Disclaimer: Honestly I don't know why I still have a disclaimer. *shrugs* Anyways I don't own anything just the thoughts floating about in my head.

My apologies for the lack of update. Hopefully all of you are faring well these past couple of years. Pertaining to the story: I will to continue writing when time permits that is all I can say. As I've stated at the beginning, this story will find it's conclusion as it holds a lot of meaning to me. I don't like to leave things unfinished so rest assure and thanks much for your patience on the matter.

In the mean time I know you've all been waiting for this so go on read.

She sat on her bed in her room on Mars pondering. Sighing in utter frustration she fell onto the bed staring blankly at the ceiling. Closing her eyes she allowed certain events to come to mind. However, there was one that didn't quite make sense to her.

Groaning she stood up and exclaimed, "I'm engaged to a beautiful young lady, but of all people it had to be a Fujino."

Someone one sensually stated from behind, "Well you weren't complaining about me being a Fujino last night, my Natsuki."

Natsuki turned around her faced flushed red as she stuttered, "Wha…What are you… Why... are you… in… my...room...and… of all places my bed…in…in…the…."

"NATSUKI!" someone blurted loudly.

The individual in question shot up proclaiming in all honesty, "I swore she wasn't in my room when I went to bed."

She stared wide-eye when she realized where she was. Groaning she let her head drop, her face red, quickly stuttering an apology. There were bouts of laughter being heard, when someone cleared their throat calmly stating, "Maybe it wasn't such a good idea for you to give a speech today, Natsuki."

Natsuki, an elite straightened up, composing herself stated, "My apologies again for the outburst, my mind has been uncooperative. I am more than capable and would like to proceed with my discourse for the recruits."

Yamada studied her momentarily before nodding for her to address the recruits. After about half an hour of grueling information pertaining to training to become an elite Natsuki finally finished her daunting task for the day. As she walked off the stage she slightly yawned, inwardly scolding herself for having exerted so much energy over something so trivial.

Natsuki didn't bother to stop and socialize with the new recruits, for at the moment she was currently seeking out a certain someone. She didn't have to go far, when the person in thought calmly walked up beside her, not saying a word she just stayed by Natuski's side, keeping up with her stride. Natsuki was about to say something, but didn't. Rather she was enjoying the presence of her significant other. It was rather comforting and soothing. Something she was unaccustomed to yet in her mind at the moment seemed right.

The two walked on in silence momentarily until a certain red head blurted, "So Natsuki, you were having dirty thoughts of Fujino weren't you. Do tell."

Before Natsuki could respond she heard a shy reply, "My Natsuki…was…was having dirty thoughts of me." Natsuki looked at Shizuru and noticed a hint of blush on Shizuru's cheeks thus blushing herself. However, she quickly turned around before Shizuru could see her blush, slapping Nao on the back of the head, "Stupid Nao."

Nao rubbed the back of her head, pretending to be hurt she stated, "What the fuck,… I was only trying to help things progress along." Then without a second thought she sprinted off only to pause at a good safe distance to shout, "The pup was so having naughty thoughts of doing things with Fujino in bed together. You go Kuga!"

"Nao" was all she heard, as Nao laughed running for her safety from Natsuki's wrath.

Shizuru gently wrapped her arms around Natsuki's waist pulling the other girl back to her as she softly chuckled, "Natsuki is all red, is she having dirty thoughts now too."

Natsuki turned to Shizuru and before she even considered giving Shizuru the infamous death glare she sighed in defeat. Natsuki didn't bother, oddly she kind of knew the only response she was going to get in return was an, "aww… my Natsuki is sooo cute," and that was something she didn't really want to hear at the moment. So she resorted to changing the topic by asking, "Where would you like to go today, Shizuru?"

Shizuru tilted her head as though she was lost in thought answering with a question, "Is Natsuki okay to go outside?"

Natsuki laughed inwardly stating to herself, "She looks adorable," before replying, "Shizuru, I wouldn't be walking around if the doctors didn't think it would be okay. Besides it's not like I'm going on a mission or something. We're just going out." She paused momentarily thinking about something then added, "To have fun and make memories of us."

Shizuru smiled liking the idea and thought behind it, "So Natsuki is finally taking me out on a date."

Natsuki paused in mid stride blurting, "What! I never took you out on a date…," realizing what she stated she tried to seem indifference to the idea of a date, "It's not a date Shizuru. We… well we're just spending time together, you know like couples do."

Shizuru chuckled, "Natsuki is too cute and quite adorable, and of course we'll spend time together like couples do on dates."

Natsuki eyed Shizuru before stating, "But we're engaged. I mean do engaged couples go out on dates. I would hope not."

Shizuru smiled slightly pouting, "Well if Natsuki doesn't want to call it a date, even though she never took me out on one. What would Natsuki like to call it?"

Natsuki thought hard about it and Shizuru inwardly smiled thinking, "Adorable indeed" as she studied Natsuki waiting for Natsuki's response. The moment the answer came into mind Natsuki blurted, "An outing. You and I will go out on an outing."

Shizuru chuckled asking, "Natsuki wants to go on an outing with me?" Natsuki looked at Shizuru smiling, then without thinking about it she took Shizuru's hand into her own and nodded. Shizuru's heart quickened a beat by the simple gesture and she felt a warmth envelope her, the only thing she could do was nod in response.

Shizuru hadn't really spent much time outside of First District since her arrival here a month or so ago. She had spent majority of the time occupied with other more pressing matters concerning a certain individual. Now that everything had seemed to calm down Shizuru was actually glad to have the opportunity to spend time with Natsuki. However deep within her she knew these moments weren't going to last and decided to make the most out of it for both of them.

She was pondering something, when a gentle hand grabbed her hand and a voice she knew all too well asked, "You ready to go."

Shizuru turned around to face Natsuki who was smiling at her and without much thought she kissed Natsuki on the nose before stating, "Hai, so where are we headed Natsuki?"

Natsuki caught off guard, slightly blushed stuttering, "Why'd… Why'd you do… that Shizuru?"

Shizuru smiled, "Ara, I was simply showing how much I adore my Natsuki. Or does Natsuki not like showing our display of affection in public?"

Natsuki was slightly stumped as to how she was going to handle this situation. Shaking her head as she thought about it, she couldn't remember if she ever did show any affection towards Shizuru when they were in public and with the lack of memory Natsuki was unsure of what to do. It's not like she didn't like to show affection for the crimson eyed beauty, it was just she wasn't used to showing it.

Shizuru noticing the quiet turmoil Natsuki was having suddenly realized that Natsuki was at a very fragile state especially after everything she had gone through and it was now her turn to protect Natsuki. Taking her right hand she gently caressed Natsuki's cheek pulling the emerald eyed beauty back to reality. Natsuki blinked a few times realizing she was now staring at crimson eyed orbs which were staring right back at her. Natsuki gently eased into the hand liking the warm comforting sensation of Shizuru's hand on her cheek. At that moment no words needed to be said to express what the two women were currently sharing. Closing her eyes Natsuki allowed the moment to linger, as soon as the moment came it pass leaving a sense of understanding between the two of them.

Taking in a deep breath Natsuki held onto Shizuru's hand and enthusiastically stated, "Let's go, Shizuru."

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The couple exited the theater when Shizuru wrapped her arms around Natsuki's left arm after Natsuki had finished stretching asking, "So what did Natsuki think about the movie?"

Natsuki leaned her head to the side momentarily before stating, "There wasn't a lot of action, so that was disappointing."

Shizuru softly chuckled, "It's a romance and drama movie Natsuki, there's not supposed to be all that fancy sword fighting and bullets flying."

Natsuki nodded in agreement, "Yeah I suppose you're right."

Shizuru curiously questioned, "So Natsuki didn't like the movie then?"

Natsuki turned her head around to look at Shizuru trying to gauge where the older woman was going with the current question as she calmly replied, "I never said I didn't like it now did I Shizuru."

Shizuru softly smiled and nodded, "That's true, Natsuki never said she didn't like it, but she also hasn't said that she liked it either."

Natsuki nodded but didn't reply which left Shizuru slightly confused. Shizuru wasn't use to not getting what she wanted and currently a certain emerald eyed beauty was playing difficult which was hard for her. She could tease Natsuki, however she didn't feel like frustrating or irritating the younger woman just to get some answers. It was not in her nature to relent, but she would allow Natsuki this moment of reprieve. Without realizing what she was doing Shizuru poked Natsuki's side causing Natsuki to practically freeze in her stance and tense up.

"Ara," The gesture and reaction did not go unnoticed by both individual as their heads swiveled to look at each other.

Natsuki slightly shaken stated, "Shizuru."

Shizuru smiled and Natsuki could see a hint of mischievous behind the smile as she asked, "Natsuki, you're not ticklish now are you?"

Natsuki taking the opportunity to free herself from the grasp of Shizuru took a step back, "Why… I mean, of course I'm not ticklish."

"Then why is Natsuki standing so far away from me?" Shizuru stated teasingly throwing in a hint of sadness in her tone of voice.

Natsuki shook her head, "Ah, well… Ah, I just needed to stretch. Yeah stretch."

Shizuru calmly eyed Natsuki stating, "Natsuki wouldn't lie to me now would she."

Trapped, Natsuki didn't know what to do, she had to change the topic of discussion or do something and quick at that or she was doomed to an eternity of torment. However thinking upon it she wondered whether the torment would be as bad or not with her crimson eyed beauty. Focus, she mentally slapped herself, "You're an elite for crying out loud Natsuki. You should be able to handle this Fujino woman."

"Of course not Shizuru, I love you." Natsuki exclaimed, most likely not really comprehending what she was stating at the moment and so openly out in public as well.

"Oh, if Natsuki loves me she wouldn't lie to me now would she." Shizuru stated her voice teasingly adding a hint of anger behind it. Shizuru looked on as Natsuki struggled with what was currently happening. In the end she couldn't help but tease the younger woman, it was just in her nature. However, Shizuru was sure to keep herself in check and stop the teasing the moment she felt something wrong.

"If Natsuki loves me then she'll have to prove it to me." Shizuru exclaimed closing the gap between the two of them.

Natsuki was slightly in shock from the statement, "Shizuru wants me to prove that I love her. How does one prove one's love? Think Natsuki, think." That was the current turmoil that Natsuki was going through at the moment, having forgotten all about the issue of whether or not she was ticklish. There was a moment of silence before something unexpected happen.

Shizuru was simply smiling watching how adorable and lost in thought Natsuki was that she didn't expect what was about to happen and it took her a few seconds to register what was happening. Natsuki who had concluded that the only way to prove her love to Shizuru was to kiss the older woman, yet she was unfamiliar to that aspect of it so she went with what she had recently learned from watching the movie with Shizuru.

Natsuki leaned in and wrapped her arms around the crimson eyed beauty pulling Shizuru to her and without pause press her lips ever so softly onto Shizuru's without allowing the older woman to register what was currently happening. Shizuru upon realizing what was currently happening responded by kissing Natsuki back. And as quickly as it happened, Natsuki pulled away, her face flushed in embarrassment upon hearing a few cheers from strangers who were passing by and had witnessed the adorable interaction between the two women.

Slightly stun and off guard Shizuru could only mutter, "Nat-su-ki."

Natsuki smiled feeling a bit triumphant for being able to render Shizuru speechless calmly whispered loud enough for only the two of them to hear, "I love you Shizuru."

Shizuru was dumbstruck, by the way Natsuki expressed herself so openly with those few words. Then it dawned on her, that if and when Natsuki remembered would Natsuki still love her. She was slightly shaken as to how things had turned out. Shizuru had not had the chance to tell Natsuki about her ending things with Anh, and if Natsuki remembers everything would she not be furious.

Natsuki looked at Shizuru realizing that Shizuru was being too quiet as though something was bothering her. With her arms still wrapped around Shizuru she kissed Shizuru on the forehead asking gently and soothingly, "What's wrong Shizuru?"

The simple words of worry stirred Shizuru back to reality as she replied, "Hmm… I was hoping Natsuki would kiss me on the lips again with more vigor and…"

Natsuki blurted, "Idiot…" loud and clear before Shizuru could finish, causing Shizuru to chuckle.

After her short burst of chuckles Shizuru calmly stated, "Natsuki should not worry too much about me I am fine."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow and casually asked, "Now who's lying to who?"

Shizuru eyed Natsuki and smiled, "Natsuki should know by now that I love Natsuki and only Natsuki, even after she regains her memories, if and when she does."

Natsuki was lost in thought before momentarily stating, "Shizuru no matter what happens I'll always be there for you. This is where I belong by your side. It feels right."

No longer wanting to dwell on what may be and what could be Shizuru just wanted to spend the here and now with Natsuki. Drawing the two away from such thoughts Shizuru calmly stated, "Natsuki is ticklish is she not."

Natsuki tensed, quickly pulling away from Shizuru, "Ah, you hungry Shizuru. I'm starving, how about we go get some food."

Shizuru softly chuckled glad to know that she was able to switch the topic of discussion as she stated to a Natsuki who was quickly walking away, "Natsuki cannot hide from me."

Unbeknownst to the two there was an individual hidden in the shadow who had been observing their interaction for some time now. The individual calmly radioed her superior, "Yo, damn lazy asses can you hear me."

A quick response came back, "Loud and clear, and please watch your language."

The individual scoffed, "Targets are a okay. Will continue with mission, over and out."

Without waiting for a response the individual turned off the radio and disappeared out of sight.

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"I see," Shizuru replied slightly unnerved by the information she was currently receiving from the other end.

The person on the other end of the line apologetically replied, "We attempted to handle the matters as best as we could, but there are certain things that require your immediate attention."

Shizuru silently nodded, "Thank you Haruka, I appreciate everyone's hard work during my absence. I will be departing Mars at weeks end."

Haruka answered, "We look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks. Until then Shizuru be safe. You're still in danger."

Shizuru quickly ended the call and sighed, that was something she had wanted to forget. With the situation as it was, she did not want to put any more strain on Natsuki in her current condition. Shizuru could handle herself fine, but if things got out of hand Natsuki would without a doubt step in. Shizuru slightly irritated groaned. She leaned back on the bench she was currently sitting at and simply stared at the stars in the sky. She had been awake when Haruka had called her and not wanting to converse in her room in the early morning she had walked along the corridors of the organization and found herself in their mediocre size park located in the middle of the buildings foundation. Slightly tired she stood up to leave when she noticed a figure awkwardly strolling into the park. She studied the figure as the figure approached her, and upon seeing who it was she smiled.

"Natsuki, what are you doing?" She casually asked already knowing the answer to that question. It was not uncommon to have her wandering aimlessly for a place to sleep.

"I can't sleep," Natsuki tiredly replied.

Shizuru lit up mentally stating, "Oh dear, I wonder if she knows how adorable she is in her current state." Smiling Shizuru wrapped an arm around Natsuki and whispered in Natsuki's ear, "Would Natsuki like to accompany me back to my bed."

Natsuki shook her head, "Shizuru should stay with me here." Without waiting for a response Natsuki grabbed Shizuru's arm and pulled her to a nearby tree stating as she let go of Shizuru's hand and patted a spot for Shizuru to sit, "This is my spot and everyone knows it. When I can't sleep I come here. It calms me into slumber."

Shizuru nodded without a response as she was simply enjoying the interaction between the two of them. Sitting down with her back against the tree trunk she made herself comfortable. Immediately afterwards Natsuki laid her head on Shizuru's lap and sighed contently.

Shizuru smiled and unbeknownst to herself, she started running one of her hands through Natsuki's hair. Unsure of whether or not Natsuki was still awake she nonchalantly stated, "Natsuki should know she's rather adorable when she's sleeping."

When she got a humph from Natsuki she chuckled continuing, "She's also very stubborn as well, hard headed and very sexy in her uniform. " Shizuru couldn't help but look down and notice a blushing Natsuki.

Natsuki on the other hand stuttered, "Shizuru is more stubborn then me, and a pain when she's teasing."

Shizuru couldn't stop from laughing, in which she received a compliment from Natsuki before she buried herself into Shizuru stomach, "Shizuru is beautiful when she laughs."

Shizuru stopped mid-laugh and gently placed a kiss on top of Natsuki's head, "My Natsuki is very charming." Upon feeling a nod from Natsuki she couldn't help but chuckle.

The two remained in this manner of position until seven in the morning when Shizuru started noticing people walking outside the corridor. She ran a finger from the top of Natsuki's forehead down her cheek and traced the outline of Natsuki's lips, when Natsuki startled her by kissing Shizuru's finger.

"Did I wake Natsuki," Shizuru questioned, trying to calm the beating of her heart after receiving such a gesture from Natsuki.

Natsuki smiled and shook her head as she looked up at Shizuru she wanted to ask something as she started saying, "Shizuru can we…" She was interrupted by none other than Nao hollering, "Don't you two have a room."

Shizuru ignoring Nao curiously asked, "Natsuki?"

Natsuki sat up and stretched calmly stating, "We can talk about it later, Shizuru." Shizuru nodded in response.

Nao ignoring the two lovers calmly stated, "Here's the deal. I have to do a routine check on an outbound station. The almighty commander wanted me to ask you if you were up to it. It's up to you. In my opinion I don't think you're up for it."

Shizuru calmly asked even though inside she was baffled by the suggestion, "Is that wise Nao." And she also knew what Nao was doing as Natsuki scoffed, "Depends if I can take someone along with me or not."

Nao looked at the two of them and grinned, "If you're planning on taking Fujino, be my guest. She's you're charge not mine. Do with her as you please, pup."

Natsuki was about to retort when Shizuru softly grabbed her by the arm, "Natsuki."

Natsuki turned to her knowing full well what the gesture was implying. Shizuru nodded in response and Natsuki asked, "Time and place, stupid Spider."

Nao sneered, "Ten o'clock at the entrance gate. I have to sign off on all this shit and you need to get the proper gear for Fujino."

"Ara," Shizuru was curious as to what gear she was getting.

Nao brushed it off, "Look Fujino, we can't have you running around as a civilian. So, yes you get to play dress up in a uniform."

After the brief exchange Nao left the two of them alone. They were both pondering certain matters pertaining to the mission when Shizuru was the first to recover and seizing the moment poked Natsuki on the side causing the girl to go ridged as she softly chuckled. What Natsuki did next caught both of them by surprise. Natsuki swiftly turned around and grabbed shizuru's finger and bit it stating, "That's punishment for poking my side."

Shizuru still stunned by the reaction slowly recoiled her hands stammering, "My Natsuki bit my finger."

Natsuki trying to justify her action, while she was mentally lost herself, "I can not believe I just bit her finger. What the hell was I thinking." She could only answer with the most logical explanation at the moment, "If my Shizuru is not going to listen to me then she needs to be punished."

Shizuru mentally smiled upon hearing Natsuki claim her as hers. However she was not going to let such an incident go without retribution. Shizuru took this opportunity, slinking her arms around Natsuki she pulled Natsuki to her startling Natsuki, "Shizuru what's wrong?"

Shizuru mischievously smirked, "Natsuki if you punish me for simply poking your sides what happens when I do this." Before Natsuki could register what was going to happen, Shizuru attacked her relentlessly tickling her sides. All Natsuki could do was muster a, "Stop… Wait… Shizuru…" In between breathes. And so this was how they started the day.

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Nao was waiting at the gate when the two of them finally approached. She couldn't help herself at the moment and stated, "What took you two so long got caught in each other's pants."

Natsuki without a word took a full swing and punched Nao in the arm replying, "I was just looking."

Shizuru chuckled, "Well I can't blame her, I do look mighty fine myself, right Natsuki." Natsuki blushed and nodded. Nao could only gape in wonderment as to what took them so long. Brushing it aside due to duties she cleared her throat and pointed at the vehicle, "Alright squad let's get to it."

Prior to leaving Shizuru had stated to Nao in a gentle threatening matter not to push Natsuki's temper. Nao reluctantly agreed and thus the ride to the outbound station was uneventful.

The mission a routine check. Take the outbound train to its final destination, which was a three hour travel to and from. While in the process make sure all individuals on board had proper identification with them. It was a straight nonstop train ride, so that made it easier to check the individuals. If anyone seemed suspicious they were to be obtained, the use of force was hardly ever needed. The task itself was straightforward and they usually didn't have much trouble with the current outbound train. Their were usually a couple individuals trying to get into the capital without the proper identification, but incidents like that were handled quickly and effectively.

Shizuru was a quick learner and didn't need much assistance so the task was done rather quickly. They were done checking the passengers a half hour after departure and Nao decided to check up on other matters that she had been assigned. Natsuki and Shizuru were sitting in the cart behind the conductor's cart which was especially assigned for soldiers and elites. It made it harder for anyone attempting to hijack the train. The two were just enjoying one another's presence when a shot was heard from a nearby cart. Both of them reacted accordingly and stood up when the door to their cart opened and in walked the perpetrator holding a gun to the head of a hostage.

The man holding the gun exclaimed, "Stop this train or she dies."

Natsuki went for her gun and her hand froze. Shizuru noticed this reaction and acted quickly by questioning, "There are no ports on this outbound train. It's a direct route to and from."

"Look lady, I mean no disrespect and all but tell the conductor to stop this fucking train." The man yelled the irritation in his voice growing.

"Sir, I suggest you calm down for your own safety as well as everyone else," Shizuru calmly stated.

The guy pointed his gun at Natsuki, Shizuru and the hostage angrily hollering, "If you don't fucking stop the train now I'm going to blow her fucking brains all over this cart then kill the both of you."

Natsuki took a step forward stating, "Okay, alright. Just lower your weapon down and we'll get the conductor to stop the train."

The guy cocked his head to the side and laughed mockingly, "You honestly think I don't know what you're about to do. You're going to fucking toy with me. I know what you're doing, so don't fucking toy with me. You're going to talk to me like I'm some fucking idiot and the moment I let my guard down you pull out your gun and blow my fucking brains out."

Natsuki was getting irritated and for once in her life she was scared for the well-being of those around her. It was the first time in her life that her body froze on her and her mind was in turmoil, "What the fuck, my hand just stopped. What the fuck is going on here? Move hand, move. Take the gun and blow his brains out. What the fuck is wrong with me? I have to protect Shizuru, these people. Why..." Her mind knew exactly what to do, which was to take the gun from her leg holster and blow a hole in that dumb-asses head, but her body wasn't registering her course of action. She stated rather harshly without considering the consequences of her remark, "Look asshole. If I wanted to blow your fucking brains out I would've done it the moment you walked into our cart."

Shizuru gasped in terror realizing the moment the perpetrator registered what was being said he would react. Everything happened in slow motion. Shizuru registered his course of action when he lifted his gun in the direction of Natsuki, without thinking of her own safety she stepped in front of Natsuki, turned around and wrapped her arms securely around Natsuki. Natsuki too slow to react, noted the gun pointed directly in their direction and all she could utter was, "Shizuru."

Shizuru gripped Natsuki tighter to her as though both their lives depended on it and calmly replied, "Everything's going to be okay, Natsuki."

Natsuki looked to Shizuru an ache of pain searing through her very core for her sudden lack of ability, "I'm sorry Shizuru I couldn't protect you." Shizuru rested her head on Natsuki's shoulder and closed her eyes. If this is where it were to end, she was content. Shizuru mentally shook her head, "This is where I'm meant to be. I'm sorry too Natsuki, that this was all I could do for you in the end." In that brief moment of thought a gun shot was heard.

To be continued...

I hope you all enjoyed the calm before the storm.

That part where Shizuru comes in to protect Natsuki, I must say I got that part from My Otome. If you've seen the series you know what I'm talking about if you haven't well you're missing out on some good stuff.

Till my next update: The passion in ones heart stirs those around them which creates a massive dominoes effect that causes a ripple unlike any-other. Or so I hope, think, or something along that line. *grins*