A/N: Here is chapter 10. I don't even know why I put an authors note up here because I like to talk about what I wrote and putting here would just be spoiling... Anyways bigger A/N at bottom like usual :D
Shizuma and Nagisa had gone to their room after dinner, of course after explaining to Mrs. Aoi that the point Shizuma gave to Nagisa meant nothing. Though Shizuma had originally used the bath as an excuse to get out of the dinner they both agreed that is sounded like a good idea to start the night they both were looking forward to.
"Think your mom would be mad knowing what we've been up to?" Shizuma asked with a grin before giving Nagisa another kiss.
Nagisa smiled as Shizuma pulled away from her. "I think she is starting to get used to it." Nagisa said as Shizuma returned to her sitting position in the tub with Nagisa. "She still treats me like a baby, I just hope when we are married she gives me some breathing room."
"I'm sure she will and if she doesn't I will just run away with you and not tell her where we are going." Shizuma joked even though in her mind it didn't sound like a bad idea. "I wouldn't worry though, after everything that has happened I'm sure she is realizing that her daughter isn't so innocent anymore."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Nagisa said a little defensively, yet playfully.
"Well, I don't know perhaps the Nagisa that brought me to Miki's room the other day could answer that." Shizuma replied with a grin as Nagisa stood from the tub and grabbed a towel. "Did I say something wrong?" Shizuma asked a little worried at Nagisa's sudden action.
Nagisa turned to Shizuma with a mischievous grin. "Nope, in fact that Nagisa wants to play a little game." She said grabbing Shizuma's undergarments. "I am going to take these with me and if you find me, I'll give them back." Nagisa said as she made her way out of the room wrapped in only a towel.
Shizuma was speechless as Nagisa left the bathroom, she had never expected her to do something like this in a million years. She shook her head after a moment of shock realizing that if Nagisa got caught they would both probably be having a funeral instead of a wedding. Shizuma stood from the tub and quickly threw on her clothes as she left the bathroom noticing the bedroom was empty. "She is trying to get us both killed!"
Whatever amount of worry Shizuma had in her quickly vanished as she stepped foot outside her door with a grin, she loved when Nagisa played these little games with her. She slowly made her way down the dark hall opening the first door she came across to see if Nagisa was hiding in the room. Most of the rooms in the hallway she was in were guest rooms, which for the most part were always empty.
The more and more Shizuma looked the more and more excited she became to find the little red head she loved so dearly. She had a few tricks up her sleeve though, mainly the fact that she knew Nagisa so well, Shizuma knew that Nagisa couldn't sit still long while playing a game like this. She couldn't help but wonder though if Nagisa would be waiting in plain sight for her or if she would actually have to look more in depth for her.
Shizuma had been searching rooms for about twenty minutes and the burning desire within her was only getting worse as she thought about the things she would do when she found Nagisa. She had gotten lost in her thoughts awhile back and lost track of what doors she had and hadn't checked as she heard a noise from a room nearby. Shizuma smiled as she slowly walked to the door and quickly swung it open, her eyes immediately going wide.
"Sh—Shizuma!" Miyuki screamed scrambling to grab the blanket to cover her and Tamao's bare bodies, both their faces were bright red as Shizuma grinned widely after a moment.
"I knew you two were together!" Shizuma said proudly like she had just discovered a hidden treasure.
"Yes, you were right. Now what do you want?" Miyuki asked coldly still a bit flustered that Shizuma had seen her and Tamao doing unspeakable things.
"If you must know a certain red head ran off with my underwear wrapped in nothing but a towel, I am trying to find her, she needs to be punished for what she has done." Shizuma explained as she thought about all the rooms she checked. Tamao and Miyuki forgot their current situation momentarily as they looked at Shizuma a bit disturbed and surprised at the crazy games her and Nagisa played.
Miyuki shook the thought out of her head realizing that Shizuma was still in the doorway. "Shizuma, will you please shut the door and next time knock!" She exclaimed.
"Lock it next time." Shizuma said playfully as she locked the door from the inside before shutting it. Shizuma still had a big smile on her face as she shut the door, just barley catching the sight of a certain red head peaking out of a room. "Gotcha." Shizuma said under her breath as she approached the room where Nagisa waited for her.
The next day...
"I'll see you in a few hours." Nagisa said to Shizuma before giving her a quick goodbye kiss followed by a smile. The girls were getting wedding dresses today and Mrs. Aoi had decided that they were not to see each others dress until the wedding day.
Nagisa was going with her mother and Tamao while Shizuma was being accompanied by Miyuki and Miki. They had both agreed that Nagisa would try and find a red wedding dress and Shizuma would wear a white one, though if Nagisa needed to she could get white. They knew that they didn't have much time until the wedding and unfortunately didn't have time to be picky, which Mrs. Aoi still thought was ridiculous.
"Excited?" Tamao asked from the backseat of the car that Mrs. Aoi was driving.
Nagisa turned in her seat to get a better look at Tamao revealing the big smile on her face. "Of course, I just hope I find a dress that Shizuma will like." Nagisa replied.
"I'm sure whatever you pick she will love." Tamao reassured her as Mrs. Aoi glanced over to Nagisa without turning her head. Mrs. Aoi knew the day was getting closer and though she had still thought Nagisa and Shizuma were a bit careless she was very excited and happy for them.
Nagisa's could only smile until she looked at her mom. "Sorry, I know I should be more worried about looking good than impressing her." Nagisa sighed not noticing the smile that her mother had given her just a moment ago. She still thought that her mom was still not very accepting of Shizuma, every time Shizuma's name was mentioned Mrs. Aoi seemed to cringe almost and it had not gone unnoticed by Nagisa.
The car went silent for a moment Mrs. Aoi for the first time in a very long time was speechless, her daughter's words hurt on what was supposed to be a happy day. She could only wonder if she had really given the impression of hating Shizuma. "Nagisa..."
"There is is!" Tamao said cutting off Mrs. Aoi, she hadn't heard her start talking because she was only mumbling.
Mrs. Aoi decided to keep quiet watching her daughter's facial expression, she was excited, nervous, and anxious all at once and they were only getting the dress. She could only imagine what Nagisa would be like when she walked down the aisle. "Let's go see what they have." Mrs. Aoi said with a smile as the girls got out of the car and made their way to the door. She still wanted to tell Nagisa what was on her mind earlier but decided that it could wait, Nagisa was excited and so was she.
"Wow look at all the dresses." Tamao said as her and Nagisa looked around in awe.
"Hi can I help you find something today?" A lady asked approaching the three.
Nagisa turned her attention to the lady with a smile. "Yes, I am getting married and need a dress by today!" She said excitement evident in her voice.
"Well then let's not waste and time and jump right into it." The lady responded motioning the three to follow as they went over towards a dressing room. "Alright so first off, it would be helpful to know if this is a traditional wedding or if you plan on having a different style wedding. If it is a styled wedding we can pick a dress based on what the males will be wearing, we can find a dress that would look good with what he is wearing."
"Well actually...she is going to be wearing a white dress." Nagisa said somewhat proudly, she used to be embarrassed telling people that she was dating another girl, but now she was just to excited to care. She was about to marry the woman of her dreams and nothing was going to dampen her spirits, even if she thought her mom still had a lingering doubt about them.
The lady stood speechless for a moment. "I'm sorry and I mean no offense by this but did you just say you were marrying a girl?" She said a little cautiously.
Nagisa just chuckled a little bit. "Don't worry about it I've had much worse reactions, but yes I am marrying my girlfriend."
The clerk smiled unsure of what to say, this was the first time she had ever been in a situation like this and just decided to move on with the knowledge she now had. "You said she is wearing a white dress?"
"Yes, we both decided that she would wear white and I was to wear red if we could find one. We are looking for a column style wedding dress." Nagisa said as the lady started taking measurements before disappearing into the store.
"She seems nice, I'm glad that she didn't react like some of the other people we've met when we told them about your relationship." Tamao commented taking a seat next to Mrs. Aoi.
"I know, she did seem a little unsure though when I confirmed that I was marrying a girl." Nagisa said with a smile before it quickly disappeared looking at her mother almost ashamed. She had never really been around her mom without Shizuma since Mrs. Aoi found out and she thought her mom really did get upset when they were mentioned together. She had received her blessing the day Shizuma proposed but her mom could put on an act if need be and with the somewhat hostile attitude she had towards Shizuma, it made her wonder. She just decided to ignore it and try hard not to mention Shizuma too much around her mom even though she knew it was unavoidable.
Tamao had noticed her facial expression change and being unsure of the situation herself decided to say something to get Nagisa's mind off it. "Yea, but that is just fine she can think what she wants, you are here to get a dress."
Nagisa looked back at Tamao smiling as the lady approached holding two red dresses. "Oh, those are nice am I going to be trying these on in here?" Nagisa questioned looking at the fitting room behind her.
"Yep, take this one first and try it on." The lady said handing Nagisa the first dress which was a plain red color aside from the few flowers towards the bottom stitched in gold.
Nagisa went into the fitting room and after a few minutes came back out wearing the dress which caused Mrs. Aoi and Tamao both to smile.
"It looks great, Nagisa." Mrs. Aoi said as Nagisa smiled acknowledging her mother.
Nagisa turned to look into the mirror at the dress, she turned back and forth a few times wondering what Shizuma would think. She already knew that answer though, Nagisa could wear a sackcloth and Shizuma would tell her she was beautiful. She came out of her thoughts about a minute later when she noticed her mom telling something to Tamao and the lady as they both nodded and walked away.
Mrs. Aoi had noticed Nagisa's reactions and she could tell that even though Nagisa was happy she was almost hurt when she looked at her. She took a deep breath approaching Nagisa who just turned to meet her mother unsure of what to expect. "Nagisa, you really do look beautiful." Mrs. Aoi said with a smile.
"Thanks mom." Nagisa said with an obvious weak smile.
"Nagisa, we need to talk. You keep trying to hide your happiness and excitement around me and it hurts." Mrs. Aoi said a little sadly.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to hurt you, I just know that you don't really like Shizuma and I don't want to upset you by mentioning her." Nagisa said putting her head down with a sigh.
Mrs. Aoi knew that was the case but still looked at Nagisa shaking her head a little bit. "Nagisa we are shopping for your wedding dress so you can marry Shizuma, I don't think we are going to get through this day without mentioning her."
Nagisa never lifted her head, she just spoke weakly, that ashamed feeling making it's way back into her. "I know I can't avoid it completely but if I try then you won't get mad."
"Nagisa, I'm not mad, mentioning Shizuma's name does not make me mad."
Nagisa took a deep breath looking up at her mother with a serious look, she was unsure how she would react to this but it had to be said. "You can quit lying mom, you are always cold and you get so angry when she is mentioned. I know you don't like her but that isn't going to change my decision, I love her."
Mrs. Aoi was speechless for a moment trying to swallow the hurt she felt from her daughters words. She had always told others what she really thought about Nagisa and Shizuma's relationship but when it came down to it she had never really told them personally. She had accepted Shizuma as her girlfriend and even gave them her blessing for marriage but with the way she was acting lately anyone would think it was just an act. "Nagisa, I'm sorry..." Mrs. Aoi sighed pausing for a moment. "I know you think I hate her but the truth is, I wouldn't want you to marry anyone else. I do think that what you two do is a little reckless at times, but in the end you are perfect for each other and I couldn't be any happier for the either of you." She continued smiling fighting back the tear that was trying to form in her eye.
Nagisa couldn't hold back a smile at her mothers heartfelt apology as she gave her a hug. "Do you really mean it mom?" Nagisa asked wanting more confirmation even though she knew the words just said were true.
"Yes, I mean it. Shizuma is going to officially be family this weekend and I couldn't be any happier to have her. I want you two to be together, I mean it. I still won't change when hearing about your somehow commonly known adventures though, you could get in serious trouble." Mrs. Aoi said as Nagisa laughed mostly out of pure happiness and somewhat because of the adventures they had that were always found out.
"Thank you, mom." Nagisa said squeezing her mom tight one last time before letting her out of the hug. "You are going to have to tell this to Shizuma eventually though, it would really mean a lot to me."
"One step at a time." Mrs. Aoi said with a grin as she pulled away from Nagisa and motioned for Tamao and the lady to come back.
Shizuma's day...
"Miki you drive like an old lady!" Shizuma impatiently said.
"Well take it up with whoever decided the speed limit." Miki replied glancing over at Shizuma briefly. "I don't see why you are in such a big hurry anyways, it's not the like the dresses are going to sell out."
Shizuma looked at Miki with a blank expression. "Yes, I know that I am just excited, if you must know." She admitted with a blush looking out the window.
Both Miyuki and Miki smiled at her reaction before Miyuki spoke up. "That is nothing to be embarrassed about you're getting married, it should be exciting."
"I know I just never imagined it to be this exciting to buy a dress." Shizuma said turning her attention to Miyuki who was in the back seat.
"I'm sure it's because you are buying it with Nagisa in mind." Miyuki replied smiling.
"I agree, that little red head sure is something else to make you excited over dress shopping of all things." Miki teased pulling into the parking lot of the store they were visiting.
Shizuma sighed not having a single argument against Miki for once. "She sure is something else... I love her though and soon she will be mine forever."
"Like she wasn't already." Miyuki added as they got out of the car. Shizuma just smiled at Miyuki's comment as they entered the store. She knew Miyuki was right but hearing the words made her heart swell with joy.
"Welcome! I take it you're here to find a wedding dress for one of you." A lady said approaching the girls with a smile.
"Yes, I am taking this little red head and making her my wife this weekend." Shizuma said proudly holding out a picture of Nagisa that she always carried.
"Oh...alright, well what did you have in mind then...?" The lady asked a little surprised and confused at Shizuma's proud attitude.
"She is going to wear a red dress and I want a white one. We are doing column style dresses though." Shizuma said as the lady took her measurements.
"Alright I will be right back if you just want to take a seat I will bring out some selections that meet your requests." The lady said walking away as Shizuma turned to Miki and Miyuki.
"She seems a little odd." Shizuma commented looking over at the lady who was out of hearing distance.
"Well I'm sure it's probably the first time she has ever dealt with a crazed lesbian practically forcing a picture of her soon to wife in her face." Miki said gaining a slight laugh from Miyuki.
"Hey no laughing from you, I saw plenty enough things last night to confirm your sexual preference." Shizuma said looking at Miyuki as she just straightened her back with a blush apparent on her face.
Miki looked over at Miyuki a little surprised. "You and that little blue haired girl huh?" She teased a little.
"Oh yea they were doing things I've only done with Nagisa...well a lot, but that's besides the point." Shizuma said glancing over at the lady who was still doing whatever is what she was doing.
"Wait Shizuma how did you find out about it?" Miki asked feeling as though she was missing a big part of the story.
"She barged into our room late last night without knocking." Miyuki said knowing that it was useless trying to hide it anymore.
"What were you going to their room for late at night anyways?" Miki asked as Shizuma blushed a little bit, Miyuki on the other hand just grinned.
"If I recall right a certain red head stole her underwear and was running around the house with them wrapped in nothing but a towel." Miyuki said as Shizuma tried her best to make it look like she was inspecting something and not paying attention to the conversation.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Miki asked as the lady returned with a dress. "Oh look who is here to rescue Shizuma from this situation."
Shizuma turned to Miki blushing furiously even though a mischievous grin was plastered on her face. "It wasn't my idea! We were taking a bath and she just took my underwear after wrapping herself in a towel. I had to find her if her mom found her first she would have killed me." Shizuma explained before turning back to the wide eyed lady holding the dresses out to her. "That little red head becomes possessed when my pants are on the floor." Shizuma said calmly as the lady practically threw the dresses at her and excused herself to go to the bathroom.
"Even though you blush from embarrassment you still find it in you to make another person that is trying to help you uncomfortable." Miki stated as Shizuma turned to her with a smile.
"I wasn't lying, it is all the truth... Especially the part about my pants being on the floor, she gets this look in her eyes and..."
"Alright that is enough information, I have seen the aftermath of what happens I think I can piece together the rest." Miki said pushing Shizuma into the changing room before turning to Miyuki. "She is acting so strange today."
"Well she has always loved embarrassing the waiters at restaurants, especially when Nagisa is with her. I think she is just excited though and it's causing her to be extra obnoxious." Miyuki explained.
"Well it isn't helping, I think she scared the employee's away." Miki said noticing the one employee avoiding eye contact with them.
A minute or so later the door to the fitting room opened and Shizuma stepped out showing the dress to Miki and Miyuki who both just smiled.
"It looks really good, Shizuma. I think Nagisa would love it." Miyuki said circling around Shizuma to get a full view of the plain white strapless wedding dress that had a little embroidered design on the front of it.
"I agree, Shizuma. It looks really good and it's not even a question if Nagisa would love it. If she would love it more on you or on the floor is debatable, but I think we can all agree on the answer." Miki said smiling.
"Well let me try on the other one quick but I do like this one so far." Shizuma said going back into the fitting room after looking in the mirror for a minute.
Hanazono household...
"Sir, you have a phone call." A maid said holding the phone to Mr. Hanazono.
"Oh, thank you." Mr. Hanazono replied grabbing the phone and putting it up to his ear. "Hello?"
"Hi, I just wanted to tell you that I'm in town and planned on stopping by tomorrow if that is alright."
Mr. Hanazono sighed for a moment knowing he couldn't say no. "I don't see that being a problem, did you plan on staying the night?"
"I haven't decided yet, I brought Ryo though he wanted to meet and congratulate Shizuma and take a little vacation, we will be there around noon though tomorrow, I just wanted to let you know."
"Alright, I will see you tomorrow." Mr. Hanazono said with a heavy sigh as he hung up the phone and put it on the table near him.
"Trouble?" Mr. Aoi asked from the chair located on the other side of the table.
"More than you can imagine..."
A/N: Alright so this chapter is about 1500 words longer than what I usually do. I did not want to make this two chapters because it would just be two short ones and this chapter was really about what happened with Nagisa and Mrs. Aoi along with Miyuki and Tamao. I didn't go over the store scenes the best mainly because I'll admit it I'm a guy I'm not married and I don't have the first clue as to what they do in those stores, I was looking up wedding dress styles on google to figure out what they should have haha. I will also admit that I prefer the column style dresses over the gigantic frilly ones which is why they are wearing them! :)
I know some are probably confused as to why I had the scene between Nagisa and Mrs. Aoi like that. It's basically explained that Nagisa never really has been alone with her and it is easy enough for her to believe that she does hate her with how she acts.
Hmm the only other thing I have here is for a guest who reviews a lot :) I hope you noticed that I had Shizuma tell them to lock the door. I put that in there with you in mind haha. Hmm only other thing I can say is that 2 bigger chapters left followed by a little fun one to cap off the story! I want to thank everyone again for PM's, reviews, taking time to read this and yep idk what else. I am excited to begin work on the next story I plan on doing which is starting immediately after this one. (Info in my profile.) That being said I am also excited to do chapter 11 because ... :D