Rebirth: Chapter 12

A New Day


Shizuru awoke the next morning and had to wonder if she was really awake and not dreaming, for lying next to her was Natsuki, just like she had dreamed of and hoped for so many times. Natsuki had one of the happiest, most peaceful expressions on her face that Shizuru had ever seen. This had to be a dream. But if this could be real...

She sent her mind back to last night, and found this might well be real. Yesterday Natsuki had confessed, and her words, ``Please teach me of love... of your kind of love,'' were ones that Shizuru would treasure for the rest of her life, as she would their second kiss among the sakura trees. So maybe this was real. She also fondly remembered Natsuki correcting her, ``It's not twisted, my dear. It is simply love.'' And if Natsuki believed that, she would try to as well.

Shizuru continued looking at Natsuki's lovely face, but this time, she dared more. Reaching out, she tenderly brushed aside a wayward strand of hair, then caressed her cheek. To have permission to do this was a gift beyond price.

``Mm... Shizuru,'' Natsuki mumbled in her sleep and pulled her closer. Shizuru returned this embrace as she had wanted to for so many years.

``Natsuki, I love you,'' she whispered into her hair.

Shizuru was happy to just stay here like this, holding her sleeping lover, but Natsuki eventually opened her eyes.

``Good morning, love,'' Shizuru greeted her.

Shizuru's heart melted when Natsuki replied with their first good morning kiss. This was not just a quick peck, and Shizuru returned it with all her love, in no hurry to stop. Finally they did, lying in each other's arms gazing at one another.

``I'd like to stay like this forever,'' commented Shizuru, ``but perhaps it's time to get up.''

``OK. Hows about doing breakfast together.''

Shizuru and Natsuki finally got up this morning, but without any rush. Heading to the kitchen, they began making breakfast together. And together was how they enjoyed it: moving around as they set things out and began cooking, they took every opportunity for a tender caress, a quick kiss, or a loving word.

While Shizuru stood in front of the stove with the skillet, Natsuki came up behind and wrapped her arms around her. Shizuru relaxed and leaned back into this embrace as she had wished for so long, and she almost lost track of time. Soon they were sitting across the table from each other, enjoying both food and companionship, and if the eggs were fried a little longer than usual, neither complained.

``This reminds me of that first breakfast we had here after you arrived that rainy night,'' commented Shizuru.

``Yeah, it does,'' smiled Natsuki. ``Are your nightmares better now?''

``My nightmares have not returned at all of late. And the good dreams...'' Shizuru looked down and continued in a low sincere voice, ``you've made them come true, my love.''

Natsuki smiled and took a sip of her tea.

``Thanks for waiting for me, dear. I'm sorry I took so long to see.''

``That's quite all right,'' replied Shizuru, her face shining with pure love. ``It's been worth the wait.''

After finishing breakfast the two cleared the table together. While washing the dishes, and while Natsuki was drying and putting them away, Shizuru thought: reborn really was the word to describe them now. Both her life and Natsuki's were certainly new and different now. A new life, a new world, a new love—but all built on what was before, and drawing strength from those deep roots. How many other couples had a chance at life like this after dying in each other's arms.

Natsuki put the last dish away and Shizuru dried her hands. A glance between them and they were in each others arms, holding each other tight with all their love. Each knew that in this new life, they need never again fear being alone, for they would always be there for each other.


Author's Note:
And so we come to the end of Rebirth. Thank you for sticking with me through this story. I really appreciate your reviews and look forward to seeing your opinions now that this tale is done. This is how I saw things happening between Shizuru and Natsuki during that nebulous time between the end of the carnival and Shizuru's graduation.

While this does offer closure, I see this as much as a beginning for them as an ending. I've got a few more ideas for Shizuru and Natsuki banging around in my head. I wonder what will come out next, that story or one following the Blue Drop anime. Your reviews inspire me, so please keep them coming.