Disclaimer: I own nothing, nada, zero, zelich... -eyes the room- Hey where'd everyone go.

TO the REVIEWERS: Thanks for reviewing...my apologies I have not the time to reply to them. I appreciate the time and effort you put into each review...

To the Readers: You readers keep reading...thank you for taking the time out of your day in reading these crazy random thoughts that I've somehow jumbled into a story.

And now for what you've all been waiting for...THE STORY...must continue! ENJOY!


For Natsuki the past few weeks consisted of the usual routine, to work, meetings, and other necessary gatherings nothing out of the ordinary expect for a new annoyance, that annoyance was named Anh Lu.

Anh Lu had been rather persistent in being forgiven and given a second chance by Shizuru. Whatever the case was a few days ago Shizuru had relented, whether it was to stop the pestering or something else she wouldn't know or cared as long as Shizuru knew what she was doing which seemed like she did.

Shizuru was spending the day with Anh at the mansion so Natsuki had begged no argued to leave the mansion, stating that if they should leave the mansion Haruka should call her. After some nonstop pestering by Natsuki, she had been allowed to leave.

Natsuki sipped her mayo smoothie in Mai's restaurant. Mai seeing the sour mood Natsuki was in didn't feel like bothering her so she left Natsuki to her thoughts.

Natsuki breathed suddenly feeling drained, physically and mentally. Taking a look at her watched she frowned when she noticed the date. The problem had lightened over the past few years but it was still a problem nonetheless. If things got out of hand she would find Yohko to help her. She had no choice in the matter especially if others were going to be involved with it.

"Well if it isn't the lone wolf pup." Natsuki sat up straight turning to see the person who had voiced that comment.

Natsuki smirked, "You know Duran would be offended if he heard that comment, Nao."

Nao was a bit surprised by that remark but didn't show it so she played along, "So the lone wolf pup isn't so alone anymore huh. Find a nice guy to keep you company on those lonely nights."

Natsuki rolled her eyes typical response for Nao's thinking, "For your information Duran is a wolf pup that I happened to have adopted."

Natsuki paused for a moment wondering whether her statement applied for Duran as well. It wouldn't surprise Natsuki if Duran thought the same of her as being the adopted one by him. She merely shrugged it off not wanting to bother with trivial matters.

Nao smirked feeling the need to, after so long give Natsuki a hard time, "Oh for a second there I thought you were going to say you swung the other way."

Natsuki chuckled for some reason not really offended by the comment, "Please I don't swing any way Nao. Shoot me with cupid's arrow and I wouldn't even know what love is."

Nao scoffed, "So you say."

Natsuki was getting irritated which so she switched the topic, "Nao what are you doing here?"

Nao shrugged mentally patting her back for successfully irritating Natsuki, before taking the seat across from her. While ignoring the glare she was getting, "I live here pup. My mom works at one of the hospital here in Fuuka."

Natsuki's eyes widen by the information, she wasn't aware that she hadn't known Nao's residence was also in Fuuka. Natsuki merely exhaled in disappointment, "I see, must be good to be back home, speaking of which, how long have you been back?"

Nao answered as though the information was irrelevant, "Oh about a month give or take since my tour of service was completed."

"An elite eh, so what are you doing now," Natsuki asked curious as she played with her half melted smoothie.

Nao answered casually, "Oh a few side jobs here and there. Since the First District still pays us even though we're done. I manage with some mediocre tasks to keep things interesting."

Natsuki smiled, "Glad to know one of us is taking it easy."

"Speaking of taking it easy how about a drink to completion of services and as elites?" Nao suggested feeling the need to consume alcohol.

Natsuki waved her left hand dismissing the idea, "Can't, working and for your information it's a twenty for hour job seven days a week."

Nao shrugged already knowing she would be declined because she was already aware of Natsuki's job even if Natsuki herself didn't know that she knew, "That's some commitment."

Natsuki than went on to explain to Nao about her job and the two decided to do some catching up and the hours sped by.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Haruka was sitting at her work desk when the door swung open a figure unknown to her stated in greeting, "Yo, so this is the Chief's office doesn't look like much compared to the rest of the mansion, but still rather decent."

"I'm sorry I didn't know she was going to barge in like that." The maid apologized.

Haruka dismissed the maid then looked at the woman before her pondering how she managed to get this far inside the mansion without causing an alarm. Figuring she'd learn later she asked, "Who are you exactly?"

Nao smirked, "The names Nao Yuuki. Kuga is a fellow comrade and I've come here to make you a proposition."

Haruka decided to play along if only to amuse this stranger who introduced herself as Nao, "What kind of proposition and why should I care about it?"

'Now we're getting down to business' Nao thought then stated, "Well for your information it concerns a raven haired woman and a brunette who's safety is rather of utmost importance."

Even if Nao didn't say their names Haruka knew who Nao was referring to which caught her interest, "I'm listening."

Nao went on to explain the situation and what needed to be done during the so called going to happen event for a certain raven haired girl regardless of anything for it had happen before.

"But I… Natsuki never disclosed this information," Haruka exclaimed in defense after just receiving the information pertaining to Natsuki.

Nao scoffed, "Of course not. It's not as though she's going to go around yelling it. Besides it's in her medical records, but seeing that you haven't read it, that means it's confidential. Only the doctor caring for her knows about it, which means if anything she'll at least go to one person for help"

Haruka was confused, "What do you mean for help?"

Nao shook her head, she hated explaining shit but if it was necessary she did to make things simpler for her, "Look you should know by now, Kuga's not one for saying hey help me out here I'm bleeding to death in front of a group of people. She'd rather slink away to some secluded place and probably bleed to death or tend to her own wounds. She hates making people worry so she won't confide in people who don't know about her situation."

Haruka asked, "And you, you seem to know a lot about her situation."

Nao retorted, "There's nothing neither I nor anyone could do to help her. The first time this happened people tried to help and she locked herself away for almost a month. As the years passed the condition was bare-able. She'd merely disappeared until they'd calmed down or she's somewhat been able to manage them when they occur around this specific date. So my idea is give her some space until she asks for help. However if the matter gets out of hand I'll have to intervene."

Haruka eyed Nao oddly then sighed, "Now, you want to work as her replacement till the event is clear."

Nao nodded, "It's the least I can do for the pup."

Haruka suddenly stood up about to say something when Nao smirked realizing what Haruka was intending on asking and she nodded. Haruka didn't ask she had her answer the moment she received that nod of acknowledgement.

"I'll give you credit for picking up on that little word after only reading the profile." Nao commented.

Haruka grew serious after she determined that it was her, I mean who would go around calling another person pup unless they knew that person. Haruka stated, "So you'll inform Natsuki and I'll let Shizuru know."

"Don't tell her." Nao stated sternly.

"Tell who what?" Haruka asked confused.

"Don't tell this Shizuru about the pup's condition that's all I ask." Nao replied.

"I'll try but Shizuru isn't one for liking to be kept in the dark especially if the person is her personal guard so I can't guarantee it." Haruka stated truthfully.

Nao noticed no hint of lie or deception and she slightly shook her head thinking 'Pup of all the people you picked to protect it had to be a damn Fujino' then said, "I'll take what I can get."

Adding as she handed a piece of paper to Haruka, "Give me a call when something happens, I'm pretty sure it's started but within a few weeks it'll probably get to her. I won't know how long it'll last but it won't be longer than a few weeks. We'll just have to trust her judgment."

Haruka nodded, "I'll give you a call, and she's my responsibility as well."

Nao arched her eyebrow, "Oh I can see there's something there you're not telling me, but I won't pry, yet." Nao then waved her hand leaving only to make one last comment, "Looking forward to working with you CHIEF."

Haruka shook her head in annoyance then pocketed the phone number, standing up she needed to confide in someone who might be able to help with the situation.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Natsuki was outside playing with Duran on the job because Shizuru and her former lover Anh were having a picnic. Ever so often she heard Shizuru laughed and she thought 'That laugh is so lifeless. Why do you put up such a façade around her, are you trying to find something that'll let you mend that broken heart. Shizuru hopefully you're not putting yourself out there to get hurt again.'

Natsuki was snapped back from her thoughts when an intense memory flooded into her mind causing her to gasp. It had been a week since she saw Nao. Natsuki suddenly knew why Nao was around. It was the simple fact that Nao knew about her condition, the one no one else knew except for the Doc and anyone who did a proper background check on her medical records.

Shizuru wasn't really listening to what Anh was saying because something else caught her eyes. Shizuru smiled when she saw Natsuki playing with Duran like a happy child would with its most prized toy. Duran had gotten bigger so they kept him outside which seemed to keep unwanted people away. Apparently he had appointed himself as the guard of the estate. Anyone that seemed a threat to Natsuki or Shizuru got a swift assault not deadly but it left a mark, and Tomoe had learned the hard way when she had toyed with him. After the incident Tomoe was furious ordering that Duran either be put down or leashed. Natsuki had defended Duran, with little deterrence on behalf of Natsuki Tomoe had yielded leaving the two alone. Natsuki had gotten a good laugh out of it but the matter was quickly dropped when no one else got hurt. Natsuki had taken it upon herself to feed Duran after the incident which Shizuru didn't mind because it happened before she was awake and after she slept. How Natsuki feed him remained a mystery to even Shizuru for there were no typical dog bowls anywhere in sight.

Shizuru's day dreaming was quickly halted when she noticed Natsuki falter to her knee. Standing up she smiled at Anh who asked concern hinting in her voice, "Something the matter Shizuru?"

Shizuru answered calmly no hint of emotion in her voice, "Nothing at all Anh. I remembered I need to ask Kuga about something," but her mind was thinking, 'Something's not right with Natsuki.'

Shizuru apparently wasn't the only one worried about Natsuki's well being. Shizuru upon approaching the two noticed Duran whimpering in distress pacing circles around Natsuki. Shizuru gently placed a hand on Natsuki's shoulder when she reached her. Suddenly remembering a time she had snuck up on Natsuki scaring Natsuki into flipping her over. No one was hurt but the joke had been on both of them when their friends and the rest of the staff found out.

Natsuki tensed when she felt the hand on her shoulder, but upon hearing, "Something wrong Natsuki," she relaxed realizing it was only Shizuru.

Natsuki stood up keeping her composure she nodded, "Just got the wind knocked out of me by Duran." Quickly changing the topic she added jokingly, "Leaving your girl for another one and so soon."

Natsuki smirked realizing she had gotten a good one on Shizuru when another wave bombarded her moment of triumph she winced.

Shizuru was about to make a sly remark but the moment she notice Natsuki wince she thought better of pestering the girl, instead she worriedly questioned again, "Are you sure. Natsuki doesn't look to good."

Natsuki shook her head, "I'm fine just probably dehydrated from running around the whole time with Duran." Feeling the sudden urge to disappear before she lost her self composure she added, "If you two don't need me at the moment I'm going to grab something to drink. Do you want anything?"

Natsuki notice Shizuru shake her head a bit disappointed without a reply so she stated, "I'll be back."

Shizuru eyed Natsuki adding a word she was getting used to hearing from Natsuki, "Promise." Natsuki was one for keeping her promises when she said it and Shizuru was hoping that Natsuki wasn't lying when she said she was fine.

Natsuki frowned softly answering, "I'll be back."

She then turned to leave, for she didn't want to see the hurt upon Shizuru's face. Quickly Natsuki rubbed Duran's fur to let him know she'd be fine before she darted a safe distance from them only to stop upon entering the Mansion.

Shizuru was in a state of shock when Natsuki didn't say the word she wanted to hear her mind suddenly racing, 'You're a liar Natsuki? Something's not right, you're not right. Why is it so hard for you to trust me? Do I come off as uncaring or is it simply that you hate confiding in others.'

Shizuru was thrown from her daze when Anh had approached her asking, "Kuga alright, she ran off in a hurry."

Shizuru smiled hiding the slight pain she felt for it was something she was unaccustomed to when it was pertaining to her guard, she turned around answering, "Ara I didn't know you were behind me."

Shizuru heard Anh chuckle, "I was always able to sneak up on you weren't I."

"Yes you were, shall we continue our picnic." Shizuru stated but her mind was wandering else where.

After about fifteen minutes Shizuru stood up excusing herself, "Anh you wouldn't mind if I went to the ladies room would you."

Anh smirked, gently shook her head, "I'll wait for you here unless you'd like me to accompany you, because you do have such a rather spacious house."

Shizuru softly chuckled playing along with Anh, "Ara… indeed you are correct, but I wouldn't want Anh to loose her appetite."

Anh frowned and Shizuru knew she had succeeded in keeping Anh were she was because the truth was she wasn't going anywhere near a bathroom.

Natsuki had made her way without causing suspicion towards her self to the hallway where her room resided. She slumped onto the ground breathing heavily after exerting energy to keep her mind calm. When she left Shizuru she had decided she needed to get away, she had already concluded that Shizuru would not be in harms way because Anh was here and they hardly if ever left the estate when Anh came, because Shizuru was not yet accustomed to having her around again. So Natsuki felt that she could grab her helmet and make a clean break for at least an hour to clear her head of the sudden surge of memories from that incident.

She closed her eyes trying to calm her beating heart when the memories flared up again. Natsuki took her hands grabbing her head with slight pressure as though the mere action would cause the memories to fade.

"Natsuki," The way Shizuru had spoken that word had caused everything to blur, then there was nothingness as Natsuki looked up feeling a stab at her chest when she noticed Shizuru's worried expression.

Shizuru continued having gotten Natsuki's attention, "You lied to me Natsuki. You are not well at all are you?"

Natsuki spoke up before Shizuru could ask anything further, "It's just a headache and I went to see Yohko but she wasn't in and probably won't be back for a few hours so I was going to take a short nap. I'm sorry I lied to you I didn't want you to worry when you have a guest to entertain."

Natsuki looked at Shizuru slightly smiling hoping she accepted the excuse. When Natsuki heard Shizuru sigh saying, "Ara Natsuki worries too much about my guest when she should be more concerned about me worrying for her."

Natsuki was dumbstruck 'Did she just say she was worried about me' when the thought ran through her head while Shizuru inwardly gasped, 'Did I just tell her I was worried about her.'

The two stared at each other both lost in their thoughts when Natsuki grabbed her head grunting slightly causing Shizuru to slightly shake her head stating, "I'm not leaving the estates at all today so Natsuki should take a nap. Hopefully Natsuki will feel better and when Yohko comes back I'll have her check up on Natsuki."

Natsuki was being overwhelmed with emotions she hadn't felt before along with the onslaught of memories she simply nodded, when she felt someone gently slid their hands over under her shoulder. No longer able to focus at the moment she went along with Shizuru who assisted her into her room and onto the bed.

Before Natsuki could say anything Shizuru stated as she covered Natsuki up with a blanket, "I'll be back to check up on Natsuki in an hour. Natsuki should get some sleep."

Sleep was the last thing Natsuki needed. The memories would overwhelm her in her sleep only to arouse her to a screaming wake. Not wanting Shizuru to worry she nodded and waited till the door closed before jumping out of the bed.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shizuru and Anh had made their way into the dining room after she had left Natsuki only half an hour ago. She was conversing with Anh when she noticed Yohko talking to someone she'd never met before.

Yohko noticed them and approached the two ladies along with the mystery guest when Shizuru said, "Ara, Kuga said you weren't going to be back for a few hours."

Yohko was confused, "Was I suppose to go somewhere I wasn't aware of."

Shizuru stood up suddenly feeling uneasy, "Kuga said you were gone," she paused suddenly realizing she had been lied to again by her protector, "Ara Kuga lied to me again."

Shizuru stared confused when the mystery guest blurted in a rather colorful language, "Damn that bitch, I should've known she would jet the moment she had the opportunity to. It would seem Fujino's leisurely day today allowed her the opportunity to leave. When I get my hands on her I'm going to throw her off a bridge. It'd save me a lot of trouble."

Anh was at a lost to what was going on but she understood who the conversation was about so she calmly stated, "Well she's bound to come back at night so why so worry. Kuga seems like a tough lady and someone who handles herself well in any given situation."

The mystery guest scoffed, "As if in her condition. Shit I have to track her before anything happens."

Shizuru was curious now after the little converse questioned, "What condition?"

The mystery guess stared at Shizuru for a moment noticing slight confusion, worry and something else, but she didn't have time to explain so she answered, "It's not my place to say, ask the Doc if you want to know or better yet just wait till I drag her sorry ass back and she'll explain to you herself."

Before Shizuru could ask for further information pertaining to Natsuki a voice hollered from the kitchen door, "What is the meaning of all this recluse?"

Everyone stared at her not really comprehending until Yukino corrected, "Ruckus Haraka."

"That's what I said," she exclaimed then turned her gazes on the mystery guess shouting, "Nao explain."

Shizuru looked between the two of them a bit shocked that they knew each other. She was about to question, when she was left out of the loop as though forgotten. For some odd reason she had always wanted to be left out of conversing in a large group, but she felt that she was indeed way out of the loop with this group and wanted in on the information concerning Natsuki.

"Sorry Chief no time to explain I have to catch Kuga before she decides to commit suicide." Nao smirked.

Shizuru in shock exclaimed, "Ara, Suicide why?"

Haruka shook her head "Shizuru she was joking?"

Turning to look at Nao she glared at her stating threateningly, "Weren't you."

Nao sheepishly replied, "Yeah only joking, sorry but I really have to find Kuga." When Nao notice Shizuru staring at her she added, "Introductions and information later Fujino."

Haruka curious asked, "Where exactly are you going to look?"

Nao winked at her, "I've got my ways and rather reliable sources. So are you going to let me go or keep pestering me all day, when Kuga might be you know losing it somewhere, where she shouldn't be?"

Haruka nodded, "Just bring her back in one piece, unharmed, intact and breathing as in alive."

Nao scoffed, "Why would I want to hurt her. Others maybe… but me, well not at the moment, I'll inform you of my progress as it occurs."

Then Nao turned towards Yohko sternly stating, "You are not to leave this mansion until I return with Kuga."

Yohko looked at Nao, "Where would I go, I practically live here."

Nao smirked, "Such a big happy fucked up family. No wonder Kuga likes this place so much."

"Nao," Haruka scolded in a tone that demanded authority.

"Going, Chief," Nao shouted as she darted pass the two ladies still standing in the door way.

The room was quiet no one knew what to say when, "Ara, it would seem someone or some people have some explaining to do." Shizuru had addressed the remaining three ladies then turning her attention to Anh she apologized, "Anh I have to figure out what's going on here. I'm sorry could we enjoy each other's company another day."

Anh nodded, "Sure anything for you. Just let me know how things go."

The room went back to silence after Anh left. Everyone looked at one another waiting to see who would speak first.

Realizing no one was going to say anything Shizuru spoke, "You all have your reasons but if I have to I will find out what's going on here."

Haruka finally answered, "We can't."

Shizuru couldn't believe it she had been refused by her own friend, which just intrigued her even more to find out what was going on with Natsuki, she answered hurt, "Ara I've been abandoned."

Yukino quickly answered not wanting the conversation to end up sour, "You haven't it's just that we can't tell you."

Shizuru gaped, twice she was refused, "Ara, now I've just been stabbed."

Yohko shook her head in disappointment, "Please try to understand Shizuru it's not our place to tell you."

Shizuru finished Yohko's statement for her, "And the person I have to ask is Natsuki am I correct."

All three of them nodded without saying anything further. Shizuru realizing this was going no where at all calmly stated, "Very well,"

She noticed the expression of relief upon the three ladies faces when she added, "But," which cause their attention to focus on what Shizuru had to say next as she continued, "If I don't know what's going on. How am I to know what to do? I'm supposed to pretend Nastuki is healthy when we all know she is not, so what good would that do for her? Are we going to help her when she needs it rather than letting her suffer through this alone? As my friends not my employees please tell me that I'm wrong if I turn my back on someone when they need a hand the most. If I turn away when I can help, what does that say about me as a person?"

Haruka, Yukino and Yohko were speechless, not once had they ever heard Shizuru speak so passionate about something let alone to such lengths, that they could not respond for they honestly didn't know what to say.

As the seconds ticked by the silence was each woman's enemy, because the problem just kept nagging into their personal self being, emotionally overwhelming them. The silence was suddenly broken when a voice was heard as the figure barged into the room, "Hey love I was told that you were here. Can we talk for a moment I need to ask you something about Natsuki?"

Midori took a step back when she noticed three pairs of eyes glare at her wishing her to vanish right on the spot when a curious voice asked, "What is it that you wish to ask about Natsuki Yohko's lover."

Yohko turned to Shizuru by the way she had addressed Midori, it was true the two had never been properly introduced, but they had meet each other on plenty of occasions as casual business partners.

Yohko than turned her eyes towards Midori pleading for her not to say anything, but it was too late as Midori said, "Oh I just wanted to ask if Natsuki talked to Yohko about her post traumatic stress incidents."

Just a moment too late to stop Midori, Haruka blurted, "Stupid, Yohko don't you tell her anything."

Yohko spat in defense, "I thought Nao did."

"Nao is back in town, shit when did the girl get back?" Midori asked surprised.

"I swear you elites never have any sense of keeping in contributions do you?" Haruka exclaimed.

Yukino corrected, "Communications Haruka."

Haruka didn't answer rather she was just wondering how her day had gotten out of hand, when Midori answered, "Well it's obvious, truth be told no one knows if we'll ever live long enough to see each other again. It's part of the job we live on the edge, and once you've done it as long as we have you tend to find it hard to readjust unless you have someone who's there for you,"

Midori then turned towards Yohko, "Right love."

Yohko nodded and when Midori didn't here a response she continued, "But for someone who went threw half the shit Natsuki did, it's hard to be sane. She's a tough chick or her hearts frozen solid."

"Ara, why would you say that?" Shizuru asked realizing this was the second time she had heard the mentioning of Natsuki's heart being frozen, and was curious to find out the answer once and for all, especially when there was someone willing to explain.

Midori not knowing what was really going on answered, "Well if you think about it Natsuki was a captain at a very young age I mean the girls not even 23 yet. If you add family deaths, comrade deaths and torture you can say she's had her fair share of pain. Any person would lose it but she manages to keep walking especially after the incident where she nearly died from being torture. Damn I would have nightmares for life but she managed to keep it to a minimal, but it's not a pretty sight when it happens."

Midori had paused trying to figure out how to explain the events when Yohko stated, "Midori." In a tone of voice Midori knew she had done something terribly wrong and she only ever heard it when she got drunk, when she wasn't supposed to.

Midori studied the four ladies before her and then it hit her like a sack a brick, "How was I suppose to know Natsuki didn't tell her. I mean what kind of an idiot doesn't tell their own charge she's got personal issues once a year in order to cope with what happened," realizing what she was doing she added, "And now I'm going to shut up."

Midori looked at Yohko an expression of we're in trouble upon her face. Midori turned her attention to Yukino who was expressionless as though still trying to fathom what was going to happen next, and then she saw Haruka shaking her head in disappointment her arms across her chest. And lastly her attention fell upon Shizuru who was trying to make sense of everything she had just heard.

The silence that was slowly creeping up on them didn't quite make it when Shizuru said, "Ara it would seem I have been indeed left out of the loop, but I should thank you Midori for informing me."

"I don't know if I should be thanked being that you weren't suppose to find out at least not by me. Speaking of, where is Natsuki?" Midori answered.

"Nao's tracking her she left about an hour ago." Yukino replied.

Everyone turned their attention towards the door when a person surprisingly answered, "Yo someone call me." Nao looked at the people in the dining room than scoffed, "You three are still in the same spot since I left."

Noticing a familiar figure she turned towards Midori, "How's it hanging comrade? Wish I could do some catching up but I'm in need of your lover at the moment."

Yohko's mouth hung opened. It seemed no one cared about formalities anymore, realizing her reaction she quickly closed it, when it dawned on her that Nao was standing before them. Yohko immediately questioned, "Where's Natsuki, what happened? And why are you back here so fast? You just left about an hour ago."

Nao held up her hands in defense for being bombarded with so many questions, "Okay hold it there for a minute. One question at a time lover girl."

Nao took a deep breath before answering, "I found her barfing her fucking brains out not to far from here on an abandoned road."

Haruka interrupted, "How'd you find her exactly?"

Nao shook one finger at all of them, "One question at a time and I'll answer them but at the moment someone really needs tending to Doc. And after I leave her in your care I have to go back for her damn motorcycle."

"Ara why is that?" Shizuru asked curious.

Nao shook her head, "Didn't I say one question at a time," then she smirked, "But being that you're her charge I suppose I can tell you. Natsuki loves that bike with a passion if she even knows what love is."

Nao paused shaking her head, "I'm getting off topic here," she stated before continuing, "Anyways it's a part of her life and makes her who she is just like her job. I mean you should've realized it by now Fujino. Natuski's life is defined by the simple things that surround her. She hates when things are complicated, but I don't want to embarrass her when she's not here because it's just no fun. So enough chit-chat."

Turning towards Yohko she said, "I'll lead the way Doc because you have a patient to tend to."

Shizuru didn't say anything she watched as they left, Midori following behind to help out if need be and she was alone with her long time friends when she softly muttered, "I don't know anything about Natsuki at all Haruka, Yukino."

Haruka and Yukino turned their attention towards Shizuru, when Yukino replied, "She'll let us know when she wants to."

Before Shizuru could protest to the remark, a familiar head poked back in scolding them, "You guys going to stand there all day looking like a bunch of morons or are you going to come along and lecture Kuga when she wakes up."

Haruka shouted, "NAO."

But it was too late Nao had already left, and for the briefest of moment Shizuru felt relief to know Natsuki was safe. She wasn't quite sure what was really going on so she'd have to wait to get her answers from the only one who might be able to answer them. How to broach this subject with Natsuki was something she needed to think upon.

To be...continued...


A/N: I thought about going into Anh and Shizuru's relationship but then I realized...THIS IS A STORY ABOUT SHIZURU AND NATSUKI...I wouldn't do them justice if I got distracted from writing about them. Some months will have more chapters then others...Don't worry just read the story and the pacing will seem fine. -holds a rope- There are no objections right. :P

Fear not everything about Anh and Shizuru's relationship along with all those random character's purpose (if they have one) will be answered when my story is completed. Do bare with me as my pacing has slowly dwindled to when I'm only allowed to write if I'm not dead tired from work.

Till next chapter... :)