-walks in to the room clears throat-

Author's note: please read…especially -Trinity- of April Beauty.

I'd like to dedicate this chapter –pauses in thought slightly shaking head- this story to Trinity…she's been there for me even if it's only been abruptly…I want to thank her for her words of encouragement, support and strength because it has allowed me to take this previous big step in my life with confidence… -approaches you (TRINITY) and grabs your hand- You may be far away from where I am but I just want you to know that you've become apart of my life and will always be…even if we are a world away, you'll always be here –places your hand gently on my chest where my heart resides-...-looks at you and smiles- THANK YOU Trinity…for allowing me to be me.

–looks around- Hey what are you people still doing reading this you should be reading the story.

Disclaimer: -yawns- after all this if I still get busted for not putting up a disclaimer I'm going to hang someone...-sighs- FINE I DON'T OWN NOTHING, NADA, ZERO, ZELICH...better to be safe then sorry.

To Readers and Reviewers: –lowers head in gratitude- please continue doing what you all do best.

And now the story continues...

Natsuki opened her eyes everything was a blur, she pondered 'where am I' when the sharp pain from her battered body caused her to remember her tormentors. Yet she thought it was odd that they had not come by to seek information from her. Had she succeeded in holding out that they'd given up. Her brief moment of triumph was muffled by a sharp grunt from across the room.

Natsuki forced her eyes opened and felt anger boiling up inside her when she saw what was happening before her. Her tormentors hadn't given up they had decided to toy with someone else, someone not her. She could already hear her comrade's screams of agony while the tormentors asked the questions, "What's your name and military status? Who sent you here? What was your mission?" and they would continue until she snapped.

Natsuki clenched her fist, she was the captain, her job, her responsibility was to see that everyone got out alive regardless of her own safety. For a brief moment she closed her eyes pondering what to do when a gun shot was heard she snapped fearing the worst had already happened.

"Noooo," screamed Natsuki as she sat up heaving for air, sweating as though she was sitting in a sauna.

Natsuki looked around the room trying to recall where she was when not one nor two nor three but eight people barged into the room one expression upon their face, concern.

Natsuki stared at everyone 'I'm dreaming because there are a lot of people staring at me and I'm starting to feel very uncomfortable. I should go back to bed… Yes sleep, this is all a dream.' She told herself as she took one quick glance at everyone then laid back down closing her eyes. Natsuki had fallen back asleep thinking she had been dreaming.

Everyone had rushed in when they heard Natsuki's scream, their attention upon Natsuki the moment they stepped into the room. After she had simply dismissed their worries lying back down upon the bed, they waited to see if something was wrong. As the minutes slowly ticked by and nothing happened one of them got bored stating, "Well that was melo-dramatic, but I'm out of here."

The one in charge stated, "Wait we have something to discuss Nao."

Nao looked at everyone then scoffed, "Not in here we don't, in private yes but I don't think your lover will approve."

When there was no reply Nao Inwardly chuckled before suggesting, "How about over some dinner?"

One of them perked up at the mention of dinner suggesting, "Since I'm here why don't I cook."

Her companion gleefully smiled, "In that case I'll help Mai."

Mai cheerfully answered, "With Mikoto's help dinner will be done or gone in half an hour."

Mikoto huffed in defense, "I'm not half as bad as I use to be Mai. I've learned some manners." Mai simply chuckled pushing Mikoto quickly out the door, before anyone could ask them what they were talking about.

As the door swung close behind Mai and Mikoto, Haruka quickly signaled Nao towards the door causing Nao to smirk, "What about your lover, Chief?"

"For the last time Nao she is not my lover?" Haruka huffed not realizing she had yelled.

Nao looked over towards the so called lover of Haruka to see the expression upon Yukino's face, but all she got was a shrug causing her to exasperate her remark, "Ouch I just think you broke her heart Haruka."

The comment caused Haruka to turn around which in turn made Nao burst into laughter, "Lovers in denial."

Haruka pushed Nao through the door as Nao blurted, "What about Fujino don't we need her in this discussion as well."

Haruka didn't answer it was Yukino that did, "Nao even you understand that some people would prefer a bit of quietness once in a while to reflect."

Nao shrugged the thought simply seemed stupid. The notion of reflecting over what, she didn't know or care. 'If you're going to do something do it, don't idle around or its going to disappear…I mean what's there to think about exactly if life itself is a learning process.' Nao mentally explained to herself before slightly shaking her head, "If you say so."

The three walked towards the dining room conversing about stupid things that would've been weird to all three if they didn't seem to have gotten to know each other over the course of the last few weeks.

During the whole ordeal amongst the group, Shizuru had zoned out their distractions, finding an empty seat. Shizuru sat down beside Natsuki gently soothing her by playing with Natsuki's hair and combing it with her hands like a mother would a sick child. For some odd reason she had found it had the same effect on her.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Natsuki groggily woke up to the sound of an irritating voice, "Pup hey pup, wakey, wakey."

Ignoring the constant pestering by Nao, Natsuki sat up trying to blink the tiredness from her eyes and somewhat confused she asked, "How long have I been out Nao."

"Oh since I found you barfing your brains out on the road about four days or something like that ago." Nao answered uncaring.

Natsuki grabbed her head moaning, "Ah shit I have a headache." When she realized her hands were lightly bandaged. Natsuki looked at them at a loss on how she acquired such wounds.

Nao had noticed this and decided to speak up, "You had a little incident last night. Had the lot of us pretty worried about how to subdue you but lucky you Fujino was able to calm you down."

Natsuki raised her head surprised by the comment, "What," and as the information slowly sunk in Natsuki panicked, "Oh shit I didn't hurt her did I, fuck me and my damn…"

Nastuki paused when she saw Nao holding a finger to her lip motioning for her to be quiet before scolding her, "Calm down well you, besides we can't have her waking up."

Natsuki turned her attention to where Nao had motioned and saw Shizuru sleeping on the bed 'Oh shit I've killed her' Natsuki was shocked in to thinking.

Nao quickly noting this reaction chuckled, "No you didn't kill her. Fujino decided to keep an eye on you. Well after all she was the only one able to calm you down without the use of violence. Had she failed we would've knocked you out cold regardless of the consequences."

Natsuki was relieved but furious she questioned, "What'd I do?"

"You really want to know?" Nao asked when she didn't here a response Nao shrugged realizing there was no point in hiding the information anyway, "Well sometime around ten last night you just went berserk. I suppose you could say you were in pain or anguish one of the two but you were also rather pissed off and started hitting the walls. By the time we found you your hands were covered with cuts and dripping blood. Don't worry, the Doc say's you've got no broken bones, just some minor cuts that should heal by it self, no fancy technology required. Hence the bandages, pup."

Nao paused catching her breath while allowing the facts to sink in for Natsuki before continuing, "Mai tried reaching out to you but you snapped at her muttering something incoherent. Haruka tried subduing you but you punched her, don't worry she's fine. Seeing that no one really wanted to try anything further that might agitate you, shit I wasn't going to try it. When you turned your back on us as though we were annoying you, Midori took the initiative suggesting we all attack at once."

Nao allowed some time for Natsuki to comprehend the new information, when Natsuki asked impatiently, "How'd you guys managed then, if I was so uncooperative?"

"Easy we didn't do anything," Nao exclaimed holding her right hand with one finger pointed at Shizuru's sleeping form, "She did all the work, if you can call it that."

Natsuki arched an eyebrow curious but hesitant as well stated, "What…Shizuru…How..."

Nao smirked realizing how bent up Natsuki was going to get when she found out but unable to keep it to herself she stated, "Well we were about to knock you senseless when she barged in saying something like that wouldn't work, we'd only wind up getting hurt and something else that I zoned out on. What surprised me was, Fujino simply walked up to you and held you."

Nao then went into details, "Fujino placed her hands around your waist pulling you close to her calmly soothing you with words of its okay you're safe, no one's going to hurt you and all that bull. We panicked for both her safety and yours."

Nao paused allowing for the dramatics of anticipation as to what happened next settled in before continuing, "You know what the funny thing was pup? You caved like a little child crumbling into her and she had to hold onto you, so both of you wouldn't fall on your asses. She cradled you in an embrace until you stopped muttering incoherently and lost your senses to the dullness of sleep."

Natsuki was shocked by the way Nao had commented on how she had acted shaking her head in disagreement, "I'm a fucking moron."

Shizuru had awaken the moment she heard Natsuki yelling but feign sleep, Nao had picked up on this but decided to play along being that if Natsuki wasn't all there she was as clueless as can be.

Nao smirked putting her plan into action, "Yes you are but I must say is there something going on between you two that I'm unaware of."

Natsuki in defense stated, "I'm her guard you fuck head."

"Language there pup." Nao said before throwing a glance over at Fujino, indeed this would get interesting so she causally continued, "Well like I know what your sexual preference is? You can't blame a girl for assuming can you?"

Shizuru suddenly recalled something 'Ara could it be that she's' but her thought was cut short when Natsuki snapped, "My fucking preference is none of your concern, Nao."

Getting worked up over nothing Natsuki took a deep breath of air then in a softer tone she added, "Besides with me as screwed up as I am love is but a word to me."

Nao waved her hand dismissing the comment, "Ah is the pup in denial."

Natsuki scoffed, "Denial my ass, unlike Nao who takes what she wants."

"Damn right pup, you got to unless you're running away from something." Nao knew she had hit a nerve when Natsuki yelled, "What the fuck are you getting at and why are you here?"

Nao answered, "I'm your substitution for awhile." Natsuki was about to ask what was going on when Nao continued, "But it seems like your yelling has woken Fujino up."

Shizuru was caught so she played along with Nao, "Ara such colorful language this morning Natsuki."

Shizuru calmly stretched while sitting up, she looked at Nao stating, "You must be teammate five."

Nao chuckled, "So you knew."

"Only just found out when you said pup," Shizuru calmly replied.

"Really… Then you know why I call her pup?" Nao asked hoping to get a rise out of Natsuki.

Shizuru nodded, "Ara I'm well aware of why you call her that," when she was suddenly curious asked, "You two…could it be…"

Nao shot up in protest ending Shizuru's question, "Fuck no, I'm ten thousand percent sure I'm straight. I only pester Nastuki because I know in a way she enjoys the torment, keeps her on her toes."

Nao quickly turned towards Natsuki as she smirked, "But you'll have to ask her about her sexual preferences."

Natsuki was being ignored by them and the last comment both of them made pissed her off to no end, so she fell back on the bed turning away from them scoffing.

Nao chuckled at the sight, "Ah we made the pup mad," then turning to Shizuru she teased, "I suggest Fujino that you kiss her wound and maker her feel all better."

"Ara, do you think that would work." Shizuru stated playing along.

Unknown to the two ladies Natsuki had ignored their constant teasing finding that their conversing was oddly having the opposite effect, soothing her back into slumber like a lullaby.

Nao arched her eyebrow when she heard Natsuki muttering incoherently causing her to exhale in disappointment stating the obvious, "Seems like our pup went back to bed."

Shizuru was about to respond to the comment but the door swung open and Yohko walked into the room, a tone of threat in her voice, "Nao what did I tell you about pestering the patient."

Nao stood up realizing her cue to leave she smiled smugly as she passed Yohko saying, "Just doing my job."

Taking one last nod at her handy work she turned around to addressing Shizuru, "I'll see you later Fujino, you're aware that you have a meeting at ten today don't you."

Shizuru nodded, "I am aware of that Nao."

Nao smiled at Yohko before leaving the room. Yohko walked over towards Nastuki ready to make her rounds as she stated causally, "Seems to me she's doing better, and was she awake."

Shizuru nodded, "Natsuki just went back to sleep before you came in."

The room went quite as Yohko went about her duties while Shizuru pondered the conversation that just went on feeling something deep within her stir as her mind ran over what Nao said. In her mind she asked herself, 'Could she be in love with Natsuki and what of Anh,' when she recalled that her grandfather had wanted her to meet a Natsuki. Turning to look at the slumbering figure she pondered 'I had forgotten to ask Natsuki about that…, But one does wonder if she is the Natsuki grandfather was talking about, the civilian who had ended up foiling an attack at the banquet, and had received grandfather's ring.' She paused in her thought looking towards Natsuki and again she didn't notice any ring let alone a necklace with the Fujino emblem upon her. She sighed in disappointment for it would seem her answers where not going to come forth anytime soon.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nao was leaning against the back of the wall watching her surrounding as well as her charge and her date. The two had ordered and were waiting for their orders when Nao noticed the waiter pouring an opened bottle of wine for the two ladies.

She shook her head, 'How stupid can people be' as she approached the table taking both wine glasses into her hands handing them to the waiter she said, "I'd like to new glasses along with an unopened bottle of red wine."

The waiter looked at her as if she was mad but nodded not wanting to bother a Fujino when they were dining. After the waiter left Shizuru stated a bit amused, "Ara, that was quite similar to what Natsuki did, but unlike you she sipped the wine."

Nao recalling the story she heard pertaining to Natsuki getting poison, inwardly chuckled but professionally replied being that they were out in public, "Unlike pup I have my own methods."

Nao couldn't understand what was going on, here her charge was having a date with an old lover that cheated on her when she was worried about someone else 'These two are so dense, what does it take to make them see they're in denial about their feelings for one another.' Testing her theory she non-chantedly stated, "Natsuki will be back by your side tomorrow Fujino."

There it was Nao saw it, if only for a brief moment she saw it as she casually turned her attention towards Anh she smirked, "Don't worry you'll forget about me but I'll be around Fujino." Apparently neither of them understood the remark so Nao simply shrugged leaving them to their date.

On the drive back to the mansion Anh was dropped off at the hotel she had been staying in when she came to visit Fuuka, which had been often since her sudden return into Shizuru's life. Nao had ignored the two embracing each other until things got a little heated. Nao eyed them suspiciously when Shizuru broke the kiss off gasping, "I'm sorry Anh you know this is all just too soon and I've told you why."

Anh sighed realizing that was one of the many reasons she wanted Shizuru back in her life, "I know you want to wait till you're ready and sure. After what I did, I suppose I can wait forever if necessary as long as you'll be mine."

Shizuru turned away which caused Anh to tighten her fist in frustration by the mere gesture, "Just give me some time Anh. I have to sort these things out, okay."

Anh suddenly worried asked, "You're not backing out on our picnic date in the park next weekend are you."

Shizuru turned around surprised by the comment answered, "No of course not Anh. You know I don't mind being around you."

Anh quickly embraced Shizuru seizing the moment as she muttered, "You know I love you."

Shizuru wanted to look away but she remained steady nodding, "I know."

Anh quickly pecked Shizuru on the forehead saying, "Goodnight love," before letting Shizuru go.

Shizuru answered, "Goodnight Anh," then returned back to the car where Nao was waiting. Shizuru was surprised to see that the passenger side of the door was opened and not the back.

"Ara is Nao trying to seduce me." Shizuru playfully stated, she knew Nao wasn't into women but she still found it fun to tease the girl as much as it was teasing Natsuki, however their reactions were rather different from one another.

Nao scoffed, "Just get in Fujino."

Shizuru got in and buckled up waiting for Nao to situate herself in the driver seat, immediately after Nao started the engine up she said, "It's easier for me to keep an eye on you there then having to keep looking behind me. Having a kink in your neck is a bitch, Fujino. Besides if anything were to happen I can push you out the door before this vehicle blows up."

Shizuru wanted to toy with Nao even with Nao being sarcastic in her remarks. However Shizuru knew Nao was in work mode and would not be deterred by any of Shizuru's antics unlike Natsuki. Shizuru was suddenly aware that she had been thinking a lot about Natsuki since finding out more about her, but she wanted to know something pertaining to Nao so she asked out of the blue, "Nao why are you so protective of Natsuki."

Nao chuckled, "I wouldn't say protective. You make me sound like her mom."

"Ara does Nao wish to be Natsuki's mom," Shizuru playfully said.

"Fuck no, are you mad. I just screw around with the girl…" Nao paused realizing her choice of word she corrected it before Shizuru could say anything, "I just fuck…" no that wording didn't seem right. Frustrated she blurted, "I owe the Kuga's my life and someone asked me a favor to keep an eye on her."

Shizuru was inwardly chuckling by Nao's use of words when something caught her attention she mouthed, "Kuga's."

Nao shook her head ignoring Shizuru, "You know you're being nosy Fujino but rest assured you can look all you want but you won't find anything about my past. It's vanished except for maybe my birth record and random info about my mom."

She paused allowing Shizuru to intake the information before tapping the side of her forehead exclaiming, "All of that is in here, so you got to ask me and if I don't want to I'm not talking. Feel free to torture me but I'd rather die then tell you, squat."

"Ara… you soldiers tend to protect your privacy and past with such passion." Shizuru said realizing she wouldn't get any information from Nao.

Nao exhaled, "You have to if you've got things to protect. Natsuki however is a different story."

That was the first time Shizuru had heard Nao say Natsuki's name and it was stated in a tone of emotion that Shizuru could not really comprehend and suddenly she found that Nao really cared for Natsuki like one would a family member. Shizuru smiled as she thought 'Natsuki if you'd only see there are so many people who care about you.'

Shizuru was driven from finishing her thoughts when Nao asked her something, "What about you Fujino. You got something to hide?"

"Ara… Is Nao interrogating me now for being nosy," Shizuru answered with a hint of amusement in her voice.

Nao scoffed, "Please if I wanted to I could find out anything I wanted about you, since I've got rather reliable informants. I just prefer the easy way."

"Well then tell me what you think." Shizuru challenged Nao.

Nao arched her eyebrow, "Don't tempt me Fujino, I'm a good guess at characters and you're not that hard to read, even if half the time you're emotionless except for the smile on occasions but even that has no emotion."

Shizuru was caught so she decided to let things go seeing what Nao could tell her about herself, "Do enlighten me Nao."

Nao laughed, "Okay you asked for it."

About ten minutes later Nao stated, "So I'm not far off am I Fujino. I can see it in your eyes."

"Ara, are you sure you don't swing our way, because one would think you're trying to hit on me." Shizuru playfully stated inwardly nodding that Nao wasn't half bad at guessing about a person but she didn't know all the facts and that was where she went wrong.

"Please not this again. Like I said if I swung that way I would've jumped the pup along time ago, but seeing that she's still innocent I can only image what her love life is like." Nao exclaimed.

Shizuru was confused, "What does Nao mean by innocent, I thought…" she didn't want to finish her sentence.

Nao knowing what she was asking explained, "Tormentors torment to get information but if they break you they lose their jobs. Taking advantage of your victim is a big no, no especially when your boss wants information, not some traumatized individual who'll never speak again." Then realizing Shizuru had understood she smirked, "Waiting for that special someone aren't you, is that why she cheated on you."

Shizuru couldn't believe what Nao had asked and she didn't feel the need to answer so she remained silent causing Nao to chuckle, "Damn right I hit the spot."

Nao continued to be an annoyance, "So why her? I mean come on you can do better, from the vibes I was receiving you were rather distant when she wanted to continue. What's on your mind Fujino?"

"Ara, ara… it would seem someone is being nosy now," Shizuru snapped softly.

Nao shook her head, "Oh please you started it."

Shizuru smiled. "Now, Nao is acting like a child."

Nao laughed, "Damn that Kuga rubbing off on me."

Nao calmed down a bit when she heard Shizuru softly chuckling and couldn't help but comment, "You should do that more often."

Shizuru composed herself, "Ara why is that?"

Nao shrugged, "Just a suggestion, Natsuki would probably open up more to you if you did so as well. Can't really be in relationship where only one person reveals their darkest secrets now can you."

Shizuru repeated, "Relationship."

Nao scoffed, "No doy, you two are so dense." Then parking in the garage she turned off the engine excitedly saying, "Home at last, well you can find your way fine and I can assure you no one will try killing you here not with two pups running around."

"Thank you Nao," Shizuru stated as she got out of the car.

"Don't thank me. I hate all that crappy mushy stuff," she said before adding casually but in a tone of warning, "Just don't hurt her she's in enough pain already."

Shizuru arched her eyebrow unsure of why that last comment was made because she herself wasn't really sure what she was feeling for Natsuki.

To be continued...

I hope you all enjoyed it...I'm doing my best to get these up as quickly as I can...rushing a story is not always a good thing. The story must come from within...only then is it enjoyable to read...over and over, without being boring. Sometimes I re-read the chapter a few times adding or taking some parts out before posting it...which also causes some delays, but it all works out for the best.

I know LOTS OF ARA's -shrugs- but you know Shizuru is to Ara's/tea/Natuski as Natsuki is to teasing/mayo/shizuru. ;P

Till my next chapter...grab yourself a good book and read it till I update or just roam around on this site reading all the other great fanfic stories written.