Quick Edit: thank you Meo for noticing the little errors. Really appreciate it…should've re-checked/re-read it before posting it up. This is why Ming Yue needs a beta-reader. .

Disclaimer: I do not own My HiME much to my chagrin. If I did I would personally fire that mangaka and see it that he dies a painful, excruciating death (not really but I dislike the manga greatly compared to the anime)

Part Three

Living

Tonight the sakura blossoms fall. They gently rained down on the well trodden roads of Fuuka. They were in full bloom today and in another year they would reach their peak once again. The smell of fresh spring air was revitalizing, comforting. A mixture of both sadness and happiness would exist in the morning and linger on for the day. It would be felt by all the students and some teachers.

Spring marked a new life. Spring was the epitome of rebirth. Those who had grown and matured in halls that had housed them for years were to depart and leave their legacy to the echoing rooms of the school like those before them. By the time the sakura trees would be in bloom again those years that they spent would all be forgotten, save for a few. Those memories once held so dear would be blown away, compressed. You could never forget, but you could never remember ever detail.

On this day, in the morning, old friends would group together with tears in their eyes, promising to each other that they would see them again—the would write to each other everyday and keep in touch before they departed.

Lies…almost all lies. Soon life would sweep them into a new path and they would forget. Most of them would.

Shizuru did not care for any of this. A part of her rejoiced at the idea that she would be able to leave this school and forget what had happened. Yet she looked back, she continued to look back.

The human mind was a powerful thing. Is there ever a point where the mind could ever be at full rest? Or was she just too confused to even able to comprehend her own jumbled up emotions?

The mind could latch onto a single ideal, desire, and choose to be consumed by it.

During the day the hidden recesses of the mind would stay hidden while they were occupied with various things. Then at night, everything would resurface, plaguing the mind.

"I could have done this. I should of…"

Shizuru smiled humorlessly into the darkness, clutching her night robe and pulling it closer to warm her body. This was why she was here; why she was awake in the middle of the night. She was a person that was filled with doubts, uncertainties, and regrets that would not allow her to rest.

How to live one's life…how does one live their life?

In a day, no—in a mere seven hours or so—an event would signify her leaving the land that she despised and loved at the same time, interchangeably. She turned to look at the sleeping form of Natsuki, sleeping peacefully a few feet away from her and still full of trust as she had first come into this house: one that belonged to neither one of them; the same house that marked the pinnacle Shizuru's sins.

Shizuru could almost feel the HiME power flowing through her. She could feel the acid breaths of Kiyohime breathing down her skin, its foreign yet familiar forked tongues whispering insanity into her ears and despair, utter despair.

Tears started to fall and she cursed herself for being weak. She was not brought up this way. She was not…

"Shizuru?"

Her eyes widened, her hands automatically went up to shield her face. Natsuki could not…

"Shizuru," the sleepy voice was getting louder; panic was rising in the younger girl's voice. "what is wrong? You're not sick are you? What are you…oi Shizuru! You're…crying."

The voice quieted, the look on her face was soft and a little afraid.

Her hands still covered her wet face. Shizuru's back faced the other girl. "I'm fine," she lied badly, her voice cracking. She saw the other's bare feet, she felt an arm come to reached her shoulder gently shaking her, trying to wake her from her nightmare.

Shizuru broke the contact with a shrug of her shoulder before collapsing to her knees, "d-don't touch me. Just leave me a-alone. I don't deserve…"

Instead of doing so, Natsuki did something that surprised them both. She had positioned herself in front of Shizuru. Strong, warm arms embraced her tightly as she pulled them down so they were sitting closely to each other. Soft skin, calloused hands ran through her light golden hair.

"I am so stupid," the blue haired girl said softly, "so stupid that I couldn't see your suffering. I was so wrapped up in my own little world even after the carnival that I couldn't see your pain. Guess this is my time to say 'forgive me'. I've been a terrible friend."

"No, Natsuki haven't. This is my problem. I can deal with it…" the Kyoto born murmured. Her chin was resting on the other's shoulder.

"You were the one who taught me that there are things that people cannot do alone."

"Natsuki…"

"Let me help you, please, allow me to help you. You've done so much for me. I can't let you stay like this. It…it also hurts me to see you like this Shizuru," the gentle, caring voice spoke. Sleep had long been forgotten. "I've been thinking…you mean so much to me. I don't understand just how much…it scares me."

Shizuru was slowly calming down. A small, almost mechanical, jaded smile was on her face.

"Don't get my hopes up Natsuki. I don't know—"

"Shizuru-baka, you didn't let me finish."

"It's alright. I know what you are going to say."

"Do you?" The almost graduated senior gasped as she felt Natsuki's lips tenderly kiss her tears from her eyes. "As I was saying…I've been thinking for a while. Last week I was going to say this but…well now I'm going to say this: I really do care for you—just give me some time Shizuru. Let me sort out my feelings."

A soft gasp escaped from the Kaichou's chest. Red eyes widened as she heard something that she thought she would never hear from the younger girl.

"I think my 'suki' for you is deeper than what I first thought"

Shizuru couldn't believe what she was hearing; she was without any words. Could fate be so kind to someone like her? Could it? Nevertheless there was nothing to say.

Natsuki could not help but to smile. Breaking the contact between them, she moved so she could look into her friend's surprised eyes. Suddenly the entire scene that had just passed seemed odd to her; she wasn't acting like her usual self. Laughing softly she finally spoke.

"I guess it is my turn to be the strong one."

"Natsuki was always strong, stronger than me."

"Liar." Intertwining her fingers with Shizuru's, Natsuki stood up and pulled her friend up in the process. "Tomorrow is an important day for you Shizuru. You should go to sleep."

"I don't want to," the other girl said truthfully. All her barriers were down. "I'm scared."

"…fine you…can sleep with me you overgrown aka-chan." Natsuki said on impulse.

Laughing despite herself, Shizuru said playfully, "ara…did Natsuki just tease me? And before that Natsuki called me 'baka'. Ureshi…"

The blue haired girl's reaction was not her usual one to such a remark. Instead she grinned widely.

"Hah. I'm getting better! Pretty should I'll…what?"

Shizuru was laughing harder, barely able to retain her elegant composure. "I've never seen Natsuki like this. Maybe she should do this more often."

"Shizuru…" The infamous Kuga Natsuki blush was on her face. It was silent for a moment, save for the cicada chirping outside.

"Yes?" Despite still being teary eyed, Shizuru's smile was back in full strength causing Natsuki to lose her cool.

"W-we should go to sleep. It's really late."

"If Natsuki says so."

"…"

"…"

"…Shizuru that's my futon."

"But Natsuki said that I could sleep with her," the other innocently retorted.

"!"

"Ara? Natsuki is all red."

"I AM NOT!"

Natsuki was breathing heavily. She sat on the hard wooden floor; her back was turned from Shizuru who was comfortable beneath the cotton covers.

"You're going to be cold, especially dressed like that."

"I don't care."

Sighing, the older girl got up, sensing that they were going to go nowhere. "I'll bring the other one here. Would that be better?"

"Hai." Natsuki tried to stifle a yawn. She was too tired to do anything besides giving up. She could hear the other get up and leave the room.

"Natsuki? Forgive me but could you help me? It seems this is too heavy for my delicate body.

Natsuki had lost the battle long ago so the former Dhuran user went to help the other girl.

Later on that night Shizuru was still awake. Her head was turned to see Natsuki sleeping with an annoyed frown was on her beautiful face. Finally at peace, the Kyoto born smiled to herself before falling asleep only to be rudely woken up a few hours.

"Shizuru! Oi Shizuru! Get up! We are going to be late!"

She opened her red eyes. In front of her was a panicking Natsuki who was already in her school uniform, struggling to put on her socks and screaming loudly to wake her up.

"I never thought I'll see the day where Natsuki is hurrying to go to school."

"But it's your graduation. You can't miss it," Natsuki was tying her shoelaces in a flurry had hand movements, "you've already missed at least half of the Student Council meeting."

"…but I've haven't had my early morning tea."

"Shizuru! What is more important: your graduation or tea?"

"Tea." She stated simply, clutching her warm blankets closer to her. Wasn't that obvious?

"Argh!"

Taking pity of her friend (she was also touched of her friend's concern) the currently irresponsible acting Kaichou got up and quickly dressed. Moments later the two were on Natsuki's once again fixed bike and was rushing to the school. Shizuru was quite sure that Natsuki was breaking a few speed limits.

They had gotten to the academy barely in time however Shizuru arrived to class five minutes late, refusing to run to class. From the ingression of her room, she could hear Haruka screeching at her and everyone else staring at her usually perfect hair which was wind blown and messy. To this, she gave them her cheery, airheaded smile.

"Kannin na. It looks like I had overslept," she said truthfully as she apologetically bowed.

The teacher along with a couple students had fallen over from shock.

By the time they were called down for the ceremony, Shizuru could feel herself repeating closing her eyes. Nevertheless, she was quite happy. She hadn't had so much fun in so long. She was...very well contented. After delivering her mandatory, yet perfectly executed Student President speech, before the next speaking had reached the podium, Shizuru had fallen asleep. And so it went on.

"There were many hardships that you faced. But we were able to arrive at this day solely because of your love for the Academy. Congratulations on graduating." Fumi smiled, her entire speech and the ones before it were unheard by the lightly snoring, yet forever graceful and poised president. Meanwhile Haruka leaned forward; a proud and triumphant grin was on her face.

-------------------------------

That had been fun. Shizuru had woken up when Haruka had poked her to receive her awards. The other senior had a look of disdain on her face and if not for the ceremony that was going on, she would have started ranting about the importance of the situation to Shizuru. After it finally being finished, the now former Kaichou was walking towards the school before she heard a very familiar voice talking to someone else.

"Where are you off to now?"

"I don't know. But I need some time to reflect upon myself. That's what I want to do right now." Shizuru knew that voice. It was undeniably Natsuki's…how nice she was going on a journey. Maybe she would let her accompany her.

"Just wait a minute. As a teacher I have something to tell you," the other voice said.

"What is it?"

"Your attendance rate is not nearly high enough. Without extra classes you have to repeat your freshman class onward."

Was this true? Shizuru frowned to herself, weighing the options. The positive point was that she could see Natsuki in that cute seifuku for another year…but then if she did get held back than…

"Well, but you see…something like that…something can be done, right?"

How cute. The onlooker was happy to see the many interesting expressions that Natsuki's face had contorted to.

"Nothing can be done. I don't think there is time for you to go on a jolly journey." Now that she could see the face she recognized the man.

"Wait...wait a minute." Maybe she should join in. And so she did.

"Why? Repeating isn't bad," she said cheerfully, her heavy accent was obvious in her speech.

Natsuki's face had made another interesting expression. "Shizuru," the other said in a strained voice.

What was wrong with her friend? It was as if she wasn't too happy to see her. Not like this fazed Shizuru the slightest.

"Maybe I shouldn't graduate." She haphazardly dropped what she was holding.

-------------------------------

"Shizuru that was cruel."

"Was it?"

The two of them were walking to the park where they were meeting the others. Luckily the older girl had thoughtfully packed some nonperishable food the night before as if she had sensed the morning would have been hectic. On their way there they had ran into Mikoto. Natsuki had given the girl something. Was it…a bra?

Giggling to herself, Shizuru clung onto her friend's arm.

"Oi—Shizuru!"

"Ureshi," she sighed happily. "I wish I didn't have to graduate so I could see Natsuki everyday."

Natsuki's blush deepened as she spoke. "I'm going to miss you. I don't know what I'm going to do."

"I'm sure Natsuki will do fine."

Grabbing her friend's arm tighter, bringing the other closer to her, Shizuru reached up and whispered into Natsuki's ear, "You should run for School President."

"Shizuru! I'll never make it." The younger girl muttered, finally relaxed her arm muscles. Some people were staring at them—not that it mattered.

"You never know. I could help you."

They continued to banter with each other back and forth until they reached the area everyone had agreed to come to and saw something…remarkable.

"…"

"Oh my. Natsuki forgot to give Mikoto something else too."

-------------------------------

They entered the scene where the others had gathered. Natsuki had answered Mai's question. She had the same identical light blush that Shizuru also wore.

As everyone had gathered, the former Fuuka Academy Kaichou found herself enjoying the group's company. Nao and Yukino didn't seem to mind her at all though she spotted Yukino glancing at her and Natsuki occasionally. And no one gave Reito a hard time either.

She sipped her tea—sadly the first one she had today—as she listened to the others talking cheerfully about nothing important. Glancing at her side she saw Natsuki also seemingly enjoying herself. That was good.

"Love is good. Right Natsuki? Mikoto?" Attached to Mai's side like an infant koala, Mikoto nodded. Natsuki also gave her own confirmation which made the older girl smile adoringly at her. The dark blue haired girl had gone a far way since she had first met her; she was finally blooming.

"You sure said it this time, Mai." Megane Chie said. Shizuru only knew her solely from the glasses-wearing girl's reputation.

"So what are you going to be doing, in detail?" Senou Aoi added on.

At those two's comments Mai sat, contemplating deeply her actions before she finally spoke.

"Yosh. I decided. What I love most and what I want do most…is Karoke!"

"Really?" Chie let out a surprised gasp as she leaned closer to the orange haired girl. Aoi repeated the sentiment and also leaned closer as if to box Mai in.

Mai was blushing and nodded. "I really want to go again."

"Then let's go tonight!"

After consuming all the food, everyone had agreed to meet up at the karoke shop. Two hours later, there they were. Mai had shoved everyone out of her way in sheer excitement. Taking a seat Natsuki could only shake her head at the antics of everyone before Shizuru had snuck behind her and glomped her. At this, the other girl merely sweat dropped and did nothing to stop her. Meanwhile Mai was singing her heart out.

So much had happened in between that one year yet at that moment everyone was sure that there were happy times ahead. Shining days huh? Why not.

…owari

-------------------------------

This was actually finished two days after posting Chapter 2 up. It was written in my notebook…too troublesome to type with one hand so I waited until my cast was off type this up. Ack…it's just so…happy, but then again the second half of episode 26 was happy. Ming Yue thinks that she is just a sappy person by nature.

Thanks for all the kind reviews. They made me really happy. Hopefully the omake part will be up soon. The story is technically finished but I just wanted to have a little amusing add-on that doesn't have any connection to the story.

Really not pleased with the over-all writing…next story I'm going to try a different style.