Monster

by ShayP

Shiznat/AU Natsuki Kuga is running away from an abusive home. She finds herself at Garderobe Military Academy where she meets her teacher, Shizuru, her rival, Tomoe, and her friend, Nao. She can only pray her past doesn't come back to haunt her.

12. Do You Trust Me?

Chapter 12: Do You Trust Me?

Heyyy hoooo Shayp is in the house. Er. Jesus…I have no idea why I just did that. (Yup this update was super late, I know, that's why it's also the longest chapter...or 2nd longest I'm not sure)

Disclaimer: Okay. For real. Do I have to keep doing this every time? Has anyone ever actually gotten sued for fanfiction?? *points to the website's name…* duh people.

^ Check it out, I didn't say anything unnecessary! Well. Okay. Maybe a littl—there I go again…

---

Shizuru smiled at the class yet again. She glanced briefly over to the empty seat near the window, the one in front of Nao, next to Chie, and diagonal from where Aoi usually sat. She couldn't help but feel, well, a little naughty. After all, the reason that desk was empty was because Natsuki was in Shizuru's room. In Shizuru's bed. It was like a dirty little secret and at the same time it wasn't at all.

"So you all may leave and work on your assignments," Shizuru said after a moment. There was a groan from the class. "I know, I know, but you all have to do something or else what kind of teacher would I be?" Shizuru watched them all with amusement as they seemed to actually accept that as an answer. God she was good. "Now you all know it's the second day of Parent's Day, so have fun while your parents are busy but please, get those done at some point!"

The students all got up from their seats, eager to run around and wreak havoc. It wasn't often they got a day to do well, what the hell they felt like except on the weekends. Their free time during the week was only after classes and training, which took up a good amount of the day. Then there was the homework…

Basically, Shizuru was left alone in the room in a blink of an eye. Well, almost alone.

Shizuru started gathering her things and sensed someone standing in front of her. She looked up into light green eyes. She paused then stood up straight and swung her bag over her shoulder. The Kyoto beauty smiled down at her student. "How can I help you Private Yuuki?"

Nao shifted uncomfortably under that crimson gaze. It wasn't as kind as it was when it lingered on Natsuki, Nao had noticed that. Still she had to ask. "Where's Kuga?" Her eyes met Shizuru's defiantly. Nao had no idea why, but she felt like the teacher would know. They were so damn close anyways, Shizuru and Natsuki that is.

Shizuru lifted a slender brow, "Ara…what makes you think I know where she is?" Shizuru wasn't going to tell anyone where Natsuki was. Besides the fact that she was breaking a huge rule, it just sounded, well, wrong. Shizuru was surprised no one had even seen Natsuki earlier in the hallway when she was asleep. She would've gotten kicked out of the building for sure. In fact if Reito had caught her lying there he would've taken the issue up with Haruka, who would then have to allow him to punish her. Which would be bad. Lately, there hadn't been any public punishments. The kids were unusually well behaved.

Nao sighed and glanced down at Shizuru's desk. Boooring teacher stuff. "Well you guys are always talking…which is weird."

"It's weird?" Shizuru asked suddenly. Problem: People noticing things. Ara…do I make it that obvious?

Nao looked up and gave her a cat-like grin. "Yes, Lieutenant Fujino. It is weird." Nao shrugged. "I don't really care though. I was just wondering if you knew where she was…I woke up this morning with a tranquilizer in my ass and Natsuki was gone."

Tomoe had made sure to tranquilize Nao and a bunch of students in surrounding tents the night before just to make sure Natsuki would receive no help had she yelled for any. Shizuru had heard students murmuring about it this morning but no one seemed to take it seriously. It was done early enough in the morning that they woke up on time for class. Most students brushed it off as a mere prank.

Shizuru blinked. "A tranquilizer?"

"I think I know who tranquilized me. Tomoe. No surprise there." Nao rolled her eyes. "But that bitch—er, I mean…that girl…she definitely did it to me and the surrounding tents, only, not Natsuki. Natsuki would've said something by now." Nao tapped her long nails against Shizuru's desk. "Okay, listen, I'm worried about Natsuki okay? Just tell me she's alright."

Surprise flickered only for a second in Shizuru's eyes before she went back to her usual calm and composed demeanor. It was almost funny how Nao switched between calling her Natsuki and Kuga.

"She's alright," Shizuru said quietly. "There's no need to worry about her. Do you…" Shizuru cleared her throat to get rid of any evidence of 'personal interest' in her tone. "Do you know what happened last night?" Shizuru wasn't sure if she should be asking Nao this. First of all, Nao probably hadn't seen anything since she had been unconscious. Secondly, maybe Natsuki would tell her when she got back. And lastly, she was insinuating that she knew Natsuki was alright and where she was. Shizuru trusted Nao when it came to their shared object of desire, but still. This wasn't something she should be making public.

Nao shook her head with a frown. Now that they had some sort of understanding for each other—they both cared about the same person—Nao was able to meet Shizuru in the eyes when she spoke. "As I said, I caught a glimpse of Tomoe and then I blacked out. About last night, I think it's safe to assume something happened with Natsuki and Tomoe since Natsuki wasn't in the tent this morning and I still haven't seen her or Tomoe. She would've…she would've checked on me or let me know she's okay." Nao nodded, mostly to reassure herself. Natsuki wouldn't just leave the tent in the middle of the night without telling her right?

Of course she had no idea Natsuki had done just that…but only because she didn't plan on returning.

Shizuru knew Nao had feelings for Natsuki. It was a little obvious since that first week they met. The Kyoto goddess remembered marveling at how well the two girls got along. Ara…at least Nao has a chance with Natsuki. THEIR relationship wouldn't be illegal. "I assure you Natsuki is fine. When I see her I'll send her over to see you." Shizuru waited for Nao to say something else. This was almost sort of awkward.

Nao finally nodded. "Okay, whatever. D-Don't tell her I was worried or anything," Nao warned as she turned and walked towards the exit.

"Ara…I won't," Shizuru replied as Nao disappeared through the doorway.

---

"Na-tsu-ki…" Shizuru whispered into the drooling Natsuki's ear. Ara, is it pathetic that I think even her ears are unnaturally cute?

Natsuki stirred slightly but only let out a, "Ungh." Whatever that means.

Shizuru giggled. She lowered her face closer. Natsuki's face was buried in a pillow. The scent of Shizuru had sent her off into one of the best sleeps she had ever had. Waking up would take a lot.

Shizuru traced the side of Natsuki's face with a slender finger. She trailed down to Natsuki's chin and waited for the girl's reaction. There was slight wincing. She felt pain from touch even in her sleep? What was up with that anyways? Natsuki had seemed to be okay with Shizuru's touch. At least, they had worked most of it out. If anything Shizuru was sure Natsuki even maybe liked it when Shizuru touched her.

"Natsuki…wake up," Shizuru whispered into the girl's ear. Her lips were mere centimeters away.

Natsuki grumbled at the warm breath on her ear. A slit of emerald looked up at Shizuru through a half-lidded eye. The teacher stepped back to watch her work. Damn the girl was cute when she justwoke up. "Shi-Shizuru…?" Natsuki asked. It was so hard to tell if she was dreaming when Shizuru was around. Any dreams she had these days, if she was lucky, tended to involve her gorgeous teacher. They were never sexual. Or well, that's what Natsuki told herself. Mostly when she woke up from those dreams she just had a lingering feeling that Shizuru had been in them though she had instantly forgotten what had happened during them.

Shizuru's lips curved into a warm smile. "Ara…Natsuki was having good dreams?" Shizuru sat on the edge of the bed and brushed a few strands of raven hair out of her student's now wide awake eyes.

Natsuki blushed and sat up. "I don't remember," Natsuki replied with a shrug. That was true. She didn't have nightmares for once but at the same time, she couldn't even remember her dreams. Had Natsuki not been completely oblivious to everything and everyone around her, she may have noticed Shizuru's actions being a little bit odd for a teacher. A little more than affectionate, you could say intimate even. Then again, the girl had just woken up. Her thinking wasn't really catching up with her either.

Natsuki winced slightly. Sitting up, she had forgotten about her abdomen and its current state of distress thanks to Akio and his foot last night. She would bet money they had gotten black and blue, much like Tomoe's first attack on her. It's a good thing she was in shape, those blows could have caused some serious bleeding for someone with less strong abs.

Shizuru frowned. While she was happy that they were sitting very close to each other, she couldn't help but notice Natsuki wince. She thought about what Nao had said earlier. Natsuki had been gone, meaning there was a good chance people had been tranquilized so someone could get to Natsuki. Probably Tomoe. But why? And did she hurt her? Again...? Shizuru felt her blood slowly start to boil. There was also Alyssa's letter.

Alyssa's letter had said something about, 'The question that you haven't thought of yet.' Would that mean….'Who hurt Natsuki?' Well, wait, she was getting ahead of herself. "Natsuki are you alright?" Shizuru couldn't just swarm in there and rip off the girl's clothes, though the idea was pretty nice…

Natsuki forced a smile. "I'm fine, thanks." Crap I've got to get out of here before she starts asking more questions. I won't get her anymore involved with dad than I already have…if something happens to her…I wouldn't be able to live with myself. I should also go check on Nao…

"Natsuki you would…you would tell me if something were…wrong right?" Shizuru asked slowly and quietly. The look she got from Natsuki made her want to shake the secrets out of the girl. There was something. It had something to do with Akio since Natsuki seemed to be acting so strangely since he appeared. There were also some things she said about being afraid to go home that one day. And then there were those first week bruises and…'don't let him hurt me's. It was probable that…well wait, hadn't those already been attributed to mystery boyfriend? And Akio was the one to tell Shizuru about him, but still, the boyfriend's never been confirmed by anyone else. If Akio had been hurting Natsuki though, surely the girl would say something. Right? Doesn't she trust me? Ara, what's wrong with me? I may not like the man but to say he would do such a horrible thing to his own daughter…

Akio. She knew he was no longer a good guy, but just how bad of a bad guy is he? And if he were truly as bad as Shizuru's new thoughts were taking her, wouldn't Natsuki have told her by now? Shizuru frowned. What was she thinking? Akio was clearly not as nice as he seemed but she saw the way he looked at Natsuki…there was love there, he wouldn't hurt her…not like…not like that.

Right?

Natsuki swallowed and avoided Shizuru's searching gaze. She was afraid if she started drowning in crimson pools she'd speak and endanger all her friends' lives. But…this wasn't just about Natsuki anymore, was it? Keeping it a secret had been okay when it was just her. She was ashamed and embarrassed and felt completely and utterly wrong but telling people was always out of the question for her. It had been her problem and she would fix it. Trust no one. These circumstances were different though, and did she still trust no one?

Now it was looking like maybe…just maybe, it would be the right thing to do, to tell someone that is. For her friends' sake at least. But did she trust Shizuru? She wasn't sure. Shizuru was…well…amazing. No that word was just an understatement, Shizuru was indescribable in her greatness. But did that mean she could help Natsuki without Akio finding out?

Natsuki pictured this option and saw an angry Shizuru stomping off to go end Akio. Or Shizuru glaring at Akio and Akio noticing and then killing her, or killing them both. No. Natsuki wouldn't risk hurting Shizuru like that. She'd have to just go along with this until a better option showed itself…or something.

Shizuru didn't believe the girl's response, and she knew the smile was forced, but she decided not to pry. Natsuki would…Natsuki would tell her. She had tried hard to gain the girl's trust and if she didn't have it by now considering all they've been through then there really wasn't much hope for them.

"Nao was worried about you," Shizuru said after a moment. She was still sitting on the bed near Natsuki. Ara, should I not have told Natsuki that? She vaguely remembered Nao telling her not to.

Natsuki found herself staring at her teacher's lips. Why am I…? God Kuga get a grip. Natsuki instantly met her teacher's eyes. What had she just said? Something about Nao. "Oh that reminds me," Natsuki said as she made to get up. Shizuru blinked but got up and took a few steps away.

Natsuki stood up and stretched. "I have to go see Nao." And make sure she's safe.

Shizuru frowned slightly but nodded. "Yes, I told her I'd send you over."

Natsuki stretched her arms by tugging on them and twisting. Shizuru found this very interesting. When she was done she placed a hand up to her mouth and yawned. She brought her emerald gaze and rested it on Shizuru once again. "Alright, thanks. I guess they're where they usually are." Meaning by that wooden table. They hadn't been there in a while since the 'Marguerite' pool construction started since it was right nearby but she figured she'd go check anyways. "Um…"

Natsuki tried out a few ways of saying goodbye in her mind and they didn't sound bad until she added, 'oh and thanks for letting me sleep in your bed after finding me outside your door last night. I know I sound like Tomoe!' Natsuki's eyebrows furrowed, and Shizuru had no idea why.

There was an awkward silence. Finally Natsuki moved towards the door. The movement caused her body to ache slightly but the sleep had helped a lot and she was able to pull off walking normally as if everything was fine. She looked over her shoulder briefly. "Uh, thanks for letting me stay here," she said uneasily.

Shizuru's eyes locked with her student's. If a silence filled the room, they didn't notice it. Noiseless seconds ticked by as they stared deeply into the other's eyes. Eventually, Natsuki broke free her gaze and turned back around to the door. Why do we always go quiet and stare…? Her shaky hand was on the doorknob, afraid to face the world and leave Shizuru's safety behind yet again.

"Natsuki, I'm always thinking about you," Shizuru said quietly, still standing near the side of the bed. She knew she was taking a risk with saying that, but well, it was true. "Don't forget that."

Natsuki paused. Half her body was frozen, the other half was burning hot. Such a great sensation, knowing someone cared. It was completely new to the cobalt beauty. She really only felt this way when she was with Shizuru. It was comforting, but at the same time confusing and frightening…Natsuki had no idea why this happened or what was going on with her.

Natsuki swallowed. She knew Shizuru didn't mean her last comment in a…um, romantic way, yet her mind wondered what that would be like. She quickly shook the thought. No way. Her teacher meaning something like that in a romantic way? Hah! Why was she even…why was she even thinking about such things? The way she said it seemed so…it just…it wasn't: 'oh no problem, you know I'm always thinking about your well-being as my student', it was…it just felt different than that. It was ME...she's thinking about. And I know she does. 'Always' is such a strong word though…

To say 'always'…well that was the key word right? What exactly did that mean? And why was Natsuki obsessing over this… say something Kuga!

"Natsuki…?" Shizuru asked, worry evident in her tone. Had she said too much? She had fought with herself over admitting it out loud like that to Natsuki. Eventually she convinced herself Natsuki was too oblivious to get the meaning anyways, but alas, that seemed to be just rationalization. "I didn't mean…"

"I'm grateful," Natsuki said after a moment in her usual husky voice. She turned around and gave a dumbstruck Shizuru a small smile. "But," she turned back to the door, face darkening. "I don't know how well your thoughts will do for us." Natsuki turned the knob, opened the door, and strode out, dark raven hair flowing behind her. The door closed.

Shizuru stood there staring. Oh. She hadn't expected that.

---

Natsuki walked in the strange slouched yet determined way of hers all the way from the Teacher's Residence Halls to where she and her friends tended to hang out. She felt relieved once she saw Nao's fiery red hair in the distance. Her roommate was sitting at the wooden table, examining her nails and Akio was nowhere in sight. Natsuki approached her and said nothing when she was standing straight in front of her. She was too preoccupied with thoughts of her teachers to realize she was just standing their awkwardly, hovering above her best friend.

Nao looked up from her nails, blinked back her surprise, and smiled wickedly. "Oh, Kuga, how nice of you to join us." With her tone, Natsuki would've never guessed the girl had been so worried about her earlier that morning.

Natsuki looked down and smiled as if it were some type of robotic, habitual thing to do in Nao's presence. But really she was thinking about Shizuru. Still. Do I think about you always as well? Always?

"Hey Nao," Natsuki said after she regained her focus. She plopped down rather ungracefully next to her friend. "Haven't seen you in a while, what's up?"

Nao watched her carefully. Nao wasn't stupid. Not at all. Natsuki was hiding something from everyone. "Well I woke up with a tranquilizer in my ass this morning. Have fun with Tomoe last night?" Nao quirked a brow in the ice beauty's direction, a glint of amusement in her eyes as Natsuki's eyes widened in response.

"W-What?" Natsuki stammered. How did Nao know about Tomoe? Did she follow them last night? No way, because she'd just said she'd been hit with a tranquilizer and Nao probably would've helped if she knew what was going on.

Nao yawned and looked away from Natsuki, staring across the grounds through half-lidded kelly-green eyes. "I'm pretty sure Tomoe snuck into everyone's tent last night and shot them to make sure you wouldn't wake them up if you yelled for help," Nao replied in her bored tone. She turned her head to meet Natsuki's eyes again. "Right? So where've you been since last night, or I guess, early this morning, Kuga?"

Natsuki was speechless. "U-Uh." Natsuki tried to think of some type of excuse or lie. She couldn't tell Nao that Tomoe had taken her to, well, her father. Because then she'd have to explain why that's a bad thing and she really didn't feel the need. Also, the 'I slept in our teacher's bed last night' seemed like something else she should avoid sharing with the world. Not like there had been anything…inappropriate about it. It was just embarrassing and she didn't want Shizuru to get in trouble. Oh right, and Nao loves to tease her.

Nao sighed. "You don't have to tell me, I'm just glad you're—" Nao coughed quickly. "Here to go swimming," she finished lamely. Safe.

That caught Natsuki off-guard. "Come again?" Swimming? Surely she didn't mean Tomoe's pool. She didn't have a problem with the older pool, though it was usually crowded anyways. A second pool had been a good idea. Natsuki shivered at the thought of getting in now though, it was pretty chilly.

Nao almost instantly stood up and started pulling off her shirt. Natsuki barely managed to drag Nao's shirt back over her head before it was fully pulled off. "What the hell are you doing?!" Natsuki growled, now standing up.

Nao smirked. "Aw, Kuga, you're such a prude…geez." She reached for Natsuki's top and quickly unbuttoned the uppermost button.

Natsuki looked down in shock then moved back and quickly buttoned it up again. She glared at Nao. "Seriously, what are you? Nuts?" Well okay we knew that.

Nao rolled her eyes and was about to speak when a new voice came from behind them.

"Um, excuse me ladies?" Natsuki looked passed Nao and saw someone she hadn't noticed at all. In fact she didn't recognize him either. Had he been sitting behind Nao that whole time?

"Who the hell are you?" Natsuki practically yelled.

The boy looked confused. He looked at Nao who just rolled her eyes at him. He met Natsuki's glare again and whimpered slightly. "I'm Kenji, Nao's…" he tilted his head and watched her for some sort of hint as to what they are. She ignored his look and went back to filing her nails. "Boyfriend?" He said unsurely.

Natsuki glanced at Nao, who was busy filing her nails. Nao definitely did not have a boyfriend. She grabbed Nao's wrist and tugged her into a hug. Kenji looked on confused, wondering if he was going to get some sort of show. Nao was also caught off-guard by the sudden movement and then the hug.

"Uh, Natsuki?" Nao asked semi-worried. Her head was now resting on Natsuki's shoulder. And then she felt Natsuki's hand on her ass. "What the hell are you doing, may I ask?" Nao asked, moving her head slightly as if to look over her shoulder.

Natsuki then gently pushed Nao away and held up something in the air towards Kenji. A wallet. A wallet that had been stuffed into Nao's back pocket. "You sure she's your girlfriend?" Natsuki asked, eyebrow lifted, smirk in place.

Nao growled. Kuga was bad for business. "Kuga!" And she had been working on that guy all day. Goddamn. All that hard work for nothing. He had been quite the fun challenge though.

Kenji blinked in surprise and instantly stood up. He made to grab for the wallet but Natsuki quickly held it behind her back. He glared at her. "Give me that! It's mine!" He yelled.

Natsuki nodded. "Tell me you won't ever go near Nao again," Natsuki demanded.

Kenji, who had in fact been in the middle of planning revenge on Nao, forced a nod. "Fine, just give me—" Natsuki shoved the wallet into his hand and raised a brow, signaling his time to leave. He glared at her then at Nao, who he had thought was his new girlfriend. "Fine!" He said again. And off he went, storming towards the Academics building. Mumbles of, "Fucking femme fatales," could be heard until he was out of range.

Natsuki watched him leave then turned back to an annoyed looking Nao. Natsuki grinned. "You really should stop doing that you know," she said nonchalantly.

Nao glared at her, "You know I was working all day just to get him to lower his guard. Guy is paranoid or something. I've never met a guy that expected me to rob them the second I met them."

Natsuki sighed. "You know, God shouldn't have given you such good looks, you only use your powers for evil." Natsuki laughed slightly but stopped when she realized Nao was looking away and blushing. Oh right. They weren't supposed to joke about that anymore. Natsuki sighed again. "Ah, well I mean, the guy clearly is a good judge on character and should've listened to his gut instinct that you are bad news."

Nao looked back up, impish expression on her face. "Well if you're insulting me to try and cover up the fact that you only saw the wallet because you were checking out my ass…" Nao didn't have to finish, Natsuki was already bright red. The redhead let out hyena-like laughter and then dragged Natsuki off in the direction of the newly built and filled pool.

The pool wasn't open yet to the students. It was finished yes, but just that day they had finished. They were going to give the honors to Tomoe later today, and she was going to dive in to signify the opening of the new pool. As Natsuki and Nao got closer they realized the whole pool had 'DO NOT ENTER' tape surrounding it.

Of course, Natsuki's friends had other plans.

"Natsuki! Nao! Hey!" Chie waved. She was standing by the edge of the pool with Mai, but they were listening to the words on the tape and had not snuck under it.

Natsuki allowed herself to be dragged in front of them by Nao, who looked back at her annoyed. "God, Kuga, I can't believe I had to drag you all the way here."

All four girls stood by the pool and talked for a few minutes, though Natsuki was mostly just pretending to listen. Every once in a while she would offer a 'mmm,' or a nod just to show she was paying attention.

Suddenly, Nao slipped out her nail file. The other three girls looked at the nail file, looked at Nao's maniacal expression, and then exchanged worried glances.

"Nao…?" Chie asked. "You okay there?"

Nao snorted and sliced the nail file through the air. At first no one knew what she did…and then they realized the 'DO NOT ENTER' tape had fallen. "Oh dear," she said, placing her hands on her cheeks and looking ever-so shocked. "However did that happen?" Nao snickered as she stepped closer to the pool.

Chie and Mai laughed and joined her. Natsuki watched as her friends looked down into the untouched water. She had a feeling they were going to, uh, defile Tomoe's family's brand new pool. Before Tomoe could at least.

Natsuki hated herself for endangering them like this.

Nao tore off her top, revealing a pink bra. She then took off her army boots and pulled off her pants, revealing matching panties. She winked at Natsuki over her shoulder and then…she pushed Chie and Mai in. With their clothes on.

Mai and Chie both came sputtering to the surface. "HEY!" They yelled.

Nao and Natsuki burst into laughter. Laughter felt good. She needed to do that more.

Mai and Chie soon joined in, before Mai playfully splashed some water onto Nao, who stopped laughing and glared at the other redhead.

"What are you waiting for?" Chie yelled to the two still on land. "Come on in, before Tomoe gets here."

Nao snorted. "You think I threw you guys in there because I didn't want Tomoe to see we're already tainting her pool? On the contrary, I was counting on it." Nao turned around and grabbed Natsuki's arm. She pulled the smiling raven haired girl closer to her so that they were side-by-side. This was all for Natsuki. Nao wanted to see her smile. She was sick of seeing the girl look like her life was ending. And, okay, part of it was just to see the look on Tomoe's face. Payback, bitch.

Natsuki laughed with the rest of them but she didn't plan on going in. Not only was she sure she had nasty bruises under her clothes, but she had matters to attend to, like making sure Akio was nowhere near Shizuru. A part of Natsuki's mind, the part that wasn't damaged by Akio, told her to do a cannonball and have some fun! Shizuru was probably in rooms crowded with parents, she wasn't in any danger.

"Come on, Natsuki," Nao whispered. She winked. "Jump on in."

Natsuki slowly stopped laughing and fought the very embarrassing urge to hug the redhead. Who, by the way, was pretty hot. Eventually Natsuki just shook her head, arms folded. "No way. It's too cold and I'd rather just watch anyways." Natsuki paused, realizing that sounded perverted. "That's not what I meant!" Natsuki yelled with her hands flailing around, face heating up.

"Riiiight, Kuga," Nao teased. She pulled out her nail file from the pile of clothes on the floor. She glanced up at Natsuki, meeting her friend's curious eyes. "You know, the pool is named Lieutenant Shizuru Fujino pool."

Natsuki quirked a brow and cocked her head. "Yeah, it's stupid. So?"

Nao grinned. "So this is the closest you'll ever get to being inside a wet Fujino!" Nao yelled happily, feeling pure and utter glee at making quite possibly the best joke of the year.

Natsuki's jaw dropped. The expression on Natsuki's face was priceless and Nao burst into practical seizures of laughter. Oh GODS that was good. A part of her heart ached slightly. Nao had noticed the way Shizuru spoke about Natsuki this morning, how she tried to act uninterested but the glimmer in her crimson eyes whenever one of them mentioned Natsuki…it was a little bit of a giveaway.

Natsuki could do little more than gape at Nao as the redhead chuckled uncontrollably, holding her gut in her hands like Santa Claus or something. Natsuki knew Nao had become untrusting of Shizuru since Natsuki and her teacher had gotten so close. She never understood why. But if Nao was insinuating that Natsuki had a crush on her teacher…well…that was just ludicrous!

Ridiculous!

Crazy!

Wrong!

Absurd!

And. Er. Yeah. There's no way. Nao's nuts. Natsuki reassured herself. Why did she need to reassure herself about something like this? There's nothing to reassure, she knows there's no…weird messed up feeling for her damn teacher! Har har har Nao was hilarious…hilarious.

Natsuki managed to close her mouth when Nao's chuckles slowly started dying away. The ice princess was glad Chie and Mai were too busy splashing each other in the pull to have heard Nao's little joke.

Nao slipped her nail file to her right hand when she was done laughing, though the wicked grin wasn't wiped off her face. "Getting in the pool, Kuga?" She said when she realized Natsuki wasn't going to comment on her little joke.

Natsuki unfolded her arms and looked towards the pool. "I would, I'm just not in the mood."

Nao shrugged. "Okay," she whipped her hand through the air.

A second went by.

Natsuki's buttons all dropped to the ground, ripping her shirt open down the middle, and revealing those famous, yet busted abdominals. Natsuki let out a rather girly shriek, looked down, and winced. Ouch. They looked a lot worse than the ones she had gotten from Tomoe. It was as if her whole torso was black and blue, minus her boobs. Natsuki quickly pulled her shirt together again and, ever so slowly, she looked up at Nao again.

The nail file dropped from the redhead's hands. Nao's green eyes widened. "N-Natsuki," she breathed. She slowly lifted her hand and rested it on Natsuki's right hand, which was currently holding the left side of her shirt against the right side, masking the ugly bruises.

Natsuki watched in pure and utter horror as Nao's eyes got shiny, as if they were about to tear up. Nao doesn't cry. She just doesn't. Natsuki, so transfixed was she on Nao's eyes, didn't resist when Nao lightly tugged Natsuki's hands off the shirt. The shirt fell apart again.

Nao's eyes turned to rage instead of sadness. "That bitch," she growled, eyes still on Natsuki's injuries.

Natsuki blinked. "Who?" It didn't really register with her that Nao didn't know about Akio. Dense.

"Tomoe!" Nao yelled. "Who else?"

Natsuki blinked again. Oh right. "Uh," Natsuki wasn't sure whether to go along with this and place the blame on Tomoe or to make up some excuse Nao probably wouldn't believe anyways. Natsuki settled for avoiding the topic all together. "Yeah I'm gonna go…get a new shirt. I'll see you guys later."

"Oh no you don't," Nao said pulling her back. "You're not going to explain? I mean, I let you off the hook before, but with that," she gestured to Natsuki's stomach, "you can't not explain now!"

Mai and Chie were both watching silently from the pool. They had seen when Nao ruined Natsuki's shirt, but from their angle couldn't see the damage. Still, from Nao's reaction they could tell it would be pretty bad. The three girls had spoken earlier about what may have happened last night (Mai was not shot with a tranquilizer, because her tent is nowhere near their tents and she lives in Anh's Tent sector).

"Ara, I believe Private Yuuki has a point," Shizuru said. Her voice seemed to float through the air but despite it being so honey-sweet, Natsuki picked up wholesome rage and fury that matched that of Nao's. Shizuru was just better at hiding it, sugar-coating her intense anger with her calm and sexy Kyoto-ben.

Natsuki and Nao broke eye contact and looked to where Shizuru was standing a few feet away. The woman had her arms crossed, and man did she look angry.

"Shi—Shizuru…" Natsuki realized that today was not her day.

Nao glanced at her. "Shizuru?"

"Er, Lieutenant Fujino!" Natsuki corrected herself quickly. She was pretty sure Nao knew she was on a first-name basis with their teacher, still, Nao always felt the need to point it out to her for some reason. Probably to emphasize the fact that it was weird.

Shizuru stood still. Her eyes held Natsuki's gaze for a few seconds before trailing down her student's body and lingering over the bruised abdomen. Tomoe had gone too far this time. So this is what Alyssa's letter meant? Her 'hunch' that Tomoe was the answer to the question, 'Who did this to Natsuki?'

What irked Shizuru just as much was the fact that Natsuki had hidden this from her. Even Alyssa was under the impression that Natsuki trusted Shizuru enough to share her 'condition' but apparently they were both wrong.

"Well, um," Natsuki coughed nervously, "I guess I'll get going now." She began walking off, and this time Nao didn't try and stop her.

The redhead already knew Tomoe would be coming to the pool later on anyways, so might as well wait for the bitch to show up and teach her a lesson. Well, Nao was assuming Mai and Chie would help her out since taking on Tomoe by herself was not such a good idea. Natsuki didn't have to be around for the beat down anyways, it didn't matter to Nao as long as she got to teach Tomoe why you don't mess with Nao's friends.

Natsuki felt the familiar feeling of crimson eyes following her every movement but she didn't turn to face it. If she had turned, however, she'd see that behind the beautiful owner of those red eyes were a few parents looking on puzzled. Shizuru had been giving some parents a tour and when she saw Natsuki near the pool she decided to show the parents the pool. She had of course forgotten the parents were there when she saw Natsuki's injuries, mostly due to shock.

Shizuru watched the fleeing back of Natsuki and resisted the urge to chase after her, knock her down, and demand she explain what happened last night. Tomoe. All troubling thoughts and theories on Akio were pushed out of her mind when she thought of her star student having the guts to attack her favorite student like that! Such a coward! Doing it in the middle of the night and making sure no one would come to Natsuki's aid. Tomoe made a huge mistake as far as Shizuru was concerned.

---

The ice princess snail-walked all the way back to her tent and sighed, sprawling out on her bed and staring up at the tent's ceiling. What a mess.

Should I tell them it wasn't Tomoe? She inwardly winced, that would mean she'd have to explain who really did it. Besides, Tomoe deserved some negative attention, especially with her parents around. Natsuki snickered. 'Oh our dearest, most talented daughter is actually psychotic? Good gracious!'

Natsuki turned onto her side and stared at Nao's empty bed. Nao was getting pretty restless too. She knows Natsuki well, that was for sure. But Natsuki wasn't sure she wanted anyone knowing her that well. It made things harder to hide, and, as Akio proved, put her friends in danger. Natsuki groaned and rested her forearm over her eyes. This wasn't supposed to happen. Shouldn't have happened. All because of that damn letter she couldn't get to in time.

Where was Akio anyways? Usually the bastard showed up sometime, like now, to make her life even more miserable. Not like she was getting all emo about it, she's just given up. No point in fighting it now. She was screwed. Slowly, Natsuki fell asleep.

Natsuki woke up in a hospital. But she knew from the floating Duran stuffed animal that yes, this was definitely a dream. She sighed. 'Wake up, wake up, wake up.'

"Natsuki," Saeko said with a smile. "You're dreaming."

Natsuki looked up. "Mom…," she returned the smile. "And yes, I know." No point in crying over an illusion. Natsuki folded her arms and, though her mother wasn't really there, she couldn't pull her eyes away. It was a long time since she last saw her mother alive. "Haven't had one in a while, actually," Natsuki said after a moment of awkward silence.

Saeko, who was truly the mirror-image of Natsuki except with glasses and a long white doctor's coat, took a few steps closer to Natsuki. "Yes, your nightmares are getting worse. I'm worried about you."

Natsuki rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you are worried, figment of my imagination." Still, the words brought back thoughts of Shizuru and Nao. They were both really worried about her. "Well if you don't mind, Mother, I really should start waking up right about now. Things to do, people to avoid, ya know?" Natsuki got up and dusted her imaginary jeans off.

"You know, Natsuki, your father…Akio…there's a way…"

Natsuki made a gagging noise and stuck her finger in her mouth. God no she was not having a cliché 'HAVE HOPE!' dream. No. Fucking. Way. She waved her arms around. "Whoa whoa, say no more, I really don't think I could handle a sappy…" her voice trailed off, her eyes met her mother's near-identical ones.

Her mother smiled at her.

That was it. That was what she needed to do. Sure, she didn't know how long she'd have to wait to put that into action…but it just might work. Eventually. Hopefully.

---

It was late by the time Shizuru got to her apartment in the Teacher's Residence Halls. She hadn't seen Akio all day, and after Natsuki left she hadn't seen her either. Shizuru slid her hand into her pocket with a sigh and pulled out her keys. They jingled against the others as she fit it into the lock and turned the door knob, pushing the door open with her shoulder.

"Shizuru," Alyssa greeted with a nod and a smile as she stood up from her previous sitting position on the edge of Shizuru's bed. Her arms folded and her smile turned into a lopsided grin. The enemy colonel's blonde hair wasn't up in the usual pony-tail, instead it was framing her hawk-like features. She was quite wickedly beautiful and, well, unexpected.

Shizuru lifted a slender brow, turned around and locked her door, then faced her old friend once again. "Ara, what a surprise," Shizuru said. She leaned against her door and returned Alyssa's smile. "I got your letter."

Alyssa nodded. "And threw it in the trash after crumpling it. You should at least recycle…" Alyssa tilted her head when she saw the familiar amused expression on the Kyoto beauty's face. "Did Kuga Natsuki ever tell you? Was my hunch correct?"

Shizuru sighed, closed her eyes, and rubbed at her temples. "I'm not sure," Shizuru finally answered after a moment. She folded her arms and looked up to meet those familiar icy blue eyes. "She didn't tell me anything. I found out because her roommate happened to slice her clothes off."

Laughter bubbled up from the bottom of Alyssa's chest and the usually intimidating woman shook with laughter. She finally stopped and wiped a tear away. "You're kidding." She saw the very un-amused face on Shizuru and chuckled. "Sorry, sorry, it's just your face. I can tell you're not sure what to feel." Alyssa shrugged. Shizuru had seemed a little jealous, annoyed, angry, frustrated, and fucking tired.

Shizuru sighed and tilted her chin up so the back of her head was resting against the door. She peered at Alyssa who was watching her curiously. "It's just…" Shizuru started, "I don't know how to feel. And I wish I didn't have these…feelings," Shizuru finished quietly, eyes closing. They were getting harder and harder to satisfy, these feelings. So damn insatiable.

Alyssa cracked her back by twisting her body and finished with a yawn. "Yeah well, you know what they say, Amor animi arbitrio sumitur, non ponitur," Alyssa grumbled.

Shizuru opened her eyes and canted her head to the side, a truly puzzled expression on her face. "Who says that?"

Alyssa shrugged. "Latin scholars? How should I know. Anyways, I was just checking up on the sitch," Alyssa winced. She did not just say that. "-ATION! Situation…" she corrected quickly.

Shizuru nodded and pushed herself off the door. She walked to Alyssa and they embraced. Shizuru was a little shorter than Alyssa, and so she wrapped her arms around the taller girl's neck. "Ara, I didn't know you speak latin," Shizuru said into Alyssa's shoulder.

Alyssa snickered. "I didn't know you were into students, but I guess you learn something new every day," Alyssa teased as she released Shizuru's waist and they both stepped back from each other. Shizuru was, of course, glaring at her, which she found absolutely hilarious. Alyssa grinned. "Aw don't give me that look."

Shizuru almost pouted, before she caught herself. Man it was like being a student at Garderobe all over again. Her mask was always a lot looser around Alyssa. In fact she wondered if she wore it at all around the blonde colonel. "Alyssa, what did that mean? The Latin?"

Alyssa yawned through slender fingers then walked towards the door. "It means, 'We choose to love, we do not choose who to cease loving,'" Alyssa turned around before opening the door and offered Shizuru a wicked smile, "I was in AP Latin."

Shizuru lifted a slender brow. "Oh?" She was silent for a minute as she thought on that phrase. Seemed pretty accurate to her. There was nothing she could do about her feelings for Natsuki, even if she wished things were easier and she hadn't been cursed to feel something for someone she would never have. Still though, was it a curse? Or was it a blessing, despite the pain it surely would bring her? The pain it did bring her.

Alyssa smirked then waved. "I'm gonna sneak out of here before Haruka throws a fit, but I'll catch you later, alright, Shizuru?"

Shizuru smirked at the 'catch you later' part, since that just may be the case. "Don't get caught," Shizuru warned, still smiling.

Alyssa scoffed, "As if," and walked out, closing the door behind her. She glanced at her watch when she was in the hallway. Wow. 10pm already?

---

Natsuki opened the door to the Teacher's Residence Halls and walked down the hall towards Shizuru's door. She paused halfway there when she heard a door opening. She wasn't sure which door was Akio's but she knew he had a room in this building.

Emerald eyes widened at the flash of gold and then the sight of piercing blue. What the hell was Alyssa doing here? And…coming out of Shizuru's room? Natsuki froze to the spot when Alyssa smirked at her. The Garderobe student quickly shoved the items she was carrying behind her back. There was no way in hell she was letting Alyssa see those. Oi…too bad they're hard to hide.

Alyssa, still smirking, turned in Natsuki's direction and began walking down the hall. She stopped when she was in front of the wide-eyed student. "Boo?" Alyssa tried. Natsuki flinched. Alyssa threw back her head and laughed. She eventually composed herself and grinned at the now glaring Natsuki. "I hear you're not into sharing," Alyssa said after a minute. Of course she meant Natsuki's late night issues.

Natsuki, for some reason, wondered if Alyssa meant sharing Shizuru. The blonde haired colonel did just come out of her room. Wait what am I talking about? Sharing Shizuru? Am I nuts? She's not mine to share! God, Kuga, you're losing it. Natsuki's eyebrows furrowed as she argued with herself.

Alyssa watched on, amused. She was well aware of the fact that her words could be misinterpreted, she had really just done it to see the girl squirm. Whether Natsuki knew it or not, she was a little closer to the Lieutenant than she probably was aware of. Alyssa watched on with interest and then tilted her head and said, "You can relax, Kuga Natsuki. I wasn't talking about your lieutenant."

Natsuki snapped out of her thoughts. "W-What are you talking about?! Idiot!"

Alyssa quirked a brow. "Excuse me?" Her piercing eyes bored into Natsuki's own.

Natsuki suppressed a very sudden urge to 'eep!' and instead looked away from the icy blue gaze of the intimidating colonel. "Er, nothing…"

Alyssa's lips tugged into a smirk. She craned her neck to look around Natsuki. "What do you have there, Private?"

Natsuki took a step back and glared upwards. "N-Nothing! What are you doing here anyways? Shouldn't you be back at Fuuka?"

Alyssa shrugged. "I wanted to pay Shizuru a visit. Besides, Parent's Day always has me interested." Alyssa had visited Anh and Reito. One she joked and talked with, the other she gave a wedgie too and left whimpering in the men's room. You can guess who she did what to, though she expertly avoided Haruka. Not like they hadn't been friends before, but Haruka took her job so seriously, and was damn strict about the stupid rules.

Natsuki grumbled. "Parent's Day sucks," Natsuki declared. "Anyways…I have to go."

Alyssa smiled and nodded, waiting for Natsuki to walk passed her so she could catch a glimpse of whatever the girl was hiding behind her back. It looked like it was a pillow. A small one.

Natsuki just stood there. She was waiting for Alyssa to move so she could hide what she was holding behind her back and just get to Shizuru's room. Alyssa sighed, closed the gap between her and the Garderobe student, and reached behind the girl's back. She tugged the items away and held them up in the air, above Natsuki's reach.

"Give me those!" Natsuki yelled as she jumped. Damn, Alyssa was tall! She gave up and averted her gaze, she didn't want to see Alyssa's surely amused expression. Her cheeks burned red as she stared at the floor.

Alyssa, seeing Natsuki gave up on retrieving the items, pulled them down and actually got a chance to examine them. "Holy hell," Alyssa breathed. "How. Freaking. Adorable," Alyssa cooed in a mocking tone. She glanced down at the now bright red Natsuki. "Pillow and blankets? You're cuter than I thought. The feisty stuff is just an act, then?"

Natsuki looked up and swiped the pillow and blanket back. "Shut up!"

Alyssa grinned down at her then shrugged. "Whatever, I'm not judging." She patted Natsuki on the head. "Goodbye, Kuga Natsuki." Alyssa walked passed a fuming Natsuki and muttered, "Amantes sunt amentes (Lovers are lunatics)."

Natsuki blinked. She had taken latin at her old school, along with French. She personally liked French better (it was one damn sexy language), but she was made fun of whenever she tried to speak with the accent, so she tended to speak in latin more…which resulted in her doing better in the language. Natsuki quickly processed those words. Lovers are lunatics? What?

"Nescio quid dicas (I don't know what you're talking about)," Natsuki retorted, she turned to grin evilly at Alyssa, who for the first time that day, was genuinely surprised.

Alyssa's surprise soon turned to interest. "Apudne te vel me?" Alyssa of course just said that to test Natsuki's latin skills. The side of her mouth slightly lifted as Natsuki put on her cute thinking face.

Natsuki processed this slowly. Apudne…te vel me…? Your place or…Natsuki blinked. Did Alyssa just say 'your place or mine?'

Alyssa practically cheered when Natsuki turned bright red. "So you understood that?"

Natsuki nodded and glared, realizing Alyssa had meant to tease her. "A little," Natsuki admitted. "But I'm pretty sure that wouldn't have made sense back then."

Alyssa shrugged. "Screw them, they're dead. I can butcher their language as I see fit."

Natsuki smiled a little. Alyssa was cool, which Natsuki knew from the first day she 'met' the colonel.

"So," Alyssa said, wicked grin coming back to place. "Your place or mine?"

Natsuki rolled her eyes. "Cur tu me vexas? (Why do you annoy me?)" Natsuki then worked out something in her head. "Noli me vocate, ego te vocabo," she finished with a proud smile. The whole thing had been said slowly since she had been thinking of the wording while speaking. It should've said something along the lines of 'Don't call me, I'll call you.'

Alyssa chuckled. "You're good Kuga Natsuki. Vale (bye)," Alyssa said as she turned to leave. She paused then turned around again. "Natsuki?"

Natsuki, who had already began moving towards Shizuru's room again, turned around so that she was facing Alyssa. "What?"

Alyssa rolled her eyes at the rudeness then smirked, winked, and said, "Find your way or make your own, and when you're done? Emerge victorious."

Natsuki blinked. "Are we supposed to be having a meaningful moment right now?" She asked bluntly.

Alyssa snorted, she was a little annoyed Natsuki didn't appreciate her wise words. "Kids these days," she grumbled as she turned around and stalked out of the building.

Natsuki laughed a little (hey, she was sort of in a good mood, she had a semi-plan and she hadn't seen or heard from her hateful father all day) and then finally made her way to Shizuru's door. She took a deep breath and knocked.

---

Shizuru, who was wearing nothing but a white robe, glanced at the clock. 10:30pm? Her mind was running around in circles. One second she was thinking about the stress of Parent's Day, the next she was thinking about Natsuki and her bruises…and how her student didn't trust her enough to tell her something like that. Those looked positively nasty.

Shizuru assumed Natsuki had been taken and beaten by Tomoe last night and Natsuki had tried to get to Shizuru but ended up falling asleep by the door. Shizuru tried to call the bruises to mind. They looked bad. It was surprising Tomoe could even kick hard enough to make them look like that.

If Natsuki hadn't walked off, well, okay, if Shizuru had stopped Natsuki from walking off, maybe she could've gotten the girl to open up to her. Maybe she could've gotten some answers, but no, Shizuru had been too angry at the fact that Natsuki didn't trust her enough with these things to chase after her.

Shizuru had also planned to give Natsuki her first medicine lesson that day and yet she couldn't bring herself to go looking for the student. Her thoughts were along the lines of 'Fine, if she doesn't need me then I won't force her to see me.' She knew she was acting immature, yet the Kyoto woman still couldn't get Natsuki out of her mind. Even during a presentation she had suddenly said Natsuki's name…into a microphone…and the parents had stared at her weirdly.

That had been awkward. At least the last day of Parent's Day was coming up. That meant the Faculty and Parent's 'get together' which was a semi-formal event where the teachers and parents all 'mingled' in one giant tent. Drinks and food included. It was bothersome and annoying, having to talk to everyone's parents. At least there would be music. Hopefully it would be good this year.

She had seen Akio later on that day. He was walking out of the Garderobe store holding a bag with a box in it. She hadn't wanted to say hi to him but it would've seemed overly rude if she had just walked right by. Besides, she had a troop of parents following her around everywhere, she had to be nice. He had smiled and greeted her, but she could tell that for once he was not in the mood to torment her with his faux-innocent chitter-chatter. He looked like he was in a rush in fact.

She had asked him, 'What did you buy?' He had replied, 'Oh, a video camera to give to Na-chan as a gift.' She didn't believe him, but she didn't care enough, nor want to pry. Instead she had breezed on by him, other parents in tow.

Shizuru sighed and pulled the covers back on her bed…and then a funny idea hit her. She looked around her room, feeling like a mischievous child. Shizuru slowly lowered her face to the pillow Natsuki had used that morning and dug her nose into it. She sniffed and a sweet smell overwhelmed her nostrils. She had not expected Natsuki to leave such a strong smell. It wasn't gross or bad, it was purely Natsuki and there was no other way to describe it besides 'beautiful.'

Ara, I'm being silly, Shizuru thought as she pulled her head off the pillow.

There was a knock at the door. Shizuru, who was now sitting on the edge of her own bed, looked away from the pillow to the door, and then to her alarm clock. Who would come at this time? Usually everyone was asleep by now. Well, if they didn't want to be a zombie the next day.

Shizuru slowly lifted from the bed and glided over to the door. She opened it. And blinked.

"Natsuki," she said quietly. She stared at the girl in front of her. Natsuki's cheeks were bright red, and her dazzling eyes were looking off to the side awkwardly. Damn it was cute. The ache in Shizuru's chest from today had dulled the second she saw Natsuki standing there. It was suspiciously like a dream she had a few months ago.

Natsuki grumbled something inaudible then moved her gaze from the side to the floor in between them. "Can I come in?" Natsuki asked in her usual gruff voice.

Shizuru nearly stepped aside. She stopped midway and went back to her original positioning. "I'm sorry, Natsuki, but you shouldn't be here…so late (or at all)," Shizuru said quietly. She mentally berated herself for saying such a thing, after all, Natsuki had been in her bed this morning. But…still, rules were rules. This morning had been an exception because Natsuki had seemed exhausted and she had gotten a letter from Alyssa which stated something big had happened between Tomoe and Natsuki. This time though, it just seemed there was Natsuki.

Natsuki finally looked up, emerald eyes flashing. "Don't be mad," she said after a moment. She had walked away from Shizuru (and Nao) instead of facing them and explaining to them what had happened to her. She couldn't, but still, it was mean and rude. The two people who she was sure cared the most about her in the world and had done so much for her got nothing in return. "I just…I want to be here tonight." Natsuki's motivation for having a sleepover at Shizuru's was simple: protection. For her sake or Shizuru's she wasn't sure entirely, though she told herself it was to make sure Shizuru was safe.

Shizuru's heart beat stopped…then rapidly increased speed. She was definitely going to have a heart attack. "Ara…" she breathed. She quickly tried to clear her increasingly hazy by the minute mind. She couldn't bring herself to feel angry anymore. Natsuki understood why Shizuru was upset…and that was good enough for her. Shizuru slid to the side and allowed Natsuki entrance.

It was then that she noticed what Natsuki was carrying with her. Is that a pillow and a blanket? Shizuru blinked. Ara, this is a little much. Which was her way of saying, YES!

Crimson eyes watched as the student placed her pillow and blanket on the floor, near the foot of the bed. Shizuru watched on as Natsuki turned to face her again, color on the young girl's cheeks. God she was cute.

"Natsuki," Shizuru said when she regained her voice. She mentally patted herself on the back for keeping her tone normal. "Are you…staying the night?" Shizuru tried to not make it obvious that she was holding her breath as she waited for an answer.

Natsuki grunted. "No duh," came the gruff reply. She gestured to the blanket and pillow. This whole time she had been trying to avoid looking at Shizuru. The woman was in a damn robe and Natsuki was willing to bet money there was nothing underneath.

Shizuru smiled slightly. She was beginning to relax, especially with the way Natsuki was acting, which was completely (and surprisingly) laid-back. Shizuru wondered when they had become such friends. "You can have the bed," Shizuru said after a moment. Her gaze lowered to Natsuki's abdomen (which was now hidden behind a tight black T-shirt). "You're injured so you should get it."

Natsuki saw Shizuru's gaze and followed it with her own. She found herself looking at her T-shirt, which covered her stomach. She sighed and looked back up at Shizuru. "I'll be sleeping on the floor actually. But thanks."

Shizuru watched silently as Natsuki spread the blanket onto the floor. "Ara, did Natsuki not hear me? I said you should get the bed, you're injured." Shizuru took a few steps forward until she was right next to Natsuki, who promptly ignored the older girl and continued spreading out the sheet into a large square-like shape. She then reached for her pillow. Shizuru reached for her hand and stopped her. "Natsuki, please, take the bed."

Natsuki winced as her skin burned under the touch. "H-Hey, Shizuru…" Natsuki tugged her arm away and rubbed at the spot. She gave a hurt looking Shizuru an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I don't know why this…this happened again." That was a lie, sort of.

Shizuru nodded slowly. "Kanin na, Natsuki," she whispered.

Natsuki shook her head. "Don't worry about it."

Shizuru sighed and excused herself. She walked into the bathroom and stared at her reflection. Crimson eyes stared back. Why was this happening to her? On top of her other problems, she had to fight her inappropriate feelings and thoughts…and now it was just being made tougher with Natsuki sleeping over. Which, by the way, could get them both kicked out. Why was Shizuru even letting her stay? Why take the risk? Shizuru glared at her reflection.

Baka. Stupid woman. Your touch hurts her, stop touching her! Stop…stop feeling for her. Why is it so hard?

A few more minutes of mental arguing went through Shizuru's mind as she continued to glare down her reflection. Eventually Shizuru gave up, her reflection wasn't arguing back. She changed into her PJs, just a loose red button top and some shorts. The Kyoto goddess left the bathroom and froze in the doorway when she saw what Natsuki had been doing this whole time.

Shizuru found herself staring at some sort of…tent made out of blankets and sheets right where Natsuki had began setting up her one lone blanket minutes before. Shizuru's eyes turned towards her own bed, which was now completely bare. "Ara…" was really the perfect word for the moment.

Shizuru looked at what seemed to be the entrance to the tent. Natsuki crawled out of the tent from the little hole/entrance thing and stood up. She dusted herself off and gave Shizuru a cute and embarrassed grin. "I used to do this all the time when I was little."

What, build walls around yourself? I know that.

Shizuru couldn't help but smile back. Natsuki had built a fort. Out of blankets, pillows, chairs, and anything else in the room the ridiculously childish girl could get her hands on.

Shizuru stood speechless. Really, what the hell was she supposed to say to this? When she was little she was learning the art of calligraphy, pottery, painting, and how to take care of a household.

Natsuki held her hands behind her back and looked at the ground. Was Shizuru pissed? Natsuki really had gotten the idea the second she walked into the room.

"Ara, it's very cute, Natsuki," Shizuru said, crimson eyes flashing. "But where will I sleep?"

Natsuki blinked. Then she blushed. Then she gestured to the fort. "W-Well I figured we'd both just stay in here," Natsuki said quickly. She had no idea why that was so embarrassing to say, she had already worked out how to say it in her mind. She just hadn't expected Shizuru to ask it…like that, her eyes all weirdly…seductive or something. What was that anyways? Natsuki had come to protect Shizuru! The closer she was the better.

The smile on Shizuru's lips couldn't get any wider. Natsuki was already in her pajamas. She was wearing short black shorts and a rather large white T-shirt. She grinned excitedly and crawled back into the fort, giving Shizuru a very nice view of her shapely ass. Shizuru wondered if she was going to wake up soon from this pleasant dream. Ara…I hope not.

Shizuru walked back to her door and flicked off the lights. She then walked back and stood outside the fort. "Is Natsuki going to let me in?" Shizuru asked quietly.

There was silence then.

"Yes, I'll let you in."

Shizuru got to her knees then crawled through the small space to the center of the little fort. It was surprisingly well made. Whenever Shizuru attempted something like this it fell apart or there was no room. Either way, her parents would have her maids clean the 'mess' up. Something about this was refreshing.

"Ara, perhaps we should've given Natsuki blankets and pillows for the Survival Hike instead?" Shizuru teased. If she remembered correctly, both Natsuki and Nao had some 'issues' with setting up camp.

Natsuki's face went red and she looked away. "Screw the Survival Hike," she muttered.

They were both sitting on opposite sides of the little tent area, though that really wasn't that far away. Shizuru was in seiza style with her legs folded under her thighs and her hands in her lap, back straight. It made her look, as usual, graceful and sophisticated.

Natsuki, on the other hand, was sitting agura style, which was basically sitting 'Indian-style' or 'cross-legged.' It made her look rather childish, but then again they were in a giant pillow/blanket fortress.

Both girls were silent. Shizuru, beginning to get uncomfortable, shifted slightly in place. This brought Natsuki's attention away from the very interesting floor, and she found herself watching her teacher curiously. Shizuru looked up and met her eyes. They both looked away.

NOW WHAT?

"Ara," Shizuru said after an awkward moment. "It's getting late and the last day of Parent's Day is tomorrow."

Natsuki nodded and pulled back the covers of the 'bed' she had set up in the fortress. How did she not realize this before? Setting up a fortress and protecting Shizuru would mean sleeping in the same bed. Well it's not like they haven't done that before, but STILL! Shit shit shit panic panic panic stay calm, Kuga, stay calm! She's not going to think you planned this out this way or anything! You have issues with thinking ahead, it isn't your fault!

Shizuru watched as her student's eyebrows furrowed. The younger girl slid under the covers, still looking confused for some reason. Shizuru giggled and wondered if Natsuki had planned this. And why? The Kyoto woman knew Natsuki had some type of ulterior motive for coming here. There was no way her student would think 'Oh why don't I sleep in my teacher's room again, and then build a fort out of her bed sheets so she HAS to share a bed with me?' No, that's just not how Natsuki thought.

So then why was she here? Shizuru pondered this as she too crawled under the covers. She knew she should say something, anything, to break the awkward silence. She knew her voice couldn't handle it though. On the one hand, she was panicking at the fact that her student was in her bed with her. On the other hand, she was bursting with excitement but worriment as well. This was undoubtedly immoral, wrong, and displayed a very interesting flaw in her moral conscience, she just couldn't say no to this girl.

Really, Shizuru? What are you thinking? Your student is next to you in bed wearing nothing but shorts and a T-shirt. Something should be done about this!

Ara…how about a kiss then?

No, not a kiss. Something more along the lines of, KICK HER OUT.

Shizuru let out a frustrated growl. She hadn't meant to, so she clamped her hands over her mouth and gave Natsuki a sidelong glance.

Natsuki turned her head and looked at Shizuru. Natsuki was lying down now, head on pillow. Shizuru was still sitting up, and now she was making strange noises and looking guiltily over at Natsuki.

"Shizuru? Is everything okay?" Natsuki asked tentatively. Her eyes already looked tired. Well that should be no surprise, it was obvious the girl got her only actual sleep that morning.

Shizuru slid down lower under the covers and turned her head to face Natsuki. They were both as far away from each other as possible, just to avoid any awkwardness that might happen from their limbs actually touching. "I'm fine," Shizuru answered quietly. "How are you…how are your injuries?"

Natsuki's eyebrows furrowed and her lips curved downwards as she pretended to look through the covers at her bruises. "They're fine," Natsuki replied in her husky voice. Natsuki rested her head back down onto her pillow and met Shizuru's eyes again, a glimmer of guilt in them. "I wanted to tell you, but I didn't see the point. You can't do anything about it."

Shizuru gave Natsuki a pointed look. "Natsuki, you know I can punish Tomoe for that. It was a dirty tactic."

Natsuki looked away, now Shizuru was sure she saw full-blown guilt. It wasn't Tomoe. Natsuki sighed. "It's okay, really, no need to punish her."

"You didn't tell Nao either?" That part had confused Shizuru. She could sort of see why a student wouldn't want to whine to a teacher about getting bullied but surely they'd tell their best friend?

Natsuki shifted slightly, unbeknownst to her she was slowly heading rather close to the middle of the bed. "I don't like telling Nao these things because you know she'd just run off and try and attack Tomoe. She'd get her ass beat too." Natsuki chuckled slightly at that. She had heard Tomoe got pissed when Nao and the others were in 'her' pool. Natsuki was sort of sad she had missed it. Still, she heard no fighting broke out, just that Nao managed to successfully piss off Tomoe. Natsuki had also pulled Chie aside later and asked her to sleep over with Nao tonight…and to bring her rifle. Chie had asked questions, and she knew Nao would too, but at least Chie was a lot more gullible than Nao, and Nao hadn't even seen Natsuki before she left for Shizuru's. The ice princess had a hard time deciding who she should protect all night, but in the end she decided Shizuru. Not only was Akio practically living next door to the teacher, but he also seemed to have more of an interest in her than Nao. Natsuki still wasn't sure whether he actually would try anything or not, but you could never be too sure.

Natsuki then smiled at Shizuru. "Let's forget about it, okay? Why don't you tell me what tomorrow…what happens tomorrow?" Would Natsuki have time to put her theory to the test? Yet again Natsuki shifted closer, her body reacting to the heat radiating off Shizuru's body.

Shizuru nodded at Natsuki's request. Sure they'll talk about something else. For now. "Early in the morning I have to help set up a giant tent on the Main field. The last event for the parents is just a party. The parents and the Council and older students mingle, with food and drinks and music while you students wait for that to end. Once the party is over the parents will go find their kids, say goodbye, and leave." Shizuru remembered Akio would be making his decision tomorrow about taking Natsuki home with him or not. Her heart sank and a shiver went down her spine. No she won't let him take her. Maybe she could convince him at the party tomorrow…

Natsuki seemed to run this through her head a few times. So Shizuru would be with the parents for most of the day? Again? And she'd be going where Natsuki couldn't follow. Goddamn. Natsuki considered sneaking in and spying, just to make sure Akio never approached Shizuru. No way, the party will surely be guarded by older students, just so Garderobe can show off their 'professional' students.

Afterwards Natsuki can see if her idea works. Akio will approach her after the 'party' and that will be her chance. After she gets him down she could tell someone and they can detain him while he's unconscious. Yeah that might just work. And yet…maybe she should tell Shizuru beforehand. She had the woman here with her now, so she could easily prevent her from doing anything stupid if she gets thrown into some sort of rage.

Nah why would she get so mad over that, it happened to ME anyways, not her. Disgusted probably, who wouldn't be, but she's not Nao. She wouldn't run in blindly, would she?

But for Natsuki, Shizuru probably would. She vaguely remembered seeing Shizuru's desperate yells at Alyssa when Natsuki had been held hostage. Shizuru…cared about her, a lot. And Natsuki wondered if Shizuru could barely control herself that day because she was in danger. So Natsuki decided maybe she'd tell Shizuru after her little plan worked. If it worked. Oh god I hope it works.

"Sounds stupid," Natsuki said after a moment. A humming noise was the only confirmation she got from Shizuru, which sounded a lot like an agreement.

They both went quiet again, lost in their thoughts. They locked eyes with each other but both were thinking, strategizing, and planning. Shizuru was thinking of how to convince Akio to let Natsuki stay, despite hating the bastard with her guts, while Natsuki was planning how to knock Akio out before he could harm anyone. Oh and she had to protect Shizuru from him.

Natsuki wasn't sure where she'd be in two days. Unconscious in her bedroom back in Fuuka? Here at Garderobe with Shizuru, Nao, Chie, Mai, hell, even Tomoe? Dead? She knew that in two days she will learn of her life's new path, even if that path has come to an end. God that's a depressing thought. Though Natsuki wondered, would Akio kill her some day? He was clearly insane and there was no remaining bit of the father she once knew left. Oh and the jackass had a fucking GUN.

"Natsuki?" Shizuru asked, hovering over the girl. Natsuki had suddenly gone quiet and hadn't responded to the teacher's worried calls. Shizuru was holding herself up right above Natsuki, her arms on either side near her student's shoulders. "Natsuki?" She tried again. Natsuki's half-lidded green eyes were glazed over. She was having another one of those 'moments' she used to get a lot in the beginning of school again.

Shizuru was careful not to touch her student. Not only would that quite possibly freak Natsuki out like it had that one day, but she knew her touch had somehow started hurting the poor girl again, and she didn't want to hurt Natsuki.

Natsuki's eyes suddenly cleared, her eyes slightly widened when she was pulled out of her thoughts. She had just barely heard Shizuru's voice, but when she focused on it it had pulled her out of her thoughts which were heading down very dark places. Natsuki was about to apologize, and then probably proceed to blush like a fiend, when she noticed Shizuru's head descending. Why on earth was Shizuru's face getting closer? Natsuki was shocked into silence when Shizuru's warm breath tickled her ear.

"Natsuki? Wake up," Shizuru whispered in her sexy Kyoto-ben, sending shivers up the poor, defenseless girl's spine.

Natsuki found that her vocal cords seemed to be on strike, which was rather unfortunate because she wanted to yell, 'I'M AWAKE!' but the closeness of her and Shizuru seemed to strangle any speech from her throat. Natsuki, eyes still wide as saucers, watched the ceiling of her little blanket tent. There was little else she could do; her body was being frighteningly uncooperative.

Shizuru frowned when she got no response from Natsuki, who she noticed had gone rigid. God, Natsuki worried her when she did this. At first it had been intriguing, and sad to say the least. Now it was scary. Sure they occurred less and less, but when they did occur they got longer and longer, as if to make up for not coming around so much anymore. Shizuru lifted her head away from Natsuki's ear and peered down at the girl, who looked positively shaken. Weird, Natsuki's face was usually quite blank when she went through her little dazes. She was still in a daze, right?

And then Shizuru saw Natsuki's lips. The younger girl's mouth was slightly open, and her lips were still as perfect and inviting as that morning. Natsuki was painfully aware of the proximity of Shizuru's mouth and her own, which still refused to speak. This was weird. Super weird. And yet it was a little exciting. Exciting? What the hell is wrong with me! SPEAK KUGA SPEAK! Tell her you're fine and GO TO SLEEP!

Shizuru's eyebrows furrowed in frustration. Goddamn. This was wrong. This was immoral, and suddenly it was all too clear what Shizuru had to do! She had to get up and demand Natsuki leave her room. Yes, that's exactly what she'd do. And so…

Shizuru lowered her face, eyes fixated on her student's lips, which she noticed were now quivering. Ara, I am not doing this. Not when she is spaced out. Er, I mean she's my student! Still, Shizuru couldn't stop her head from moving and soon Natsuki could feel Shizuru's warm breath on her face.

What. The. Hell. Is she going to…? Are we going to…? Is she…is she going to kiss me?

And then Shizuru kissed her lightly on the side of her mouth, or cheek? It was debatable since it was pretty close to both the corner of Natsuki's mouth and cheek.

Shizuru then moved off Natsuki and yet again got as far away from her student as possible. "That was a goodnight kiss," Shizuru said when she had her back turned on Natsuki. "So when you get out of your daze, go to sleep and have a good dream, yes?" Of course that was total and utter bullshit.

I almost…Bad teacher bad! That was close! She's probably confused out of her mind right now. I wonder if she'll buy the 'goodnight kiss' thing.

Natsuki's face was burning hot red. The smell of Shizuru's hair still lingered on her nose, they had been close. Really close. She could even still feel the tingly sensation on her cheek, feel the light pressure from when those lips pressed against her skin, feel the weird feeling of warmth that erupted throughout her body. Jesus Christ! All that from a fucking kiss on the cheek? Natsuki was in too much mental turmoil to even analyze whether that kiss has been painful or not!

Kuga. You are now an embarrassment to the world. Please hang your head in shame.

Natsuki snapped out of it. Her body seemed to collapse out of its rigid positioning. She hadn't realized the strain she had put on it from keeping it so still.

Shizuru felt Natsuki's movement through a slight vibration in the floor and a rustle of bed covers. Her eyes were wide open, though her back was facing Natsuki. She hadn't meant to do that. Not at all. In fact she had meant to tell Natsuki to leave, politely of course. But then what happened?

Ara, self control has abandoned me! Crap! Shizuru would've been found out long ago if she hadn't had her trusty self-control. It was weakening by the day, and Natsuki's presence seemed to weaken it significantly.

Shizuru stilled as she tried to sense more of Natsuki's movements. There was little to none. Had she freaked Natsuki out? Jesus, it wasn't that big of a deal was it? It was just a kiss! On the CHEEK. Sure it was close to her lips, and sure that had actually been the intended target before Shizuru snapped out of her lustful trance (at the last second), but in the end it was just a kiss on the cheek. Natsuki wouldn't look too much into it right? Ara…right?

Natsuki finally moved when she turned onto her side, facing away from Shizuru. Her mind was calming down, her body relaxing. Shizuru's words had soothed her. It was just a goodnight kiss on the cheek, no need to freak out. What had she thought it was anyways?

And yet…in the back of Natsuki's mind she wondered…and did she mind?

The kiss had been chaste and, well, cute. But Natsuki had sensed something in it. It felt like an all-consuming wildfire and it was hungry for more. The lips had lingered on her skin for what was maybe a second too long. Like there was something behind it. Natsuki shook those weird thoughts away. There was no passion behind that kiss, who was she kidding? And why on Earth did she care so damn much? She hadn't thought about (obsessed over) Nao's kiss like this and yet that had been on the lips.

So what made Shizuru's perfectly acceptable kiss on the cheek such a big damn deal?! Natsuki squeezed her eyes shut. Her heart was still a little quick from her mini panic mode. Hah! She had been so stupid, thinking Shizuru was going to kiss her like that or something. Pathetic.

Pin-drop silence consumed the room. Shizuru zoned in on Natsuki's breathing. It was relaxed. Thank god. So she had believed that crap about the goodnight kiss. Still, was she okay? She had gone silent and then Shizuru…just couldn't resist.

"Natsuki, are you alright?" Shizuru asked after a moment of imagining all the horrible things that could happen to them both if anyone found out about their little sleep over.

Natsuki slowly opened her eyes and then rolled onto her back. She turned her head to face Shizuru's back…which she realized was much closer than it had been before. Shizuru's bare shoulder was visible, her T-shirt had been tugged slightly off by the shoulder. The skin looked flawless. Then Natsuki realized she was staring at Shizuru's shoulder…which was weird and, again, a lot closer than she remembered. Then Natsuki realized Shizuru hadn't moved, it was her. Goddamnit!

"I-I'm fine!" Natsuki stammered as she quickly turned away from Shizuru again, practically landing painfully onto her side. Nao would call me a spaz right about now.

Shizuru blinked and peered over her shoulder so that she could see Natsuki's form in the corner of her eye. She then noticed her shirt was a little tugged down her shoulder so she tugged the collar back over it and went back to staring at the wall of the blanket-fortress.

Eventually both teacher and student fell asleep by listening to the sounds of the other's breathing.

---

Shizuru woke up to the sound of whimpering. Her arms were wrapped tightly around something, and her head was nestled in something that smelled suspiciously like the shampoo they use in the Girl's Shower Building.

Ara.

Shizuru lifted her head out of Natsuki's raven hair, which was spilled across the pillow in a very pretty way. Her arms were around Natsuki's waist, and their legs were tangled together. How the hell had this happened? What time was it?

Shizuru tried to determine who had crossed the line, though she had a sick feeling it was her, since her arms had been around Natsuki's waist as if she had pulled the girl towards her. To the Kyoto woman's surprise, however, it seemed like Natsuki had moved closer to her and Shizuru's body just reacted naturally by holding her.

ARA.

Still, she didn't let go. Natsuki was whimpering again in her sleep, and every time she did she would nuzzle closer into Shizuru's warmth. Shizuru's heart began beating faster, this was like a really good dream she had a few nights ago. Except they weren't in a blanket-fortress.

"Natsuki," the older woman cooed into her student's ear. She had learned that this seemed to calm Natsuki down.

Instead, Shizuru saw emerald eyes slowly flutter open, like she was some kind of reawakening angel.

Natsuki saw, for a split second, Akio sitting in the corner of their tent, smiling at her and lifting a finger to his lips as if to say 'shhhh.' Natsuki yelped, and jumped onto Shizuru (who she was practically on top of anyways.)

Shizuru made a strange noise that sounded a lot like suppressed sexual feelings getting pissed off they were being taunted like this, girl on her lap and all. Shizuru quickly draped her arms around Natsuki from behind and placed her head on the younger girl's shoulder.

"Shhh, Natsuki, it's alright. It was just a nightmare," Shizuru cooed into her student's ear.

Natsuki was panting, sweating, and staring at the corner she could've sworn she saw Akio in. It was about three feet away and nothing was, nor had ever been there.

Natsuki's panic quickly began to dissolve once she realized she wasn't in any immediate danger, and it had all just been a nightmare taken to night terror level. Natsuki relaxed her muscles and her whole body when she heard Shizuru's voice in her ear. The student closed her eyes and allowed herself to fall back onto Shizuru, who gently lowered Natsuki's head onto her lap and brushed the hair out of the scared girl's face.

"S-Sorry," Natsuki whispered when she opened her eyes again and was met with crimson.

Shizuru, who was now sitting up, continued lightly grazing Natsuki's forehead and face with her fingertips. "It's alright now, Natsuki, you're safe."

And Natsuki knew she was. She was safe with Shizuru. Had she come there to protect Shizuru like she had thought? Or had she gone there to feel protected? Maybe it was one or the other, maybe it was a combination of the two. At that moment it really wasn't important, Natsuki was just happy to be there with her teacher, happy to be looking up into those alluring eyes, hearing that soothing voice, and feeling that gentle touch.

Natsuki's eyes fluttered closed again, quickly dozing off. She trusted Shizuru. She knew it now, and she was going to tell Shizuru everything first thing in the morning.

---

*coughs* Ahem. In order to shorten the author's notes, I will say everything I want to say in one sentence. I know this is a long chapter, I know Akio made almost zero-appearance (which, not sure if Shizuru's thoughts and Natsuki's night terror count), I know nothing really happened in this chapter except for ShizNat and even some NatNao, Yes the next chapter is going to be crazy and end the parent's day arc, Yes Nao is AWESOOOME and I missed her in the story haha so she got some bad-ass scenes, and ummmm I love you all.

Okay maybe a few more sentences. I would like to make a shout-out to my two psychotic lesbian friends Andrea and Aurore. They are seriously the craziest freakin' lesbians ever. Andrea will be talking about Ritz crackers and I'm not sure if she means something completely perverted or not (especially if I know Aurore is in the room with her). Haha okay, no, that's not true, girl takes her food fo' seriously. As for Aurore, I don't ACTUALLY talk to her, but she's pretty fucking cool too (AND FRENCH!!) and the stories ABOUT her and Andrea inspired the Trias scene (which I didn't realize until AFTER I wrote it and was wondering where the 'stealing-young-girl's virginity' came from.) Oh and they're both smoking hot. It's unnatural. So cheers to you guys!

Also, R.I.P Stanley, their cat that got run over by a car Wednesday (May 6th, 2009) =(

Right. So the reason I just wrote a shitload on them is because I've been getting a lot of help from Andrea about Monster and she also beta-ed this chapter. Okay so yeah, thanks to them.

Also thanks to Shotgunneko who gave 'Monster' a nice lil mention in her Marimite oneshot =] She rocks!

Wow that shout-out did not help to shorten my author's notes at all. Ah well. I'm done now.

Chapter Song: Feel Your Love by Kim Sozzi

All that time alone made me go insane
Wasn't hard to see I had lost control

Then you came my way
Still I don't know how
And you warmed me with your smile
I can read your eyes when you look at me
I hardly turn to you

Wanna feel your love tonight
Gonna leave the past behind

Holding on to pain made it hard to breathe
Couldn't get away from my memories

Then you wiped my tears with your soothing touch
And you blew my past away
Nothing can't compare when your close to me
How I trust in you

I decided to go with a non-rock song since all the others were. This is dance I'm pretty sure, and pretty catchy. Oh and READ THE LYRICS, do they not match this chapter perfectly or WHAT?

Thanks for reading, and if you're up for it and not pissed at me for taking so effing long, leave some feedback or PM me =]

P.S

No I don't speak/understand/take Latin, I have no idea where that scene came from or if the Latin is even correct. In fact I'm pretty sure it doesn't make sense at all, so let's just play pretend, shall we?