12.
Take Two
Natsuki was sitting on the sofa, her elbows on her knees, her hands on the back of her bowed head.
"Natsuki?" Shizuru called softly, "Are you feeling ill?"
"I'm so sorry, Shizuru," was the muffled reply.
Shizuru smiled softly, and sat beside her, "And what transgression, real or imaginary, are you apologizing for?"
"All of my plans for our second anniversary are shot because of my busted leg," Natsuki sounded defeated.
Shizuru nodded her understanding, and put a comforting hand on Natsuki's back, "It's alright, dearest. You didn't do it on purpose. No, to be fair, you didn't do it, at all. I don't want to misrepresent the facts, after our argument about your motorcycle. This was the result of human error, to be sure, but not yours."
"But…Look, there's something that most couples do on their anniversaries, and we couldn't our first year because I'd only just given birth. And now, I can't do that because this damn leg is killing me…"
"Natsuki," Shizuru laughed, "Surely you know that I value our relationship for much more than any carnal desires?"
"Of course I know. But I also know that you enjoy those things, and…"
Shizuru gently lifted Natsuki's head until she was looking in her eyes, Crimson and Emerald mingling.
"It's okay. Besides, much of our relationship is already…unconventional? So, then, so what if our anniversary traditions aren't conventional? Besides, you planned our last anniversary. Perhaps this time, I should plan our activities. And besides, the Doctor did say that the pain should fade after the third week, so for other things I can be patient."
Natsuki smiled, "Are you sure?"
"Ara, but our anniversary is Natsuki's birthday, as well, so shouldn't she get a very nice present?"
"Well, I'll look forward to it with girlish glee," Natsuki grinned, "Now, where's my Saiyuri? I could use a healthy dose of cuddle time."
At a little over a year old, Saiyuri had begun those trembling, clumsy first steps to walking. Fortunately, most of the house was carpeted, and Natsuki and Shizuru had baby gates to keep her out of areas where she could get into things. They also served to keep Skaði corralled as well.
Natsuki actually caught sight of Skaði walking merrily through the house without a care, and Saiyuri followed after her with slow but deliberate steps.
"Skaaaatttthhhhhiiiii!" Saiyuri called after the dog cheerfully. The puppy turned on her heels and bowed her head, raising her rump and wagging her tail. She then charged to Saiyuri, running around her. Saiyuri quickly became dizzy, and landed abruptly on her bottom, laughing.
Natsuki scooped up the beagle pup, "Now Skaði, it's not nice to tease Saiyuri. She's only just starting out. Play nice."
She set the puppy down, and Saiyuri patted her eagerly.
"Be gentle, Saiyuri. Skaði is your friend, but if you play too roughly, even she can get upset."
"Okay, Mama."
Natsuki seemed to positively glow, hearing her daughter call to her that way. Seeing Natsuki smile made Shizuru smile.
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Shizuru considered her options carefully. With Natsuki injured, the activities for their anniversary couldn't be too strenuous. Attempting to walk around on her crutch for long periods would just tire her out, after all. And the Doctor had said to stay off her leg as much as possible, anyway.
But what sort of activities could couples do while sitting? Shizuru considered that she could read to Natsuki. But, of course, Natsuki found Shizuru's reading voice to be highly relaxing, and would fall asleep where she sat. They could watch movies. Except they each had their own preferences. Shizuru enjoyed period romances, while Natsuki preferred suspense films. They did have some things they enjoyed together, but an anniversary seemed to call for something new, and finding just the right film in time would be daunting.
She was looking up potential activities online when she received an email from her father.
"Shizuru, I'm sending Natsuki some drawings of her characters, Anri Unryuu and Sayoko Tsukiyama, from the animation studio. Have her make notations in red ink for any changes she might like to make. Thank you. Your loving Father,
Hiroyoshi Fujino."
Shizuru went and checked the daily mail, and found a thick envelope in the contents. She opened it, and smiled at the various sketches. Then she caught sight of the artist's personal information, and an idea hit her.
She picked up the phone.
"Hello, is this Jun Hoshino? Yes, permit me to introduce myself. I am Shizuru Fujino…Yes, he's my father.
"I'm calling for two reasons. Firstly, Natsuki Kuga, whom you know as the author Kreuger, is very interested in reviewing your designs for her Pathfinder series with you. However, I would like to also discuss engaging your services for a special occasion. I will pay handsomely for your time, of course…Excellent. You see, what I would like to do is…"
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Shizuru was surprised to discover that Jun Hoshino was just now twenty-one years old, much like Natsuki. He was thin, bespectacled, and with short cut hair. But his face seemed gentle, and he wore a small, thin mustache. His eyes were a striking amber color, and seemed to see much in a glance.
"I was a little surprised at your request," he confessed to Shizuru, "More by you taking me into your confidence than by what it is you'd like me to do with my skills."
"And I am grateful that you are willing to keep this in your confidence," Shizuru bowed.
He smiled, waving his hand, "Not at all. We all have our private lives. They're hardly matters for public consumption, no matter what the tabloids may say. That Kreuger would live such a lifestyle is hardly surprising, given the content of her work. You trusting me with your secret is far more personal."
"I, myself, was struck by how you handled the character designs," Shizuru said, "You captured a softness to Sayoko that I doubt that many people would understand, unless they dedicated readers."
"A woman who, after twelve years of searching, still holds out hope of finding her long lost sister, and who sparks the interest of her dorm mate, Anri Unryuu? How could she be anything but soft, deep inside," Hoshino smiled.
"Then let me surprise 'Kreuger' with my gift to her."
Shizuru aided Natsuki in coming to the living room, where she propped her leg up on an ottoman.
"Forgive my slowness," Natsuki sighed, "I was involved in an unfortunate accident."
"Oh, yes. Hiroyoshi Fujino told us all what had happened. We were most relieved to hear that you were alright. Your 'Pathfinder' series is, as I understand, still two volumes from completion. And I've heard that you have other works to create, as well. So, it is most gratifying that you were not more gravely injured.
"I came here for two reasons. The first is to discuss the character designs with you. I have an eidetic memory, so anything that you tell me, I will be certain to remember. Be as harsh in your critique as you like."
Natsuki was flipping through the drawings, "I don't believe I'll need to be harsh. There's a few minor tweaks to be made, here and there, but I think you really understand the series."
"Most gratifying. The other reason I'm here is that your wife has commissioned me to draw a portrait of the two of you for your anniversary."
Natsuki looked at Shizuru curiously.
"Ara, it is all well. Hoshino-san has agreed that the details of our private life are expressly that; private."
Natsuki grinned, "You know what. I think that if Hoshino-san watches us today, he'll get an idea just what tweaks need to be made before I've said a word."
He smiled, "I do believe that you may be correct. There is an air between you that reminds me very much of your characters."
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"Ara, the portrait is most beautiful," Shizuru beamed as Miyu worked to make the framed image level on the wall, "However, Natsuki, I didn't get to see the changes that Hoshino made to the character designs. Can you tell me what it was that needed to be changed?"
"Well, he'd captured Sayoko quite well. Her strength, combined with her gentleness.
"But while he managed to convey Anri's intellect, her playful side was missing. Until he saw you in action. Then he understood that part of her, as well," Natsuki looked wistfully at her wife, "After all, it's not much good if the readers and the viewers don't see her the way I see you."
Shizuru smiled at Natsuki, "Ookini."