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Disclaimer: I don't own MaiHime.
A/N: Haha.. I'm baaaaack.. quite a longer vacation, neh? I'm so sorry I was gone longer than expected... Yea.. LMAO!
--hides.quicker.than.you.can.say.kill.the.batter!--
Yes.. do apologize for the delay.. eep I enjoyed my vacation thoroughly, browsing and reading fictions... OOOhhh--- I got hooked up with glowie's translation of Firerei's Equilibrium...also a NatShiz, check it out! Yes, a masterpiece! hehe.. Good job glowie..
Well yeah.. here it is guys... chapter 11, book 2.. LMAO... book 2? geez, where did that came from??
Hope you enjoy this one...For ultimate mood-set; listen to End of the World by Yuki Kajiura from .hack//sign... don't have? The usual place guys.. hint: MY HOMEPAGE..
Thank you for the reviews sent for chapter 10... It lightened the load.. My heart feels a tad better now! BANZAI!!
scoobz: thanks! -wink wink- LMAO!
Doujins from volk, thanks so much pal! It energized me.. haha!
Naolin: Yep... I'll be writing a new fic soon...soonnnnn... great god soooonnn... hahaha! And yes.. I'd certainly ask for your help.. thanks in advance!
GUYS, thanks for the support! It's good to have new readers.. I appreciate the time you give in reading my --err-- fics.. haha! Sorry if I wasn't able to reply to the reviews made by some... But you all know how grateful I am.. I'll do my best to not dissappoint you all.. LMAO... ranting... ranting...
Feeds, again please? THANKS!!
--haha.. just remembered, nobody gets to stab me last update, neh? hahah! I'm ready for the stabbing now.. it is on!-- teehee!
Sidenote:
There's a scene inspired by a doujin by Doropanda Tours... it's on the first part.. so.. yea.. on with it!
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MAKI MAKI
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Chapter 10: Strike Three
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The sun shone rather brightly today. It hurts in the eyes and irritates anyone as short tempered as a… certain someone.
But this time, that someone didn't mind.
No.
Not at all.
Most especially if all she could see is that incredibly white, always fresh-looking, skin. And not to mention those lips that, although the sun felt like it could dry up a lake, remained youthful and so pinkish red. The hair felt like silken waves woven majestically, fitted like a crown for this single person.
The biker's jade eyes roamed gently, as if 'feeling' the texture of that alabaster skin, careful not to mar that incredible patch. She decided to travel down, and landed unconsciously on those careful yet deft fingers which carefully peeled a lucky mandarin picked amongst the rest.
"Hmm…?" Shizuru's voice sounded melodic to her as she turned crimson. The older girl caught up to her staring and now she curses her inattentiveness!
"…Is there…something wrong Natsuki?"
"Ah..etou… Nothing… G-Go on… please don't mind me…"
"Ara… But Natsuki is asking the impossible…!" The sweet laughter followed suit. Natsuki's face could never be any redder!
Shizuru carefully watched the blue-haired girl as the latter tried hard to hide herself and do something else other than be hypnotized by her.
"…there… I'm not stari—looking anymore…" Natsuki almost admitted; her back turned to not meet those joyful cherry eyes.
"But… I don't mind if Natsuki stares at me…"
"…Look, I'm really sorry I…-- Hey! I'm not staring!" Natsuki turned to look at the grinning chestnut haired woman, happily savoring her slip. "I…I was… I was not! O-Oi! I was just looking, see!"
"Ara…ara… why would Natsuki stare like that? Don't Natsuki know how to peel a mandarin?"
"…E-EH? I… I was just… and hey! I said I wasn't st-staring!"
"I said I don't mind at all… Natsuki can stare at me anytime…" Shizuru beamed at the fuming and very red Natsuki. "And Natsuki doesn't have to be this shy…"
Natsuki averted her eyes. She can't help it!
She just can't get enough of Shizuru…
"Natsuki…?"
It sounded safe… felt safe… so she heeded the call…
…and came in contact with a slightly chilled and wonderfully sweet mandarin slice. Shizuru's finger smoothly pushed the morsel in her mouth as all Natsuki could do is to leave a small opening for the unexpected gesture.
"Please don't apologize… for staring…or looking at me… as you put it…" The older girl's voice was small, but happy. "…and don't you think it's just fitting…?"
Natsuki mirrored a question.
"…Well…" Shizuru continued, picking up another slice of the mandarin, preparing to do something 'wonderful' yet again.
"…I only found out that Natsuki was indeed staring— no, looking… because I," she lifted her fingers and gently fed the slice to a still dumbfounded biker.
"…I, too, am looking- no, staring even – at you, Natsuki…"
Natsuki can't help but open her mouth, not for the purpose of welcoming the food given. Shizuru's smile filled her, and though she knows she's blushing beet red now – it never did subsided anyway – she eagerly returned that wonderful sunshine.
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"Hmm... so they went out again…" Harumi said rather simply. Alistia only nodded, the smile on her face seemed empty and for the first time, Harumi's ever quick eyes and wit failed to notice.
"Do you need something, Haru-kun?"
Harumi looked at Alistia, the tired eyes spoke a lot, requested a lot.
It dulled greatly.
"No… thank you…"
Dismissed, Alistia bowed and left the room, heavy on her steps. Harumi continued her entertainment; the tearing of papers into small pieces.
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They touched and let go.
Much like every night, at the end of their 'dates', Natsuki would ask for Shizuru's hand and squeeze it.
And much like every night, at the end of their 'dates', Shizuru would give her hand to the girl who came from nowhere and took her heart like a thief.
And she firmly believes the act had been committed countless of times.
Not that she minds.
Natsuki smiled her sad smile, like every night, and Shizuru would smile the same, a 'thank you' never forgotten. She can never miss that part.
"I... I need to go now…"
The last part was the integral piece of their rendezvous.
"…Yes, and I'm sad Natsuki has to…"
And it was important for them not to flinch.
"Goodnight then…"
It was the hardest… since no one would – could – make this any easier.
"Yes, Natsuki… Goodnight…"
At least, they silently agreed to not say good bye.
Never again.
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Natsuki felt a hand tap her lightly as she almost dozed off.
"Neh, Kuga? You tired?" The biker looked at the blonde girl who curiously eyed her. She never thought this woman would actually be a close 'ally' of hers.
Smiling weakly, she stretched out and apologized for worrying the other, which earned her a smack on the head.
"So into yourself, huh? I was just worrying that our free launder might be getting bored at her life!" Haruka poked Natsuki's forehead which made the other fall back.
"…Haruka-chan… that's loader… free load---" Yukino was cut off by Haruka's finger as two of it covered the smaller girl.
"No, no, no Yukino… remember? You don't get to lecture me for the next three weeks… "The softness of Haruka's voice made Yukino blush. Natsuki just shook her head.
"…Saa… was that even reprimanding, Suzushiro?"
"...Shut it, Kuga!" Haruka turned to Yukino again. "Now, remember? You let me spend an entire afternoon with that Tamagaki last week and for that…" Haruka angled her face to put emphasis on what she's going to say.
"Kikukawa Yukino… You own me… BIG TIME…"
Yukino only sweat dropped, but remained silent, nonetheless. She decided she'd really let this one slip.
Natsuki, however, wasn't able to do keep still.
"Oh! Now that's just classic! Yukino owns you? You might mean 'owe' but… well, sounds good to me anyhow…" to which both brunette and blonde, upon realizing the mistake, blushed.
Haruka turned pleading eyes to Yukino. "I suppose I would prefer you correcting me…"
"Oh, no Haruka –c h a n… you should learn to be brave and learn on your own!" Natsuki stood and winked at the blonde.
"You're very happy today, aren't you, Natsuki-san…?" Yuki intervened which earned her a "thank you" from the almost defeated Haruka.
Now it's Natsuki's turn to become a tomato as she fumbled on what to say as an excuse. Yukino tipped her glasses and looked at Haruka who grinned at the biker.
"N-No fair… It's two against one…" Natsuki sat grumpily. Yukino sat beside her and leaned in.
"…Uh… Yukino… I'm here… Why are you there with Kuga?" Haruka almost panicked as she saw Yukino inched closer to Natsuki, who seemed not at all bothered.
"You really think…it's two…against one…?" Natsuki gaped at Yukino because of what the latter just said.. Her eyes frowned, not minding the clearly annoyed, confused and completely out-of-it Haruka.
Yukino gave her a smile.
And it hit her.
She smiled back and stood up. Haruka was still teed off but she was tugged by Yukino in place of the now-leaving Natsuki.
"O-Oi! What was that all about?" Haruka was still saying. Yukino just giggled while still getting hold of her.
"Mou… don't mind it, Haruka… You're lucky to have a woman so wise… I concede…" Natsuki grinned and raised her hand, indicating that she 'surrenders'.
Haruka still had a knot on her forehead but the mention of 'lucky', 'woman', and 'wise' hit her all at one.
And now, said blonde felt that her blood all went north.
Fortunately, Kuga Natsuki already left the room, leaving the two to enjoy their privacy.
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When she stepped inside the mansion, Alistia was already there to welcome her.
It was like this, every night. And although Shizuru is greeted with a smile, a side comment is never left unheard.
"…Enjoyed the newcomer's company, ojousama?" The taunting smile, darkened orbs and gripping body movements never did daunt her.
"Hai… Pretty much, Alistia-san…" she turned her heel to hurry to her room.
But she should've known better not to expect an easy escape.
"Hmmm, glad to know… Tamagaki-sama always makes sure that the ojousama enjoys everything --- all the time… without worries… neh?"
Somehow, this play of words has gotten worst each passing day, and more and more, Shizuru felt the need to just shove Alistia to Harumi's room and be done with it!
Obviously, the woman sporting curls almost equally as brown as hers is only devoted to the young snow-haired.
And oddly unfortunate, Harumi is devoted to Shizuru.
Which makes things a little more complicated.
"Ojousama…?" the teasing voice called her attention once again. She turned and sighed and decided to play along.
"I'm sorry… Much as I want to stay up, I am greatly in need of rest…"
"Oh… I greatly apologize…" Alistia frowned, feigning worry, disgusting Shizuru even more. "I was just wondering if you could visit Tamagaki-sama in her room… even once in a while…? Or just for tonight?" Her words are sharpened, and tainted.
Shizuru felt something ache.
And Alistia found something wonderful.
"…But since the ojousama is tired yet happy, then of course I firmly believe that Tamagaki-sama wouldn't mind being forgotten every once in a whi---"
"I haven't forgotten about her!"
Her outburst was unnecessary but she somehow felt the need to say something strong.
Maybe, to at least level what she's feeling…
Perhaps to even ease her mind… and surprisingly, her heart…
She can't place a name to it. She just can't.
"…If you say so, ojousama…" Alistia bowed with a triumphant smile, and turned to leave the still stunned and slightly flushed Shizuru.
The chestnut-haired steadied herself. And contemplated on what Alistia just said.
Harumi…
She was the one who smiled at her and gave her the thing she really needed to be able to look forward to a tomorrow.
She was the one who cradled her and shielded her from unknown emotions that makes her so weak…
She was the one who promised a gift, that Shizuru now enjoys heftily.
Harumi…
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"Who are you?" my voice was low, and sharp. I never moved to shove her hand away, as this stranger freely stroked my hair. But I knew the look I'm giving her was too strong.
"Harumi…" she answered quicker to my liking.
"And…" I bared my teeth. I wanted to crush her… mock her… kill her "…why are you here…?"
She returned my smile and it surprised me that I thought she exactly wore mine. It was bitter. So darn bitter.
"I'm here to make you happy… Shizuru – hime…"
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Shizuru felt her body weakened.
And felt that her cheeks were now, once again, wet. Her arms automatically wrapped around her. And almost too instantly, she was now desperately trying to control her sobbing.
She wanted to divert her mind into thinking about something wonderful, something that would make her smile… Something like Natsuki…
Fleetingly though, Harumi's image blurred that of the biker's…
And all at once, a thousand and one emotion bombarded Shizuru. She hugged herself fiercer and dropped down on her knees, her sobbing turned to light wails, her lips shook, her eyes heavily burdened.
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She can't remember anything… yet again… and now found herself lying clothe and cleaned on her bed.
Yes, last night…
Her continuous cries sent someone running to her side. Quickly, she felt herself being carried to a room, her hand still refused to let go of her own body.
She felt hands softly caress her hair, incoherent whispers flooded her ears.
In between continued sobs, she vaguely saw eyes as red as her own, carrying that same passion that she could've sworn were too similar to how her eyes looked way, way back…
Shizuru looked at her side and saw a patch of white feather-like hair lounged just on the edge of her bed.
The owner's breathing steadied and the body slowly rose, waking from a deep, dreamless slumber, the white feathers duller than usual.
The smile was ready, though... always...
It was warm…
Too warm…
"Ohayo, Shizuru-hime…" Harumi's tired eyes glinted.
Shizuru can only nod.
And now Shizuru understood that amongst the thousand and one emotion that she felt last night, amongst those feelings that she still feels right now, one of them is most certainly called guilt.
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Reito was surprised that someone would actually call him at an early time like this. More so, this number is only known to Mikoto…
"Yes? Kanzaki here..."
Ah—and yes… he almost forgot.
"Ohayo, Alistia-san! It's been so long, neh?"
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A/N: ...
FUFUFU... cliffie? YEP!! STAB ME!! haha.. Yes, alot has returned for this chapter, the vagueness and the secret plotting... Reito's back.. -welcome back! mwah! mwah!- And oohhh, yes, confusion on Shizuru's part.. understandable though, don't you agree?
Haha.. I'm back as the meanie. And that's thanks to the rest I had... Thank you for the reviews you guys sent... I'm sorry if this is not to the liking of many, please send in reviews anyways... It will help alot! And I'm sure I'll be able to improve... hehehe... let's hope! kidding.. AGAIN, THIS IS AN EXPERIMENT... running on chappie 11...
Comments, flames, suggestions, and THREATS -- yep I'm open to threats, again, so.. go for it! -- are always welcome.. If you're new to this fic and me, well, yeah, I rant alot.. haha..
Music? My homepage as usual, is for everyone's use... haven't uploaded anything yet... except for Samson by Regina Spektor... The lyrics seemed off, but listen to it, think of our beloved Shizuru-sama, and BAM!! Ultimate heart-break! haha..Yea, please enjoy!
I'm also into escaflowne sound tracks and enya hymns and soon enough, I'll be uploading them, soooo... you know how music influences me... hahah! heads up!
Guys, the feeds please... mwah! If you're new, don't hesitate-- FLAME--err, send in a review! Stop the manic author that is me! LMAO! kidding.. please send in a review.. I would certainly appreciate the time guys... Thanks!
And hope you enjoy my other fics..
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"I'm off to get angsty!!"