Each day is like a mundane cycle. Work, school, eat, and sleep, or at least trying to. Then repeat the same process the next day. The class has ended, and she grabbed her bag preparing to leave for home. She thought of what else she could do. Maybe go back to the office and get some work done. That should help. Help kill the time.
"Hey, Shizuru!" Aoi called "Chie and I are going to check out this new joint downtown. People said they got good stuff. Wanna come?"
Aoi had been worried of her friend. She has heard of Natsuki's premature departure from Chie and she can see it has also affected her friend. The excitement and life that used to be on those pair of rubies are no longer there since that day. She tried her best to cheer her up, only to be politely declined, again.
"Thank you Aoi. I'd love to, but I have things to catch up on at the office"
"Oh, right. Sure. Maybe next time"
Shizuru smiled at her friend before leaving. She thought of things that she must do for the day. The schoolwork, analyzing reports and inventories, the shipment coming, renovations and improvements at the hotel… what else what else… she cannot afford to idle, she doesn't want to. Or she would break down like she had on that bedroom… Natsuki…
She fought back the sudden tightness in her chest. Taking a deep breath as got into her car. This emptiness and misery seem to drag on in perpetuity when it has still been over two days. How long can she function like this?
"Have you heard from her?" She asked Tate without looking at him. Her eyes staring blankly at the city streets they are passing by.
Tate looked anxiously at her at the rear view mirror, before answering in negative.
The drive home was quiet and Shizuru moved in mechanical efficiency. Taking her meal, working on her studies, and changed clothes again for work. She decided to stay at her own home instead of Natsuki's. She couldn't stand an hour staying at a place where she used to be so happy sharing it with the woman who has now left a huge hollow in her soul.
Honestly, she has not a clue on how to get going except that she must get going. Stopping is not an option, especially now that the company rests solely in her hands. She was stunned when she got a surprise visit from the company lawyer giving her the updated written bylaws declaring her as the new sole owner of the F.K. Hotel and Casino along with all the assets owned and managed by the company and its affiliates. Technically she can now afford all the time in the world, anytime. But relishing this fortune never crossed her mind. She'd rather lose it all if it means in exchange of the woman who has stolen her heart. The desolation is getting unbearable. The lawyer was at a loss when he extended a hand to congratulate was met with broken look and teary eyes.
But then the company was Natsuki's vision. This was Natsuki's. She would wonder that if maybe she could manage to make it grow one day, grander than it already is, Natsuki would be proud of such accomplishment? Maybe she would come back?
She bit her lip knowing her hopes could possibly be lost in desperation. She gave a practiced nod as all the employees she meets on her way to her office pauses and bow to her in difference. Everyone has noticed the unusual mood of the President. She isn't as cheerful and amiable as of late, and always working so hard when there really is no need to. Coming home so late when the others have taken turns on their shifts already.
"Good evening…" Tomoe greeted the new CEO who was seated behind the desk "You do know you could just simply work at home, right?" or not work at all?
"Do you need something?" Shizuru said, firing up her Mac.
Tomoe eyed her. It hasn't escaped her that she hasn't seen Natsuki for two days already and honey-haired woman is a little less smiley lately. If I knew better, I would say she looks broken… don't tell me Natsuki did not clear things up about the Yacht and other girls?
"Someone wants to see you"
There was sudden light of hope on those eyes. Now what could be the reason for that?
"Who?"
Tomoe watched her next reaction with interest when she answered. "You're fiancé. He's asking to speak with you"
The hopeful eyes suddenly closed; the chestnut browse curled in annoyance.
"Tell him to leave. I don't have the time for him"
"He said you might say that. And he would wait for you at the 3rd floor lobby instead. Where is Natsuki by the way?"
The teal haired manager was amazed at how the CEO suddenly looked so lost.
What the heck is going on here?!
"…She's gone home…"
"Ok…?" Tomoe turned to leave, hesitantly, a little caught in enigma at the response. "Are you okay?"
The pair of exhausted rubies looked her way. She could see that it has been lacking sleep judging by the dark circles the makeup barely concealed.
"Yes, I'm fine. Now, if you don't have anything else for me, I got my hands full today"
"alright" Tomoe held up her hands in defense "I will leave you to it then"
She can sense that Shizuru is definitely not in good spirits to be bothered with.
The day dragged on again and Shizuru wondered how long she must go on like this. The work was keeping her busy. Keeping her mind off of things that would certainly make it hard to breathe. Absently, her thoughts would wonder on and off the dark-haired girl who conquered her world. Maybe Natsuki would only need some time. And she will come back?
She should come back!
She frowned when she had to re-read a page because she failed to understand the whole content and it needs her approval.
Have I not fought enough for her? Have I missed something? Have I done something wrong? Am I not enough?
She took a deep breath holding up her dead blinking back the tears that threatens the corners of her eyes. Her food barely touched. She doesn't want to remember the last time she enjoyed a meal.
It was already late into the night when she decided she's done for the day. The headache is starting to get too much and knows her body is begging for rest. She got in the lift and went down to first floor walking straight to the waiting Mulsanne from the North wing driveway when someone suddenly stopped her from her tracks.
"I wanted to see you again… for the last time"
Her indifferent eyes slid past and to Tate just outside the revolving glass doors, standing by the car.
"I know after what happened, you probably wouldn't want to see me again"
"You should have thought of that soon" she replied crisply.
"I never meant to leave and come back to bother you again. Leaving you was the biggest regret of my life. I really did love you, Shizuru"
"I think I did too…"
The dark head in front of her turned down, looking so forlorn.
"Now… I got nothing more to offer" there was chuckle and a pathetic smile
"I never wanted anything from you"
"Even me?"
"I never knew how it felt to want and need someone so bad until I met Natsuki" she confessed, her eyes start to water "And now I miss her so much every minute that goes by is killing me"
The sympathy and regret painted his face and he tried to reach for her only to be warned harshly.
"Don't you dare get near me again. You've done too much damage already. Thanks for ruining my life!"
She glared with pure hatred at Yasuda before striding past him. His next words made her pause again.
"I'm having a son" he turned, looking at her back "I thought I could carry on convincing you to come back to me, without letting you know about it." He sighed, utterly defeated "I have lost everything now. My fiancée in Poland found out about everything I am up to while staying here. My company is heading downhill, the mergers cancelled, and my investors have all been bought out. I wonder if I will even get to see my own child when he's born now that there is nothing left to my name"
"Do you expect my sympathies?"
"I would lose everything for you, Shizuru. Is there really nothing I can do to have you back?"
She turned and looked him in the eye. "You never had me, Yasuda. Everything of me belongs only to Natsuki. It will always be her …I never knew what heartbreak is until I lost her. I hope you're happy now"
She turned and left without another word. She got home again, flicking the lights on. Her parents had to go back to Kyoto having things to take care of. Her sister, Alyssa, is still on a group study. She grabbed a bottle of champagne. Another routine. She had developed a preference for dark roast coffee in the morning and a glass or two of wine in the evening. Somehow it keeps her going. Barely living. She took a hot shower, blow dried her hair, sat in front of the TV switching channels in one hand while holding the glass of champagne on the other. Her eyes not least bit interested on what's on screen.
By half an hour, she finished a glass. She poured another, almost to the brim, hoping for sleep to take her before the need for a third glass. She took a trip to the adjacent lavatory and went back jumping through channels again. Alyssa would probably be coming home soon. Only then would she retire to her bedroom, hiding away from the concerned look of her blue eyes. And pretty soon, as expected, there was a knock on the door. She fixed her face and tried not to look so desolate. She couldn't take sympathies from anyone this time. She would certainly break.
She twisted the knob and opened the door to a dark-haired girl leaning a hand by the door. Everything seems to have stopped in her world.
Her breath hitched, blinking through the moonless night. There's no mistaking those green eyes she loved the most looking at her. She couldn't move a muscle trying and praying that it is not the drink playing tricks on her.
Natsuki was gazing at her, glimmering mixed emotions in her eyes. And Shizuru could see there was still a shadow of the storm that was there the night they had a fight. The night before she left me…
The pain, the anger, the confusion all rolled into one and when she saw Natsuki leaned close, her hand came up on its own accord and landed painfully on the other's cheek.
Her own heart broke at the sound of the slap, but she couldn't control nor does she understand herself anymore. Even she was stunned watching Natsuki's face thrown to the side.
There was a dejected sigh and the green eyes turned to her again. She was not aware the tears were starting to roll down her own cheeks. She's a ball of emotions she could not understand. It hurts too much.
The sorry pair of emeralds gazed at her furious rubies. Only one thing they could not deny. Their longing.
Natsuki caught her lips in one smooth long kiss which Shizuru tearfully reciprocated. Relishing the taste of the other's lips again. Her tears streaming as Natsuki kissed her relentlessly, lovingly. It was not like the last time. And her own slender fingers came up to run through and grab on those silky dark tresses. Their tongues a dance of lust and hunger and Shizuru let go of all inhibitions when Natsuki lifted her up like she always does, her legs wrapped around the slender waist. She panted and gasped through the covetous kisses as she was being carried to her bedroom, never wanting to let go. The champaign induced warmth of her body was fueled by the need and longing for the other now worshiping her as she is being laid down on her bed.
She sat up and violently tore the button up shirt Natsuki was wearing. The buttons popping and flying as she hastily tries to undress the other only to be pushed on the bed again, her silky night dress lifted, and she can no longer fight back when warm mouth sucked around one needy nipple, the warm wet tongue sending currents of need all over her body…
"Natsuki…" she moaned and cried her lovers name, arching her back begging for more. Her toes stretched and pushed against the mattress as she felt those expert hands slip through her lingerie, long fingers titillating the wet and yearning apex of her thighs. "…mmh! Please…"
She panted when Natsuki sat up abandoning her momentarily. The dark-haired girl rolled up her dress over her head and tossed it away. Her underwear was swiftly pulled down and off her legs. She's now totally naked and she reached a hand on the other's stomach, running clipped finger on taught muscles wanting to continue undressing the other.
"Undress for me please…" She panted, begging. "Please let me feel your skin…"
Natsuki was gazing down at her longingly and lifted the shirt off her back. And when she caught her again in a kiss, she twisted and reversed their position. She hungrily removed the brasserie and sucked on one firm mound.
"Uhn! Shizuru!" Natsuki groaned. The utterance spurred her to ravage and torment one hardened nipple. "Shizu! Hah! stop! Mmnh!
Beg Natsuki!
She paid homage on each mound, relishing the tortured body underneath her. She showered kisses through her skin, halting on the waist when she had to figure out how to undo Natsuki's belt.
Natsuki took advantage of the distraction, they reversed their position.
"No, wait, Nats- nh!" Shizuru protested when the other wasted no time forcing her legs open, the dark head dipped down and soon felt the warm tongue licking her lasciviously down there.
"mmmhn!" her head thrown back "sto- hah! Nnnhn!"
Her body overcame with weakness at the delicious warm tongue hitting her at all the right spot, round and round that drives her insane all the time. She totally surrendered at the sensations when fingers where inside her again, in and out, in and out drawing out the most erotic sounds she never knew would come out of her lips. She opened more wider, willingly and eagerly giving her all at the woman feasting between her legs, conquering both her needy insides and overly excited slits with the little nub relishing the warm wet tongues affection. She's now panting hard and placed a hand encouragingly over the one massaging her breast. Her other hand like a pale spider resting on Natsuki's head. All the while crying and moaning Natsuki's name as she writhes erotically, completely unaware of the dark green eyes watching her sensual dance. Her muscles tightening, feeling the familiar pull before being catapulted into a strong and mind-numbing orgasms that had her shaking and twitching on the bed. Her legs were tucked close and she was turned to the side.
"Ride it out for me Shizuru" she heard the husky whisper and felt her bent legs lifted, and the warm tongue lapping back on her again. It felt so different, so wrong and dirty, yet she couldn't control her legs from squeezing more of the ecstasy that sent her over the edge again and again as Nastuki kept her thrusts all the while lapping the over sensitive slits.
"Natsuki! Uhn! Uhn!" she tried to call, tried to warn her that she couldn't take it anymore, but her mind is too addled by all the sensations skewering her into this carnal surrender, and she feels her insides tightening up again until she burst into another cathartic orgasm that had her crying like a harlot, twitching and riding down the frenzy.
She was panting and exhausted on the bed, mewling when she felt Natsuki's fingers gently slipping out of her. She felt the dark tresses on her face as Natsuki stretched over her, lovingly kissing her breathless lips.
"You really are heartbreakingly beautiful, Shizuru"
Natsuki whispered on her lips where she could still taste herself. There was an undertone of sadness in that deep voice and Shizuru reached for her face, conveying all the love she has for in a longing kiss. The dark brows frowned when she felt fingers fiddled with her belt again and unzipped her pants. She let Shizuru have it and slipped eager hands and towards the wet and excited apex or her legs. She felt Shizuru trying to reverse their position.
"No, just like this please" she whispered gasping as she encouraged the hand rubbing her down there "I want to see you like this"
Shizuru watched her girl adoringly as it gasps and surrenders to her ministrations. She reached up and alternating the kisses and gentle bites on those cherry lips. And pretty soon enough she saw Natsuki snapped into her peak and dropped at the crook of her neck, moaning while riding it down.
Tired and sated, they were lying on the bed looking up on the drab ceiling. Shizuru was relishing the weight of Natsuki's head resting on her arm, combed through the silky dark hair.
"I was abducted before" Natsuki said, still staring at the ceiling. She could feel Shizuru's hand stopped moving "I didn't know Olivia was already affianced with another man when she decided to date me. We fought for her, but his ego bruised, he got even by dumping me in a room for days, letting me watch them fornicate over and over from the other side of the room where I could clearly see them through a one-way mirror"
Shizuru listened with bated breath.
"Yes, the betrayal hurt me at first. And I thought the worst damage to me was the feeling of being so hungry and tired for days. No one knows I was in that small portion of the room except him. Mocking and laughing at my defeat. He was waiving the trophy at my face while I white for a way to get out of there. The hunger was getting unbearable on the third day"
No!
Shizuru held a hand over mouth, gasping at the horror. How could someone do that to Nasuki!
"Fortune still favored me on the fourth day and my brothers found me. Long story short, we got even by dumping him in a prison cell in perpetuity. We let Olivia keep her job as we learned soon that she was pregnant"
"…so… the incident at the elevator…"
"Yes, I don't like tight spaces anymore, especially when I'm alone"
"I'm sorry…" Shizuru uttered albeit overwhelmed with rage at the thought of someone done such traumatic harm to the woman she loves, but Natsuki pressed a gentle finger against her lips.
"It was not your fault…" She lied back down and went on "so then I tried to move on after that. Tried to forgive Olivia and thought to myself I will never trust anyone anymore"
"Then I met you… and everything took a different turn"
"Natsuki…"
"I knew all along you were already engaged. But I just couldn't help myself. I always wanted to see you. I wanted you from the very first time I laid eyes on you"
"And last time, when I realized he really will come at all costs just to destroy me to have you back, I lost it" Natsuki covered her eyes in shame as she went on, her jaw tensing "Just the thought of him winning you over, you under his skin… it drives me mad. I was so angry I treated you badly. I wanted you to fuck you senseless that time until you cry and promise me you will never leave. I wanted to ravage you so bad until all you could ever think about is me" Natsuki looked at her eyes, her honest and sad green eyes glimmering "You see what a monster I really am?"
The pretty face before was clearly expecting loathing from her but it is far from what Shizuru is feeling. The confessions spread an overwhelming warmth through her chest instead, spreading down to her stomach. She leaned close and captured Natsuki's lips again, kissing the dark-haired girl passionately and seducing her thoroughly. She was satisfied to see the green eyes darkened when they broke the kiss, panting.
"Then be my monster" she panted over those plump lips, holding the darkened gaze.
"Shizuru" Natsuki whispered her name in agony.
"Please, don't ever leave me again, Natsuki" her voice broke and fresh tears fell from her eyes and towards Natsuki's face thinking of all those days she was so desolate "Don't disappear from me again"
They stared at each other and Natsuki smiled in apology, reaching up to wipe her tears. "Actually… I never left, Shizuru. I tried to… and thought of letting you be, and I couldn't think of a possible chance that you would forgive me" she reached up and ran a thumb on Shizuru's plump lips "but I'm so helpless. It's so hard to stay away from you. And then I've seen him again tonight, trying to talk to you..."
Shizuru could see the rage so palpable on those green eyes again lost in jealousy. She held the pretty face between her hands, gazing earnestly at those possessive pair of emeralds.
"I am yours Natsuki. Always! Only yours!" she promised.
She was amazed how the burning rage subsided and Natsuki blinked and looked so vulnerable and innocent. She saw her fiddle inside her pocket retrieving a small velvet box.
"Then..." Nastuki's anxious voice started, staring up at the naked goddess straddling her "would you let me take you away tonight, to be my bride?"
Shizuru gasped when Natsuki fiddled the box open revealing a ring with 13 karat Sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
"I love you, Shizuru Fujino. And I am crazy about. Would you cure my obsession and let me steal you tonight to be bound to me for eternity?"
Gasping for air, Shizuru barely managed to say a breathless "Yes"
She saw the immense relief on Natsuki's face, and she waited on the edge as Natsuki took her hand and gently slid the ring on her finger, the weight of it making her feel lightheaded with utter and complete bliss that she threw herself at her dak-haired lover who caught her readily, hugging her tight. They shared a passionate kiss and made love again that night before running away just before daybreak.
They flew over to Munich together and Shizuru was pleasantly surprised on the day of the wedding which she thought would be a simple and private one, was celebrated in grandeur finding her mother Akemi, her father Yasoshi, and sister Alyssa along with other friends and Natsuki's family in the impressive awe inspiring Ettal Abby.
Reminiscing about it now gives her all the jitters and overwhelming joy watching Natsuki fuss around her bike as they get ready to go back to the hotel from having a dip at the beach. It feels so surreal and she's having a hard time believing all of this is not a dream. But then she would look at the golden ring on Natsuki's finger, the same with what she has on hers along with the sapphire engagement ring. She still pinched her cheek just to be certain until she felt the pain.
"What are you doing?" Natsuki asked, placing Shizuru's small purse on the bikes compartment.
"Just checking if I'm not dreaming"
"What?" the biker chuckled, approaching her while she was still seated on a recliner. They just docked the Lady Marina from sailing through and having a trip to Hitotsuku beach and back at the harbor with seagulls singing and soaring in the sky.
"Sometimes I still get scared to sleep at night"
"Why?"
"I'm scared you will not be there when I wake up, and that this is all a dream"
Natsuki smiled at her lovingly, planting a soft kiss on her lips. "This is your reality now, Shizuru Kruger" she whispered on those lips. She leaned to the side and bit the tip of Shizuru's ear causing the other to gasp "see? You will never wake up from this." She whispered, her voice so seductively husky on Shizuru's ears "and aren't you still a little sore to think of this as a dream"
She smirked at the pair of rubies glaring halfheartedly at her. "You're so crude…"
Natsuki leaned down to the gorgeous face "don't worry, I'll take care of it tonight..."
She whispered and kissed those sweet red lips passionately that took Shizuru's breath away each time. The pair of rubies turned stormy and needy, and she let slender arms wrap around her neck.
"Take me home, Natsuki"
"As you wish, my queen"