Disclaimer: I do not own Mai HiME/ Mai Otome neither it's characters!! They were owned by Sunrise! XD And also the Songs used below.
THANK YOU READERS!! A VERY BIG THANK YOU!! :3
I hope you enjoy this chap. :P
Chapter 4
'Cold War..and Untimely Confessions...'
I mounted on my bike and checked myself in it's mirror "Why do I have to wear lavender?" I asked myself, I didn't have the time to choose what to wear, I just pulled up my recently used cargo pants, picked up my guitar and stumble along the way. 'I need to prove I really am Dylan..'
Hearing it's roaring engine, I put my helmet on and flipped it's visor, and started driving. City lights were hitting all the streets, I gripped tightly the bars and increased it's speed, 'I hope I could still catch her'.
Just a mile away from the studio I saw Sakomizu on a waiting shed sitting on one of it's post, breathing hard. I stopped on his spot and dismounted on my bike.
"Damn…what's with these bruises? Are you all right?" I examined his body who already got purplish spots on his arms and face, I was going to hold his torso and help him up when he flinched because of pain. "Na-Na…He…Help me..Nat-Natsuki, he's going after you…ack!" he then, started to cough a small amount of blood and continued "Reito has you… on purpose…don't.." he fell backwards, but as fast as a bullet luckily I caught him up. 'Almighty God, why did you gave him such size?!'
I put his one arm at the back of my neck, while one of my hands guiding his waist, I carried him on my ducati and helped him ride on it. Carefully, I mounted on my bike with him infront of me, his afro hair was distracting my line of sight, but thank goodness, I revved the engine then started driving on to the nearest hospital I know.
Stopping right in front of the door, medics ran into us for help, Sakomizu was carried by an emergency hospital bed, I trailed the nurses behind until I was stopped by them, I don't know what to do next, so I sat on the bench nearby the counter and waited for the doctors to come.
"Reito has you…on purpose…don't.."
"What could he actually mean? Has me on purpose?" I mumbled to myself. 'What's going on?'
I started arranging my files and pack up, it was already evening and I feel so tired. But the thought of seeing my composer alerted my veins and start thinking. 'When would that be?'
As I was having my trail of thoughts, I hear some footsteps coming closer to me, I look at my back and saw Reito again.
He placed his arms on the table between my waists, and leaned slowly, "Did you enjoy my performance?"
I quickly slipped out of his dominance gracefully and answered. "Ofcourse…you're good."
"Good? Not great?" he replied. I smiled at him and picked up my things, then I started to walk away.
"It's good."
I hear cracking of knuckles before he talked. "Your concert will be next week…"
I turned again to face him. "Ara, I see, we'll talk about that tomorrow, have a wonderful night Reito.." then and there I left for home.
"That was close…" I said to myself.
On my way home, cars started to have such distracting traffic. As I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, I decided to make a short cut against this traffic. 'I'll go inside the hospital's road to reach the other end of it' I smirked as I get on with my plan. I changed my directions and carefully looked for another way around, as I have thought, the hospital's main road inside is not occupied and I would be able to bypass the traffic and make my way on home.
I steered the wheel to the left and went inside the hospital's gate, on my way to the other end a ducati near the hospital's doors was parked.
A ducati...a dark blue ducati...
"Natsuki..." I said to myself. I had the urge to park and go inside the hospital, but on the other side... "Maybe It was owned by someone else..." I shook my head and proceeded to my driving. 'I'm just fooling myself...'
It was already 9:30 when I got back home, I wasted no time to take a shower and relieve myself on today's happenings. "Why is that...I was loving someone who was not there to love me back?"
That one-sided love...
I should be hating her...
I should be hating Natsuki...
but...
'Why does my feelings can't hate her even If I force myself?'
I tapped my foot continuously as I anxiously wait for the nurse's report. 'why is this taking so long?'. I decided to stand up and fix myself, glancing on my wrist watch, it indicated 8:40 pm. 'For sure Shizuru had left for home...' I mentally thought.
A group of nurses came to me and bowed their head which I gave back in return, with that, a nurse on the middle started our conversation.
"Good Evening miss, may I ask what is your relationship the patient with an afro hair?". I scratched the back of my head and answered, "I am his...his friend, ma'am, could I ask what was his status this time?"
"The purplish spots and other points indicates he had suffered from major beating...a strong impact to his ribs had caused them to be cracked.. We advice him to stay, since staying here for a few days of rest is really necessary for close observation. After a week or two, he can go back to his job again."
'who did this to him?!' anger was a little aroused as I hear the nurse's information, but I need to control myself, so I closed my eyes and clenched my fists. "I see... Can I visit him?"
"Ofcourse, we will lead the way." I smiled her back in return, which caused her cheeks to change in tinge of pink.
Sliding the green curtains away, Sakomizu was conscious but still lying on the bed, as if waiting for someone to pay a visit, he tried to rise up when he saw me, but the medical assistants had stopped him, and instead pulled at rolled something under the bed which made the half of it bend upwards, to have a better view to whom was speaking.
"Hey, there, feeling better?" I asked, he nodded as an answer and he continued.. "As I told you last time...Natsuki, Reito-san is just using you..." he murmured.
I twitched a brow at him. "What?" I walked closer to him and gathered a chair, I sat back next to his side and asked again. "What do you mean?"
The nurses bid their goodbyes, before he answered my question, after that, we both paid back attention to the topic we were talking about. "These bruises. They came from Reito.." A tear fell to his eye. "I know I had the percentage of dying at this rate, so I won't hide everything, and I decided to help you along the way..."
"Sakomizu..." I trailed. "Why?"
"Reito-san loves Shizuru-san...and he is using you to impress and court her, just this afternoon, he was serenading her and almost kissed the beauty, I was going to leave but she stopped me and said that there was nothing happening between him and her. What she waited was your envelope.."
'Too much happenings...then and there...' I shook my head and decided to listen to everything before saying something."The bruises...how did you get those from Reito?"
"He had beaten me for interfering his performance on the office meeting table...Please Natsuki, this is the time..."
'I know...'
Morning After...
Not having enough rest, I stood up and took a shower, 'why can't I be the one?'
"You're good..."
"I'm great...not.. not good." I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists as the water pours down to my body. "Next week will be your downfall..I swear.. even if that means to kill you.." I closed my eyes and calmed down. 'No one could ever refuse Reito Kanzaki..'
After a long shower, I dressed up into my office uniform and gathered my things. I arrived at the studio after an hour, stopping at the receptionist, I ordered them not to let any civilian pass inside without any permission.
"Only employees are allowed to enter, understood?" I plastered my dashing smile, which caused the receptionist to blush. "Thank you, dear." then I started to walk to our office, and act like the ordinary times, fix paper works, and organize Shizuru's concert. I called my chosen workers and board members to initiate the planning and the program.
"Uhm, Kanzaki-san, what else you wanted to add?"
"Please Tate, if you don't mind, I wanted to have a special number dedicated for Shizuru.."
"Oh...Are you sure with that?"
"Yes, Don't tell her but..I'm going to propose that day, atleast many fans could witness the happening." I saw him sweatdropped, then he nodded."Alright, since it's all fixed, it's just Shizuru-san we need."
I dismissed the meeting, and went to my table, I looked at the calendar. "8 days to go.." I said to myself.
I arrived late at the studio for the second time, not knowing what to do. 'A facade is always handy, but how long?' passing through the guards, for the first time they stopped me on their check point and asked to have my windows down. "Oh, Shizuru-san I see have a nice day...Boys,Let her pass." I beamed my usual smile at him and asked. "Ara, you're all strict today, why is it?" the guard scratched his neck and answered. "Reito-san ordered this, since civilians from now on cannot pass, except those who had permissions to come in."
"What for?" I replied.
"Gomen~ ne, Shizuru-san. I don't know what to answer for that." an apologetic smile was placed on his face.
"I see.." I waved my hands. "Ookini." Then I came into the building and closed the windows. 'so strict this times Reito..'
I went inside our office and greeted my co-employees as the usual, as if nothing happened yesterday, I placed my bag on my table and sat on my chair. I hummed my latest song while scanning the papers I need to file. "Too much papers for the concert...I hope this will be successful." I said to myself.
"Shizuru-san!" yelled Tate as he came towards me.
"Yuuichi-san is so early this morning." I greeted.
"Haha, well, just want to say, that, Reito-san had formally stopped the making of compositions for you. Since you already had much, he said."
I stood up, and was mentally shocked. "Ara,ara, Yuuichi-san should not joke around like that."
"I am not. Shizuru-san," he rubbed his forehead and placed his other hand at his waist "I defended some things about that, I have noticed you're happy after all, but then, please don't tell him that I told you this." he came close and whispered. " I might get fired if I still continue defending you on this, other than that, he calls your composer a poor musician..Sorry about this..." then he stepped back and went to his former standing position. "I hope you understood Shizuru-san...I'm just trying to help."
These words mentally fueled my arousing anger..although I kept my facade in its perfect place. 'these things were getting on with my nerves...' I pat Tate's shoulder and continued smiling. "You did help, Yuuichi-san..Ookini for your informations, secrets are sealed in here." I answered. "Though to tell you actually, Im quite disappointed about this.."
"So sorry...Shizuru-san." he said again.
"It's alright. Now, you can go back to your works again, Ookini."
"Okay." then he ran back to his own table.
Scanning my eyes around the office, I saw Reito staring at me, from his office, he waved while smiling. I smiled back and waved in return, then I got back to my files. I turned on my iPod and listened to my songs. "So, these songs were final..Dylan.." A heavy sigh came out to me because of frustration.. "I never had a chance to talk with you."
Why is it...
I had always my never-ending walls..
why is it?
"Dammit!! Argh!" I shouted to my limit as I clench my fists and beat the wall, which was rather pointless to do. "How could I reach her when things are going in this way? Reito, why is it??"
'Please Natsuki...this is the time..'
"Geez I know! just wait a minute brain! think of something!" I sat back on the couch and think of some ways to do, I haven't slept since yesterday, and different things were bugging me. I looked at my wrist watch that indicates 12:30 pm. 'you sure are fast..'
I walked towards my cabinet and grabbed clothes, I pulled a black tank top and pants. "tell me.. This will be a success right?" sudden possibilities rushed as I look at my garments.
'She'll hate me for being this I guess?'
'Reito atleast has been there for Shizuru most of the time..'
'He saw her pain...unlike me..'
"I'll make up everything.. EVERYTHING!" emphasizing the last word I said, I rushed into the bathroom and get prepared for my revelation.
'Things aren't good..but I'll do everything to get you back.'
4 hours ago..
I revved my engine as I mounted on my bike, having my guitar at my back, I prepared my materials for my confession, I drift my engine as fast as I can, I twist roads to make shortcuts. After a few turns, I arrived meters away from the studio. "So.. This is it." I said to myself. I dismounted my bike and walked towards the gate, without a flash I was blocked by guards on the studio, as if they're going to bite me if I enter. "Err...excuse me?" I talked.
"Civilians aren't allowed miss.." Their chief talked, walking closely towards me. "The boss told us to do so..sorry." then he smiled.
"B-but, can't I talk to Shizuru Fujino?"
"What is your relation with Fujino-san?"
"I-I am her close friend." 'close friend??? Damn mouth..wrong word.'
"Such a story-maker, you're a fan, right? sorry. OFF Limits." the guards started to shoo me off.
"N-no I'm not! I'm telling you the truth, she knows me! just tell her that Natsuki Kuga is here!" i demanded.
"Na-Natsuki K-Kuga??"
"YES! Tell her NOW!"
"Stop Kidding alright?" the bouncers from the entrance gates came forward to forcefully drag me off, but I stopped them by waving one hand.
"Wait a sec. mister guards!!" and so they stopped, I continued.
"Just ask her to come down, even though she's not going to go outside that gate, call her atleast.. please?"
Looking convinced, the chief ordered to lower down the arms of the bouncers and asked someone to call the attention of Shizuru.
"Alright young lady.. If you are to break your own rule. Your bones will be the payment. Agree?"
"Oh..agree. just let me do this also." I stood up infront of the gates and turn on my amplifier, tune in my guitar and turn on my lapel microphone.
"ERM...*cough* Excuse me guys. Excuse me, those who were having ther free time, not doing anything, come here for a minute!" people swarmed infront of the gates as I announce such thing, looking at my so called 'audiences' I continued. "I was just wondering if you could just cheer me as I perform for a certain someone? well..I am to sing a song I made especially for that person. could you..please?"
"Who are you anyways???" a man from the crowd asked.
"I'm often called as Dylan. So call me that. Telling my real name will ruin all. do you always listen to the radio?" I asked them back, which they answered as nod. "Well, I am Dylan, the popstar's secret composer."
all were speechless. not moving. not even breathing. as if they were looking for a proof.
"You are Dylan??? such a cute composer!!! *squeals " as a random girl say her words, the crowd came after, now squealing. 'I never thought they'll just do that, without a second thought??? no wonder why..' I said to myself..
The crowd stopped as they heard the main doors at the studio open. Revealing a certain brunette. the woman I had always hid for, the one I had always loved. 'Shizuru..'
I stopped dead on my track as my eyes reached a figure of a certain person. 'Midnight hair.. rebel look.. and emerald eyes, Natsuki?' "Ara..Nat-Natsuki?"
The cheering of crowds grew louder as she started to strum the guitar precisely, without breaking an eye contact with me. The guards started to guard the studio and the chief was somewhat stunned to what she was doing.. "Is this for real?" I asked to no one. walking closer...stepping down the stairs, stopping at the mid-way where I could actually see Natsuki. "W-why? why?" I asked again.
She beamed a smile and talked. "I was wondering If I could just have a talk with you, do you like the compositions?"
"The...compo..sitions?" I trailed..' is Dylan?"
"yes. Sorry for lying.."
We were separated by a big steel gate..yet the feeling she's giving..this feeling, is much more stronger than the combination of metals and any other shields.
"Nat...Natsuki!" I shouted through my limits.
"Shizuru..Listen.." She answered, wearing her genuine smile, she decided to start her song.
A strangled smile fell from your face
It kills me that I hurt you this way
The worst part is that I didn't even know
Now there's a million reasons for you to go
But if you can find a reason to stay
She stepped closer to the steel gate, making her just few inches apart from the metal. I didn't bother what the crowd was doing. I was in daze, of her words.. of her voice.
I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes
"Ara..you're making me speechless Natsuki~.." Unknown tears started to roll down on my face, I'm crying, why? I started to sob a few times, trying to recover as soon as possible.
She said "If we're gonna make this work
You gotta let me inside even though it hurts
Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see"
She said "Like it or not it's the way it's gotta be
You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me"
I stepped closer to the gates that separates us, the guards were to stop me, but I know they won't, especially this time.. 'I can't recover..why is that?' She strummed stronger again..
I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
And give me a breakI'll keep us together,
I know you deserve much better
But remember the time I told you the way that I felt
That I'd be lost without you and never find myself
Let's hold onto each other above everything else
Start over, start over
My hands gripped on bars as she sang her song..then and there, I started to sing with her, trailing the words and the lyrics I learned in no time..
I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
and believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes
Natsuki removed her lapel and started to talk. "Shizuru, Sorry." she stepped closer to the gates, she was stepping closer to me. "Natsuki..I missed you.." I sobbed, it stopped until her warm hands reached for my face then brushed my tears away. "No more crying, Shizuru, please.."
I nodded as an answer.. without a second thought she held my hand gently as if it's fragile. "Ara, Natsuki, hold my hands tighter.. you're holding it as if you could disappear in no time.." I stated.
"I could disappear anytime.." she replied. "But not, as long as I haven't told you everything.." she gripped my hands tighter. but still gentle.
"What do you mean? I miss you so much Natsuki."
"And so do I.. I just.. just wanted to say..I have-" she was about to say something when the entrance doors open, revealing Reito, who was walking in a gentle man manner. 'Not now.. Reito.. why now??' "Ara..are we spoiled?".
"Indeed Shizuru, dear."
"Damn you then, Kanzaki."
*Toink!
Sorry for that.. err, A little cliff hanger to for you.
I hope you loved this chap.
BTW.. There was some kind of error in here, that's why I updated so late.
I hate you smartbro.
FORGIVE ME! .
I didn't meant to update this LATE!! sorry! sorry!
For questions, just post it in, I'll answer you via message. Or, just wait for the next update..I'll have free time for 3 days. Yay!
For the song used in this chap:
Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse
Thank you very much!!!
Thank you!!
*Until the next chap guys. =3