Chapter 7: Warning: A Bit of Angst in this chapter
Thanks for all the positive reviews again (I'm serious…holy shit much? 200 reviews?!) Parent's Day is a week away so I'm going to skip some time eventually, just a warning. Not in this chapter I don't think.
I'd also like to mention I re-watched episode 23…and Shizuru is SO AWESOME (and psychotic). And Natsuki is still freakin' hot, which isn't news. Uhhh but there was a special (extra?) at the end that kinda weirded me out. It was a picture of Midori pulling off Mai's bathing suit…and they were blushing…and it was really really sexual and strange lol. Did anyone else notice this before? MidorixMai? Weird…
And have I ever mentioned I hate Tate? Like, can there possibly be a more boring character?
Clearing something up from the last chapter: No Natsuki has no idea about Parent's Day. She thought she was dreaming when she was with Shizuru walking through the forest so she assumed her dad would make an appearance to turn the dream into a nightmare like he usually does. So no she had no idea…she thought she was dreaming.
Anyways, let's see how Shizuru's new boundary line works out…
Natsuki blinked. Usually she was the only one at the track so early in the morning. Nao had told her not to go…she had just woken up after all. That had of course only made Natsuki want to go running even more. Why is everyone always telling me what I can and cannot do? Kuga do this, Kuga don't do this. Kuga I own you. God people are idiots.
"Oh, you're awake, Kuga. Only took your forever," Nao had said, staring down at a newly awakened Natsuki. Her tone was as usual insulting but the look in her eyes spoke of something else.
Natsuki groaned and sat up, rubbing her head. "What…what the hell?"
"I don't know, they shot me," Nao said with a frown.
"Where's Shizuru?" Natsuki had asked, looking around the room. For some reason she had expected her teacher to be there. What a dumb thought. Why would her teacher be sitting around waiting for her?
Nao's eyebrows furrowed. "You mean Lt. Fujino? How the hell am I supposed to know, Kuga?" She couldn't hide the bit of annoyance in her voice, though Natsuki decided she'd wonder about it later.
Natsuki had blinked then, and then got ready to go for a run, despite the many protests of her roommate.
She only vaguely remembered what had transpired during the little hostage situation. She remembered Colonel Alyssa Searrs. She was impressive, Natsuki liked it. She remembered Shizuru and Anh coming to the rescue…and the trippy dream of Shizuru in a forest afterwards. Natsuki scowled. Every time Natsuki thought of her teacher, an image of Shizuru's crimson eyes meeting her own after kissing Tomoe entered her mind. More like assaulted, tied up, and beat the hell out of her mind. That was so gross. I wonder if Tomoe got in trouble for that…nah I bet Shizuru kept it quiet. She's too nice. That Tomoe has some issues. Well okay I knew that already.
Natsuki was watching the two Lieutenants race around the track. This wasn't jogging this was a full out race. Natsuki flicked her hair back (which was hard considering the white bandage tied around her head like some sort of headband a ninja or martial artist would wear.) It was actually a little embarrassing, but hell, she didn't want her head to bleed out or anything so she'd wear it.
Natsuki fingered the back of the bandage. The back was hidden under her long dark hair, as it was supposed to be tied to her wound anyways. She felt a surge of anger, Tomoe was so dead. It only made Natsuki more determined to kick her ass when the competition came. Natsuki shook these thoughts out of her head and waited for the two teachers by the starting/finish line.
Shizuru, who was only losing by a foot or two, caught sight of her student standing near the finish line. A part of her had hoped she'd be awake. She'd hoped she could see Natsuki healthy again (well, mostly healthy, at least awake.) The other part of Shizuru told her to have a healthy concern, meaning, don't overdo it. She's a student and nothing more. Nevertheless, Shizuru found herself speeding up. She passed Reito and was now running towards her student instead of just the finish line, though Reito nor Natsuki could tell.
Natsuki offered her teacher a small smile as the two lieutenants came to a halt at the finish line and began panting, hands on their knees. Natsuki's emerald eyes easily passed over Reito and landed on Shizuru instead. It was somewhat shocking, seeing Shizuru in such a way. The normally calm, composed, and gracefully beautiful Lieutenant Fujino was sweaty and panting. Her beautiful chestnut hair, which was rather long, hung in front of her tired yet alluring crimson eyes. Shizuru's body was, of course, still perfect, yet the fact that she was bent over trying to catch her breath made her look that much less elegant. Like a whole other person.
And yet…there was still an aura of something warm and powerful about her. She always seemed to know what she was doing, always seemed so stable. It blew Natsuki's mind, considering she was one of the most unstable students at the academy. Shizuru in general was a whole new concept to Natsuki's mind when they first met. She'd never known anyone like Shizuru Fujino. Natsuki's brash, rugged, and defiant nature should clash with that of the controlled and charming Shizuru Fujino. It was odd, but at the same time it was a magnetic type of existence. Strange, and had either known about or recognized it at the time, they would've been completely baffled themselves. It made no sense after all.
Shizuru's eyes looked up from the ground to quickly examine Natsuki's body. For medical reasons of course. Her posture was surprisingly not slouched, in fact she was standing tall and waiting rather patiently for her superiors to catch their breath. The light pink tinge to her cheeks, however, made it clear to Shizuru that she felt more than a little awkward standing there.
"Private Kuga," Shizuru greeted as she got her breathing under control and stood straight. She saluted then asked, "Shouldn't you be in bed?" She took in Natsuki's usual running gear. Shorts and a tank top. Fairly simple yet her beauty was simple. It just was. Shizuru's beauty on the other hand was complex. Not like she had to work at it, it just was. Everything just was the way it was.
Natsuki didn't bother saluting or any of that crap, though she felt a warmth move through her to know someone actually cared enough to ask. She shrugged. "I've been sleeping for god knows how long. I think it's time to be awake…, I need to run after all." Natsuki used to be a rather lazy girl. In some ways she still was. Running had been for fun, a hobby, a sport. Now it called on her in the earliest hours of the day so she can clear her mind. It was like some sort of purifying ritual for her. Sleep was no longer as luxury as it used to be.
"Private Kuga," Reito greeted flatly, finally standing up. He eyed her uneasily then saluted.
Natsuki eyed him back, just as uneasily, and gave a weak salute back. God this guy is such a tool. Why does Shizuru hang out with him anyways? Yet again, Natsuki began to wonder what exactly their relationship was. After all, it wasn't against the rules for teachers to date was it? "Lieutenant Kanzaki…," Natsuki gave a curt nod.
"How are you feeling?" Shizuru asked, now standing straight, her crimson orbs watching her student with a cross between worry and intrigue. She wasn't sure she wanted Natsuki running after having just woken up. She wondered if Nao had been there, actually she was sure Nao had been there. Did she say good morning? Did she ask how you were feeling? Did she try and tell you not to go running? Were you comforted at the sight, glad someone was sitting by your bed waiting for you to wake up?
Natsuki tapped the bandage wrapped around her head. "Never been better," she said flippantly.
Is this girl really so reckless? Shizuru wondered. "I don't suggest you run today. You've just woken up after a serious head injury." In fact you should refrain from doing anything physically challenging today. Or ever. Just drop out of the competition, Natsuki.
Natsuki waved it off. "I have to run. You're welcome to join me…in fact we can race." Natsuki offered her a wry smile, and happily ignored Reito whose expression was anything but content.
Shizuru blinked. She really liked that smile, how cute and mischievous. She ignored the glance she was getting from Reito out of the corner of her eye. Agreeing to this would most likely give Reito a reason to annoy her about it again. Ara but what if… "Hm, why don't you race Reito instead? He's quite good."
Natsuki scoffed and gave Reito a 'yeah right' glance. "I don't race losers," Natsuki said offering him a completely faux-polite smile. "No offense of course."
Shizuru giggled and instantly decided she didn't care about Reito this morning. "I won't race you, but I'll jog alongside you…if that's alright?" Shizuru tilted her head, taking in the bandage wrapped around Natsuki's head. I can't believe she makes a bandage look attractive…though to be fair, I'm sure I'd still find her attractive if all she was wearing was a paper bag.
Natsuki contemplated this for a moment. She was half surprised Reito didn't comment on the 'loser' thing. After all, it had a double meaning. A rather obvious one at that. She nodded after a few moments. "Sure," she answered. She had been meaning to talk to Shizuru anyways.
"I think it's best Lieutenant Fujino and I get back to our work, unfortunately," Reito chimed in.
Shizuru sighed and looked at him with a frown on her face. Reito thought she looked uncharacteristically childish. Like a kid who got their toy taken away.
Natsuki's eyes twinkled with amusement however. "Geez, Lieutenant Fujino, I'm surprised your boyfriend here doesn't want you to have some fun…"
Shizuru found herself blinking in surprise at Natsuki's comment. Boyfriend?
Reito flushed and his eyes widened. Boyfriend?! He wasn't going to correct her of course. "Don't be ridiculous, Private, of course I want Shizuru to have fun," he said hotly.
Shizuru now blinked in surprise at Reito. Why didn't he correct her? And did he just call her by her first name in front of a student? He never did that. Especially not with Natsuki around since he always went out of his way to further prove they were Lieutenants and as such, shouldn't be treated with such informality like calling each other by their first names. Shizuru was too interested by the interactions between her student and colleague to say anything though.
Natsuki wondered in the back of her if that meant they really were dating. He had called her Shizuru and he hadn't denied the boyfriend comment. Of course, that could all just be him wanting her and nothing more. It was almost like this boy she knew back at her old high school. Still, she couldn't be sure. "Then let her run if you care so much about her, Kanzaki," Natsuki replied.
Reito glared. "That's 'Lieutenant Kanzaki' to you, Private!" he yelled. This girl is ridiculously brazen. Who does she think she is?
Natsuki yawned and rolled her eyes, something she found was quite annoying when Nao did it to her after a perfectly well-thought out insult. "Are you done?" She was a little surprised by Reito's complete change of character. He was usually rather polite and weirdly graceful for a guy.
Shizuru decided it was getting out of hand and stepped closer to Natsuki. "Private Kuga you're being rather disrespectful…"
Natsuki shrugged. She had been bashed in over the head by Tomoe. She was allowed to be disrespectful as far as she was concerned. A part of her wondered if her sudden regression back to delinquent Natsuki was because of the head injury or because she just really didn't like Reito. Probably a mixture of both.
Shizuru turned to Reito, who was shooting Natsuki dagger-eyes. "Lieutenant Kanzaki, why don't you go on without me? I'll have a talk with Private Kuga on her rude behavior," Shizuru offered quietly. Her eyes had a strange effect on Reito, as he instantly calmed down and smiled at her.
He gave a brief nod and saluted. "Fine…I shall see you later then, Shizuru?" He offered her a dazzling smile. Natsuki rolled her eyes and looked away.
Shizuru offered a warm smile in response. "Of course," Shizuru said. With that, Reito gave one last glare at Private Kuga and strode off in the direction of the Academics building.
When he was out of earshot, Shizuru turned back to Natsuki, whose sheepish grin caused her to forget what she had been planning to say. "Ara…what's so funny?"
Natsuki stopped grinning. "Nothing, are you going to scold me oh scary Lieutenant Fujino? Your boyfriend is a prick...," she added nonchalantly.
An amused smile came to Shizuru's lips. "You shouldn't talk about your superiors like that, Private Kuga," Shizuru said as she took in her student's relaxed posture. "And Lieutenant Kanzaki is not my boyfriend." Shizuru got immense amounts of pleasure from the relieved look on Natsuki's face.
Natsuki smiled. "Well that's good, he doesn't seem to be your type anyways," Natsuki said as she gestured for Shizuru to follow her onto the track. Shizuru followed and they began a leisurely paced jog around the track.
Shizuru snuck a peek at her student's face. It was now more serious, less playful. "Ara Natsuki knows my type then?" Shizuru asked curiously.
Natsuki's cheeks flushed. "Well, no," she started. "But I highly doubt Reito's the guy for you," Natsuki said with a nod. She turned to see Shizuru's amused eyes. "What?"
Shizuru turned away from her student and stared straight ahead as they jogged rather close together. "So Natsuki doesn't know my type yet knows Reito is not it?"
Natsuki pondered this for a bit. "Well, honestly, I don't think Reito has a type. That must be it really, I can't see him with anyone," Natsuki answered quite honestly. The guy was not right. He was too perfect. No one was that perfect. Well, except for Shizuru but she didn't count of course.
Shizuru sighed. "You're too cruel…"
"No, I'm honest. Everyone hates honesty," Natsuki said with a sigh.
Now it was Shizuru's turn to think. This girl was apparently a deep-thinker. Who knew? Shizuru certainly hadn't, seeing as the girl barely spoke up during class. She couldn't argue with the latest point however. "The truth hurts, a lot of the time, yes," Shizuru agreed. "So…does Natsuki have a type?"
"I don't have time for that crap," Natsuki scoffed. "Romance is overrated." Not to mention, which her current state of mind she couldn't imagine having a relationship with any guy. Not yet anyways.
"No boy here has caught Natsuki's eyes then?" Shizuru asked, raising a brow in her student's direction. She was sure boys had their eyes set on Natsuki though, so she didn't bother asking. Her old school report had said she was quite popular among them, well, before she started beating them up.
"Hell no," Natsuki said with a scowl. "There are barely any guys here anyways. The ones I have met are total losers anyways," Natsuki said. "Or perverts," she added as she remembered a shower room incident.
Shizuru wasn't sure whether to ask about the pervert part. She hated herself for being relieved though. She shouldn't be glad Natsuki is clearly not interested in any of the guys at the school. Still, she couldn't help herself from giggling a little. "That's too bad…" she managed to say quietly.
They were both awkwardly silent as they jogged around the second curve. Student was thinking about the day before, and about her trippy dream. According to Nao, that hadn't been a dream at all, which meant she had said something she hadn't meant to say. Teacher was thinking about the student. It was a strange circle of thoughts that kept them both silent for a few moments more.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" Natsuki asked suddenly.
"Ara, you already have, just now yes?" Shizuru smiled innocently at the annoyed expression on Natsuki's face.
"Okay another question then." Natsuki waited for Shizuru to nod before continuing, "What do you know about Alyssa Searrs? I don't remember much…but I do recall you guys knowing each other's names."
Shizuru wondered where to start. "Well we are friends. She went to Garderobe with me, Anh, Reito, Haruka…Yukino…," Shizuru trailed off. Yukino. Haruka hadn't been herself lately. She was locked in her office most times. Shizuru made a mental note to check on Haruka later.
Natsuki looked at her teacher in surprise. Those crimson eyes looked misty with worry and concern. Huh? "Colonel Searrs…of Fuuka Military Academy went to Garderobe?" They were down my throat about being a spy for just going to the normal Fuuka public school, yet Alyssa Searrs got to be the Colonel of a rival school?
Shizuru saw the cute confusion in Natsuki's emerald eyes. "It's different for teachers. Once you graduate from one school you can try and work at the other, though it's hard. The alumni don't attack current students in the streets. If I had never become the lieutenant I wouldn't really care about the rivalry between the schools much."
Natsuki nodded, though she really didn't understand it. So that meant once she graduated from Garderobe she didn't have any connection to it anymore? I guess it did make sense after all, it's just a game really. A serious game yes, but after you graduate the game doesn't need to be played. Alyssa wouldn't need to take it seriously anymore since she was looking for a job after graduation. God I'm confused. "You know," Natsuki started uneasily. "I liked her."
Shizuru blinked and turned to see to intense expression on Natsuki's flawless face. "What?"
"I admired her. She was strong, confident, strategic, and seemed to know what she was doing. She had power and knew how to control people. It was admirable. She's good at what she does."
Shizuru was a little dumbfounded. She hadn't expected Natsuki to say something like that. "I see," was all she could think of to say. Until, "Ara, is Natsuki developing Stockholm Syndrome? After all, she was keeping you hosta—"
"Shut it!" Natsuki said shooting a sideways glare at her teacher, a light blush evident on her cheeks. "It's not like that, geez. I just thought she was cool…." Natsuki trailed off.
Shizuru wondered what exactly had transpired between the two. Was it some sort of weird bonding? And then there was that kiss…but Shizuru knew Alyssa must've only done that to see her reaction. Shizuru had seen the similarities in the two. They were headstrong, brazen, and stubborn as hell. "Alyssa is quite the impressive woman," Shizuru finally agreed. She wondered if the similar qualities are what attracted Shizuru to Natsuki in the first place. She instantly dropped the thought, there was no way. Natsuki and Alyssa, while similar, were completely different beings.
Yet again a silence came between teacher and student. They finished their third lap, their breathing getting slightly heavier. Natsuki had started later than usual. She hadn't woken up at her usual time so she wouldn't be getting the time of full run she usually gets. There was a slight pain beginning in her head, like she could feel something in her head pulsating. It was rather unpleasant as it grew in strength.
They both slowed to a walk after a while, both sneaking peeks at the other every once in a while. Is this weird? Hanging out with a teacher? But she's not just a teacher is she? She's saved my ass countless times. I've never had conversations with my teachers before. She's a friend too right? Hell if I know.
While Natsuki was sneaking another peek again she tripped, reaching her hand out for something to grab. She ended up wrapping her fingers around Shizuru's wrist, pulling Shizuru with her onto the grass on the side of the track.
"Oof." Natsuki wondered why she hadn't hurt herself. The trip was quick and unexpected; she didn't have time to break the fall with her arms, only to grab around for something. And she had grabbed something. What was it….Oh crap.
Natsuki slowly lifted her head and found herself staring down into confused crimson eyes. She blinked. "Oh, shit…sorry," Natsuki muttered as she rubbed her forehead with her palm. They were both sweaty and panting and this was really sort of…sexual looking she'd assume.
"Ara…it's alright…are you okay?" Shizuru asked quietly. Having Natsuki's smaller body on top of hers and looking up into those dazzling green eyes was definitely an image Shizuru had dreamed out maybe once. Or twice. Who's keeping count anyways?
Natsuki was having trouble breaking their locked eyes. Her eyes…so strange… "I'm fine, I just have a headache."
Shizuru nodded. Silence. More Silence. Even more damn silence.
"Ara…Natsuki?"
"Mmm?"
"You can…get off of me now," Shizuru said with a small smile on her lips. She grinned at the flushed look on Natsuki's face as the panicked girl muttered an apology and rolled off her teacher and lay on her back next to her. It was very reminiscent of the first training day in the dojo. They were both laying down, staring up at the early morning sky, shoulders touching slightly.
Natsuki was mentally cursing herself. What the hell had she been doing anyways? I have to focus myself. I must be still tired. Or it's this damn brain injury. My goddamn head hurts a lot worse now that I've just embarrassed myself, yet again.
"Natsuki?" Shizuru asked hesitantly.
Natsuki coughed then asked, "Yeah?"
Shizuru turned her head sideways. Natsuki's profile was quite stunning as well. No surprise there. "Why did you keep referring to Reito as my boyfriend?" She wanted to know.
Natsuki attempted shrug, which was difficult from her position on the ground. "People talk. There's a load of rumors going around about you guys, not to mention you guys are always together," Natsuki replied. "Or he's looking at you weird," she added in a softer tone.
"Natsuki's very observant. You don't like Reito, why?" Shizuru asked. She would've liked to think Natsuki was jealous but she knew that wasn't the case. Oh well she can dream right?
Natsuki attempted another shrug. There was just something she didn't like about the guy. "He's sketchy, I don't trust him," she found herself responding. Though I have no idea why he's sketchy.
Shizuru turned her gaze back to the constantly lightening sky above. Interesting that she felt this way, most girls swooned at the sight of Reito Kanzaki. "I get the feeling Natsuki doesn't trust often."
Natsuki grunted. "Damn right I don't."
"Why not?" Shizuru asked quietly. It was unsettling. A girl her age shouldn't be afraid to trust people. They needed people to make it through such a critical time of their life, especially life at this school.
Natsuki turned her head sideways. Shizuru returned her serious stare. When their eyes were locked, Natsuki said somberly, "I can't trust anyone. Anytime I trust someone I get betrayed." She shuddered. "I've been betrayed in the worst of ways by the person I trusted the most." She turned away from Shizuru then, returning her emerald gaze to the cloudless sky above.
Shizuru noted the new misty look in those dazzling eyes. She could tell Natsuki's mind was now elsewhere, no longer with them. What exactly did that mean? Not only what she had said but that look she got after saying something or being touched. She did it often. Shizuru could only guess it had something to do with whatever caused the girl's touching-complex. Who would hurt this girl? And why? It filled Shizuru with anger but she said nothing for a while.
"Bad experiences do tend to impact our future," Shizuru eventually said slowly, not entirely sure how to articulate what she was trying to say. "But our future holds new experiences. Sometimes you've got to forget the past and try again," Shizuru finished. Try trusting people. Do you trust me? Probably not, though they've been through quite a lot together.
"That's what I'm trying to do," Natsuki replied in a quiet tone. Shizuru wasn't sure whether Natsuki meant to say that out loud or not.
There was, yet again, another awkward silence that followed. Natsuki let out a satisfied sigh. This was rather peaceful. She was surprisingly not self-conscious lying next to her teacher. Was that weird? Should she be feeling weird about it? Why do I not hate my teacher? I always hate my teachers.
Shizuru wondered if anyone had seen them. No one came to the track this early except Natsuki of course. And if they saw us? What then? Would they care? Does it look odd at all?
"Thanks," Natsuki said, pulling Shizuru out of her thoughts.
Shizuru turned her head to look at Natsuki with a quizzical expression her face. "Ara, for what?"
Natsuki turned and gave her teacher a sheepish grin. "You saved my ass the other day. Well mine and Nao's."
And Chie's and Aoi's. Shizuru silently added. "Don't worry about it. It's my job after all…"
Natsuki frowned and looked away again. Is it a job? Shizuru seemed to rescue her often. Shizuru had seen Natsuki at her weakest, and most vulnerable (and embarrassing) times. Natsuki would like to think Shizuru had really been worried about her, had really…cared. Would she have felt the same if Tomoe was hostage? Would she have tried equally as hard to save Tomoe from Alyssa's clutches?
"Shizuru, what are we?" Natsuki asked quite seriously. She wanted an answer.
To say Shizuru was taken aback by the question was an understatement. "What are we…?" she repeated, clearly puzzled. A sad, pathetic, one-sided lov—crush story that's what we are. That's what I am.
Natsuki sat up and hugged her knees to her chest, eyes scanning the school grounds as students began walking to class. Shizuru are we friends? I feel like we are. It's hard for me to just think of you as my teacher, since I've never liked my teachers to begin with. "You told me you liked me," Natsuki added. "I like you too. But what I'm asking is…do you like all your students? Do you like," a gross image flashed through her mind, "Tomoe as well? Nao? Chie? Aoi? Or is it all the same to you? Are we…friends?" Natsuki didn't know why she even bothered asking. It didn't matter anyway. Or did it? Why is my life so confusing all the time? It's like someone is staring down at me and wondering every possible way to make my life a big miserable mess. Not that I mind, at least it makes it somewhat interesting. Am I putting her in an awkward position? Probably, especially if we're not friends. You can't blame me for asking. It's a curious thing to be quite honest, regarding our relationship…friendship? Whatever you can call it….And I'm an honest person…most of the time. No one likes honesty.
Shizuru swallowed hard and sat up as well. How should she answer that? Admitting that she liked Natsuki more than she liked her other students would be a little…problematic. Her new boundary line told her she shouldn't admit it. She was already crossing the line by jogging and lying down with the student she was on a first name basis with. The closer she got to Natsuki the worse it would be for her. Shizuru sighed and looked away from Natsuki's eyes. Even if she admitted she liked Natsuki more than the other students, Natsuki didn't mean the right kind of 'like' anyways. She obviously was asking if they were friends. "We're teacher and student. Nothing more and nothing less." But god I would love to be your friend. Do you see us as friends? I'd assume so, since you're asking like this. I'm sorry I can't say we are…I'm afraid it will backfire. Admitting such a thing and then accepting it will force me to fight my morals over this unfortunate situation. Admitting it would mean I'd be fighting with myself over getting even closer, Natsuki. Natsuki I am your friend, please trust me, but I can't admit that. I can't endanger us like this. I'm sorry, but I have lied to protect us both.
Natsuki's hands tightened around her calves. She closed her eyes and nodded. "Okay." She slowly stood up. "Thanks, again though, Lieutenant. We had a good run." Was she referring, quite literally, to the track? Or did she mean something else? These were the thoughts that plagued Shizuru's mind as she watched helplessly as her student walked away. Lieutenant…?
Shizuru herself stood up. She felt a little weak in the knees. She tried to ease the strange feeling she felt in her chest. She sighed, what a morning. It had started off well enough and then Natsuki had to ask that damned question. She hadn't answered it honestly. To her, at the moment, they were friends. She did enjoy Natsuki's company. She enjoyed Natsuki's smile, her grin, and her playful comments, even her rude and uncharitable comments. The girl was cruel, stubborn, and tragically broken. Shizuru had lied. Not only was it wrong to favor a student, but to admit that openly would somehow go wrong. Being friends with Natsuki would make life harder on Shizuru, since she'd try and get even more. It was inappropriate for a teacher. I have to remember my place. My place is not with Natsuki as anything more than a guide and an instructor. Natsuki…
Lieutenant…
Shizuru sighed again, and began walking to the Academics building. Class would start soon.
Natsuki closed her eyes and let the hot shower water engulf her. That morning had been fun. And then she had to go and ruin it by asking such dumb questions. I was curious. I had thought that in some way, after what we've been through together, we'd be a little more than just teacher and student. It must've been my imagination, those looks , the feeling she was looking out for me and just me alone. I was selfish, arrogant even. Of course she doesn't see it from my point of view, she's probably done the same things with countless other students. Training sessions are just training sessions. We saved the hostages together because we just happened to be together at the time, she saved me the other day because she's a teacher and it's her job. It's nothing more than that. Why am I surprised? Am I disappointed? A feeling like a thorn going through her heart told her that yes, she was disappointed.
It must be nice feeling special. Does Tomoe feel special?
Natsuki shot her hand out and turned off the shower. It was almost comical how dramatic she looked just then. Her beautiful hair hung over her face, her naked body still and slender, her hand gripping the handle firmly, as if she'd fall if she let go. She exhaled slowly. What a damn shitty morning.
Natsuki cursed when she saw what time it was. She ran out of the Bathes building and headed towards the Academic building. She was almost there too, until someone called out her name.
"Kuga-san!"
Natsuki turned around, wincing at the annoying way her name was said. Flying towards her was a busty red-head. She'd never seen her before in her life. How does she know my name?
The redhead stopped in front of Natsuki and they stared at each other. It was awkward to say the least.
"Um…?" Natsuki waited.
"Oh, right. I'm Mai…"
Natsuki blinked. She waved. "Hi, Mai, bye Mai." With that, Natsuki turned around and began walking to the Academics building again. She was already later as it is so why bother running now?
"Wait a second!" Mai said scrambling after her. She stopped when Natsuki turned around again, amazed that such a cold girl could be so beautiful.
"Is there something you need?" Natsuki asked in a bored tone. She folded her arms and eyed the other girl uneasily. She had a weird morning, and this was making it even weirder.
Mai nodded and pulled something out her backpack. She held it out and blinked when Natsuki had her fists up. "Er…what are you doing?"
Natsuki blushed and put her fists down. "Sorry, you're rather suspicious, and you could've been reaching for a gun," Natsuki explained.
Mai nodded and held out the container again. "It's lunch," she said simply, nodding again for Natsuki to take it.
Natsuki blinked. "Come again?" She eyed the container strangely.
"You don't remember do you?"
"Obviously not…"
The busty girl pouted. She pointed to Natsuki and then said in a much lower, huskier voice, "Isn't it a little too early to be a bitch?"
Natsuki snorted at the lame imitation of herself. "Tomoe. You're the girl she was annoying that day, huh?" Natsuki deemed it okay to take lunch from a girl who clearly owed her. She took the container and nodded her head. "Thanks." She placed the container into her bag then looked at Mai again. "I'm Natsuki," she said, though she knew Mai already knew that.
Mai nodded, finding it a little odd Natsuki hadn't offered a hand to shake. "It's nice to finally meet my savior." What's with the bandage ninja warrior?
Natsuki gave a grunt. "Yeah well…you really shouldn't let her push you around like that. If I were you I would've kicked her ass," Natsuki said quite condescendingly.
Mai smirked. "I heard you're the one that got your ass kicked afterwards…"
Natsuki's face flushed. "T-That wasn't a fair fight!" She stammered. She glared at Mai, who sighed in response.
"I just wanted to thank you, Natsuki. I heard you got beat up pretty bad…and you sticking up for me probably didn't make her go easy on you."
"I don't need her to go easy on me," Natsuki declared. "But I'm sure it's not your or my fault. Tomoe is one evil bitch. She would've beaten the shit out of me just for the hell of it," Natsuki added.
Suddenly, a flash of a blob attached itself to Mai. "Mai!" it yelled.
Natsuki blinked and pointed. "What's attached to you hip?"
Mai looked down at the girl with a frown. "Mikoto. What did I tell you about skipping class?"
"But I'm hungry…," the girl, who Natsuki noted was rather catlike, began sniffing the air. Her nose led her to Natsuki. She eyed the older girl with hungry eyes. "Food…?"
Natsuki stared down at those strange yellow eyes. Natsuki took a step backward, eyebrow raising at the strange creature in front of her. She blinked then looked up at Mai. "Your pet is scaring me."
Mai laughed nervously and tugged Mikoto back by the back of her shirt. "I apologize…"
Natsuki waved it off. Strange morning indeed. "Whatever, I'm late. Thanks again for the lunch," Natsuki said with a wave as she turned and began walking towards the Academics building again. Now I don't have to buy crappy food from the Dining Hall. Oh Kuga, you noble girl you, saving damsels in distress. She snorted at her own stupid thoughts, though the 'damsel in distress' thought brought her back to earlier events. She sighed. Whatever, teachers were teachers.
Natsuki stopped in the middle of the hallway to stare at something that caught her eye. There were a few brightly colored posters, all said in obnoxiously large letters: PARENTS DAY. She didn't bother to read the rest. It didn't concern her anyways, she certainly wasn't going to tell her dad 'Parent's Day' was coming up so she had nothing to worry about. Right?
Natsuki approached her classroom door with hesitation. She was late. Super late. But that wasn't so much what she was worried about. In fact she was worried how she'd act. She'd felt a little insulted, a little embarrassed, maybe even hurt you would say with what happened that morning between her and Shizuru. She knew what she was feeling would cause her to act…uncharacteristically of the new her…the her she'd become when she left her past behind. She prayed her new friends wouldn't take offense. At least Natsuki knew herself well enough to know she was going to be acting rather rudely. Some people can't help these things, they're emotionally driven.
Natsuki opened the door. Shizuru stopped what she was saying to watch her late student stand awkwardly in the doorway. Shizuru had been worried. Worried that something she said may have triggered Natsuki to leave or something. Who am I kidding? She doesn't care enough about how I feel for it to affect her greatly right? She had also been worried that Natsuki had injured herself again. She had only just woken up after all.
"You're late, Private Kuga," Shizuru said, though her eyes were warm. I'm just happy you're here.
Natsuki shrugged. "Yeah, well, I have more important things to do with my time than listen to you ramble," Natsuki replied nonchalantly as she made her way over to her desk and sat down. The class was either whispering about her or staring at their teacher for a reaction.
Shizuru just smiled to hide her complete and utter shock. What rudeness. Natsuki's clearly in a bad mood, though, it's not fair to blame her considering…the circumstances. Still, Shizuru shouldn't let her get away with that should she? It's disrespectful after all.
"I'll let that slide, Private Kuga. You've had a rough night after all," Shizuru replied calmly as she went back to teaching. A few kids giggled at that, mostly the Tomoe-supporters.
Natsuki glared at her teacher. Who does she think she is? After a minute Natsuki sighed and looked out the window. Nothing was particularly interesting outside but she needed to calm down and think things through. The more she let her disappointment get to her the worse things would be for her. She sighed, she must really like her teacher for her to get so mad at her like this.
"Pssst, hey, Princess!" Chie whispered, giving a quick glance to the teacher who thankfully hadn't noticed.
Natsuki turned around, and then mentally cursed when she saw Chie's smug grin. I didn't actually respond to that nickname did I? I did. Damn. "What is it?" Natsuki hissed back.
"You never thanked me and Aoi," Chie said with point to the brunette behind her.
Natsuki blinked. Oh right, Nao had said Chie and Aoi were the ones to shoot the flares. She instantly softened up, no need to ruin other people's days because she was in a bad mood. "Oh right, thanks you guys," Natsuki said uneasily. She felt a little awkward thanking them for some reason. Natsuki was never good with affection. She rarely told anyone she loved them, even if it were her parents before…the…incident.
Chie waved it off. "You're welcome. Anytime, Princess."
"Would you stop calling me tha—"
"Well you should really be thanking Lt. Fujino and Colonel Anh," Aoi said suddenly, a thoughtful expression on her face. "They were the ones that marched off to your rescue."
"I don't need to be rescued!" Natsuki complained. "Besides, it's their job anyways," she said looking away, her face darkening.
This went by completely unnoticed by Aoi and Chie however. Aoi nodded. "Well even so, Lt. Fujino certainly seemed worried…despite it being her job. It was rather cute. Colonel Lu thought so as well," Aoi mused. "She teased her quite a lot about you actually. They both seem to really fancy you."
Natsuki felt a pang of guilt. She shoved it aside. Worried or not, Shizuru—Lieutenant Fujino herself had said they weren't friends…well, in so many words. "Whatever," Natsuki muttered quietly.
"Private Kuga, what are your thoughts on this discussion?" Shizuru asked, now annoyed that Natsuki hadn't looked her way at all. Not once had their eyes met and not once had Natsuki caught her peeking. It was rather troublesome, seeing as Shizuru saw it as a sort of entertaining game she and Natsuki would play indirectly during the many classes, though they never actually spoke about it or mentioned it.
Natsuki looked up. Er, crap. What were we talking about? This is payback. Goddamn. "Well, um…," Natsuki's eyes darted to Chie for assistance.
Shizuru gave a small smile. This was quite amusing to say the least. Natsuki is rather cute when in trouble. Well not serious trouble, that was not cute at all, just stressful and worrisome. "Well…?" Shizuru prodded. She was being mean of course, but Natsuki wasn't being entirely too friendly so Shizuru figured she was allowed to make the girl dance a little.
Chie was absolutely no help. Chie merely shrugged, she hadn't been paying attention either. Well duh, Natsuki thought, I was talking to her after all…
"Well what are your thoughts on the…discussion?" Natsuki asked quickly.
The class turned their attention from Natsuki to their teacher, eager for a response.
Shizuru smirked, amusement dancing in her ruby eyes. Interesting way to get out of it. She'd expected Natsuki to call her 'idiot' and look away or something. "Well I believe it was quite romantic of Romeo to kill himself after he saw Juliet had died. It was tragic, but after all, Shakespeare was writing a tragedy," Shizuru answered quite calmly.
Natsuki blinked. Romeo and Juliet? Is that a joke? Did I even read that book…er…play? A flashback of her untouched book gathering dust by her bedside flashed through her mind. She instantly tried to recall any information she knew about the book, either from just common knowledge or what snippets of conversations she had heard during the class. Shouldn't we be learning about…I don't know, wars or something?
"I don't think it's romantic," Natsuki said with an unsure tone. "I mean, first of all, if I were Romeo I wouldn't have fallen in love in five seconds. The love at first sight crap is total bullshit," Natsuki offered the class a sheepish grin as some of them giggled. She then returned her emerald gaze to her teacher. Why is she always so damn amused? "Wasn't he totally interested in another girl in the beginning anyways?"
"Rosaline?" Shizuru offered.
Natsuki, for some reason, looked at Tomoe, who was glaring at her. What else is new? She turned her gaze back to Shizuru. "Yeah her, whatever. He seems like a pretty slimy guy if you ask me. And Juliet, she's just an idiot. Who falls for a guy just because he speaks in riddles? I'd have punched his face in and demanded he make sense."
More laughter from the class.
Shizuru raised an eyebrow. "Ara but what about the ending? It was tragic no?"
Natsuki shook her head. "It's a damn comedy if you ask me. If they really loved each other so much, they shouldn't have gone through all the unnecessary planning and just upped and left. Screw their parents, who cares if their love is forbidden? If they wanted it they should've just gone with it. Personally, I assume they would've ending up hating each other mid-runaway but whatever, that's all speculation," Natsuki paused, wondering where she was going with this. "Anyways the ending was comedic. They both end up dead because they're too stupid to handle things simply. Why make everything so complicated?" Natsuki finished, looking out the window to hide the embarrassment on her face. She had just rambled on about nothing of course, did she look stupid?
Shizuru hadn't expected such an answer. Part of her had a feeling Natsuki hadn't read the book at all, but knew enough about it to come up with a long-winded answer. Interesting thoughts, the girl was clearly intelligent even if she didn't try very hard at school. Well, her record proved that already. "That's an interesting view on it, Private Kuga," Shizuru replied quietly. "However, two victims of forbidden love is tragic. You don't find that sad?"
Natsuki shrugged, not moving her eyes from outside the window. "Nope. It's their fault anyways," she looked up. "People should be allowed to love who they want to love, but only smart people. Since, as this book proves, stupid people who fall in love always get screwed over in the end. I mean how sad is it? They've doomed themselves, sucks for them."
Shizuru pondered this for a moment before nodded. "Well thank you for your thoughts."
Natsuki didn't respond, and instead looked out the window. That had been a close one, she was lucky she could pull a load of bullshit out of her ass. She reflected on what she had just said however, and found it was disgustingly romantic, well, only the part about people loving who they want to love. She shuddered, romantic was not her thing. Romeo and Juliet deserved what they got as far as she was concerned. What a bunch of idiots. People who can't handle love shouldn't go into it like that. Not like I know much about it myself but weren't they like 14 or something?
The rest of the class went by rather quickly. Everyone seemed to be thinking about their own problems. Shizuru was the only one talking, and had trouble getting the students to talk as well. After everything Natsuki had said, apparently they all just wanted to reflect themselves. Funny, since she hadn't even known what she was saying. Shizuru sighed.
"Alright, class, today is Shooting Range practice day. You know the way by now…," Shizuru said sitting up from her desk. She watched as the students hurriedly put their books and papers away then ran out of the room. She watched as Natsuki, Nao, and Chie finished up whatever conversation they had been having (during her class…). "Private Kuga?"
Natsuki looked up, swinging her bag around her shoulder. "What?"
How rude. "Can I see you for a minute?"
Natsuki shrugged. "I don't really have a choice, do I Lieutenant?" Natsuki waved to her friends as they walked out of the room. She made her way to the desk and stood, eyes locking with her teacher's. "Can I help you?" she asked in an annoyed tone.
Shizuru nodded and pulled her desk drawer open. She pulled out a gun and handed it to a shocked Natsuki. "Duran," she said simply. It was sort of like déjà vu.
Natsuki, quickly covering up her pure and utter joy, reached for it. She tried to pull it but Shizuru wouldn't let go. "Are you giving it to me or what?" Natsuki asked.
Shizuru let go, and smiled a little as Natsuki stumbled backwards. "Sorry," she said, though the tone of her voice made it obvious she wasn't sorry at all. She was quite amused, much to Natsuki's annoyance.
Natsuki glared then shoved the gun into her bag. "Thanks," she muttered. She totally did that on purpose.
And then the two stared at each other. Well, Natsuki was more glaring at her teacher. Shizuru was smiling, an amused expression on her face. She didn't want to of course. She felt like she had hurt Natsuki, and this new imaginary boundary line she was trying not to cross was really ruining their relationship. It was obvious to see that they were like two friends in a fight. Natsuki, however, was acting like a child, and Shizuru was acting like that annoying person who smiles just to annoy the other one even more. What does she always find so damn funny?
The Shooting Range building session had been pretty uneventful. Shizuru would offer tips to Natsuki every once in a while, though she was rather impressed with the girl's natural skill. Natsuki would ignore her teacher completely. She knew she was acting like a child, yet she couldn't help it, just like she couldn't deny that she had wanted Shizuru to say something else other than "we're teacher and student, nothing more and nothing less." They were more, damnit. They've been through a lot, a hell of a lot more than she's been with her other students right? Well maybe not Tomoe. She wasn't asking for anything other than an acknowledgement that Shizuru liked her more than the other students. Was that so hard?
Actually it was. Natsuki couldn't see it from Shizuru's perspective. She didn't see the issues that arose with being friends with a teacher. It raised other suspicions amongst those like Reito, and it was unfair to other students. And for Shizuru, well, it made restraining herself a lot harder if it they openly admitted they were friendly. Shizuru had no qualms over hugging or teasing friends. It would generally erase her newly found boundary line.
What a mess…
Natsuki approached the door of the dojo they had had their first training session in. She wasn't sure whether she should be angry with the person training her to do well in a competition. She let out a sigh before opening the door and stepping inside the dark room. It was a little…well, eerie. Natsuki felt a little awkward and wondered if her rudeness and immaturity would mean she would no longer be tutored by her teacher. Natsuki took another step into the room.
"Uh, Lieutenant Fujino?" Natsuki asked wearily.
Suddenly, Natsuki felt a light push from behind. It wasn't a powerful shove at all, yet Natsuki wasn't prepared for such a thing, so she fell onto the mat, hands reaching out to catch herself before she could fall flat on her face. She got up to her feet and turned around, glaring at her attacker.
"Natsuki," Shizuru said with a smile.
Natsuki blinked. "What the hell?"
Shizuru pouted. "Ara, was Natsuki not ready for a surprise attack…?"
Natsuki growled, "That's unfair, I didn't even see you."
"And that's why it's a surprise. Are you just going to stand there and talk or are you going to try and lessen your embarrassment?" Shizuru said, a smirk dancing on her lips. She enjoyed toying with Natsuki, besides, this was all therapeutic.
Natsuki nodded and ran towards Shizuru with blindingly fast speed, even Shizuru was surprised. Nevertheless, Shizuru caught the punch and flung Natsuki backwards again. "That's it...?" Shizuru asked, sounding disappointed.
Natsuki felt her blood begin to boil. This woman had been annoying her all day. Why is she always so amused? The ice beauty resembled a bull in the way she got ready to charge again. This time though, instead of going for a punch, she lowered her body to the ground and attempted to sweep Shizuru's feet from under her with a kick.
Shizuru jumped over Natsuki's feet and landed quite easily. "You're going to have to do better than that…"
Natsuki was like lightning. She threw punch after punch in all the complicated techniques she had picked up from Shizuru. Shizuru herself was finding it a bit of a chore to block every single hit. If Natsuki had a strong point in hand-to-hand combat, it would be her speed. Shizuru blocked a kick with her wrist then deflected a punch with her other hand.
Natsuki realized all of this was Shizuru evading her. Shizuru hadn't made one attack move, it was all defense on her part. Natsuki, despite her quick flurries of punches and kicks, couldn't land a thing. Not a damn thing.
This game went on for quite some time, until Natsuki gave up from exhaustion. Once her kick was caught and flung back she stopped attacking. Instead she stood, watching her teacher from across the room. Natsuki wiped her forehead with her hand, panting and glaring. Shizuru watched intently from the opposite side of the room. Her crimson gaze tried to decipher what exactly Natsuki was feeling. The way she attacked was full of fury and pain. She was getting her frustration out after all, that was the plan.
Shizuru's crimson orbs held Natsuki's intense emerald ones. "Are you finished?" Shizuru asked quietly. She was surprised to see Natsuki shake her head. Shizuru wasn't in the mood for another match like that, it had been tiring, Natsuki was quicker than she had previously thought.
And while Shizuru was pondering the current situation, Natsuki attacked. She ran, full speed, leapt through the air, wrapped her arms around Shizuru's waist, and tackled her teacher to the ground. Shizuru, whose eyes had closed mid-way through the fall, slowly opened them. Natsuki's intense emerald eyes gazed down at her. She looked particularly wild and untamed. Shizuru stared upwards, completely transfixed by such intense beauty. It was somewhat scary. Shizuru's expression remained calm. She listened to Natsuki's heavy breathing, enjoyed the fact that they were so close, relished in the way Natsuki's hands were on hers…though it's not very romantic to think Natsuki was merely holding them down so Shizuru couldn't fight back.
"Got you," Natsuki finally said rather quietly. She softened her grips on Shizuru's arms. "Do I win?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her tone.
Shizuru smirked. "Hmm, yes I suppose so," she replied. Shizuru had been right, Natsuki needed to get out a lot of pent up frustration and anger. Apparently fighting had been a good outlet for her. She's already smiling a little. Sure she's on top of me like some kind of animal but hey…it worked. And it's not like I particularly mind…
Natsuki sighed, rolling off and, yet again, they found themselves shoulder to shoulder staring up at the ceiling. "You know, even though you're just my teacher, I don't like you like my teacher," Natsuki admitted quietly. "I just like you."
Shizuru's heart rate picked up speed. Stupid stupid, you know that's not what she means so why are you getting all happy? Shizuru wasn't sure what to say. Well, there was something she could say. She'd said it before after all. "I like you too, but you know that."
Natsuki sat up and sighed. "I'm sorry for…today," she said quietly. Shizuru could tell it took a lot for Natsuki to admit she was sorry. Such a child.
"Me too," Shizuru said. After all, Natsuki's bad mood had been brought on by Shizuru's lie.
"You don't have to be sorry for anything, though," Natsuki said turning to look at her. "I asked you a dumb question. I don't know why I wanted you to…I must be selfish I guess. To assume you were showing me special attention when really that's what you're paid to do right?" Natsuki looked at the wall blankly. She wondered why she had cared so much. It was so unlike her. And Shizuru seemed to know her so well, after all, this whole 'training session' was obviously a ploy to get her to release all her emotions. And it had worked. Shizuru was clever that's for sure. But didn't that show she cares?
Shizuru sat up as well and sadly watched the pained expression on her student's face. If she had just stayed away at first...but no, she had showed Natsuki extra attention. She had become friends with her student…she had sought after a relationship with Natsuki that was more than just teacher-student. And now, pushing Natsuki away like this so suddenly because of morals…it must be confusing. Natsuki didn't deserve to be confused.
Shizuru couldn't exactly admit she was showing Natsuki special attention though. "I am paid to do it. It's my job. It doesn't mean I don't want to do it. I was glad it was you during the hostage situation. The first one. I'm glad you rolled into my camp during the Survival Hike. I'm glad you've asked me to train you, and I'm glad that I got to save you from Alyssa yesterday…I can't say I would have tried as hard or would've felt the same if, say, Aoi and Chie had helped me out or fallen into my camp," Shizuru explained. Okay, so she admitted it. "Still, you understand why I…why we can't…be friends?" Because it will be worse for me, falling for someone I can't be with. And it'll be worse for you, befriending someone who may have to push you away later. It's such a dangerous situation but you wouldn't understand would you? You're too innocent, or is it obliviousness?
Natsuki smiled slightly. "I get it," she said after a second. Sort of. "It can be our secret then?" Natsuki asked.
Shizuru blinked. A secret friendship? Ara…not a bad idea…Though she knew that actually might make things worse. She nodded anyways. "Alright, you're now my secret." As if you weren't before.
Natsuki grunted. "I won't tell the other students you like me more than them," she said playfully, happy to have someone in this world that she enjoyed the company off besides Nao. Shizuru was something a little different from her usual friends…she wasn't going to bicker with Shizuru or insult her for fun. There was something different about this friendship but she couldn't quite place it.
Shizuru frowned. "Natsuki..."
Natsuki snorted, standing up. "Yeah yeah I'm just kidding. Thanks by the way, for the mock-training session. I totally see what you were trying to do," Natsuki said as she began walking away. Her head was surprisingly fine. The long bandage swished behind her as she walked.
"It worked didn't it?" Shizuru said, a small smile on her lips. It had gotten Natsuki to relax a little.
"Don't get cocky, I saw right through it," Natsuki lied as she disappeared around the door.
"Sure you did," Shizuru said, mostly to herself. Ara, this boundary line isn't working well. I am now officially secret friends with Kuga Natsuki. Already with the secrets, they can only multiply from here on out. Shizuru sighed. Though I couldn't bear her being angry with me like that, it's rather pathetic of me…I've got such a weakness to that girl.
The next day Natsuki was on time. She sat in front of Nao, as usual, and instantly looked out the window. Weirdly enough, Shizuru was the only one not there.
"Hey, Kuga," Nao said from behind Natsuki.
Natsuki turned around. "Huh? What?" Green eyes met green eyes.
"You've been weirdly quiet lately," Nao said. "Which is a nice change from your usually loud, dense self," she quickly added, a smirk dancing on her lips.
Natsuki glared at the redhead then pondered that for a second. Had she been quiet? She shrugged. "Well I haven't noticed," she said simply, turning around again, not even bothering to insult the redhead back.
Shizuru strode into the room. Crimson met emerald for a few seconds, before both averted their gaze, two new smiles gracing the lips of two different people. Shizuru cleared her throat. "Just to let you all know, the invitations to your parents have been sent out," she declared.
Natsuki continued looking out the window with a bored expression on her face. And then she processed those words. Her head snapped up. "What?" she demanded loudly.
Shizuru looked up from a clipboard. The frightened expression on Natsuki's face was…very…scary to say the least. Shizuru paused before saying, "Parent's Day. Parent's Day invitations were sent out today." She watched Natsuki's face for a reaction. What was the big deal?
Natsuki stood up, hands clutching the sides of her desk, mostly to keep herself from falling. "The school invites them?" She had figured there was some sort of 'sign up here and we'll get your parents to come' or something like that. Not an automatic invitation. She tried to calm herself down. Maybe they didn't know anything about her background right? Oh wait…the background check from that first day. No way. There's absolutely no way.
Shizuru put down the clipboard, her eyes roaming over Natsuki's barely controlled posture. "Is there a problem, Private Kuga?" She asked, her voice thick with worry.
Natsuki's eyes became unfocused. "My…my dad…did you send him one?" She whispered, just barely audible.
Shizuru frowned. Did Natsuki not want her father to come? Shizuru opened up her laptop and leaned down to type, she wasn't going to sit. The address of Akio Kuga's house was in the database, therefore, an invitation had been sent. She looked back up at Natsuki. "An invitation has been sent to your father…yes. It should probably arrive in the mail sometime today."
Natsuki blinked, falling back into her seat with a pained expression on her face. She closed her eyes and tried to calm herself down. This was bad. This was very freakin' bad.
I have to get back that invitation.
Yup Natsuki is taking action baby! Woo. This chapter was actually kind of hard to write, which is why it's late. I had a few ideas for it and those went out the window as I kept writing. Basically I want to focus on Shizuru and Natsuki's relationship and their bond. If you are thinking "weren't you doing that before?" well yeah kinda. But there was also a lot of other stuff.
Dear readers, please be warned. The plot gets darker from here. It's going to be turning M pretty soon.
I also introduced Mai, well sort of. Her scene in this might've seemed kind of pointless but it wasn't I promise.
For those of you that don't know, Stockholm Syndrome is basically when a hostage falls in love with their kidnapper/captor. Also the Romeo and Juliet thing was a little cliche, I was having trouble thinking of a topic the class could be discussing that Natsuki could have a strong opinion on.
Next chapter should be out much sooner since I have a clearer idea of what I want, and this one drove me crazy (So sorry if you didn't like it, but please no flames…they really ruin my day lol)
Ummmmm yeah. So shout out to Shotgunneko who is an awesome writer on this site. I used to visit this website just to read her fics (among others), and she basically made me want to see if I can write my own so yeah, check out her stories they rock!
Again, thanks for the reviews (200+…you guys rock! Honestly I don't think my head can get any bigger) Don't forget to review! (It's that button down there.)
Okay so, Chapter Song: Momentum by The Hush Sound
You are the dark ocean bottom
And I am the fast sinking anchor
Should I fall for you,
Should I fall for you?
You are the scar on my tissue
That I show all of my new friends
Should I show you me,
Should I show you me?
All we need is a little bit of momentum
Breakdown these walls that we've built around ourselves
All we need is a little bit of inertia
Breakdown and tell, breakdown and tell
That you are the rain on the fire
Deep in the trees when no one was looking
Should I speak of this,
Should I speak of this?
You are a mirage in the distance
That defies the heat of the desert
Should I believe in you,
Should I believe in you?
All we need is a little bit of momentum
Breakdown these walls that we've built around ourselves
All we need is a little bit of inertia
Breakdown and tell, breakdown and tell
These rules are made to break and these walls are built to fall
These rules are made to break us
I've only actually listened to this song a few times, but I thought the lyrics were rather fitting.
Disclaimer, again: I don't own any Mai-HiMe stuff. I also don't own the song, The Hush Sound does I guess?
