Title: Long distance

Chapter: 4

Author's note: This chapter might be a bit emotional at the end, so prepare yourself a bit because I'm hoping I did enough of a good job to hit you in the feels. Remember, these chapters and how they act is based off of me and my past relationship so sometimes it's hard for me to write to update.

Disclaimer: I do not own Mai-Hime or the characters.

Warnings: FUTA!NATSUKI! Sex, alcohol, long distance, etc.

(Kuga Apartment)

"What is it Natsuki wishes to talk about?" Shizuru asked, slightly worried at how serious Natsuki sounded. She paused in writing her notes and gave the blunette her full attention.

Gulping, Natsuki rubbed the back of her neck with one hand and adjusted her phone with the other, palms sweaty. "S-So..." She started, her heart jumping out of her chest.

Just what was she doing? Was she really going to tell this girl her feelings, this girl who lived in a different country 3 hours away, this girl who somehow made her smile and open up, who was gorgeous and could have anyone she wanted?

"I urm..." Natsuki choked, pacing around her bedroom.

Shizuru, beginning to piece Natsuki's behavior, quickly made the decision she'd been pondering on the past few weeks. "Natsuki," She said, trying to gain the girls attention. "Would I be imposing if I asked to spend the holidays in Fuuka?"

"Huh?" Natsuki droned out, confused. She reran the words Shizuru just said in her mind before she quickly startled. "That would be perfect! You can come down for 2 weeks which is our holidays and stay at my place, I mean, if you want to...?" She said, cringing at her excitement. She wanted to facepalm herself.

Shizuru sighed out her worries, a smile quickly forming on her face and her excitement beginning to build up. She had wanted to tell Natsuki her feelings just as Natsuki was trying to do now, but over the phone wouldn't do it justice, she wanted to be able to kiss or hug Natsuki when they did which couldn't be done over the phone.

"Ara," She said. "Of course I would love to stay with you, but I can just get a hotel-"

"No way! Hotels cost a bomb and I don't want you wasting your money!" Natsuki quickly said, shutting that idea down. "I have a 2 bedroom apartment so it'll be fine, no hotel needed."

Shizuru feigned a pout. "Natsuki doesn't wish to share a room with me?"

Natsuki felt her stomach drop, thinking she had upset the girl. "No! I mean yes!" She blurted out. "Shit, like if you want to but figured you'd want your space..." She rambled, rubbing her forehead when she heard Shizuru giggling. "You were teasing me." She deadpanned.

"Yes I was." Shizuru laughed. "I can't help it, Natsuki is so cute."

Natsuki scowled, but smiled too. "How many times do I have to tell you I'm not cute?"

Shizuru was quiet for a few seconds, showing Natsuki she was thinking. "Hmm, no matter how many times Natsuki tells me this I will still think she is cute."

Sighing in defeat, Natsuki jumped onto her bed and pulled her laptop closer to her and opened it. "Do you wanna plan the holiday?"

Shizuru didn't miss a beat when she replied. "Yes."

Natsuki, her mind focussed on planning the trip, forgot to tell Shizuru her feelings.

(Friday)

Natsuki heard the school bell ring and watched as her classmates hurriedly stood, shoving their things into bags and talking with friends as they left in a hurry. She decided to wait a few minutes for everyone to leave before going herself. There was nothing worse than being stuck in a crowd all rushing to leave the school, but finally it was half term and they had a 2 week break.

Shizuru was also coming to Fuuka today and she would arrive later on in the night where Natsuki would pick her up at the airport. She smiled, she honestly couldn't wait to see the girl.

"Natsuki," Mai said, waving her friend over. "You coming?"

Nodding, Natsuki packed up her stuff and caught up to Mai.

"Any decision on the beach party tomorrow?" Mai asked, noting Natsuki's smile still in place. Natsuki never smiled for this long.

"Oh yeah," Natsuki remembered, having asked Shizuru if she wanted to go and the girl had said yes. "Me and Shizuru will be there so we'll need those tickets if that's cool?"

Mai almost tripped over her feet. "Shizuru?" She said, confused. "As in when we went to Garderobe Shizuru?"

"Yeah, why?" Natsuki asked.

"Natsuki, since when is Shizuru coming to Fuuka?" Mai said, hitting the back of Natsuki's head. "Why do you never tell me these things?!" She scolded.

Natsuki winced, rubbing the back of her head. "Damn Mai, I've just been too busy doing work and it was a last minute decision kinda thing."

"Explain Natsuki." Mai growled, pissed Natsuki hadn't told her about this.

Sighing, Natsuki knew it was better to just get it out there when Mai got like this. "So you know that since we left Garderobe me and Shizuru have been talking right?"

Mai nodded her head, turning a corner with Natsuki as they walked.

"Well, the other night I wanted to tell her my feelings, but I think she knew, so she said she wanted to come to Fuuka for the holidays and I got a bit distracted, but anyway she's getting on the flight here after school finishes for her and I'm going to pick her up tonight at the airport and she's gonna stay at mine, so no random pop ups to my apartment!" Natsuki said, giving Mai a stern look.

Mai stopped walking, jerking her arm out to grab Natsuki. "It actually hurts that you don't tell me stuff like this, but since it basically is last minute I'll let it go." She started, violet eyes meeting emeralds. "You love this girl, so don't shut her out, got it?"

Natsuki stared at her best friend for a minute solid before finally nodding her head. "Okay."

(Later- Fuuka Airport)

To say Natsuki was nervous was a really big understatement. In fact, she was shitting bricks. Her palms were sweating, her heart beating out of her chest and skipping beats, she felt sick, but at the same time she was excited. In all honestly, she couldn't just pinpoint one emotion that she had because she had so many.

She was currently stood at the doors that Shizuru would be walking through soon with some violet flowers, Duran was currently waiting in her car. The last text she had gotten from the crimson eyed girl was that she was waiting for her suitcase at the baggage claim and that was 10 minutes ago, meaning any minute now Shizuru would be walking through those doors.

Natsuki didn't know what she was going to do; whether she would wrap the girl in her arms, sweep her off of her feet or kiss the girl as if it was the last day on earth. She knew one thing though, she just could not wait to see the girl.

Another 5 minutes went passed and the doors opened, making Natsuki stomach do backflips. She searched through the crowd of people, trying to see crimson eyes or tawny blonde hair, but so far she couldn't see the girl.

Walking forwards towards the doors and twisting around and dodging people, she continued to look for the girl, but when she couldn't see her dread set in her mind. What if Shizuru didn't come? What if it was just a game?

Panic setting in, Natsuki's search became a bit more frantic and she pulled out her phone, ready to ring the girl with her thumb hovering over the call button.

"Natsuki!"

Spinnin on the balls of her feet so fast she became a bit dizzy, she saw Shizuru walking forwards towards her in a small rush and she also noted that the girl was out of breath.

"Kanin na," Shizuru huffed out, coming to a stop. "Everyone was like wild dogs fighting for the last scrap of meat getting their suitcases, it took longer than I thought it would."

Natsuki didn't know what to say, her mind suddenly blank and she couldn't for the life of her think of anything, but every muscle and nerve in her body was humming and she quickly pulled Shizuru into her, hearing the girl let out a small squeak in surprise. She wrapped her arms around the girl, burying her nose into the crook of Shizuru's neck and breathing in the lilac perfume that surrounded Shizuru.

"I missed you." Natsuki whispered, squeezing her arms that bit tighter to drive her point across. She ket her eyes closed too, trying to avoid the tears trying to escape her eyes.

Shizuru sighed in contentment; being in Natsuki's arms is her favorite place to be. Her hands bunched up the back of Natsuki's bomber jacket, her head resting against Natsuki's chest. "I missed you more."

They held each other for a few more minutes before Natsuki pulled back, presenting the violets to Shizuru with a grumble of "I got you these..." and a pink blush on her cheeks.

Shizuru quickly held the flowers, bringing them to her nose and smelling them while Natsuki quickly took her suitcase, giving her a stern look when she tried to complain.

Natsuki held the suitcase, but held out her free hand to Shizuru with a stern face, but also a blush on her cheeks. Shizuru smiled and took Natsuki's hand, the two leaving the airport and walking to Natsuki's car.

"Duran's pretty excited to see you, he's been yipping all day." Natsuki said, spotting her car in the car park.

"I cannot wait to see him, he surely has gotten bigger the past month!" Shizuru giggled, remembering all of the times the puppy had interrupted their facetimes together.

"Yeah, he's 5 month old now, got him a full training plan so he's learning to behave." Natsuki said, stopping at her car, but felt Shizuru's suddenly stop and she was yanked back a foot. "Jeez, what's up?" Natsuki asked, looking at the girl.

Shizuru was stood still, eyes open and mouth agape. "This is Natsuki's car?" She questioned.

Natsuki nodded her head, jiggling her car keys. "Yeah, why?"

Shizuru blinked. "It is a very nice Audi A4, must be expensive?" She said, trailing off. The Audi was a shiny black, not a scratch and looked as if it wasn't a day old, but Natsuki had had it for a few months.

Shrugging, Natsuki unlocked the boot and car. "Well my dad bought it and gave me it as a 17th birthday present, but I pay for insurance and gas so it costs a little bit yeah."

Just as Shizuru was about to say something, scratching and whining from inside the backseat caught Shizuru's attention and she quickly looked into the window, cooing at Duran trying to get to her .

"Hey Duran," She said, smiling as he began licking the back window.

Natsuki closed the boot with the suitcase in and opened the passenger seat for Shizuru who graciously got in, Natsuki running round to the driver's seat and getting in.

Duran had jumped out of the backseat and was currently sat on Shizuru's lap, tongue hanging out when she scratched behind his ears.

"Let's go." Natsuki smiled, starting up the car.

(Kuga Apartment)

Natsuki hauled the suitcase through her apartment door, Shizuru walking in behind her with Duran as she settled the case down in the doorway, closing it after Shizuru was inside with Duran.

"So, welcome to the humble Kuga abode." Natsuki said, gesturing around her.

Shizuru looked around the apartment in awe; they were stood in the doorway and there was a large open space, the living room to the left with some patio door leading to a small balcony and the kitchen directly to their right which had a door leading to the dining area behind the kitchen space. The apartment so far was very modern with a plasma TV, a large couch, glass coffee table and the kitchen had the finest materials for cupboards with a large refrigerator and cooker.

"This place is amazing..." Shizuru whispered in awe, looking around the apartment and letting her hand trail along the wall as she walked further in.

Natsuki grinned. "Thanks, but wait till you see the bedrooms, they're pretty cool."

Shizuru just nodded her head, speechless at the place. Natsuki was certainly doing well for herself, but she did work crazy hours at her job so it was no surprise she doing well.

"Which room do you want?" Natsuki asked, pulling the suitcase with her as she walked to the back of the open space where Shizuru noted that there was a small hallway with a door to the right, another door to the left and a bit further down there was another door.

Shizuru just followed after her while Duran walked to the couch and jumped up, curling into a ball for a nap. "May I see Natsuki's room?"

Natsuki nodded her head. "Sure, it's the final door so it's right next to the bathroom." She said, leading the way.

They both walked into the room and Shizuru took in the navy blue curtains and matching bedding on a double bed which was in the middle of the far wall with two bedside tables on each side. There was a sliding door wardrobe with a mirror facing opposite the bed and at the side of the wall there was a set of draws with some pictures on them.

Shizuru smiled at the navy blue colours. "Natsuki's room is very nice."

Natsuki blushed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Ah, thanks," She said. "I'll check the other room, 2 seconds." She said, quickly walking to the other room to check it.

When she walked in her face turned into a scowl; the room was an absolute mess and there was empty bowls and boxes and wrappers thrown about the room. "That dirty little bastard..." She growled.

She walked back to her room and saw Shizuru laid on her bed, sound asleep. Natsuki smiled, walking over to pull the blankets up for the girl when she suddenly found herself pulled onto the bed, Shizuru cuddling into her side.

Deciding that this was okay, she got herself comfortable and clapped her hand, the light switching off. She closed her eyes and smiled, squeezing Shizuru closer to herself.

(Next day)

Natsuki woke up to an empty bed, still in her t-shirt and jeans from the day before. She groaned and rubbed her eyes, sitting up in the bed and pushing the covers off. She looked around her bedroom, but didn't see any sign of Shizuru besides from her suitcase which had been laid down flat on the floor. Just where was she?

She stood and left her bedroom, checking the spare bedroom which was spotless and clean. Rubbing the back of her neck, she sighed. She was going to clean it today incse Shizuru wanted to stay in that room.

Heading down the hallway her nose twitched, sniffing the air and she began drooling. The smell of bacon and eggs wafted into her nose and like she was in a trance she walked into the kitchen, leaning against the doorway and watching Shizuru busy around the kitchen.

Shizuru's hair looked to be damp and pulled up into a high pony, she was wearing a baggy t-shirt and some black booty shorts. She had her back facing Natsuki while she flipped bacon in a pan and watched eggs cooking at the same time. Natsuki could also smell coffee.

Clearing her throat, Natsuki smiled when Shizuru jumped a bit. "Morning," She grinned, ignoring the look Shizuru was giving her. "You snuck out of bed."

Shizuru, giving up on her serious face, smiled and turned back to watch the food. "I wanted to surprise Natsuki with breakfast." She said, quickly putting some toast into the toaster.

"Mhm," Natsuki distractedly mumbled, admiring the view of Shizuru's backside in those shorts. She quickly snapped out of it, blushed, and hurried to pour herself some coffee while pouring Shizuru one too. "So, I wanted to ask you a question."

Shizuru turned off the cooker knobs and began plating up the food, humming to acknowledge Natsuki.

"There's a beach party down at Fuuka beach and Mai got us some tickets, but if you don't wanna go it's cool we can do something else if you want?" She said, taking a sip of her coffee and watching Shizuru bring the plates into the dining area and setting them down.

Shizuru sat down opposite Natsuki, looking to be in thought. "I wouldn't mind," She started, pulling her cup towards herself. "It sounds like it will be fun, no?"

Natsuki clicked her tongue and shrugged. "It's a beach party so I guess, but I just wanted to make sure you wanted to go. You've been here less than 24 hours so I thought you might still be tired after the journey."

Shizuru's eyes turned mischievous. "You do not want to see me in a bikini, is that it?"

Natsuki choked on her coffee, spluttering about and wheezing. "Shizuru!" She growled, her face instantly turning red because yes, she does want to see Shizuru in a bikini.

Laughing, Shizuru put her coffee mug back on the table. "I'm merely teasing, Natsuki."

"You nearly killed me woman..." Natsuki grumbled, clearing her throat. "Okay, after breakfast we'll get ready and head to pick up Mai, then go to the party."

Shizuru nodded. "Very well." She said, knowing that tonight she would tell Natsuki her feelings.

(Later that night)

Natsuki had showered and packed a beach bag, so had Shizuru and they got Duran ready and had gone to pick up Mai and Tate, then they finally went to the beach and met up with some other friends.

Chie was hung around Aoi, Mikoto was there with Reito, Mai and Tate, even Nao and a few others. They had all set up in an area close to the beach and through the day they had all gone in the water, played some beach games, sunbathed and now the party was now in full swing and the sun was setting.

Natsuki of course had been mesmerized when Shizuru exited the water, her red bikini showing off those delicious curves. Shizuru had questioned Natsuki upon seeing the girl in a bikini top and some short shorts, but Natsuki had awkwardly managed to shrug it off, but Shizuru would need to know eventually.

There was a DJ playing, drinks were flowing and everyone was having a good time, even Natsuki. Natsuki, Shizuru and Duran were currently sprawled out on a blanket on the sand and Shizuru was giving Duran belly rubs. The pup has really taken to Shizuru.

Natsuki suddenly stood, her mind having been occupied since the sun started going down. She was going to tell Shizuru her feelings.

"Shizuru," Natsuki said, gaining the girls and Durans attention. "Walk with me?" She asked, holding out her hand.

Smiling, Shizuru quickly took the hand and Natsuki pulled her up, the two setting off and walking next to the beach water, Duran trotting with them.

They walked in a comfortable silence, hand in hand, admiring the sunset and laughing when Duran misplaced his paw and fell in the sand. Natsuki felt so happy and free, she was a sucker for this girl after a short bit of time.

Turning her head and looking at the girl, she took in the beauty that was Shizuru Viola. Flowing tawny blonde hair, slender neck, stunning crimson eyes, pearly white smile...Natsuki just couldn't help but admire her. She couldn't picture living her life without this girl being in it.

Stopping her walking, she accidentally tugged Shizuru back who turned to look at her confused.

'So beautiful.' Natsuki thought, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Natsuki, are you alright?" Shizuru asked, stepping closer.

Natsuki didn't give a reply, instead she placed her hands on Shizuru's hips and pulled the girl more towards her and let her forehead rest against Shizuru's who blinked in confusion, but a blush lit up her cheeks.

"S-Shizuru," Natsuki stammered, having to clear her throat. "I need to tell you something and it's really important."

"Is this about Natsuki's boner last night?" Shizuru asked, straight faced and Natsuki's heart sunk to her stomach.

She tried to think of something to say, but her mouth just opened and closed, her eyes wide and worried. "I-I..."

Gently cupping Natsuki's face, Shizuru smiled, reassuring Natsuki's nerves. "Natsuki, I have known about that since you first came to Garderobe and I'm okay with it. Yes, it is different, but Natsuki is Natsuki and I'm happy as long as I have her."

Natsuki's shoulders sagged. "Thank god..."

Shizuru giggled. "Was that all?" She asked, her eyes closing as she bumped their noses together

Sucking in a deep breath and exhaling, Natsuki didn't think about her next action. Words were never her strong suit anyway. She leaned forwards and gently took Shizuru's lips in a sweet kiss and it was just...Indescribable. Everything was just drowning everything out and it was just perfect.

Natsuki pressed their lips together more urgently, needing to just feel Shizuru that bit more for a few seconds before she pulled back, quickly hiding her face in Shizuru's shoulder.

Shizuru sighed out in bliss, wrapping her arms around Natsuki's neck as they stood holding each other, neither knowing what to say, but it felt like everything had already been said in the kiss.

Duran interrupted their moment, barking and yipping at them making them both laugh.

"Shizuru,"

"Yes Natsuki?

"I think..." She paused. "I think I that I love you."

"Oh Natsuki, I think I love you too."

Duran yipped.

(1 week later)

It had been an eventful week for the young couple; Natsuki had shown Shizuru around the Fuuka on a bike ride on her Ducati 848 EVO, they had gone to the cinemas, out to eat and even gone shopping. They were growing closer and closer with every passing minute.

Natsuki was sat on her couch, Shizuru cuddled up next to her side with Duran curled up in a ball on Natsuki's lap while Shizuru played with his ears. They were watching TV while waiting for their pizza to be delivered.

"Natsuki," Shizuru said, smiling when Duran's ear twitched at her stroke.

"Hm?" Natsuki mumbled, turning to look at the girl under her arm.

Shizuru gave her cheek a kiss and then looked down at the puppy on Natsuki's lap. "I've never heard of how Natsuki got Duran?"

Natsuki smiled sadly, giving Duran's chest a rub. "It's a bit of a sad story, the start of his life before I got him."

"Will you tell me?" Shizuru asked.

Natsuki nodded her head, her hand continuing to stroke Duran's furry chest. "I was at a low in my life; my mum wasn't doing good with jobs, me and my dad weren't in the best of places and Eiji was just as messed up as I was. I'd pulled a late night at work and it was raining pretty bad, temperatures were the lowest we'd ever seen and I went to my car to go home." She said, her mind replaying the memories.

Shizuru sat quietly, patiently listening.

"I saw a car speed past, stop and someone got out with a box then dumped it into some bushes. I didn't think nothing of it, but then I heard this whimpering so I went and checked it out. I wasn't prepared for what I saw in that box..." Natsuki whispered, her eyes glossing over a bit.

Duran, sensing Natsuki's mood, picked his head up and licked her cheek to try and comfort her.

"The box was pretty big and it was soaking wet and it was taped shut, a few small holes made in the box. I opened the box and the first thing I saw was this pure white husky, she was beautiful, but she was really skinny and covered in cuts...It looked like she'd been starved and beaten, she was barely hanging on to life. I felt my heart break, it was horrible so I picked up the box, put it in my car and drove her to a vet." Natsuki said, her eyes tearing up at remembering just how horrible it was.

"When we got to the vet and she rushed the dog to the back, I sat there in the waiting room, so angry that someone would ever do that to an animal that deserves the very best care. I wasn't waiting long, which wasn't good. Like if you go to the vet with a critically injured pet it shouldn't be that quick, you know? Anyway, she came back out and asked me about the dog and how I got her so I told her what happened and then she asked me if I liked dogs, of course I said yes." Natsuki smiled, rubbing the tip of Duran's ear.

"The vet then took me to the back and gave me this husky puppy, I was confused until she said that the mother had this pup hidden under her in the box, probably to try protect him. I fell in love with this pup the instant I saw him, he became my responsibility and I wanted to make sure he would have a good life which I'm sure the mother would have wanted for him. Sadly, his mother died, her injuries were too serious and it's like she held on until she knew her pup would be safe."

Shizuru blinked back her own tears, not being able to imagine what that night must have been like.

"I made sure he was healthy and then I took him home; bottle fed him, cuddled him, trained him, I raised him the best I could. Of course my family didn't approve I adopted him, but they couldn't tell me what to do anymore. Duran became my family and he always will be. So yeah, that's the story of how I got him." Natsuki finished, smiling down at the pup.

Shizuru looked at Natsuki, seeing nothing but love on those gorgeous emerald eyes when she looked at him, it was the same when Natsuki looked at her and it made her melt every time. "My Natsuki, how did I get so lucky?"

Natsuki's face broke out into a blush and she grumbled, pulling Shizuru under her arm and closer to her who laughed at how adorable her Natsuki is.

Natsuki couldn't sleep. She didn't know why she couldn't considering Shizuru was being her little spoon and she had never felt more at ease in her life. There was just something nagging her, maybe it was that she only had a few more days with Shizuru before she leaves or if it was something else. She honestly didn't know, but she couldn't sleep and it irritated her.

Sighing for who knows how many times now, sh tried to close her eyes, but she heard some light scratching from the front of the house. She squinted her eyes and strained her ears to try and listen. There was a bang and she shot up, carefully detaching herself from Shizuru and rushing to her apartment door.

Just as she went to open it it swung open, the door bagning into the wall and Eiji stumbled in, clearly drunk.

Eiji stood up, his hand suing the wall to balance him. He stumbled forward and crashed into Natsuki, knocking him backwards and into the wall. "Natsuki the fuck?"

Natsuki squared her shoulders, glaring at her brother. "What the fuck are you doing Eiji?" She growled.

Eiji's eyes opened wide, his mouth dropping open while he raised his hands in sarcastic surrender. "Damn what crawled up your ass and died..." He said, hiccuping.

Tightening her hands into fists to retrain knocking her brother out, she silently seethed. "It's 4 am, you're pissed out of your face and you sneak into my apartment making damn noise even though I told you that you couldn't stay here while Shizuru is here, so if something crawled up my ass and died do forgive me." She said, sarcastic.

"Can't you for once just ignore this? I'm tired I wanna sleep dude." Eiji said, rolling his eyes and trying to walk past Natsuki.

Temper rising and restraint thinning, Natsuki grabbed Eiji's arm and slammed him back into the wall. "For once? Are you being serious?!" She shouted, incredulously. "I told you to knock this fucking shit off and you still do it and expect me to pick up the shit you leave behind and I'm getting real fucking tired of it Eiji!"

Eiji sighed, rolling his eyes. "Natsuki shut up n let me sleep."

Growling, Natsuki grabbed Eiji's shirt, bunching it up in her fists and pulling him forwards before slamming him into the wall again. "Let you sleep? How about you let my girlfriend sleep Eiji, but no here you are sneaking around and making noise!"

Getting mad himself, Eiji stood up fully and grabbed Natsuki's own shirt, getting into her personal space. "Let me go."

Defiance flashing in her eyes, Natsuki sneered at him. "Why don't you get the fuck out?!"

"Natsuki you better let me the fuck go before I-" Eiji started.

"Before you what, hm?" Natsuki mocked, giving her brother a shake. "Come on then, let's see just how much like dad you are!"

"Natsuki I swear to god get the fuck off!"

"You get the fuck out and sort your shit out!"

Tempers were dangerously high between the two, both of them squared up to each other and in the others face, fists ready to be used.

"Natsuki!" Shizuru shouted, quickly rushing over and pulling the two apart, not knowing what to make of the situation.

Natsuki, calming down now that Shizuru was here, stepped back and out of Eiji's space, her hands raised in surrender.

"This hot piece of ass is who you're fucking? Nice job-"

"Natsuki no-!" Shizuru cried out.

Ignoring Shizuru in her rage, Natsuki threw her fist forward and smashed it into Eiji's face, knocking him out cold as he hit the wall and slowly dropped to the floor. She sucked in deep breaths, willing herself to calm down. It had happened before she even knew what she was doing.

Natsuki shrugged away from Shizuru's comforting hands at first, but Shizuru didn't give up and wrapped the shocked bluenette into her arms, trying to offer comfort.

"I didn't mean to..." Natsuki mumbled. "I swear, it just happened I've never hit him before." She said, her voice shaky.

"Shh," Shizuru whispered, running her hands up and down Natsuki's back. "It'll be okay."

They stood there, Shizuru holding Natsuki together before they heard Eiji groan.

"Let's put him in the spare room." Shizuru spoke first.

Natsuki nodded, numbly following Shizuru's orders.

(A few days later)

What had happened with Eiji had been forgotten about; Shizuru drilling the two Kuga's to talk it out to each other, without the use of fists like Eiji said. They had called a truce for the time being and Eiji had left and not been back since.

There was also a sense of dread surrounding the couple; Shizuru was leaving tomorrow.

Natsuki had been trying to ignore the upcoming departure like the plague, but school was starting again and Shizuru had to head back to Garderobe. She had made every minute between the two count which Shizuru greatly appreciated.

Shizuru was also a mess, but she knew that this was not the end of them and they will see each other again once they have the next school break, but the feeling lingering in her stomach at leaving Natsuki was just horrible.

They had just gotten back to Natsuki's apartment, said girl having took Shizuru to watch a sunset up on Fuuka hills. They had sat and watched it in comfortable silence, just enjoying each other's presence.

Natsuki was now preparing them a chicken stir fry, having learned some cooking lessons from her girlfriend during the stay and Shizuru was contently snuggled into Natsuki's back so every move Natsuki made so did Shizuru so they wouldn't have to separate.

Once the food was cooked they settled down and ate, watching a cheesy romance comedy on netflix before they both began yawning, deciding it was time to call it a night and changed into their pj's.

"What about an all nighter?" Natsuki asked, pulling the blanket back on her double bed.

Shizuru giggled. "Ara, is that so I will end up being too tired to wake up and miss my flight?" She teased, climbing into Natsuki's bed.

Natsuki blushed. "No of course not, doesn't sound like a bad idea though."

Shizuru smiled and shook her head and then layed down on her side, feeling Natsuki slide up behind her and be her bigger spoon.

They pulled the blanket up and snuggled as tight as they could, Duran at the bottom of the bed.

After a few minutes of laying in silence, Natsuki let out a shuddering breath and buried her face into Shizuru's neck. "I don't want you to leave..." She whispered, her voice timid and broken.

Shizuru blinked back her tears, squeezing Natsuki's hand. "I don't want to either."

(Leaving day)

Natsuki walked into the airport, Shizuru's hand in one and pulling her luggage along with the other while Shizuru held Duran on his leash. Nausea settled into Natsuki's stomach; she felt physically sick that Shizuru was leaving.

Shizuru was faring no better, trying to maintain her face, but all she wanted to do was bury herself into Natsuki's embrace and never leave her. However, she knew that once the next holidays arrived Natsuki would be coming to visit her for 2 weeks so she was trying her best to be positive which was hard when leaving the one you love.

They both checked the board in front of them, Shizuru's flight asking passengers to go through security with their luggage to wait for their plane's departure.

Natsuki bit her cheek, willing the tears building up in her eyes to go away. "I guess you should get checked in." She grumbled, clearing her throat.

Shizuru turned and gently cupped Natsuki's cheek with her spare hand, her thumb gently rubbing Natsuki's cheek. She tried to smile, but it looked like a grimace. "This is not a goodbye, my love."

A tear slid down Natsuki's cheek, realisation setting in that in a few minutes she would have to watch Shizuru walk through them doors until they could see each other again. She hiccuped, her lips trembling.

"Don't leave," She whispered, her glistening emerald eyes desperate and pleading. "Please, Shizuru, don't leave me..." She cried, tears falling down her flushed cheeks as she nuzzled into Shizuru's hand.

Shizuru's heart broke watching Natsuki plead for her to stay. God, did she want to. She wanted to run into Natsuki's arms and forget about her plane, her school work and whatever else she had waiting for her in Garderobe.

Tears welled up in her crimson eyes. "Natsuki knows we will be together again soon." She tried to say with some enthusiasm which only made Natsuki's tears fall quicker.

Knowing that she could beg as much as she wanted, Shizuru would still get on that plane, but for once she just wanted to be selfish and have Shizuru all to herself. "I know that, but I still want you to stay."

Sucking in a deep breath, Shizuru blinked her tears back. "Please Natsuki, don't say this, you know I would stay if I could."

Biting her lip with a solemn nod of the head, Natsuki met Shizuru's eyes. "I know."

Natsuki let go of the suitcase and instead wrapped her arms around Shizuru, holding the girl as tight and close to herself as she could. She rested her chin on top of Shizuru's shoulder, taking in as much of the girl she loved as she could.

Shizuru buried her face into the crook of Natsuki's neck, her hands bunching up the back of Natsuki's jacket as she held on. She breathed in Natsuki's deodorant, loving how the scent matched Natsuki so well.

'Flight 972, this is the last call to head through check in for your flight. Please make your way through security now.'

Hearing the announcement only made the two girls hold each other that much tighter before finally pulling away, both having teary red eyes and trembling lips. Taking a breath, Shizuru dropped down and gave Duran a big fur ruffle and giggled when he licked her face before standing again and handing his leash over.

Natsuki quickly leant forwards to give Shizuru a rushed kiss which quickly turned into loving lips moving against each other, swallowing shaky breaths. Natsuki sighed out, giving a sad grin as Shizuru took hold of her suitcase.

"I'll see you soon." Natsuki said, trying to smile. "I love you, Shizuru."

Shizuru squeezed the hand in her own. "I love my Natsuki too."

Sniffing, Natsuki watched Shizuru make a move to turn around and begin walking away, but Natsuki didn't let her hand go and it made Shizuru stumble to a halt. Shizuru looked back, squeezing the hand again before slowly letting her hold go, only Natsuki's hand holding on.

Sucking in a deep breath, Natsuki's hold gradually loosened until their fingers slipped through and their fingertips brushed before their hold was broken.

Shizuru gave a wave before heading through the doors and disappearing, but Natsuki still stood there, hand outstretched with tears falling down her cheeks again. "Please don't leave me Shizuru..." She whispered, the doors closing once Shizuru was through.