Chapter 3 – Truth or Dare
The sound of the car engine finally coming to a stop brought the pretty brunette back to the real world. She internally winced realizing she must have dozed off somewhere along the way when she rebelliously insisted being okay and not sleepy. Very slowly, she opened one eye peeking if the coast was clear and hoping that Natsuki didn't notice her dozing at all. Please don't make her realize! Don't make her…
Her thoughts abruptly ended as her scarlet eye finally settled on that grinning face, watching her intently with that annoying signature smirk of hers. Crap! Dearest myself, going forward, please do not find more ways to further embarrass yourself in front of this woman okay? You see that annoying smirk of hers? It was sooooo humiliating to be on the receiving end. So, please, let's cooperate with each other? Deal?
Mentally sighing, she opened both eyes opting to glare menacingly at those curious emerald eyes. "What's so funny?" She asked coldly and curtly, raising her eyebrow for emphasis.
Natsuki was still seated in the driver's seat, her body turned sideways as she watched her passenger from the back. Her grin just grew even wider, her body shaking uncontrollably as she choked back her laughter. "Sorry… I just…" Natsuki finally relented and snorted loudly, wiping invisible tear from her eyes. Shizuru's eyes narrowed angrily, her fists clenching on her lap as she watched her humorlessly.
As her mirth died down, she again looked at her, emerald eyes still twinkling with mischief. "Your face… You got some drool on it." She pointed with her forefinger.
Instantly, Shizuru turned bright red, her hand automatically flying to her lips, wiping furiously any remnants of saliva on her face. The driver again roared in laughter when Shizuru threw her a dirty glance as the latter realized she had been fooled.
"Happy?" The brunette questioned sarcastically.
"Now, now… Chill, sweetheart. Don't bite my head off." Natsuki cooed as Shizuru continued to throw dagger glares at her. "It's just that I missed you." She replied sincerely.
When Shizuru did not speak she continued, her eyes turning reminiscent. "I remembered you always promise not to fall asleep and keep me company, but hey, you're still doing it."
"Ara, I must apologize however you don't strike me as someone with long-term memory." Shizuru retorted wittily. How about our promise of forever? Do you even remember?
"Come on, my memory is perfectly alright. I could even clearly recall someone mumbling in her sleep calling out a very particular name." She winked at her knowingly to which the brunette's eyes widened in alarm.
"YOU DID NOT!" CRAAP Shizuru! Ara, what now this time? What did you mumble in your freaking sleep!? What was I even dreaming? Ugh! I can't even remember! Ara! Please… not her name… not her name…. Relax, she's just bluffing! There's no way. But I do sleep-talk. Argh! The heck with you Shizuru Fujino, get ahold of yourself!
"Oh yeah? Try me. Do you want to hear the name?" Natsuki challenged, her smirk just turning bigger and bolder.
"Shut it" She hissed angrily.
"It starts with letter 'N'…"
Again, Shizuru's eyes widened, her heart clobbering wildly as her grip on her handbag tightened.
"Followed by 'A'…" Natsuki continued with her merciless teasing, enjoying the reactions she was getting from her passenger. "Need any more clues from Detective Sherlock?" She waggled her eyebrows at her.
Shizuru narrowed her eyes. "Having more fun yet? Still not enough?"
"What?" Natsuki answered defensively, chuckling mischievously. "I just want to prove my memory is perfect that I could remember you calling out…" She paused dramatically whereas the brunette inhaled sharply dreading what she was about to hear. Emeralds locked with rubies. "your favorite tea… 'NA-tural green tea'"
At that instant, she did not know whether she should feel relieved or frustrated. Relief for not voicing out Natsuki's name. Or frustrated as the said woman could easily get so many reactions from her. All she knew was that she wanted to give this woman a good beating for almost giving her a heart attack. But did I even dream about tea? Like being in a tea ceremony or something? Ara, I can't remember!
She was snapped out of her thoughts as she realized the driver talking to her. "Don't worry, I'm telling you now, you did not speak my name, so relax. But even if you don't, you know that I know that you miss me." She winked at her again.
"As if!" Shizuru scoffed back, her hand running through her wavy brown hair, trying to hide any opposite reactions that might be a giveaway to the raven-haired woman.
Natsuki simply laughed it off as she opened the car door and stepped out. Shortly, she opened Shizuru's side door still grinning pompously. "Welcome to Fuuka Beach Resort, You're Majesty." She extended her hand to which the brunette totally ignored as she stepped down on her own.
Natsuki had decided to bring her in a private beach resort where the brunette could relax and unwind without worry of any paparazzi lurking in the shadows. Mai had suggested to use the Fuuka Beach Resort which was owned by Chie Harada, an old friend from the university back in the days.
As Shizuru swept her scarlet eyes over the high-end resort, she couldn't help but feel amazed at the luxuriousness and breathtaking view, overlooking the bluest waters mingling with the most pristine sands. From a distance, she could see several overwater bungalows all connected by a massive footbridge that ran the length of the cottages. Over to her right, various water activities including kayaks, jet skis and private boats were at the guests' disposal. Unconsciously, she mumbled a 'wow' under her breath which did not go undetected by Natsuki.
"Do you like me?" Shizuru suddenly stiffened at those words. "I mean… do you like it?" Natsuki corrected afterwards. She was standing a few feet behind the brunette, watching the beauty in front of her with nothing but admiration.
"I would have…" The brunette admitted. "But not today…" She finished bluntly.
"What? Why?" Natsuki asked confused.
Shizuru faced her. "I am being kidnapped, brought here against my will. My day's schedule just got ruined. My phone almost stolen and you got the nerve to ask why?"
"Whoa! You sure like to blame it all on me, huh?" Natsuki pouted cutely. "Firstly, it wasn't my fault someone wanted to joyride with me going here. You should feel honored I allowed you to tag along." She explained smugly.
Shizuru turned hot-headed. "Excuse me! That is my car you are using! Look at the plate number!" She responded heatedly, pointing her thumb at the license plate on the car. Both of them looked at the said license plate.
"What!?" Shizuru looked aghast. "But…" That can't be…
Natsuki again looked at her triumphantly, her grin getting bolder. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. That's what you get for being so assuming. Just because your car looks similar to my car, doesn't mean it is your car. Sooo…. can we scratch myself being a kidnapper? It's not like I'm calling you a hitchhiker." Natsuki voiced out incredulously.
A what? Me? Hitchhiker? Shizuru could only roll her eyes, her mouth agape from disbelief. Her fists were clenched on her side, her nails digging in the flesh of her hands. This woman is soo… sooo…. Ugh! The nerve! I'm so gonna kill this arrogant woman!
"Secondly, about your day's schedule…" Natsuki tapped on her phone and after few swipes, she showed it to the brunette. "See? Today is Natsuki's Day. I got it all blocked and scheduled."
"And why would I even have such a day on my schedule?" I'm so gonna fire that Aoi! Why would she even put such a thing on my calendar? I'm paying her for nothing!
"Darling, don't you realize?" Natsuki asked conceitedly. "All's fair in love and war." She then completed her sentence with a flying kiss, sending it to the brunette who again rolled her eyes irritably.
"Lastly, I've told you already. Mai handed over your phone to me. I did not steal it. You should even thank me for bringing it to you. So… now that all your issues are sorted, I'll ask you again. Do you like this place?" Natsuki again asked truthfully.
"Still a 'no' for you!" Shizuru retorted as she trudged her way towards the resort, leaving Natsuki by herself.
She watched the retreating figure of the brunette before deciding to pick up their things and check them in. Quickly glancing at her wristwatch which showed half past eleven, she noted that the redheads should already be in by now, probably indulging themselves in Jacuzzi or spa.
She suddenly felt nostalgic, as she recalled their group outings years ago. Mai was always the organizer of whatever events and Nao, with her worldwide connections, could easily afford to book their outings smoothly and effortlessly. Shizuru, Natsuki, Mikoto and Chie were also part of the group, which was popularly known as 'The Oddballs' during their university days. And in those outings did she realize her true feelings towards the brunette. Sure, Shizuru also had feelings for her only the latter was a great pretender, hiding her emotions perfectly well.
"Soooo, Kuga Kuga Kuga… Truth or Dare?" Nao asked her sweetly as her hand rested on the empty bottle they used to spin for the game. All six of them were seated around the campfire, enjoying the cool breeze in the atmosphere. At the moment, all eyes were at the raven-haired woman, waiting for her response.
Natsuki thought for a moment, thinking which was the lesser of the two evils. There were so many questions the redhead could randomly ask and she'd be doomed for the rest of her life if the right questions were asked, especially if it involved a certain scarlet-eyed woman. Then, looking at the brunette, she realized she could not afford to let her feelings be known, lest things would be awkward between them. And she did not want that. Shizuru was her best friend, her partner-in-crime and it would stay just like that.
"Dare" Natsuki called nonchalantly. Chie and Nao started hooting and clapping their hands as they rooted for Natsuki's courageous act. Shizuru simply smiled at her which was almost enough to swoon her and melt her into a puddle. Mai and Mikoto looked just as excited as they waited Nao's instructions.
"Let's take a moment of silence to actually absorb and admire the bravery of our oddball friend, Natsuki Kuga." Chie muttered while clasping her hands together. The others broke into fits of giggles.
"SHUT UP!" Natsuki threw a travel pillow at the laughing bespectacled woman.
"Okay, the moment of truth…." Nao spoke. "Kuga, I dare you to…." Everyone was now tuned in at the redhead's command. "kiss anyone here… Oh, not just simply kiss… I meant it to be intimate, passionate and oh-so-romantic."
"WHAT!" Natsuki blurted shockingly. First of all, she never had her first kiss. And thanks to this stupid 'truth or dare' game, her first kiss would be wasted! But then at the back of her mind, a small voice was shouting in victory for this glorious moment – a chance to actually kiss her… her best friend… her Shizuru…
"Oh come off it, cowardly pup. It's just us! Kiss whoever you are comfortable with!" Nao cooed. "You could even choose me and I'll make things easier for you. You can follow my lead." She added seductively while puckering her lips.
"Oh please, I'd be poisoned to kiss those lips of yours." Natsuki retorted shaking her head as if dismissing the very thought itself.
"Fine! Then, be the boss. Choose your victim!" Nao spat savagely.
It was a major dilemma or that was what she would like to think about it. There was no way she could kiss Mai or Mikoto, the two were in a relationship. Nao was definitely a no-no because she would surely spread how such a bad kisser she was and she could really be poisoned! Same could be said for Chie, she might even video record or worse, upload the video of them kissing. So… there was only that option left… Shizuru…
But freaking no! I can't do it. I mean, I like her and all that but I can't do this to her. I feel like I'm taking advantage of her. I can't do this to her. I respect her.
"Make a move, Kuga! We're waiting!" Chie teased.
But what choice do I have now… You're my only option Shizuru… I'm sorry.
Standing up from her sitting position, she eyed the redhead grudgingly "You'll pay for this!"
"I'd like to see you try, sweetie." Nao replied conceitedly.
Heaving a deep sigh, she watched Shizuru at the corner of her eyes. The latter seemed relaxed and calm as always, her brown wavy hair gently being blown by the wind. Bracing herself, she slowly walked towards the brunette and kneeled down before her. Shizuru looked amused but not surprised which she took as a good sign.
Blushing furiously, she squeaked a quick "I'm sorry" then she held the brunette's chin, closed her eyes and closed in the distance between them. As their lips touched, Natsuki suddenly became aware of how soft those lips were, how delicious those lips tasted and how she was craving for more. It was both thrilling and addicting at the same time. Unconsciously, her other hand went behind the small of the brunette's back, almost pulling Shizuru closer to her as she deepened the kiss. Her tongue moved on its own forcing its way towards Shizuru's mouth, claiming the woman completely.
In her mind's eye, there was only Shizuru. This woman whom she had had feelings for such a long time. This woman who kept on visiting her in her dreams. This woman who even in her waking moments plagued her mind constantly. This woman whom she knew she could spend the rest of her life with. And darn! She was kissing this woman for real! And freaking yeah, she was absolutely LOVING it!
She was the one initiating everything, taking control of the flow however, she was surprised when the brunette cupped her cheeks and returned her favor with just as much passion and longing as she had. Instantly, the two had been fighting for dominance, enjoying and tasting each other like there's no tomorrow. It was such a pure bliss touching and tasting the person whom she really liked but even more so when that person returned your feelings just as much. The two savored each other until both were out of breath and reluctantly had to pull away from one another. The two seemed to have entirely forgotten the presence of four pairs of eyes watching them intently as their eyes locked and their faces flushed. Natsuki leaned her forehead on Shizuru's as she smiled embarrassingly at her best friend.
"OH MY FREAKING HOTNESS!" Chie blurted out, as she stopped the video recording on her phone. "ARE YOU TWO DATING!?"
"WHAT!" Both of them blurted out simultaneously, then they looked at each other before responding "NO" at the same time.
"Really? I could almost believe you two are experts at make-out sessions." Mikoto commented slyly.
"Is there something we need to know?" Mai asked suspiciously.
"Checkmate!" Nao snickered uncontrollably.
Natsuki quickly backed away from the brunette, trying to evade all their questions. "T-that was the stupidest thing I've ever heard you guys come up with. I mean.. come on… Shizuru's my best friend!" She hooked her arm on the brunette's shoulders who instantly stiffened at the contact. "There's no way we are... together." She looked at the brunette for confirmation.
However as she stared deeply at those intense crimson orbs, there was that unexplainable look of pain that lingered for a moment before it was quickly replaced by the usual mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ara, are we that convincing?" Shizuru laughed musically.
A part of Natsuki was a bit hurt by those words because for her, she was convinced that she liked… no, she loved this woman like crazy. For her, the kiss was as real as it could get. For her, the kiss was more than just a dare but rather an expression of her admiration towards the brunette. For her, it could even be more than just a kiss but an intimacy shared between the two of them.
"Totally! Can't believe we fooled you oddballs. After all, this was just nothing but a dare…" Natsuki shrugged. Yeah right Natsuki, think of it that way, so it'll be less painful.
As the night grew darker, all of them retreated back to their villas. Mai and Mikoto were sharing one room, Nao and Chie in another room while Shizuru and Natsuki also shared a separate room. It was then that the awkwardness between the two best friends was at its peak.
As they entered their room, Natsuki glanced shyly at the brunette walking a few feet ahead of her. As always, Shizuru completely masked her emotions, as if her day was normal and nothing out-of-ordinary ever occurred. Natsuki coughed intentionally, successfully gaining her roomie's attention.
"Uhm..err… Shiz, about earlier…" The raven-haired woman flushed as she scratched her cheek cutely. "I really like to apologize…" Natsuki watched the brunette in front of her, hoping that the latter would really take the kiss as nothing but a game. For Natsuki, their friendship was more important. She would not dare do anything that would break their friendship.
Slowly Shizuru faced her, her expression unreadable. "Really, Natsuki? Do you?" Shizuru silently asked her.
Natsuki suddenly looked confused. She unconsciously backpedaled as the brunette advanced on her until her back touched the door and Shizuru trapped her with both her arms on Natsuki's sides. "Shizuru, are you mad?" Natsuki panicked. "I'm really sorry. It's just that…"
"Natsuki…" Shizuru spoke sadly. "Tell me honestly, would you like me to forget about the kiss?" The brunette was looking intently at her, those scarlet eyes almost pitiful and pleading.
No, I want you to remember the kiss 'coz I want to be the only one to kiss those lips of yours forever. But I can't let my feelings for you break our friendship… your trust… I cannot afford to lose you Shizuru. I won't ruin our friendship. You are so important to me. I can't lose you.
"Yes. Like I said, it was just a game. I hope you don't take anything personally. Again, I'm sorry about that, Shiz." Natsuki tried to laugh to shake off the tension between them.
Shizuru slowly dropped her head at the crook of Natsuki's neck as she sighed heavily. "Such a cruel child you are Natsuki." She muttered under her breath. Natsuki wrapped her arms around the brunette, enveloping her in a warm hug. They stayed in each other's arms for a bit until Shizuru slowly moved away, her eyes almost brimming with tears.
Natsuki was shocked seeing the brunette crying that her emotions got the better of her and she quickly pulled back Shizuru towards her, her hands cupping the brunette's cheeks as she kissed her so hungrily. Her eyes instantly closed at the contact, savoring the sweet taste of this woman. She turned around without breaking their intimate moment so that Shizuru was the one leaning on the door. Her tongue much more forceful than earlier, explored the brunette's mouth, tasting every bit of her as her hand caressed the brunette's neck, enjoying the soft moan escaping the brunette.
As they parted, both breathing heavily, Natsuki rested her forehead to Shizuru's, enjoying looking through those intense but beautiful crimson eyes. She again stole a quick peck on the lips. "Damn it Shizuru, I love you. I really do." To heck with it but I can't hide this anymore. I'm freaking in love with my best friend. And now, I admit it to her.
Smiling sincerely, the brunette responded "I love you more, Natsuki."
As Natsuki reminisced that moment they became officially together, it always brought a big smile on her face, even during those times she was in America, struggling like crazy. Shizuru was her motivation, her inspiration for her to keep holding on. There were those moments she wanted to give up and quit but thinking of the brunette always gave her the strength she needed to move forward.
She had just finished her check-in on the front desk and was headed towards one of the overwater bungalows. On her way, she saw the brunette sitting on the far-end of the footbridge, her feet lazily dangling a few inches above water. As she watched the brunette enjoying the radiance of the sun on her face, she couldn't help but sigh in relief to be reunited with this woman again. Her hand resting on her heart, her resolve was absolute. Shizuru, you are my reason for living. Because you are my everything. I never stop loving you and will never stop loving you.
-x-
A/N: Next chapter, Shizuru's POV? Next month? Cool? As always, thank you for all your faves/follows/reviews. Yo, Hookedonreading, you know how to flatter me, I almost believe it ha! As you can see, I can be bribed. Flattery makes me update more frequently than one month. LOL! Kidding. But jokes are half-meant. So I meant it. But then I don't. Cheers!
P.S. There goes your clue why Natsuki had to leave Shizuru, so don't be hard on our charming Natsuki. It was painful for her just as much as it was for Shizuru.