Chapter 7
Italics – Thoughts
A/N:
Dear reviewers,
LorenRex,
Guest (Whoever you are)
ladye36a,
CXZ,
sammykhann
dancingfirestar
xx Catty xx
Thanks for your encouraging reviews on the last chapter. Despite the current lack of interest with this storyline, I've decided to continue with this fic, so here's Chapter 7 for the 7 reviewers! Lucky 7 :p
XXX
Previously on YTT:
Natsuki slipped the phone into her pockets, as she picked up the whistling kettle. Wasn't Shizuru a lawyer? How could she get entangled with people like this? Natsuki shrugged to herself. Whatever it was, she didn't feel assured it Shizuru were to head back to her apartment anytime soon. She would have to speak to Shizuru.
XXX
As soon as Shizuru stepped out of the shower, she inhaled the familiar, calming scent of green tea.
"Hey Shizuru, you done?" Natsuki's voice echoed from the kitchen. "C'mere, I'm in the kitchen."
Shizuru's eyes fell to the countertop where two cups sat, the fumes wafting from the hot beverage. It felt like six years ago. Her lips turned up slightly despite the situation. She took a seat, giving the dark-haired girl in front of her a grateful look as she took a whiff. The scent comforted her and she raised the mug to take a sip. She could feel Natsuki's eyes following her every move, as if she had something to say, but was just waiting for the right time. "Something you want to tell me, Natsuki?" she prompted.
Natsuki cleared her throat before speaking, "Yeah, about that. I think it's best if you stay with me for the time being."
Shizuru didn't reply, but her eyes continued to study the girl before her.
"I'd feel better. You know, if you were here."
"Ookini, Natsuki for your offer, but I think that-". It was safer to have someone around, but she really didn't want to implicate Natsuki if anything were really to happen.
Natsuki cut her off almost immediately, "Please?"
Shizuru blinked at the earnest plea in her voice. She surrendered almost immediately. "Ookini, Natsuki."
Natsuki nodded, "Great. You can take the bed; I have a pull out bed in the study." She noticed that Shizuru's mouth had opened to retort, so she quickly added, "I usually spend my nights in the study anyway. I'm used to it, so don't worry."
XXX
Natsuki's POV
The next morning
I felt someone shake me gently on my shoulder. I groaned slightly, squinting at the sunlight that filtered through the blinds.
Shit. Why was I still asleep? It was a rule that I had made, to always leave before dawn. It reduced complications and all the attachments of the previous night. As my vision cleared, I came to the familiar surroundings of my own study. Right. I guess the exhaustion must have gotten to me. I wasn't in a hotel room with a random woman. I was at home, with the ex-kaichou of Fuuka Academy. I craned my neck, stretching out the knots, letting out a sigh of contentment at the loud crack.
"Natsuki?"
"Yeah. I'm up." The events of the night hit me like a train. Shizuru had to give the authorities an official statement. We spent the night speaking to two officers who arrived at my apartment. The cops had cordoned her apartment off as a crime scene and to do the necessary clean up. The case was to be classified as vandalism; I guess Yamada was right about the authorities brushing it off. I was glad he managed to swipe important pieces of evidences for our own benefit.
"I made breakfast," Shizuru added.
I nodded, "Alright let me wash up." She smiled, but I knew it was a façade. She was still recovering from the shock, but she didn't want me to worry; but worry I did.
After a quick shower, I was greeted at the table with the most awesome breakfast that I had in years. I was usually content with just grabbing a slice of bread or chugging down milk from the carton before I took off to the office. You know, after my alcoholic stupors or exhausting late nights. My stomach rumbled loudly at the sight of food.
Shizuru's burgundy eyes lit up in amusement and I started wolfing down my food. "What?" I grumbled in between mouthfuls.
"Nothing. It's just that you look like you haven't eaten in three days."
I shrugged, "By the way, I might be going down to the café after work. Would you want to come?"
"Ara, I would love to, but I have an engagement with Reito-san today."
"Reito? Kanzaki? As in, tea addict number two? He's back?"
"Yes, Reito-san actually works with me. We're on the case together. The preliminary trial would be held soon, so we have to prepare the final set of documents before we head to court."
"Ah. I see." I wondered if it would be a good idea to invite Kanzaki to my apartment. It wasn't exactly a good idea to let Shizuru be prancing around the streets; not especially at a time like this. However, I had all my important information stored at home; and how much did I know of Kanzaki anyway? "Where are you meeting him?"
"We were going to an old diner near Fuuka Academy. One which we used to head to after Student Council meetings."
I raised a brow, "Is that one of the reasons why you were so busy?"
She chuckled, "Is Natsuki jealous of Reito-san taking up my time? If she is, she should vocalize her thoughts."
"What? No! Don't be absurd!" I growled. "I just wanted to drop you off before I head to work, it's safer."
Her expression remained as serene as ever, but I could feel her uncertainty, "Ara, ookini Natsuki, for your concern, but I can make my way there. I will take a cab home to pick up my car first."
I frowned. Shizuru's car was still parked at her apartment but I found it unnecessarily risky that she return to that place for the time being. "Take my car. I'll be riding today. I'll head down with Nao to pick up your car."
There was something that crossed her features, but it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. She nodded, "Alright, Natsuki. Ookini."
I stood up, tossing the dishes into the sink, "Keys are in the bowl there. Let me grab my bag and we can head down to the garage together."
She smirked, "Ara, Natsuki should have worn a tie."
"Why?" I asked, scrunching my nose. "I don't like to tie them."
"So I can help her adjust it every morning, like husband and wife." She replied gleefully.
I smacked my forehead, half in amusement and half in exasperation. "Jeez, Shizuru. You never change. Come on; let's go before we're late." She nodded and I trailed behind her, locking the door. I sighed as I glanced at her back. If I was right, she'd never change. She'd probably smile her way through everything even if it worried her. This time, however, I'd be right here beside.
XXX
"Mornin' boss!" My ever happy assistant, Alee greeted me as I stepped into the office.
I pulled my lips down, "Told you not to call me that."
She grinned, bouncing away to retrieve her documents as I threw on a lab coat.
"How is the status of the project? Did you manage to get Danny's input for the final phase?" I called out to the bobbing mop of hair.
"Right!" She spun around, so quickly I was amazed her eyeballs didn't roll out of their sockets. "We already did a first test. So far, the speed of refinement of petroleum seems to have increased by 2% across the board. We should be able to present our findings to the board by next week."
"You said we. Who is this we that you are speaking of?"
"You and me, of course!"
I groaned, running my fingers through my hair in frustration. "Could you get Danny to do it?"
Alee shook her head vigorously, "Danny thinks you should be the one to do it. After all, you're the one that came up with this. Besides, no one in the team wants to steal credit that is due to you."
"I'm quite content with someone else 'stealing the credit', really."
"I don't think the Board will be happy with that. I mean, all the important people are gonna be there, we can't just get any random scientist to present this! We need to plan out the roll out once it's approved, and you know it will be."
I muttered under my breath, "Yeah obviously, more oil, more money. Who wouldn't approve a wide scale implementation?"
"Wellllll, you do get to enjoy a lot of the benefits," Alee threw me a confident smirk. She started counting off her fingers, "Penthouses, cars, money, awesome assistant…"
I snorted loudly and she threw me an evil glare. I shooed her away, "Fine. I get the picture. Let me give it a final look in peace now, would you?"
I wouldn't exactly say that I loved this job, but it paid extremely well. So well, in fact, that it almost paid for an entire secret laboratory in my city center penthouse. I needed the equipment to further my research on the nanomachines that Mom had left behind and the trust fund wasn't going to last me that much longer as I had busted it on investments in other companies and stock. I was approached by a few well-known companies straight after graduation. They offered me a high post, with salaries hard to beat. I finally decided to settle for this company, as they promised to construct a lab here in Fuuka, instead of getting me to migrate overseas.
I slapped my forehead; speaking about entire secret laboratories – I had to give Yamada a call. Yamada had been the most reliable information source, way back since Carnival. He continued to source for the necessary equipment I needed, no questions asked. We had a good working relationship, him and me; but right now I needed something else from him other than equipment. I needed information again.
I absently glanced through the sketches of the newly proposed machinery, scribbling notes on the side ever so often, cradling my cellphone with my shoulder.
"Yamada. It's me. I'm clearing up some work. I can do it in two hours, same place."
"Uh huh. Fine with me. See you there."
XXX
Reito's POV
I noticed a sporty coupe pulling up to the parking lot, raising a brow at the deep hum of the engine that reverberated even through the windows. I had a fair knowledge about cars and I could tell that even at stock, this would be a monster to contend with, especially after those modifications.
Imagine my surprise when the heavy doors opened and a long, smooth leg in red heels stretched out. I swore I could hear the men in the next booth drooling, I didn't even need to turn my head to look at them. However, when the owner of the red heels emerged from the vehicle, my eyes widened in disbelief.
"Shizuru?" I echoed as she stepped through the diner's doors.
She gave me a cheery smile when she spotted me, her hand raised to give me a quick wave, "Ara, Reito-san. Kannin na to have kept you waiting."
"Have you been shopping for new cars, Shizuru-san? I never took you as a car enthusiast."
She shook her head, scooting beside me in the booth, "Ara, you're mistaken, Reito-san. That's Natsuki's car."
"Oh? Is yours at the workshop?" I asked, beckoning for a wait staff.
She hummed as she glanced through the menu, "Hot tea please."
"Same for me, plus jam on toast too."
"It's just been a long night, nothing to worry about, Reito-san." She quickly opened her folder, "So, let's go through the case facts first, alright?"
I nodded. It was pointless to pursue this when she was like this, even if I knew she was hiding something. I opened my briefcase and started to sift through the stack of papers. Time sped by and before I knew it, the next time I glanced at the clock, it was almost 3PM. I stretched my hands over my head and Shizuru peered up at me through her reading glasses, "Tired already, Reito-san?"
"Gomen, Shizuru-san. I was just thinking of my schedule after this. I have somewhere to be and it would take a longer time to get around on the subway."
She gave me an inquisitive look, "You didn't drive today, Reito-san?"
"Nah, my car got broken into last night. The whole vehicle was in a deplorable condition," I sighed, "I doubt I'll be driving again anytime soon. Guess we both had a long night, huh?"
Her usual neutral expression still on her face, she nodded, "Hai, Reito-san. A long night indeed." Her body suddenly shifted as she faced me, "Reito-san. Was there anything strange about your car break in last night?"
I looked at her quizzically.
"Was your car the only one parked around that area? What about other cars?"
"It didn't really cross my mind at that time, but," I rubbed my chin, "Now that you mention it, there were other cars in the parking lot. It seems kind of strange that my car was the only one totaled."
There was something that flashed across those ruby irises – just for a split second, nothing more – she was always the mystery. "Maybe you have angered someone, Reito-san?"
I widened my eyes in mock disbelief, "Me, Shizuru-san? I am a very affable man and with my winning smile, how could I possibly have angered someone?"
She laughed, a light tinkle, "Kannin na for that mistake, Reito-san. How could I forget that you are the poster child for toothpaste?" She tapped her chin with her index finger, "We're almost done anyway. We can finish this up another day; let me give you a ride."
XXX
Natsuki flipped through the photographs that Yamada had handed to her, shaking her head at the savageness of the attack. Yamada had tested the blood, which came up as animal's blood. Whoever perpetrated the attack must have carved out a whole animal, including the blending of the innards to splatter all around the apartment. She flipped over to the next photograph, a blood written scrawl that read, "Stay Away". At the tip of the paper, was an insignia of an orange scorpion.
XXX
Flashback
Yamada had frowned when he pointed to the brightly colored arthropod, "I don't know what your girl has gotten herself messed up with, but I know the head of this clan. They might be small, but their lethality lies in the fact that their boss is basically insane. No holds barred to get whatever he wants, even at the sacrifice of his own family and clan."
I crossed my hands, "Yeah, but Shizuru is a lawyer. She comes from a proper family and I honestly can't fathom any relationship between her world and theirs."
"Lawyer, you say?" Yamada pushed up his framed spectacles, "Well, that's it then. The scorpions seem to be embroiled in some legal conflict with a shady business owner. Whoever wins gets a hefty side of cash."
Natsuki raised her hand, "Wait, so Shizuru's their laywer? No, it can't be. She wouldn't get caught up with matters like this."
"Well, with the warning that was sent to her, I'm certain that she's not on their side."
"That means she's representing that 'shady business owner'?"
"By the looks of it, I would say so. Natsuki, I think you should clear this up with her. Trifling with a clan like this only brings trouble, even if she's just doing her job. Like I said, their bite lies in their lunacy. I don't know what else they might pull."
The dark-haired woman nodded, "Got it. By the way, thanks, Yamada."
The bespectacled older man pulled up his lips into a lopsided smirk, "Anything for my best customer. Hope the last batch of equipment met your expectations?"
Natsuki chuckled, "There's a reason why I'm still coming back to you. Reliable and.."
"And no questions asked."
"That's how I like it. Gather what you can on the clan, we'll meet again," Natsuki nodded as she stood up to take her leave, leaving the man to indulge in his liquor.
Outside the bar, Natsuki gave Mai a call.
End Flashback
XXX
Natsuki tossed the photographs on the table, releasing an exasperated sigh. Her mind unconsciously wandered to the brunette with eyes as red as rubies and she slapped herself on the forehead. God, they barely went out once after six long years and she still couldn't stop fretting about the woman. Natsuki hoped that Shizuru wasn't tangled up in this messy slew of events. Yamada's intel was rarely wrong.
She pulled open a drawer and picked out a vacuum tube plus some alcohol swabs. She reached over, grabbing a strap and tied it to her upper left arm as a makeshift tourniquet. Flexing her arm and hitting the slightly visible vein, she inserted the needle in and extracted a sample of her own blood. She swiveled around on the chair, placing a drop of the sample on the glass slide of the microscope. She accidentally rattled the rack slightly as she picked up another test tube, releasing its invisible contents onto the same slide.
"Right," she murmured as she got up to peer through the lens. The blood cells and the nanomachines remained dormant – no signs of bonding. She picked up the nearby microphone and began to speak into it, "Alright, test number … 562. Nanomachine version 1.5.7. Changes made to the structure of the bonding. Beginning activation of nanomachines… now."
As she spoke, she entered a series of codes into the computer and the screen flickered, before a bar appeared, showing the system boot up. The computer beeped and Natsuki raised her brow, striding back to the microscope to take a look. The blood cells and nanomachines looked like they were integrating with one another and Natuski almost let out a yelp of excitement. However, the bonded cells started to vibrate erratically and it wasn't long before they were purged from each other again.
"Crap," she cursed, fiddling with the microphone. "Test 562, failure. Blood cells and nanomachines seemed able to bond; new structure seems viable. However, abnormality in reaction thereafter suggests instability." She wondered out loud "How else to improve that?"
The phone vibrations cut off her train of thought.
"Nat-su-ki!" the accented voice took on a playful tone over the speakers, "I'm done with my meeting with Reito-san. Do we have any plans for tonight?"
"Jeez, Shizuru. I told you I don't like my name to be called like that."
"Whenever did Natsuki tell me that?"
"Back in school, Shizuru. I'm sure you remember."
Shizuru hummed, "Nope, I don't. I only remember Natsuki bringing us for bike rides. But I haven't been on one for so long…"
"Oh, you wanna go on a ride?"
"Of course, my Natsuki. I'd love anywhere you'd bring me."
Emerald eyes gleamed at the opportunity that presented itself, "Ahh. So you're done with work? Are you coming home soon?"
"Yes, we managed to finish up most of it. I should be back within twenty minutes. Natsuki sounds like she has something planned for us tonight. Would it be another curious cuisine this time?"
Natsuki chuckled, "You'll find out when you get home. See you at home, Shizuru."
XXX
"Hey Shizuru," Natsuki greeted as she heard the door opening and the clinking of keys.
"Ara, Natsuki, it's almost six, are you hungry yet?" Shizuru replied as she bent over the sofa where the younger woman was slouched on, aimlessly flipping through the channels.
"Nah, I'm good. By the way, since you've met Kanzaki today, would you be free over the next few days?"
Shizuru eyed Natsuki, "Should I prepare myself for another surprise?"
Natsuki wriggled her brows, "That's as good as a yes, coming from you. I packed up some clothes. They are in the car already, let's go."
"Ara?" The next thing she knew, Shizuru found herself being tugged by her hand, out of the door, into the elevator and down to the garage. Shizuru smirked slightly at the contact, allowing herself to be dragged around by her favorite girl. Natsuki ushered her into the car and shut the door. Shizuru turned when she felt a loud thump coming from the boot. Natsuki was cursing, but she stopped when she noticed Shizuru peering at her curiously through the rear windscreen.
"Natsuki? Should I be afraid?" Shizuru asked mischievously when Natsuki clambered in.
"Huh? Why should you be?" Natsuki grunted as she threw a duffel bag she had in hand to the small space behind the seats.
"Are you going to kidnap me and have your way with me? Ikezu!"
"W-what?! Where in the world did you get that idea?! No! Of course, I'm not doing that, don't be ridiculous, Shizuru."
"Is it because I'm not attractive enough for you?"
"No," Natsuki replied warily, trying to ignore the brunette who looked like she was about to cry. "Don't start asking me loaded questions, Shizuru. I know you well enough and it doesn't make it any better that you're a lawyer now."
Shizuru pouted, changing tactics, "So, why did you take this car instead?"
"Ah, I thought we could drive with the top down once we're out of the city. It doesn't really amount to riding a bike, but I needed the boot space."
Shizuru nodded, running her fingers over the stitches of the navy leather seats, "This is a nice color. Did you have it made?"
Natsuki took her eyes off the road for a second to smile excitedly at Shizuru, "Yeah. I had it customized. Ah, we should try out the stereo. I had it upgraded." She turned on the radio and loaded a CD in.
Shizuru hummed along to the beat of the song as they weaved their way through traffic. Natsuki's attention was drawn as she was navigating through the congested roads, toward the next exit. Shizuru innocently asked, "Is Natsuki going brief me on the kidnapping plan?"
Natsuki laughed, maneuvering the car onto the expressway, "Obviously not, Shizuru. I don't kidnap and tell."
"Ara, so you ARE going to kidnap me and have your way with me."
Natsuki stayed silent, realizing her slip of the tongue when she was distracted, "Hey, you cheated!"
"That doesn't excuse the fact, Natsuki. How could you do this to me?"
A sigh was expelled as the car pulled to a halt on the side. She jabbed the button to put the top down in annoyance as the brunette smiled smugly, "You're never going to let me off if I don't give you an answer, right?"
Her reply was just a smile.
"Fine, I just thought that we should leave Fuuka for a while. I haven't taken a break for such a long time and just so happens that you're in Fuuka too. So I booked a short stay in Yokohama. All I need is four days of your time. Well, five, if you include travelling time."
"Ara, Natsuki could have just said so earlier."
"I just wanted it to be a surprise. Something different?"
"Natsuki is special enough," Shizuru giggled.
Natsuki raised her eyebrow at the brunette who was smiling gleefully, but chuckled as well, "Shizuru, I know what you're after. It's gonna take a lot more than that to make me blush now."
"Ara, so Natsuki prefers physical stimulation. I will keep that in mind."
"Shiz- Argh. You. Argh." The girl spluttered.
"Natsuki, do you need some water? You're turning red from choking!" Shizuru laughed heartily. She couldn't remember when she last let out a genuine laugh – was it six years ago? – But it sure felt good.
XXX
Natsuki's POV
Yokohama was almost a six hour drive away from Fuuka and we left around five in the evening. I glanced at the clock on the dashboard, it was almost ten. We should be able to reach Yokohama before midnight.
Our previous conversation had inadvertently veered off to Takeda, the man who could only satisfy his desire with physical contents. I groused softly as I remembered that incident in high school. It was an unpleasant memory, one in which I hoped to forget. I wasn't sure if Shizuru purportedly steered the conversation into that direction, but knowing her, I wasn't too surprised. I guess she wanted to know.
That silly little man had completely ignored my note I sent to him back in high school, which irritated me to the core. Granted, the message was short, but anyone with a sensible mind could understand what the message meant. Instead, he decided to completely misinterpret my intentions and adapt it in some sort to warped Takeda-alternate-universe, that I was only rejecting his advance because I was busy catching up in school. In that universe, he continued his theatrics, so much so that he thought sending me a box of lingerie would be an ideal present on my first day of work. I started fuming when I thought about it. It was a wonder that he managed to get out of the store without dying from blood loss.
Shizuru shifted in her sleep and I turned to look at the sleeping woman beside me, feeling my anger dissipate almost immediately. Takeda could never compare. I could just take one look at her sleeping and I could calm down. It was the same in high school and the same now. Shizuru had been there beside me when I was at my lowest point, after mom died. She had graciously extended her companionship and assistance to me whenever she could. It took the Carnival for me to finally understand that the reason I didn't end up like Nao was because of her. Isnt that right, Shizuru? I brushed a strand of stray hair out of her face.
I smiled as I refocused on the dark, straight road ahead of us that was only illuminated by the headlights. I was glad that we were headed out of Fuuka. With what Yamada had told me, I figured that it would be best if I could keep Shizuru out of Fuuka as long as possible without arousing her suspicion. With this plan, we would arrive back a day just before the preliminary trial, narrowing the time those orange scorpions had to execute another attack on Shizuru. Right now, my plan was just to enjoy the time we had. Mai had been more than happy to learn that I was finally headed off on vacation. She had even helped me to find out about the date of the trial through Reito. I hoped he knew how to ride a bike to cover the deliveries.
Little did I know that Shizuru had already fit the pieces of the puzzle together when she found out Reito's car had been attacked as well.
XXX
A/N 2: Did my first round of spell and grammatical checks, but I wrote this while lying in bed at four in the morning, so there might be some things I missed, apologies in advance for that!
