Chapter 11
Italics – Thoughts
Shizuru's POV
I felt someone stir lightly beside me and I willed myself to open my eyes slowly. Beside me, was the woman I had missed every second of the six years we had spent apart. I purse my lips as my head throbs but the pain in my body has dissipated – I was no longer gasping for air. My eyes scanned my surroundings; I was at the same, strange, grass plains. Duran had disappeared but I felt comforted to know Natsuki was right beside me. A flood of memories came pounding, fast and furious on my already aching head.
The day we met.
The first ride on her Ducati.
The Student Council Presidential elections.
The ever-delightful visits in the Student Council room.
Our quiet, cliff-side retreat.
The misunderstandings and unspoken words that kept us on edge.
The absolutely wondrous little vacation.
The horrific attack.
The pain.
And here we were, lying together in such a quiet and serene place.
Did I not manage to save her?
Was this where we go after we die? It certainly felt like Heaven, with her lying beside me – calm, serene and at peace. But that was almost impossible, after everything that I had done, right?
My question was unanswered when her husky voice permeates my thoughts, "Shizuru?" she mumbles, shifting her body around.
"Ara, Natsuki. I'm here," I whisper softly.
She absently takes my hand, squeezing it gently before she locks her gaze on me. She didn't need to say anything at all. I could see the raw, unbridled emotions reflected in those eyes. They spoke volumes and that was enough for me. I closed my eyes, the warm fuzzy feeling enveloping my entire being.
And then, I felt my chin being tilted up, ever so slightly.
It was a soft, genuine kiss. The warmth of her lips, the softness of her touch; oh I couldn't begin to describe in detail what it felt like. I felt myself succumbing to her, subconsciously wrapping my arm around her neck, my fingers running through her long, midnight mane.
The perfect moment ends sooner than expected. She pulls away slowly and my eyes flutter open, only to watch her tilt her head in question at her hand that was engulfed in white light. Her gaze then shifts to my hand and I follow her eyes, only to see that the same thing was happening to me.
XXX
"Readings are spiking!" Yohko did not bother to hide the panic in her voice. She whips out the defibrillator, barking to Midori, "Do what I do!"
There was just not enough of Yohko to perform resuscitation on two at the same time.
Yohko's training and experience kicks in and she moves swiftly, undoing the fabric and sticking the electrode pads on Natsuki's bare chest. She briefly glances up at Shizuru's monitor – no pulse – before she presses her ear against Natsuki. She grimaces and nods at Midori before automatically reciting, "Clear!"
Midori follows suit and the shock was delivered.
Arms locked and ready, Yohko prepares to administer CPR, but the girl shoots out of bed with a deep inhale, followed by a series of coughs and chokes that racked her frame. The doctor immediately notes that both had done so simultaneously.
Her arms and eyes moved with clockwork precision, quickly yet carefully checking necessary points to ensure Natsuki was alive and kicking before moving onto Shizuru. Midori, when serious, was every bit of help Yohko needed. She moved naturally, swapping with Yohko to be beside Natsuki.
Yohko's eyes scanned the plethora of screens around Shizuru's bedframe. The pulse had returned; more stable than ever. She looked down at Shizuru's body – only to find the embedded bullets dropping to her side – as the lean woman took in generous mouthfuls of oxygen. She watched in fascination and disbelief as the operational scars mended themselves, much like how Natsuki's wound healed when Midori did a "test" on the unsuspecting Natsuki earlier.
This is insane; she thought to herself, it's practically miraculous!
"Shizuru.." Natsuki slurred, swinging her feet of the bed.
Midori made no attempt to stop her and instead, scurried over to her side to support the young woman across the room to her most important person. She release her hold on Natsuki as she settled down beside the chestnut-haired ex-kaichou.
Shizuru, still in a stupor, gently touched Natsuki's cheek as their foreheads met. She thumbed the pale, smooth skin, whispering something into her beloved's ear.
Midori throws a sideways glance at Yohko, who stealthily stepped back to allow them their space. The redhead was unable to contain the smile that played on her lips as she watched the lovers indulge themselves in their quiet, tranquil world. She didn't have to hear the unspoken words to know how they felt. She turned to follow Yohko, softly shutting the room's door behind her.
XXX
A few hours later
Natsuki awakens to long, calming strokes brushing her hair. She rubs her eyes with the back of her hands groggily as she greets the familiar face, "Morning 'Zuru. How're you feeling?"
"Better than I've ever felt, Natsuki. But.."
"That's good, "Natsuki interrupts her and immediately stands to get Shizuru a glass of water. She knows what Shizuru is going to ask but she hasn't quite figured out how to explain the situation to Shizuru yet and she hopes to buy some time to think.
"Wait, Natsuki," Shizuru grabs her hand. "I don't understand what happened." She pauses, recalling the unbearable pain as the bullets punctured her body. Why was it that she was still alive, then? "Would Natsuki explain it to me please?"
"It doesn't matter, Shizuru. You're here now and you're safe. That's all that matters."
Shizuru shakes her head in disagreement, "Please tell me, Natsuki. No more secrets between us."
Natsuki sits back down on her chair heavily, closing her eyes as she tried to think of how to put this across. What do I tell Shizuru? How do I even begin? Would she blame me for this? Natsuki feels Shizuru's warm grasp around her hand – gently and reassuring – she peeks up at Shizuru who was looking at her expectantly. She cleared her throat, licking her lips unconsciously before speaking, "I have been working on experimental technology for nanomachines that are compatible with HiME. It amplifies natural healing and physical abilities."
The chestnut-haired lady did not flinch but instead her eyes reflected encouragement for Natsuki to go on. And so she did. With a deep breath, she continues, "You were in critical condition. I decided to do the first human trial on myself, which failed miserably – the bonding was unstable – and my body was rejecting it. Midori then theorized that since HiMEs are involved, perhaps the stabilizing factor could be my most important person."
Natsuki looks up to see if Shizuru was overwhelmed by the torrent of information that was quite out-of-this world, but the young lawyer remains as cool as ever. Natsuki clears her throat, "It had absolutely no basis of logic, but apparently it worked. She took some of your blood and transfused it into me. Logically there should have been an adverse reaction but instead it stabilized the entire reaction. I saw my wounds heal instantly. So, I chose to introduce the nanomachines into you, stabilized with my blood."
Shizuru's face hadn't shifted still and Natsuki grew worried now, "I'm sorry, Shizuru, for making this decision without you. Yohko couldn't risk extracting the bullets without harming you. There was just too much blood lost. I couldn't watch you die."
Shizuru sits up, making sure she was facing Natsuki fully, "HiME.. Most important person.. Does that mean..?"
Natsuki nods, understanding what Shizuru was asking, "According to Midori, yes.. It's not proven, but…" She swallows uncomfortably at the qualifying statement, "If I die, you die.."
Shizuru hangs her head, allowing reality to sink in. She whispers after a period of silence, "Ara, there's nothing to be sorry about, Natsuki. It is I who must apologize to you instead. I have unknowingly tied you to me. I thought I saved you, but in fact I.." Her voice cracks, "Kannin na, Natsuki."
Natsuki shakes her head vehemently, surprised as to why Shizuru was even apologizing to her. "Shizuru. It was my decision to make and I took it. Why are you apologizing?" She takes Shizuru's hands that were beside the woman, "You protected me that night; with your own life. You always have, even way back in Carnival. I didn't fully understand why you protected me back then; I was young, foolish and naïve. But now I do. It was the same reason that drove you to shield me that night."
Natsuki guides Shizuru's hand and places it against her own cheek, "And it's the exact same reason that made me choose to do what I did. I love you, Shizuru. I would have risked everything and more just so you would be okay."
Shizuru retracts her hands, covering her face. There was a plethora of emotions coursing through her right now; so intense that even she did not know how to truly mask it; and face it with Natsuki right in front of her.
Natsuki lightly pries Shizuru's hands away and her voice takes a gentle edge, "Let me look at you, Shizuru."
The brunette doesn't resist and Natsuki studies her sharp features silently, tracing a finger across Shizuru's smooth lips. Shizuru blinks, composing herself before she lifts her gaze up. Their eyes lock and unspoken words of understanding were exchanged; both knowing once and for all; how far they were willing to go for one another and coming to terms with reality.
There was a short silence but a smile creeps across Natsuki's face slowly, only to grow wider as Shizuru's smile mirrors her own.
"I love you too, my Natsuki. I always have."
She says nothing, but a twinkle flashes across her viridian irises; it's underlying meaning of acceptance and reciprocation of love only recognized by one.
Less than a week Later
"Yeah, I'm alright, Alee," Natsuki reassures her assistant for the millionth time over the phone. "I just got to take some time off, y'know, doctor's orders. Could you see to the necessary?"
"Of course, Natsuki. In fact, I've already spoken to the Board about the incident. They are extremely sympathetic over this happening to their top scientist and they've even authorized a superb package to help you through this critical period."
"You mean their top cash cow?" Natsuki replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes, despite knowing Alee wasn't there to see it, "In that case, I figure a three month hiatus shouldn't be hard to negotiate?"
"Naturally, Alee the awesome assistant has already come through!" the young girl snickers comically. "It's all included in that package I indicated earlier, not to mention, a generous monetary compensation from the Company."
"Right, right. How could I ever had doubted you," Natsuki mutters, "But thanks.. So I'll see you around?"
"Uh-huh! See you 'round!" Alee chirps.
Natsuki ends the call with a bemused expression lingering on her face. She contemplates again before dialing another number.
"Hey, Sakomizu-sensei," she greeted her old teacher, now turned private banker.
"Ah, Kuga-san," his voice laced with a familiar mysterious streak. "What is it that I can do for you today?"
"I took whatever I needed out, could you put the remainder of the funds back into stock purchases?"
"Not to worry, young one. Your good ol' sensei will handle this. Afterall, isn't this my job?" He doesn't wait for her reply before continuing, "Also, would you have any objections if I were to shift the previous round of investment profits into the Asian markets?"
She considers his proposition, briefly recalling the figures for the markets before responding, "70% in North and the remaining in South East Asia."
Sakomizu smiled, "Wise decision. I shall go about it now. Would there be anything else?"
"Nah, I'll leave it in your capable hands then," she replies with a nod.
"Gotcha," she almost hears his wink over the phone's speakers.
Natsuki turns to Shizuru, who was also busy on the line with her father. She finds a comfortable spot on the sofa, reclines and watches Shizuru silently.
"Ara, I really am fine, otou-san. I am certain that I will be able to follow this case, please do not worry," she peers up when she feels the green orbs observing her every move. Natsuki's brow quirks when Shizuru blows her a kiss and the Kyoto-born closes the distance between them. She straddles the prone biker's hips, bending over to gently nuzzling her girlfriend's neck. Natsuki closes her eyes with a smirk, enjoying the weight of her girlfriend on her.
Shizuru breaks away for a second; to reply her father, "Ookini, otou-san. I shall keep you updated on the situation," before returning to her original quest of obtaining Natsuki's attention, but not before sliding the phone across the coffee table.
Without opening her eyes, Natsuki shifts, lifting an arm to allow Shizuru to tuck herself under. It was a position that they had grown rather accustomed to, as they had been staying home the entire week so as not to arouse suspicion for their astounding recovery. It was to last for another month. Yohko, being the assigned doctor, had settled everything else with the hospital – the clearance papers, the necessary documentations of the surgery and such.
As Shizuru settles comfortably on Natsuki's shoulders, she ticks off her mental checklist of things in her mind. Mikoto's injuries were mostly superficial and were no cause for concern. The bullet that clipped Reito's leg was removed without complications. He had to go through some physiotherapy, though, as his nerves had been damaged and would be wheelchair-bound for a while.
She had also earlier persuaded her father to allow her to continue with the case on hand and he had managed to successfully postpone the hearing. That certainly gave her and Natsuki more time to maneuver.
The last remaining item on her checklist – their recent acquisition of an estate and its necessary fittings. Both women didn't take long to decide on their new home together. They had scanned through the online advertisements and chanced upon this enclave off the cliff-side.
It was perfect – a long, large driveway that Natsuki naturally favored; perfectly preened and manicured Japanese gardens around the mansion that caught Shizuru's eye and most importantly, it was relatively secluded. After a couple of "mishaps" of either materializing the pointy end of a naginata in Yohko's face; and a few sheepish cannon misfires, Shizuru and Natsuki had decided that they needed somewhere to learn and perfect their new elements granted by the nanomachines.
It was their first big investment together and both were looking forward to it. After all, it had already taken them through middle school; one death; half a decade apart and yet another near-miss for them to arrive at this point. Natsuki had amassed enough savings through her investment portfolio and Shizuru had accumulated more than enough money personally as she was entitled to dividends from her family's business. They pooled their cash for their dream home; though with a few extravagant purchases planned – a complete remodel of a tearoom that overlooked the koi pond in the Japanese garden out back; and a den for Natsuki where she could tinker with her automobiles and experiments.
Midori had generously offered to assist them with the tedious process of acquisition. Natsuki had briefly wondered what exactly the job scope of an archeologist was for the ever-seveteen to be so proficient at real estate; but she figured the boisterous woman had jumped at the opportunity to study this fascinating twist of events that were related to being HiME. It was a treasure trove of things just waiting to be discovered and it thrilled her to no end.
Shizuru couldn't resist a broad smile as she lay on her beloved. The journey had been long, tough and tedious on Natsuki and herself, but it was well worth it, she decided. This was just pure bliss. To top it off, they were about to become proud new owners of a home they could call theirs. Shizuru tilts her head upwards, "Nat-su-ki."
The younger woman opens one eye lazily in acknowledgment, only to be met with a quick peck on her lips.
"I'll start packing our clothes," Shizuru continues as she stands up, "Rest well, my darling."
"Mmmh," Natsuki replies with her eyes closed. She reopens them after a few seconds, eyeing Shizuru as she saunters off towards the bedroom, a slight sway on her hips – those tight shorts really made her long legs stand out. Not to mention the t-shirt Shizuru was sporting was really figure-hugging. Natsuki couldn't help but remember what the soft, smooth skin felt like to the touch.
As if on cue, Shizuru stops in the hallway, tiptoeing to take something off the shelf – exposing her lean midriff in the process – before disappearing into the bedroom.
Natsuki swallows, pauses only for a second to curse her libido before pushing herself off the couch. She runs a hand absentmindedly through her hair as she follows the brunette into the bedroom.
There was a ghost of a smile that played across Shizuru's lips as she watched the tousled Natsuki step into the bedroom. There was plenty of time to pack later, much later, now that she was here.
XXX
A/N: Would like to thank all readers for sticking with the story despite my really erratic updating schedule. Guilty as charged. *raises hands
Also, thanks to all reviewers for leaving your honest reviews! It's very much appreciated and it's always a pleasure to read them. If you've any questions whatsoever on the story you'd wish to clarify, please feel free to drop me a PM.
Happy Halloween all!