Chapter Eleven

There was a loud knock that ricocheted through the outer office and into Shizuru's own. She'd didn't bother rising from her seat, already knowing who would be on the other side. A subtle grin began to form as she heard the door open forcefully, most likely ending millimetres from putting, yet another, dent in the wall.

"What the hell do you mean, do I have an appointment? Are you an idiot? Have you not seen me walk in here plenty of times before?" There was a pointed silence before Haruka barrelled on. "That's what I thought. Now, how about you break off and get back to your work."

Shizuru tightened her lips, trying to hold back the laughter that was attempting to break free. Hearing Haruka had nearly thrown her composure to the dogs and she was left gently shaking, trying to keep a semi-professional expression.

Haruka burst through the door, slamming it in her wake. "That girl is a tack in my ass."

There was a potent moment of silence before Shizuru buried her hands in her face and let loose. Somehow, between the near-howls of laughter she was emitting, Shizuru managed to correct her friend. "Firstly, it's 'shove off' and secondly, she's a 'pain' in your ass Haruka."

The blond stood there for a moment, her expression torn between petulance and amusement. "They're practically the same thing." Finally, amusement won out as she flopped into the nearby chair. "What's got you so chipper?"

"I went to the hospital yesterday." She watched as Haruka's expression slid from concern to confusion and continued on quickly. "Natsuki wasn't there."

Haruka nodded, understanding. "But something happened, didn't it."

Shizuru nodded. "I met one of her co-workers. Someone who managed to get close to her in the last few months. Initially, I thought they were involved but…" Shizuru smiled a little, still torn between the panic she'd felt and the bemusement at the reality of the matter. "Natsuki rebuked her advances. Apparently, she always has."

Haruka sighed, shaking her head slowly. "You really thought she'd cheated, didn't you?"

"I didn't know what to think. I just needed some reason that made sense and…that was one that did." Shizuru's lips twisted into a pained frown. "At least, that's what I told myself. It seemed better than the alternative than the idea that she'd just gotten tired of me."

With a sharp shake of her head, Haruka reached forward and patted Shizuru's hand. "You should have just asked one of us. Even when you two had been distant anyone could see it."

Perfect brows furrowed as Shizuru tried to follow her friend's meaning. "See what?"

"Natsuki loved you. She always loved you." Haruka's smile was wane. "I have no idea what started happening but you could still see that she felt for you. It just seemed to be complicated by something."

Shizuru raised a hand, rubbing her fingers against her temple gently. "Some days, I feel like this entire mess could have been avoided. Before, I kept telling myself that I tried, that I did everything I could. But thinking back, there were a lot of things I didn't actually see. I was so busy working and trying to further my reputation that I stopped really seeing her."

Empathy flowed through Haruka, shining in her eyes. "I know how that goes. I nearly lost Yukino like that, before we'd even really begun. Sometimes it's just easier to try to ignore it, and hope it'll go away."

A sigh escaped her lips as Shizuru mentally agreed with her friend. "I think she was scared Haruka. I think that the more I pulled back and into my work, the more she doubted herself. She always worked so hard to make me happy and I… I think I stopped letting her."

A dark frown settled over her features as she allowed herself to admit the truth she'd tried to desperately hide, both from herself and others. "I think I pushed her away first. And I tried to pull her back in a little too late."

"It happens Shizuru. You always try to be perfect. Too perfect. It's alright to mess up. What really matters is that you try to rectify your mishaps afterwards." Haruka nodded to herself, mentally congratulating herself on advice well given.

Shizuru gave her friend a wry smile as she pushed back a loose lock of hair. "I suppose you're right. Besides, what's been done is done. Now I have to move forward, and see if what was broken can be fixed."

The shadow of doubt in her friend's eyes was slight, but Haruka frowned at its appearance. "Have you ever considered the possibility that there are some things, some bonds, ties, whatever, that aren't meant to be broken?"

There was silence as Shizuru tried to process Haruka's meaning. "I'm not entirely sure I follow."

A small frown appeared as Haruka rearranged her thoughts into a more understandable form. "What if you and Natsuki aren't really broken? What if you're just…cracked?" Haruka's frown deepened as she found her words falling short. Suddenly, she grinned and leaned forward, grabbing one of Shizuru's pens.

With a few quick movements she took apart the pieces that made the whole and spread them out in front of her friend. "See this pen? It's no longer really a pen, but its potential is still there. With the right decisions and actions," she paused as she picked up the pieces and began to reassemble them, "what seemed broken, can return to what it once was."

Soft amusement faded into comprehension as Shizuru's eyes focused on the reassembled pen. "You mean that no matter how far we push away from one another, Natsuki and I still have the capability of reviving what we threw away, so long as we both hold the same intention."

Haruka beamed as she nodded. "Precisely." Her eyes focused on the pen as she twirled it between her fingers. "I should really use props more often. Much easier."

"Props?" Shizuru laughed the sound light and flowing. "Perhaps you should."

Leaning forward once again, Haruka deposited the pen where she'd taken it from and crossed her arms. "You should stop worrying so much. At the end of all this, whatever is going to be, will be. No matter how twined things become, it won't get you where you're trying to go."

Haruka's eyes narrowed. "Wait…I think I meant twisted. Yes, twisted. Not twined."

Shizuru eyebrows rose, disappearing behind her bangs. "Now, now Haruka. If you begin correcting yourself, Yukino and I will have nothing to contribute."

"Believe me, I know." With a mischievous grin, Haruka pushed out of her seat and strode over to the door. As she rested her hand on the handle, she turned back, eyes serious. "Keep me updated on the whole Hikari thing. And don't stress so much, okay?"

"Hitomi. And alright, I'll do my best." She rolled her eyes as Haruka grinned once more and sauntered out the door, closing it gently behind her.

Shizuru stood, finding herself deep in thought as she wandered through her office. As her thoughts circled, she found herself smiling. Haruka's words had rung true. Sometimes people had to accept that they couldn't control everything.

So, for the first time in a long time, Shizuru would stop seeing everything as black and white. It was time for her to stop pushing to rectify things, and starting observing once more. She'd follow the path that suited her best, rather than the one that seemed 'right'.

Then, for better or worse, the entire ordeal would come to an end.

Even as she put together her plan, Hitomi had to acknowledge that there were a few flaws.

Alright, a few flaws was definitely an understatement, but she had given Shizuru Fujino her word. And that meant, that whether Natsuki was ready or not, she was going to give Shizuru the shot she needed.

After much deliberation, Hitomi had come to the conclusion that it would be best to push the two women into a public situation before encouraging a more private encounter. That way neither would be able to run if they got some last minute jitters.

So, in essence, a party. Nothing big, nothing too extravagant. Just some of their mutual friends, and of course, Hitomi herself. She was essential.

A grin crossed her features as her plan developed. Though Hitomi did truly consider Natsuki a friend and she had every intention of pushing her towards her inevitable happiness, she couldn't help but want to appease the part of her mind that loved putting Natsuki in uncomfortable situations.

Luckily, she'd spent enough time with the other woman to get a feel of what would rattle her to an acceptable degree and what would set off her instinct to flee.

With a mental outline of her plot in mind, Hitomi stood and strode out of her office.

She sauntered down the hall, smiling and uttering her usual greetings. She didn't stop, however, as she was set on finding the tool she would need to put her strategy in action.

Though, her tool wouldn't exactly like being referred to as a tool. She'd need another title. Something more…animate. Less objectifying at that.

A splash of red caught her eyes and halted Hitomi in her tracks. "Mai!" Her call went unheeded as the other woman rounded a corner, still set on her destination.

Despite the odd looks her co-workers and patients alike were sending her way, Hitomi merely sighed and set off with a light jog. It didn't take her long to catch up with her target. She slowed slightly, matching her pace with the young nurse's. "You walk abnormally fast."

The redhead looked over and rolled her eyes. "For a doctor, you walk abnormally slow."

Hitomi pressed her hand to her chest and pouted. "Ouch, you wound me so Ms. Tokiha."

Mai stopped and pinned her with a dry stare. "What do you need, Dr. Akita."

Quickly linking her hands behind her back, Hitomi gave the shorter woman a charming grin. "What makes you think I want something from you, Ms. To-."

Mai held up her hand, halting Hitomi mid-sentence. "And here I always thought Natsuki was exaggerating. But you really do enjoy messing with people, don't you?"

Brown eyes flickered with a mixture of amusement and interest. "Are you seeing anyone Mai?"

A delicate brow arched as Mai straightened. "I didn't realize we were on a first name basis, Dr. Akita."

In an instant, Hitomi's gaze went from playful to appraising. "I believe I've underestimated you Ms. Tokiha. I apologize for my forwardness."

Mai's eyes softened as she shook her head. "Don't worry about it. You can call me Mai."

A large grin lit Hitomi's features as she clasped one of Mai's hands in her own, shaking it lightly. "And I am Hitomi. I'm glad we're on a first name basis, it'll make this whole thing much more comfortable."

With a small sigh, Mai gave the exuberant blond a dry stare. "Do I even want to know what this 'thing' you're talking about is?"

"Don't worry. It's not nearly as bad as you're thinking." She watched with interest as Mai's features remained apprehensive. "I have a feeling that someone you know is known for horrifyingly poor ideas."

"You have no idea." Mai's expression was droll. "Though I shouldn't really be talking. My scope for ingenuity and progress seems severely limited."

Hitomi found the hint of sarcasm in the red head's voice to be somewhat endearing. Leaving a moment to mourn the fun she could have if they'd had the time, she moved on to the reason she'd flagged the woman down. "I need your assistance for something involving Natsuki."

Mai's brows rose, interest easily apparent. "You have my attention."

"How good are you at keeping things from her?"

A hint of a frown touched the younger woman's features. "It depends. Is this something positive, or negative?"

Hitomi grinned, clasping her hands together. "Definitely positive." She paused. "At least, my kind of positive. There might be a flaw in my definition."

Mai rolled her eyes. "We'll go with your plan being well-intended. So, for now, you have my agreement. What do you need from me?"

Unwilling to wait for a second longer, Hitomi pulled the other woman into the nearest room. As the door closed behind them, she had the sense to look sheepish. "Er, this might not be the best location for a private discussion."

Mai surveyed the area with amused eyes. "A supply closet definitely isn't the most original location. But I think it will suffice. This time."

With a warm laugh, Hitomi nodded. "I promise I'll find a better place for the next meeting. You know, if you agree to help once you find out what I'm after."

"Understandable." Mai frowned slightly, her eyes thoughtful. "What it is you need me for anyway?"

Taking a small, fortifying breath, Hitomi proceeded to fill Mai in on her plans, and the events that had led to them. All the while hoping that the other woman would agree to help.

By the time the older woman had finished, there was an obvious glint in Mai's eyes. "I never thought I'd say this, but I underestimated you." She smiled affectionately. "Whatever you need, I'm here to help."

A wicked grin curved Hitomi's lips as she rocked back onto her heels. "Then let's get started."

Rubber squeaked and people stared as a lithe figure slid down the hall, nearly missing its target. "Where is she?"

The nearest woman raised her eyebrows, surveying the well-known doctor. "Who are you looking for Dr. Akita?"

There was a snort of amusement from behind them, followed by a familiar voice. "Not to worry Hina, I'm fairly sure she's looking for me."

Whirling around, Hitomi grinned. "Natsuki! Glad I caught you." At the other woman's expectant gaze she laughed. "Sorry, still catching my breath. I just wanted to wish you luck."

Natsuki smiled, affection melding with worry. "Thanks, I'll need it. This procedure isn't an easy one. There's a great deal of risk involved." She bit her lip as she looked towards the door she'd be walking through soon enough. "But it's the only chance she's got."

Hitomi stepped forward, settling a reassuring hand on the shorter woman's shoulder. "And it's the only one she'll need. You're one of the best in your field Natsuki. It's why I asked for your help, and it's why Sakura's gotten this far. She's going to be okay, and you're going to be the one to ensure that."

While still clearly anxious, a bit of tension slid from Natsuki's frame. "I'll do everything I can. And I'll be damned if she doesn't come out of this with the rest of her life in front of her."

Instinctively, Hitomi leaned forward and pulled her friend into a tight embrace. "Work your magic Kuga, I'll be waiting out here for news of your success."

With a small laugh, Natsuki returned the embrace and pulled away. "I'll be seeing you then."

Hitomi watched her move through the door, accompanied by a few nearby nurses. With a small sigh, she debated what to do. There was no way she'd be able to do anything productive while worrying about the outcome. So she shrugged her shoulders and contented herself with sitting on the floor across from the door Natsuki would exit. Hopefully with good news.

It took all the energy Natsuki had remaining to clean up and push herself to her office. By the time she staggered through the door, she opted for collapsing onto the ground rather than wasting the small store of effort she had left getting to her chair.

And it was there, sprawled on the floor, that her co-worker found her.

After a beat of somewhat awkward silence, Hitomi lowered herself to the ground as well. "Exhausted?"

Natsuki managed a weak nod, dismissing the mere idea of opening her eyes. "It wasn't an easy procedure. But I managed it. Sakura will be okay."

Hitomi reached out and laid a warm hand on the other woman's knee. "I can't even begin to thank you Natsuki. Without your expertise, she would have died." She watched as Natsuki opened her mouth, and predicting the protest that was to come, cut her off. "Don't even start Kuga. I'm not being humble. Her condition was rare, completely out of my range of knowledge. And it was progressing fast. Maybe I would have diagnosed it, eventually, but she was have been long gone. You saved her."

With a great deal of effort, Natsuki turned her head towards her companion and forced her eyes open. "You helped, moron."

Hitomi grinned. "Of course I did. I was there through it all. Without my encouragement and unflagging optimism, you would have been lost to a sea of…Natsuki-ness."

A short moment of stunned silence was closely followed by a narrowed stare. "I'm not entirely sure what you're trying to imply Akita, but I'm going to give you the opportunity to take it back."

With a sly grin, Hitomi moulded her features into a mask of wide-eyed admiration. "You were so amazing Dr. Kuga. The things you've done, this young girls case alone! You're a tribute to the hospital. Stunningly intelligent and impressively adept, anyone would be lucky to have you as their doctor."

Natsuki groaned and gave her friend a half-hearted glare. "You could have at least made your bullshit sound believable."

Hitomi blinked, the picture of innocent confusion. "Whatever do you mean Dr. Kuga? Everything I said was completely true!"

The only response Natsuki gave was a soft growl of displeasure.

Hitomi laughed and allowed her expression to return to that of her usual lazy amusement. "Though I wouldn't say shit like that, it is actually all real. The nurses and those who aided you in the operating room are roving around, singing your praises."

Natsuki scoffed and looked over at the other woman, taken aback by the look on her face. "Wait, you're serious?"

Hitomi's brows furrowed, genuine confusion rising in her eyes. "You have no idea, do you? This happens pretty much every time you do a procedure that doesn't normally occur or make an outstanding diagnosis. You're kind of a big thing around here Natsuki."

Her cheeks reddened as she spent a few moments looking dumbfounded as she tried to take it all in. Finally, she chose to give up and merely nod. "I'm going to think about that oddity another day." She paused, eyes narrowing. "You know, I'm kind of surprised you weren't waiting outside, ready to ambush me."

This time, it was Hitomi's turn to look embarrassed. "Yes, well, after I managed to trip three nurses, they kind of banned me from the hallway. I'm pretty sure they would have banned me from all walkways if it were feasible."

Natsuki's brows rose as she stared at the other woman in wonder. "Do I even want to know how you managed that?"

With a small chuckle, the blond motioned to her legs. "Freakish European legs? They got cramped so I…er…okay in hindsight, stretching them across the hallway floor wasn't my most brilliant idea. But it seemed fine at the time. Not my fault the…" She wilted slightly and sighed. "Okay, it was totally my fault."

"Apparently." Natsuki debated poking more fun at the other woman but decided to save it for another time, too tired to make the effort. "I've got Mai handling the post-op stuff, but she could probably use your help."

"I think she's got it. She the most competent nurse I've ever had the pleasure of working with." Hitomi adjusted her position, folding her legs under her for a more comfortable position. "Besides, someone needs to make sure you get home alright. Knowing you, you're running on fumes and close to falling over. You've had an eventful day."

Natsuki rolled her eyes. "I'm not that bad. I'm just feeling a bit cross-eyed. That took all the concentration I had."

"Considering your capacity for focus, I'm especially glad it was you in there, rather than me." Hitomi gave her friend a thumbs up. "A-plus job Kuga."

"Yeah, A-plus." The younger woman's expression darkened for a moment, before smoothing back out. "At least Sakura's all right."

"But someone else isn't, I take it." Hitomi leaned forward, sympathetic. "Another surgery?"

Natsuki pressed her fingers against her temples in a futile attempt to alleviate the pressure as she spoke. "Yes and no. There was a small operation to relieve some of her pain but I couldn't do any more than that. The tumour's too big and too close to vital areas. And even if it could be removed…"

Hitomi's expression was grim as she leaned forward and patted the younger woman's hand. "I wish I could say it'll all work out, but I know just as well as you do, that sometimes things don't end happily. We do what we can, and I know you well enough to know that you made this person's passing as bearable as possible."

Grief made its way into Natsuki's eyes. "Bearable, maybe. But she's still going to end up dead. She's has three kids."

"We're not gods Natsuki, we can't change people's fate. All we can do is help them fight and ensure that they've had every chance possible to survive." Her voice resonated with the strength of shared emotion. Hitomi knew Natsuki's feelings well, have been in the younger doctor's shoes many times before. "What happens after that is beyond our control."

There was a moment of silence before Natsuki sighed and leaned back in her chair. She stared forward for a short period, taking in her friend's words. Eventually, a wry smile curved her lips. "Hmm, I guess you old people really are useful, huh?"

Hitomi's lips pursed into an intense frown. "I resent that. Here I am, trying to lift your spirits and you insult me. Rude Kuga, very rude."

The small smile morphed into a grin. "I don't know why, but for some reason making fun of you makes everything right in the world."

Even as Hitomi rolled her eyes, she paid close attention to the woman before her, closely inspecting her expression for any signs of the depression she'd seen. Her eyes glowed with shared humour as she found what she sought. Natsuki was still troubled, but she'd backlogged the pain. A necessary evil for their profession. "Fine, make fun of me. See if I care. And just for future reference, I'm only four years older than you, you brat."

Natsuki gave the blond an arched look. "Mhmm. Only. Definitely not a big age gap."

"Whatever. Ass." Hitomi maintained her wounded act for a few moments longer before bouncing back and adopting her usual easy smile. "Now that we've got all this talking out of the way, I'm going to go wrap up all my loose ends and head home for the night. Let me know if you end up wanting a ride home."

Natsuki watched as her friend started for the door, considering her for a moment. They hadn't known each other very long, but she'd come to value Hitomi's presence. Both as a friend, and a mentor. "Hey, Hitomi?"

The blond turned back, meeting an intense emerald gaze. "What's up, Kuga?"

Natsuki lowered her eyes a moment, gathering her thoughts. An instant later, she lifted them once more, a well of emotion swirling within. "Thank you. For your little pep talk. I really needed that. You're…a good friend."

A soft smile settled over Hitomi's. It was clear to her, what it meant for Natsuki to say such a thing. "That's what we old people are for, isn't it? Our sage advice?"

"Exactly." Natsuki gave her a small grin and lifted her hand, waving slightly. "You go have fun. Do whatever you old people do with your free time."

Hitomi rolled her eyes and gave a derisive snort. "Four years! Four, and they act like you're decrepit. Ungrateful young'uns!"

Natsuki rolled her eyes. "I take it all back. I deserve some sort of accolade for putting up with you."

It was Hitomi's turn to roll her eyes. "Sure, because my stunning wit and delightful repartee aren't rewarding enough." She scoffed at the dubious look the other woman sent her way. "Fine then, it's not my fault you have such high standards. I mean really, even Mai seems to find me bearable."

Natsuki snorted. "I'm pretty sure the only place you'd be bearable is in the bedroom." Silence filled the room as she paled slightly. "Oh god. Please tell me you aren't…there's no way." She looked up at her friend, eyes a touch desperate.

Hitomi leaned forward, bracing her elbows on her knees. "Is the idea of me getting naked with your best friend really so appalling?" She watched the horror flood her friend's emerald eyes and laughed. "Okay, okay, no need to visualize any longer. Mai and I have no such relationship."

A large breath of air evacuated Natsuki's lungs as relief flooded through her. "Thank god. That would just be so, so weird."

Hitomi laughed, low and warm. "Well, that depends. Mai's in on it. So if you think she'd be fine with you refusing, I'll let you off the hook." Her mouth curved once again. "Though I think we really should address this perverse need of yours to envision us in a sexual relationship. What would poor Mai say if she knew?"

Heavy eyelids rose, just long enough to pierce the other woman with a weak glare. "I hate you so much right now."

With another laugh, Hitomi gave her a quick salute. "I live to serve. And remember, don't die on your way home."

All Natsuki could manage was an irritated groan.

Haruka watched as her girlfriend cooking, taking in the sight with a warm contentment.

"You're staring again Haruka."

With a wicked grin, Haruka started to respond, only to be interrupted by the phone. Her eyes narrowed as she focused on the offending object.

As it continued to ring, Yukino rolled her eyes. "You know, it might be important."

"And it might not be." Haruka continued glaring at the device, even as she felt her lover's eyes on her. "You're going to insist I answer it, aren't you?"

Yukino's words were placating as she turned back to the pan in front of her. "If you already know, why aren't you doing it?"

Uttering an unnecessarily loud groan, Haruka pushed herself up from the table and walked over to the phone, picking it up with undue force. "What do you want?"

"Charming as ever, aren't you Haruka."

The tension drained from her as she leaned her weight against the wall. "Really Mai, you know how I am about phones."

There was a soft, chiming laugh. "Yes, I believe you said something about them being evil and having some nefarious plan to melt your brain."

Haruka blushed. "I was quoting an article I'd read. And I definitely didn't say 'melt'. Just…you know…affect or something."

"Mhmm. Of course, you did." Haruka rolled her eyes as her friend continued. "Anyway, I'm actually calling for a reason other than to hear your lovely voice."

Haruka snorted. "Glad to hear it. It'd be really uncomfortable to find out you were a voice fetishist."

Though she couldn't see it, Haruka knew Mai was grinning as she continued. "There's going to be a dinner this Saturday. It's mostly a celebratory work thing but it's also kind of a plot thing."

"Plot thing? You have my undiluted interest."

Mai giggled. "Well, apparently Natsuki's co-worker met Shizuru and -long story short- has planned this little soiree to give the two of them a chance to patch things up. If they so desire that is."

Haruka hummed thoughtfully. "I'd heard a bit about that meeting. So I take it our part in all this is to bring Shizuru along?"

"Precisely."

A wicked grin took form on Haruka's features as she spoke once again. "Do I have to tell Shizuru exactly what's going on?"

Amusement was clear in her friend's tone. "No. In fact, not telling her might be good. It'll put her and Natsuki in the same position."

"Alright. Saturday night then. I'll bring you one oblivious lovebird."

"I'll text you the address before then. Good luck." With a laugh, Mai hung up.

Setting the phone back in its holder, Haruka turned to her girlfriend, grin still in place. "It looks like this weekend's going to be an interesting one indeed."

Natsuki flopped down onto one of the kitchen chairs, watching Mai as she flitted around the room, preparing some new dish.

The redhead paused and gave Natsuki a sidelong glance. "Why are you watching me cook? Don't you have anything better to do?"

Natsuki paused, taking the time to carefully consider her options. "As much as I would love to say yes, I'm going to have to go with an honest 'no'."

Mai rolled her eyes. "I'd mock you for that, but clearly I'm in no position to. I don't seem to have much of a social life lately either."

"Why is that, anyway? Aren't you a social butterfly?" Natsuki's eyes sharpened as she studied her friend. "You're not pushing away your social obligations to stay here and babysit me, are you?"

Gentle laughter rang through the room before Mai settled her eyes on her friend. "Oh. Oh wow, you're serious."

The only intelligible response Natsuki gave was a slight lift of her arched brows.

"Why in the world would I force myself to babysit you Natsuki? You're doing so well. I'm pretty sure you'd be alright if I were to move out and leave you to your own devices for a few weeks." Mai paused, reconsidering. "On second thought, there's a good chance you would starve. But on an emotional level, I have faith you could hold yourself together."

A smile curved Natsuki's lips before straightening out. "It's not my fault my options are so limited. I just… don't have much luck in the kitchen."

Mai snickered. "That's putting it gently Natsuki. The instant a recipe tells you to sauté something, you throw it in the garbage."

"I see no reason why something as simple as cooking needs to use such ridiculous terminology." Natsuki crossed her arms, desperately trying to call attention from the blush rising on her cheeks. "What does that even mean?"

With a small snort, Mai proceeded to poke fun at her friend in the best way possible. In an easy movement, she lifted the pan and shifted its contents in a perfect flip with a simple flick of her wrist.

Natsuki saw the wicked smirk that her friend tried to hide and returned it with one of her own. "Strong wrist you've got there." She waited for the other woman to pin her with a confused glance before lifting her eyebrows in a suggestive manner. "You must have quite the stamina."

Completely bewildered, Mai frowned for a moment before her cheeks flushed crimson. "Really? I'd think that was more your area Natsuki."

With a smug grin, Natsuki leaned back in her chair. "Considering the many nights I spend alone, I'd say that's a pretty safe bet."

Her timing was impeccable, words delivered just as her friend took a swig of her water. She sputtered, nearly choking, and sent the delighted woman a half-hearted glare. "You're incorrigible."

"And apparently too focused on life's more carnal pleasures." Natsuki chuckled, vaguely amused. "Perhaps it would be more apt to call me perverse."

Mai rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't. You spent years in a very gratifying relationship, that I'm positive met your more 'carnal' needs. To suddenly go from that to nothing would send anyone into a bit of a frenzy."

Natsuki nodded thoughtfully, processing. "I suppose that's true. But wouldn't that also apply to you? And you certainly haven't been seeing innuendos everywhere you turn."

"Other than those you through my way, not really." Mai's flush returned, albeit in a much gentler shade. "But I'm not really any worse off now than I was before."

There was a moment of silence as Natsuki comprehended her meaning. "Shit. Wow. Okay, now I understand why you took everything so well. That is…less than ideal."

Mai laughed. "While I'd call that an understatement, yes. When things ended between Yuuichi and me, it wasn't that big of a deal. We'd always had problems in the bedroom and when they started messing with everything else in our lives, I started preparing for the worst."

Understanding the slightly wistful look on the other woman's face, Natsuki nodded. "How are you in regards to all that anyway?"

Mai glanced over her shoulder, giving her friend an amused grin. "You want to talk about feelings? I'm concerned. Is the world ending?"

With a roll of her eyes, Natsuki scoffed. "Don't make me regret asking. You're my best friend. I care. End of story. Now answer the question."

"I'm doing fine. Better than fine. I feel happier than I have in a long time." Mai smiled. "I've gotten to the point where I can look back and appreciate the good times without regretting the things that came after."

Studied her friend closely, Natsuki realized that she was being completely honest. A small smile accompanied her relief as she let the subject slide. "You'd mentioned in the hall that you'd had something to tell me tonight?"

"Oh! Yes." Mai moved the pan of vegetables off the burner and checked to make sure they were done. Apparently content with them, she began to dish out the meal.

Natsuki moved up behind her, grabbing to two plates and setting them out on the table. Ever one for movement, Mai took the extra time to pour two glasses of water and set them down as well.

With a grin Natsuki brandished her eating utensils. "Thanks for the meal."

Mai rolled her eyes as her friend started in on the food as though her last meal had been days before. Seeing the perfect moment, she began speaking. "We're going out for dinner this Saturday."

Natsuki barely paused, only giving a quick nod to show she'd heard.

"With Hitomi and a few others."

There was a soft choking noise as Natsuki grabbed for her water. After a few gulps and a small coughing fit, her eyes finally focused. "But why?"

As Natsuki pouted, caught between annoyance and desolation, Mai couldn't help but laugh. "It's not like we're going to murder innocent puppies Natsuki."

A moment of horror crossed the woman's features before she grasped the joke. "That's just cruel. Puppy harm is never funny."

Natsuki pouted as they continued to eat in silence. With the meal halfway complete, Natsuki sighed. "I don't have a choice about this, do I?"

Mai's reply was delivered with a winsome smile. "Absolutely not."

"Ugh. Fine."

"Don't worry, you don't have to do your hair or anything." Mai patted her friend's hand sympathetically. "And I'll even set out appropriate clothing for you. You don't even have to think about it until we leave."

"Just to make this clear, I am in no way happy about having to leave the comfort of my home on a rare night off, just to get dressed in uncomfortable clothing."

With a small laugh, Mai rolled her eyes. "Duly noted."

She eyed the fabric on her bed with suspicion. It was foreign, and definitely not something she remembered owning. She felt her friend enter the room behind her and wasted no time in voicing her opinion. "This dress isn't mine, is it?"

Mai's response was a small giggle as she shook her head. "Hitomi figured you two were nearly the same size. "She insisted on lending you one of hers."

With a sigh, Natsuki picked up the fabric. "I don't have a choice in the matter."

Recognizing that her friend had already grasped the end result of their conversation, Mai smiled. "Precisely. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm going to go take a shower."

Natsuki nodded. "I suppose I'll do the same." She watched as her friend practically bounced from the room, unable to help but smile. It had been a while since either of them had had the opportunity to get dressed up to go out, and Mai was obviously enjoying it.

Mentally shrugging, Natsuki decided to make the process easier on herself and opted against resistance, trudging towards the other bathroom. She took her time with the familiar routine, still accomplishing the process before her friend. With little else to do, she began the time-consuming task of blow-drying her hair.

By the time Mai had finished showering and starting on her own hair, Natsuki was at a loss. There was nothing else for her to do, and she was loathe to put on the dress before she had to.

She glanced around the room, frowning slightly as her eyes landed on the small bag that held a few makeup essentials. With a small shrug of her shoulders, she dug through it. There was little in the bag, and even less that she was willing to deal with. In the end, she applied only a little mascara and a tinted lip balm and left it at that.

Seeing that her friend was still busy, Natsuki finally gave up and picked up the dress. Fully inspecting it this time, she held it out in front of her and looked it over with a critical eye. The fabric was satin, it's colour a deep purple tone that Natsuki found she liked. Even better was the simplicity of the dress. Strapless, it held no embroidery or beading. The only adornment was the black ribbon that wound its way under the bust.

Forgoing any sort of covering for her legs, Natsuki shimmied into the dress, pulled the zipper up as far as she could reach, mentally reminding herself to get Mai to finish the job once she was done.

Setting a pair of simple black heels by the door, Natsuki settled herself on the living room couch and took up a book, content to read until her friend was done.

Mai finally emerged nearly ten minutes later, hair dried and makeup done. Natsuki surveyed her friend, noting the natural way she had highlighted her features and the simple but figure flattering dress she had chosen. Mai had always been knowledgeable when it came to looking effortlessly beautiful. It hit Natsuki with startling clarity that it was a practice that she'd slowly given up in recent years. A glaring sign of her failing relationship. The reminder of all the things she'd been ignoring and the damage she had wrought upon her relationships hit her once more. With no small amount of effort, she pushed the guilt aside, determined to focus on repairing them rather than wallowing. She gave Mai a warm smile. "Well hey there."

The redhead gave her friend an amused look before eyeing her in turn. "Not bad. But I think we should do something about your hair."

Natsuki's eyes narrowed as she stared at her friend. "Or, we could leave my hair alone." Mai merely raised a brow and gave her a frighteningly innocent smile that told Natsuki she was fighting a losing battle. With a weak groan, she waved her hand at her hair. "Fine. Do want you want. In return, I need you to zip me."

As Mai led her back to the bathroom, Natsuki couldn't help but be horrified by the variety of tools and pins laid out over the countertop. "I have a feeling I'm not going to enjoy this."

"Probably not." Mai grinned. "But I most certainly am."

Defeated, Natsuki closed her eyes and hoped for the best.

Natsuki adjusted her dress, unused to having fabric wrapped so closely around her frame. She felt a pang of regret as she thought back to the last time she'd been forced to wear something so restrictive. It had been a semi-formal party hosted by Shizuru's firm to celebrate a widely publicized case.

With a sharp shake of her head, she dismissed the memory. No matter how much she would have preferred to be at home, enjoying her time off, she was determined to enjoy the night out.

Mai stepped up behind her. "Am I going to have to push you through those doors?"

Levelling an amused glance at the other woman, Natsuki chuckled. "Come on, I'm not that bad." At her friend's sceptical stare she rolled her eyes. "Don't worry. I'm going to walk in there of my own free will."

"I'll keep that in mind for later on when you start pouting and giving me dirty looks."

With an amused huff, Natsuki rolled her eyes again. "For the record, I don't pout."

Mai laughed and reached forward to link their arms. "You most definitely do." Before Natsuki could protest further, Mai gently pulled at her arm, pulling her to the restaurant entrance. "Hurry up, we're already late."

"That is in no way my fault. You're the one who insisted on messing with my hair." Despite her protest, Natsuki moved forward to hold the door open for the other woman.

Mai couldn't help but be slightly taken aback by the ease of her friend's movement. While she'd done it for her many times before, the clothes seemed to give the motion a whole new depth. "Sometimes, I wonder if you were royalty in another life. I don't know anyone else who can make things like this look so natural."

Natsuki raised her brows, eyes bemused. "I think I'll take that as a compliment. Though I don't think I'm going to look so princely when people start to line up behind us."

Mai blinked then blushed, moving through the open doorway. "Sorry about that."

"Don't worry about it." Natsuki followed her friend, a small smile in place as the redhead talked to the hostess. She tuned their conversation out, leaving Mai to maintain the polite chatter as the woman led them to a separate room where their companions were waiting.

She stepped to the side, letting the hostess glide past her and back to her post, view obscured as Mai began to greet everyone. She leaned against the wall, content to wait until she was required to take part. It didn't take long before she became lost in thought.

"Natsuki!" Hitomi's crow of delight startled the younger doctor, pulling her from her reverie. Within moments the blond woman was smothering her co-worker in a hug. "I worried you wouldn't come!"

"There would have been no cause for concern if there hadn't been a dress code." As her friend withdrew, Natsuki motioned towards the material. "As, a literal dress. Why did it have to be a dress?"

Taking one look at the slightly desperate plea in the woman's green eyes, Hitomi laughed. "If I'd know you hated dresses so much, I would have made you wear one a long time ago." She gave Natsuki an appraising once-over. "Especially if I'd know you'd look so good in one."

Natsuki gave the woman a dry stare. "See, there you go again, being a creep. I thought we'd talked about that."

With a pout and a dramatic sigh, Hitomi raised her hand to her heart. "How you wound me! Here I am, trying to woo you in such a romantic manner, and you're not even giving me the chance."

There was an awkward cough somewhere behind the theatrical woman, drawing Natsuki's attention. Seeing a familiar frown, Natsuki grinned. "Don't take her seriously. I'm pretty sure she has a borderline personality disorder."

Haruka's frown eased as an amused glint lit her eyes. "So I would be safe in assuming the two of you aren't involved?"

Before Natsuki had a chance to respond, Hitomi was speaking. "Alas, Natsuki has spurned my every advance." She gave Natsuki a wounded glance that was made less believable by the small smirk pulling at the corners of her lips. "One would almost think she's already chosen another."

Natsuki snorted, moving to pinch the bridge of her nose. "Well, of course there is that. But more importantly, I'm pretty sure letting myself become any more involved with you would land me in jail."

Beside Haruka, Yukino blinked. "I'm sorry, but why would you end up imprisoned? I don't think there's any law prohibiting a relationship."

Shifted her eyes to the other woman, Natsuki gave her an easy grin. "It's good to see you again." She stepped forward as the woman smiled back. "As for imprisonment, for some reason, the law seems to oppose murder. Even when completely justified." Realizing that she hadn't fully taken stock of those in attendance, Natsuki moved her gaze around the room, looking for the last member of their party.

Standing nearly opposite her was a painfully familiar face. For a long moment, Natsuki debated what she should say, how she should act. In the end, she decided to let her emotions lead. "Shizuru." The name slipped from her lips as her eyes drank in the sight of the other woman greedily. Even as her mind became entrenched with the vision before her, another thought entered her mind.

Pointing a finger in Hitomi and Mai's general direction, she sighed. "Which one of you?"

Cheerful as ever, it was Hitomi who piped up. "Definitely me. Though I forced Mai to help by promising her sexual favours."

As the redhead choked on the water she'd been sipping on, Natsuki chuckled. "I think the mere thought you just put into all our heads is enough punishment for Mai. You, however, will pay."

Hitomi smirked. "Oh? And somehow, I think you're much too intelligent to waste this opportunity just to teach me a lesson."

Natsuki stood for a few moments, before nodding. "True." She turned, eyes falling on the final guest once more. There were so many different ways she could approach the situation. But having never been one for dancing around an issue, she went with the most direct approach. "Shizuru. May I talk to you outside?"

Though her expression was still serene, there was surprise and a mixture of more hidden underneath. "Of course."

With a nod of her head, Natsuki exited the room. Though direct was her style, it had little in the way of an advantage. She'd finally come up against the moment she'd envisioned so many times and she had no idea how to use it to obtain the best outcome. All she could do was say whatever came to her in the heat of the moment, and pray she didn't ruin it.

She stepped out into the restaurant's seldom used courtyard, anxiety taking root as she heard soft steps behind her own.

Um, hello! I don't want this to be overly long but just a few informative notes. Firstly, yes it has been over four years since I last updated. I can't express how sorry I am about that. It's a whole thing so I won't waste anyone's time with it here, just know that despite the incredibly painful gap I do intend to finish this story. Hopefully sooner rather than later...

On which note, I'm also sorry for any disconnects between all the previous chapters and the rest. I have been working on them over time so it shouldn't cripple the story but if it's noticeable, let me know and I'll attempt to make it more cohesive as I go. Worst case scenario, I'll go over it all once the story is complete and update it all.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I've been very dead here (soo surprising) but you can teach this old dog new tricks! I think...Regardless, I hope you all enjoy this update. Have a good ones guys.