Haven't seen me in a while, huh? Yeah, the wonderful reality of College kept knocking at my door. It's like living in an alternate universe from the life you've developed for eighteen years then when you go home it's deja vu. It was weird. So, guess what? It's finals week and I have two papers due on Thrusday, but I can't focus on them becuase I kept thinking about 'Hello there sensei'!!!! So I wrote a chapter and did some drawings. I'm taking down my old drawings- all of them- and putting up some new ones. Not all at once but hopefully at a steady pace. I've got a few ready right now so I'll post them as soon as I can. Just keep checking my profile I guess.
Anyway, it's a rather long chapter. (Over 5,000 words). So enjoy.
Chapter 9:
"Karaoke?" Mai repeated hesitantly, glaring at her blue haired friend for the real motive behind her visit. "I've been on your case about visiting my restaurant, something you said you 'didn't feel like doing' and now you're here to WILLINGLY offering me a free night of karaoke?"
"Yep. I'll pay for everything." Natsuki smiled as she leaned over the counter, watching the red head glare down at her.
"Kuga Natsuki, that's not funny. You know I never joke about karaoke."
"Yeah, I know. That's why this isn't a joke."
"You wouldn't even go to a karaoke bar with me on my birthday! Why should I believe you?"
"Because I already reserved the place for us" Natsuki responded smugly, holding up her receipt. Mai let out a squeal of excitement, ripping the small piece of paper from the teacher's hand for a better look.
"Oh, I love this place! How'd you know?!"
"Lucky guess…" 'It's scary how well Minagi knows Mai.'
"Wait a minute!" Mai yelled, holding the receipt in Natsuki's face. "I still don't believe you."
"What!? Come one Mai, can't I just do something nice?"
"No, especially when it involves karaoke. Now you listen to me Kuga Natsuki" the chief said sternly, shaking the now crimpled receipt at her friend, "if this is some form of joke, black mail, or a way to butter me up I'm not falling for it."
"Damn it, I just want to hang out!"
"It's either you want something or…" the red head's voice faded, her eyes softening. She didn't know why, but this new expression scared Natsuki even more than Mai's 'angry face'. "Natsuki, do you want to talk about something?" Her voice matched her expression, that understanding, soothing coo that caused the young teacher's eye to twitch. "You know you can tell me anything. You don't have to buy my attention with karaoke."
"That's not it." She growled through clenched teeth. Despite her claim Natsuki did wish to discuss something with Mai, but that could wait till later. The young teacher stood from her seat tossing Mai a 'you better be there tonight, this thing's costing me a grand' look before leaving, her lunch hour ending soon.
It was perfect. The execution wasn't precise, but Mai had taken the bait. Natsuki knew her plan would turn out so perfect she could just paint it and sell it for millions!...okay, she sucked at art but that wasn't the point. She had already discussed it with Minagi- how Natsuki would lure Mai from her professional environment (her restaurant) and get her to go singing with her. Then Minagi would just happen to be in the same establishment as then and have a chance to smooth out the mess she made. Mai, being the loving nurturer that she was, couldn't possibly resist and take Minagi back into her good graces. The whole ordeal had the young teacher grinning to herself by the time she stepped foot into her class. Half the students thought she was going insane until she chucked her chalk eraser at Nao's head for texting in class. Then they knew everything was right in their world called school.
The day went smoothly until the end of the last class when everyone had left except a certain third year whose arms sneaked their way around Natsuki's waist, causing the young teacher to squeak in surprise.
"Shizuru! What if someone saw?! The door's wide open!"
"Ara ara! Allow me to amend that." Shizuru responded before she malevolently moved to the entrance, her hips swaying so seductively the young teacher couldn't look away as the third year shut the door. Was she doing this on purpose? Natsuki blushed at the thought. With her task done Shizuru returned to Natsuki's side, her hands gliding down the woman's shoulders and down her arms before resting on her biceps, leaning in so her head rested in the base of Natsuki's neck.
"Where were you at lunch today?" The brunette asked. The breath on her ear caused Natsuki to shiver involuntarily in Shizuru's grasp. Did the third year really not know what she was doing to her?
"Sorry. I tried to get a note to you in homeroom but…"
"Was that the note Suzushiro-san confiscated?"
"…yeah."
Shizuru merely laughed at Natsuki's crestfallen voice. "You can't possibly know how long Suzushiro-san looked for the mysterious, 'N' that was signed on the note nor the rant she went on about passing notes in class, Kuga-sensei."
"Yeah well, those rules are in place for the students, not the teachers."
"Aren't teachers supposed to set an example?"
"Didn't see that in my contract" Natsuki smiled as Shizuru laughed again, wrapping her arms around the brunette's waist. "Besides, I didn't want you sitting here alone waiting for me."
"I wasn't. I figured the note was from you so I ate with Minagi-san today. She informed me you planned on helping her with Tokiha-san?"
"That's where I was today" Natsuki smiled, happy to share her brilliant plan. She explained how she lured Mai out with karaoke and how Minagi would swoop in and everything would be fine in the end. "Isn't it perfect?"
Shizuru stared at her for a moment, her eyebrow lifted gracefully in question. "Natsuki…are you sure this will resolve the conflict? Even if you get Mikoto-san in the same room with Tokiha-san that doesn't mean they will come to terms with anything. How is Mikoto-san supposed to explain why she was at the bar that night without revealing her feelings for Tokiha-san? And surely you do not expect Mikoto-san to just appear alone at a karaoke bar. Wouldn't it be less suspicious if she was escorted by some friends?"
"S-stop poking holes into my brilliant plan!" Natsuki pouted before glaring at the chalkboard. Damn it, she hadn't thought about that. "I thought I'd leave that to Minagi, I mean…damn it. When did you start questioning me?"
"When Natsuki said I could, remember? How I don't need to restrain myself?" Shizuru smiled into the young teacher's neck as Natsuki released a groan.
"Fine. I never thought about that. I guess it does seem stupid, going to a karaoke bar alone."
"Perhaps Yuuki-san could accompany her."
"No way in hell! I'd be stuck with that sarcastic hot head while Minagi tries to reason with Mai!"
"FUJINO!" A loud roar echoed through the grounds, causing both of them to stiffen in surprise.
"Ara. It seems I am late for the student council meeting." Shizuru sighed, leaning away from Natsuki. "I suppose I should go."
"Damn amplifier. Check your clothes for a tracking device or something; I think she has you bugged." Natsuki growled, wishing she could go against her morals and plan a nasty assignment for Suzushiro in the spirit of revenge. "I'll see you tomorrow then?"
"Always" Shizuru smiled, taking a step closer and wrapping her arms around Natsuki's neck. The biker leaned down and kissed the younger girl on the lips. Natsuki had intended it to be light and drew back after a few seconds, but Shizuru followed and pulled her down for another kiss. "Not yet" the brunette whispered and Natsuki wasn't in any position to argue as she laced her arms back around Shizuru's waist. So far their kisses had been fairly short, most were sweet and to the point. But Shizuru had steadily grown more confident in their kissing and, as surprised as she was, the young teacher was far from complaining. This new kiss, this slow and lingering warmth coming from their contact suddenly had a huge impact on Natsuki, holding Shizuru tighter as they continued. It didn't escalate nor subside, but remained slow and warm until the third year drew back, her eyes large and her cheeks slightly flushed. "See you tomorrow, my Natsuki" Shizuru whispered before grabbing her schoolbag, leaving Natsuki with a peck on the lips.
The rest of the evening was Natsuki planning her strategy against her most dangerous foe yet: Mai's fury. She had experience in dealing with Mai, but Minagi had it worse then she imagined. The young teacher met Mikoto down in the kendo hall during practice, sitting on the side lines as they discussed her options.
"Damn, how many sports do you compete in?"
"A few" Mikoto responded, chugging down some water before facing her sensei. "Did you join any of the sport clubs in high school Kuga-sensei?"
"No. School spirit wasn't really my thing. I did race though."
"Race? As in running?"
"No, I raced motorcycles. Now let's get back on track. Shizuru pointed out some flaws in my plan."
"I thought your plan was brilliant!"
"I know, right?! Well, turns out it had some holes she had to go poking her finger into. Anyway she said it might be suspicious if you just randomly came in alone, especially at a karaoke bar. Do you have any friends you can get to come?"
"Well I--"
"Besides Yuuki."
Mikoto paused to think before shaking her head. "No. Nao's the only one who knows about Mai and she's busy anyway. It's a Friday, so she's probably on a date or something."
"Great. Well, we'll hope Mai overlooks this. More importantly, Shizuru was concerned you wouldn't know how to melt the ice once you got alone with Mai. Did you show her that paper?"
"Yeah, it earned me one smile before she started giving me the cold shoulder."
"What?!" Natsuki exclaimed, "Damn, you are in deep shit."
"Sensei! I need your help!" Mikoto frowned, but was interrupted by a large overcastting shadow.
"Minagi! You need to practice." Takeda said, tapping his shinai on Mikoto's abandoned one. "You're our only shot at making regionals! I want you to practice those moves I showed you yesterday." With a reluctant nod Mikoto picked up her shinai, moving to get equipped for kendo practice.
"Kuga-san, what are you doing here? Come to watch the students?" Takeda inquired, almost shyly, earning a glare from the teacher as she stood.
"No, I just came to speak with Minagi-san about something. What did you mean about her competing in regionals?"
"Minagi is the best fighter we have, so she's our best shot at making our big comeback. You know Fuka academy ranked second in nationals a few years back?"
"No. Now wipe that stupid grin off your face and tell me why Minagi-san is your ticket."
Takeda blushed slightly before continuing with a small frown. "Like I said, she's our best."
"Weren't you also on her back for that track met a while back?"
"Yep, she's an all around all star" The physical education teacher smiled. "She'll do great things if she keeps this pace up."
"Aren't you relying on her a little too much?" Natsuki growled, her annoyance growing at his bragging tone. "She doesn't react well under pressure Takeda. If you keep talking like it's the end of the world unless she wins she'll go into cardiac arrest or something."
"I appreciate what you're saying Kuga-san," Takeda responded, placing a hand on her shoulder, "but believe me, I've known Mikoto-san for a long time and I know what she's capable of. She's safe and happy to compete. It's what she's best at!" Natsuki glared at him before shoving his hand away. Much to her confusion he merely smiled. "I hope you stop by again Kuga-san, but right now I have a club to run." He then walked back to his students with a confident stride, his first destination being where Mikoto was getting geared up. As much as Natsuki didn't like Takeda her annoyance with him seemed to double at his arrogant comment of knowing Mikoto better. But what concerned her more was that his comment seemed…rehearsed. Had other teachers inquired about Mikoto's athletic work? Did others have concerns Takeda pushed aside as he did Natsuki's? The young teacher made a mental note to take this up with Mikoto later, but she could only focus on one issue at a time, and that issue currently was Mai.
Much to her relief Mai insisted on driving. The biker wasn't at all ready to reveal the scrambled bits of her motorcycle to her friend, so the red head merely picked her up at her apartment before heading to the karaoke bar.
"So you're living in those apartments? They aren't too shabby considering the area." Mai said as they got out of the car. "Do they cost much?"
"Not really. It's pretty normal rent and the landlord's not half bad either. At least I don't feel like killing him every month" Natsuki responded, getting the door for Mai as they walked into the karaoke bar. "Where are you living anyway?"
"Oh, there's an apartment in the upstairs of my restaurant. Yuuichi and I have been there for a while now."
Natsuki merely growled at this as they reached the cash register. She flashed the worker her receipt and walked passed, making their way to the reserved booth. Mai went ahead, looking through songs and excitedly programming them into the computer. Sadly she began searching for arrangements Natsuki could sing, causing the young teacher swear in frustration. This proceeded for a frantic twenty minutes before Natsuki finally lost the last thread of sanity left.
"My god woman, slow down!" The biker finally yelled, ripping the book of songs away from the crazed red head. "Quit acting like you haven't sang in years!"
"But Natsuki!" Mai yelled, trying in vain to get the book back, "It's been a while since I could come here! What with money being tight, running a restaurant and Yuuichi going to school I haven't had time."
"Don't give me that pout!" Natsuki exclaimed, but in the end Mai had won and the young teacher sank back on the couch in defeat. "Fine, but I'm only singing three songs."
"Three!?...wow, you are being generous tonight." Mai smiled before imputing more songs. "We need to find you a good one since you're in such a good mood. It's weird, you never would have volunteered for singing let alone allow me to pick them. I'm so happy right now I could just…"
"What?" Natsuki questioned as Mai gave her a blank stare. Surprisingly the red head dropped her large book of songs and sat next to Natsuki, her serious expression facing off against the biker's confused one.
"Why are you so pleasant?" Mai finally asked before leaning in slightly, grabbing Natsuki's face.
"Wh-what are you doing?!"
"Getting a better look, so stop squirming!"
"Mai, this is really weird." Natsuki glared the best she could while the red head held her face.
"No, THIS is weird. Your crease is gone."
"What?"
"The crease you always had in her forehead; the one I always told you would never go away because your face was stuck from all of those years of scowling! It's gone!"
"You idiot!" Natsuki yelled, prying the laughing woman's hands off her before shoving them away. The biker had never liked that joke. She couldn't believe back in high school Mai had convinced her she had a permanent crease on her brow from scowling too much. Natsuki had spent an hour looking in a mirror to find it only to find Mai laughing hysterically on the floor outside the bathroom.
"But I mean it! What has you so happy? Come on, you weren't even this relaxed at the…" Mai's voice trailed off as she stood up, going to the door, "I'm, uh, going to get some drinks." The subject was dropped just like that. Natsuki didn't know what was bothering Mai, but it differently had to do with the week before last when… Why was she so bothered by this? Sure, one of her employees was illegally at an underage dance club but…something was wrong. The chief came shortly with drinks, smiling and sitting down next to the young teacher.
"So are you going to tell me or do I have to get it out of you?" Mai said, determined to resume their conversation.
"Get what out of me?"
"Why you're so happy!"
"Why are you so upset?" Natsuki countered,.
"Me?" Mai chuckled, the biker noticing the forced expression of confusion. "What do you mean?"
"At the bar" Natsuki stated, instantly wiping the smile off her friends' face. "You were going to say 'you weren't even this relaxed the bar', right? The dance club we went to?"
"Natsuki…" Mai gave a warning look but the young teacher ignored this. Instead of backing down she grabbed her friend's hand, giving it a squeeze.
"Mai whatever it is, just tell me. You're my best friend and I know I haven't been around in a while, but I'm here now. Talk to me. We used to tell each other everything. Hell, I actually told you about my illegal racing and even though you opposed it you promised to tell no one! We've always been able to trust each other, so why stop now?...I'm really worried about you."
"I just…" she looked as if to say something but instead Mai looked at Natsuki with a frown. "It works both ways you know. I…I'll tell you if you tell me why you're so happy. Just because I'm bothered by something doesn't mean I can't be happy for you."
"So…if I tell, you'll tell?"
"Yes, and you have to be honest or I'll pick a really girly song for you to sing!" A threat almost too dastardly to think of in Natsuki's books, but she was still hesitant to share. A lot had happened in the last two weeks since the bar, all changes involving a certain brunette. Natsuki knew she'd tell Mai eventually. She had wanted to talk to her about it for a while but she was here for Minagi. But if she understood what was bothering Mai Natsuki could help Minagi all the more.
"Well…to tell you the truth I…um."
"What?!" Mai suddenly exclaimed, hiding behind Natsuki.
"Mai?! What the hell?!"
"Shh! be quiet!" Mai hissed, forcing Natsuki to hide behind the couch. The young teacher was able to sneak a glance to the door's window and saw the passing image of Minagi Mikoto, her messed mat of hair sticking in every direction. "What is she doing here?" Mai breathed in confusion, and Natsuki couldn't help but remember a similar scenario with a baffled Mikoto at the food court.
"Mai, relax. It's just Minagi. She's probably here to…you know…sing?" Natsuki reassured, knowing all too well this was a lie.
"Wait, how well does Mikoto know Fujino-san?"
"What? I don't know, pretty well. Why?"
"Didn't you see?! Mikoto and Fujino-san were right outside and are probably right next door!"
"What?!" Natsuki exclaimed. "What the hell was Shizuru doing there?!" This wasn't a part of the plan! If anyone recognized them from school this could have seriously bad connotation, especially after the bar fight.
"Natsuki, relax. It's just Fujino-san. She's probably here to…you know…sing!" Mai hissed sarcastically, causing Natsuki to elbow her in the rib. "Ow!"
"Damn it Mai, this is serious!"
"You think I don't know that!"
"Wait…" Natsuki paused, coming out of her initial panic. "Why is this serious for you?"
"I-I…Well. Why is it serious for you?" Mai countered, staring back at Natsuki with the same confusion. "Is…this about Fujino-san? I thought you cleared that up. Didn't you explain to her how inappropriate her crush was?"
"Well--"
"Natsuki, please tell me you at least did it gently! You can be a brute sometimes and Fujino-san is a really nice girl, please tell me you didn't make her cry-"
"No I didn't! I'd never do that!"
"Yeah right, you made three guys cry because you wouldn't accept their love letters."
"Damn it Mai, I'm trying to tell you something!...It's not that I'm afraid Shizuru's mad at me, it's just that…I can't be seen in public with her. The headmistress was furious with me about the bar incident and I'm afraid if I'm seen near her in public I'll get in trouble again and…"
"Okay, well why don't we leave?"
"NO!" The second Natsuki released her exclamation she realized her mistake.
"What? Why?" Mai asked, glaring a suspicious look at her friend.
"I- just- you haven't told me why you're in trouble!"
"Natsuki…"
"I've told you mine now tell me why you freaked out when Minagi popped up. I doubt you have a problem with Shizuru since she's such a 'nice girl'." Natsuki growled. She stopped her assault though. As frustrated as she was all of her worry and anxiety vanished at the sight of her friend's sudden tears, leaning over the arm of the couch.
"It's just…Natsuki, I don't know what to do."
"Mai, what…" Natsuki waited, but suddenly the answer didn't seem so important. Without further hesitation the young teacher wrapped her arms around her friend, the shaking woman grasping onto any ounce of clothing she could reach.
"I just- I don't know!"
"Shh. It's okay Mai. I'm here now, remember? And I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. I'll be here as long as you need." She felt Mai nod into her shoulder.
"I'm happy you're here. I missed you." Mai whispered through sniffs and snivels.
"I missed you too Mai. You're my best friend and I promise I won't run off again…We're here for each other. We always have been, and I trust you with everything."
"I'm sorry" The red head said, "I didn't mean to just…I'd say ruin your sweater with my crying, but you've had this ratty old thing since high school, I don't think it can go through much more mistreatment." Natsuki let out a laugh, knowing the fact to be true.
"Hell, I've crashed my bike with this on. It can take a little water."
"Natsuki" Mai finally leaned back, situating herself against the wall, next to the young teacher. "Natsuki, I'm scared."
"Scared? Of what?" Natsuki asked as she scooted closer to the chief, allowing Mai to lean her head on her shoulder.
"Ever since high school I knew what I've wanted. I wanted Yuuichi and I to get married, have a big family. I'd run a restaurant, and now he's well on his way to becoming a fire fighter…But now…Natsuki, I don't know what I want anymore. Yuuichi and I…something's different. Its like, when we're in the same room, even at home, it's like we don't even notice each other there. We're irrelevant to each other's lives…I don't know if this is what I want. What happens after we get married? Have children? Will this continue? When we do talk we end up fighting."
"How long has this been going on?"
"I don't even know. I noticed it recently. I don't think I would have even noticed it if…" Mai glanced at the door and froze. Natsuki followed her gaze to see Mikoto, her wide eyes only focused on Mai.
"I'll be right back." Natsuki said as she rubbed Mai's back before going out into the hall where Mikoto stood frozen. "Come on kid, we need to talk."
"What happened? Why's Mai-"
"Come on!" Natsuki growled, yanking Mikoto away from her and Mai's booth.
"Sensei! What happened? Please! Why was Mai crying!?"
"Minagi, I need you to calm down."
"But sensei-"
"Mikoto!" The teen froze at her teacher's booming voice. "I need you to remain calm. Panicking won't help Mai. 'kay?" Mikoto nodded her head stiffly. Natsuki could see she was panicking on the inside and patted her on the back. "Don't worry. Mai was just getting something off her chest. We were having a personal talk."
"I-I'm sorry sensei. I heard crying and…I thought it might be Mai, so I went down the hall and-"
"It's fine Minagi." Suddenly Natsuki glared at the teen, the shift so fast Mikoto jumped back. "Why the hell did you bring Shizuru here?!"
"What? You said to bring someone-"
"Yeah, but not Shizuru! What will it look like? You, me, Mai and Shizuru were all in that brawl, if any school officials were to recognize us together we could be in trouble! Especially since…you know…"
"I'm sorry sensei, I didn't think of it that way."
"Well, I'm more surprised Shizuru came."
"That's my fault. She didn't think it was a good idea at first, but I…really needed someone to talk to." Mikoto averted her eyes to the floor, away from the piercing green of her teacher's. "Shizuru-san…she's been a good friend to me. She even tutored me when I needed help. So don't be mad at her. It's my fault she's here."
Natsuki let out a sigh. Her perfect plan was unraveling as fast as she had woven it…maybe that was part of the problem. But right now dealing with Mai's odd rage at Mikoto seemed so far away…or was it?
"Mikoto, I'm going back to talk to Mai. I'll tell you how everything pans out."
"Sh-should Shizuru and I go?"
"No. Just stay put until I come get you. Who knows, our perfect plan might succeed yet." Natsuki said with a grin, clapping Mikoto on the back before heading to her and Mai's booth. Inside Mai had moved off the floor and onto the red couch gazing intently at the glass in her hand.
"Hey" was all Natsuki said, plopping down next to Mai. "Minagi was really worried about you."
"I know. I've been really hard on her the past couple of weeks."
"Why?"
"I…I know it's wrong, I know it's not her fault but…" Mai bite her bottom lip, pondering the right word. "She makes me so confused."
"What's confusing about her?"
Mai, for the first time since Natsuki re-entered the room, looked up at the young teacher and smiled. "Since when have you become a psychiatrist?"
"Since you needed me to be."
Mai smiled and leaned on Natsuki's shoulder again. She didn't say anything, but Natsuki knew she was feeling better. Perhaps all she needed was her shoulder, but Natsuki would have given Mai anything at that moment. For years Natsuki hadn't given Mai a thought. She considered their friendship a happier time in her life. But now that she had her back Natsuki was bound and determined to keep this happiness- this satisfaction that came with knowing you can tell a person anything and they'd accept you. She missed Mai, and now that Mai needed her she wasn't going anywhere. It broke her heart, thinking of how many times Mai might have needed her after she went away. Natsuki had been so broken and confused that she hadn't tossed a passing thought to Mai's feelings. One thing was for sure, Natsuki was never making that mistake again.
"Could you get Mikoto?" Mai asked. Natsuki sent her a questioning look. "I really need to apologize to her."
"Not going to tell me?"
"Maybe later, but right now I need to apologize."
Natsuki made to get up, but stayed a moment. It was, after all, a two way street and she wanted Mai to know. She trusted Mai enough to let her know.
"Mai, I have something to tell you- why I'm so happy."
"Why?"
Natsuki smiled. "I'm in a relationship with a wonderful girl that drives me crazy with her evil teases and her persistence."
"You mean-"
"The last two weeks have been eventful" Natsuki said before facing Mai. "She makes me happy- happier than I've been in years. We're still in a fairly new relationship but I wanted you to know." After this the young teacher stood, making her way to the door. "Maybe we can all have dinner sometime and you can get to know her a little better. I'll show you how 'nice' of a girl she is, the teasing devil."
"I'd like that" Mai smiled as Natsuki looked back before yelling,
"Aaaand I crashed my bike. See ya!"
The bikeless biker slammed the door behind her and ran down the hall, laughing when she heard Mai yelling after her.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It's kinda scrambled and probably has a few errors, but I wrote it in one day and have misplaced my beta's email, so...what can you do? Thank you to everyone whose actually stuck with this randomly updated fanfiction for so long. I promise I still have no intention of leaving this story unfinished.
Have a great day,
Kruger
