A/N:
In light of recent reviews, I have edited the previous chapters with notes on the current timeline. I will refrain from skipping around time, apologies for causing confusion. I did want to try a different way of presenting the plot, but I tend to get carried away when writing and forgot that it might cause readers not to understand the timeline.
I would try to write the story in chronological order now. Thank you for your constructive criticisms, I hope it's more understandable now. I have also cut down the plot that I had originally in Nagasaki, so that it wouldn't create more confusion.
An early release! And, as mentioned earlier, here's some ShizNat. Please read and review if you have the time, so I could improve further and also to find out how readers like the story so far.
Cheers!
Chapter 4
Italics – Thoughts
Autum 1863, Just outside the Osaka Domain. (Same time where Shizuru had spoken to Mai about the trio).
Nao was examining her claws as they brought their horses into a slow trot, at the city gates. There was a line snaking in front of the gates which were heavily guarded. Nao yawned out of sheer boredom. This was going to be a long day. She looked over at Natsuki who was busying herself with patting her beloved Duran's mane. She swore that crazy mutt was in love with Duran. Hell, Natsuki had never shown as much as a flicker of interest in anything; except inanimate objects. Nao raised her fingers up to count.
Let's see, we have her kantanas. That's one. Pistols. That's two. Hmmm. Hairpin, that's three.
"Stop being weird, what are you doing?" Natsuki growled. It was never a good thing when Nao was being weird.
"Oh, Kuga! I was just counting your true loves," Nao grinned.
"What?"
Nao turned to face Natsuki, wide-eyed in shock. "KUGA!" she bellowed, "You have found your one true love! One that lives and breathes!"
Natsuki glared at the redhead, wishing she could kill the girl right now.
"Next!" the guard hollered and the trio moved in front and passed through the gates.
"So, where are we going now?" Mikoto asked as she eyed a nearby store that was selling red bean soup.
"Yamada has arranged a meeting for us. Nao, can you cover it?" Natsuki asked without turning around.
"Of course! Secret meetings are my specialties!" Nao replied and bolted off without waiting for a response.
Natsuki frowned at the disappearing figure, "Come Mikoto, let's get a place to stay. We could get some food, if you want to."
Mikoto lowered her eyes, "I miss Mai's food."
"Ah. I'm sorry," Natsuki apologized, "That Nao and you have to come all the way with me."
"No, Nat-kun! I want to! It's just that Mai's food is different."
"How so, Mikoto?"
Mikoto blinked as her smooth forehead creased, "Mai puts a lot of effort into cooking for us! I can taste it in the food." Mikoto nodded to herself in affirmation, "Yup!"
Natsuki patted the girl's shoulder softly, "Okay, Mikoto, I will try to make this fast, so you can go back to Mai as soon as possible."
Mikoto pounced on the girl happily. This time, though, Natsuki didn't evade the neko's affection, figuring she owed Mikoto that much.
XXX
The meeting location was relatively spartan, tatami mats lined the floor and a large, elongated axe was displayed prominently on a stand by the side of the room. There was a wooden table at the center, complete with cushions and a small tea set. A few guards were stationed by the doorway. Nao whistled loudly at one of them, earning herself a solid glare. The small house was a short distance away from the bustle of Osaka. It was relatively serene, complete with a Japanese garden and a koi pond just outside the main hall.
Taking their seats by a side of the table, Nao drummed her fingers impatiently. The doors slid open suddenly and a redhead burst in, startling the group in front of her. "Mikoto Minagi! Nao Yuuki! Natsuki Kuga!" she yelled, pointing a finger as she called their names. "Yamada said you have business with the Sugiura Clan! But first!"
The redhead grabbed the axe from its stand and swung it, slicing across the opposite side of the table. Nao hopped back, yelping, "What the hell! Kuga! This woman is nuts!" She brandished her claws, poised to attack. Mikoto had sprung up, sword at the ready and was cautiously eying her opponent's next move. She looked at Natsuki, who had landed a few feet away from her. Natsuki was studying the axe-wielding girl, trying to discern what exactly her intentions were. The attack didn't feel threatening; it bordered more on the lines of playful.
Before chaos could ensue, a brunette stepped in and swiftly dragged the redhead down to take a seat.
"Owwww, Yohko, it hurts!"
Yohko ignored her and turned to her guests, "Sorry about Midori. She tends to get quirky with new people. Now, what was it you were here to talk about?"
It turned out that the quirky woman was the head of the Sugiura clan. Deeply unsatisfied with the way the country was being run in recent years; the increasing inflation and the growing disequilibrium in society led Midori Sugiura to believe that the current Shogunate went against her staunch values of freedom and justice. After hearing Natsuki's tale, Midori slammed her hand angrily against the table, "This is exactly why! It's ridiculous to have such laws to persecute people! It just isn't right!" It took Yohko a good ten minutes and numerous pats on the shoulder to soothe the seething Midori.
Calming down, Midori revealed that she knew of the entity First District, however, it was enshrouded in secrecy and much of what Midori could offer was already known through Yamada.
"However, Kuga-san, my informants in Nagasaki did mention that there have been foreigners sneaking into Japan via Nagasaki. As you know, that port previously allowed foreigners. Perhaps it might lead you to some answers? It would be best to look around for additional sources of information," Midori said as they stepped out of the compound. She waved for the guards to follow Nao and Mikoto to retrieve their steeds.
Midori crossed her arms behind her back, "Kuga-san. I'm sorry for what happened with your family. Do let me know if you require any assistance from Yohko or me. We would certainly be glad to assist."
Natsuki gave her a small smile, "Arigato, Sugiura -san, I-"
She was cut short by a large shuriken flying toward Midori. The speed of the whirring blades were so fast that Natsuki barely had time to react, but instinctively, she shoved the older woman downwards to duck the sneak attack, narrowly missing the blade. Drawing her kantana, she frowned into the darkness, where the blade had made a full round and spun back where it came from.
"Sugiura -san, seems you have been getting better guards?" the voice chortled.
Midori cursed as she picked herself up from the ground.
"Samurai," the figure addressed Natsuki. "I suggest you back away now when you have the chance. We are just after this rebel, Midori Sugiura. We have information that she is working against the Shogunate."
Natsuki snorted in contempt.
The green-haired figure laughed, "Very well, then die, in the name of the Shogun." As soon as the words left her mouth, three more figures leapt from the trees, surrounding her and Midori. Natsuki snarled at the words, pushing Midori against the wall as she fended off attacks.
"Damn it," Midori muttered, pulling out a short dagger from her side, blocking a blow from the spiked gauntlets the assassins were sporting.
Outnumbered four to one, Natsuki pulled out her second kantana to deflect the flurry of fast attacks that were coming in all directions. Getting nowhere on the defensive, she subtly switched the grip on her swords, for the execution of Kari no Okami no mure. It consisted of simultaneous, short, successive strikes that come from all sides in a swift motion, which usually left the receiver crippled. The attack replicated wolves on a hunt, where the primary objective was to weaken its prey for the kill. It was a complex attack to master and takes a toll on her stamina, but with Midori literally a sitting duck there with only a small dagger; she really didn't have a choice. She lowered her body slightly, positioning her blades to her front and pushed herself forward in a flash, making quick work of the goons.
Heaving slightly from the exertion, she wasn't given a chance to rest as the lone figure thrust a large halberd her way. Engaged in an all-out death match, neither relenting in their assault, the clash of steel reverberated through the empty compound, as both parried, countered, attacked and defended. So caught up in the spar that both failed to notice more figures running toward them. It wasn't until, "NAT-KUN!" Mikoto bellowed in the distance, sprinting toward them at breakneck speed, with her large sword dragging against the ground, causing sparks.
The girl smirked, "Sorry, samurai. I'd love to fight you again, but today you're not my target." She immediately released three hidden throwing daggers, sending them hurtling straight at the distracted Midori, who had glanced up at the figures sprinting toward them.
It was as if everything had begun to move in slow motion. Natsuki barely registered Yohko's cry of, "Midori!" before she moved in front of the redhead, who had widened her eyes in shock. The first blade clanged against her kantana, but the remaining two had found its mark.
She let out a short breath as she grimaced in pain, as she watch Yohko's eyes glaze with concern and love as she was racing toward Midori. Hah, better me than her anyway, she thought as she fell to her knees, two daggers embedded in her torso. At least I could spare Yohko the pain of losing someone she loved.
Nao and Mikoto watched in horror as Natsuki collapsed to her knees, gripping onto her kantana which she had stabbed into the ground for support. Nao rushed beside her, trying to prop her up and slapped her on the face, not knowing what to do in a panic. "Fuck, Natsuki. Don't you dare close your damn eyes!"
She got a soft puff of air in response.
Furor had overcome Mikoto and she charged toward the aggressor, dragging her sword and landed blow after blow on the underhanded assassin. The assassin chuckled as she flipped herself away from the attacks, landing on Mikoto's large sword. Using the slight elevation, she catapulted herself up the walls and disappeared into the night.
Mikoto turned back around, letting out a frustrated snarl as she watched the blood pool beneath Natsuki. Yohko had already started to attend to the girl, ripping her sleeves of her kimono off to stop the bleeding. "Midori!" she barked, "Get a room ready. I need hot water and my kit. Hurry!"
Yohko turned to Nao, "Yuuki-san, I need you and Mikoto to carry Kuga-san in. Try not to move around too much because it will aggravate the wound." They nodded. There wasn't anything left to say. Everyone worked like clockwork.
As they heaved their friend's body into the room, Yohko started immediately, extracting the two blades out. Dipping her hands and her equipment in the hot water, she started sewing the gaping wounds close. Mikoto and Nao watched in awe as the doctor didn't pause, despite the pain of the scalding water. Fervently, she began her work through the night.
XXX
Natsuki sat up, clutching her side as a spasm of pain coursed through her gut. She stifled a grunt and glanced down at the bandages, trying to recollect on what landed her in this situation.
She vaguely recalled daggers and a crazy assassin.
Shaking her head to clear her mind, she pushed her uncooperative body up and stumbled to the doors. There were voice coming from the main hall and she made her way toward it.
"Kuga!" she was greeted with a surprised Nao, who was engaged in conversation with Midori and Yohko. Mikoto was sitting cross-legged beside them and her face changed from surprise to ecstasy as she pounced into the arms of her friend.
Natsuki caught her with a wheeze, as she felt the familiar pain escalate into a sharp stab.
"Mikoto-chan!" Yohko scolded the naughty neko, "Kuga-san is still recuperating from the surgery!"
Mikoto turned to Natsuki, her eyes wide with horror, "Nat-kun! I'm sorry!"
"Ah, it's alright, Mikoto," Natsuki forced a small smile for the young friend amidst the pain, "How long have I been out?"
"About a week, those weren't slight wounds, Kuga-san," Yohko replied as Midori stepped up behind her.
"Kuga-san, please accept my humble thanks for your timely rescue," Midori nodded, her face somber, "Please allow Yohko to see to your wounds."
Natsuki arched a brow at the redheaded clan leader as Yohko led her away, "Sugiura -san, I prefer your lively demeanor."
As Yohko led her through the hallways, she suddenly spoke, "Kuga-san, arigato. I'm really indebted to you and it's just our first meeting, but you risked death for Midori. Why is that?"
Natsuki laughed as she recalled holding her mother's lifeless body, the stabbing ache in her heart still present after all this time, "Sensei, I have nothing left to lose; my loved ones are all dead. You love Sugiura -san, don't you; I could see it in your eyes that night. I wouldn't wish for you to go through the pain of holding your loved one, dead in your arms."
Yohko gently lay the girl down on the futon as she unwrapped the bandages to check on the wounds. "The stitches look like they will hold. Let me apply some medicine on it. It will sting a bit," she murmured, as tears slid down her cheek. When she didn't get a response, she looked up and found the younger girl with her eyes closed, her chest rising and falling steadily. Yohko wiped her tears away and bowed, "Arigato, Kuga-kun. Truly."
Autum 1864, At Nagasaki.
They left Osaka for Nagasaki soon after, making a trip all the way down south to Nagasaki, to investigate on the information Midori had provided. The trip there had been a flop, with the growing unrest in the country; the Shogun had been especially stringent on security against foreigners, making it extremely challenging to get in contact with any. Natsuki apologized to Mikoto for the wasted trip which caused a delay in returning to Kyoto and set them home first. Sensing that she wasn't going to get anywhere as well, she decided to head back too. Little did she know that the little encounter with the ruby-eyed lady in the forest outside the city would change her life as she knew it.
XXX
End Flashback from Chapter 1.
1865, At Mai's shop.
A soft jingle of the wind chime snapped Natsuki's thoughts back to the present. She didn't bother looking up at the new arrivals to the shop, contented at remaining in her comfortable position.
"Natsuki! Here-!" Mai called as she plodded out of the kitchen, a bowl in her hands. She stopped short as she recognized the familiar face, "Oh! Shizuru-san! You're back in town!"
"Ara, Mai-han, yes, we've just arrived from Edo today. This is my first stop; I've missed your cooking." Shizuru replied with a light laugh.
"Oh, Shizuru-san, you're always teasing," Mai replied with a small grin of her own. "Ah! I want you to meet Natsuki!"
Natsuki stiffened when she heard her name, crossing her arms as she turned her head the other way in silent protest. She was comfortable where she was and she didn't see a need to meet Mai's random customers.
Shizuru gazed at the familiar figure before her, recognizing the dark blue haori and the straw hat. "Ara, is this the Natsuki that Mai talks about so much? It's so rare to finally see her, but it seems she is content with hiding herself away," Shizuru murmured, setting up the bait.
Natsuki growled, snapping her gaze up toward the source of the voice, once again, startled for the second time today by crimson reds.
Shizuru exhaled sharply, "Ara, ara. It appears I was right, it's you."
"Eh? Natsuki? You know Shizuru-san?" Mai asked.
"No. Met her just outside Kyoto."
"Ara, stranger-han is too modest," Shizuru turned to Mai. "She cut down a man who was about to attack me. But before I could get her name, she disappeared."
Mai laughed as she set Natsuki's bowl down, "Oh it's alright, Shizuru-san. Natsuki's always like that, before you can say something to her, she's running off."
"Hmm. Natsuki. The Natsuki? The one that helped you back at Toyama?" Shizuru questioned, placing a finger on her cheek.
"Hai! Takumi and I are just working here to cover our daily expenses and also to repay a debt. Ah, hang on Shizuru-san. I'll get your usual." Mai jogged off in a hurry.
Shizuru peered at the sullen girl, who had yet to shift from her slouched position. "Ara, does stranger-han not want to introduce herself to me? I would like to know the name of my savior, at least."
A short huff and a pause before a low voice mumbled, "Kuga."
"Ookini for the save, Kuga-han," Shizuru bowed politely with a small smile. "I'm Shizuru. Shizuru Fujino. Considering that you're the owner of my favorite store, I do not mind if you call me Shizuru."
"Uh okay," Natsuki swallowed, not really sure how to respond to the strangely social girl, "Uhm, you're from Kyoto?"
Shizuru nodded, "My extended family is back in Edo. But right now I'm back to finish up some business."
"Ah."
Shizuru gazed at the quiet girl, who had lowered her head again. It was rather endearing to watch. Just a while back, the ferocious fighter had slain her attacker so easily with such skill and precision. Too easily, in fact, and Shizuru wondered what kind of past this young girl carried on her shoulders. However, she stifled a giggle as she watched the girl before her fidget with her kantanas, clearly unsure on how to carry on the conversation. Shizuru decided to help the girl. "Kuga-han, would you let me accompany you to the festivals as gratitude for saving my life?"
Natsuki tilted her head in confusion, "What?"
"Ara, we have many festivals in Kyoto this month. I would be honored if Kuga-han were to agree." Shizuru flashed her sweetest smile.
Natsuki scratched her head absently; she couldn't really recall what festivals there were because they never held any significance for her. She was barely in town for more than a week before she moved off. She studied the elegant woman in front of her, her sharp features accentuated with that charming smile. Natsuki shrugged inwardly, she didn't see any harm with going to a festival. "Okay," she agreed quietly.
XXX
The next day:
The streets of Kyoto were abuzz with life as vendors lined it with little makeshift stores of colorful tents. Rows of elaborate ceramics were set out for display, ranging from small sake cups to large pots. According to Shizuru, it was the Touki-matsuri, a pottery fair held at Kyoto annually. Natsuki had followed Shizuru around in fascination as they wandered the streets.
Shizuru had donned a light pink yukata tonight, choosing to pin her shoulder length hair into a neat bun with a flowered hairpin. In accompaniment, she had accessorized with a small lavender pouch and a matching obi. Natsuki met Shizuru at the restaurant, dressed in her typical clothes, but she chose to do away with the straw hat today, leaving her hair in her usual, casual low ponytail.
Shizuru lifted a small bowl she had purchased earlier, "See here, this one is from the Kiyomizu, a district in Kyoto." She picked up another bowl that was at the store they stopped at. "Can you see the difference?"
Natsuki squinted hard at the bowls in Shizuru's hand, trying her best to discern the differences.
Shizuru giggled and picked up Natsuki's hands, tracing them over the bowls, "See, can you feel it? The clay used are different, you can feel it in the texture. Also the paint used to decorate the ceramic are different," Shizuru said, her eyes gleaming in excitement.
"Ah? Okay," Natsuki nodded as she knitted her brows as she took the bowls from Shizuru, holding them up and tried her hardest to glare the differences out of the bowls. She almost leapt three feet high when Shizuru broke her concentration by suddenly clutching onto her right arm, her breasts pressing against Natsuki.
"You will get wrinkles on your face like that," Shizuru tittered at the girl who had turned a startling shade of red at the sudden contact
"Ah, s-sorry," Natsuki stammered.
"Come, we still have an entire street to go," Shizuru tugged Natsuki lightly. Natsuki didn't bother arguing with the woman, she swallowed hard and gripped her kantanas tightly with her left hand. It was really distracting to have a beautiful woman latched on your arm, much less with her ample bosom pressing against it.
"Kuga-han, I have to go get something for my friends, would you like to rest here for a while?" Shizuru asked as she spotted something she figured Yukino would like.
Natsuki shrugged nonchalantly, "I'll wait here."
As Shizuru disappeared in the crowd, Natsuki found herself a small space by the bustling street and crossed her arms, contented to be away from the crowd for a little while. She glanced around the shops, noticing one that had a small crowd gathered around it. Curiosity piqued, she sauntered toward it and took a quick peek. At the center of the crowd was a man who was painting ceramics. She looked around at his works, pretty impressed. Maybe I could get one for Shizuru, she thought. She seemed really interested in all these little ceramic teacups and this would be something different. "Hey," she called out at artist, who stopped painting, peering up at her.
"Kuga-han!" Shizuru beckoned at the girl leaning against the wall in a small corner.
Natsuki's face lit in recognition at the voice and she spotted Shizuru a short distance away. She gave her a small smile and started toward the woman. Shizuru habitually clutched Natsuki's offered arm, as she produced the wares she had just purchased for Yukino. She paused momentarily by a small store, peering inside quickly before she started to continue walking. The shop was selling Shojin Ryoi, the local specialty of Kyoto that was mostly made out of tofu and vegetables in soup. She figured her swordsman wasn't much of a tofu person, so she decided against walking in, figuring she could have it any other day. To her surprise, she felt a hand pulling her back.
Natsuki mumbled something incoherent.
"Kuga-han?"
"We can eat here," Natsuki repeated, louder this time.
Shizuru blinked in surprise at the attentiveness of her companion, "No, Kuga-san. I'll prefer to follow you. I've promised to accompany you for the day."
"We can eat here," Natsuki repeated, giving Shizuru's hand a short tug.
Shizuru grasped her arm a little tighter, finding a comfortable spot to cuddle against in her sinewy shoulder, "Ookini, Kuga-han."
Ushered to a small table located in the corner, they took their seats. Shizuru ordered herself a set meal, coupled with her favorite green tea. Natsuki had opted for tofu with mentaiko and her usual sake. Natsuki watched as the graceful brunette picked up the teacup, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ears and took a small sip. Shizuru brightened at the taste of her hometown's tea, her lips pulled into an alluring smile. Natsuki felt her lips twitch upwards at the sight – who knew green tea could bring about such a reaction!
"So, Kuga-san, what brings you to Kyoto?"
"Short visit," Natsuki replied simply.
"Ara, visiting Mai-han and Takumi-kun?"
"Yeah.
Shizuru smiled as she peeped at the girl across the table, who was studying the menu intently. Her demeanor had certainly lived up to what Mai described. At first glance, the girl came across as surly and sour. She barely spoke and even when she did, it barely consisted of a sentence. Though Shizuru could tell Natsuki had barely spent any effort in maintaining appearances, the girl was quite an eyeful in itself. Her long cobalt mane was tied in a casual ponytail, almost matching the hue of her outfit, which were mostly navy-colored with a thin strip of grey along the edges. Her katanas were slung neatly at her left hip covered with a dark sheath. Her overall dark outfit contrasted sharply with the pale, almost whitish skin. Shizuru then remembered what drew her breath the first time they had met at the outskirts of Kyoto.
The forest green irisis. Ah, Mai was right. There was something that lurked underneath beneath those sharp colors. Was it malice? Revenge? Contempt? Coldness? Loneliness? Shizuru couldn't figure out what was it that she found so enthralling about the girl. Still holding onto her teacup and lost in her train of thought, Shizuru was slightly startled at the sudden movement across the table. Natsuki pulled out a brown paper package and shoved it across the table. "Here. For you."
Mystified, Shizuru tipped her head to the side, "What's this?"
"Open it," came the usual clipped response.
Shizuru's eyebrows shot up in delight as she lifted the pair of ceramic cups. It was a striking shade of royal blue, accented with patterned horizontal strips of soft white. The base and top were a deep brown, leading to a slow gradient of green within the smooth cup interior. She turned one cup around, smiling at the deft brushstrokes with her name on it. "Ara, Kuga-san, where did you get this? I was with you the entire day and I didn't see you at any shops." Shizuru asked curiously.
"Just, when you went away," Natsuki replied, scratching her head, "You don't like it?"
"Of course I do! I was just puzzled! How did you guess I'd like teacups?"
Natsuki snorted at the question. "Hah, Fujino-san, you were looking at them all day. I would be a baka not to notice."
Shizuru laughed heartily at the direct response, amused at the bluntness. Yes, Shizuru had come to a conclusion that night; Natsuki Kuga was certainly like no other swordsman that she had met. Shizuru had her fair share of meeting other samurais, most of them seeking her hand in marriage. Her skill in wielding the naginata and the fact that she was the daughter of the daimyo just increased the allure of it.The arrogant samurais had marched right in; exhibiting their skill and wealth with such pompousness that Shizuru felt it was utterly revolting. Natsuki was extremely considerate, from the choice of restaurants to the teacup, and she barely knew the girl for less than a day! Shizuru decided that she could do with this refreshing change.
As they strolled back in the cool night breeze, Shizuru gently squeezed the hand before letting it go as they bid farewell outside Mai's. "Ookini, Kuga-san. I hope you enjoyed your day."
"Natsuki, you can call me Natsuki."
Shizuru smiled and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before she turned around to leave.
XXX
A day after the festival:
Mikoto, Nao and Natsuki were lazing by the garden of the little residence they purchased when they first arrived in Kyoto. They had chosen one that wasn't particularly extravagant, but was sizeable enough for all of them to live comfortably. There was a large backyard, enough for Natsuki and Mikoto to practice daily. For Mai and Takumi, it was truly heaven. There was a sprawling kitchen, complete with large charcoal stoves where they would happily spend her nights cooking up a storm.
"Argghh!" Natsuki grit her teeth in frustration as Nao started to badger her again. Nao had made it a personal mission to question the annoyed Natsuki incessantly on where she had been yesterday. She wanted an answer no matter what. Besides, she was bored and this was really entertaining.
They were interrupted when Takumi and Mai walked through the gates, bags of food in hand. Natsuki took the opportunity when Nao was distracted and disappeared from sight. Mikoto eagerly dashed over to help Mai, who smiled gratefully in thanks. Mikoto peered curiously into the bags, "That's a lot of food, Mai!"
"Hai, Mikoto-chan, I invited a guest over tonight."
"Guest?" Mikoto asked, quite surprised. They never had guests over, she wasn't sure if Natsuki would take too kindly to random people walking around their house. "Who is coming?"
"Oh, I invited one of my friends who came back to town recently. Don't worry, Natsuki-kun knows her as well. If you see her, could you let her know Shizuru-san is coming over tonight?"
"Mhhm! Okay!" Mikoto grinned at her beloved chef and skipped off, searching for Natsuki. She didn't manage to, however, as the girl had been trying to avoid Nao couldn't be found.
XXX
A few hours later:
As the sun started to set in the horizon, Natsuki slowly examined her swords. She had decided to hide from the irritating Nao in a small pavilion she had found, hidden from sight, a distance away from their house. The rest of the afternoon had been spent sharpening her blades and she was glad for the time alone. She swung the katanas, cleanly slicing through a tree. Satisfied with the result, she started to pack up and head home for dinner.
She stepped through the gates of their estate and heard Nao's sharp laugh echoing through the gardens. Hoping the girl had forgotten about this afternoon, which she doubted, she prepared herself and slid the doors open.
"Ara? Natsuki-kun?"
Natsuki gaped at the woman seated in front of her. Shizuru was dressed in a light green kimono today and chose to let her hair fall freely instead of a bun she had sported last night. Her eyes danced with delight as her interesting swordsman stepped in through the doors. Nao was lazing on the floor beside her casually.
Nao sat up, sniggering, "Natsuki-kun?! Woah, how come you're on a first name basis? Could it be that you were out with Fujino-san last night?"
"I.." Natsuki spluttered, remembering the peck on her cheek last night.
"Don't worry, Nat-kun, I won't tell anyone your little secret! Just tell me!" Nao cackled evilly, clearly enjoying every minute of tormenting her friend.
"Shizuru-san! Sorry for the wait, Takumi and Mikoto are bringing the food in!" Mai interrupted, as she nudged the doors open, "Ah, Natsuki-kun, arigato," she gave the girl a smile of thanks as Natsuki helped her with the trays she had in hand.
"I'll go help them with the rest," Natsuki mumbled, making another escape.
Nao turned to Shizuru with a broad grin on her face, "You went out with mutt last night? It's so damn obvious, that mutt can't hide anything!" She pulled herself closer, placing both hands in front, "So, where did you go?"
"Ara, Yuuki-san, you should ask Natsuki-kun yourself, yes? It's up to her on what she wishes to share," Shizuru replied in her lilting voice.
Mai was watching the entire scene before her in confusion. Bewildered, she asked, "What are you talking about?"
"That mutt went on a date with Fujino yesterday!"
"What! When?" Mai widened her eyes in shock.
"Shut up, Nao!" Natsuki hissed as she returned with Mikoto and Takumi.
"The more secretive you are the more I'm gonna pry the information out of you! So, what did you do, mutt? Did you hold hands? Did you kiss her?" Nao gasped, "Have you slept with her already?!"
WHACK!
"OWWWW!" Nao yelped, clutching her head as a rice bowl found itself on her forehead. Natsuki gloated, a wicked smirk on her face. "Why you-" Nao seethed as she flexed her fingers, sending her darts flying across. Natsuki had crouched down, blocking the attack with her katana, a triumphant look on her face. They were ready to go at it again when Mai screamed.
"Stop it!" She angrily yanked Nao's ear. Mikoto and Takumi were trying to restrain the struggling Natsuki.
"H-hey! Why are you siding her!" Nao protested.
"Because you started it! Stop goading her!"
Shizuru, who had been sitting by the sidelines, watching in amazement at the enthusiastic group before her, let out a short breath. "Ara, ara."
Everyone in the room spun around.
"Shizuru-san! So sorry for the mess!" Takumi immediately apologized, as he scooped up the spilt rice grains.
Shizuru giggled in response as she got up to assist him with the mess, "Ara, it's quite alright, Takumi-kun. Are dinners here always this interesting?"
"Actually, this is the first time Natsuki-kun has been accused by Nao of kissing anyone. So, rice bowl flinging is actually new. Other times they just bicker. It's their way of showing affection for one another, you know." Takumi answered honestly.
Two pairs of green eyes glared at him and he meekly ducked behind Mai. She cleared her throat before shooting a glare at the two troublemakers as a sign of warning, "Now, let's eat!"