Domesticating the Wolf

Shizuru sat behind the counter of the store, no one had come by today so she was reading a book with her feet propped up on the counter. The door opened and Shizuru glanced up from her book to see Midori walking to the counter. "Hey, how did it go yesterday?" Shizuru set the book on her chest and smiled, "Perfect." Midori leaned on the counter, "Do you love her?" Shizuru sighed, "Love isn't something that you find, it's something that you make, something that you learn. I am attracted to her, and given time that could lead to love." Midori smiled crookedly, "That doesn't answer my question." Shizuru looked her in the eyes, "Yes, without a doubt in my heart."

Midori frowned, "What if she leaves with them? You do know that it is a possibility." Shizuru put her feet on the ground and stood up, she walked over to the shelves and set the book she was reading on it, "What can I do?" Midori turned so that her back faced the counter, "Tell her she can't go." Shizuru rested against the bookshelf, "If I do that, she will hate me. I don't want her to go, but I can't make her stay." Midori walked across the room and stood close to Shizuru, "Then tell her what you just told me. Tell her you love her and that you don't want her to leave." Shizuru patted her on the shoulder, "Don't worry, Midori. it's all part of the plan."

Meanwhile, Natsuki was sitting at Mai's diner, a bowl of ramen on the table before her, Mai sitting across from her. "I heard you and Shizuru went to the festival yesterday. How did that go?" Natsuki swallowed, "Well." Mai raised an eyebrow, "I'll bet Shizuru looks great in a yukata." Natsuki swallowed, "Yes." Mai's voice rose a small amount, "I hear the city is gorgeous this time of year." Natsuki nodded, "Beautiful." Mai was frustrated, "Will you say more than one word?" Natsuki shrugged, inwardly laughing hysterically.

Mai was about to throw a fit when the door opened and Takeda walked in, flanked by two other men wearing swords openly. Mai stood to greet them and take their orders, Takeda noticed Natsuki and walked to the table, "Is this seat taken?" Natsuki motioned for him to sit, the two Samurai escorts took the table behind them. "How was you rendezvous yesterday, Ms. Kuga?" Natsuki waved her hand, "Get to the point." Takeda smiled, "That's why I like you, Kuga. I was wondering if you could have a look at some maps for us. You most likely know this area better than we do, perhaps you can help us set up better defenses in case the military shows up. Also, you can get a better look at our organization, which I think might make you change your mind about joining us." Natsuki finished the bowl and stood from the table, "Sure, I'll be over later." Takeda smiled, "Excellent, I will tell the guards to be expecting you."

Natsuki took her bowl to the back where Mai was busy cooking for the new arrivals. Mai snatched the bowl from Natsuki's hands, "You didn't have to do that." Natsuki shrugged. "I overheard the conversation. I thought you said things went well with Shizuru yesterday?" Natsuki grabbed a teapot and started pouring water, "It did, why?" Mai tossed the meat over the hot coals, "Are you going with them?" Natsuki set the teapot over the heat to boil, " I'm considering it." Mai flipped the meat over, "Do you care for Shizuru?"

Natsuki leaned against the counter, waiting for the water to boil, "Very much, but how can I turn my back on my family, on my code. I have a chance to right the wrongs that were done to them. I have to take it." Mai took the meat off of the fire and set each piece on a bed of noodles, "Do what you want. Just remember that your feelings aren't the only ones involved anymore." The teapot started calling and Natsuki took it off and poured in some fresh tea leaves, letting them steep for several minutes before pouring them into three waiting cups. Mai set the cups and bowls onto large plate and carried them out to the waiting Samurai.

When she returned, Natsuki had her coin purse out, "How much do I owe you?" Mai shook her head, "Nothing, you helping me with the tea was more than enough. You know you're pretty good at that." Natsuki rubbed the back of her head, "My mom made me study tea ceremony so I could be a proper lady. I don't think she would understand me now." Mai put a hand on her shoulder, "If you ever need some extra money, you can always come and work here." Natsuki smiled, "Thanks. I'm going to head back to the store." Mai waved, "Tell Shizuru I said hi."

Natsuki entered the store, Shizuru was behind the counter haggling with an older couple over an old table she had. When they finally agreed on a price, she helped them carry the table to a waiting carriage then went immediately to Natsuki, hugging her and giving her a kiss on the cheek, "Welcome home." Natsuki blushed, "What are you doing?" Shizuru walked back to the counter, letting her hand slide down Natsuki's back, "Where did you go, today?" Natsuki told her about Mai's and about her run in with Takeda, "I told him I'd help him with setting up defense emplacements around the town, so I'm going to meet him later." Shizuru looked at her questioningly, "If he's planning on leaving, why does he need help with defense emplacements?" Natsuki walked to the door to the living area, "He's still trying to convince me to join him. Maybe he thinks if I see what they are doing, I will be more likely to."

Natsuki went into the house looking for her swords, "Shizuru," she called out, "where are my swords?" Before she heard an answer she saw Duran lying on a stand next to Shizuru's naginata, Kiyohime. She belted the sheath at her side, feeling the familiar comfort of Duran, and walked back to the store. Shizuru looked up from a book, "Why do you need those?" Natsuki walked to the door, "They are the symbol of my status, it will be expected that I have them." Shizuru walked over and grabbed both of Natsuki's hands, turning Natsuki to face her, "Natsuki, I...I..." Natsuki held her gaze and Shizuru couldn't say it, "Be careful." Natsuki smirked, "I'll be fine." She closed the door behind her and Shizuru went back to her book with a heavy heart.

Natsuki arrived at the Samurai encampment, she told the guards her name and they let her through, though they eyed her warily as she passed. She approached Takeda, who stood in front of a large tent surrounded by Samurai. "Welcome, Ms. Kuga. I see you brought Duran with you." Natsuki looked at him quizzically, "Are you surprised, I am Samurai." Some of the guards looked at him, then back at her. His gaze never wavered, "No, you are not." Natsuki balked, "I am the heir to Kuga Renzo." Takeda's voice hardened, "You are the daughter of Kuga Renzo, who was brought up on suspicion of treason. The Kuga name means nothing, a woman normally cannot be a Samurai, you have no status and no ground to walk on."

Natsuki grew angry, "Normally a woman can't be Samurai." Takeda nodded, "Yes, normally. Exceptions are made under certain circumstances. I am offering you such a circumstance." Takeda stood and motioned for his men to stay, he strode forward and offered a hand to Natsuki. She ignored it and he hid the insult in his voice, "Come, let me show you around."

Natsuki followed as Takeda led her through the camp, "These are the Samurai's tents." Each tent bore the family crest of the Samurai who occupied it. Most of the tents were large, with plenty of room for servants and close family. He continued and they walked into an area with practice dummies and archery targets, several Samurai were shooting at the moment. "These are the practice grounds. You can have full use of them, if you wish." Natsuki watched them nock an arrow each and fire synchronously, four arrows striking close to the center of the target. She walked away impressed.

They walked further on, coming to the largest tent she had seen so far. He held the flap for her as she entered, "This is the command center." In the center of the tent stood a table, on the table a map of the local area with pins showing possible defensive positions. He walked up to stand beside her, "What do you think?" She spotted an immediate weakness, "You have this station too far out, it can be flanked if they come around that hill. Move it further back." Takeda moved the pin, "I meant about the encampment and about joining us." She pointed at another site, "This one is isolated. If it is cut off, they will be overrun." Takeda moved a pin.

Natsuki looked him in the eyes, "If I am not a Samurai, then why do want me to join you?" Takeda put both hands on the table, "I can tell you are a dependable fighter, are well versed in the code and you have a personal stake in the fight. Nothing beats that personal edge in battle. I am offering you your father's title, his retainers, his estate. Everything that was your family's I will return to you, you have everything to gain, Natsuki." Natsuki exhaled, "When you put it that way, how can I refuse."

Shizuru was cleaning the wok after cooking a dinner for her and Natsuki. She had just finished when the door opened and said Natsuki entered, walked over to the sword display and set Duran on it. She looked at the table covered in food then at Shizuru who was pouring two cups of tea, "Who is all this for? Do you have guests?" Shizuru set the teacups on the table, "No, this is for us." Natsuki walked to the table and tried a piece of fish, "That is really good, I didn't know you could cook?" Shizuru blushed, "I've lived alone for a long time, I learned how to take care of myself." Natsuki and Shizuru sat down and Shizuru handed her a plate of food. Shizuru sat opposite her with her own plate. They ate mostly in silence, neither feeling comfortable saying what they needed to say.

Afterwards, Shizuru gathered and cleaned the dishes, then returned to see Natsuki still sitting at the table. She sat next to her, "How was it at the encampment?" Natsuki shrugged, "I saw what he wanted me to see." Shizuru grabbed her hand, "Natsuki, I don't want you to leave." Natsuki turned her head to look at her. "Please, don't leave." Natsuki looked away, "I don't think I'm good for you, Shizuru." Shizuru threw her arms around Natsuki's neck and kissed her, "I love you, anyway."

Before she could think, Natsuki was kissing her back, she put her hands on Shizuru's waist. Shizuru opened her mouth and Natsuki's tongue found it's way in, a moan left Shizuru. Shizuru's hands pulled Natsuki deeper into their kiss, Natsuki ran a hand up Shizuru's body and around her back.

Natsuki broke the kiss and pulled Shizuru's kimono down a little, kissing along her neck. Shizuru started breathing heavily as she applied pressure to Natsuki's head, willing her to go on. Natsuki kissed further down Shizuru's body, her neck, her collarbone, the curve of her breasts. Shizuru, with difficulty, pulled Natsuki away from her, "Not here," she pointed to her room, "bedroom."

Natsuki lifted Shizuru off the ground, Shizuru started kissing Natsuki's neck while she walked. After only a few stumbles, Natsuki lay Shizuru on the bed and kissed her passionately. She started tracing kisses down her body, Shizuru untied the belt to her kimono and slid it off revealing soft skin and a well toned stomach. Natsuki undid her own belt and threw off her kimono, returning to Shizuru's chest with fervor. Shizuru threw her head back and moaned, both hands tracing lines on Natsuki's back.

Natsuki shifted aside and ran a hand down Shizuru's thigh, looking in her eyes for permission. She found it and slowly slid inside, Shizuru arched her back and let out a soft cry. Natsuki started kissing her neck while Shizuru's body bucked against her, her cries growing in intensity until she could take no more and, with one final cry, fell to the bed utterly spent.

Natsuki lay beside her, both breathing heavily. Natsuki caught her breath, "That was unexpected." Shizuru pushed her onto her back and rolled on top of her, kissing down her abdomen and to her legs. Shizuru kissed the inside of her thighs before plunging in, Natsuki grabbed the back of her head as she started bucking and moaning from Shizuru's ministrations until, she too, was utterly spent.

Shizuru climbed up Natsuki's body to lay beside her, resting her head in the crook of her shoulder. Natsuki put an arm around Shizuru, "I could get used to this." Shizuru closed her eyes and held Natsuki tightly, "This wasn't in the plan." Natsuki turned her head to look at her, "What plan?" Shizuru smiled warmly, "My secret plan to cook for you and welcome you with a kiss every day until you became mine." Natsuki chuckled, "Are you trying to make a husband out of me?" Shizuru blushed, "When you put it that way, I guess I was."

They lay together in comfortable silence until Natsuki blurted, "Kuga Shizuru." Shizuru lifted her head to look down at her, "What?" Natsuki looked up at her, "If we did get married, you would be Kuga Shizuru." Shizuru started pouting, "Why would I have to take your name? Why couldn't you take mine." Natsuki thought about it, "Fujino Natsuki. I don't like it." Shizuru pinched Natsuki on the arm, "You don't like it." She twisted and Natsuki winced, "It's not that I don't like your name, I just don't like it with my name." Shizuru let go and lay her head back down, "Fine, then I guess I can be Kuga Shizuru, but I get to name our firstborn son." Natsuki chuckled and kissed Shizuru on the forehead, "It's a deal." They drifted off to sleep in each other's arms, Natsuki now dreading her decision to join Takeda's army, and dreading even more having to tell Shizuru.