A/N: Hello all, I bought back my other story at last. It doesn't take me long to work on these stories now. I'm kind of happy I'm writing two. They help me with the other story sort of speak. This chapter picks off where we last left our ShizNat couple. I hope I did this right. I haven't proof read it yet, so I apologize for my grammar, typos, missing words, and wtf moments.

Disclaimer: I do not own Mai-Hime or any of the characters.


Good Company

Natsuki and Shizuru walked to the bus stop hand in hand to wait for the arrival of their guests. The blue haired girl crossed one of her arms across her waist to be met by two others that belonged to Shizuru. She often enjoyed doing this to poor Natsuki, but this time it was more of a gesture between them. Natsuki wanted to complain and whine as she felt Shizuru tighten her embrace sighing, but Natsuki didn't as Shizuru rested her head on Natsuki's shoulder. They stood together like that until the bus pulled up releasing it's passengers for that stop. Mai and Mikoto walked over to the two lovers. Mai was smiling graciously and blushed for Natsuki as Shizuru squeezed a little tighter before letting go. Mikoto stood by idly holding two grocery bags waiting for the troop to go to their destination. The girls all started walking to house together as they chatted all the way there.

"Thanks for coming Mai. It really means the world to me and Shizuru. There is something we need to tell you, and possibly contact the others about." Natsuki said nicely and with concern.

"Natsuki, you're being nicer than usual. I think being physically attached to Fujino-san brings out those nicer qualities you save only for her." Mai teased smiling while pointing out the hand hold Natsuki and Shizuru had on each other.

"Ara, Natsuki, Tokiha is right. You are usually very mean to other people when I not close by." Shizuru also teased glancing at Mai smiling.

"What's wrong that? You two stop it already. Plus I've had a tough day, going to save your ass from your crazy mother." Natsuki grumbled as she unlocked the front door waving everyone in.

Mai and Mikoto stopped dead still as walked past the entrance. Mai turned her head quickly to find Natsuki. Natsuki made eye contact with her and laughed at her friend's wonder shock. Natsuki walked over and grabbed the grocery bags from Mikoto and placed them on the kitchen counter. She then waved for Mai and Mikoto to follow her as she gave them a tour of the house; Shizuru and her house. Mai and Mikoto were thoroughly impressed as they returned to the kitchen.

"Natsuki, I'm going to make you and Shizuru dinner tonight." Mai beamed.

"Mai?" Mikoto whimpered.

"Ahhh, geez, you too Mikoto. Don't worry I won't ever forget to feed you." Mai said with a giant sweat drop near her head.

"Mai, thanks. I guess we'll discuss our business over dinner then." Natsuki said in husky voice.

Mai was about to start cooking when she realized she had no idea where anything was until Shizuru walked into kitchen proposing that she'd help. Mai smiled and thankful accepted the help. A few minutes later Mai sat herself down on the couch by Mikoto across from Natsuki who was happily at rest in her large recliner. Natsuki sat up a little bit sitting further up as Shizuru walked into the living room. Natsuki blushed a bit as she wrapped one of her arms around Shizuru's waist as Shizuru sat on her lover's lap. Mai giggled at Natsuki's beet red face as they waited for the food to cook. Mikoto stretched herself on the couch and used Mai lap as her pillow. Of course, for Mai this was second nature to her now as she caressed the high school girl's head.

"So, Natsuki, Shizuru, what have you two been doing recently besides each other?" Mai said blatantly.

"Mai!" Natsuki scoffed as her face stayed red.

"You know Mai, to be perfectly honest, we haven't had the time to be with each other. Ne, Natsuki." Shizuru said before kissing Natsuki on her nose teasing her. Mai laughed wildly.

"Oh this is too fun! Fujino-san you are the devil!" Mai cackled.

"My talents only lay on Natsuki." Shizuru retorted.

"AHEM!" Natsuki cleared her throat as her face started to go from red to pink.

"So, Mikoto, how do you feel about high school?" Natsuki said changing the topic so Shizuru and Mai would stop picking her apart.

"High school is very fun." Mikoto happily responded.

Mai looked at the time; patted Mikoto's head which made the girl sit up, as Mai got up to go to the kitchen. Shizuru kissed Natsuki on her cheek before she left to join Mai in the kitchen. After a short while all the girls sat at table eating the fantastic cuisine Mai and Shizuru prepared.

"There should be a way I can add mayo." Natsuki grumbled.

"WHAT!?" Mai blurted after drinking some her beverage. "Natsuki! My food doesn't need the white slug!"

"Ara, ara, Natsuki you should know better than to insult your guests." Shizuru said in a cold voice. Natsuki eyes widen and her body stiffened realizing Shizuru was going to get even later on. Even Mai stopped yell as she sensed the scary aura that poured from Shizuru.

"It's wonderful Mai, really, I'm sorry about the mayo thing." Natsuki quickly said tring to make up for her childish outburst.

"Yeah yeah, no problem. Sorry about the white slug thing. Mayo is really…good." Mai forced herself to say.

"Much better." Shizuru smiled and drank her tea.

After much silent eating they all finished. Mikoto and Mai argued about something and Mikoto walked to the front door with Mai holding her hand until she kissed Mai on the cheek and waved goodbye to Shizuru and Natsuki. Natsuki face was blank as she realized Mikoto had been a lot more affectionate to Mai this entire night.

"Shizuru, did you notice how close Mikoto was with Mai this night?" Natsuki whispered to Shizuru.

"Natsuki, there is nothing wrong with that, but yes, she was very protective. I recognize that kind of affection. Mai is hiding something for you Natsuki." Shizuru whispered back with concern.

"What do you mean by….oh crap…hey Mai." Natsuki said as Mai came back to the living room and sat by Shizuru.

"Alright Natsuki, what has happened with you two? The apartment incident, now!" Mai said fixing her violet eyes on Natsuki who was comfortable positioned in her recliner.

"Well, I was I attacked by the First District about week and half ago. Shizuru was also attacked by them." Natsuki stated.

"EH! I thought that, you killed them all!" Mai said turning to Shizuru.

"I actually have a theory on that, Tokiha-san." Shizuru said.

"Call me Mai, please." Mai interjected.

"Okay, Mai. Remember how we were all brought back at the end of the carnival. Well Alyssa came back as well. So I had to assume that anything we did during that time was undone." Shizuru said. "And please call me Shizuru, Mai."

"SO, all those people are alive…" Mai said with shock.

"Yes, and they went after us. As I told on the phone I think that they are only after me and Shizuru. But they meant business that night. They were there to kill us. They threw a knife into Shizuru's shoulder!" Natsuki growled thinking about that night.

"Eh, but, but, you two look fine. What's going on?" Mai said hesitantly.

"Director Fumi had told me to call when I got into trouble. So I thought then would be a good time. This is why we have this lovely house. Director Fumi also gave me a package from my mother." Natsuki said looking down.

"Natsuki…" Mai gently said.

"In the package, there was a letter…there was a part in there where my mother had said some about latent HiME powers, after the carnival." Natsuki said now looking at Mai with her brilliant emerald eyes and then nodded at Shizuru.

"With some practice me and Natsuki both learned how to use our, latent, abilities. I healed my shoulder and Natsuki injuries from the First District, and Natsuki used her today to shield her bike, increase it's speed, and heal my face." Shizuru simply.

"HA! What happened today?!" Mai said looking at Natsuki and Shizuru .

"Uh, I had to save Shizuru from her psycho mother. I beat up a lot of guards and stuff." Natsuki said looking at the ceiling.

"Ah, Natsuki was so brave. And you didn't even use your powers to beat the guards up." Shizuru said happily while looking at Natsuki.

"Oh…okay…uh so how does this power stuff work?" Mai slowly said trying to ignore the moment Shizuru and Natsuki were having.

"Just focus on you most important person." Natsuki said as she smiled and blushed looking at Shizuru.

"Ah huh. Well, I'm happy to know that both of you are safe and well. Thank you for having me over." Mai said as stood and bowed and then headed to the front door. Shizuru nodded at Natsuki and Natsuki went to follow her.

"Mai, I can take you home on my bike." Natsuki said reaching out to touch her on the shoulder. Mai turned around with wide eyes, smiled, and nodded. Natsuki grabbed her spare helmet and handed it to Mai as they walked out the door. The wild rushed by the girls as the soared past the car looking light a solid line of light. Mai kept her grip around Natsuki's waist and rested her head against her back. Natsuki notice this as she was driving wondering what Mai could be hiding from her. They got to Fuka Academy's dorm. Natsuki and Mai both got off the bike removing their helmets. Mai handed Natsuki the other helmet smiling gently, but Natsuki was use to seeing fake smiles.

"Shizuru's right, Mai what's wrong? I know some thing is wrong. The way you held on to me as we drove over. Tell me what's wrong." Natsuki said with her husky voice eyes locking onto the violet ones that would not connect.

Mai stood there for awhile looking downcast avoiding Natsuki's eyes as she gritted her teeth together. Natsuki eyes widened as she saw tears begin to well and fall down Mai's face. Mai's knees started to give as Natsuki dropped her helmets and caught Mai.

"Mai!" Natsuki quickly said while catching the younger girl. Mai sobbed against Natsuki's chest and wrapped her arm around her.

"Natsuki, I've had no one to go to. Mikoto, I told her, and she went ballistic. I told her not to do anything because nothing can be done. I didn't want to tell you tonight because you and Shizuru have been through so much; I didn't want to add to your worries." Mai sobbed.

"Mai! Tell me what's wrong! What happened?" Natsuki pleaded with her friend whose tear were soaking her shirt.

"No!" Mai said trying to push away from Natsuki. Natsuki tightened her embrace on Mai, holding her closer.

"Mai, it's alright, you can tell me. You need to let someone else know even though it may add to my worries. I'm your friend and I can help you. Trust me Mai." Natsuki said with concern while holding her defiant friend.

"Yuuichi tried to rape me." Mai said with an almost incoherent voice as tear freely followed. Natsuki was terror struck as she heard this. "The only reason he stopped was because Shiho called him." Mai sobbed on.

"Mai, let's get you inside your dorm." Natsuki said as her voice shook from shock. Natsuki stood up draping one of Mai's arms across her back as stood up walking to the dorms. Once they got to Mai's door banged on it with her free hand hearing Mikoto stumble over to the door. Mai's sobs were silent now as they wait for Mikoto to open the door.

The door opened slowly followed by Mikoto grumbling. "Mai, I thought you had your…keys" Mikoto said slowly realizing there were two people standing and watched as a tear fell from Mai's face to the ground. Mikoto's eye got large realizing why she was crying as she saw Natsuki's downcast gaze. Natsuki walked in with Mai and walked her to her bed and sat her down. Natsuki proceeded to the bathroom and started to fill the tub and waited in there as the tub filled. Mai curled up her bed in the fetal position crying as Mikoto came and sat her up. Mikoto pulled Mai into a hug as Mai kept her arms against her own chest leaning against Mikoto.

"I'm sorry Mikoto, I know I said I'd stop crying, but…I..can't." Mai said hoarsely as she cried.

"Mai, its okay to cry go ahead and cry. I'm here, and I won't let anyone hurt you." Mikoto said as brushed Mai bangs aside so she could kiss her forehead. Natsuki came out of the bathroom and Mikoto looked over at her seeing a strange look in Natsuki's eyes. Natsuki came over grabbed Mai and tossed the girl over her shoulder and walked back into the bathroom shutting the door behind her telling Mikoto it was going to be alright.

"Natsuki what are you doing?" Mai said trying to control her sobs as she was still draped over Natsuki's shoulder.

"I have to apologize in advance Mai." Natsuki said putting down against the tub as she pulled Mai's clothes off.

"Natsuki! Stop!" Mai said clearly being jarred back in a controllable mood trying to halt her friend from stripping her. Natsuki finished and push Mai into her tub.

"Hot baths always help me after crying fits." Natsuki said before leaving the bathroom and the apartment. Natsuki stormed down the stairs running into Nao.

"Oh, Kuga, cheating on Fujino with Tokiha." Nao witfully teased.

"Shut up Nao!" Natsuki growled.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Anyhow, I'm tried I just got back from my nightly run." Nao said smiling at the money in her hands.

"I thought you became a nun." Natsuki said with shock.

"That was booooring! Besides, I still have powers. Oh, it seems you knew about that too." Nao said smoothly.

Natsuki looked away and then smiled wickedly and looked back at Nao. Nao cocked her head to side wondering why Natsuki was smiling so wickedly.

"You owe me, Nao. I need a favor. I need you to bag Tate Yuuichi." Natsuki said morbidly as she started to laugh.

"What did he do to you?" Nao asked with curiousity. Natsuki's brow knittes and she pushed Nao against the wall.

"It doesn't matter what he did to me. He is a fucking bastard who tries to rape women for petty jealousy sake because he got rejected." Natsuki said under her breath releasing Nao.

"I understand." Nao said dusting off her shirt watching Natsuki walk away.

Natsuki got on grabbed her helmets, put hers on, attached the other to the bike, and hurried home. Natsuki thoughts cleared. She had sent someone perfect to take care of Tate Yuuichi, and she had helped Mai as best as she could for that night. Natsuki shook her head in disbelief as she parked her bike and walked inside. The incident was out of her hands and she did what she could. She punched the front door before unlocking it and walking in. Shizuru was not in the dining room, kitchen, or living room. Natsuki shut the door behind her locking it and went down the darkened hallway looking for Shizuru. Natsuki saw lights coming from under the office door and walked in seeing Shizuru on her cell phone adamantly talking to someone. Natsuki placed a hand on her forehead as she felt a headache coming on and walked in sitting on the chair across from Shizuru.

"Hai, Otousan. I miss you too." Shizuru said sweetly smiling to herself while listening to her father.

"You're coming back to the mansion in Fuka? Why?" Shizuru said coyly as her father responded telling her exactly why.

"Oh that. Yes, that happened today, but not the way Okasan said it did." Shizuru said sourly waiting for a reply.

"So you saw the tapes. I'm innocent of any crime and so is my friend." Shizuru said frankly listening for anything else from her father.

"Oh, yes Otousan, she's that person I told you about in Kyoto. She had wanted to meet you and Okasan. Yes, I'm fine. She didn't hit me that hard. Yes, I understand." Shizuru said quietly and her face grew red.

"Yes, I'm saying with her. I don't care if it isn't proper or not Otousan. I love her…" Shizuru protested "I was the one who prompted everything Otousan she's innocent. Yes, she's here." Shizuru blushed some more said looking up at Natsuki who cocked an eyebrow while massaging her forehead.

"Natsuki, my father would like to talk to you." Shizuru said walking over to Natsuki with her cell phone in hand. Natsuki removed her hand from her head grabbing the cell phone and gulped wondering what exactly he said to make Shizuru blush.

"Hello…my name, Natsuki Kuga. Hai. I have no intentions of doing such a thing until I talk with you, sir. I apologize for the previous event; I should have controlled myself better. I understand. I have a guest room she can stay in. I'd prefer her under my house than anywhere else, sir. She is much safe with me than anyone else. No sir, I do not have any living relatives." Natsuki said sitting forward grabbing Shizuru's hand. "Sir, I would like to have a meeting with you and your wife. Yes, I apologize for hurting your guards. I will not apologize for hurting your wife. I do not care if that is her right or not! Three days from now. Yes, I believe me and Shizuru and can meet you at the Fuka Shrine. I will tell her." Natsuki ended the call glaring at the phone while handing it to Shizuru.

Shizuru wonder what exactly her father said to Natsuki during that entire conversation. Natsuki got up still holding Shizuru hand and walked her to their bedroom let go of her hand to kiss her on her cheek.

"I have to sleep in the guest room until I talk to your parents. I made a promise to you father that we wouldn't do anything inappropriate until I made my intention clear." Natsuki mumbled.

"Natsuki, that's not fair. Why didn't you ask me what I wanted before consenting to my father's wishes." Shizuru pouted watching Natsuki pull out clothes from her dresser. "Can't you at least stay the night before decided to sleep in guest room." Shizuru whined.

Natsuki looked at Shizuru while she held her clothes and frowned walking out of the room to the guest room. Shizuru knitted her brow and walked after Natsuki. Natsuki stopped at her the guest room doorway tossed her clothes on the bed and turned around.

"Shizuru, your father said no and I'll say it too. No. Now go back to your room and behave." Natsuki said halting Shizuru in her tracks pointing in the direction of the main bedroom. "Three days, that is including tonight. Now go." Natsuki said feeling her voice crack. She hated it as much as Shizuru did after not being able to do anything since the First District attack. Shizuru stood her ground and shook her head.

"Make me." Shizuru said harshly. Natsuki frowned at her and backed into the guest bedroom and slammed the door. Shizuru slumped herself against the walled in defeat and decide perhaps it was for the best.


OH THE DRAMA!!! hehehehe this is to help me create a mean kind of angst. Trust Shizuru will get some kind of compensation. For she, Shizuru. I think I may have Ch9 be the chapter when Natsuki goes to meet Shizuru's chichi. I want someone to teach some Kyoto-ben so I can have a more realistic Shizuru.