Aha! Another chapter for you guys! Gotta say that I really enjoyed myself while writing this chapter. Hope you guys will enjoy reading it too.

Disclaimer: Neither Mai-Hime nor Sunrise are mine.


The Trouble With Love Is...

Chapter 8

"Tate eases the ball to Kanzaki. He made a run! He made a run now, folks!"

She watched him sprinted across the field, skillfully dodging the approaching opposition member; let a pass run past his opponent, circling around before pulling his right leg back high.

"Is he going to shoot? Is this going to be his third successful attempts—Wait, Kanzaki shoots!"

The ball went towards the goal post in a rapid speed. It aimed for the top right corner—the goalkeeper was hovering on air; arms reaching out. His finger tips managed to graze lightly against the ball but it was too late. The ball went into the goal in one swift movement—the crowd went nuts.

As soon the ball fell bouncing on the ground, the referee blew his whistle, calling the game end. The crowd went even louder with their cheers.

"The Champion of 57th Annual University's Cup goes to, Kyoto University!"

Shizuru watched as Reito's teammates went to celebrate their win, hugging the young man and even lifted him up, chanting on his name.

Reito pulled off his jersey, revealing his toned, chiseled abs as he waved around. Shizuru arched one brow in surprise at Reito's bold action. She could hear the girls amongst the crowd screamed for Reito's name as they fangirling over his undeniably perfect body.

Shizuru blinked as she just watched.

Reito, was being Reito, flaunting his body as if it was a bodybuilding competition. She tried to feel the excitement but she just couldn't. She just didn't know how to react.

"Something is definitely wrong with me..."

She spoke into the thin air.

to no one.


She curled her hands into fists, pressing against the cold glass as she stood in front of the window, watching the pool. The guest room she was occupying had a direct view to the back garden and the pool house which located right beside the huge swimming pool.

The sun had risen but Shizuru had woken up earlier than that when she heard odd splashing sounds coming from outside. The splashes were caused by a certain raven haired woman who apparently had decided to go for a morning swim.

"Ara..." Shizuru muttered under her breath as she watched how Natsuki would dive in and swam across the pool so gracefully like she was signed up for a swimming pool commercial. Natsuki swam back and forth, displaying amazing techniques and control. Shizuru had to hold her breath, watching as Natsuki stepped out of the pool and dried herself with a towel. That one-piece dark blue/silver bikini wrapped around the bluenette's body so effortlessly like skin—Shizuru just couldn't tear her eyes away.

Shizuru felt a sweet, tingling sensation at the pit of her stomach—like millions of butterflies dwelling inside her, flapping its wings, coursing this whole new feeling all over her body. She didn't know why but she felt like to scream. A very loud one—but she wasn't going to do that. That is such a crazy thought, isn't it?

When Natsuki disappeared inside the pool house, Shizuru was still staring at the empty space where the bluenette had stood on. She hadn't realized she had been staring into spaces until she heard knocks on the door. Snapping out of her thought, Shizuru did a double take at the pool house and quickly made her way towards the door.

"Good morning."

How did she get here so fast?

"Oh? Good morning, Natsuki!" Her crimson eyes made a quick scan on Natsuki; from her wet hair and to the pair of fluffy slippers on her feet. Natsuki had changed into her sweatshirt and tracksuits. Suddenly Shizuru felt a bit disappointed. I thought I could see her in that bikini up-close—oh my god...what am I thinking?

"Oi! Are you still sleeping!?" Natsuki's husky voice was like an alarm ring, buzzing inside her ears and awakened her from daze. Shizuru blinked a couple of times and she quickly smiled.

"I'm sorry. I was a little bit sleepy…" Shizuru blatantly lied. Natsuki just snorted.

"You should get ready. My mom will be on us anytime soon. You definitely don't want to start your morning with her nagging, do you?"

Well... I have started my morning with something better just now… Shizuru chuckled at Natsuki's comment and she gave a nod, "Okay, Natsuki. I'll get myself ready now."

Natsuki nodded back and smiled, "Alright! I'll see you in a few." She pivoted her feet and started to walk towards the staircase which led to the second floor.

Shizuru nudged forward, secretly watching Natsuki walked, scrutinizing each and every sway of her hips as Natsuki climbed on the stairs. As the figure of that raven haired woman slowly disappeared from her sight, Shizuru tugged at the door and she shut it behind her. She let out a heavy breath—she didn't know why she had to hold her breath in the first place. She placed a palm on her chest. Her heart was hammering against her ribs, so hard that she actually could hear its pounding.

What are you doing to me?


"I wonder what the special occasion is…"

Natsuki grinned as she typed on her phone and a satisfied smirk appeared on her lips before she kept away her phone into her jacket, "Nothing special. Your daughter is trying to be nice to you by taking you out for breakfast. You should be grateful! Besides, I have a surprise for you."

Saeko arched one eyebrow, unconvinced, "Hmm... Based on my experience, when you were trying to be nice to me, there must be something bad had happened..." Saeko narrowed her eyes, lowering her glasses slightly as she tapped her index finger on Natsuki's nose, "What did you do, young lady?"

Natsuki swatted Saeko's offending finger away, "Oh, come on, mom! I'm not 12!" Natsuki scowled, making Shizuru giggled as they walked towards her parked car.

Saeko just laughed as she hooked her arm around Natsuki's, "Anyway, I'm glad you want to take me out for a breakfast. It's been a while since we had our breakfast together. I can't wait for the surprise. Where do you plan to take me?"

"Oh... um..." Natsuki pouted as she turned to look at Shizuru.

Shizuru quirked her brows questioningly at Natsuki's inquiring gaze, "Don't tell me you have no plan..." Shizuru asked with a giggle.

"What?" Saeko's eyes widened slightly and slapped Natsuki's arm, earning a soft 'ouch' from the younger woman.

Natsuki instantly laughed at the look on Saeko's face, "I'm joking! Anyway Shizuru, do you mind if I drive your car?"

Shizuru placed a finger under her chin, smiling, "Hmm? I thought Natsuki said that my car is such a sissy car..."

"Well, yeah. It is still a sissy car." Natsuki smirked mischievously as she walked to the driver's side, "I just don't trust your sense of direction... It is better if I drive us there instead of getting lost somewhere—"

"Okay! You drive!"

Natsuki broke into chuckle when Shizuru tossed the car keys at her and got into the passenger's seat with a pout. Saeko just shook her head, silently mouthing out 'You're such a naughty girl' at Natsuki's playful grin.


"Seriously!?"

"It's therapeutic!"

"Your ears seriously need a major overhaul... Why the hell would someone listen to nature sounds while driving!? This isn't therapeutic! It's going to make you sleepy and the next thing you know, you would drive into a building!"

"I have never driven into a building. Have you?"

"That's not my point—"

"You want to hear my point? I'm hungry and you two better shut it before I eat both of you!"

Both Natsuki and Shizuru instantly went quiet at Saeko's threatening voice.

Saeko had sighed for the umpteenth times during the entire ride. She slid a finger across the screen to turn off the phone and stared at the two young women before her. They had been arguing over something overly trivial; it started to make her head hurt.

"You two are 26 years old... Stop acting like a brat—"

Natsuki instantly butted in, "I'm 25, mom—"

"I don't care!" Saeko hissed, "Anyway, where are you taking us, Natsuki!? I'm hungry!"

Natsuki let out a sigh as she maneuvered the steering wheel and turned the car into the right junction, approaching one tall, luxurious building. The car eventually came to a halt and Natsuki pulled at the brake.

"We're here!"

Shizuru unbuckled her seat belt and stepped out the vehicle. Her eyes sauntered over the tall concrete and it came to her realization that it was a hotel. Who would've thought Natsuki planned to take us here…

"A hotel?" Saeko asked whilst closing the door as she stared at the luxurious and lavish ornaments decorated on the building.

"Yup!" Natsuki grinned as she walked over to Shizuru, handing over the car key, "Thank you very much for lending me your car but you have to drive us home later…"

"Since Natsuki is treating me this breakfast, I don't think I can refuse to that…" Shizuru took the key with a smile, playfully glaring at the younger woman out of the corner of her eyes.

"I'm glad we have an understanding." Natsuki laughed as she walked towards the entrance, holding the door for Shizuru and Saeko to walk in.


"Please make your order. I'll be right back." Shizuru smiled, collecting her purse and her phone.

"Where are you going?" Natsuki asked, staring at Shizuru, looking a tad worried.

"Washroom. Does Natsuki want to accompany me?" Shizuru gave a playful wink and Natsuki instantly frowned albeit her lips were curved into a smile.

"No. Just be quick or we'll start eating without you!"

Shizuru gave off a chuckle as she walked towards the restroom located at the far corner of that restaurant.

Natsuki watched at Shizuru's retreating back as Shizuru slowly disappeared from her sight. While the brunette was making her way towards the washroom, she couldn't help noticing the restaurant staffs were stopping at their tracks and gave her a low bow. Wow, these staffs are very polite to customers. I guess for them to have the best hospitality is not only an entitlement. They live up to its reputation...

Natsuki took a seat which was facing the kitchen door while Saeko was sitting right across her.

"This is the first time."

Natsuki blinked as she placed her arms on the table, looking at Saeko questioningly, "What?"

Saeko's lips tugged into a smile, "You and Shi-chan seem to be in a good term. That's really surprising. You have never taken a liking to any of Reito's girlfriend—"

Saeko paused as a young, bright looking waitress approached the table and gave them the menu and left with a promise that she would be right back to take their orders.

"—yet alone talking and bringing her along for breakfast together." Saeko continued. Her eyes were fixated at the young woman across the table while fingers flipping at the pages of the menu.

Natsuki was looking around the restaurant as she replied, "Shizuru is different."

"Different as...?"

There was a touch of sarcasm in Saeko's tone—Natsuki instantly turned to face her mother. Though they shared the same shade of emerald, the one she was staring at right now carried a whole lot more than she could imagine. They were loving yet intimidating; comforting and a bit upsetting at times. Those eyes had held up with a lot of tears; happiness and sadness. Those eyes had seen a lot this world had to offer.

Natsuki knew by heart that Saeko could read her mind if she ever let her. Natsuki instantly smiled. Not this time...

"Different as different." Natsuki's answer was short; Saeko curved up a knowing smirk.

A clever answer.

"I'm glad. At least that would lessen our worry that you might not going to get along with your future sister-in-law. Your father and I really wish that Shi-chan would be the last one. We had gone through a lot with Reito's past girlfriends—they gave us a lot of headache."

Natsuki just snickered.

"When will we ever hear anything from you?"

Natsuki rolled her eyes up to look at Saeko again, "About what?"

"No boyfriend?"

Natsuki should have seen it coming, "No."

Saeko's lips widened more when she saw Natsuki's face contorted into a scowl, "No as…?"

"No as never—" Natsuki felt like slapping her own mouth, "I-I mean, not yet."

Saeko gave off a chuckle and she nodded, lowering her gaze to read on her menu "Okay."

As they read on the menu, Natsuki's peripheral view caught a glimpse of a person, approaching the table. Tilting her head up, she instantly noticed who that was and her lips quickly curved up into a wide smile.

"One eggs benedict for you, ma'am."

Saeko arched her brows in surprise, she hadn't order anything yet. Her emerald eyes blinked a couple of times as she stared at the scrumptious meal before her.

"Wait… this isn't my order—"

"Oh, this is no longer your favorite?"

Saeko instinctively turned around to look at the waitress who had sent the food. Her eyes widened—it wasn't a waitress. An orange haired woman in a chef uniform smiled brightly at her.

Saeko was gaping.

"Mai-chan!?"

"Natsuki should have told me that you're no longer eating this for breakfast—" Mai's words halted halfway when Saeko pulled her into a bear hug. Mai returned the hug with a happy giggle.

"Oh my god! Where on earth have you been!? I haven't seen you in years!" Saeko was at the brink of tearing up as she cupped Mai's face with both hands, laughing happily to finally meet the young woman again,

"So this is the surprise you've told me about?" Saeko turned to look at Natsuki and the latter just laughed.

"It's a good surprise, isn't it?" Natsuki grinned.

Wiping her eyes, Saeko turned to look at Mai again, patting her cheeks endearingly, "Yes it is!" But then she noticed Mai's uniform, her eyes widened again,

"You're a chef now!?"

Mai couldn't help but to giggle as she nodded her head twice, "Yes, I am! You told me to be one, so here you go!"

"Not just a chef. She's THE executive chef for this hotel!" Natsuki added, arching one brow and later earned a wide, charming smile from Mai.

"You are definitely deserved for another hug. Come here!" Saeko pulled Mai into another hug and they laughed.

"Anyway, have you changed your favorite breakfast, Saeko-mama?" Mai asked as she pulled the chair for Saeko.

Saeko quickly shook her head as she chuckled, "No, of course not. I was just surprised when you sent the food without me knowing. It is always been my favorite, especially if you're the one who made it!"

They shared laughed.

"Come, Mai-chan! Let's join us!" Saeko pulled at Mai's arm, gesturing her to sit together with them.

Mai smiled apologetically, "I'm so sorry, Saeko-mama. I wish I could but I have to get back to the kitchen..." Mai giggled again at Saeko's cute pout, definitely the same one Natsuki inherited whenever she was slightly angry, "But in return, I will be the one who cook for your breakfast."

"That would be as good." Natsuki grinned and Saeko just let out a defeated sigh.

"Fine. But you have to come over for a dinner or something at our house. Anyway, how's Takumi doing? Is he getting better?"

"Not really but he's in a promising progress. We're waiting for the perfect donor for him. He's staying with me by the way."

Saeko started to feel worried, "Is he in the hospital?"

Mai nodded, "He's supposed to be home a few days ago but the doctor had to hold him for another week because he had a complication with his breathing." Mai said with a sad smile, "But he's doing okay now."

"Take me with you next time you're seeing him."

"Okay!" Mai beamed brightly at the older woman and they continued to talk.

Natsuki watched them with a smile but then her eyes flickered at the sight of a brunette haired woman walking out the restroom. She caught Shizuru's dazzling smile at her; she couldn't help but to do likewise.

"There she is... Took her long enough..."

"Who?"

Both Saeko and Mai quickly turned to look.

At the sight of the brunette, the smile on Mai's face instantly dropped and her back quickly straightened. She's here!?

Natsuki had her words loaded and ready and when Shizuru was within earshot, she spoke, "You seriously need to triple your green tea consumption, Shizuru. You have constipation, aren't you? What are you doing, staying so long in that toilet!?"

Shizuru chuckled at Natsuki's teasing remark, "I've told you I don't have a constipation problem—" But then she noticed the presence of another person at that table. Her brows quirked in surprise as she stopped her advance a couple feet away from their table.

Natsuki just couldn't understand why Mai suddenly went to stand right in front of Shizuru and lowered her head slightly.

"G-good day to you, Fujino-sama!"

"It's Tokiha-san, isn't it? Good day to you too!"

Natsuki was baffled as she stared in awe at the two women before her.

"You two know each other?"


"Are you sure?"

"Very."

Yukino pushed her glasses slightly while reading at the company profile the other woman had brought to her.

"But I've never heard about this company before. I don't know if giving them the project for our hotel renovation is a good idea..."

Shizuru entwined her fingers, resting her chin against her knuckles,

"This company is quite renowned in Europe. They recently opened a branch here in Japan. I don't think it would be much problem for my father to agree with my proposition. That's why I decided for them to start renovate the one in Kyoto first. It is closer to home and my father could supervise their work personally."

Yukino nodded her head twice, "...okay." She paused, "But I want to ask you something."

Shizuru's brows quirked questioningly, "What is it?"

"This isn't personal, is it?" Yukino asked, gesturing at the company profile on her desk.

Her lips curved up into a smile. Shizuru leaned back, resting against the leather chair,

"No. This is totally professional."


Natsuki propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin on the upturned, glaring at the brunette who was sitting next to her. Natsuki was insistent with her glaring; Shizuru almost choked and giggled on her tea.

"You should've told me that you're the heiress of this hotel chain..."

"Natsuki never asked. I don't think it is something I need to speak about, isn't it?"

"Well, yeah but at least you should have told me."

"Again, you never asked, Natsuki... Stop complaining. I want to eat in peace!" Saeko scowled at the young bluenette before she continued eating her breakfast while reading the newspaper.

Natsuki frowned to Saeko's scolding and Shizuru laughed.

"I-uh… I was wondering… About this renovation project we got for this hotel chain in Kyoto… were you involved in it?"

Shizuru simply shrugged with grin, "Who knows?"

"What do you mean by who knows? Aren't you supposed to be the heiress of this hotel?" Natsuki asked, somewhat confused.

"I am but it doesn't mean I know everything about the management. I'm just the heiress but the person who has the power for every decision is my father." Shizuru stated simply.

"I see… But—" Natsuki was about to ask again when Mai suddenly walked out the kitchen door, holding on their sets of meal she had cooked. She placed one plate before Shizuru and smiled brightly.

"Your breakfast, Fujino-sama..."

Shizuru instantly smiled at the sight of her favorite Japanese breakfast set. Tilting her head up, she nodded her head in approval and thanked the young chef, "You're always the one who is very particular about someone's favorite. My father is definitely right about you, Tokiha-san..."

Mai smiled sheepishly as she bowed her head, "Thank you very much, Fujino-sama. I'm just doing my job..." she bowed again before walking to Natsuki's side and placing a plate in front of the bluenette.

"Remember this...?" Mai quirked one eyebrow as she watched Natsuki's face slowly changed.

"Isn't this...?" Natsuki was a bit surprised when she saw that plate. Mai gave a nod and a bright smile.

"I used to cook this for you on Saturdays..." Mai grinned as she placed her hands on her waist, "Your favorite—"

"Saturdays' Full English Breakfast!" They rhymed together and later fell into laughter.

Shizuru couldn't help but to smile while watching their interaction—though in silent, she felt a strange tug at the pit of her stomach.

And it was not so pleasant.

"They're best friends. Since high-school."

Shizuru instantly turned her head and saw Saeko was smiling. Saeko just answered her unspoken question.

"I see. No wonder they're close..." Shizuru concluded with a smile and turned to face her meal. Strangely, it didn't feel that appetizing anymore.

It was yet another confusing feeling she had ever since she met Natsuki. She was far from understanding these whole new emotions she had lately and watching Natsuki and Mai being intimately close to each other, it just added up another one in her list.

Jealousy.

Natsuki caught a strange glint in Shizuru's eyes when their gaze met briefly before Shizuru shifted to focus on her breakfast. Though it was just for a split second, Natsuki thought Shizuru was being angry over something but it was quickly disappeared.

"You should get back to the kitchen... Your boss is right here. You don't want her to fire your ass, do you?" Natsuki whispered at Mai's ear as the latter leaned down when Natsuki suddenly pulled at her arm.

Mai was just too caught up in the moment of relishing her memories with Natsuki. She gave out a soft cough and quickly excusing herself back to the kitchen, "I should get back to the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!"

The table went awkwardly quiet—Saeko was eating while reading the newspaper; Shizuru was just holding her rice bowl and Natsuki noticed her food was barely touched.

"Is your food okay?"

"Yes."

Natsuki frowned slightly at the short and imperturbable response. She took a quick glance at Saeko; the older woman was still engrossed with her food and newspaper—Natsuki turned to face Shizuru again.

"Is there something wrong…?"

One corner of her lips tugged into a small smile, a sly one, "Why would it be?" Shizuru asked back.

There was something unlikely in Shizuru's tone and Natsuki suddenly felt her anger swelled within her chest. It was more like an impulse. Before her mouth could spurt out words which could possibly lead into an argument, Saeko suddenly slapped the newspaper on the table, pulling both Natsuki and Shizuru's attention towards her.

"So… what do you want to talk about, Shi-chan?"

The attention quickly went back to the astonished brunette.

"Ara, about what, Saeko-mama?" Shizuru blinked twice, she was confused.

Saeko had eaten half of her breakfast, "You called me, asking me out for a dinner last night which was unfortunately replaced by Natsuki…" Saeko placed down her fork, "You said you have something to talk about."

Natsuki quickly relaxed on her chair; her anger had dissipated and her eyes fixated at Shizuru, curiously waiting for that brunette's answer.

Shizuru instantly came to her realization on what Saeko had meant, "O-oh, about that…"

Seeing Shizuru's hesitation, Saeko quickly understood, "Is it about Reito?"

Shizuru's eyes instantly widened at the question and Natsuki knew her mother just scored a bull's eye. Her own eyes went searching into Shizuru's. Her mind made a quick flashback of what had happened the other day when she caught Shizuru and Reito making out.

Well, at least that was what she assumed they did.

Making out is supposed to be a fun thing but why did she cry? Did Reito force her? Since then, Natsuki just couldn't help but wondering.

"I can leave you alone with my mom if you want to…"

Shizuru snapped up her eyes and her hand moved instinctively to wrap around Natsuki's,

"No, please stay."

Natsuki's heart skipped a beat at the warm touch on her right hand but Shizuru instantly jerked her hand, taking away the warmth which she instantly missed. Okay… that's just weird.

Natsuki turned to look at Saeko; the older woman gave an approval nod for her stay. Natsuki silently swallowed. She was never a fan for a serious talk. She would try her best to avoid it as quick as she could but seeing Shizuru's distraught face, she didn't know why she was compelled to stay. I wonder what's bothering you…

Saeko took a silent sip of her tea and she calmly placed it on the table, "Shall we start?"


They went into another quick silence; Saeko was quietly contemplating while Natsuki just remained silent as she stared at Shizuru as if trying to read her mind. Shizuru was mostly quiet, sipping at her tea from time to time.

"You're thinking of breaking up with him? How long have you two been dating…?" Saeko commenced another question.

"We officially started dating—I think around last year right after we graduated. So, it is almost one year…" Shizuru pursed her lips; eyes went back and forth at the two women before her.

"Not that long…" Saeko rubbed her chin.

"But we've been friends before that, so—"

Saeko sighed, smiling, "Yes, I know but you two are still in the early stage of relationship… There's no way of knowing unless you and Reito continue to learn about each other. Have you told him that you don't want to have any kind of sexual contact before marriage?"

"Pfffftt—!" Natsuki instantly choked on her coffee. Both Saeko and Shizuru turned around, glaring.

"I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Natsuki coughed so hard that her face started to redden, "P-please continue…" she said as she reached for a glass of water, trying her best to avoid Shizuru's enraged glare as she slowly taking a sip.

Apparently, listening to an 'adult' conversation while trying to restrain herself from laughing was such a difficult task. Natsuki had to bit her lower lip, so hard that it had embedded the tender skin with her teeth mark. Oh god… Poor Reito… Now I understand the whole reason behind his constant mood swing… He has never got it on with his girlfriend! Natsuki mentally giggled.

"We did discuss about it…" Shizuru was hesitating as her eyes went back to look at Natsuki. The latter had her head hung low; her dark hair cascaded down and Shizuru couldn't see Natsuki's face but her trembling shoulders were an obvious giveaway. Natsuki was silently laughing. Shizuru inwardly scowled. Ara... she should at least be more supportive about this instead of laughing...

"He's not perfect..."

Both Natsuki and Shizuru instantly turned to face the older woman across the table.

Saeko paused before she continued shortly after taking a sip of her tea, "Reito... He's not perfect," she repeated as she raised the ceramic cup and gesturing it to Shizuru, "And you're not either. The two of you will never be perfect."

Shizuru was slightly taken aback with Saeko's comment as she just sat there, staring.

Natsuki decided it was best for her to keep herself quiet while the other two were discussing—eyes fixated at that chestnut haired woman, studying her expression.

"But if he can make you laugh at least once, if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He might not going to think about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don't hurt him, don't change him, and don't expect for more than he can give. Don't analyze." Saeko paused again with a smile.

Shizuru was speechless. Saeko's words rang inside her ears, starting to make her doubting her own decision.

Natsuki entwined her fingers and rested her chin against the knuckles, "I think I've heard that quote somewhere..." she grinned.

Saeko just giggled, "Yes, of course you did. It's from Bob Marley!"

"I knew it!" Both mother and daughter shared a loud laugh.

Shizuru was left confused again. Wait, what? Who is Bob Marley?

After their laugh subsided, Saeko took a deep breath and stared at the troubled brunette with a soft, assuring smile,

"Just give Reito some time, Shi-chan... I'm sure he will learn from his mistakes. Talk to him—tell him everything you need to tell and to be fair, you need to listen to him too. Communication is the key! Taking time is what love's all about!"

They fell into silence again when Saeko had concluded her words.

Natsuki found herself staring at the kitchen door, taking in the sight of a certain orange haired chef, walking in and out the kitchen in hurry, completely unaware to a tender gaze Natsuki had been upholding. Natsuki curved up a smile. Taking time, huh? I wonder...

Saeko's words were long forgotten as she fixed her stare at Natsuki's smile. Slowly, she followed Natsuki's gaze and saw the cause of that smile.

One orange-haired chef was working diligently, meeting the customers who requested her presence at their table, receiving praises for her unquestionably amazing talent in cooking—Shizuru suddenly felt overwhelmed.

She turned to face the table again. Hands quickly found her tea cup. The heat which emanated from the cup was comforting but it just wasn't enough—would never be enough to warm up her heart. Her eyes rolled up to meet the oblivious emeralds. That look was still there, so did the smile.

So that is how it looks like...

Shizuru felt her heart fluttered and sunk at the same time. She wondered how it even possible. Shizuru looked down at the clear liquid in her cup, seeing nothing but her own reflection.

The look of someone who is deeply in love...


The whole ride home mostly was quiet since Saeko had fell into sleep. It was one of her habit—to sleep right after eating and one had to wonder how she even managed to maintain such figure at such age with that habit of hers.

Natsuki noticed Shizuru had talked less and less as they gotten closer to the mansion. Shizuru's odd silence was one of the things that she still needed to learn ever since she befriended that brunette. Not to mention there were other things about Shizuru which had sparked her curiosity and somewhat confused her.

For instance, her stare—sometimes she felt as if Shizuru had an X-ray vision; her gaze penetrated deep into places where she didn't want anyone to find.

Her smile—oh yeah that smile. Natsuki had to admit, it was one of the most beautiful smiles she had ever seen and it sure did 'something' on her.

Every time.

And now, her silence—it confused her to no end. Though they didn't have much of conversation going on between them, Natsuki thought she had learnt a bit about that brunette. And strangely enough, she wanted to learn more. Shizuru affected her in so many ways and she really-really wondered why.

"We're here…" Shizuru pulled up and Natsuki quickly turned to look at her mother on the back seat. She reached out and shook Saeko's thigh slightly.

"Mom... we're home. Wake up!"

Shizuru's brows quirked slightly at the soft and loving tone Natsuki used when she tried to wake Saeko up. It was kind of surprising because she often saw Natsuki spoke with Saeko while using such harsh tone and sometimes that bluenette tended to be a bit haughty. Shizuru inwardly smiled. There's just so much about you that I have yet to learn, Natsuki…

"We're here already? Mou…" Saeko pouted sleepily as she stretched her arms upwards, "Natsuki, would you please carry me in?"

Natsuki was glaring at the older woman and she ignored her, grunting softly as she stepped out the car. Saeko burst into giggles.

"Fine! I'll walk! See you again, Shi-chan… Remember! Talk with Reito, okay?"

Shizuru gave a nod as she waved. Saeko climbed the stairs which led to the front door before disappearing into the mansion.

Natsuki was standing outside the car near the driver's side, awkwardly staring at the tires.

Shizuru just couldn't help but to mentally giggled at Natsuki's face. She knew Natsuki had something going on in her mind. She meant to ask what was bothering her but she would let that bluenette to initiate the impending question.

"Thank you for breakfast, Natsuki. See you again…" Shizuru restarted the engine and preparing to drive back home.

"Wait!"

Shizuru just couldn't hold her smile, "Yes, Natsuki?"

"Can we talk?"

Natsuki's tone turned serious, Shizuru quickly turned off the engine and she stepped out the vehicle, "Sure…"

Natsuki breathed in a great deal of air before leaning in and rested her right arm against the car, "I just need to get this out of my head…"

Truth to be told, Shizuru started to feel a little anxious, "Okay… about what?"

"It's about what my mother said earlier this morning..." Natsuki paused as she tilted her head up, meeting Shizuru's inquiring gaze on hers, "You don't have to do it if you don't want to, you know…?"

Shizuru was stunned. She thought Natsuki was going to ask about the renovation project but it was about her problem earlier, "I don't understand…"

Natsuki scratched the back of her head sheepishly, "What I'm trying to say is... don't make my mother's words an obligation to you. You have the right to choose. This is your life we're talking about."

"But—"

"I know that my mom is all about giving chances and actually she really wishes to have you as her daughter-in-law since I didn't do much of being a perfect daughter to her..." Natsuki chuckled as she snuck her hands into her pocket.

Shizuru couldn't help but to giggle too.

"And though I do have a little disagreement with Reito, I'm not saying that he's such a bad guy. He could be the perfect man any woman could wish for but maybe not for you. I know that you probably think about giving yourself and Reito more time to figure things out between you two. Well hey, it is fine too!" Natsuki paused, running her hand through her hair.

Shizuru just watched as the silky dark strands cascaded down and she caught Natsuki's gaze at her, a bit intense and meaningful.

"For me, it just doesn't make any sense to hold on when there's nothing there..." Natsuki added, "There's just no point of giving time… if you found yourself no longer in love with him…"

Shizuru found herself astounded yet again. How did Natsuki manage to read right through her? Was she that transparent?

Shizuru slowly brought up her arms, crossing it above her ribs—she suddenly felt exposed. Natsuki had breached her defense and cracked her mask she had been perfectly displayed.

Since when someone could easily read her, she wondered. Never, not even her family—until Natsuki.

"Why are you doing this...?"

Natsuki simply shrugged, "I don't know... I just feel compelled to speak to you about this. It's been bugging me earlier and I didn't want to say it right in front of my mother because I thought it would be best to speak to you personally."

Her heart fluttered crazily—Shizuru just couldn't hold this upcoming smile, "I see... Does Natsuki care about me?"

"Well, duh? You're a friend. You should care about your friend, right?" Natsuki said matter-of-factly with quirking brows.

"Ara, since Natsuki and I are being friends, I think we should call each other by nicknames..." Shizuru just couldn't hold herself from teasing that lovely blunette.

Natsuki instantly scowled, "Oh, hell to the NO!"

"Why not!?"

"Because of reasons!"

And Shizuru just burst into giggle fit. Natsuki felt her cheeks starting to heat up.

"Natsuki?"

Natsuki was looking at the other way, frowning when she felt a soft tug at her left arm, "Hm?"

"Can I hug you?"

"No."

Natsuki's curt reply made Shizuru laughed again, "Ara, that's very mean of you!"

"Why would you want to do that in the first place!?"

"Because we're friends!"

Natsuki's reasoning backfired, she was stunned. She found herself tongue-tied and cheeks emanating more heat, "F-fine! You should be thankful because only selected people are allowed to hug—"

Her next words were left forgotten when her body crushed against Shizuru's in a fierce hug. That brunette was holding onto her like her life was depended on it. The lock around her neck was tight but strangely enough, it didn't suffocate her—she felt something else.

Something pleasant; something she had been yearning for years. Something she had been wanting her whole life—she never thought she could feel it with another person.

She felt loved.

Shizuru's warm breath swept at her right ear, sending more shivers along her spine and surging through her finger tips. Suddenly she felt giddy. She could feel Shizuru's soft cheek against hers—her calm intake of breath as she buried her face deeper onto the crook of her neck.

"Thank you, Natsuki…"

Shizuru pressed her nose onto Natsuki's shoulder, feeling the tensed muscles relaxed at her words and slowly, she felt trembling arms, circling around her mid-section, clasping awkwardly at the small of her back. Her lips couldn't hide a smile. Being hugged by Natsuki was like being enveloped by this surprisingly familiar warmth—like being hugged by someone intimately close; someone you had known for years. Ironically, she had known this young blunette only for a short period of time.

"Y-yeah… N-no problem…"

Natsuki's stutter brought another smile on her face. It was really endearing, she thought and she finally came to realization of what she had been feeling with having that young blunette in her arms.

"Thank you very much…"

It felt like… home.


Was it too quick? Tell me what you guys think, okay? ^_^