Thanks for the reviews! And I should've phrased my last A.N better: I didn't mean to imply that I wasn't going to give Sucker Punch a happy ending at all. It won't be sunshine and puppies, of course, but it won't be so depressing that you'll throw yourself off a cliff, either. Enjoy!

Vibrant dark-emerald eyes, glazed over with boredom, absent-mindedly traced a trail of a condensation droplet down the glacier edge that was the side of a glass of iced tea.

Said verdant orbs widened in surprise when a palm slammed down forcefully, breaking all tranquility and causing the drop of condensation to plop onto the lacquered surface of the table.

Natsuki looked up accusingly at Nao. "You killed that drop of water!"

Nao raised her eyebrows. "Say what now?"

Natsuki paused and shook her head. "Never mind."

"Can you stop moping for one second and talk to me like a sane person?"

"What do you think we're doing right now?"

"I'm talking and you're not listening. I just confessed to drugging your drink so I can sell you for profit to a tribe of scantily-clad dominatrix women in the Amazon and you didn't even blink."

"No, I heard that; it just seems like something you would do."

"Well, I'm trying to be a good friend here."

"Trying—and failing," Natsuki said wryly.

Nao shrugged. "Not my fault you're such a big baby. You've talked to Shizuru every night and you're seeing her tomorrow—what more do you want?"

"I don't know, maybe for the crippling guilt to be lifted off my chest?" Natsuki sighed.

Nao idly stirred her drink. "You're depressing me."

Natsuki rolled her eyes. "Please forgive me."

"Nah, don't worry about it. You want to go watch the new movie that's out—the one about the zombies?"

Natsuki brightened before frowning. "I can't. I told Shizuru I'd see that with her."

Nao snorted. "Seriously? You want a matching collar for that leash?"

"No, but you could use a muzzle."

"Touché. Speaking of muzzles, I was thinking—"

"No, I would not like to participate in one of your bondage sessions."

"Jeez, I get caught one time and you just refuse to let it go," Nao grumbled. "The muzzle is to make sure you don't tell Shizuru about your little deception until after you get back from your romantic getaway to Grandma Fujino's house."

"Apparently, it's a mansion," Natsuki mused.

"It could be a straw hut and the old woman would still kick you out for breaking her granddaughter's heart. I bet she has security dogs patrolling the perimeter; rich people always do in movies," Nao said.

"Dogs love me."

"With some fava beans and a nice Chianti, maybe."

Natsuki sighed. "I don't want to wait to tell her, though. I've put it off long enough."

"Want some advice?"

"Not really—all you ever seem to do is insult me."

"No I don't, moron. Anyway, think of it like Little Red Riding Hood—you know, the whole going to Grandma's house thing."

"Am I Little Red Riding Hood? You know I can't pull off the color red," Natsuki said sarcastically.

"No, Shizuru is because she has red eyes. You're the big bad wolf stalking her, and there's a reason why the big bad wolf fucks up in the story."

"Why?" Natsuki asked skeptically.

"Because he didn't wait until after leaving granny's house to reveal himself!"

"That is so not the moral of Little Red Riding Hood."

"Yeah, well, whatever. My metaphors are fucking gold."

"No, your metaphors are shit."

Nao dramatically pointed to the door. "Blasphemy. Get out."

Natsuki cocked an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"Yes; I grow tired of your presence. Leave my apartment at once!"

"You are a capricious bastard." Natsuki stood up and stumbled when her surroundings spun. "The hell…? Why am I so dizzy?"

"Don't drive. I may or may not have put rum in the iced tea." Nao cackled when Natsuki bumped into the doorframe before staggering out. "Oh Nao, you are too good."

-000-000-

Natsuki unlocked the door and immediately stumbled over her own feet, stubbing her toe in the process. "Damn it all to fucking hell!"

Mai glanced up at her clumsy entrance. "You okay there? Need me to call an ambulance?"

Natsuki grumpily sat down. "No. Nao spiked my drink, though."

Mai frowned. "That…sounds like something she would do."

"I know, right?"

"Someone dropped off a package for you, by the way."

Natsuki stopped mid-yawn. "Really? Who?"

"He said he worked for Shizuru's family. It came with a note."

Natsuki bounded over to the table and ripped the note off the bag.

"Dear Natsuki, I thought this dress would look beautiful on you. I hope you like it. Crystal F.," Natsuki read out loud.

Mai gaped at her. "Crystal Fujino? As in the famous designer?"

"Also known as Shizuru's mother."

"She sent you a dress she designed herself?" Mai squeaked.

Natsuki held up the silver cocktail dress. "Yep, looks like it."

"How can you be so nonchalant about it? Do you know how much a Crystal F. original costs?" Mai sputtered.

Natsuki shrugged. "Looks nice, though."

"Just nice? It's a work of art!"

Natsuki regarded the dress once again, looking puzzled. Mai pouted. "I want to date Shizuru," she muttered.

"Natsuki! If you don't leave in ten minutes, you're going to be late!" Mai's voice traveled through the apartment, reaching Natsuki as she was getting ready for the wedding.

"I heard you the last fifty times, woman! Who do you think you are, my mother?" Natsuki shouted back.

"I'm letting you borrow my car, I think I deserve a little more respect than that!"

Natsuki ignored Mai's shout and stared at herself in the mirror, pretending Shizuru was standing in front of her. "So, Shizuru, how was Kyoto? By the way, did you know the bride and groom used to torture me in high school?"

Natsuki scowled, her reflection grimacing back at her. That was too defensive. "Shizuru, I'm in love with you. I also plan on destroying your sister."

Gah, too sociopathic. How was she supposed to get back at Shiori without hurting Shizuru? She studied herself in the mirror, admiring how well the dress Crystal had sent her fit. Scratch that, how was she supposed to get back Shiori without hurting any of the other Fujino's reputations?

"Natsuki! Go get moving—oh wow, that dress looks good on you." Mai scrutinized her friend, her gaze traversing the length of Natsuki's body. "Like really, really good."

Natsuki shifted somewhat bashfully, not used to dressing up in such a way. She frowned when Mai's eyes remained glued to her legs. "Okay, stop staring, you're freaking me out. Aren't you supposed to be straight?"

"Bah, details." Mai waved a dismissive hand. "Besides, when your best friends are the two biggest players known to man—or more accurately, woman—then you learn to be open to possibilities."

"I never was a player. That was all Nao," Natsuki grumbled.

"If you were wearing pants, they'd be on fire right now."

Natsuki rolled her eyes. "I'm leaving. Can I have your keys?"

Mai held up her car keys. "How long are you going to be gone?"

"A couple of days. Shizuru's grandmother really wants to meet me, apparently." Natsuki shifted nervously.

"You'll be fine. Just stay glued to Shizuru; you're a lot more bearable that way." Mai winked.

"Wow, thanks. I'll see you later." Natsuki shouldered her duffel bag and waved.

"Hang on! Natsuki Kuga, those are my heels you're wearing—"

"Bye, Mai!" Natsuki slammed the door.

-000-000-

Kenjiro opened the door with a wide smile and ushered Natsuki in. "Natsuki! Welcome to hell!"

Natsuki looked around with wide eyes. The last time she had seen the house so packed was during the Fujino cocktail party. Hairstylists and make-up artists flitted about while bridesmaids ran to and fro, being followed by harried-looking tailors.

"Holy shit."

Kenjiro nodded in agreement. Crystal spotted Natsuki awkwardly standing in the doorway and immediately pulled her down for a hug. She drew back and scanned Natsuki critically. "I was right; this dress is absolutely perfect! The color highlights your eyes and the cut accentuates your body—we simply must get you more outfits in that color…" The petite woman nodded resolutely before chasing after a wayward hairstylist.

Kenjiro looked after his wife fondly. "We're not the best parents, but we do like to spoil our children."

Natsuki looked at him in surprise. Did he just insinuate that they considered her a daughter?

Kenjiro looked at her knowingly. "'Zuru is hiding in her room. I think she's gone into shock…" His brow furrowed.

"I'll check up on her," Natsuki assured. She headed towards Shizuru's room, dodging photographers and wardrobe assistants.

She quickly opened Shizuru's door and slipped inside. She let loose a sigh of relief, but immediately forgot to take a breath when she saw Shizuru gazing out the window, clad in a dark-blue gown that molded to her figure like water. Half of her luscious hair had been pinned up, the rest cascading around her shoulders. Natsuki briefly wondered if Shizuru was a goddess incarnate before berating herself for her ridiculously cheesy thought.

"Shiori, I got out of the way like you told me to. Make up your mind; do you want me in here or out there?" Shizuru's tone was sharp, her gaze still focused out the window.

Natsuki swallowed to dispel the dryness in her mouth. "Oh, I definitely want you in here."

Shizuru whipped around, a smile appearing on her face at seeing Natsuki. "Ara, doesn't Natsuki know to knock before entering? What if I was changing?"

"That's what I was hoping for." Natsuki playfully shrugged. "How was Kyoto?"

"The same as always. Surprisingly enough, it did not change much since the last month I had been there," Shizuru said dryly.

"Did you miss me?"

Shizuru pretended to think about it. "I don't think so."

"Yeah, I didn't miss you either."

Shizuru laughed and walked towards Natsuki in what could only be described as a predatory way. She placed her arms on either side of Natsuki, pinning her to the door. "You're wearing a dress."

Natsuki placed her hands on Shizuru's hips and tugged her in closer to bring their bodies flush against each other. "So I am."

"Did my mother send you it?"

"Yeah. Should I ask how she discovered my address?"

"You probably don't want to know."

"But look, silver and blue." Natsuki gestured between them. "We look good together, don't you think?"

Shizuru rolled her eyes. "Mama probably planned that. She thinks it's cute."

"You don't think so?"

"I think Natsuki's cute." Shizuru's eyes hungrily raked up and down Natsuki's figure. "And that dress…"

Natsuki's lips quirked. "Like what you see?"

"Oh, I like." Shizuru's hand ran up Natsuki's leg. Natsuki's breath hitched when Shizuru lifted Natsuki's knee up to waist-level and pressed into her. The hem of her already-short dress was riding up dangerously high, and Shizuru's hand stroking the underside of her thigh was not helping. Her mind went blank when Shizuru leaned in for a kiss, swiping her tongue across Natsuki's bottom lip. Natsuki automatically opened her mouth to allow Shizuru in, tasting the unique flavor that simply was Shizuru.

They both jumped when the doorknob rattled. Thankfully, their combined weight on the door prevented whatever intruder from entering. Natsuki silently wished away the interloper.

"Shizuru, you better not be having sex on my wedding day!"

Well, fuck. Natsuki, frustrated, banged the back of her head against the door several times.

Shizuru dropped Natsuki's leg, both of them stepping away from the door. Shizuru irately opened the door to reveal an annoyed Shiori.

"Can you not scream that out loud in a houseful of strangers?" Shizuru hissed. "And you know that I'm still a—"

"Virgin? Still?" Shiori drawled. "Better get on that, Natsuki."

"Bitchy? Still?" Shizuru fired back. "Unfortunately, that can't be changed."

"Shiori. Perfect timing as always." Natsuki scowled, though she had to grudgingly admit that Shiori looked resplendent in the white wedding gown designed by her mother.

"We have to leave now—I don't want to be late for my own wedding!" Shiori peered at Shizuru. "Oh God, your make-up is smudged." She looked accusingly at Natsuki. "You smudged her make-up!"

Natsuki was startled by the almost-crazed look in Shiori's eyes. Shizuru took her sister by the shoulders and turned her around. "My make-up is not smudged, Shiori, and we still have an hour. Go talk to Mama; she has everything covered."

Shiori paused. "You're right, for once in your life. Go downstairs and stay with the other bridesmaids, will you?" She immediately left.

"She's being more high maintenance than usual," Natsuki noted.

Shizuru laughed wryly. "She made more than a few people cry during the preparations—one of the caterers even quit. I only hope this is the only wedding she'll ever have."

Natsuki snorted. "Reito and Shiori are a match made in hell."

"By the way, Natsuki will be seated on Reito's side."

Natsuki frowned. "I thought I was your plus one."

Shizuru shrugged apologetically. "Reito insisted that Natsuki be marked as his guest. Mama didn't have a reason to refuse him, so…"

"No, it's fine." Natsuki tried to ignore the unease wriggling in her gut.

"Natsuki is sure?"

"Yeah. I might as well get used to dealing with him. And we'll be under the same roof for a night, too."

Shizuru sighed. "My grandmother is almost too excited to meet Natsuki. We'll be headed for her country house right after the reception."

"Yeah, sure." Natsuki agreed distractedly. "Shizuru, I have to tell you something important."

Shizuru looked at her questioningly. Natsuki's mouth went dry. "I haven't told you everything about myself."

"Like what?"

"I—" A loud knock on the door interrupted Natsuki.

"'Zuru! Come downstairs right now, we're taking photos!" Crystal's gleeful voice came through the door.

"Give us a minute, Mama!"

"No, now!"

Shizuru sighed and turned her attention towards Natsuki. "You were saying?"

Natsuki hesitated. "Go, you're needed. I'll tell you after the wedding."

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart." Natsuki smiled weakly.

-000-000-

Natsuki shifted in her seat, her gaze glued to the man standing in front of the altar. She was still brooding over Reito's request—the man obviously knew something, but what?

Reito seemed calm as always, adjusting his cufflinks. He looked up right at her, seemingly sensing Natsuki's eyes burning a hole through him, and gave her a smug smile and wave when their eyes connected.

"Natsuki?" An incredulous voice said.

Natsuki broke eye connection with Reito and looked up in surprise. "Nao?" Her friend was dressed to the nines, wearing a dress with a slit up the thigh and fuck-me heels, looking as every bit in place as the other guests.

Nao sat next to Natsuki and looked around surreptitiously. "Why didn't you tell me you liked to crash weddings, too? We could make a great team!"

Natsuki gave her a look. "The fuck, Nao? This is Shiori and Reito's wedding."

Nao's eyes widened. "Well, shit—no one mentioned that. Bitchy Fujino will definitely know I'm crashing."

"Relax, I'll vouch for you. Besides, her parents are 'the-more-the-merrier' type of people."

"That's a relief. Think I can score here?"

"Don't be an idiot. I'm not letting you stick around if you're only going to mess everything up by hitting on the groom's mother or something,"

"Ick, anyone who spawned Reito is not Nao Yuuki material." Nao made a face before letting her eyes rove up and down Natsuki. "Hey, how come you don't wear dresses more often? You're doing the world a disservice!"

Natsuki flicked Nao on the forehead. "Shut up, the wedding's starting. Please don't object like last time, okay? Just because you can object doesn't mean you should."

"In my defense, they were a really boring couple. My objection probably spiced up their sex life."

"You didn't know the bride or the groom!"

"Hush, I want to look at the bridesmaids." Nao waved Natsuki away.

Natsuki sighed and turned her attention towards the wedding procession. Shizuru winked at her as she walked by, making Natsuki feel less inclined to rip the arm off the all-too smug groomsman whom Shizuru had been paired up with.

All the guests stood up when the bridal march began to play, the blushing bride being escorted down the aisle by her proud father. In reality, Shiori looked more pleased at the amount of guests than anything else, her eyes taking in the numerous rich and influential figures peppered throughout the crowd.

Nao nudged Natsuki. "Bitchy she may be, but at least she dresses well."

The presider, whom Natsuki recognized as some moderately famous politician, cleared his throat. "We are gathered here today…"

Natsuki tuned him out with a yawn. Maybe she could sneak in a nap without anyone catching her.

-000-000-

It was beautiful weather for an outdoor reception. Tables had been set up on the grass, shaded from the setting sun by large white canopy tents. The lights strung about gave it almost like a fairyland feeling, but Natsuki was ignorant of the ambience, too focused on deciding what to say to Shizuru.

Nao scanned the numerous tables, idly swirling a glass of champagne in her hand. "I think the guest list was actually a population count for a small country."

"The cost of this wedding exceeded the budget of a small country, too," a voice said wryly behind them. "It's just my luck that the bride's family traditionally has to pay for everything."

Natsuki and Nao turned towards the speaker. "It's a beautiful wedding, though," Natsuki told Kenjiro. "This is Nao, by the way."

"Are you the daughter of Shiori's coworker's neighbor's son's ex-girlfriend's sister?"

Nao blinked. "Ah, no. Was she invited?"

Kenjiro smiled ruefully at the redhead. "My apologies. I'm not sure if she was, actually. It's a rather large wedding—quite honestly, I don't know who half these people are. I wouldn't be surprised if we had several crashers in attendance."

Natsuki and Nao desperately avoided looking at each other.

Shizuru suddenly sat down next to Natsuki. "Papa, Uncle Akio was looking for you."

"I didn't know Shiori invited your no-good moocher uncle!" Kenjiro frowned. "Excuse me, ladies, I have a leech to exterminate." He affectionately kissed Shizuru's temple and disappeared into the crowd.

Shizuru pecked Natsuki's cheek in greeting and looked at Nao curiously. "Nao? What are you doing here?"

"She's gate-crashing," Natsuki grumbled.

Shizuru's eyes lit up in amusement. "Don't let Shiori catch you."

Nao snorted. "If she invited her coworker's neighbor's babysitter's dog or whatever, I really doubt she'll notice me."

"Notice who?" Shiori asked from behind, Reito obligingly at her side. Her lip curled at seeing Nao. "What are you doing here?"

Nao's deadpan expression screamed out 'oh fuck me.' She immediately drained the glass of champagne and reached for the bottle.

Reito raised an eyebrow. "Like the champagne? Each bottle cost almost 300 dollars."

"I had tuna for lunch today," Nao said.

Everyone stared at her. Nao blinked. "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought we were talking about things no one gave a flying fuck about."

Shiori scowled. "Well, I certainly didn't send you an invitation. Reito, call security."

Nao looked unimpressed. "Who the hell hires security for a wedding? Did you invite convicts or something?"

Natsuki stifled a laugh before clearing her throat. "Nao's my plus one."

Shiori frowned at Natsuki. "You're Shizuru's plus one."

"And Nao's mine."

"A plus one can't have a plus one!"

"Why not? It could be called 'plus two,'" Nao suggested.

"I invited Nao; Natsuki needed friends," Shizuru interjected. Natsuki shot her an exasperated look.

Reito smoothed his hands over Shiori's shoulders. "Come now, Shiori, don't let some unexpected faces distract you from today. The more, the merrier, right?"

Shiori sighed unhappily. "Fine, Reito." She haughtily stalked off without another glance back, her head held up high.

"Thank you for coming, Natsuki—believe me, you just made my day. I daresay you'll have more friends here than you think." Reito smirked down at a wary Natsuki before following Shiori to the next table.

Nao frowned. "Wow, creeper, much?"

"Reito can be very charming when he wants," Shizuru mused. "He gets it from his father." She gestured to a nearby table, where a greyer version of Reito was talking animatedly to a blond man.

"I'm guessing the blond guy is his illegitimate son?" Nao said sardonically.

"Alexander Searrs, CEO of Searrs Industries and Alyssa's father. Reito's father is just dying to strike a deal between the Kanzaki and Searrs companies, so he's doing anything he can to impress the guy."

Natsuki couldn't see the blond man's facial features from afar, but his youth was apparent. "He's young."

Shizuru shrugged. "He comes from old-money. He might've inherited the company, but he's an excellent leader—it drives Reito insane." She tugged Natsuki to her feet. "Speaking of old-money families, my grandmother sent me here to fetch Natsuki."

"Fetch me? Like a newspaper?" Natsuki asked incredulously.

"Or a Frisbee," Nao added.

"A stick!"

"A pair of slippers."

"My grandmother doesn't go to you; you go to her," Shizuru explained.

Natsuki hesitated. "Can we talk first?" She ignored Nao's frantic head shakes and led Shizuru away by the hand.

Nao huffed and crossed her arms. This was going to end badly, she could feel it.

When they reached a less-crowded area of the tent, Natsuki turned to look at Shizuru. She took both of Shizuru's hands and opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

Shizuru's brow creased in concern. "Natsuki, you're scaring me. Did something bad happen?"

"No! I mean, it has nothing to do with you—it's all me."

Shizuru's eyes widened. "Are you breaking up with me?"

"NO!" Natsuki blushed when several heads turned at her shout. "Shizuru, I'm not leaving you until you tell me to go away."

Shizuru sighed in half-relief, half-frustration. "Then what is it?"

Natsuki groaned. She was losing her nerve. "It's really important, but I can't—I don't want you to hate me.

"I can never hate you," Shizuru said gently.

"I—ugh, I need a drink."

Shizuru arched an eyebrow. "Do you want me to get you some of Shiori's 300-dollar champagne?"

"Yes, please." Natsuki smacked herself when Shizuru walked away. "Stupid, stupid, just spit it out—"

"Hello, Natsuki."

Natsuki's head jerked up. A pretty blonde was standing in front of her with a shit-eating grin.

"Do I know you?" Natsuki frowned.

A flash of hurt crossed the blonde's face before being covered by a mask of indifference. "Let me refresh your memory." She stepped forward and tossed her glass of champagne into Natsuki's face. The people around them gasped.

Natsuki sputtered and angrily wiped her face. "What the fuck? What is your problem?"

"We had sex in my boyfriend's car outside that club a few months ago? I dumped him right after, you know—oh wait, you wouldn't know because you never called." She turned away and stormed off.

"Wait, I remember you! You told me you were single!" Natsuki shouted furiously after her. She went to follow the woman, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"Who was that, Natsuki?"

Natsuki paled. She knew this girl—Keiko, past ex-girlfriend. They barely lasted a week, mostly because Keiko was a jealous psycho.

"What are you doing here, Keiko?"

The short brunette ignored her question. "Was she another one of your flings? I bet you cheated on me with her, didn't you?"

"Are you serious? We've been broken up for almost six months—"

Keiko threw the glass of champagne she had oh-so-conveniently been holding into Natsuki's face. "I hope you suffer for what you did to me, Natsuki Kuga!" She ran off in tears. Even more people were beginning to stare.

"Always popular among the ladies, weren't you, Natsuki?" A tall, dark-haired girl stepped in front of Natsuki.

Natsuki's face twisted in confusion. What the hell, was this some Natsuki-Kuga-Scorned-Lovers' Convention? "Saya, what's going on?"

Saya, another former flame, shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say? Karma's a bitch."

"Well, I refuse to believe karma is responsible for three of my ex-girlfriends appearing out of nowhere and throwing champagne on me!"

"Two, actually. The first one was a one-night stand," Saya corrected.

Another woman stepped out from the small crowd that had gathered and wordlessly tossed her champagne on Natsuki before walking away. Natsuki coughed and glowered at Saya.

"That one wasn't scripted. Huh, she must've been another one of your one-night stands; what a coincidence," Saya mused.

"Who put you up to this?" Natsuki growled.

Saya shrugged. "I can't say. He must be filthy rich, though, if he paid all of us the same amount." She drew back the arm holding her glass of champagne.

"Don't do it," Natsuki said quietly. "We had a good time together, didn't we?"

"We did," Saya agreed. Her expression hardened. "That was before you stomped all over my heart by dumping me, though." She let the bubbly drink fly.

Natsuki gritted her teeth, the alcohol soaking her dress and forming a puddle at her feet. She wiped her eyes in time to see Nao push her way through the crowd and turn around with a glare. "Would everyone kindly fuck off and mind their own business? Nothing to see here, people!"

Nao waited until everyone dispersed before grabbing a fleeing Saya by the arm and twisting it behind her back. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Nao, I always hated you, you know that?" Saya spat.

"Good. Then I feel no remorse for doing this." Nao twisted her arm even harder, causing Saya to yelp in pain.

"Nao, she didn't come up with this; someone put her up to it," Natsuki said wearily.

"I bet it was Reito, that fucker," Nao swore. "You heard what he said to you earlier."

"I'll deal with that later—where's Shizuru?"

"I didn't see her."

"Please, please let her not have seen this—" Natsuki's voice died in her throat when Shizuru walked towards her with a neutral expression, holding two flutes of champagne.

Natsuki held her breath and shut her eyes when Shizuru stopped in front of her, sure that she was going to dump champagne all over her head. She cautiously opened her eyes when nothing happened.

Shizuru shoved one of the glasses into Natsuki's hand. "I think enough champagne has been wasted, don't you?" Natsuki's heart withered at Shizuru's cold look.

"Shizuru, let me explain—"

Shizuru brushed off Natsuki's hand and walked away.

Saya snickered. "How does it feel, Natsuki? You know, I was all too glad to do this; the money was just icing on the cake—"

Nao roughly slapped the top of Saya's head. "Shut up, bitch. You and I are going to have a little discussion—mainly, you talk, and I won't beat the crap out of you. Maybe."

Natsuki stared numbly at where Shizuru had disappeared. Where did it all go so wrong? She miserably raised her arm and dumped the flute of champagne over her own head—at least now she felt as bad on the outside as she did on the inside.

I was reading my previous chapters and cringed when I saw I put Natsuki and Nao in ties in chapter 5. What the hell was I thinking? I hope I made up for it in this chapter -.-'

Question: Do I use too much Nao? She's my favorite to write, but there can be too much of a good thing…

I'm sure y'all want to kill me for ending the chapter like this. You can rant about it in a review, yes? ;)