DON'T SAY SORRY

By: Escarlata

Precure belongs to Toei, the plot is mine

~o~o~o~o~

Nagisa was really reckless, wasn't she? She was embarrassed for many reasons. Too embarrassed... And too scared to look for her best friend again, Nagisa chose her life. An angry Honoka could be very scary and very dangerous. Just a few days and a lot have happened. Nagisa admitted her own fault in everything.

What happened?

~o~

Nagisa felt so happy after chatting with her crush. Fujipi had even invited her to the movies! Her date was the weekend. That was a dream coming true! The warm feeling of love in the air made her look at her friend and wonder why Honoka was still single. Honoka was gorgeous! Her best friend was smart, pretty, nice, a little weird but funny. Nagisa didn't understand why she always rejected all the boys who confessed to her.

"I'm not interested," Honoka said after Nagisa pressed the issue on her after school on their way home.

"But," Nagisa took a deep breath, she even seemed concerned, "Honoka, why are you like this? You have a fan club on the boys' side! The boy from last week was nice!"

Honoka sighed but still looked at her friend with a cute smile on her lips. "I don't want to go out with someone, I'm very happy with my life right now", Honoka replied. "Nagisa, I have a lot of activities in the science club, I enjoy my time with you and our friends and I love reading with Mipple at night and texting you. I'm really happy right now."

Honoka was serious, but the words she kept tied to her tongue were the real reason she didn't want to go out with anyone. She was sincerely in love with Nagisa, her heart was full of Nagisa and taking care of her was enough for her. Nagisa being happy even with Fujipi was reason enough for Honoka to smile.

Still, Honoka found out that she preferred girls, so a boy wasn't even an option for her, but that was her best secret. Even Mipple didn't know about that.

Nagisa groaned. She wanted to share this feeling of love with Honoka. Nagisa couldn't understand her, even after almost three years with her. Why did her friend prefer to be alone? Nagisa sighed and looked at her friend with an annoyed face.

"I can't believe you, Honoka," Nagisa sighed and lowered her hands.

"Sorry," Honoka chuckled.

Both girls finally laughed and then it happened again.

An unknown boy stood before them, he was wearing the Verone' high school uniform, a high schooler just like them. He was a tall, dark-haired boy who had a pleasant, masculine scent coming off him. The boy smiled at both of them in a pleasant way, but his eyes were only fixed on one of them: Honoka.

"Hello! I'm sorry to introduce myself like this, but I can't help it." The boy looked at Honoka. "Let me tell you that you're very beautiful, I like you and I'd really like it if we go out together sometime. Can we take a walk and talk?"

Honoka wasn't surprised at all, but Nagisa's face became happy after seeing this opportunity. Also, meeting a guy who wasn't afraid to speak up or introduce himself like that was admirable. And it was a handsome boy, a handsome boy for a beautiful girl, for her beautiful best friend.

Noticing that Honoka was about to do her usual things, rejecting the boy, Nagisa quickly got to work.

"You should go, Honoka!" An excited Nagisa exclaimed as she gently pushed Honoka towards the boy. "Come on!"

"But…"

"Just try it! Okay?"

Honoka really wanted to say something but Nagisa didn't let her. Instead, she whispered in her ear.

"Just do it. I want you to be happy too, Honoka."

And Nagisa ran away.

"Nagisa!"

Her friend left. Honoka looked at the boy. It would be easy to apologize to him for the strange scene and just walk away, but Nagisa would be on her all week if she did that. Also, Honoka understood why her she did it. Nagisa was in love with the love, and seeing her dearest friend without a love made Nagisa act impulsively. It was nice but unwelcomed.

Honoka finally sighed. She felt upset but decided not to show it.

"Sorry about that. My name is Yukishiro Honoka, nice to meet you," she politely bowed.

"I'm Satou Toshio, nice to meet you too. Shall we go?"

Honoka shrugged and nodded. If Nagisa really wanted her to go out with a guy to feel calmer, then she would. A couple of dates would be enough before she turned him down. That was a good plan actually.

~o~

The next day, Nagisa arrived at school. Honoka was already in the classroom and reading a book as usual. They both said good morning to each other, but Honoka kept reading her book. Nagisa got a little closer to her after leaving her backpack on her desk. The girl cleared her throat.

"So?"

"What?" Honoka changed the page, her eyes glued on her book.

"How was your date?"

"Not bad," Honoka replied. "He's nice."

Nagisa got surprised for the lack of emotion in Honoka's voice, her friend seemed disinterested. Had she done wrong by forcing her to go out with that boy? Nagisa thought about it, but couldn't continue talking with Honoka, Shiho and Rina approached them and asked for Honoka's help to check their homework. A smiling Honoka agreed.

After school, they hadn't any club activities so they could go home, right? Nagisa walked over Honoka.

"Hey Honoka, wanna go to Tako Cafe and have some takoyaki with Hikari and the others?" Nagisa happily asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Nagisa. My date is waiting for me at the school entrance; we'll go for a walk", Honoka replied, she still felt annoyed by this and she couldn't help her next words. "I'm finally going out with a nice guy, you should be happy right?"

Honoka nearly kicked herself, but held on. It wasn't a lie. Nagisa really wanted her to date someone. Nagisa made her go out with the first guy they met.

Nagisa laughed nervously. That was true, it was her idea, she pressured Honoka to do it and she should be happy because her friend was willing to keep going out with him. Now Honoka needed her free time to go out with that handsome boy, right? Nagisa shouldn't bother her.

"I'm happy for you, you're a great girl. You deserve the best. I want you to be happy, Honoka."

Honoka lowered her face and bit her lip. She stood up and took her backpack. "See you tomorrow, take care."

Nagisa nodded, "have fun!"

And Honoka left the classroom.

Some seconds later, Nagisa took a deep breath and sat down on Honoka's desk. For some reason she wasn't happy, Nagisa felt a weird feeling inside her chest. As if it wasn't enough for her to feel some guilt, her dear friends Shiho and Rina arrived to put their finger on the problem. Both girls looked out the window and noticed when Honoka met a handsome boy, and then the two of them left together.

"Oh my god oh my god oh my god!" Shiho giggled and jumped excitedly. "Yukishiro-san is dating a gorgeous guy!"

"He's really handsome!" Rina added with a big smile.

"And Yukishiro-san is really beautiful!" Shiho said. "They are made for each other."

"They make a great couple!" Both girls exclaimed.

For some reason Nagisa grunted. I make a better couple with her, Honoka ismy partner! Nagisa thought, arms crossed.

"Nagisa, do you know him?" Rina asked.

"We met him yesterday after school, he confessed to Honoka," Nagisa replied as calmly as she could.

"Then Yukishiro-san finally accepted a confession! Good for her!" Shiho felt happy about that, her smile turning mischievous as she looked at Nagisa. "I'm sorry, Nagisa, she's not yours anymore."

"What?" Those simple words upset something inside Nagisa.

"We know that Yukishiro is important to you, but it's also important that she goes out with whoever she wants," Rina said with a smile.

Nagisa clenched her fists and frowned. But she didn't want him! She screamed internally. The girl had to take a deep breath and calm down; she was making a big deal out of nothing. Her friends were right, Honoka was free to do whatever she wanted, but if one thing was true in that matter, it was that Nagisa was the one who forced Honoka to go out with that boy.

But… What if Honoka felt much more comfortable with that boy and began to seek his company more than hers?

Nagisa felt bad for that selfish thought. Wasn't she herself madly in love with Fujimura? Why did she get so upset that Honoka could get along better with someone else? Nagisa shook her head, it was normal for her to think like that because Honoka was her best friend, right? Nagisa decided to go to the Tako Cafe before going crazy. Food and the company of her friends would help.

"You're right guys, Honoka will be fine," Nagisa said and took her backpack. "See ya!"

"Bye!"

Surely she was exaggerating as usual, Nagisa thought. She had to calm down.

But she couldn't feel calm. The next couple days the same scene was repeated. Honoka told her that she was going to go with the boy after her club activities; he was going to wait for her in the same place. Nagisa for some reason wanted to hold her back, but she couldn't. She couldn't see Honoka for the rest of the day.

Surely her friend was having a lot of fun on her dates with him, Nagisa thought. She felt upset for some reason.

Meanwhile Honoka was really surprised and almost amazed at the way her date was talking. The way he referred to himself was almost ridiculous. The boy said big words; at times he gave the impression of reciting poems. Toshio was the one who talked the most. Honoka had just listened to him since the last days. Honoka also noticed that he dedicated very soft words to her and he tried to guide her to the most private places in the park. Honoka already guessed what the boy's plan was.

It was obvious that Honoka wouldn't let him get away with it.

"How about we go to the lake? I know a place near the rose garden and it's nice and quiet at this hour," Satou said with a very pleasant smile on his face.

Honoka shook her head and kept walking. "I'd rather go to the library if you don't mind. Surely you also like reading books like me, right?"

"Ah… Oh! Of course! We'll do whatever you want, Honoka." But his smile almost disappeared when the girl looked at him with a strict face.

"Satou-san, don't call me by my first name."

"Oh! Sure! Sorry!"

If Honoka was lucky, the boy would get tired of her attitude and leave on his own. But if he kept insisting, she would have to deal with him in a less kind way.

They both ended up in the library just like she wanted, so everyone could tell that Honoka enjoyed her date. It didn't go unnoticed by Honoka that the boy was pretty bored and he kept texting on his phone.

To Honoka's surprise, Toshio asked her out again the next day at noon on Saturday. Honoka remembered that this time was Nagisa's date with Shougo at the cinema. Surely Nagisa would have more fun than her. She smiled at the thought of her battle partner. The best thing was to end the matter with Toshio and return to her calm lifestyle, taking care of Nagisa until her feelings for Fujimura were reciprocated as she so deserved.

That was the only thing Honoka could do.

~o~

It was Saturday and Nagisa and Honoka got ready for their respective dates. They both wanted to have fun and have a good time, but Honoka wasn't sure if she should have fun while she gave that boy a lesson in good manners. On her side, Nagisa wanted to have fun but she kept torturing herself thinking about Honoka.

It had only been a few days and Nagisa missed walking with Honoka after school. It was weird that each one moved by themselves, Nagisa felt weird. It was obvious that she missed something; she needed someone by her side. And the only person she could and wanted by her side was Honoka.

Nagisa didn't know it, but Honoka also missed those moments. The girl was still a bit angry, but she knew that Nagisa had done it because she was thinking of her well-being. Nagisa wanted her happy, but Honoka didn't understand why Nagisa couldn't understand that she was already happy, Honoka had already told her!

Honoka loved and suffered that Nagisa wasn't aware of many of the things that were happening around her. Honoka really loved her dense and clumsy girl. Honoka couldn't stop thinking about her.

On the other hand, Nagisa didn't think about Honoka 24 hours a day, she just took her partner for granted. For Nagisa, seeing Honoka and being with Honoka was the same as seeing the sunrise and feeling the wind on her face. Now that someone had taken her Honoka from her, things felt weird. It took Nagisa all night to realize that that strange feeling in her body was emptiness.

She felt empty without Honoka.

Not even the idea of being alone with the person she liked cheered her up.

Neither of them knew it, but both girls sighed at the same time, said goodbye to their families at the same time, and went to their dates at the same time.

~o~

Fujimura was waiting for Nagisa at the entrance of the mall. Her bright smile shone as usual, but this time Nagisa didn't fall victim to the boy's charm as usual. Of course, Fujimura didn't even notice.

"Sorry for the wait, senpai!" Nagisa said with her best smile. There was no reason to feel depressed, right? Honoka was having fun on her date, just like Nagisa wanted. It was her turn to enjoy her own date with the perfect guy.

"Just in time," said Fujimura, leading her to the movie theater. "Let's buy some popcorn first."

Nagisa shyly nodded. "Yes, it sounds fine"

Nagisa swallowed hard and kept her smile as long as possible, at least while he was looking at her. His gaze on her didn't last long, the boy looked forward again while he kept a polite silence. Nagisa sighed and her mind filled with Honoka again. What would her friend be doing right now with her date? The boy seemed like someone elegant and intelligent, surely he liked to drink bitter tea like Honoka, or be silent while they both see landscapes, or listen to her while she explained those complicated science things.

The troubled girl didn't notice when the two of them were already sitting on their seats, she was still thinking about Honoka. And then she felt a strange prick in her chest. It was an uncomfortable feeling, it hurt a little but she couldn't calm down. Nagisa felt restless and this time, for some reason, she really couldn't stop thinking about Honoka. Something was wrong.

Nagisa had a bad feeling; she needed to go to Honoka right now.

For her part, Honoka listened to Satou about seeing an art movie together but not at the cinema. Honoka was already expecting him to say something like that to her sooner than later. Obviously he was looking for something from her and it wasn't to know better her fascinating personality.

Satou was complacent throughout the date despite Honoka's refusals. The boy did what she asked without question and adjusted his words and behavior according to what she answered. He kept complimenting her and mentioning how pretty she was.

The game was no longer fun. It was annoying dealing with someone who didn't interest her in the slightest. Going out with a boy just to make Nagisa feel calm had been a bad idea. Now Honoka felt terrible. It was true that Satou tried to manipulate her to put his hands on her at the slightest opportunity, but if Honoka already knew of his intentions and went along with Satou just to test his limits...

Did that mean she was the evil one?

The thought that she was the one abusing the situation made her feel bad about herself. That wasn't right. The best thing was to finish her business with Satou and return home before the game got out of hand.

Honoka stopped near some pretty rose gardens. Satou stopped as well and actually moved closer to her.

"And what do you say, Honoka? Come with me, it will be fun!" Satou insisted and put her arm around the girl's shoulders.

Honoka frowned.

"Don't call me by my name, I told you." Honoka warned him and pushed away from him. "And we have to stop this. I have no interest in you. I'm sorry for wasting your time." Her apology was sincere in the last part. Honoka never felt the need to go this far, but she did it on a whim.

Honoka did it because she was angry, angry at Nagisa.

The boy seemed confused, but only for a moment before getting angry too. Honoka somehow expected that reaction. Satou wanted something from her and worked hard to get it, leaving empty handed of course made him angry. Honoka didn't like guys like him.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Satou had gotten tired and was upset. He immediately grabbed Honoka by the arm. "Have you been playing with me?"

Honoka frowned, she wasn't going to deny the accusation but she wasn't going to let that guy lay a hand on her either. Besides, Honoka was the one who had more right to feel offended! She didn't owe a pervert an apology!

There was one thing only one person (Nagisa) knew about Honoka:

Yukishiro Honoka was a violent and aggressive girl if she was provoked.

Honoka's battle instincts kicked in. Her ever-gentle face filled with fury. Her body knew the language of combat and she was about to prove it. But Honoka didn't have time to do anything because someone else came out of nowhere.

"TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF MY HONOKA!"

An enraged Nagisa tackled Satou with the help of her lacrosse skills. Satou took two steps back and instinctively recovered quickly, then he pushed hard Nagisa towards the roses.

Honoka saw all of this and her entire body filled with intense fury. Her hand clenched into a fist but she didn't hit him, instead she used the skills her body still remembered from her days as Cure White and submitted the guy into a painful judo lock on his arm. Everything happened so fast that Satou could only cry in pain as Honoka tightened the judo lock on his arm. The boy didn't realize the moment he was on his knees on the ground, he was subdued by a girl who reached his chest.

"Leave," was Honoka's simple command. Her voice sounded cold.

She let go of Satou and the guy only managed to leave at a fast pace. Satou glanced over her shoulder at the girl and gulped at the angry look on her face. Seriously, she was scary.

Honoka immediately went to Nagisa and helped her up. Nagisa was dirty with mud and dirt, she had some scratches on her arms and cheeks from the thorns of the roses. Honoka for a moment didn't know where to begin to take care of her, but an angry Nagisa didn't let her do anything.

"That idiot almost hurt you!" An angry Nagisa exclaimed. "What were you doing with that guy?!" To tell the truth, the only one damaged was Nagisa. The girl preferred not to think about that unimportant technical detail.

Honoka got angry again.

"He wasn't going to do anything to me because I was in control of the situation!"

"He was trying to take advantage of you!"

"I know!"

"Then why the hell were you with him?!"

"Because you pushed me into his arms! You told me to go out with him!" Her claims made Nagisa fall silent. "I only did what you asked me." Honoka couldn't hide her anger as she said those last words.

Nagisa took two steps back before she found the strength to say something. "Honoka… I… I'm sorry!" And then she ran away.

"Nagisa, wait!" Honoka tried to stop her, but couldn't. Nagisa ran away too quickly. "I can't believe this." Honoka suddenly lost her strength and could only sit on the nearest bench she could find. The girl was still in the rose garden, she didn't go too far either.

Meanwhile, across the park, Nagisa was banging her head against a tree in desperation. She did it twice before laying her forehead against the trunk.

"I can't believe this!" Nagisa cried and feel on her knees.

The girl arrived at the park at full speed thanks to her hunch. Her instinct told her to find her dear friend and she just went along with it. Her instincts didn't fail her seeing that Honoka was in danger, but her heroic entrance didn't go the way she wanted and it was Honoka who got rid of the guy in the end.

Nagisa was so embarrassed!

And she felt angry with herself too. Her desire to see love everywhere put Honoka in an awkward situation. Honoka did it because she asked her to.

"I'm an idiot."

Nagisa sighed and then winced in pain, something was pricking her side.

Nagisa looked for what was hurting her and found it: a rose. Surely she ripped the rose from its stem in her fall and got stuck in her clothes. Nagisa smiled weakly, but more recovered. She delicately took the rose, it was not damaged.

"Sorry, I hurt you too like I hurt Honoka."

The rose smelled nice and Nagisa almost laughed.

"Hey, wanna help me to make her smile again?" The girl smiled. "I really miss her. She can be scary but she is my Honoka and… And I better go back with her. Let's go."

Nagisa and her red rose retraced their steps to get back to Honoka. Something in Nagisa's heart told her that Honoka was still there. She really liked discovering that tiny something that told her where Honoka was, it was the first time she felt it.

Meanwhile, Honoka was still sitting on the bench.

Maybe… Just maybe she was too hard on Nagisa, wasn't she? Now Honoka really wanted to apologize to her dear friend, but she still felt weak after the mess. Besides, she was worried about Nagisa, she got hurt and needed help. Honoka took a deep breath and stood up. The young scientist was ready to search for Nagisa, she didn't know why, but something told her that Nagisa was still around.

But there was no need to look for her, Nagisa, who was embarrassed, returned and Honoka smiled at her.

As soon as they got closer, Nagisa didn't let Honoka say anything; she just offered the rose to her best friend.

"I'm sorry for... Well, for everything."

"Oh Nagisa," Honoka smiled and took the rose. A smile spread across her lips as she smelled the soft scent of the rose. "Don't say sorry. I'm sorry too. I should have told you I didn't want to go out with him."

"That's the problem, you told me and I didn't hear you," Nagisa sighed. "I'm very sorry about that. I made you go out with a pervert and… I don't know how to excuse myself." The girl panicked. "I'll do everything you want!"

"Really?" Honoka smiled.

"Yes!"

"Okay, let me help you, you're a mess right now. Come here."

Honoka took Nagisa's hand and both girls went to the nearest restroom. Honoka used her own handkerchief to clean Nagisa's cuts. The latter teared up, that hurt!

"I'll be quick, just hold on a bit, okay?"

"Okay!" Nagisa clenched her jaw.

The rose was safe inside Honoka's bag. The cleaning process was silent, but the girls didn't mind being in silence. The two girls left the restroom when Honoka finished cleaning up her friend. They stayed near a fountain. The silence wasn't new to them, but Nagisa really wanted to say something to her friend.

"I missed you", Nagisa confessed, she quickly blushed.

"Me too," Honoka smiled at her.

"I was afraid, you know?"

"Afraid of what?"

"I… Well… Shiho and Rina said that you made a great couple with that guy and… You… You know… You're my partner!" Nagisa was still blushing.

"I already make a great couple with you," Honoka smiled, she felt happy watching Nagisa flustered, she was cute!

"I know," Nagisa cleared her throat. "And… I was afraid for… I was afraid you'd get along better with him than me. And have more fun with him."

"Dummy," Honoka chuckled and sweetly held Nagisa's hands. "You're my partner, you're my best friend," you are the one I love. Honoka gently smiled at her.

Nagisa was nervous now.

"I'm really sorry, Honoka. I just wanted to see you happy."

"Nagisa, I'm really happy right now."

"Really?" Nagisa really wanted to make sure.

"Yes," Honoka sighed and put her forehead against Nagisa's forehead. "I'm happy because you're with me, Nagisa. I have you, I have my friends and my family, I do what I love. I'm happy, Nagisa. And I feel happier right now, because you're here with me."

"Honoka…"

Nagisa was so red that she might explode at any moment. Honoka giggled.

"Why did you think I needed to go out with someone?" Honoka was curious.

"I don't know," Nagisa confessed. "I just thought it was unfair for someone as beautiful and wonderful as you to be alone."

It was Honoka's turn to blush. "Nagisa, I'm not alone, I already have everything I need," she explained slowly. "I have you."

"Honoka! I'm serious!"

"Me too."

"I'm talking about someone who loves you in the way you're, and stay by your side when you need it!" Nagisa mouth was faster than her brain. Her heart the fastest. "I want you to have a person you love."

Honoka's smile grew sweeter.

"I already have you for that, Nagisa."

Nagisa was so confused and so blushing.

"This isn't about me, dammit! You deserve a special person!"

Nagisa was desperate and Honoka couldn't believe how clumsy and loving she was.

"Oh Nagisa. I can't believe you're so dumb," Honoka chuckled, taking Nagisa by the cheeks and saying her next words against her partner's lips. "And you don't know how much I love that part of you..."

Honoka kissed her. Nagisa's mind went blank, her body froze as a new but pleasant warmth began to fill her. Honoka kissed her softly, sweetly...

A few seconds later, Nagisa kissed her too and Honoka smiled for a second as she continued the sweet kiss. The kiss lasted long enough to make them forget their surroundings, and also to make them need to catch their breath.

"I…" Nagisa mumbled.

"Me too," Honoka smiled and held her hands.

"I just…"

"I know."

"Thank you…"

"You're welcome."

Both girls laughed softly. And then Nagisa yelped.

"I left senpai alone! I didn't tell him I was leaving! I can't believe it!"

Honoka didn't know whether to laugh or help her. Nagisa let her know what she needed.

"Please come with me and help me apologize to him!"

"Okay, let's go."

"Hurry up!" Nagisa started running back to the mall, holding Honoka by the hand. "I also need to tell him that I'm already going out with you, so... Could you…?"

Honoka smiled and nodded. "I'll be with you, as always."

Nagisa smiled too.

FIN