Summertime Innuendo
By Twisted Eternal Wolvetta
Opening the heavy timber door, Shizuru Viola, the topmost Pearl, stared at her charge. For specific reasons, she had volunteered in attending to the immediate goalbird. Or well, in actuality, the detainee. Miss Maria had a way with words, she supposed. "Natsuki Kruger?" Shizuru only received a cold stare as she locked the door behind herself. Perhaps it's miraculous, for the behaviour conflicted with the summer heat. "I shall be keeping you company."
"Why?" The Coral asked antagonistically, dismissing her promptly.
The provocative comeback caught Shizuru momentarily off guard. She knew details of this Coral through Haruka, but had never expected this. For the first time, is a Coral denying her? Shizuru watched her curiously. The student crossed her arms and glared at the barred window by their side above. Haruka had mentioned that the heir Duchess is a scapegrace. Or, in her own words; a delinquent. Enticing indeed.
"I was informed by Miss Maria that you fought with a fellow Coral, is this correct?" Shizuru asked, though already knew the answer. It couldn't hurt to probe for an amusing reaction, no? Sitting herself down upon the uncomfortable chair beside Natsuki's, she continued: "That is wrong, no matter what that student said."
"I don't have time for this." Natsuki scoffed, still refusing to look at her as she shook her head.
"Clearly you do."
What the staff did not realise was Shizuru Viola wasn't being her usual considerate self. She was merely here because she has a crush on this deviant. Truthfully she wasn't even sure why. They were nothing alike and Natsuki had always been aloof. Perhaps this is why? Maybe she appreciated someone who seemed so free and blunt? Nevertheless, Shizuru will study this heir Duchess until she's wide open like an ode to prose.
Alas, this afternoon is too hot.
·— — — ·—· ·— —·—· — ·· — —·
"How many times have you received detention now, Natsuki?"
The question completely caught Natsuki unawares. Like weeks beforehand, she was stuck in this accursed tower with Viola of all people. Why did she keep coming to torment her? Didn't the Trias have more important duties? Such as…? Like she cares. Natsuki stared vacantly at Shizuru, watching her grasp the side of her chair. What is sh—Natsuki's face scrunched up when her chair was dragged closer. The legs scraping horribly against stone. How strong is this woman?
"Much better. I was having issues hearing you."
An evident lie. Or was it a tease? She had said hardly anything, yet Natsuki still could not tell. "..." Scoping her eyes along the Pearl's body, Natsuki sighed afterwards. "I don't get why you're even here. Are you stupid? I'm not interested."
"Then, allow me to share a secret." Shizuru's hold was still against the chair, before wandering her limb upwards. Her fingers brushed along the Coral's arm, pulling back moment's later with ploy. "You see, I like those who are confident with their abilities." Crimsons peered, locking viridian into place before the action was broken. "A keen cunning must be present, else silly mistakes will inevitably ruin our relationship."
What is she… Natsuki watched the woman out of the corner of her eye. Is this narcissist flirting with her? Her gaze fell to her arm which had been touched. No, it isn't possible. Why would a Trias be interested in somebody who constantly received detention?
"When somebody catches my eye, I shall make her mine." The voice whispered within Natsuki's ear, making her shiver.
— ·— —·— · ···
Today, Shizuru wasn't here. Had she done this on purpose to get beneath her skin? Was this some kind of joke? Why anyone would find this amusing is beyond Natsuki. In fact, it infuriated her, if not pissed her off. How dare Viola do this then refuse to not show herself? Yet, in spite of everything, Natsuki longed for the Pearl? How? Nothing had happened nor was there anything to show. Except… the twisting of her insides? What is this sensation? Her heart illogically raced as though she had run a marathon. Worse, it felt pleasant? How? Why?
The minutes excruciatingly ticked, making what were seconds feel like aeons. No matter how hard Natsuki tried, she couldn't get that accursed woman out of her head. What an irritati—
"—Natsuki?" Preposterously, Shizuru Viola was unlocking the door. Natsuki's ears twitched upon the keys rattling, unconsciously standing from the chair. As the door opened, they stared at one another. "...I came to release you."
There it is again. Natsuki's eyes narrowed at the innuendo flung her way.
— ···· ·
"Will you leave me alone?"
"No I shan't."
An exhausted sigh leapt from Natsuki. It was another day and like always, she was stuck within this tower with Viola. She had been insistently harassing Natsuki even outside this chamber. Shaking her head, she stared disinterestedly at the motor and brick. Never did she look directly at Shizuru; that is, until her hand was snatched. "Just sto—"
"—I like your hands." Shizuru's hold laxed as her fingers rounded Natsuki's wrist. She gazed at purple and green veins, studying as they extended up into the digits. Her skin's so pale—even her fingernails! Did this woman truly reside within Windbloom's subtropical climate like herself?
"You do know it's rude to touch someone without asking, right?" Natsuki pulled her limb away. What's with this weirdo? Eyeing Shizuru, she wondered whether she'd ever receive an answer to that. But—her hand tensed into a fist. Shizuru's touch had sent a bolt of electricity across her limb. Ugh.
"Nobody has ever complained. You, on the other hand, are different."
Was that supposed to be a jab? Massaging the spark from her skin, Natsuki said nothing.
—·· · ··—· · —· ··· ·· ···— ·
"It is far too hot." Shizuru fanned her face with her hand.
Ever since Shizuru had arrived, Natsuki hadn't said a word. The tower is sweltering, surprising Natsuki that she hadn't melted into her chair yet. It distracted her somewhat, but nonetheless she couldn't help but stare at Shizuru's hand. Since yesterday, Shizuru's trespassing grip drove her towards eggshells. Much like that'd damned whispering. Clearly annoyed now, Natsuki sighed heavily.
"Are you left or right handed?"
"Dunno." The 'confession' left Natsuki's lips before she could stop herself. It caused her to frown, realising she truly didn't know which hand was dominant. She used both hands frequently, so… Glancing at Shizuru, she understood her mistake, sighing once more. "It's dangerous to rely on one hand." What if she injured one during battle? She'd be as good as dead within an instant. Perhaps worse, this had evidently piqued Shizuru's interest.
"You're ambidextrous?" Shizuru immediately beelined for Natsuki's hands, but was caught off guard. Within moments, Natsuki grasped her wrist and outstretched it away from them. Her other hand was quickly upon her jaw, forcing her head to cock back. W-what? Briefly stunned, a sinister smile painted her lips. "Natsuki Kruger, I will have you, mark my words."
···· · ·— ·—· —
This is a disaster. Even though Natsuki hasn't seen Shizuru since the previous incident, she can't stop thinking about it. That declaration makes Natsuki shiver. 'I will have you, mark my words.' What's with the creepy and flirtatious remarks from this narcissist? Why was she so interested? Hell, why is Natsuki's fascination rising? Shizuru Viola is nothing but a stuck up pompous: A busybody who is yet to recognise their place. Even still, the Pearl seemed above all those social rules. How? It makes no sense. Viola's popularity is escalating across the student board. It is obscene, even for a Trias member. What's her secret? Even her rival, Haruka Armitage, is out of her league against her. It made no logical semblance, especially considering most adored the second Pearl.
"Natsuki Kruger." It was Miss Maria. "You shall come to my office immediately."
··—· ·— ·—·· — · ·—· ·—·—·—
"I can't believe you!" Natsuki repoached Shizuru angrily. "After all I said yesterday, you go and insist I'm just 'some other fan'?!" After confessing her heart out, Shizuru had declared such in front of the entire academy. "Have all these detentions meant nothing to you? Why did you even bother coming if you'd treat me like that?!" Shizuru said nothing, simply standing by the door. "Well?!" Standing, Natsuki approached her.
Throughout the entire summer, this had been occurring. Does she seriously mean this little to Shizuru? Maybe it's the hot weather that was to blame? The heat is dissipating, much like their crumbling relationship—or what little of one they have. "Do you use your popularity to get your own way?" She demanded from the Pearl, seizing her ruffled collar. She wasn't fought against, this merely sparking Natsuki's anger further. "I'm not some mindless fangirl! Get out of here, I don't want you coming again!"
—··· ·
A sigh released from Natsuki.
Shizuru hasn't shown up.
She was quickly nearing her Pearl year and recently Shizuru had been appointed the future Archmeister. Really, even if Shizuru had the mind to visit, she'd be far too busy. Natsuki's mind wandered, returning to what she had told her months ago. 'Get out of here, I don't want you coming again!' Who would've thought that Shizuru would actually listen to her? At first Natsuki had assumed it was another ploy. Apparently not, for she truly hadn't returned. Did Natsuki regret it?
Absolutely.
·· —
Natsuki has done it—somehow. After Shizuru had treated her so insensitively, she had completely turned herself around. Only a single detention had followed that fateful day. Now, she had just exited Miss Maria's office. This is surreal: How on Earl is she the newly appointed Headmaster? Staring at the wall before her, she turned her head towards the leftmost corridor. "Archmeister Viola." Natsuki swiftly turned her sights away, starting to leave in the opposite direction. Alas, Shizuru's hand wrapped around her wrist.
"I heard earlier that you're to become the Headmaster. I wanted to congratulate you."
Halting, Natsuki's gaze fell to the marble tiling below.
"I understand if you do n—"
"—You understand? My reputation was completely ruined by you! No one takes me seriously anymore!"
"...Clearly they do, else you would not be appointed th—"
"—Shut up. You know precisely what I mean." Natsuki growled. Spinning on her heel, she departed before Shizuru could stop her.
·—· — ··· ·· — ·· ···— · ·—· —·—
"You are to sign here and…" Shizuru stooped beside a seated Natsuki, scribbling a cross where a signature should be added. "Here." Handing the pen over, she straightened out. Pensively she watched as Natsuki read the paper several times. Does she trust her yet? Likely not. "You are not signing your soul to the Devil." She teased, a smile quirking as the woman's face scrunched up. "I have proofread it. This is your contract that I personally penned." Under Miss Maria's guidance, but still… "Are you certain you wish to throw your loyalty away?"
What's she on about? Natsuki pressed the pen's tip beside the first cross, staring up at the Archmeister in confusion. "Excuse me?"
"Your loyalty to Aries. Would you truly rid yourself of it for Garderobe?"
"Well…" Natsuki's gaze wandered to the contract, rereading the first paragraph again. A Headmaster's duty was one of neutrality. It's a delicate balance, as history proved even loyalty to Garderobe tarnished things. "I don't know." Natsuki sighed. "Like many other things, I suppose."
— ·—·
Natsuki's a fully trained Meister. Yet? She had been wandering around the campus for the past hour. Somehow, she's ended up here of all places. Standing within the classroom corridor, she stared at the detention tower's door. This is where all the mess had started. Mess? Perhaps an incorrect term, but still. Spinning on her heel, Natsuki languidly leaned against the wall. Crossing her arms, she gazed through the windows towards the forestline. Why was everything in life overly complicated? For once, couldn't something happen smoothly? It doesn't have to be anything grand. Just—agh. She's way over her head again, isn't she?
Unexpectedly, her intercom buzzed to attention, causing Natsuki to jump. Activating it swiftly, her mood plummeted upon discovering the caller's identity.
"S.V. Bewitching Smile Amethyst is calling. Do you wish to accept the call?"
She's never going to get used to the Founder's voice, is she? Should she seriously answer Shizuru? Like she had a choice. "Archmeister Viola?"
"Why do you still call me that?" There's a pause, and Natsuki's attention pulls down the corridor as the bell rings. Noise echoes throughout the building, chairs scraping along the floor and voices rising. "Have you yet decided?" Students poured from the classrooms, many taking notice of Natsuki. "We must receive an answer soon."
Exhaling a breath, Natsuki's focus returned to the door beside her. Staring long and hard at the heavy timber, her brow threaded with conflict. Truly, what is her decision? Natsuki's the heir of the Kruger estate! She had expected to graduate from Garderobe without issue. Rather, her life is in the balance. Does she choose to become her mother's Meister Otome, or Garderobe's Headmaster? If she's to become Headmaster, what happens when her mother dies? They are the last of the Kruger bloodline. She is entitled to protec—
"—Na—"
—· — — —··—
"—tsuki?"
Broken from her train of thought, Natsuki's attention is pulled to Shizuru beside her. They were situated within the grand hall before the entire campus body. Yesterday, she had given in. Natsuki's to become the Headmaster. Back facing the audience on the stage, she sighed. She hated this dress and ridiculous cloak. It didn't suit her in the least. "I feel absurd in this uniform. How do you manage it, Shizuru?"
The Archmeister smiles at her, turning them so their sides face the audience. "You shall get used to it, I am sure." She wasn't answering her question.
—·— — ··—
A year has passed and the summer heat is intolerable. Slouching at her desk, Natsuki covered her face with her hands. This paperwork never ends, does it? Peering down at a document, Natsuki massaged her temples mindlessly. Nor does it help that Shizuru's giving her trouble. It's not her fault—surprisingly. In actuality, it's perhaps hers? Stilling, her mind returned to her student years. What she had shared with Shizuru had dissipated. Why? Is there someone else Shizuru has taken fancy to? Had Natsuki ever been a serious interest in the first place? Smearing her palm against the side of her head, she leaned into her elbow. Eventually, her mind started wandering, listening to the rhythmic tick of the office clock.
An unknown amount of time proceeded. That is, until the office doors opened gently.
"Natsuki?" Shizuru's returned from training the students. Noticing the intense look within the Headmaster's eyes, her head tilted faintly. "I have more paperwork." Sweeping forward, the doors automatically shut behind her. Halting before Natsuki's desk, she presented the documents within her arm. "Where shall I put them?" There were two piles, after all.
"Huh…" Natsuki shook herself from her daze, pointing an idle index towards a pile. "This one, thanks." As this was accomplished, she stared as Shizuru sauntered towards the sitting area. What's this feeling? The unbearable summer heat fried her senses as she eyeballed the Archmeister. "Why did you do it?" She asked suddenly, leisurely rising from her chair. Crimson eyes were immediately upon her, burning into her. "You started harassing me in that tower because you had a crush on me, didn't you? But why did you stop when I neared my graduation?" Looking over her shoulder momentarily, her attention soon moved to the control panel beside her. "Since when do you listen to anyone?"
"What do you…—"
"—Don't play games with me." Natsuki clicked a button, window blinds lowering to conceal the room. "You flirted with me. When I confessed to you, you ruined everything." A dial is adjusted next, the air conditioning being heightened. "Didn't I tell you before that I forgave you for that?"
Crimson and viridian locked, an atmosphere building.
"Are you disinterested? Was I truly just a plaything?" The tension built up as the Headmaster approached Shizuru. "Well?"
·— ·—· ·
The touch of a hand; tender and persuasive. It tingled Natsuki's senses, rousing her from indolence. "Shizuru?" She mumbled, peering through dark eyelashes. "What time is it?"
"It is two in the morning. Were you overworking again?"
"'Need to finish it…" Natsuki mumbled, slumping against her desk.
"You can hardly sleep here." Spinning Natsuki's chair, Shizuru wound her arm around her middle. Gently, she prised the Headmaster upwards and against her. "Come…"
"Stop toying with me." Natsuki muttered, the sweltering heat of the room and their bodies distracting her. She lumbered into her quarters beside the office, the night sky illuminating the open plan room. "You're always like this."
"Like what?"
The body pressed against hers harder, pushing Natsuki's front against the adjacent wall. "Like this…" She breathed tiredly, unable to push the Archmeister away. "Your words only ever imply, but your actions ar-e—" Teeth rounded her ear's shell, resonating a shockwave through her being. "Y—you…" Another sigh escaped her, hands being pinned to the wall. "Why do you do this?"
"You asked me whether I was disinterested. Am I? You're mine."
It was the hottest day on record.
— ·· —· · ·—·—·—