Disclaimer: GrimGrave does not own the characters in this story; the characters and Hyakko belongs to the creator Haruaki Katō. GrimGrave does not earn money for writing fiction.

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She-Wolf

Chapter 6

Reasons of the Heart

Tatsuki arrived at home as per usual. Toshiko-san had made dinner early on her ward's request, the latter hoping that food would help her take her mind off the recent events, but that seemed impossible; Tatsuki's mind wandered back to the redhead and her words.

Maybe you too feel the connection, and perhaps we can make this work.

I want this to lead to something down the line.

The bluette let out a sigh and, judging by the worried look her housekeeper gave her, it wasn't the first one.

Tatsuki ran a hand through cobalt tresses. What was it with Nene that made her have this effect on the bluette? It was obvious that the class-president did have an effect on her, and she had been right; Tatsuki did feel something for her. After all, Nene was kind, sweet, and caring when she wanted to, and if she was serious about this, then what was stopping them?

The view on homosexuality differed between individuals, but generally it was accepted. Nene's family most likely knew about her sexuality, seeing how outspoken she is, but Tatsuki's family (including herself) had thought she'd meet a boy and maybe even marry a man when she get older. Now she didn't know for sure.

Toshiko was an understanding woman, and with her help, the bluette's parents would, too, even if they wouldn't be around at home to hear about immediately. Torako, Suzu, Ayumi, and the others, however, were a different case. No, they most certainly wouldn't need to know, assuming Tatsuki would even give Nene a chance.

What about the future, the schoolgirl pondered. It was uncertain. Who knew if Nene actually was serious about this, or if she one day found herself some other girl that drives her libido sky-high? If the redhead was indeed 100% invested in trying to make them work, then…

It could work. But if it didn't, then –

Tatsuki shook her head. The possibility of ending up heartbroken because of her foolish choice and losing her first to some pervert was not a pleasant thought.

Granted, there were a lot of risks in giving the class-president a chance, but what of the pros? The bluette's mind kept coming back to how much of a gentlewoman Nene had and could be, as well as kind-hearted and caring. Fact: there was more to Nene Andou than just being a skirt-chasing pervert.

It had already passed the point of no return when Tatsuki admitted to herself that her classmate had a good appeal. She knew how to care for herself, even if it was mainly to help her woo someone.

A plate of food was put before her and snapped her out of her train of thought. The bluette looked up, confused. "Toshiko-san, you didn't need to –"

"I didn't wish to disturb you, my dear," the older woman replied. "You seem to have a lot going on; I thought it would be for the best to let you be."

Tatsuki smiled warmly at her caretaker. "Thank you, Toshiko-san." Honestly, this woman was a godsend. Unlike Nene.

She stabbed a piece of potato with her fork. No, that was an unjust comparison. Toshiko-san was indeed a godsend, but the redhead wasn't the pervert Tatsuki had labelled her as. She was, in fact, a candidate for potential partners, if you were to word it like that.

But before Tatsuki could dwell on this any longer, she burned her tongue with the potato.

x.X.x.X.x

The following day, Tatsuki headed to school. Nene had left her alone yesterday after their one-sided conversation on the roof, but what about today? Would the redhead insist that they ate lunch together today, perhaps?

She shook her head and let out a frustrated sigh. This wasn't good; she could barely manage to get Nene out of her mind as it was, but these uncertain emotions weren't the easiest to understand. She cared about the class-president, certainly, and she did find her physically attractive. But in terms of romance, was there anything there? If so, what would happen in the future? How could she trust that Nene wouldn't leave her for someone else? Then again, that applied to everyone.

The bluette sighed again. She was just repeating herself at this point.

First thing first; find Nene and see what happens. Perhaps meeting her would be of any help –

"Good morning," someone called behind and startled Tatsuki and she spun around. The redhead sheepishly smiled at her. "How are you feeling today?"

The bluette's heart went sporadic for a moment. She hadn't meant to meet Nene this soon!

"I… I'm alright," she managed after calming herself. Her heart fluttered by now. "I just have a lot on my mind right now."

Nene looked hurt at that. "Do you need some more space? I left you alone yesterday because I thought you needed the day to clear your head… Am I bothering you?"

Tatsuki's heart throbbed painfully at that. "No!" she exclaimed. "No, Andou-san, you're not! It's –!" She caught herself just in time, but didn't Nene deserve to hear what was on her mind? She averted her gaze. "…It's quite the contrary, to be honest. I suppose you managed to make me accustomed to your presence, Andou-san."

She was met with silence. The bluette looked up at her now grinning class-president—

"Tat-chan!" Tatsuki was embraced, the scent of fruits and flowers overwhelming her. "You're so cute when you behaving like this, trying to be cold and uncaring, like a tsundere!"

"Don't label me with such terms, thank you," the dark-haired girl stated.

A chuckle. "Right, sorry. It's cute, though, especially when I've already seen your dere-dere side!"

"What did I just tell you?" She was annoyed but, Tatsuki had to admit that it was kind of fun to be teased like this.

"Sorry, sorry…" The redhead released her embrace and held up her hands in a placating manner. "I just wanted to break the ice between us. After last time, I thought it would be for the best if I gave you… well, you know, privacy."

That was thoughtful of her, to be honest. It was this side of Nene that Tatsuki liked – a side she wish she saw more of.

"That's very considerate of you, Andou-san. I appreciate it, and while I would like to test something –spending time with you today, that is – I need to be alone after school. There is a lot on my mind."

The redhead nodded. "I understand. Until then, however, I will be by your side like the gentlewoman I am, ready to assist whenever you need me."

It was perhaps at this moment that the dark-haired girl noticed a major shift in terms of her own behaviour; normally, the idea of the class-president following her around for a whole day would have repulsed and frightened her.

Now, however, she was almost flattered. Besides…

She giggled. "That's nice to know."

Nene Andou, perversion aside, could be a good girlfriend.

x.X.x.X.x

The day progressed as normally as it could, and Tatsuki was surprised by her class-president.

Nene had been on her best behaviour; she didn't make any unnecessary remarks or flirted with her save for once or twice – a caressing touch that lingered a moment longer than intended, a comment about how good-looking she was – while keeping her distance to give Tatsuki ample space both physically and mentally.

At lunch, the class-president had volunteered to eat on the roof with Ushio, which the bluette had reluctantly accepted, and following that, found out that it was not the same as it used to be when she ate with her friends. Something was missing.

When her mind wasn't occupied by thought of Nene, Tatsuki dwelled on other topics; one in particular was that, if she and the redhead were to start a relationship, would it last? Would the bluette's family approve of it? Her parents, realistically, would maybe demand that she married a man and gave birth to an heir of their company?

It wasn't outside the realm of possibilities. Her family was definitely the biggest obstacle should the two of them enter a relationship.

So what could she do?

Sea-coloured pools absentmindedly wandered until a certain redhead came into view. Their eyes met and the class-president beamed, waving at the bluette, and made her way over. She looked happy, genuinely so, and Tatsuki would be lying if she claimed her heart didn't skip a happy little beat as Nene crossed the distance between them.

She couldn't help but to smile in return.

"Hey there." The redhead grinned. "What are you thinking about?"

The dark-haired girl shrugged her shoulders. "Nothing."

"Liar. Since when do you just smile like this for no reason?"

"I have my reasons," Tatsuki replied. "Maybe one day, I will tell you – perhaps over a cup of coffee."

Nene beamed. "I'll hold you to it!"

Seeing the class-president happy like this kind of warmed the bluette's heart. Then again, seeing the one you care about happy would make anyone happy as well.

x.X.x.X.x

The week went by. Nene had been very understanding and given Tatsuki ample (and much-appreciated) space as the bluette mulled things over while still enjoying her time with the redhead. The class-president had bene like an entirely different person, and it hadn't gone unnoticed.

"Hey, Tat-chan, what's going on with Class-Rep? She's been kind of…you know, ´normal´!"

"Ever since Monday, she has been weird! Did you do something? For the record, what's been going on with you?"

"Did something happen between you two, Iizuka-san?"

There was no way she could answer any of that. It was bad enough that she didn't know the answer herself, and saying something she could regret would only start a wildfire of rumours amongst the student-body.

Tatsuki glanced over at her alarm-clock. It was 00:56, Friday. She couldn't sleep. This whole week had been fruitless for the most part and it was beginning to annoy the girl to the point that she feared she'd get a migraine.

She just couldn't come to a conclusion about this.

The seed of doubt cornered her every time; was her feelings for Nene romantic in nature? Could she trust the other girl? Would her family and friends approve? Was she even sexually interested in girls?

By now, Tatsuki had tossed and turned for another ten minutes before she threw off the covers, grabbed her robe, and headed to the kitchen. Some warm milk or a glass of water could perhaps help her.

As she made her way down the stairs through the quiet darkness, the bluette ran though her mental list, like many times before; Nene's good sides were that she was kind, caring, and a good friend once you got to know her. Perhaps it was because she wished to impress the bluette, but she would do anything without question.

Her bad sides? She was a pervert with a track record of flirting and groping other girls. Anyone would be jealous if their loved one did that, however, the redhead had not done any of that since she became more serious about the two of them possibly becoming an item.

That was something, right?

There was the sound of something shuffling and before Tatsuki could register what was happening, she bumped into something and yelped.

"Y-Young lady! You g-gave me quite a fright!"

"Toshiko-san?" She calmed herself down. "I'm so sorry! I thought you were asleep!"

The older woman chuckled and calmed down. "I could say the same to you, milady. I was just about to head back to bed, myself." She paused for a moment. "Is something on your mind, milady? You have been distant lately."

The dark-haired girl sighed. She truly had been.

"Milady? Is everything alright?"

A shoulder to lean onto, Tatsuki realized. Toshiko-san, of all people, deserved to know.

"Toshiko-san," she began. "You can sleep in tomorrow. Whatever duties you have scheduled tomorrow, they can wait. I'll fix breakfast on my own, so…Could I confide in you for a while?"

It was silent. Then a shuffle, and suddenly the lamp above the kitchen counter lit up, stinging the girl's eyes a little. When she had adapted to the light, the smiling housemaid saw sitting by the table, beckoning her over.

"I will stay up all night if I need to, my dear."

x.X.x.X.x

"It's about my class-president," the bluette started, holding a mug with warm milk.

"You're referring to young Miss Andou-chan?"

A nod. She sipped on her milk.

"Well, she appears to have had a positive influence on you, from what I've seen, milady."

"…About that," Tatsuki said, expression somber. "She's the reason for my recent behaviour." She turned to the older woman. "Andou-san likes me, Toshiko-san."

The housemaid didn't reply, but her surprise was visible in her eyes. She cleared her throat. "I see. But surely you can still be friends, milady? Our country doesn't discriminate, and I know you're not the kind of person who would discriminate—"

"I think I might like her, too."

The silence that followed was torturous. The young girl didn't dare to look her maid in the eyes. This was it; she had spilled the beans to her housemaid, and now awaited judgement.

"If it's Andou-chan, then it should be alright."

Ocean-coloured eyes snapped wide open and focused on the older woman. She was smiling, as gentle and sincere as ever, and the girl's heart felt like it would burst.

Toshiko chuckled. "Ever since you transferred schools, you have been isolating yourself, milady. Your grades are extraordinary, but I always thought it was a shame that you remained alone. You hardly spoke a word about your classmates, besides how you thought of them as annoying."

Another chuckle. "I remember that you told me about someone who was apparently a skirt-chaser. Was that Andou-chan, by any chance?"

Tatsuki nodded.

"Andou-chan is like a young boy, I feel," she continued. "They usually bully the girl they like because they don't know any other way to convey their feelings. But I must say, milady, that ever since she first visited you, you have been more…How should I put it…You've been happier, I feel, despite how you've felt."

"Toshiko-san…" the girl said, at a loss for words.

"Andou-chan seems to care about you, milady. The more I think about it, the more confidently I can tell you this; you two fit together. You complement each other. You're yin and yang; completing one another, and changing each other for the better. And that, my dear, is the most beautiful thing in the world."

A quiet gasp escaped the bluette. Warmth spread across her cheeks and she looked down into her mug, heart sporadic.

"…We complement each other, huh?"

"Yes, milady. You're level-headed and often serious, while Andou-chan is high-spirited and perhaps, a tad bit easy-going. I'm certain she is just as affected by you as you are of her."

Tatsuki merely nodded. "…You mentioned that she was like a boy who would bully the girl he likes, but anyone her age would behave a bit more proper than to chase skirts around. Anyone at her age would know how to convey their feelings."

"So, milady, being her age, how do you plan on conveying yours?"

Like an arrow that hit perfect bulls-eye.

"I…" Her confidence suddenly dropped. "…Her family knows of her sexuality. I… I can't…"

A gentle hand rested on the girl's shoulder. "I would not worry if I were you, my dear. I have worked for your family for many years now, and I know for certain that, as long as you two are serious, your parents will approve."

The housemaid patted her and got up. She walked over to the doorway and smiled.

"If I were you, milady, I would take a deep breath and listen to my heart; it has its reasons to behave the way it does around the girl. Andou-chan has a positive influence on you, and I'm sure your parents would agree. As long as you're both happy, things will work out, but every relationship requires both parties to invest time to make it happen."

She bowed. "I wish you a good night, milady. Please think about this, but don't neglect your sleep."

And as the older female left, Tatsuki's mind reeled. She repeated Toshiko's words like a mantra and mulled things over; her situation, Nene, friends and family, her future, all came together in a mess of a mental rollercoaster.

And then it hit her.

Resolving herself, she went back to bed, ready to tackle tomorrow.

x.X.x.X.x

Friday. Just a few more hours, and the students would rejoice, knowing that they were free from academic studies for at least a few days.

For the time being, they would endure the few minutes that were left before lunchbreak.

"Psst! Hey, Class-Rep!" Torako whispered over to the redhead. Their class had been divided into groups of three for a History assignment, and the blonde, Nene, and Ayumi were now sitting huddled together. "What's going on with Tat-chan? She's been weird all week."

"Iizuka-san did seem a bit happier this morning…" Ayumi added.

The redhead didn't reply. Glancing over, she met the dark-haired girl's eyes for a split-second before the other girl looked away, focused on her assignment with Ushio and Suzu.

"Weird, you say?"

/ "Andou-san," Tatsuki greeted and the redhead spun around. "Good morning."

Nene beamed. "Oh, good morning, Tat-chan! I must say, I'm surprised you sought me out this time around!"

"I needed to see you." Those words made the class-president's heart skip a beat. "I have something to tell you. I don't know when, but…Could I ask you to let me gather courage for a little while longer? I thought about this thoroughly and…" She averted her gaze. "I do not want to mess this up."

Nene's breath hitched in her throat. "O-Of course! Take all the time you need!"

A smile. "Thank you…"/

Her heart raced beneath her breast. "No, I wouldn't know anything about it." She smirked at the blondes. "Maybe she's love-struck."

Her classmates' eyes widened – poor Ayumi looked like she was about to pass out – and Torako appeared to speak her mind when the bell finally rang and all students completely switched off. As lunchboxes were unpacked and students hurried to the cafeteria, a hand gently grabbed the class-president by the shoulder—

"Andou-san." The redhead turned around to meet Tatsuki: she was blushing and nervous, but she looked Nene right in the eyes and spoke loud enough for their friends to hear. "Would you like to eat lunch with me up on the roof?"

The group looked on in disbelief. Nene was the first to recover, however, and immediately grabbed the bluette's hand.

"I would love to, Tat-chan!"

A nod. "V-Very well, then."

They left in a slight hurry – likely due to avoid the stares they (read: Tatsuki) were getting, and the redhead gave her a small squeeze, reassuring her, and it earned the class-president a smile back.

It was sunny outside. The sky was clear and it was quiet around them. They ate their lunches in peace for what felt like an eternity until Nene finally broke the silence.

"If you don't mind me asking, Tat-chan…What brought this on?"

The dark-haired girl swallowed her food. "…I've been thinking lately, Andou-san." She paused. "I've been thinking a lot this week, actually."

Nene arched an eyebrow. "Oh? About what?"

"Lots of things," were the reply. "I'm going to be frank with you; I find myself happy with you, Andou-san." Another pause. "But I'm also concerned."

Taking the silence as a sign to continue, Tatsuki did just so. "I'm afraid that I might do something that I'll regret – something that will leave me heartbroken because trust was misplaced. You're a pervert with a track-record of chasing skirts all around and anyone would normally label such a person as unfaithful and not serious about relationships."

Nene swallowed a lump she hadn't realized she was holding. "Tatsuki…"

"But I've seen past that, Andou-san," Tatsuki interrupted. "Having spent time with you has allowed me to see different sides of you. You're kind, high-spirited, and easy-going, and you…You make me happy. Deep down, you're actually a very caring individual, and I honestly feel that it's a shame you that don't show this a bit more often."

She put her lunchbox away and instinctively, so did the redhead. Tatsuki stood up, her cobalt hair swaying slightly in the breeze.

"It's the opposite of who I am. I'm level-headed, and often serious. I prefer the calmness of things while you're energetic. You're the Yin to my Yang." The bluette spun around, tucking loose locks behind her ear as she stepped over to the now standing redhead. "I can be stubborn, and as you put it, ´tsundere´-like at times, and I might say hurtful things I don't mean. If you're okay with that… then…"

She was blushing a furious shade of red and quickly averted her eyes. Nene watched her with baited breath, her heart hammering away inside her chest like a piston.

"What I'm trying to say is… I l-like you, Andou-san. Please take care of me."

The scent of fruits and flowers filled her nostrils as the class-president embraced her tightly with a soft chuckle. "Don't say things like ´I can be stubborn and tsundere´ like it were character flaws."

Their hearts, Tatsuki noticed, were beating double speed. The redhead pulled away, their eyes meeting.

"I know what kind of person I fell for, Tatsuki."

And with that said, Nene leant in and claimed soft lips. The bluette didn't resist; she allowed herself to be swept away by the other girl's charms, reciprocating the kisses with all her feelings poured into each of them. It was different from when they had kissed before: these were powerful, the meaning behind them so much stronger, dominant, and lovable.

The redhead pulled back, her breath heavy, and she smiled at the other girl as she cupped her cheeks. "I'm in your care as well, Tatsuki."

A smile. "Let's take good care of each other, Nene."

A small grin curved the class-president's lips. "So… Seeing how things are official between us now… Does this mean I get to kiss you every morning?"

The dark-haired teen rolled her eyes and chuckled. "I suppose so, yes."

"And cop a feel whenever an opportunity arises?" Her comment earned her a playful knock on the noggin.

"Must you ruin the moment?"

"Just joking…" Nene replied. "I won't skip a step or two. We'll take things slow. But I will kiss you as often as I can, just so you know."

The bluette couldn't help but reclaim those kissable lips affirmatively.

The end?