Relative Understanding

By DrummondType2

A/N: I don't often try to write from Shizuru's perspective. It's not easy to step into her mindset, but for this story, I felt hers was the best perspective, serving as witness to two very different viewpoints.

1.The Letter.

Telling a story isn't something that comes easily for me. I was trained, from an early age, to use many words to say very little, and to use few words to convey great meaning. It is the consequence of being born to a wealthy family with social standing. Whatever my mind and my heart, I was to conceal them to all but myself.

That, however, is not the proper way to tell a story, and this is a story that must be told, and I find myself the one to do so. It is the just fate for one who lived behind a mask of serenity for far too long.

After the events of the Festival, which you can read all about in Mai Tokiha's book, Mai-HiME, I had found, to my surprise, and admitted delight, that Natsuki Kuga, the woman whom I loved, was not only willing, but able, to return my affections. And I found myself free to share those feelings openly with her.

This lead to a bit of a learning curve for both of us. I found myself unwilling to return to the mask of feigned serenity when around her, and would take every opportunity to latch onto her whenever possible. Teasing her about her plight of having to do make-up work for her absences during my graduation, for example. Or glomming onto her at Tokiha's post graduation karaoke party.

However, despite her willingness to share her affections with me, she still had a long history of disliking physical contact. And she was patient with me when I was openly amorous, but it became clear after a bit that she was still a bit uncomfortable with being held in such a way.

"It's not you, Shizuru," She said, "I'm just not used to it, and I need a bit of time to adjust."

Then I would try to ask permission to hold her, but we both found that while that allowed her the chance to prepare for my embraces and tender affections, it somewhat diminished the spontaneity of romance.

As I said, it was a learning curve for both of us.

I finally realized that non-verbal communication was a thing, and would convey my intent to her by approaching her from where she could see me, instead of surprise pounces from behind. This gave her the opportunity to accept, or decline, my affections as the mood suited her. And I came to understand, as time went on, that there were times where she didn't want to be affectionate, not because of anything I had done, or even hadn't done, but because her mood was subject to the other events in her life. I would have to go and fall in love with someone who choose to brood over things, rather than talk them out. But what could I do? She was adorable when she was lost in thought.

After the repairs to her apartment were completed, she moved back in, and offered me a place with her. She was now in her second year of high school, despite her age (the consequences of that unfortunate car wreck when she was but a child), and I was in my first year of University. I remember, it was late July, and school had let out for summer vacation. She was actually diligently working on her summer homework.

"If I finish it by the end of July, we have all of August to do what we want, right?" She'd smiled at me on the first day of vacation. Though, on that day, she actually had another activity she was engaged in. July 20th was the anniversary of Saeko Kuga's death, and as usual, Natsuki visited that seaside cliff with a bouquet. She invited me to come along, this time.

"Mother, this is Shizuru," Natsuki spoke into the sea breeze, "She's…the person I've decided to share my life with. I wanted you to know that I found someone to make me happy, so…you don't have to worry about me, Mom. But if you're watching over me, please continue to do so."

I decided to join in, "My relationship with Natsuki, your daughter, had a rocky beginning, Kuga-han, but I promise you that I will always have her happiness in mind. Please accept me as you would her."

And I bowed.

That had been a week ago, and Natsuki and I were in her apartment, not doing much of anything. Natsuki was sitting on our shared bed, her homework spread out over it. She was wearing shorts that looked as if they were painted onto those shapely hips, a loose tank top that looked as if it would readily divulge its contents if she bent over, and she'd done her hair up in a simple ponytail to try and keep her neck cool. It was an egregiously hot day, and to our great misfortune, the air conditioner could not keep up with the heat. I was enjoying the view, but was too hot and sticky with sweat to do anything about it.

Finally, I heard Natsuki sigh, "Shizuru, I can feel your eyes on my neck. Either shower me with kisses, or at least get the mail. It should be here by now."

I gave a small laugh, "Actually, a shower sounds like a wonderful idea. After I retrieve the mail, would you care to join me in one?"

She looked over her shoulder at me with a grin, "Oh, good, you took my meaning. I'm not used to these word plays like you are. I wasn't sure I was doing it right."

I burst out laughing, which, in the current heat was actually an exhausting feat, "Natsuki is growing in her seduction skills."

She flushed beet red at my word choice, which of course was my intent, naughty creature that I am.

"fufufu, Natsuki may be growing in skill," I teased, "But it seems that I am still the master."

"Idiot," she sighed, "Get the mail, already!"

I actually had sudden misgivings. I was wearing clothing that was, shall we say, uncommon to me. I am not a prude, by any means, but even my swimsuit was a one piece. And right now I was wearing a camisole without anything underneath and a pair of very short shorts. Borrowed items from Natsuki, and much cooler than the blouses and skirts I usually wore. The mailbox was downstairs in the lobby, an unusual feature, but necessary given the size of the apartment building. I would have to go downstairs and risk being seen in this rather skimpy (by my standards, anyway) outfit.

I defaulted to my old standard, "Natsuki, ikezu! You would have me go down to the lobby in such skimpy attire to be gawked at by all of our neighbors?"

This time, however, Natsuki was seemingly ready for my tactic, with a riposte of her own, "Aren't you gawking over me in a very similar outfit? What's good for the goose is good for the other goose, Shizuru."

It is very hard to argue with someone who employs your own logic against you. However, when logic fails, there's always a plea to emotionalism. I flashed my most convincing Puppy Dog Eyes pouting.

"Please, Shizuru," Natsuki rarely pleads with me for anything, which is probably why I'm so vulnerable to it when she does, "I'm nearly done with this physics homework. I can't break my stride."

I sighed, acquiescing, "Very well. But Natsuki will have to scrub my back as diligently as I do hers."

I went down to the lobby, and to our mailbox. There were a handful of items in the mail. I started to flip through them, when I was aware that there were eyes upon me. I looked to see Nakamura-han, from the apartment directly below us, trailing his eyes from top to bottom and back again. Shameless creature. He knows I'm in a relationship. Also, he's old enough to be my father's father. Still, manners are a must.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Nakamura-han," I bow, "Was I blocking your box? I shall make way."

"Oh, no trouble, young lady," He smiles, "No trouble."

Dirty old man, I think to myself as I return to the elevator, and make my way back to our floor. I walk into our apartment and then begin to sort the mail.

If Nakamura-han hadn't been there, if he had not been so blatantly and lecherously ogling me, I might have seen the letter before I made it back to the apartment. I could have done something about it. Hidden it. Or at least found a more diplomatic way of handling it. Unfortunately, I hadn't searched through the mail first, and I set it on the bed in front of Natsuki. Most of it bore her name, and I felt it an impropriety to open her mail, even if we were sharing a living space.

I sat down at the table, "I suffered a loss to my dignity, I'll have you know."

"Dirty old Nakahara?" Natsuki grinned, beginning to tear into enveolopes, "He used to time it to watch me get the mail, too. But I just started going down in my riding leathers and gave him the cold shoulder every time. He got the hint."

"Ikezu."

Natsuki frowned, "Hmm. Seems like the apartment is under new ownership, according to this. A few changes in policy, too. Nothing big. Oh! And it's now a pet friendly apartment, provided we put down a deposit. Sweet!"

"Oh, Natsuki wants a pet?" I tried to tease her. I was well familiar with her love of dogs. I think she sees every dog she encounters as her dear, lost Duran.

"I'm certainly open to the idea," she said, and then she paused, looking at an envelope in her hands. A gamut of emotions ran across her face. Annoyance. Fear. Misery. She hadn't even opened the envelope, yet.

"Natsuki, is something wrong?"

"I guess you didn't see this one," She said softly, "It's from my Dad."

"Surely it is just your monthly allowance," I suggested.

She shook her head, "He always just transfers that directly to my account. He never sends letters. Once in awhile I get a formal card for a holiday or my birthday, but never a letter."

She hesitated a second, then tore the letter open, and read over its contents.

"He's coming for a visit," She announced, looking suddenly very tired, "Says we have some important issues to discuss. And…"

She read further, looking at the letter with the same expression she'd given me in that garden that night when she'd learned that I'd betrayed her trust.

"Shizuru…Dad says he wants to reconnnect."

I frowned. She was clearly troubled, and this situation would not be solved by amorous teasing, ribald jokes, or gentle cajoling. This called for sympathy and understanding.

"Natsuki…" I began.

She rose from the bed and stood by the window, looking out over the city.

"He betrayed my mother, Shizuru. He cheated on her. He left me on my own after the accident and ran off with another woman. Why does he get a chance to reconnect?"

I sighed. This risked reopening old wounds, and recent ones as well.

"Natsuki, you forgave me when I thought it would be impossible. More than forgave. But this is still your decision. And whatever you decide, I will be beside you."

That caused a new thought to dawn on her, "I haven't told him about us, Shizuru!"

That stung, I'll admit, "Does Natsuki fear her Father will demand we separate?"

She scoffed, "I couldn't give a damn what he thinks of me, Shizuru. He lost that right when I was eight and he left me alone in a hospital. But…I don't know if he'd heap abuse on you."

"Whatever happens," I wrap my arms around her shoulders and squeeze gently, "We face it together. Agreed?"

She put her hand over mine, "Agreed."

I only wish we'd known then what sort of a battle we'd have to prepare for. We might have been better equipped for the challenges that faced us.