Me: Well... today's been fun... TIME TO PROOF READ.

Chapter 12

I knew exactly how I got here, and yet somehow I didn't. I could run over the course of events as they happened today, but my decision making process for the day was completely out of the ordinary. I remember this morning I called Reito-san and told him to come over, no matter what, and then hung up the phone. When he arrived at my house, Duran made a show by growling and barking at him to the point where I had to let him outside so that Reito and I could talk in peace.

At once he asked where I'd managed to find the deranged mutt and told me I'd be much happier with a cat. I politely as I could asked him how long he'd been fucking other women behind my back and lying to my face. He responded by saying that he hadn't, along with his most charming and reassuring smile. I told him that I knew he had, I'd talked to the girls and that he had no reason to lie to me any further. That was when he broke down and proclaimed his love for me, saying how he never meant to do anything to hurt me or break my heart.

I told him that my heart was no longer his, he was now single, he wouldn't be missed and then kicked him out of my house. When I let Duran back him, he came in proudly with his head held high; my little protector. He was still a puppy, and a little on the fluffy adorable side, but he was slightly ferocious in his own way when he bared his teeth. And so far he was completely house broken, well trained, and even behaved himself when my father came to talk to me. He still stared at my father warily, though. It worried me to think about Duran always protecting me, but if he disliked my father, what harm could my father possibly cause me? Then I decided he was just taking after Natsuki's dislike of my father.

The old man had come into my room unannounced as I sipped my tea. Apparently he'd received a phone call from Kanzaki-sama, telling the tale of how I'd broken up with his son over a squabbling rumor at school. I'd responded that Reito had cheated on me with over a dozen different girls throughout all four years of our relationship, he was a lying cheating bastard whom I wanted nothing to do with, and that nothing my father said would change my mind or make me take him back. Duran barked in agreement. My father left red in the face and angrier then I'd seen in a long time, but he raised no further protest.

Afterwards, I took a small nap with Duran curled up on the foot of my bed. Then I let him outside to do his business, played with him for a bit, took him back inside for lunch and then started on my homework. When I did my homework, Duran didn't like not having any of my attention, and so he sat on the floor by my chair and squeaked/barked until I looked at him. Eventually I lifted him up and set him on the table, telling him to lay down and stay quiet. He laid on the other side of my desk and fell asleep, only disturbing me when his leg twitched against the wood every once in a while.

After a few hours of this, I grew bored. So I decided to call Natsuki. But she was going out with friends, somewhere downtown by the warehouses... places I'd been as a kid when my father took me on business runs that I don't remember. He'd never stayed long, but I knew the way. I decided to pay my Natsuki-chan a visit. It seemed innocent enough, to try to run into a friend of mine on a night out so that we could spend time together. But the warehouses weren't known for being hospitable places for people, especially students; why I chose to go is beyond me.

On the way down to the warehouses, I found myself growing nervous as I grew closer and closer. I'd worn what I thought might be appropriate to a downtown warehouse party... My only pair of jean pants, the plainest black shirt that I owned and the leather jacket that I still hadn't returned to Natsuki. I figured maybe I could give it back tonight. But now I wasn't so sure.

I'd fallen in line with other cars. It only felt right that they were probably going where I was going, and since I didn't know exactly where I was going, I hoped they did. I followed the line until I was stopped. A large black man in a tuxedo took one look into my car through the window, and then waved me on. At this point I was starting to wonder what I was getting myself into. I came to a large complex with two buildings in them surrounded by large metal gate. I stepped out of my car when a boy in a red vest asked for my keys.

What downtown... warehouse party has valet parking? When I got near the gates, a large man stepped in front of me, looking down at me with judgmental eyes, "Name."

"Ara... I-I... Shizuru." I said, not trusting to give him my full name.

The man sneered down at me, "Shizuru..." he looked at me, his eyes roaming over me. I felt far more naked then I was. But then a look of horror struck his face, "Shizuru Fujino?!" he asked, fear threaded through his words.

I hardened my eyes and nodded, trying not to let my own fear show through. The man bowed deeply, so deep I was afraid he would drop to his knees. He bowed again, and again, and again, apologizing for his mistake and his treatment of me, begging me for forgiveness. Before I could say anything, he pointed to what he explained them to be the practice garage, the racing track and then the relaxing garage. He then told me his name and asked me to mention him to my father if I ever had the chance. I agreed and left him, going to what seemed like the least dangerous area, the relaxing warehouse.

My eyes shifted through the crowd nervously, looking for the familiar dark blue tresses that had filled my thoughts so thoroughly as of late. Her jacket made me brave, but I knew I'd feel much more at ease with the bluenette by my side. But I didn't see her. Eventually my legs carried me to the entrance of the smaller warehouse. I kept close to the wall, trying to ignore the drinks that were offered to me. A small glass was pushed against my lips though, and as I drank the burning liquid fire and the people around me cheered, I felt more exposed then ever. Many people bowed and called me 'Shizuru Ojou-sama', much to my dismay.

I knew my father was rich, but why did street rats like them owe him so much respect? I kept closer to the wall still, edging around slowly while my eyes combed the unfamiliar faces of the crowd. Eventually someone had managed to put a drink in my hand. I downed it as well – hoping that it would calm my nerves – and almost retched it up as fast as it went down. Finally, I was put as ease when I saw a familiar shade of blue coming towards me. Then I almost retched again as Natsuki pushed my shoulders hard, knocking me into the metal wall behind me, "What the fuck do you think you're doing here?" she asked, anger evident in her eyes.

I grasped for words, but none came to me. I could see Nao standing with a tall boy from school in the background, but my attention was grabbed by Natsuki again as she snapped in front of my face impatiently, "I-I don't know." I said, finding myself stuttering, "Natsuki-chan, you're scaring me."

Her eyes were ablaze though, her anger pouring out of her with every second she looked on at me, "Why are you here?" she asked, her fists turning to balls. Fear filled me, gripping my stomach in painful anxiety. My Natsuki was good at making me happy - this Natsuki scares me.

I blinked at her, "...To see you." I managed to say dumbly. I've never seen so ashamed of my vocabulary.

Compassion flashed in her eyes for a moment before it was replaced by a worried, almost insane look, "'Zuru, you need to go home. This is no place for you." she said in hushed tones, looking around at the other people surrounding us.

Shaking my head, I felt the alcohol from before surge through my veins as it made its way to my brain, making me bolder, braver, "You seem right at home," I told her, reaching for her hand and letting my fingers dance across hers as lightly as possible, "If this is your place, I want to be here. With you." I said, smiling. She was angry because she was worried. I can understand that.

A blush came forth to her face. But she shook it away quickly and hardened her gaze, glaring at me, "Fujino, this is not your place." she said, an icy coldness to her voice. It took me by surprise. So this was the Ice Princess that I'd heard so much about when it came to Natsuki's behavior towards people she disliked. My hand drifted back from hers, and instead I started hugging myself, trying to show myself compassion where none would come from her.

I groped at my arm, feeling the soft leather between my fingers, "I thought you might want the jacket back." I said. In the background I thought I heard Nao-san laugh, but I wasn't sure.

She stepped forward, blinking slowly, "'Zuru... You could get hurt." she muttered, making my heart speed up when she looked up at me slightly. I was only 3 cm taller, but I took it seriously. I was taller and I was going to make use of it. As she looked up at me, my eyes lowered themselves to her lips. They were moving, but I didn't hear what she was saying. I mean, it'd be so easy; just to lean forward and kiss her. I don't know why I haven't kissed her yet. Fuck I want to kiss her. I need another drink.

Then a motorcyclist rode through the door, shaking a bottle of champagne over his head and spraying it onto the happy crowd in front of him. Within a second, Nao was at my Natsuki's side, holding her arm and whispering into her ear. Then, my Natsuki-chan was gone.

I almost glared at the red head, but she grabbed my hand and led me out of the building, "Keep your mouth shut and try not to look too much like your father." she said, pulling me through the crow. Close behind me, the tall man was pressing through the crowd with us. It took me a moment to remember that his name was Tate Yuuichi, and he had an outstandingly terrible attendance record, the same as Natsuki. Was it because they spent their nights together at large parties like this? I grabbed another drink from someone and downed it as I had done with the first, even though this one was twice as large.

I've never drunken before, other than wine at my father's formal parties. But this was sour, and made my stomach warm. It didn't burn my throat though, and it affected me much more than any wine. The warmth in my stomach spread throughout my body. I was smiling before I knew I was and laughing before I understood the words around me. I think I'm tipsy.

Soon enough, we were front and center of a closed off area. In between the two buildings was a cleared narrow path that bikes could race on. It didn't look entirely safe as I looked at it. 5 bikes were lined up side by side, and Natsuki was in the middle of them. She was on the bike I'd ridden on, a helmet on her head, but she wore no jacket or no padding like the other riders. All around me I heard voices concerning her.

"500 bucks on the chick!"

"99,000 yen on the blue one!"

"I bet she's last place."

"I bet the last guy's dick that she's first!"

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the money I kept on me at all times at my father's insisting. It wouldn't be too bad if I lost it... "Five hundred thousand yen on the blue haired girl." I said loudly. All around me men voiced their complaints and their approval as their voices roared louder and louder at the sudden high stakes. Most of all, Nao was looking at me as if I had lost my mind.

Then, the race began. Almost immediately, one of the racers spun out and ended up under his bike. His exhaust pipe had landed on his leg and then immediately slipped off. His leg bled and showed visible muscle while his skin stretched like melted cheese from his leg to the bike. The image almost made me throw up, but the sound of bikes blocked out his screams before my eyes followed the race. Another drink was handed to me and another drink was downed. It took me a moment to realize it was Nao handing me the drinks, and that she was drinking them even faster then I was receiving mine. My attention was captured by the roar of the engines in front of me as the four other bikes sped off. As they passed by us, I saw Natsuki's surprisingly green eyes for a moment as they focused on the race.

Then as almost as fast as it started, it was over. Men pushed money and objects into my awaiting hands and Nao and the man pushed me through the crowd again. Once more we were back at the small warehouse entrance, where Natsuki sat on her Ducati a few feet away as the crowd cheered for her. She had no gifts to offer them, so I threw up the money I had won from the gambling on her face. Around us, men continued to shout.

"Give her her girl!"

"The winner earns her bride!"

"Kiss, kiss!"

I don't know what made me think they were talking about me either, perhaps the alcohol. I don't know why I felt so offended when the man behind me held be back from stepping forward. I don't know why no one was pushing me forward. However, I knew exactly why I felt so angry when I saw my Natsuki-chan leaning against her bike with Nao in her arms and their lips locked together. Jealousy bloomed in my heart as my Natsuki-chan pulled away from the kiss with a grin on her face. Anger ran through my veins as my Natsuki-chan pulled her friend in for another kiss.

"They love these races." I heard the man behind me say. Oh yes, I'd almost forgotten that he was there. Tate was looking down at me with a wide grin, "How much money did you win?" he asked.

I shrugged and looked down at my hand. I'd thrown up the money but, "I got a men's watch." His almost golden eyes glittered against the golden watch eagerly. I smiled a bit and held it a bit higher, "Ara, why don't you have it." I said, "I have no need for a man's watch". He wasted no time in plucking the thing from my hand and putting it on his wrist, watching the way it shined in the light.

When I looked back to Natsuki and Nao they were walking back towards us, one grinning like a true winner and the other as red as her hair. Natsuki was leading her bike along with her, "Tate, I need you to take Nao home."

"Now?" he complained, pointing to his wrist, "I just got a new watch!"

She looked at it for a moment and then nodded, "It's nice. But I need to get Shizuru home and three people can't fit on my bike. Give her a ride back to the apartment so that she's there when I get back. Careful too, she's drunk."

He raised his brows and smirked, "Why does she have to be there when you get back?"

"Shut up, asshole, and take me home." Nao muttered, looking to the ground as her face reddened further.

She pushed by him as he laughed. He winked to Natsuki with a wide smirk, "Don't tire her out too much, Kuga, no matter how much you love first place." he said, earning himself a middle finger from the bluenette. He bowed to me next and laughed, "And goodnight to you, Shizuru Oujo-sama." he said, and then he left. Why do they insist on calling me that, especially Tate-san? Was he not just another boy from school?

Natsuki turned to me and smiled, "Do you drink?" she asked. I shook my head. She nodded and kept smiling, a smug look appearing on her face, "How much have you had to drink?" she asked. I raised my hand and put up three fingers, then four, then went back to three, then five. I wasn't sure. She laughed at me and turned her bike, urging me to walk with her, "Is your dad going to rip my head off when I take you home?"

I shrugged and walked with a hand on her shoulder to try and ease my spinning head, "My father would most likely be asleep right now, though he allows me sips of wine at formal parties. I don't think that he'd be too angry though." I said, following her as the crowd outside parted before us.

She stayed silent for a moment before looking at me, "Do you know what this is?" she asked.

Looking around, I smiled and shook my head, "Some type of party for people who really love racing bikes and don't mind getting hurt and where people love my father?" I asked.

Natsuki looked thoughtful for a moment before shrugging and nodded, "Eh yea I guess so, that sounds about right." she said. We walked on until we reached the gate and, when we did, the boy with the red vest went to get my car, but Natsuki stopped him, "Tate Yuuichi will be returning later tonight to retrieve her car. She's drunk." she explained. The boy then nodded and went to get someone else's car.

The guards near the gate stopped and bowed as we approached, one of them moving in front of us, "Enjoy the rest of your night, Shizuru Oujo-sama. And congratulations on your victory, Kruger-sama." he said, bowing to each of us respectively and then moving as we sent by. I thought about correcting him about Natsuki's name; it's Kuga, not Kruger, but decided against it. Natsuki straddled her bike outside the gate and allowed me to climb on afterwards.

"Hold on tight, 'Zuru." she said. I obeyed the command and wrapped my arms around her waist tightly. She placed her helmet on and then sped off into the night. I laid my head against her back and looked up at the moon and stars as we left the warehouse area. As we drove through the downtown area, I saw the lights blur through my vision as we watched restaurants and coffee shops open way past midnight. Normally I would have been asleep by now since it was a Sunday night, but with Natsuki I actually wanted to go inside these shops. Maybe we could for our first date.

We went over ramp and hill, exiting the downtown area. As we did, I saw my father's corporate building looming high over the rest of the city. The reflective tiles on the outside were usually a light blue and the top was a normally a simple white so that the building reflected the clouds and looked as if it blended in with the sky, but now the roof was painted black. Probably for my uncle. The lights on the outside of the building blinked a slow red, drawing my attention. The tiles reflected the darkness of the night, making the entire building look like a looming shadow.

I closed my eyes and felt my head spin within itself. Or maybe it was my brain that was spinning. Did drinking alcohol usually make our brain break dance within your head? Maybe it's the fast bike.

Downtown slipped from my view and was replaced by shorter buildings. These businesses were closed and the streets were dark, but soon enough apartments and homes started popping up, most dark, but a few were lit up. Finally we started going up the hill where the larger houses were located. Two story houses, three story, then they started growing longer and wider as the yards got nicer and larger as well. Until finally we pulled up to a familiar shiny gate with my father's initials on it.

The gate opened for us as once. Natsuki pulled up to the front of my house and turned off her bike. I got off first and tried my best to stay upright. But my head was spinning and my stomach felt upset. I staggered a bit and stepped closer to the bushes in front of my house, tripping over myself and dropping to my hands and knees. "Shizuru?" Natsuki asked from behind me. I opened my mouth to respond and my stomach contents flowed forth, burning my throat and mouth.

Natsuki was at my side in a second, holding my hair up and rubbing my back. "You're not allowed to drink whiskey ever, ever again." she told me.

I tried to answer, but only more bile came forth once I opened my mouth. After my stomach was fully empty, she helped me to my feet. We entered my house slowly, with Natsuki holding my arm and leading me. Duran was there waiting for us, jumping on our legs and trying to say hello. "Duran, I need to you to stay quiet and go up to Shizuru's room. Keep watch and don't let anyone inside." Natsuki said.

Duran sat dutifully for a moment before running up the stairs excitedly, his furry paws making him slip a bit. I couldn't help but giggle at him. Natsuki shushed me and grinned, pulling me forward up the stairs. I followed her, keeping one hand on the handrail and the other in hers while trying to keep my giggles quiet. She led me up the stairs and to my room, where Duran sat in front of my door. When he saw us, his tail started wagging, but he didn't bark as I thought he would.

We went into my room as the bluenette led me to my bed. She sat me down and turned on the light, "I'll bring a glass of water and some snacks, just get ready for bed." she said, placing Duran on my bed and retreating from the room.

I nodded even though she was gone. I stood slowly, trying to keep my balance from my disobeying legs. They kept trying to spin in circles, even though I wanted to stand still. Eventually I found my balance and took off the jacket, and then my shirt, then put the jacket back on because I love it. I slipped out of my pants, but they got caught around my ankles. I stood on them with one foot and got a foot free, but then toppled over onto my bed. I laughed happily as I slid the pants off my other ankle as Duran tried to lick my face, "Ara, Duran... get my night clothes please." I said, but he didn't listen and kept licking me.

I sat up and straightened out, laying on my bed and staring up at my room, "...Under the blankets. Right." I told myself, laughing again and picking up the blankets and starting slip under them.

"Sorry I took so long I couldn't find the kitchen for a w-" Natsuki stood in my doorway, looking at me with wide eyes.

I looked down at myself and saw my bra, semi-covered by the jacket, and my panties. I looked back up at her and smiled, "Am I still wearing too many clothes?" I asked nicely. I pushed my shoulders back and let the jacket fall from my shoulders. Natsuki's eyes darted down and roamed over my chest, stomach and legs, while her tongue flicked out to quickly lick her lips. I felt myself smirk slowly, "Still too much?" I asked, intent on taking off my bra for the girl.

Her face went pink at once when she saw my hands going behind my back. She put the water and banana on my desk and rushed forward, grabbing my arms, "No, no. no you have plenty of clothes on, just.." she left off, her eyes drifting from my face and lower still.

I giggled at her, "I was only playing around with you, my Natsuki-chan." I said, putting my hands on my lap and watching her eyes return to mine, "I know you have Yuuki-san to go home to tonight. You were planning to sleep with her, right?" I asked, not expecting an answer.

Natsuki opened her mouth to answer, but closed it and released my arms, her eyes hardening. She handed me the water and the banana, watching as I ate and drank it slowly, relieved by the feeling of something other than air in my belly. I glanced at her and saw her leaning against my closed door, watching me carefully, the light pink blush still upon her face. But her eyes were intently set on me. I shifted a bit, suddenly feeling more naked and less brave then I was before. The alcohol was wearing off.

But as I finished the banana and sipped the rest of the water, she watched me still. I gulped and felt my body responding to her gaze as heat gathered between my legs. Well... two can play at this game. I raised my head and looked at her. Almost immediately, her head snapped up and her gaze met mine. She looked away then, her blush darkening, "You should... finish your water." she muttered, not daring to meet my gaze again.

I summoned the last of my liquid courage as I finished the water and placed my empty cup on the floor, "You don't have to be embarrassed, Nat-su-ki-chan," I said, smiling at her as warmly as I could, "you can look and you can touch." As I said the words, they had their own effect on me as I shifted and felt the wetness between my thighs. Stupid alcohol. I wanted to make her want me, not make myself horny.

She shook her head at once, "I-I wasn't..." she started, but she stopped and gulped, looking at me desperately. I simply kept smiling at her. She took in a deep breath and sighed it out through her nose, "...You broke up with Reito, then?" she asked.

"I did." I said. I half expected her to step forward and kiss me, touch me or do something, but instead she just stood there, looking as if she was making up her mind. Hurry up, Natsuki, come make me yours. I want to be yours... I could see the desire in her eyes, her eyes that were almost on fire with how bright they were, the emotions swimming through them making my heart race. But after a few moments of watching her I felt that she wasn't going to do anything, so, I laid in my bed and pulled the blankets over me, smiling at her still, "I'll see you tomorrow, my Natsuki-chan."

"Yea..." she said, nodding. She managed a half smile as she opened the door, "Yea, see you. Night, Duran." she said, earning a small yelp from the puppy. She stopped, halfway in and our of the doorway and met my gaze again. Then she stepped back into my room and made her way over to my bed. She looked down at me, a small smile on her face, "Man, I wish you weren't drunk." she muttered. I was about to protest when she leaned down and kissed my forehead, just as she had done yesterday.

I froze and stared at her while she continued to smile at me, a look of sadness in her eyes. She had refused me because I'd been drinking? Did she think I wasn't serious? "Natsuki, I-" I started to say, but she cut me off.

"Shush. Get some sleep so you don't feel bad tomorrow." she said.

I quickly leaned up and pressed my lips against her cheek, lingering for a moment before laying back down and pulling my blankets up to my shoulders, "Goodnight, my Natsuki.." I said, licking my lips.

"Your..." she muttered as she straightened up, her cheeks entirely red. She blinked for a moment, her eyes filled with confusion, but then she returned to the door and simply nodded at me, "Goodnight, 'Zuru." And then she was gone.

I turned over and sighed, feeling my heart hammering hard inside of my chest. My interest in her was never going to be satisfied... I sighed and held my pillow close to me, wondering why Natsuki just had to be so damn enticing. I couldn't help but feel anger rising in my head. She was going home and she was going to have sex with her roommate and best friend and god damn it how do I get her to take me seriously?

OMAKE

Me: ...Yup.

Shizuru: Ara, finally, developments.

Me: Shut up! -pouts- I've been updating and everything, adding to the story and fixing mistakes, AND I JUST added that little cheek kiss for you in a final edit so shut your face hole, Fujino

Shizuru: I mean... All hail Shu! Master of yuri!

Me: Better...

Natsuki: -kneels before me- I've come to make an offering, in exchange for more yuri in this story.

Me: -suddenly sitting on a throne- What do you offer me?

Natsuki: -throws Nao on the ground-

Nao: Oi! Untie me, Mutt!

Me: Fiesty... CHEF~! Prepare a feast for the High Lords sometime next week, using this red head as our main course!

Mai: Yes, Queen Shu!

Nao: Oh fuck no! You are not eating me!

Me: Aw, but I'd love to eat you...

Nao: Wait, do you mean eating my flesh or...

Me: -shrugs- Haven't decided.

Natsuki: Figures. You can never choose anything

Shizuru: Ara... how about both?

Nao: ...Worth it.

Me: MWUAHAHAHAHA - So guys, like it? I always forget that its Saturday night and that I have to update. Plus I was distracted between this, my chemistry midterm lab and Workaholics... so... wasn't very productive. I finished all three though!

Natsuki: Yes, because Shu has no life and spends the weekends inside, without leaving her house.

Me: To quote the only rapper I really listen to... "Holla back if you don't really wanna pregame or wait for cabs, would rather eat a fucking cheesecake and take a nap." Besides, I don't have gas money to go out! I'll just stick to chilling on campus and writing fanfiction in the library. Thank god this is pre-written or I would have NO TIME in my daily routine to write for it. Anyway guys, let me know what you think and how you think this story is gonna end! REVIEW PLEEEEEASE~ I'll be your best friend...