Disclaimer: I don't own Mai Hime (wish I did but I don't *sadness*)
Sorry for the late update, I apologise profusely for its lateness and I hope for my reader's forgiveness. Anyway I will let you continue with the story and I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 12 – Shopping and Dates
Youko's PV
It was quiet in the kitchen as I leant against the counter, while taking a deep breath. What did Midori mean by that? Why would she want to know whether I meant it or not? I think I need a drink. As soon as I started reaching up into the overhead cabin, I felt a pair of arms snake around my waist. Shortly after a woman's body pressed against my back as the hold on my waist tightened.
I turned my head to the side and saw a bush of orangey brown hair, I knew immediately that Midori was the one hugging me even if I didn't believe it.
"Midori? What are you doing? And how are you even standing? You were shitfaced less than 20 minutes ago." I said as I tried to give her the cold shoulder.
"Well, I am a little tipsy, that's why I'm holding onto you." She squeezed my waist gently as if trying to prove a point before she continued. "But, you're distracting me from the really reason why I came over here."
"Why did you come over here then?" I asked as I tried to resist the urge to lean back into her.
She kisses the back of my neck, biting on it slightly before trailing kisses up to my ear. She nibbled on lobe as I finally gave into the urge to lean against her, as soon as my weight was against her she whispered into my ear. "I have something I need to ask you."
Nao's PV
Beep, Beep, Beep
I cringe at the sound of my alarm going off, the persistent bleeping noise was all I ever woke up to but it was the sound I hated most in this world. It never changes and never falters, just once I'd wish it would break so it wouldn't give me a headache every morning.
Slamming my hand onto the off button, I turned and sat up before stretching to get the kinks out of my back. Mornings had always been my least favourite thing, but today it seemed that it was going to be one of those mornings. For a start, I had this date with Reito to worry about, which meant that I need to actually worry about what I'm going to wear. Plus, there was that whole asking him if he was gay thing. I had no idea what I was going to do about that.
Shrugging off those thoughts, I walked towards my dresser so I could at least attempt to pick out an outfit for later. It didn't help that I had no clue where we were going. In fact, I can't believe that I'm actually worried about this. I was beginning to act more like a girly girl every day and the worst part is that I have no idea whether it was a good or a bad thing.
After a while of looking at clothes I finally decide on an outfit, it wasn't too posh and it wasn't too normal either, so I was hoping it would be okay.
Now that I had picked an outfit all I needed to do was have a shower, get dressed and have breakfast all before Reito turned up, which was in just over an hour. I don't really see why he needs to pick me up this early, except for the fact that he wanted to take me Christmas shopping apparently. This fact was beginning to make me feel as if Reito really is gay; I mean what type of guy like actually likes shopping? Although, when I asked him he did say that he wasn't gay, but then again maybe he doesn't want anyone to know. I guess he could be bi, maybe I'll ask him if he's bi today or not, he is taking me to dinner after all.
Natsuki's PV
I blinked as I felt the sun shining against my face waking me from my slumber. I grumbled as I turned over to get the sun out of my eyes, so I could get more sleep. I wrapped my arms around whatever was radiating heat and pulled it close to me, I buried my face into the soft fluff that was by my face and took in a deep breath. The scent was intoxicating, it was a mix between tea and lavender, there was something about it that seemed familiar but for the life of me I couldn't quite place it.
I tightened my hold on the object that was radiating heat and noticed that whatever it was also felt similar. It was slim and soft, it was comfortable as well. I took another deep breath of the scent before burying my face deeper into the fluff; I stopped as I felt my nose tap gently against something smooth.
My curiosity began to get the better of me as I trailed my nose along the smooth surface until most of my face was clear of the fluff. All the time, I was still breathing in that intoxicating smell that I was becoming increasingly addicted too. I nuzzle into the soft surface and suck in more of that appealing smell; it was driving me nuts that I recognised it but couldn't place it.
Whatever I was holding shivered slightly as I moved closer and kissed the smooth surface, as soon as my lips touched the surface I knew it was skin. Upon my curiosity heightening I opened a sleepy eye to be meet with honey coloured strands of hair, leaning up slowly I opened my other eye as I gazed down at Shizuru's sleeping face.
A small smile made its way onto my face as I stared down at Shizuru; she looked so vulnerable and peaceful as she continued to dream. There was no mask for her to hide behind, nothing for her to worry about; there was only whatever she was dreaming of. If I could wake up to this every day, I would be the luckiest person in the world. I would know that she would always be there for me no matter what, I would know that I'd have someone to come home to every day, but most of all, I'd know that I was loved and nothing is going to change that.
I had to tell Shizuru, but it had to be perfect, I know that I'm telling her on Christmas day, the question is how to do it. I wonder if that new restaurant is any good, I could take her there that seems fairly fancy, or maybe I should take her to Giorgio Locatelli. That place had great food, nice atmosphere and it was formal, so it would be the perfect place to take Shizuru to for a first date. There that didn't seem too difficult, but how was I going to tell Shizuru without making her suspicious? Plus I still need to make a reservation, I turn to look at the clock on the bed side cabinet, quarter to ten, I guess they could be taking reservations now.
There were only three days left until Christmas, so I really hope they have a reservation otherwise I'm completely screwed, unless I cook her a meal. I would rather treat her though, even though Mai had been teaching me I still wasn't very good with more complex meal preparation.
Sighing deeply, I took one last look at Shizuru's sleeping face before getting out of bed, trying to be as quiet as possible; I sneaked over to the door and exited. Once I was outside the bedroom I swiftly made my way over to the phone, grabbing the phone book I quickly found the right number and dialled. I waited patiently as I was being connected; it only took five rings before someone answered the phone.
"Giorgio Locatelli, how can I help you?" An overly cheerful voice said.
"Hi, I'd like to make a reservation for two on Christmas day at 1?" I replied as I silently prayed for them to have an opening.
"Leaving it a little late, but luckily for you someone cancelled their reservation yesterday, so we will be able to accommodate you. What name should I put the reservation under?" I could practically hear the sugar dripping of her voice and 'happy' grin on her face.
"Thank you, that's a really big help, and put it under Kuga please." I felt like the luckiest person alive at this moment, I just woke up in a bed with the woman I love and now I had just landed a reservation at the perfect restaurant.
"Okay and thank you for using our restaurant. Have a nice day." Was all the lady said before she hung up.
In a way I couldn't believe that that had happened, but I guess anything can happen, you just have to be in the right place at the right time.
Now the only thing I had to worry about was how to tell Shizuru about the date without her getting suspicious, I could ask her about what she wants to do for Christmas day. That's a good way to start unless she says something along the lines of 'I was hoping to stay in and spend time with Natsuki'. But knowing Shizuru she would probably say something more along the lines of 'Whatever Natsuki wants to do'. Either way I think it will be fine.
The closer problem to figure out is what to cook for breakfast, pancakes or eggs and bacon. I wonder which is less fattening, most likely the eggs and bacon, I also have to include the fact that I haven't had pancakes for a while. I think I'll go with pancakes.
Chie's PV
I pulled Aoi closer to me as the movie credits of the last film finally finished, she had fallen asleep as soon as this movie had started but I didn't have the heart to wake her. So I had sat here with her leaning against me watching her serene face as she slept, occasionally a small smile would cross her face as I guess she dreamt about something she liked. In one way I hoped it was me, but another part doubted that it was.
After taking a few more minutes to look at her, I decided that it was time to either get to bed or start waking up. From my guess it would most likely be waking up if the sun, which was now coming through the curtains, was anything to go on.
I moved to stretch, but stopped as I felt Aoi shift slightly, I looked down at her face to see that she was still sleeping peacefully. After a few minutes I decided that it was time to wake Aoi up, really didn't want to, but we did have to do Christmas shopping today. It was already stupid of us to leave it so late when everyone would be rushing to get them, but there's nothing we can do to change that. At least we can turn the whole thing into a date; I can take her to a movie or take her to a fancy restaurant for dinner, I'm sure Aoi would enjoy that.
Aoi shifted again and I noticed that a few strands of hair were out of place; gently placing my fingers to her forehead I brushed the strands out of the way of her face. As I let my fingers slide down the strands I watched her face, trying to capture every feature. Her closed eyes, adorable nose, her slightly hewed cheeks; without realising it I carefully brushed my thumbs against her cheek feeling the luxuriously soft skin. My eyes follow my thumb as it trails over Aoi's luscious bottom lip, as I continued to stare I felt myself being pulled in by them. Before I knew it I was leaning closer and closer to her lips, my eyes only closing as my lips finally connected with hers. Just as I was about to pull back I felt Aoi begin to move her lips against my own, without hesitation I followed her lead until the need for oxygen began too much.
"That was a nice way to wake up; maybe you should do that more often." Aoi told me once she had caught her breath.
"I have to agree with you on that one." I say before I lean in and kiss her softly on the lips.
She pulled away before I had the chance to deepen our kiss. "Maybe we should take this somewhere else before it gets too heated?"
"Hmm, shouldn't we get going?" I ask her as I watch her stand and walk sexily over to the bedroom door, where she stops before turning and answering me.
"What's the rush?" she winks at me, before she turns and walks through the open door disappearing from my sight and leaving me hanging for the second time since we began dating.
It only took me a few seconds to decide that I was going to follow her; it wasn't as if I was going to let her leave me hanging.
Shizuru's PV
"Ara, Natsuki is this going to become a regular thing?" I say as Natsuki comes into the room with a tray full of food.
"Only if I keep waking up before you." She replies with a small smile on her face as she walks over to me.
It was becoming a habit of Natsuki's to wake up before me and then make these wonderful breakfasts, it made me feel slightly guilty considering I got to sleep in while Natsuki works. Maybe for Christmas I can make the breakfast and save her the trouble, but to do that I'd have to wake up before which will be extremely difficult considering how Natsuki is with Christmas.
I still need to get her a present as well, maybe I can convince her to come shopping with me today.
"Natsuki?" I say in a sweet tone.
"Yeah Shizuru?" She replied without looking up at me, as she continued eating.
"Do we have any plans for today?" I decided that using facial expression wouldn't help considering that she isn't watching me.
"No, why?" She replied as she started to spread mayo onto her toast.
"Well I was hoping to shopping, would you join me?"
She looked up at me and smiled before saying "Of course, any time I spend with you Shizuru is always enjoyable, no matter what we're doing."
She turned back to her food after she'd finished speaking leaving me speechless and slightly stunned, I'd never known Natsuki speak like that before it made me heart swell and gave me hope that what Mai had told me had been true.
Once we finished eating I was able to convince Natsuki to get dressed while I got rid of the plates, it didn't take me long to take the stuff to the kitchen and wash the dirty plates, by the time I was finished Natsuki was already cleaned and dressed.
"I'm going to sit and watch TV while you get changed okay?"
"This is Natsuki's apartment she allowed to do whatever she wants." I say as I walk towards my room pulling of my night robe slowly. As I reach the door I look over my shoulder and pull the rest of my robe off as I tell Natsuki "I won't be long." I wink at her as well before I disappear from her sight through the open bedroom door.
Natsuki's PV
I stood there with my mouth agape, I swear Shizuru was trying to make me die from blood lose considering how close I was to a nose bleed right then. It didn't help that everything Shizuru did always seems to be suggestive, like this morning for example when she leant over to get some food off the tray she showed full cleavage. If I hadn't looked away as quickly as I did I would have been seriously screwed.
Enough complaining, not that I really was but the sight this morning was rather nice even though embarrassing, I had better go get ready myself considering that Shizuru wants to go shopping.
After showering and changing I waited in the living room area for Shizuru to finish. Sat here I wonder about where she would want to go and where we could go eat, I know that if we go to the mall she will definitely want to go to the new tea store that opened. As I racked my brain for places that we would both enjoy Shizuru came out of the bedroom, turning my head I noticed what she was wearing.
To say that Shizuru was wearing skinny jeans was an understatement; these particular jeans were more like skin tight with a tiny amount of space allowing some movement, her top wasn't much better. It definitely clung to her skin but it didn't seem to restrict her movement or stop her normal breathing pattern, the small amount of netting on the top of the top stopped her from showing of cleavage but it was still half visible. Her jacket stopped just above her hips, the leather of it was slightly dulled as if it had been worn a lot.
"Ara, if Natsuki doesn't stop staring we'll never get out of here." Shizuru said as my gaze travelled over her body once again.
"Sorry." I turned away and grabbed my own leather jacket before I opened the door and waited for Shizuru to go through before me.
"It's okay Natsuki, any time spent with you I treasure anyway." She smiled innocently at me as she walked out the door.
She waited patiently behind me in the corridor as I locked the door. We walked in silence to my motorcycle; before I handed Shizuru her helmet I watched her as she first put her hair up into a messy bun and then did her leather jacket up before holding her hand out waiting for me to pass the helmet over.
Once I'd given Shizuru her helmet I straddled my bike and placed my own helmet on the handle of the bike as I zipped up my own leather jacket, as I pulled my helmet on I felt Shizuru's arms snake around me, squeezing me lightly before lightening her grip. As I revved the engine I made the bike purposefully jerk forward causing Shizuru to clutch tightly to my midsection, with a light chuckle I speed off in the direction of the nearest mall.
Mai's PV
I slowly stirred from my not so peaceful slumber; it was like any other morning where I wake up with Mikoto sleeping on top of me using my beasts as pillows. However, last night it ended very differently. My dreams had been plagued with images of Mikoto and her actions last night, especially the image of her climbing up me and kissing my lips softly. I could feel my lips still tingling with the sensation of the kiss; it's what made my dreams more pleasurable because of the image rather than being plagued. The images also blocked out the nightmares of what had happened between Tate and I, when I think back to it, I could see that he really is a baka and that Natsuki was right all along. In the end though the one that was always there for me was Mikoto, I could feel my heart skip at beat just at the thought of her smiling face.
Looking down at her sleeping form, I felt a small smile creep onto my face as a light blush covered my cheeks as I took in all the features on her face; her smooth skin, the gentle slope of her nose, her soft lips. My gaze lingered on her lips as my own tingled, I could feel myself being drawn in by those lips and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
A knock at the apartment door drew me out of my current thoughts; my head moving slowly back away from Mikoto's face. I was reluctant to move away from the warmth of my bed and the heat radiating off Mikoto's body but I knew that if I didn't whoever was outside the door wouldn't leave until someone opened it.
Another knock at the door made me hurry over slightly faster, making sure I was presentable as possible in pyjamas before I opened the door to find my little brother and Akira standing outside.
Takumi's PV
To say that my sister was stunned with shock would be an understatement; she just froze in place her mouth twitching slightly as she looked at both me and Akira stood in the doorway. It was only when Mikoto came over and hugged her while grabbing her hand that she came back to reality, it wasn't any surprise when she hugged Mikoto back and asked about food before she asked Akira and myself also; but what was surprising was the way Mikoto just sat across from both us not moaning or whimpering about being hungry even though we know she was.
"So, why are you both here? I thought you were staying at Akira's for Christmas." I heard Mai's voice call from the kitchen.
"Well, we wanted to see you before Christmas anyway plus we have presents to deliver too before we head back." Akira answered as I continued to look over at Mikoto while her weird silence kept getting to me.
"Oh right, so how long you here for then?"
"Only for today, my father is picking us up later on today, but we figured we'd start off with you and Mikoto first considering you and Takumi haven't seen each other in a while."
Mai and Akira's conversation started to turn into background noise as I continued to watch Mikoto, she was looking over at Mai and there was a longing look in her eyes that made her look slightly sad; I knew that Mikoto was attached to Mai but I never actually thought that she loved her. But now that I can see the way she looks at her, it all seemed to fall into place, all the flashes of memories of seeing Mikoto and Mai together were starting to make me feel dizzy by the time Mai came back in with breakfast.
When I saw Mai's gaze upon Mikoto I felt a small smile form on my lips, it made me wonder whether or not she had figured out who she truly loved yet, because even though Tate had been there to help her, I just knew that she didn't love him.
"So Takumi, how have you been? You look well." I turned to look back at my sister and I finally saw the relief and happiness in her eyes that I have been waiting for so long, she is at long last able to relax and know that what I do and where I am I'll be fine now.
Natsuki's PV
I sighed as Shizuru dragged me into the tea shop yet again; we had visited this shop at least three times now. It seems that Shizuru has noticed that I'm distracted by something so I guess she's trying to snap me out of it somehow, she has even dragged me into the motorcycle shop today.
Maybe I should stop worrying about the date and just enjoy today, and the moments I have with her now before they pass me by.
Nao's PV
As soon as I was finished getting ready and only just thinking about what I was going to do when I heard a knock at the door.
Standing outside was Reito looking as handsome as always, he was dressed in casual clothes but he still seemed to look formal, with his straight posture and hair that never looked out of place.
He bowed at me slightly before he offered me his arm which I took with slight hesitation, before I could stop it my curiosity arose and I decided to ask "So, where are we going?"
"To a restaurant." He replied smoothly as we walked towards the sleek black vehicle parked by the entrance gates.
"Don't I get more information than that?" I asked feeling a little irritated at the lack of information and conversation.
"I want it to be a surprise."
"I've never told you that I don't really enjoy surprises have I?" ever since I was little I had never much liked surprises, but that's another story.
"No, but I think you'll like this surprise."
"You have much confidence in your skills."
"Not really." He said as he opened the passenger door for me, before he headed round towards the driver's seat, and soon after we were off and heading towards our destination.
For some reason I had a feeling that this date wasn't going to go well, the fact that we were now sat in an awkward silence in the car on our way didn't help.
10 minutes later
It turns out that Reito's surprise was just a reservation at a not so fancy restaurant, with the twist that he'd booked the place out for the night. The man definitely didn't think of doing things by half, but I do admit it just felt forced as if he was trying to impress me. It still didn't help that the awkward silence still hadn't passed just, I guess when it was just me and him it seemed that we didn't have any connection really. I can't deny that he knew how to romance a girl but it just wasn't working for me, his smooth talk had started but I couldn't help but turn off, on the other hand the food was exceptional at this place which showed he had taste at least.
"I don't think this is working is it?"
I snapped out of my zoning when I heard Reito speak in a sad tone. "I'm not sure maybe you're just trying too hard?"
"What would you have done if you were me?"
He question was certainly weird but I already knew how I was going to answer it. "I would have chosen to go to the movies or somewhere simple. Somewhere that has a nice relaxed atmosphere; I don't really know specifics but just something like that."
"Okay then, how about we go see what's on at the movies?"
That was the best thing he'd said all night and yet it was the simplest, I guess I'm just someone that likes things in life to be simple, I mean we had just gone through a whole load of complicated situations over the course of a few years, most of which happened in the last year. It was about time I got some simplicity.
Youko's PV
"And what did you have to ask?" I said, surprised at how normal my voice sounded considering that my legs felt like jelly and I just wanted to enjoy the pleasure I was getting from the feel of Midori's lips on my neck.
"Well, first of all I wanted to apologise for what an ass I've been, I really am an idiot. I just wanted you to hear that first before I ask this." She paused, and I felt her take a big breath before she released it against my neck causing me to shiver slightly. "I wanted to ask you to be...mine."
My breath caught in my throat as I tried to work my brain around what she had just asked. She wanted me to be hers? Was that a backwards way of asking me to be her girlfriend? This is Midori I'm talking about her of course it is. "Does this mean that you want me to be your girlfriend?"
I felt her nod her head against my neck and I felt a big smile spread across my face, it was only then that she continued placing light kisses against my neck waiting for me to answer. "Of course I'll be yours."
Before I could fully register what was going on I felt myself being turned around before feeling a pair of lips gently connect with my own, the sensation so overpowering that I couldn't help the moan that escaped my mouth.
"Baby, I'm going to make up for being such an idiot and it's beginning now." Midori said after she pulled away slightly, her lips still brushing against mine as she talked. I felt her press against me as she shoved me against the kitchen counter, causing another moan to escape before I felt her lips against mine again this time with more urgency.
Sorry about the really late update I'll try to be quicker with them, but I've been crazy busy with work and college haven't even had time to get online it's terrible, but there is still no excuse for not update, i will have to punish myself...hmm no chocolate for a month that should do it. Sorry if the ending seems rushed, and please R&R if you don't mind I enjoy getting people's opinions.
P.S. Happy Christmas everyone!