Silverstri--- chat buddy..whahahah…I am NOT nerd. Hehehe
Eiswulf- thanks for the info from blue drop
Yo readers, thank you for reading this fic. You know who you are.
WARNING: Proceed at your own risk. Grammatical errors.
Note: Nothing important happened in this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own My Hime/Otome. Sunrise did.
Chapter 12: Amusement Park
"But Mai, you promised me." Mikoto whined.
Mai keep on cooking not wanting to be interrupted even though it's Mikoto whining at her.
Mai promised Mikoto that she will come with her this coming weekend in the amusement park. Mikoto found out that Mai have never once seen or have been in an amusement park before.
"Ok, will go this Saturday but you should finished first all your homework. Summer will start next week. It will be good on you so you can enjoy your vacation." Mai said while stirring the pot.
Mikoto dumped all her things, books and notebooks in their study table and started working on her assignments.
Mai smiled to herself when she saw Mikoto trying very hard to study. In a one week she's living with Mikoto, she learned that the girl have a pit less stomach but she doesn't care because she love cooking. And she found someone who appreciates everything she cooks.
But the real reason why she indulged Mikoto's antics is because Mikoto might rebel and not truly understand her situation. Or Mikoto might run away to hide or shut herself in the society because of the revelation of her own identity. Just like Arika, Mikoto recovered quickly with the help of Yukino and her. Yukino understand her purpose because she has Haruka to help her accept her destiny.
Mikoto were satisfied in Mai's food for their dinner when Yukino knocked at their door. Mai opened the door and let Yukino come in inside their room.
Yukino and Mikoto chatted happily in the living room. Their starting friendship starting growing when they've learned that they are the same.
"Yukino, Mai and I will go to the amusement park. Wanna come?" Mikoto asked.
"If it's not a bothered, then I will definitely come. It's been ages since the last time I've been there." Yukino replied smiling to Mikoto. Mikoto's innocent se always affected the people surrounded to her.
"Then, Yukino bring yourself this Saturday." Mai said.
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"Yukino, let's go tomorrow in the mall and do some shopping." Erstin said to Yukino after the meeting finished. Others officers from different club who joined the meeting are already went out and the student council offers remained inside the room.
"I'm sorry Erstin. But I have already said yes to Mikoto that I will come with them in the amusement park." Yukino explained.
"Really! Can I come too? It's been a while since I went there." Erstin said enthusiastically.
"What? You are going out tomorrow?" Haruka interrupted the two.
Yukino turned quickly towards Haruka. "I forgot to tell you Haruka-san. Mai and Mikoto invited me."
Haruka nodded and fuming inside. She did not know that but pacify a little bit when she thought that Mai will be there.
"You can come with us, Erstin. I'll inform Mai-san." Yukino said.
"I'll tell Arika and Nina that I will be out tomorrow." Erstin said excitedly. The two girls went out in the room excitedly.
"Young people are becoming careless now a day. But a little break is no harm for them." Reito commented watching the two girls disappeared.
"Maybe Reito-san is jealous for them. They don't think complex thoughts such as yours." Shizuru said teasing the vice president.
Haruka keep on thinking what she will tell Mai to let her join there tomorrow. An idea struck her.
"Haruka-san, are you staying for a while? We are ready to leave." Shizuru said snapping Haruka from her reverie.
"Yeah. Let's get out of here." Haruka jumped excitedly.
Shizuru and Reito glanced towards each other with questions in their eyes. Reito shrugged his shoulder and proceed to go home. Shizuru followed them after closing the room.
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Arika with Nina towed besides her barged in that night in Mai's room. Erstin followed slightly.
"Mai-san, please. I want to come to and of course Nina too." Arika pleaded.
"And why should I come too?" Nina asked. Arika just looked at her pleadingly to shut up. Then turned back to Mai.
"Uh, I-uh," Mai stuttered and can't get out the right words to say.
"I promise I will behave tomorrow." Arika raised her right hand to emphasize her promise not to be broken.
"But you- I-"
"Besides, the more the merrier. It will be lots of fun. Right Mikoto?"
Mikoto nodded. Then Mai let out an exasperated sigh.
"Ok. The two of you can come. Meet us here in our room tomorrow." Mai stated.
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"Mai, what's the meaning of this? Arika informed me that she will join you tomorrow?" Natsuki shouting at her cell phone talking to Mai.
Shizuru is wincing at Natsuki. It seems that the girl is frustrated at something. And keep on yelling after the call she received earlier.
"What? I want to rest tomorrow. But-" silence. "Is that Nao?" silence. "What? Ok, damn it. I'll go with you tomorrow. And tell that to Nao." Natsuki ended the call and still frustrated.
"Natsuki, what's wrong?" Shizuru asked and joined Natsuki in the sofa.
Natsuki turned to her. "I'll accompany Mai tomorrow."
"In the amusement park?" Shizuru asked. She recalled earlier the conversation between Yukino and Erstin.
Natsuki nodded.
Shizuru's inside turned gloomy in this revelation. She wants to spend her day tomorrow with Natsuki but it turned out that someone beat her.
Natsuki still brooding at her dilemma and not noticing the sly grin slowly appearing at Shizuru's face.
"Don't be so sad about that. Amusement park here is nice." Shizuru commented.
"I never have a time to go in any amusement park so I don't know how it looks like." Natsuki said shyly.
Shizuru was surprised at her. She did not know that there is still someone who hasn't gone to an amusement park.
"Well, you'll be surprise tomorrow that amusement park here is really nice. You'll enjoy yourself tomorrow." Shizuru said.
Natsuki looked at her with longing in her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something but closed it again. After a while, she decided to retire early for this night.
Shizuru nodded at her and let her sleep. After thinking for a while, she reached for her cell phone and dialed a number.
"Do you want to wind up tomorrow?" Shizuru asked.
"How did you know? I just thought about it. Nothing in particular." Shizuru said. Slight blush is forming in her face.
"So, do you want to come tomorrow?" Shizuru waited. Then smiled. She nodded and said good night.
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Reito was about to knock when Mikoto opened the door for him. She was beaming and seems excited seeing him or because of their trip? Anyway, he is happy seeing his sister looks happy and seems comfortable.
"Ani-ue. I know its you." Mikoto said. She opened the door wider and she went outside the room.
"Mikoto-chan, you look nice today." Reito commented.
"She really looks nice today because she already finished two bowls of ramen." Mai interfered and closed the door.
"Good morning Mai-san. Thank you for taking care of my sister." Reito said bowing slightly.
Mai blushed slightly and smiled at him awkwardly.
"It's nothing Reito-san. And thank you for volunteering to drive us in the amusement park." Mai said. They started walking towards the parking lot where they found Yukino and Haruka were already there.
"Good morning Yukino." Mikoto said happily.
Yukino giggled at Mikoto's childish antics. "Mikoto, today will be fun for us."
Haruka just grunted in response. Reito went to the van he brought to drive the girls to their destination. He opened the door to let the others get inside. Mikoto got in first followed by Yukino then Haruka.
After a while, Erstin and Arika dragging Nina who seems scowling at early in the morning. Nao was trailing to them.
Mai sighed. She really can't believe that Mikoto's antics turned into this big event. It is supposed to be her and Mikoto. But seeing this girls, she just shook her head.
She saw Shizuru walking towards them and she was thinking if Shizuru will also join them. She doesn't mind at all and she will gladly say yes if she asked to come too.
"Good morning Reito-san, Mai-san." Shizuru greeted them.
"Good morning kaichou." Mai replied. Reito smiled mischievously at Shizuru and she returned the smile.
"Shizuru-san, do you want to come too? Do you mind Mai-san for another person to come along?" Reito said seriously.
"I don't mind at all." Mai said.
"But I need to drop this package in our rest house." Shizuru was holding a box showing it to Mai.
"Shizuru! We can drop first your package so that you can come too." Natsuki said. No once noticed her approaching the group so they were startled when she spoke.
"Natsuki. You are late." Mai exclaimed.
"C'mon, Shizuru. You can waste your time today in Mai's idea. Yo Mai, we can stop first at Shizuru's rest house, right?" Natsuki said.
Mai nodded. She felt that these people really did not give her chance to refuse in their demands. The last one who volunteered to join was Reito. And the way he convinced her did not leave a room to say no.
And right now, looking at these people who decidedly to come with them was overwhelming. The original of two persons now consist of twelve persons. Its good thing Reito volunteered to bring his family van to let them use today's outing.
Reito opened the passenger seat and let Mai seated. Erstin, Nina and Nao followed. The last row was taken by Natsuki, Shizuru and Arika who was so giddy with herself for her idol was sitting besides with her.
After Reito maneuvered the van to Shizuru's rest house, she dropped the package and they continued their journey to the amusement park.
Yukino and Mikoto were chatting animatedly while Haruka was seriously looking ahead. She only talked when she was asked by them. But she remained silent all the way.
Nao was trying to start a conversation with Nina but she failed miserably. She imagined what Arika did to make Nina talk to her. Somehow, talking to Nina same like talking to Natsuki. She looked back and saw Natsuki looking grumpy like the person sitting besides her. That thought makes her chuckle and earned a scrutinizing gaze from Nina. She just ignored her.
Arika was looking at her idol and makes her speechless most of the time. Shizuru tried to make a conversation with Arika but Arika keep on spacing out. And Natsuki looked stoic but Shizuru saw sparkling in her eyes.
And in the driver and passenger seat, polite conversation was taking place.
Natsuki was a little anxious going to the amusement park. In reality, she never went there even the rest of Otome. They were busy training and studying. Natsuki understand why Haruka, Nao and Mai were quite during the journey. Maybe they were thinking the same thing. They don't know what's so fun going there. Natsuki suddenly anticipating reaching there because it's all change due of a certain brown haired girl agreeing to join them.
They reached their destination. When the engine died, the group went out and stretched their legs and arms. The five younger girls show excitement except for Nao who just watched them with interest in her eyes.
After Haruka volunteered to buy tickets for everyone, they went inside the amusement park. Shizuru noticed that Natsuki stopped in her tracks and looking at the giant rollercoaster. Mai was looking at the ferris wheel. Nao and Haruka were eyeing the hunted house with interest.
Shizuru giggled at the sight. It seems that the four students were really serious that they never had stepped foot in the amusement park. Japan was known for various amusement parks.
"Mai, let's go and try the mega drop." Mikoto said.
"Yeah Mai. I think it's great. Let's try that." Nao said childishly. She was eyeing the rides and feeling the rush bursting in her body.
Natsuki seems reluctant but agree to her. Nina agreed too.
"That's ride is a piece of cake. C'mon, let's get going." Haruka said not bothering to hide her excitement.
Yukino showed fear looking at the megadrop. She never experienced riding that thing. But Haruka already grabbed her and walked into the line.
"C'mon, Erstin, Arika. This will be fun." Nina said. And followed in. Erstin was forced to follow them hesitantly.
"Well, I'll try that one too." Nao said. She jogged towards the line.
"That's so high. I bet this is exciting." Natsuki said. Looking at the top structure of the ride.
Before Mai can comment, she was dragged by Mikoto and Reito followed them.
"Natsuki you should go to the line now." Shizuru said.
Natsuki looked at her directly. She can sense that Shizuru is not comfortable with the idea of riding that adrenaline booster. Is that maybe she was afraid of this kind of thing? She shook her head.
She grabbed Shizuru's hand and give her a heartwarmingly smile. She led Shizuru to go to the line and waited to let them in.
Shizuru did not argue when they took their seat. She will not show any weaknesses in the front of these people. But somehow she is regretting that she wants to join visiting the amusement park. This is the payment for wanting to spend time with Natsuki. She almost forgotten that she don't like rides.
After the earth shattering rides, Shizuru feels like she wants to throw up but managed to control her body. She was wobbling for a while but she is alright. She cursed silently and promise to herself that she will not try that thing ever.
Natsuki was more affected than everyone. After they slide out in their seat she throws up. She felt dizzy and weakened.
Nao fell in the ground and looking pale.
Haruka remain standing but looking pale and almost look likes she lost her blood in her face.
"That was great. One more." Mikoto exclaimed.
Mai groaned. She was scrambling to her feet after the ordeal. It's like her strength were sucked out from her.
Erstin was also looking pale but smiling. Arika was jumping to herself and sharing the enjoying moment with Mikoto. Nina showed no emotions at all. And Yukino seems not affected at all. She was trying to console Haruka but it seems that Harula lost in her own world.
Reito smiled at them trying to act cool but inside his brain, all his nerves were shooting everywhere.
After everyone gathered their selves again, Mikoto suggested they try next the swing. Everyone groaned but Mikoto ignored them. This is her day. Everyone wants to come but this day is promised to her.
So another rides and they were enduring it. Where's the fun of this amusement park. The four otome were cursing now the amusement park and promising to their selves that they will not placed their feet again in this kind of place.
"Mikoto, are you hungry?" Mai said hurriedly when she saw Mikoto eyeing the space shuttle.
After saying that, a loud grumbling of stomach were heard by the group.
"Finally." Nao said with her eyes closed. She felt really dizzy.
"Let's look for a restaurant to have our lunch. I'll treat you guys." Shizuru said. This is the scapegoat they all waiting to happen.
"Mai. Look! There's a KFC there. Let's eat there." Mikoto pointing out the fast food restaurant. Shizuru grimaced. She was regretting of volunteering to pay the bills because she was not fond at all in a fast food.
"Wow, Shizuru I will finally see you eat food from fast food." Natsuki commented.
The two of them were trailing behind from the group.
Shizuru just looked at her with brows furrowed. And Natsuki giggled at the sight. She really haven't see Shizuru eat foods dipped in oil. But Shizuru said that she is not a vegetarian.
"You are making fun of me, Natsuki. Meanie." Shizuru said but she was smiling. She reached for Natsuki hand and intertwined her fingers to hers.
Natsuki give her a welcome smiled and walked side by side with her.
"I will not really ride those things again. Amusement park is giving me a traumatic experience" Natsuki said.
Shizuru squeezed her hand slightly. "That's not the only thing here. We can go the arcade section. You will like that here."
"But I always played in our room. So what's the fun doing it in here?" Natsuki asked.
"People will saw how good you are playing those games." Shizuru stated.
Natsuki stopped for a bit and thinking herself playing and surrounded by her fans. She likes that.
"Then, we should beat Mikoto trying to kill us. Heh." Natsuki exclaimed.
They settled themselves in a far corner of the fast food resto. They ordered their food and Natsuki insisted that Shizuru should taste the chicken their boasting about.
"Wow, Kuga. You really doing your thing." Nao commented.
Natsuki shot her death glared.
"Deciding food to eat for her girlfriend. That's new." Nao continued. She was not looking at Natsuki but to her two piece chicken.
Shizuru giggled at the comment. Natsuki blushed.
"Kaichou-san, Natsuki-san is your girlfriend?" Arika asked with teary eyes.
"Baka. Of course, Fujino won against Chisaki, so technically she is already taken." Haruka explained and munched her burger.
Reito winced inwardly. He really did not think the situation at all in that way.
"Baka! She is not my girl-" Natsuki shouted but interrupted when Shizuru pounced at her. She hugged the girl and Natsuki hugged back. Heck! Why I am hugging her back? I should say that she is not my girlfriend.
Shizuru cut their hugging moment and resumed eating her food and leaving Natsuki stunned.
"Wow. You really can't deny that. I should bet that Fujino will be the one who will tame this wild wolf instead betting that stupid game." Nao smirked. She was enjoying the moment of Natsuki's bewilderment.
"Nao, stop tormenting her. Natsuki, congratulations. You don't have to conceal your relationship with the kaichou." Mai said in a calm voice.
"But, but-" Natsuki did not finished what she was saying because Shizuru stuffed a French fries to her mouth.
"They are so sweet. Ne, Nina-chan, we should do that. Here, take this." Arika exclaimed. She was trying to let Nina take the French fries but failed. Nina just scoffed at her.
They laughed at them.
Before they finished their meal, "It's really fun teasing at Natsuki, but we are not a couple. I am not her girlfriend" Shizuru winked at her then continued. "For now"
Natsuki blushed and looked away to the group. For now? What does Shizuru means?
"I think let's rest for a while, Mikoto-chan. We can't take rides after eating. So how about we go to the arcade section?" Shizuru suggested.
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Reito saw the sadness glimpse in Shizuru's eyes when she said that Natsuki is not her girlfriend for now. Why do this Shizuru? This is your chance.
He turned and looked at Natsuki then he saw pain appearing in her green eyes. But why? Are they in denial?
He shook his head because thoughts were forming in his head. He knows that it's not his business to interfere to their personal business.
He looked at the people with him. They seem contented and happy but he knows there is something off. He stealthy watched them carefully with his calm exterior. But he will not deny that he also feels happy and enjoying this moment.
He watched Nina and Natsuki punching the buttons in the arcade machine with their animated faces. Nina was scowling so much while Natsuki was smirking.
He let out a smile because the two girls act like a sister with the same bearing.
He slightly glanced at Shizuru who also watching silently Natsuki at bay. He went towards to her for a chat.
"Shizuru-san, are you enjoying your view?" Reito slightly teased the girl.
Shizuru looked at him and smiled at him with the practice smile she always wear.
"Kuga-san is really an intresting individual." Reito commented and resumed watching the girl.
"Yes, I agree with you. But why are you taking interest with her?"
"Will you be mad at me if I say I am interested with her as a man?" Reito asked back. This is rare events that he can tease the girl.
Shizuru looked at him intently and smiled genuinely. "No, I will not get mad. First, Natsuki's life is her life. Besides, I know Natsuki is not your type. Second, if ever she will be yours, I know she will be safe in your arms."
Reito raised his brow, "Not my type? How can you say that?"
"Well, it's just a hunch and conclusion in my part after analyzing you. Really, Natsuki is not a person for you." Shizuru said mildly.
"Kuga-san is not for me really. But Kuga-san already belongs to someone else." Reito looked back at Shizuru. Shizuru nodded at him. She understood what Reito is saying to her. "But not for now because she did not know it yet."
They returned looking at Natsuki and silence hung between them.
They showed emotions for once. One is feeling adventurous, trying to control and to conquer someone while the other is feeling defeated and trying to let go and to move on.
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Mai watched Mikoto playing with Yukino beating all the crocodile heads keep on popping. She chuckled looked at hem.
She was really afraid at first that innocence will rob in these young girls but seeing them right now, laughing at small thing makes he smile. Somehow they manage to retain their happy and easy going disposition.
When a crisis appear, she will gladly took all the responsibility and shoulder it just to see the smiles and innocent look their faces.
She watched them and the others. Her attention was caught when Reito moved and went to Shizuru. She thought that they were really friends. Their body movements showed it all. But somehow she saw something.
Mai watched the two with interest. She saw that the two were watching a certain long blue haired girl. Mai raised her brow when she thought maybe Reito likes Natsuki but dismissed the thought.
She saw Reito looked at Shizuru and she noticed the different gleamed in his eyes. It's like there was light and slowly vanishing in his eyes. And why is that?
When Reito turned and resumed looking at Natsuki, Mai thought Reito looked sad for a while. Then returned the forever calm features of his face.
Somehow she understood Reito. He was a man who conceal his feelings and concerned for others. But today, she saw the sadness and defeated look in his eyes.
And she understood that Reito was a victim of love without that person returning it. Her heart seems want to help the man and soothe that pain he was enduring maybe for years.
But he seems he was guarding something. Not only love but maybe something more even though he was guarded, Mai wants to break it. And the reason? She only acts this way to those who need help and Reito needs help. And Reito is becoming her friend.
When Shizuru moves towards to Natsuki, she approached him with her welcoming smile.
Reito was startled a bit but welcomed her presence and returned the smile.
Still, his eyes lacks of warmth.
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Natsuki ran towards to Shizuru carrying two stuff toys. Two cute stuff toys puppies with the color of blue and violet. She was happy getting it with the goal of sharing it with Shizuru.
She saw Shizuru with Arika sitting in the bench near the shooting target. She herself besides Shizuru and instantly Arika squeled in delight when she saw her carrying the stuff toys.
"Can I have that one, Natsuki-san?" Arika asked pointing the blue stuff toys.
"No, you can't. Why don't you ask Nina to get you some?" Natsuki stated ignoring the younger girl. Shizuru chuckled at Natsuki.
"Ill asked Nina." With that, Arika marched towards the innocent girl.
Natsuki laughed suddenly. "That's how you can rid that girl"
"Natsuki, you are so mean." Shizuru commented in a light tone,
Natsuki just smiled and placed the violet stuff toy to Shizuru's lap.
"There. We have identical stuff toys but it only differs in color. I think violet suits you." Natsuki explained cheerfully.
Shizuru secure it in her lap and looked at it intently. Shizuru seems pleased with it and smile is forming in her lips.
"We should name these cute puppies." Shizuru suggested.
"Eh? Why should we do that? They are not real puppies."
"Still they are look like puppies." Shizuru insisted.
"Ok. Aha! I named mine, Duran." Natsuki exclaimed. She holds Duran and faced it in Shizuru's face. "Meet Duran."
Shizuru laughed. "Nice to meet you Duran." She gazed it and give a kiss to its nose. Natsuki giggled like a kid.
Shizuru did the same. "This is Kiyo. Kiyo meet Natsuki."
Natsuki laughed at the stuff toys. Then the older girl joined her laughing.
They know that they are acting like kids but they don't care at this moment so they temporarily throw all their worries and enjoy this moment of peace and serenity.
They were interrupted by Nao with their unspoken happiness. Everything always has an ending.
"Oi, lovebirds, we are going to ride that ferris wheel. Mai demanded it and we should obey before we went home."
The two stand up and started walking towards the last ride.
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Shizuru was gazing the outskirt of the city inside the car of ferris wheel. Natsuki thought that Shizuru looked serene in that view matching with the sun set.
Shizuru slightly looked at Natsuki in her side and give the young girl heartwarmingly smiles. In return, Natsuki lean her head in Shizuru's shoulder. In Natsuki's brain, every brain cell was thinking why she did it but her heart telling her it's ok. Shizuru reached out her hand and laced her fingers to hers. They stayed quite. Shizuru closed her eyes and embraced the feelings they were emitting to each other.
The only thing they understand at this moment is, they are happy. Contented.
Natsuki watched their intertwined hands. She feels the softness of Shizuru's hand as well as her warmth enveloping her hands. She gladly received it and not realizing her ice was melting because of this warmth. But she doesn't care. She leaned more and smiled to herself. This is her new life. Her past was a sad memory with bitterness and pain but at this present, she has the choice to remain like that or replaced it with a smile in her heart?
End of Chapter 12
TBC
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Hope this chapter is fine. I wrote this one in the hospital.
Chapter 13:
Natsuki meet Shizuru's sister.