Umm, so hi there... Yup, its me again. I know. You mad.

Let it all out. C'mon, don't be shy...

You done?

You sure?

Okay read on lol.

CHAPTER 12

It was Saturday and instead of waking up to the blinding rays of the sun I found myself staring out the window, watching as little pellets of water slapped hard against the empty roads outside.

I breathed in deeply. The rain was my favorite and it was heavily raining on this typical morning.

Rain always seemed to chase away people and hide them back from wherever they came from. People seemed to fear that the cleansing H20 would ruin their clothing and other unnecessary materials they carried upon themselves. I for one praised the rain as it gave me the freedom to move outside untouched or seen. I could always feel the endless stares of random strangers as I passed by them. I never knew why they stared but the rain would always guard them away for me, making sure to place puddles all around so that they would be more focused on looking where to step instead.

I smiled as I watched an old lady run to her mailbox from across the street. She would stumble forward every few feet trying not to break her neck on the slippery driveway. She didn't seem to like the rain like I did.

Oh well, her loss.

My alarm clocked beeped and I turned to look at it, its red digital letters blinking back at me. It was almost noon. I had to start getting ready so that I could meet up with Shizuru at the restaurant. I can't tell you how completely nervous I am. I kept trying to tell myself that it wasn't a date and that it was more business then anything. We were mostly going to talk about the accident then anything else.

Exciting right?

Anywho, I pulled away from the window and went into the bathroom, sighing in pleasure as the hot water from the shower seemed to calm my growing anxiety. It was a relief to finally gain something back and actually know first hand what had happen to me. It had to be a good sign, right? It was one step closer. I mean that opens the door to allowing me to remember everything else, right?

I like to think so.

I shut the shower off once I'm done and head back into my room. Did I tell you guys how huge this bedrooms closet is? Well its huge, like huge huge. Anyways, hanger after hanger I look through the vast amount of clothes wondering what I should wear. I'm honestly surprised I even have that much clothing.

I decided on something simple. Black skin tight jeans, a deep grey hooded shirt and my leather jacket over it. And lets not forget the pièce de résistance, my black chucks.

I had to check myself out in the long body mirror hanging on the opposite wall. I was a sexy beast, no lie. Being out of the hospital and actually eating real food seemed to help with putting meat on my bones. No longer was I looking like a fragile twig that could snap in half in any second.

I decided to ponytail my hair up due to the account of rain before lightly putting on some make-up. One more glance at the mirror and I was good to go. I headed downstairs and found Nao on the couch with her laptop. She looked up and quickly shut the computer closed managing to grab my attention.

I raised an eyebrow and grinned, "Something naughty going on down here?"

She scoffed at my comment and put the small laptop back onto the table in front of her. "If I was doing something naughty you wouldn't be in this house."

"Then what are you doing?"

"Are you my mom now?" She says, standing up.

I move to sit on the love seat next to the couch and smile. "No, and thank God because raising you as my child would be hell on earth." I say sarcastically.

The red-head glares at me for a second only to tilt her head to the side amused.

"What?" I ask, my eyes narrowing. What is she smirking about now?

"Is that make-up on your face?"

"Yes?" I answer unsure of where she was going with this.

She stalks forward slowly, her eyes scanning over my body as if she's looking for something. "And you brought out the leather jacket and chucks."

I look down at myself with her and begin to feel the irritation building as I drummed my fingers on the side of the love seat I was on. Seeing the can of soda on the table I reach for it. I let the cool liquid tickle my throat knowing Nao wouldn't care that I just shared my germs with her.

We were related after all.

I looked back up at her. Her staring was beginning to make me feel uncomfortable and I wanted so badly to kick her in the shin as she continued her approach.

"And you're asking because...?"

"Because you use to only put make-up and the chuck Taylor's on when you were on a mission."

I chuckled and took another sip confused, "A mission too what...?"

Nao smirked wider, "Too fuck."

A spray of soda leaked from my mouth as I started to choke and cough, managing to spill on myself.

What did she just say?

I could hear Nao laughing as I tried to calm the small fits of cough from having liquid go down the wrong pipe. Slamming the can back down onto the table, I raised my emerald orbs up at her while trying to make sure I didn't spill anymore on myself.

"The hell, Nao? What the fuck does that even mean?!" I said while patting myself down with a used napkin I found next to the can.

She laughed louder, "It's exactly what it means. You use to wear that old git up when you would go out to the bars to try and score on a hot babe."

I tossed the napkin back down and stood up looking at my self on the hanging mirror from across the living room. "Wait what?"

"Yeah, this is your, 'I'm getting lucky tonight' look." She smiles, "I knew you liked the Doc, but damn, Kuga I didn't know you'd pull out the big guns on the first date. That coma make you grow a pair or something?" Nao finishes laughing.

I turn back to face my dear-dear sweet cousin who I would love to strangle just right about now but decided not too. She was supposedly family after all.

"So should I change?" I ask worried. "I don't want Shizuru to think that I'm trying to get in her pants and run for the hills. I was going for casual you know. Nothing too fancy or boring just me."

"Oh trust me Natsuki, its all you." She says before placing her hands on my shoulders. "Just relax. Breathe for Gods sake. It's fine. I was just surprised and teasing, but mainly surprised that you wanted to go all out on the first day. I mean damn," She whistles and glances down again, "You know I'm as straight as strippers pole, but I wouldn't mind you wrapping your legs around me."

I watch her laugh once more before I sigh at her, not at all finding her joke funny at the moment. "You done?"

After a couple of seconds her laughing begins to die down. Seriously, I just wanted to hit this woman.

I cross my arms over my chest, "You good now?"

She shakes her head one last time as if still amazed she came up with that perfect joke all on her own."Okay, okay. Mybad. The Ice Princess is out I get it."

She straightens up while tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear and breathes in, "You look great, okay? You really do. So relax and pull the stick up outta you're ass. It'll be fine. Fujino isn't going to go running for the hills anytime soon, trust me. Now lets get going before you're late, alright?" Nao finishes while patting my shoulder for motivation. I could still hear her giggling to herself as she headed for the front door.

This woman...

"And stripper pole? Really?" I say.

Nao turns to glance at me, "Oh, c'mon you know it was funny."

"You say the weirdest shit, you know that right? Like stupid weird."

"Okay, first off, rude as fuck. Secondly, remember me saying about pulling that stick that's lodged up between your ass cheeks? Yeah, well I'm pretty sure its still up there. Now lets go." She replies, giving me this serious face and pointing towards the door.

I watch her grab her coat and keys and laugh silently to myself. Seriously, I'm related to that human being?

We both head out into the rain and into her car. I buckle my seat belt and glance outside watching as more rain splashed against the glass. I really hope Nao was right. I wasn't just nervous about how I looked. I was nervous about everything and how it would all play out.

As we got closer to the restaurant I could feel the anxiety growing in the pit of my stomach again. I kept reminding myself to breathe and kept repeating the words Nao had said earlier in my head.

It's gonna be fine, Kuga. You got this.

-CK-

Jesus, fuck this is not fine!

"Ara, is Natsuki alright?" I hear Shizuru ask as she attempts to help me clean up the glass of water I just spilled all over our table.

"Shit." I mumble as I press my napkin into the growing puddle before me.

Our waiter quickly comes over upon seeing the mess and offers to help. I silently groan as I could feel other patrons within the restaurant looking over wondering what had happened as I dump napkin upon napkin onto the wet surface.

Jesus, just my luck. Freaking butterfingers over here. That's attractive... NOT!

Giggling could be heard from across the table and I look up only to see crimson orbs smiling in amusement at me. Well, at least shes entertained by my embarrassment.

"Sorry." I say, once everything seems to be under control.

Shizuru just smiles and thanks the waiter for his help as he leaves, promising to bring me another glass of water.

I groan completely embarrassed still.

"Natsuki, its okay. Accidents happen."

I nod and look back down at my plate of food. I was so distracted with eating and watching Shizuru talk that when I reached for my glass of water I had knocked it over.

Sensing my lingering embarrassment, Shizuru picks up were we had left off. We had been conversing about how I was able to recall the accident. She was surprised to know that chocolate kisses where what sparked the memory. She wonders if it has something to do with chocolate kisses being the one object that led us to bump into each other. I never really thought about it. Although, I do see her curiosity in it, how one tiny insignificant thing was able to unlock the vast door to my memories.

She told me what she had done for me after I was hit. Having been the one to actually try and help me as we waited for the ambulance to arrive. She was scared for me and did everything in her power to help keep me alive. I didn't know what to say.

I could see the wetness building up behind her eyes and reached for hand in comfort. I was thankful for what she did to save me. In a way we saved each other. I told her I regretted nothing and would do it again if I had to. Although, I did manage to say that she should start looking both ways before crossing the road now.

That managed to make her laugh and smile.

I had then changed the subject into asking her questions about how and why she became a doctor. She had told me she wanted to be a teacher at first but then found her calling like her father. Helping and saving lives was more rewarding and seemed to be a family tradition. She didn't have the heart to break it. She tells me that in the far future though she would like to pass on her experiences to the younger generation of med students.

I admired her for that.

I continued to watch interested as Shizuru went over a random topic as to why she never understood parents that never got their kids vaccinated with anything. I could only laugh when she subtly called them stupid and said they are the reason polio is slowly making a comeback. I was glad to know the brunette at least has a small sense of humor in her.

My eyes distracted, caught sight of the small chicken being stabbed onto the metal fork. I watched as it slowly disappeared behind soft pink lips. Shizuru's cheeks raised into a small smile as the flavors of the chicken invaded her mouth.

There was no doubt that Shizuru was beautiful. I had established that early on when we first met. But to see the brunette outside of her element, wearing nothing but tight jeans and a fitted blouse was different to say the least.

A good different.

Long gone was the white doctors coat that I was so use to seeing her with. She would always stand or sit so stiff at the hospital as if her muscles were always tensed from the constant overload of work. Here she sat so graceful, so at ease with an enchanting smile that would render the hardest of hearts weak in their knees.

But it was her eyes, those rich, ruby eyes that left me speechless every time. They sparkled with such kindness and as they met mine, just for the briefest of seconds, I would forget to breathe.

Even as she continued her theory of why animals should be vaccinated too, I couldn't help but be entranced.

I mean this woman was perfect in every way. I had no idea what she was talking about but the geek-speak was on and I was in no rush to turn it off.

Geek-speak was a turn on. I don't care who says its not. When a woman nerds the hell out, that's hot. Like hot hot.

Especially when she got really into it. Shizuru would start to use her hands and her eyes would brighten up at all the knowledge she just had to share with the world. Like she couldn't contain the brilliance that was leaking from out of her ears.

Plus one for the nerd in her.

"...And I'm boring you, aren't I?" Shizuru asks and I shake my head and smile.

"Not at all. I actually enjoy listening to you talk. It's refreshing." I say and I can see the small blush creep up onto her cheeks and wait for it... the tips of her ears.

This was not the doctor that everyone was use to. No, this was simply Shizuru.

As I was about to open my mouth to say something I see Mai come through the double doors and just as fate would have it, we connect stares. The red-head quickly brightens up and changes directions to make her way towards our table.

"Natsuki, I didn't know you would be hear today?!" Mai says excitedly before turning her gaze onto the brunette sitting across from me. "And Dr. Fujino a pleasant surprise as well." Her smile faltering for only a fraction of a second.

"Ara, Tokiha its good to see you again. Natsuki and I were just having lunch." Shizuru says.

Mai looks at me, "How was the food, did you guys enjoy it?"

I nod, "Yeah it was great, did you cook this?"

I watch Mai's smile grow, "I did, if I had known you guys were here I would have added dessert on the house. But unfortunately, I'm off the clock now."

Shizuru smiles, "Ara, I'm sure it would have been delicious regardless."

"I'm glad. I'll be honest I was surprised to see you guys here and together in fact. What with the rain and all. Not many people come out to visit us during this type of weather." Mai spoke and I couldn't help but feel a small tinge of jealousy behind the words.

"Shizuru here thought it would be good to talk about my progress over lunch."

Mai turns to Shizuru curious, "And how is Natsuki doing?"

Shizuru places the glass of water down she had been drinking before answering. "Natsuki seems to be doing very well. She's been making great progress and I'm pleased to say its in the right direction."

"That's always good to hear." Mai smiles, "Oh by the way, Natsuki about your birthday party. I wasn't sur-"

I looked at her surprised, "My what?"

"Your birthday party."

"Yeah, I heard that part I just didn't know there was one?" I say still confused.

I watch Mai's eyes go wide as she rolls her head back, "Oh God Nao is going to kill me."

"Right, and so will I if you don't tell me whats going on."

A defeated sigh escapes Mai's lips, mentally face palming herself, "Well your birthday is coming up and Nao wanted to celebrate it. Like it would be your first birthday again... or something along that line. She wasn't making much sense that day but when does she ever."

"And who are you guys planning on inviting? I know like two people. You and Nao."

"It's just us but we thought it would be nice for you. Nao has this whole thing planned on what we're going to be doing. Plus we got you a special gift that Nao thinks you're going to just die for." Mai tries to smile again like that would help win me over.

Sensing my irritation, Shizuru steps in to help save Mai. "Ara, Natsuki I think that would be good for you. It'll give you a chance to have fun."

I roll my eyes, "Shizuru, my time of fun is sitting on the couch and watching action movies all night while eating Mayo."

She made a small face at the word Mayo and I could see the wheels spinning in her head wanting to ask why on God's green earth that was the food I would choose to snack on. Could you even call Mayo food?

Condiment?

How about smooth and fluffy sustenance? Yeah we'll go with that.

"Ara, Natsuki should try and enjoy life. Go out and do things. It's not good to be stuck inside all the time."

The sincerity in those ruby eyes made me want to melt and forget about slapping Nao and Mai upside the head for this supposedly grand birthday surprise. Everyone knows I hate surprises.

"Fiiinnneee. On one condition." I see Shizuru lean forward interested in what i have to offer, "I'm officially inviting you to the party, so no cuts no buts or coconuts."

Did that really just come out of my mouth? Jesus, Nao and I are really related.

Shizuru leans back, "Oh I don't know. I don't want to intrude and plus I don't know if I'm working that day."

"Mai whens the party?" I ask.

"The 27th, which is a Sunday I believe."

I turn back to Shizuru, "You have any plans on that day?"

Shizuru just smiles and shakes her head no.

"Well you do now." I say while smiling back and silently high-fiving myself for being such a smooth talker. Sometimes my brain hurts with how good I am.

Or it could be because of the accident...

Let's just pretend its the first one guys.

"So-" I start while grabbing my fork and picking at the left over food on my plate. "I guess you can tell Nao the cats out of the bag and that the gift better be amazing if I'm going to have to endure a small party with you guys."

Mai chuckles, "You act like its the end of the world."

"It is when Nao is involved!" I say and I hear Shizuru laughing from across the table.

"Alright, alright. But I promise you're gonna have fun. Okay, well I have to get going now. I have an appointment else where and I'm running behind. Enjoy the rest of the food guys."

Before I could stuff another piece of chicken of into my mouth, Mai quickly leans in and places a chaste kiss on my cheek. "See yah later Natsuki."

Umm, what just happened?

I instantly freeze unsure of how to react as my eyes dart up to see Shizuru who seemed to be more fascinated with the food on her plate now. Mai moves to head towards the door and as she waves goodbye I could only awkwardly smile back.

"Ara, she's cute." Shizuru said speaking softly.

I swallow, "Uhh, yeah I guess."

"You should try and see where things go with her. She seems to be very much into you."

I take a small sip of the new water our waiter had brought for me, "Mai and me date? I don't think so. Thats like asking a dog to date a cat. It just wouldn't work."

"How so?"

"She just isn't my type. Far from it actually."

"Oh. So someone like?" Shizuru asks as she takes a bite of her carrot.

I look around nervous.

I don't know, someone like you?

"Umm... like that." I say while randomly pointing at an older couple sitting in a booth. Watching as they both laugh at something the old man had said. Their eyes gleaming with happiness as the woman gently caress the older mans face softly.

Shizuru turns to look and smiles back at me confused, "You like the older ones?"

"Older? no good God no." I laugh and try to correct her train of thought.

Gross.

"No, I want a type of person that can be with me and have what they have."

"And what is it that they have?" She looks back again at the couple.

I shrug my shoulders, "Happiness, patience, love. I don't want to settle for just anyone. And I know for a fact that with Mai I wouldn't have that. Don't get me wrong she's a great girl, but she's not for me. I suppose I just don't want to be content with someone when I know there's possibly something even better waiting for me out there. I want someone to challenge me and believe in me like that woman does for her husband. And I want someone that I can grow old with no matter how hard it gets."

I see Shizuru pause for a second and watch as she turns her gaze back onto me again. "Ara, I would have never figured Natsuki for a romantic."

"What can I say, I'm a book of mysteries." She chuckles at my corniness. "What about you, Shizuru. Whats you type?"

The brunette gently places her fork down and looks around the room. Its a few seconds before she points to the couple sitting in the far left corner of the resturaunt.

"Them." She says.

The couple was of a young man and woman. The man was gently lacing his fingers within the blond woman's hand who sat across from him. He would watch and listen to her as she spoke, his eyes never leaving hers even as the waiter came up to their table, as if no one else existed within this large restaurant but him and her.

Natsuki turned her emerald gaze back onto Shizuru waiting for her to explain. "I want someone to look at me like that man does to that woman. Like I'm the only one in the room, that I'm the only thing in the world that he needs and adores. I want love too, but who doesn't. I want there to be passion in my love and a need to always have each other close. I want someone to listen to me when I ramble on and on about random things and not judge me for the nerd in me. I want a love that'll last forever in our hearts."

I stared back at crimson eyes and swallowed the heaviness of the conversation back down into my stomach.

"I-I'm sure you'll meet the right guy one day. Just tak-"

"Woman." Shizuru interrupts.

"I'm sorry?"

Shizuru laughs, "I prefer women over men."

I reach for my drink and quickly sip it. "O-oh... Well there's plenty of those fish in the sea too." I gulp another sip and she lightly chuckles at my comment.

Finally! Houston we are good to go! I repeat, we are good to go!

"Ara, I suppose Natsuki is right."

Shizuru wipes her mouth with a napkin before placing it down beside her plate. She then looks down at her watch on her wrist with this small smile that I just can't seem to keep off my face too.

I notice the time on the clock hanging above the bar. We had been here for a little more than three hours just eating and talking. I couldn't believe how time had slipped on by between the two of us. Even the waiter had stealthily placed the check onto the side of the table with out me noticing. Shizuru pulled her debit card out and I tried to insist that I could pay for myself but the woman insisted in that doctorly voice that there were, "No cuts, no buts, no coconuts."

I laughed. This woman was too much for me. I couldn't say no after that.

With the check paid we both got up and headed towards the entrance.

"Thank you so much for the meal. I really needed this." I say.

"Of course. I'm glad you enjoyed it. This was fun." Shizuru replies.

I was a little sad that this was the end of our lunch get together. I honestly didn't want to leave just yet but it was well getting into the late afternoon and I'm sure the woman had other things to do.

I glanced outside and saw that it was still raining. I was about to pull out my cell phone to call Nao but was stopped.

"Ara, I can give you a ride if you like?"

"It's okay, I was going to call Nao. I assume you have other things you have to do and don't want to bother you for a simple ride that I can get else where."

She smiles.

God, that smile is infectious.

I smile back.

"You assume a lot of things Nastuki. Just because I'm a doctor doesn't mean I have a million things to do 24/7. Please, let me give you a ride. I'm in no hurry to be anywhere else."

So I do. We quietly ride back to my place and I'm actually pleased with how comfortable the silence is between us. Once there Shizuru parks the car in the driveway.

I turn to look at her,"Thanks for everything. I really mean it."

She nods, "I'll see you Tuesday for your appointment then?"

"I'll be there." And with that I open the door and head towards the house. I hear her back the car out and as she pulls out into the road I see her wave through the windshield. I wave back with a soft smile on my lips before watching her drive off.

Today couldn't have gone any better. I can't believe I was at all worried from the beginning. I shut the door behind me close and head into the living room while turning on the TV. I plopped down onto the couch and leaned my head back to rest against the cushioned fabric. There was a big smile on my face and I just couldn't seem to shake it off.

Shizuru was an interesting woman. She had the smarts, the looks and to top it all off, Shizuru Fujino liked girls.

Cool.