In the Darkness - A Mai Otome ShizNat Story Chapter 10, a mai hime fanfic

In the Darkness

A Mai Otome ShizNat Story

Chapter 10

"Does this feel good?" Hot, seductive Kyoto-ben whispered in Natsuki's ear, soon after placing a slow, long kiss there. Her soft lips lingering there.

The morning sunlight was beaming through the open windows, giving the large room a soft, warm, inviting atmosphere. There was also a gentle breeze playing with the long, pastel curtains, making it lift towards their direction, dancing with the wind ever so often.

This hotel, being one of the oldest, most prestigious ones in the country, wasn't very high. It only had ten floors total, so they could hear the faint sounds of the outside world. They could hear the honking cars from time to time, the screeching of tires making sudden stops. Could hear distant laughter and dog barks.

They could also hear the sound of the trees, the sound of rattling branches and leaves because of the sudden, light winds. And could hear the birds' joyful chirping, their joyful singing since it was still morning and their room was facing the park.

It was a calm morning. A calm and amorous one. And after a long night of rest, a night of eating caramel popcorn and cuddling while watching old movies, they woke up a little late, fully rested and hungry, so they ordered breakfast in bed.

And after a breakfast full of laughter and of teasingly feeding fruit to one another; A breakfast filled with light touches, soft kisses and pillow talk, the atmosphere slowly changed from a joyful one to a stimulating one, bringing us to the current situation.

"Hai" Natsuki whispered and then bit her lower lip, her breaths becoming heavier and heavier by the second.

She was straddling Shizuru's hips, her forehead resting against the brunette's. Her right hand was in her thick, fair mane, fingers entangled there. Her other hand was holding on tightly to the crimson, padded headboard in front of her, Shizuru's back was resting on a pillow against it.

"Nn~" She let out a high whimper by the circling motion of her lover's fingers. Those playful fingertips that were taking too long, too long to reach their final destination, to reach her core.

But Natsuki was okay with that, it felt good and she didn't want it to stop.

"Ah~" And then let out a husky gasp, her eyebrows furrowing as her head tilted back. Her hips weren't moving. No, not yet. She didn't want to seem desperate and wanted her lover to take her time.

Right now, she just wanted to enjoy her lover's touch, her lover's kisses, her lover's caress. Enjoy the fact that only they could do this to one another, that only they could be this intimate with one another. That only their touch could provoke such sounds, could cause such need in one another.

When the circling motion stopped, when the hand that was hiding inside her pajama pants, hiding inside her panties stopped moving, Natsuki went ahead and opened her lustful Emerald eyes. She knew what her lover wanted. She wanted her lips on hers, she wanted her to kiss her.

So, Natsuki did as silently asked, she leaned forward and closed the very short distance between them. Her trembling lips met the brunette's own, met her sweet, adventurous tongue, engaging in a slow, passionate kiss. This action that caused Shizuru's hand to start moving again, to cup her sex and slowly rub it again.

"Mm~" Causing her to moan into the kiss. Causing her to finally start grinding on her, finally moving her hips.

Slowly.

Very, very slowly moving her hips against her hand. Shizuru's other hand was on her upper back, keeping her in place.

"Ah~" And then she gasped again, her lover's fingers finally, finally inside her. Inside her for the first time in the past two years.

They hadn't made love this way yet, Shizuru hadn't penetrated yet.

Natsuki didn't move, not a muscle, not yet. She remained that way a while longer, enjoying the sensation of her two, long fingers against her throbbing, tight walls.

"I missed you inside me…" Whispering as her hand left its grip of the headboard to join the other one in caressing her lover's heated face, leaning in and kissing her slowly again. Lips meeting and parting every few seconds as her hips finally started to move again, to move in sync with her lover's hand.

Slowly at first.

Very, very slowly at first.

And then increasing their pace as the seconds passed by,

- Tick-tock -

As the clock's thinner hand kept on circling around.

- Ring -

They could hear the phone ringing.

Could hear its echo joining the moaning and panting sounds being produced by the blunette's lips, joining the sound of the bed's soft creaks.

And Natsuki's hands held onto the brunette's face. Her hands on her ears, her creasing forehead once again pressed against hers.

"S-Shizuru" The tip of her nose touching hers, unable to kiss her anymore, unable to keep up with their tongues' caress. Unable to do that simple task because she couldn't focus. Because she was close.

So, so close.

She just needed a little more friction to get there, penetration alone never did the job.

And she totally received that extra push when the brunette's palm started to hit the right spot, when her palm started to rub against her very sensitive nub.

"Nn~" And then, within seconds, Natsuki's world completely stopped. Her hands and feet and lips, her whole body shivered at the same time. Limbs no longer moving, hips no longer swinging, lost in the colors and the feeling, lost in the pleasure and sensation of her climax.

And Shizuru, she watched with a sense of satisfaction, a sense of achievement as the blunette came. She watched every single second of it, taking a mental note of every expression, every sound, every breath. Taking in Natsuki's extremely reddened cheeks and neck, her trembling lips, her gasps, and the sudden calmness of her satisfied face.

She was beautiful, gorgeous.

She was breathtaking.

And she was hers.

Only hers.

A smile adorned Shizuru's features as she watched the blunette come down from her high.

When Natsuki's breathing seemed normal again, Shizuru leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips, on the cheek, on the neck, and then pulled her in for a soft embrace.

And after a long moment of silence, a long moment of breathing and embracing one another,

"Okay, my turn" Natsuki happily chimed. And she leaned backwards towards the bed, falling back, taking the laughing brunette down with her by the neck.

"Fufu~ I don't think so" Shizuru sing-sang between giggles, feeling Natsuki's lips on her face and neck. "I had enough of Natsuki the other night, she completely worn me out"

And Natsuki had to do a double-take and make sure that this was Shizuru, who in fact, had said this. That it was Shizuru who was on top of her.

"Are you feeling okay?"

Shizuru never said no to intimate relations.

Shizuru never said no to sex.

Never.

Never!

She brought a hand to the woman's forehead and brushed those chestnut tresses to the side, wanting to feel her warmth, to make sure she wasn't sick again.

And Shizuru giggled again, "Ara~ I have the marks all over my body to prove it. Natsuki had way too much fun giving me pleasure the other night"

She sure did.

And Shizuru couldn't deny it, she sure did as well. It was a sight of Natsuki she was sure she had never seen.

"And besides, aren't we meeting your parents today? Shouldn't we start getting ready?" The brunette kissed the tip of Natsuki's nose and then started to crawl out of the sea of silky, white sheets, started to crawl out of the comfortable bed.

Yes, they were meeting Natsuki's parents today. Only that she hasn't called them to tell them she was home, so they still had time for some sexy fun. Her parents could wait.

Once Shizuru was out of bed, "I'm going to take a bath" She slowly removed her oversized, super soft, t-shirt and tossed it on Natsuki's face, now only in her sexy panties, totally topless, "Natsuki can join me if she wants" And then slowly made her way to the restroom, looking over her shoulder to meet the blushing blunette's gaze one more time before disappearing inside, not bothering to close the door behind her knowing that her lover would soon follow.

Natsuki involuntarily swallowed, her heart and libido raising again.

She was about to hurry out of bed and head to the restroom when she heard a couple of knocks on the door.

- Knock -

And she couldn't help and raise a curious, fine brow, unsure of who could be at the other side of the door.

She crawled out of bed and made her way to the door. She peaked through the hole, …Oi... and cringed at the sight.

It was her mother.

She had found her.

…How?...

Natsuki quickly looked at her pajamas and made sure she looked presentable. All her buttons were buttoned. She just needed to fix her long, patterned pajama pants. She needed to pull it up a little and then tie the knot.

- Knock -

Came the knocks again. She was taking too long, and her mother had always been very short on patience.

Natsuki cleared her throat and then went ahead and reached for the knob, twisting it open. "Okaasan, what a nice surprise!" She loudly greeted while tensely rubbing her arm.

She was hoping that Shizuru had heard her, it was more of a warning for her, warning her not to come out of the restroom naked.

"I should be the one saying those words" Saeko said with a small smile while looking at her daughter from head to toe. She was taking in her appearance, noticing her reddened cheeks and messy, cobalt hair. It was already eleven thirty in the morning, she should've been dressed by now.

"H-How did you know I was here?"

You see, Natsuki didn't know that Saeko Kruger knew her secret alias. Saeko was contacted immediately when it was used in Duran.

Immediately.

"Did you think I wasn't going to find out? You're Duran's hime, Natsuki. Out there, people might not know who you are, but in Duran everyone knows your face" Saeko nonchalantly lied while glancing inside the suite,

"I was in shock when one of my friends told me they had seen you checking-in at this hotel last night" Green eyes noticing the two suitcases, the unmade, single, queen sized bed, the two trays with plates on the table, the grey t-shirt on the bed.

Her daughter wasn't alone, she had brought company with her. It now made sense to her why she hadn't gone home the night before and had opted to stay at a hotel instead.

That woman was in Duran, that woman had come with her.

"I… I was about to call you… Would you like to come in?" The blunette opened the door wider for her mother.

Saeko took the offer and slowly walked inside the room, looking at her surroundings and taking it in. She made her way to the windows and opened the curtains, letting in the warm sunlight and soft breeze.

"I can't stay long, dear, your father is waiting downstairs" Green eyes then glanced at Natsuki and then the messy bed again, her features showed pure discontentment.

"Get ready and join us for lunch, would you, dear? I've reserved a private room for us downstairs"

"Okay" Was all Natsuki could say. She hadn't planned to meet her parents this early, but since they were already there, she guessed she had no choice.

She couldn't say no anyway, she wasn't allowed to say no.

Saeko then glanced towards the restroom, she could've sworn she had seen the door move just a moment ago. Could've sworn she felt someone's eyes on her.

And Natsuki, she followed her mother's intent gaze. "Okaasan, Shizuru is joining me on this trip" She softly told her.

"She is?" But of course, she already knew that. The moment she had inspected the room she figured it out. She was only waiting for her daughter to confirm this, to say the sentence.

"Hai, that's the reason I decided to stay at a hotel this time around, so we could be in the city. It's easier to show her around this way…" And then, added, "Gomen for not contacting you earlier, I had a lot in my mind with the summit in Aries"

Yes, it's true, her parents lived a little far away from the city. But that was just an excuse she used to get off the hook, that wasn't the real reason she didn't stay at her parent's palace.

She wanted privacy, something she couldn't get in that place. And it was more for Shizuru's benefit anyway, to keep her away from her mother's prying eyes.

"Very well, she can join us as well" Saeko then made her way to the door.

"Okaasan…" Natsuki followed her mother there, "Shizuru's memories aren't one hundred percent yet, she remembers a few things, but not much" She then said, "Please don't ask her questions that might make her feel uncomfortable" And softly suggested, "Just try to make pleasant conversation with her… Please?"

…Ah, so she still has amnesia… Saeko thought, …No wonder she dared step foot in Duran…

About a month ago or so, when the brunette had been found, Natsuki had called her to tell her the news. To tell her that Shizuru was back. She also told her that she had some memory problems, memory loss, but she thought she would be better by now.

"I can manage that" Saeko replied as she walked out the door, and then, "Please wear something appropriate, dear, you're in Duran now... Don't forget that you're a princess, and even though it is just a title, you still have a reputation to uphold" And with that said, she walked down the hall.

Natsuki sighed in defeat as she stared at her mother's retreating form.

…So, that's where we are now… She couldn't help and frown, couldn't help and feel sad.

It's been a little over a year since she had last seen her, and the woman didn't even bother to give her a welcoming hug. She only gave her a small smile this time.

With the passing years this woman was becoming colder and colder, and Natsuki didn't understand why. Saeko wasn't like that when she was growing up, the woman was very loving and affectionate to her then.

Until she left for Garderobe, that is.

She guessed that Saeko was still upset at her, still upset that she had gone to Garderobe to become an Otome.

Duran, being the very small country that it is, had opted for not having an Otome two centuries ago, not having a need for them. They were a peaceful kingdom who didn't meddle in other Nations' affairs.

Like most Nations, they had a royal family. But that was just a title, a formality, a prestige, they held no power over the people or land. They did have a say, however, when it came to amending the countries laws. The amendments needed to be approved by them first.

Unlike the other nations, Duran held elections for a new Prime Minister every few years. They elected a new face, fresh blood that would listen and take into consideration the people's concerns. They also didn't have an army, have never gone to battle or war. They mostly kept to themselves, and very rarely did a Duranian leave Duran to settle somewhere else. They were very proud citizens, proud people. They were born there, lived there, and died there.

Natsuki only knew about Otomes because she learned about them in history class while growing up. She had even met one a few times because her father's friend from a neighboring Nation had one, and she always came with him when he visited. She greatly admired their grace, intelligence, and strength, and she wanted to be just like them one day.

Being an only child, her father tried his best to spoil her, to entertain her ideas and pleas. And one day, after much begging on her part, he had finally decided to let her attend the Academy once she was of age.

Her mother didn't approve with sending her that far away, and on top of that, to an all-girls school. She always heard that weird things happened at all-girls schools. Things that she didn't approve of. But she didn't have much choice on the matter, her husband was the head of the house, he always had the final word.

Before Natsuki left Duran for Wind Bloom, she told her mother that she'd become an Otome and that she'd be right back.

But then, she met Viola, Shizuru. And then, at the graduation ceremony, she was appointed as the Second Column. And then came her feelings for the Ruby eyed brunette.

It was like a domino effect, one thing right after the other. Everything had changed, things just didn't go as planned.

And honestly, Natsuki didn't think she could return to her previous life, the one she had before leaving Duran. Not after all she had learned and seen. Not after experiencing the outside world.

Meanwhile…

Shizuru stood in front of the bathroom door with wide eyes and a shaky hand covering her lips.

The moment she had heard that voice, the moment she had peaked her head out of the restroom door to take a look at Natsuki's mother, an image, a memory came to view:

"You need psychological help. Your feelings are repulsive, you're disgusting!"

And after those words were said, voiced with pure disgust, came the slap.

- Slap! -

She couldn't control her emotions, her usual calm demeanor gone. Something had come over her and she had slapped Saeko Kruger very hard across the cheek, instantly silencing her.

"My daughter is not like you, she does not share your lifestyle. She will never reciprocate those feelings"

Shizuru must've been twenty-one, no more than twenty-two years of age in that vision.

It was her second visit to Duran. Natsuki had taken a holiday and had asked Shizuru if she wanted to join her. They were friends back then, colleagues and good friends. They held feelings for one another, but they kept it hidden from one another, they hadn't expressed what they felt yet.

Natsuki's mother saw it, noticed it. Noticed the stolen glances and longing stares. Noticed their affinity, their interaction, their closeness, and she didn't like it at all. She could sense where it would lead and decided to stop it right away by confronting Shizuru on their last day in Duran.

And after everything was said and done, she asked Shizuru never to step foot in her country again. That she wasn't welcomed anymore.

After that trip, Shizuru never returned.

Shizuru took a step back, and then another and another, until she had reached the white, ceramic bathtub. She sat there, sat at the edge of it, …I shouldn't be here… The hand that was covering her mouth was now resting on her rapidly beating chest. …Natsuki must not know what happened between her mother and I that day…

Yes, if Natsuki knew, she was sure she would've told her, would've insisted that she'd stay in Aries. Natsuki herself had said three days ago, when she had first told her about this trip, that she had stopped joining her on her visits to Duran, that she just preferred not to come anymore.

And now she remembers why.

That woman, she wasn't a very nice woman. She had said horrible things to her. That woman would never approve of their relationship, she was homophobic.

- Knock -

"Shizuru, can I come in?"

Came the blunette's muffled voice.

"H-Hai, just a moment…" Shizuru went ahead and turned off the water. She had been distracted and didn't notice that it had almost reached the very top of the tub, it was about to spill all over the floor.

Her hand reached out for a shiny lever on the wall, pulling it, flushing the water. She had heard the conversation, had heard what Natsuki's mother had said, so there was no time for a long, relaxing bath.

She went ahead and opened the door for Natsuki, she had locked it in panic earlier.

"We should shower quickly" Natsuki let her know once she was inside and started to rapidly get rid of her pajamas and undergarments. "My parents are waiting downstairs, they'd like us to join them for lunch"

And as Shizuru silently watched Natsuki undress and heard her talk, she tried her best to mask her feelings and smiled at whatever she said.

About Thirty Minutes Later…

- Ting -

Natsuki stepped out of the elevator with a quiet Shizuru walking behind her.

"You don't need to be nervous, you've met them before" Natsuki muttered as they walked, eyeing the woman's behavior curiously. She hadn't said much since she joined her in the shower.

Before they reached the restaurant, Shizuru stopped walking and grabbed Natsuki by the arm, making her face her direction.

"Natsuki, do I have to join you on this lunch?" She softly asked, somewhat speaking her mind, then quickly added: "What I mean to say is, you mentioned that you haven't seen your parents in a very long time, isn't it best to keep this lunch a family affair?" And to sound even more convincing, "I'm sure you and your parents have a lot to talk about, I'd only be in the way…" And then, "I can join you at another time" She could make up a sudden illness for dinner time if she had to.

Shizuru couldn't wait for tomorrow to come, that's when they would head back to Garderobe. Shizuru really wanted to go home.

"You won't be in the way" Natsuki said, a small frown on display. And since Shizuru still showed hesitance, Ruby eyes avoiding eye contact, "Shizuru, you don't have to join me if you don't want to… I should've asked you first, gomen" It would've been nice to have all the people she loved sitting at the same table and eating together for once. But she guessed that wasn't going to happen today.

"It's just…" Shizuru wanted to tell Natsuki about what she had remembered when she saw Saeko, but then thought that if she didn't do so in the past, she wasn't going to do it now. This would only hurt Natsuki, and she didn't want to be the cause of that pain. "Next time, ne? It's better this way" Her right hand lifted a little, her index finger softly touching Natsuki's hand for a few seconds.

Natsuki softly nodded, "Okay" Her cheeks pink because of the small, comforting gesture. "Order room service if you wish, and try the cold soba, this hotel has the best cold soba in all of Earl" She whispered the suggestion to her, watching as Shizuru took a step closer.

"Hai, I'll keep that in mind" Shizuru truly smiled at her, her hands going up to Natsuki's white, fitted shirt and unbuttoning one of the top buttons, showing her crescent moon necklace, she was still wearing it.

It was too hot of a day for the shirt to be buttoned up that high, the woman was going to suffocate.

And Duran was an inferno in the summertime. How these people got used to this climate was beyond her imagination.

"I still think you should've worn one of my sundresses, I don't think your mother will approve of this outfit, Natsuki… It's not very hime like" Shizuru said as her eyes scanned the blunette's form one more time.

…She'll probably blame me for this… Shizuru thought. The woman hated her enough already, she didn't want to add more to that hatred.

Natsuki's eyebrows raised, looking down at her own outfit. "What do you mean? I'm wearing Duran's colors today" Yes, a white shirt, navy blue skinny jeans, and glossy, pink flats. She also wore a thin belt and had her hair up in a high ponytail, silver pin on the usual side.

She thought she seemed girly today. Not that she wasn't typically a feminine woman, she was, she just thought the pink shoes made her seem extra feminine since it was a color she didn't wear that often. It added a certain softness to the outfit.

"Besides," Natsuki then muttered with a light blush, looking away, "Your dress won't fit well in that area"

Shizuru smirked while openly staring at Natsuki's bosoms, a hand on her chin as if contemplating on what to say next.

"Shizuru, stop it" Natsuki narrowed her eyes at her.

"Fufu, kannin na, my mind goes places sometimes" When she noticed the blunette's questioning stare, she added, "It's hard to explain" And then, "Natsuki should go, she's kept her parents waiting long enough"

Natsuki sighed, "Okay…" And reached her back pocket for their room keycard, "Here's the key" She handed it to Shizuru, her thumb caressing her hand in the brief exchange.

She felt her blush intensifying and she didn't know why. She had done that on purpose, touched her on purpose. And the touch wasn't even long, it was only like four seconds max. "I'll be up in a couple of hours… See you soon" And then she turned around and slowly took her leave, giving a small wave and a smile before going inside the restaurant.

"Too kawaii, ne" Shizuru couldn't help and let out because of her lover's shyness, her sweetness. She was too sweet sometimes.

She stood there a little longer and then headed the blunette's direction. She wanted to take a peak, to see how Natsuki interacted with her family. She wondered if her father was strict with her, if her mother ever smiled or showed affection.

She stood outside, by the door, staying hidden, and watched from a distance as Natsuki greeted her parents, bowing slightly and nervously smiling. She was saying something, Shizuru thought that perhaps she was apologizing for her lateness and explaining why she couldn't attend the lunch.

She then watched with a smile as Natsuki's father stood from his seat and gave her a bear hug, lifting her up in the process. He was tall, thin and handsome, sporting a lot of grey hairs, so Natsuki must've inherited her height from her mother, Shizuru thought.

And then, she watched as Natsuki took the seat in front of her parents, crossing one leg over the other as she conversed with them, hands on her lap.

Ruby eyes noticed that Saeko wasn't smiling, but there was a softness in her features as she listened to Natsuki talk. It seemed that she was happy that her daughter was with them, was happy to see her. She had gotten a different impression from what she had heard in the room this morning, from the tone, the atmosphere felt different somehow.

Perhaps it was only her that brought that nasty side of her, perhaps Saeko just didn't want her daughter to be in love with a woman.

Shizuru was about to take her leave, having seen enough, but when she turned around she bumped into a hasty, tanned, handsome young man.

"A-Ah, gomen nasai" Takeda nervously apologized, bowing to the brunette. He had a very large bouquet of flowers in his hands.

"Ie, it's my fault" Shizuru replied with a warm smile. "I should've been more careful, kannin na"

Once Takeda took a good look at her, once he saw her face, "Y-You're Viola-san, the Bewitching Smile Amethyst" He mumbled in awe, never having seen an Otome in person.

Shizuru knew the name of her Gem, but not once in the past month had she been addressed in that way. "Ara~, hai, that would be me…" And then, "Pardon the question, but, have we met before?"

"Ah, no… I've seen you on TV a few times" Was the excited reply, "You're always standing next to Natsuki hime on televised programs" and then, he asked, "Will you be joining us for lunch?" She was Natsuki's friend, and Natsuki was in town and having lunch in this very hotel, it was only logical that she would be joining them.

Shizuru raised a curious eyebrow, silently analyzing this man. "Unfortunately, no, I'm not feeling very well. I was actually on my way to my room"

Takeda frowned, "I'm sorry to hear that" Then, added, "You must know the princess well. Do you think she'll like these?" He showed her the flowers, then mumbled, "I don't know what kind of flowers she likes"

Shizuru eyed the bouquet of flowers, eyebrows raising. It was a very, very colorful bunch, and it looked like he couldn't make up his mind and had picked a stem of each kind of flower the shop had in stock. It just didn't look so good. It was frantic and unorganized, in a way, representing his nervousness. This arrangement wouldn't impress a dead cockroach.

"It's… Interesting" Kyoto-ben calmly let out, "But Natsuki prefers flowers with less vivid colors" When the sentence left her lips, …Ara? She does?... She asked herself, unsure where that answer came from. "If memory serves me right, Jasmines are her favorite" Shizuru couldn't help and openly smile this time, showing a little bit of her perfect, white teeth, realizing that she remembered.

She remembered!

Shizuru grabbed Takeda by the arm, masking her excitement. "Follow me, stranger-han"

"U-Um… Where are we going, Viola-san?" He couldn't help and ask; the restaurant was in the opposite direction. "I'm already very late, I mustn't keep the royals waiting"

"Do not worry, it'll only take a second… There's a flower shop in this hotel, I'm going to help stranger-han exchange his bouquet for one of my choosing, one that Natsuki will love"

She wasn't going to be in that lunch in body, but her presence would be there somehow, even if it was in the form of flowers.

Shizuru had an idea of why this man was there. Natsuki's parents must've set her up on a date without telling her, and Shizuru was sure this was not the first time. And this man's outfit and behavior, the way he talked about Natsuki with those puppy eyes, made her think so. He seemed to like her a lot.

He also seemed like a nice, harmless guy. Seemed like a good man, so Shizuru decided to take it easy on him. She couldn't blame him for Natsuki's parents' decisions, for this date, or whatever this was. He didn't know that Natsuki was already in a relationship. And even if she weren't, unfortunately for him, he was no match for her, and she knew it. She'd beat him any day.

Natsuki loved her, she had no doubt about it. This guy was wasting his time.

Sometime Later…

About twenty minutes after Takeda had joined the royal family for lunch, Saeko had dragged her husband, Natsu, out of the private room, saying she had spotted someone they knew.

…How convenient… Natsuki let out a long sigh.

She knew it was a complete and utter lie. Her mother had done that so that she and this odd, twitchy, spiky haired man could get to know one another, so that they could privately talk.

She couldn't believe her mother had done this to her again, had set her up on another blind date. She had told her repeatedly that she wasn't interested, that she didn't want to meet anyone, that she didn't have the time. She was an Otome, a Column, the Headmistress of Otome school, she couldn't think about these things right now. She had repeatedly told her to stop.

But the woman never listens to her. Never.

So, after the third blind date, Natsuki decided to just go ahead and entertain her for a little while, not make a fuss about it anymore. She'd just sit there and pleasantly make conversation with the guy if she had to, that's all.

She didn't want to be rude to them, it wasn't their fault. And she always made herself perfectly clear to them, always told them from the very beginning that she wasn't interested, that she was only there to please her mother, to make her happy. They could either walk out or eat a free meal, the choice was up to them. That was all they were going to get from her.

Natsuki's right hand rested on the round table, her index finger lightly tapping it. She wore a neutral expression, Emerald eyes staring at nothing in particular outside the window.

Things between them had been going so well. They were having such a nice conversation, and she had been in such good spirits until this man showed up to ruin it.

She has been alone with this guy for five minutes now and she hasn't uttered a word to him. She didn't have it in her to talk, she was too upset at her mother to talk. And this guy, he seemed like a nice, honest guy, and she didn't want him to get the wrong impression by trying to make conversation with him. She didn't want him to get his hopes up.

"N-Natsuki hime" Takeda nervously said as he stared at the silent blunette.

"Kruger-san is fine" Natsuki absentmindedly replied, not leaving her stare from the view outside.

She didn't like to be called princess. She didn't like it when she was a little girl, she didn't like it now. That will never change.

"K-Kruger-san" Takeda shyly said again while staring at the blunette's face. "I… I really like you, Kruger-san"

Natsuki's eyebrows furrowed by the sentence, her tapping coming to a stop. Emerald eyes were now on the blushing man, "What do you like about me? You don't even know me" came the husky, serious answer.

"I-I know enough" Takeda mumbled, blush in place. "And…" He started to reach for Natsuki's right hand that was still resting on the table, but Natsuki moved it and rested it on her lap instead. "And if you let me court you" He continued, "I'm sure we could get to know one another, you could learn to love me" She was called Ice Princess in Duran for a reason.

Apparently, after countless dates, no one could win her cold heart. He was sure that his love was warm enough to change that, warm enough to get through her icy exterior.

But Natsuki was anything but, Shizuru could vouch for this.

"You do know I'm an Otome, right?" She asked with a sense of curiosity, both hands now crossing below her chest.

"Yes, I know!"

He had said it so suddenly, and with so much enthusiasm, that Natsuki's soul almost jumped out of her body.

"I know you are an Otome, and- and I'd wait forever for you! However long it takes!"

Natsuki raised yet another curious, fine brow. This guy was quite a character. Really.

"I wish to marry you and have many children with you!" Takeda quickly left his seat and got down on one knee, clumsily grabbing her hand.

"Kruger-san! Please be my wife!" The other hand had reached for the flowers and was now handing them to her. His eyes were tightly closed, and his face couldn't take any more color or sweat. He was super nervous, super red.

"N-Nani?!" Natsuki's right eye twitched, her mouth slightly agape, her cheeks sporting a hint of pink by the sudden turn of events.

She abruptly got up from her seat, quickly retrieved her hand, and placed some much-needed distance between them.

What the hell was wrong with this guy? Was he crazy? They've just met!

"Please get up, you're making a fool of yourself!" She said to him through gritted teeth, trying very hard not to punch him back to reality.

This wasn't a fairytale.

Really, what did he expect? That she'd fall in love with him in an instant and say yes? What kind of fantasy was this guy living in?

"P-Please, Kruger-san! Please give me a chance!" He begged again, both of his hands holding onto the bouquet now, practically begging her to take it. "I'll be the best, most loving husband, I-I promise!"

And Natsuki, now that she was looking at the flowers more closely, now that she was being hit with its relaxing scent, "Masashi-kun, how… how did you know to get these flowers?" She relieved the bouquet from his hands and inhaled its scent. "These are my favorite"

No one knew those were her favorite. No one. No one except for one person.

Takeda blinked a few times, his face was still facing the ground, not looking at Natsuki in the eyes.

Didn't she hear everything he had just said? His love confession?

"E-Etto… Your Otome friend, Viola-san" He muttered to her, "I bumped into her on my way here, she- she picked those out for you"

"Shizuru" Natsuki closed her eyes and smiled, …You remembered… inhaling the calming scent once again.

Back at Garderobe, in the moon garden near their quarters, Shizuru had planted bushes and bushes of this flower for her, because she had mentioned that she loved them.

This was a lovers' flower, a flower to be admired in the shadows, in the moonlight, when most lovers spent time whispering sweet nothings under the stars.

And its scent was heavenly, just heavenly. In the night time, the cool breeze would lead the scent right into her bedroom, helping her relax.

She loved the shape of the flower, loved the white color, and loved what it symbolized. It symbolized romance, beauty, and sensuality. It symbolized love and purity.

"They're beautiful…" Natsuki told him while slowly inhaling its scent again, "But I can't accept them" And then, she handed them back to him. "Please go home, Masashi-kun… I can tell you're a nice man, but I'm not the right woman for you. I'm sorry"

Natsuki watched as he slowly got up and quietly took his leave after his initial shock had gone.

He looked so heartbroken, Natsuki thought, but she was sure that it would pass. He wasn't a bad looking guy, he was attractive, and boy did he have spirit, he would find someone else to love, to fixate on in no time.

Natsuki sat down again and waited for her parents to return. They'd been gone for a while now, she was sure they'd be back soon.

All the while, as she sat there looking out the window, Natsuki couldn't contain the soft smile grazing her features.

They were small details, very small, but Shizuru remembered. Yesterday was the tea, today the flowers. Little by little, the pieces were coming together. Little by little, Shizuru was becoming herself again.

"We're back~" Saeko happily sing-sang as she opened the door. And in an instant, that happiness was gone, "Natsuki, where's Masashi-kun?" She asked upon realizing that Natsuki was alone in the room.

"I sent him home" Was the calm, husky reply.

Saeko wasn't very happy to hear that. She walked over to the table but didn't bother to sit down.

"Why, Natsuki?" Saeko asked with a noticeable scowl. "Why did you send him home? He was a decent guy, a good guy. He really liked you"

And Natsuki stopped staring out the window and placed her attention on her mother. She sounded irritated, upset, just as she expected her to be. "Because he is a decent guy, okaasan. I didn't want to waste his time"

"Saeko, darling, what's going on?" Natsu, Natsuki's father, asked. The aura in the room, the one being produced by his wife, was a hostile one.

But Saeko ignored her husband, "Is it because of that woman?"

Natsuki's eyebrows furrowed by the question, and then asked two of her own: "What do you mean? What woman?"

"That woman!" Saeko spat, a finger pointing up to the ceiling, "The one upstairs, in your hotel room… Ever since that woman came into your life, you're a different person, you're someone I don't recognize"

Natsuki stared at her mother for a long moment. Confused yet panicked, Emerald eyes on furious green ones the whole time.

"You think I don't know what's going on between you and… her?" Saeko continued, "For years this has been going on. It's unacceptable. It's immoral. It's disgusting, Natsuki!" And when her husband tried to speak,

"Don't open your mouth, this is all your fault!" She immediately screamed at him while looking at him in the eyes, both her hands slamming on the table, the silverware making a slight clinking sound by the hard impact,

"You just had to send her to that godforsaken place! You just had to grant her every wish! You just had to! Don't you see what's happening? Your daughter is sick, Natsu, she thinks she has feelings for- for that woman!"

"Shizuru" Natsuki quietly said, now averting her mother's angry, questioning gaze. "H-Her name is Shizuru, okaasan" She whispered: "It's not that woman, or she, or her. It's Shizuru… W-Why can't you ever say her name?"

But Saeko didn't reply to her. Just stared at her with so much anger and rage.

"Natsuki? What your mother is saying, about you and Viola-san, is this true?" Natsu softly asked the younger blunette.

Natsuki slowly nodded once. Her lips quivered, and her hands trembled, turning into tight fists. And her eyes, her green eyes were shiny, glistening with unshed tears.

Natsuki just realized something, one thing:

"Okaasan, all this time, you knew about Shizuru and I…" She couldn't bring herself to look at her mother in the eyes, she knew what she'd find there. That look. That look of disapproval, that look of disgust.

This made her realize, made her remember, that, ever since she was a little girl, her mother would make horrid, offensive comments whenever she'd spot a same sex couple. She didn't even try to hide it, the look of disgust. She'd have that look on her face and she'd say whatever came to mind, not caring if they could hear her or not. Not caring if she hurt their feelings or not.

Growing up, she always told her that it was wrong, that bad things happened to people like that, that they would never find happiness. Never. And she was too innocent, too naïve, too young, so she believed her.

…No wonder I'm messed up… And now that Natsuki realizes where her issues originated, she couldn't help and feel heartbroken, sad.

It was her mother. Her mother did this to her.

Her mother broke her, made her feel insecure, perhaps even shame that she had these feelings for Shizuru.

"Y-You knew that I held feelings for her…" Natsuki continued, trying to be strong, trying very hard not to cry in front of her parents,

"These past two years while Shizuru was missing, you knew that I had feelings for her" She closed her eyes and faced down again, her tears were now freely caressing her face, landing one by one on her jeans and her fisted hands,

"I-I thought I had lost her, I was desperate. There were days I couldn't even leave my bed… Whenever you called me, y-you knew that I was hurting, you knew that I was in pain, and not once, not once did you acknowledge my feelings. N-Not once, okaasan. Not once did you try to comfort me or asked me how I was doing" She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, "You just simply ignored it. You were probably happy that Shizuru was gone"

"Is this true, Saeko?" Natsu couldn't believe what he was hearing, what was happening at this moment.

"Our daughter is sick, Natsu" Saeko looked at her daughter's teary face, not softening, not even a little bit. She loved her daughter, she really did, but she couldn't accept this, this indecency of hers. She didn't raise her to be this way. "She needs help. With the proper treatment, with professional help, she'll be her old self again"

"She's not sick, Saeko!" There was a look of horror on Natsu's face. This woman, this wasn't his wife. He didn't know who this woman was at all. The things she was saying, the horrors, who did he marry?

"Feelings come and go, Natsu, what she thinks she feels for that woman is no exception. Those feelings will fade"

"You're right, feelings do come and go" Natsuki whispered, still unable to look at her mother in the eyes. "But not with Shizuru, these feelings will never fade. It feels right with her. Anywhere with her feels right. I… I love her. I will always love her, no matter what"

Saeko scoffed, "Love? You think you're in love? What do you know about love?" And then, "What you need is to permanently come back to Duran" Saeko ignored her words, "You need to forget about this Otome business already. You're twenty-eight years old now, you need to come home, get married, have children. Only then you'll have a chance at happiness" and then, "Only then you will forget about that woman, that disgusting whor-"

- Slap! -

Natsuki's hands and lips trembled, her cheeks pink. She took a deep, deep, shaky breath, trying to compose herself, her emotions.

Saeko's loud voice, her temperament, her tone, she knew what she was going to say. She stood up so fast, and her hand had met her mother's cheek before that nasty word could be produced. She wasn't going to allow her to say it. She wasn't.

"D-Don't you dare insult Shizuru" She told her mother, who in turn, looked at her with wide eyes. In shock.

Not in a million years Natsuki thought she'd raise a hand on her mother. Never. That is just something you don't do, not to your parents.

"You're my mother" Her voice broke, it was so soft, so raw and so soft, "a-and I love you, I will always love you… You can say whatever you want about me, I'm okay with that, I can take it, but not Shizuru… All she's ever given me is companionship, friendship and love. She doesn't deserve to be insulted like this"

She took a step back, slowly leaving the table. She felt like she had no strength, like her legs were going to give out on her any given second. She was heartbroken, so heartbroken. There was no way to express the disappointment she felt in her heart, there was no way to express how she felt by her mother's rejection.

"Natsuki…" Natsu was about to reach out to his daughter. This sight of her, her pain, it was unbearable to watch. How did things come to this?

"I'm sorry I'm not the daughter you wanted me to be" Natsuki interrupted her father, not looking at either of her parents in the eyes.

"I-I'm sorry I'm a disappointment" She kept her gaze down the whole time,

"I won't bother you with my presence anymore, I'll leave Duran as soon as I possibly can…" And then,

"G-Goodbye" She walked out of the room, every step shattering a piece of her heart.

About Ten Minutes Later…

Shizuru stood in the balcony, quietly staring at the lively view.

Despite the extreme, uncomfortable weather, she couldn't deny that Duran was beautiful. It seemed like a prosperous country, a wealthy country. The people always dressed nicely and all the people she had talked to so far seemed well educated. And the city, it had many well-maintained, beautiful structures and buildings, both very old and very new. When you walked around the city, when you walked around certain streets, it felt as if you were transported back in time with the beautiful, red-ish brick floor and the old style, street lanterns.

There was a lot of culture there, a lot of tradition and history there. She could see herself living there weren't for the weather.

- Knock -

Shizuru faced the door, she thought she had heard a knock. It was so soft, and only one knock, perhaps she had heard wrong?

- Knock -

And a few seconds later, there it was again, the knock, she hadn't imagined it the first time.

As she walked over to the door, Ruby eyes glanced at the clock near the TV. …It can't be Natsuki… She thought, it had only been an hour since they parted ways. She was sure the luncheon would take a lot longer than that, especially since they had that extra guest.

When she peaked through the hole on the door, she found that it was in fact Natsuki that was there, she was rubbing her eyes. …Something went wrong… Was the immediate thought and she quickly opened the door.

When she opened it, when she saw her face clearly, noticed her reddened eyes and nose and cheeks, the sadness in her face, she pulled her in for a soft embrace, closing the door behind her.

The woman was heartbroken, every inch of her body screamed this.

And then she heard the woman sob as she held on tighter to her. She felt as the blunette's legs couldn't take it anymore, they were like jelly. So, she went down with her, sitting on the ground.

"It'll be okay, Natsuki" Shizuru whispered to her as she heard her pour her heart out, heard her muffled cries, "Kannin na"

This was the reason she had decided to keep that event hidden from her long ago. To prevent this, postpone it somehow. Because she knew how hard Natsuki would take it.

Natsuki was a strong woman. She really was. She loved her family, loved her parents, she held them in such high regard. They could do nothing wrong, not in her eyes. But Shizuru knew, she knew no matter how strong Natsuki may appear to be, she knew this would break her heart. She knew. She knew the disappointment she would feel when she learned about her mother, about her mother's feelings and beliefs. She was hoping that Saeko would take it easy on Natsuki, since she was her daughter, her own flesh and blood, but apparently not.

Shizuru stayed with her this way for about an hour or so. Natsuki's head was resting on her lap now, she had finally stopped crying, only because she had fallen asleep.

Shizuru caressed her face, her fingers softly running through her cobalt hair for a long while. And then, when she knew she wouldn't stir, she carried her to bed.

- Knock -

"Natsuki"

That muffled voice was a male voice. A husky, male voice. Similar to Natsuki's.

"Darling, please open the door"

Shizuru quietly made her way there. She opened it, but only slightly. If this man was here to hurt Natsuki there was no way she was going to let him in.

"Viola-san" Natsu greeted with the best smile he could muster under the circumstances, "It's very lovely to see you again… Is my daughter here?"

Shizuru opened the door wider, it seemed like he meant no harm. "King Kruger" She greeted in hushed Kyoto-ben, her face softening a little. "Natsuki finally fell asleep"

Natsu frowned and then pursed his lips. He stayed silent for a little while.

"I owe you an apology, Viola-san" He finally said, "for my wife, I honestly didn't know about any of this. I can only imagine how hard she was on you" And then, "If you don't mind, can I have a moment with Natsuki? A moment in private? I won't wake her, I'll wait until she does on her own"

Shizuru glanced over at the bed were Natsuki peacefully lay. "Alright" She gave in, "Could you please tell Natsuki that I'll be in the park?"

"Of course," He gave her a genuine smile as he stepped inside the room, "Viola-san…" Then said as he watched her grab a keycard from the table, "I want to thank you, for taking care of Natsuki all these years... You could've told her about Saeko, but you chose not to, that speaks volumes of your feelings for her"

"All I want is her happiness" Shizuru softly smiled in return, "She's all I have in this world" She didn't just say it, she really meant it. She meant every word of it.

"Thank you" He said again, and then watched as she took her leave, closing the door on the way out.

He took a seat in the balcony, one leg crossing over the other. From time to time his blue eyes glanced over at his sleeping daughter.

He couldn't believe that he had been blind all these years. Couldn't believe that his own daughter didn't feel comfortable enough to share this part of her life with him. Saeko had done a number on her, of that he was certain, and he felt guilty because if he were more present, more involved, less aloof, he could've prevented Saeko from doing this to her, from hurting her.

He knew that Saeko was a hard woman. A difficult woman. He knew this. She had a difficult temperament, a strong character. And she was stubborn when it came to her beliefs. But he knew that she loved their daughter. How she could treat her that way, say those awful things about her, was beyond him.

Perhaps with time, she would soften, change her way of thinking, and realize that this, that their daughter's choice of partner, wasn't a bad thing, not as long as she was happy.

And with Shizuru, it seemed like she was. Whenever she came up in conversation Natsuki's eyes lit up.

"Shizuru?" About forty minutes later, Natsuki stirred, finding herself alone in bed. She raised to a sitting position and then noticed the male figure in the balcony, the male figure that was now slowly heading her direction.

"You're finally awake" Natsu smiled at his daughter. She looked so small to him today for some reason, so small this way, so fragile, like when she was a child. Her confident stance no longer present.

"Otousan" Natsuki quickly left the bed, "Where's-"

"Violan-san went out for some fresh air" He quickly eased her worries, "She's at the park, we can see her from here, come take a look" He guided her to the balcony and pointed to where Shizuru was.

They could clearly see what she was doing from this distance. She was talking to a group of kids, it seemed like they were teaching her how to build a kite.

There were many kites adorning the sky this afternoon. It was a little windy today, perfect for it, and Duranian kids loved playing with kites.

"I've been keeping an eye on her for you, I know she's not well" Then, he softly added, "I noticed she's very friendly"

Natsuki smiled, both her hands on the wooden railing, "Hai, she is… It's a little annoying sometimes"

Natsu chuckled at this, having a feeling that his daughter was the jealous type. He stared for a little while longer and then let out a soft sigh.

"I want to talk to you, Natsuki, come sit with me" He grabbed her hand and led her to the patio chairs. Once they were seated, "I'm sorry, Natsuki… Your mother, she said many harsh things earlier... Give her some time, she loves you, she does, I know she'll turn around"

Natsuki didn't say anything, couldn't even look him in the eyes, only frowned.

"I want you to know that I am very proud of you and of everything you have accomplished. You are not a disappointment, you're anything but, understand?"

Natsuki softly nodded.

"I wish I was more aware of what was going on… Had I accompanied your mother whenever she visited you at Wind Bloom, perhaps that would've made a difference, perhaps I wouldn't have been so oblivious of your feelings" He reached for her chin and gently tapped it a couple of times, wanting her to lift her head, to make eye contact with him. "Your love is beautiful, Natsuki, no matter what people say. It's beautiful"

"Arigato, otousan" She weakly smiled at him.

"Earlier you said that you loved Viola-san, is this really true?"

"H-Hai" Came the soft, honest answer. A faint blush accompanied it.

"Then I think you should have this" From his left, chest pocket, he took out a ring. It was a beautiful ring. It was made of white gold, had a large, Sapphire gemstone, and small diamonds surrounded it. It was delicate and very beautiful.

Natsuki couldn't help and swallow, rendered speechless.

She recognized the ring. It was the Kruger Family ring, the one passed down from generation to generation for hundreds and hundreds of years. It dated to the time before they had landed on planet Earl. This ring came from planet Earth. Its raw materials, its precious metals, the craftsmanship, it's all from Earth.

"Why are you so surprised, you are the next in line for the crown, aren't you?" He asked with furrowed brows.

"I-I know, but, I thought that-"

"I have no sons" Natsu interrupted her, knowing very well what she was going to say.

Usually, the first-born Kruger male inherited the ring to give to his wife. And when they had children, and that child was of age to marry, which in Duran was now age 18, the current wearer takes it off and hands it back to the king, only to be given to the next in line. When the next in line is ready to marry, the king hands it over.

But as Natsu said, he has no sons, so…

"If you were to marry a man, then it'd be your turn to wear the ring, it is far too precious not to be worn. But since it's very clear that that's not happening, you should keep the tradition alive..." He lovingly smiled at her, "When the time comes, when you're ready, propose to her with this ring" And then, "Give her our name, make her a Kruger, it would be an honor" He grabbed Natsuki's hand and placed the ring there, in the middle of her palm, then closed the hand for her since she still seemed to be in shock.

"And when you have children, make sure you carry the first child. You know, for the Kruger blood. It's your turn to keep the Kruger tradition going"

Natsuki's hand involuntarily twitched when hearing this, "Y-You're putting too much pressure on me" She muttered to him. "And I'm not coming back here" That's true, she's not planning on returning to Duran, not to live. Her life is in Wind Bloom now.

"Darling, no matter where you go you're still a Kruger. You carry the blood, that will not change" He casually crossed one leg over the other.

"Now, I know all about Viola-san, your colleague and friend… But if you don't mind, I'd like you to tell me about Viola-san, the woman you love" He softly smiled at her, at how shy she seemed right now, this was a side of her he'd never seen before.

"What is your love like, Natsuki? How does she make you feel?"

- 0 -

Thanks for Reading!

And thanks for the Reviews/Comments

So, I didn't think I would write a 'coming out' chapter for Natsuki, but the writing headed that direction. I don't control my typing, my fingers do it on their own (They are possessed! LOL) So I'm surprised by this long chapter.

I meant to give a small background of why she has issues, but like I said, the writing went somewhere else.

Now Natsuki knows why she gets anxious about showing affection in public. It doesn't necessarily mean that she is cured, she's far from cured, it just means that she knows where it stems from and how it got there. That it just didn't come out of nowhere (Saeko is to blame for this) She still has to work on getting better.

Also, the Shizuru-Takeda interaction, I don't see Shizuru jealous unless she feels threatened somehow. She knows Natsuki loves her, so there's no reason to feel jealous of this guy. She didn't display jealousy in Mai Hime, she was actually very nice to him there and always teased him since she knew his feelings for Natsuki. I'm sure it wouldn't be any different in Mai Otome had he been around.

Now that I made some progress with Natsuki, I need to work on Shizuru.

Let me know what you guys think.

"For the love of ShizNat"