded to herself.

After a new moments, they completed their meals and Natsuki paid for the bill.

"So what do you want to do next?" Natsuki asked.

"I don't know… honestly I haven't been out for a while… maybe we can just walk and look around?"

"Sure." Natsuki said as she again tangled her fingers upon Shizuru's. The sudden contact sent them a jolt of electricity which they both pretended not to feel.

As they stroll around, Natsuki's unconsciously sways their arms which made Shizuru smile. They both told themselves that even if this set-up is not real. They will enjoy each other's company to the fullest. And as they are absorbed into their own worlds, they have not realized a few people have been jealously staring at them.

Natsuki went back to reality when Shizuru suddenly stopped. She saw her wife staring at the ice skating ring. "Wanna skate?" She asked.

"Ah… no… thank you but no."

"Come on… I can see it in your eyes you wanted to."

"Really… let's just watch…"

"No way! come on!" She held Shizuru by the wrist as she drag her toward the ring. She paid for the rentals and helped Shizuru put on her skates.

"This is really a bad idea Natsuki… I have never done this before."

"Relax… I'll teach you… now come on!"

They slowly walked towards the entrance as Natsuki guided Shizuru. "Okay… I'll go backwards you go forwards. Now open your legs a bit then bend your knees…"

"Okay."

"Now let's go skate." Natsuki said as she took Shizuru's both hands. "One… two… one… two… one… two… see… it's easy right?"

"Yes… " Shizuru said with a blush. For the first time in her life, she really is enjoying herself and it's all thanks to Natsuki.

"Kyaaa…. Natsuki… Natsuki… I'm falling…"

THUG

"Ouch."

"Oh dear… Shizuru are you alright?"

"Ah… yes… I'm okay."

Natsuki slightly punch the ice.

"What are you doing Natsuki?"

"I'm punishing the ice… for hurting you." She continue to slightly punch the ice. "Bad ice! Bad!" Shizuru giggled.

"Come on… it's getting late… I'll take you home."

"Sure." Shizuru repiled. She suddenly felt sad as she came into realization that her fantasy is about to end.

Natsuki parked in front of Shizuru's condominium. Both girls stayed silent as none of them wanted this fairy tale to end.

"Would Natsuki like to come in and join me for dinner?"

Natsuki smiled. "I'm glad you asked." Shizuru blushed.

As Shizuru cook, Natsuki stayed with her at the dinning table. They continue to share personal information that Shizuru's parents might asked them. Shizuru would sometimes tease Natsuki which earned her a different shades of red from the bartender.

The raven haired girl helped Shizuru to set up the table as her wife applied finishing touches to their meal.

"This is great Shizuru! I'm lucky to have a taste at your food." Natsuki said. 'Her cooking is even better than Mai. Oh shit! I better not say that in front of Mai. But really… I wish I can eat her dishes forever.'

Shizuru smiled as she heard Natsuki's compliment. "Thank you." 'Oh Natsuki… I will be glad to cook for you forever.' Then an idea popped up.

"Well… Natsuki… since we are pretending to be married… shouldn't we supposed to live at the same house?"

Natsuki choked. She never thought of that. "Well… you are right."

'Great! if we live together, then I can cook for you… then maybe you'll fall for me for real… There's a saying that the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach! And I think it's really applicable to my Natsuki…. fufufu.'

"Well… I don't know… shall we look for a place?" Shizuru suggested.

"Hmmm… I can live anywhere as long as I can take Duran and my bike 'And my lingerie collection of course' but it's not practical to get a new place so why don't you come over at my house tonight then I'll let you decide tomorrow if you want us to live here or my place."

'Ara… I wonder what kind to place Natsuki has.'

"Sounds good to me."

When they finished eating, Natsuki offered to clean the dishes which Shizuru refused however, she managed to convince Shizuru to let her do the dishes while she pack her stuff. Shizuru then went to her bedroom and sigh as she had forgotten the mess that she did earlier. She walked towards her closet and proceed to pack her things.

Shizuru was amazed as she found out that Natsuki is living by herself in a nice two story house with a garage and backyard. She kind of expected the bartender to live in a simple apartment. 'Ara… just how much a bartender makes. hmmm… must be the tips…' Apparently, she doesn't have an idea that Natsuki is just filling in for Nao's runaway bartender and is managing her own business plus being a professional motor racer.

Natsuki opened the garage via remote and proceed to park her car. She again closed the garage door via remote and placed the car key and remote in the key box which Shizuru observe contains two more keys. She looked around and found two ducat motor bikes parked besides the car. 'Ara… for a bartender… she really is loaded.'

They went in via backdoor and was cheerfully greeted by Duran.

"Hey there boy! Did you miss me?" Natsuki knelt on one knee to pat Duran.

"Woof!"

"Duran… I like you to meet Shizuru. Come on boy. Shake!" And Duran held a paw.

"Wow he's so smart." Shizuru accepted the paw and shook it.

"Good boy! Now go play with your toys."

Natsuki stood up and smiled at Shizuru. "Come in. I'll show you the house." She took Shizuru's bag as she guided her wife into her house. "So here's the kitchen, then there's the living room, and there's the front door…" Natsuki said as she toured Shizuru around. "Let's go upstairs. I'll show you the rooms" They went up and she showed Shizuru the guest room, the study room and the master's bed room which they will be sharing for a while.

"So this is my room. The bathroom is just after the walk in closet." She said while pointing at the direction of the bathroom.

'Ara… what a nice room… and a walk-in closet.? She really surprised me.'

"Uhm… so… make yourself comfortable." Natsuki continued as she dropped Shizuru's luggage in the floor.

"You have a great place. It really feels like home." Shizuru replied as she observe the place. However, because of her amusement, she failed to see the luggage in front of her.

"Watch it!"

But it's too late. Shizuru tripped on he luggage. However, the expected pain didn't came as she landed on a soft cushion. She then realized that she fell right on top of Natsuki. They stared for a moment, both shocked on what just happened. Shizuru stared deeply at Natsuki's emerald orbs, then on her nose then on her lips. Closer and closer, she felt herself being pulled in by the raven haired lips. As she slowly lowered her face, Natsuki started to slowly meet Shizuru's lips until their lips were just inches apart. They both closed their eyes and then…

"Woof!"

Duran came in breaking the moment. They both glared daggers at Duran which the poor dog felt so he hurriedly exited the room.

'Grrrr… damn Duran.' They both inwardly cursed. Natsuki and Shizuru both felt the sudden awkwardness of the situation and then hurriedly pulled away from each other.

"I'm taking a shower." Natsuki stuttered. "You go ahead and unpack your stuff… and make yourself at feel at home." She stood up and ran towards her bathroom without waiting for any response from Shizuru.

Natsuki took off her clothes and opened the shower. She let the warm water slide toward her curves. She closed her eyes as she remembered what just happened and she felt hot. She felt hot not because of the water but because what she's feeling inside. She placed an arm in her chest and felt her heart beating faster than normal. 'What did just happened? What is this feeling?' She sighed. She really looked like a lost puppy under the rain. Not knowing what to do or where to go. 'I guess I need to ask Mai… right… she'll know what to do.' She closed water, dried her body and hair and put on a towel. As she was about to open the door, she was struck with a fact… Shizuru is outside and she forgot to bring her change of clothes with her. 'Shit.' She peeked outside and was relieved to see that Shizuru is busy unpacking in her bed, she then proceed to get a pair of underwear and dark blue pajamas and hurriedly went back to the bathroom.

Shizuru giggle. 'I saw you, dummy… fu fu… such a shy girl.'

Few moments later, Natsuki went out from the bathroom. "I'm done, you may use it now."

"Okay"

"I - I'll be staying the night in the couch. And don't ask. And don't argue. And don't open this closet." After saying those commands, Natsuki went to get a pillow from the bed and slam the bed room door shut, leaving a speechless brunette in the room.

"Ara… "

Natsuki woke up with Duran licking her face. She released a big yawn, stretched her limbs and…

*BLAGGG*

She fell on the floor. She had forgotten that she slept in the couch. "Ouch!"

"Woof!"

She held her back and slowly stood up. "Hey… what are you laughing at?"

"Woof!"

"Shhhh! Shizuru's might still be sleeping." Natsuki walked towards their bedroom and gently open the door. She saw Shizuru still sleeping hence she tip toed her way into her closet. As part of her routine, she changed into jogging pants and sweat shirts and quietly went out from the bedroom.

"Woof!"

"Shhh Duran… she's still sleeping… now be a good boy and guard her okay?"

"Woof!" And off Natsuki goes.

Meanwhile, Shizuru was awaken when she heard a loud sound that she thought came from the living room. She hurried got up to check when she heard Natsuki's voice. 'Ara… my poor Natsuki must have fell from the couch.' She suddenly felt guilty upon allowing her wife to take the couch. She dove back to the bed upon hearing Natsuki's footstep. And pretended to still be asleep 'Ara… now what does she up to this early in the morning?' She took a peek a the wall clock and saw that it was just before 7:30am. Her gazed went back to Natsuki and instantly enjoyed the sight. 'Ara… what a beautiful view this early in the morning. I think I might choose this place after all.' She closed her eyes when she saw Natsuki heading back to the door.

She released a bug yawn and stretched her limbs. "So she's going for a run… I better prepare breakfast… I'm sure she'll be hungry when she returns." Shizuru walked towards the bathroom and stopped at the closet that Natsuki told her not to open. She let a soft giggle as she remember her evil deed last night.

Last night …

Shizuru was stunned upon hearing Natsuki's command. She suddenly felt guilty for what had happened earlier. 'Ara… what was that all about? Did I offend her? Did I scared her? Oh dear… what have I done?' She shook her head and decided to ask Natsuki after taking a bath. When she went towards the bathroom, she stopped at the closet that Natsuki told her not to open. Curiosity struck her and as a normal human being, what do normal being normally do if someone told them not to do? Shizuru turned herself so she was facing the closet. She took the handle with both of her hands. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and opened the closet.

*Booya!*

She stumbled upon Natsuki's lingerie collections. She stood there for a moment, some drool escaping from her agape mouth. 'Ara… ara… double… triple Ara… my… my… Natsuki… I would have never thought.' She closed the closet and made an evil grin. 'I think I found another way to make her mine… fufu… *evil laugh*'

After a much needed shower, she put on some clothes and and went directly to the kitchen. She was greeted by the always lively Duran. "Good Morning Duran."

"Woof!"

"Are you hungry?"

"Woof! Woof!"

She put on a new sets of food and water for Duran and went to proceed to make breakfast. She opened the fridge and took some eggs. She also took out the bottle of milk and a box of cheese. 'Great… I really though that I would only find mayo in her fridge.' She sigh as she saw three big bottles on mayo on the second layer of the fridge. She opened the cupboard and was glad to find a can of mushroom. From the vegetable basket, she took some tomatoes onions and bell pepper. She planned to cook an omelet.

She cracked the egg and beat it using a fork adding, adding some salt, pepper and milk in the process. She then proceed to cut the vegetables as she wait for the oil to be heated in the non-stick pan. She made a humming tune as she cook their breakfast. When the oil is heated up with the right temperature, she put the onions first, then the tomatoes, then the bell pepper and the mushrooms. She stirred the vegetables gently and then added the cheese. Then she slowly put on the egg mixture. She stir the omelet and gently roll it to form the omelet. When done, she placed the omelet in a plate and placed it in the dinning table.

Shizuru then went to get some bread and put it in the toaster. After that, she placed a kettle in the stove to heat some water for tea.

Ding. The sound indicated that the toast is finish. However, the bread isn't coming up. She tried to push the buttons but it's not working and the bread seems to be burning. And with another push, she was startled when the bread came flying up.

"Easy tiger." A husky voice said from her back. She also noticed that the figure behind her has manage the caught the bread.

"Ara.. Natsuki… I didn't notice you were back." Shizuru said without turning around. "Sorry about the bread."

"Hmmm… smells good."

"Ara… I wasn't aware that Natsuki also like burnt bread."

In a swift motion, Natsuki manage to turn Shizuru around. "I wasn't talking about the bread… silly… YOU smells good." And for the second time around, their orbs stared deeply with each other, lips inches away. And finally, after a few moment of silence, Natsuki finally sealed the deal.

A/N: And there you have it... the third chapter. *Phew... wipes sweat...* Longest chapter I have ever written. Again I apologized for the mistakes and grammatical errors. But I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Please let me know your thoughts as they give me inspiration for continuing to write.

Chapter 3 Drinks:

1.) Black Russian - Another drink that involves Kahluah and Vodka. In a normal short glass with ice, the Kahluah is poured first then the Vodka forming a two layered drink. Then gently being stirred before drinking.

2.) White Russian - The only difference with Black Russian is this drink is serve with cream on top.

3.) Long Island Iced Tea - This one is really strong and it's actually not made of TEA hence coke. In my personal mixture, my best long island tea is made of the seven major spirits which are Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Scotch, Whisky and Brandy. Just put everything in a shaker together with some ice and Grenadine and shake.

Up next... 'The Speed Demon' - With Shizuru's hand on the line, will Natsuki be able to get through the most important race of her life?