Sorry for the delay again (felt super guilty). Anyway, I hope everyone can enjoy this chapter. To those who had gave me their review, Arigato Gozaimasu!
"Hora! It's already 9 am in the morning you two lovely couple!" Chie's voice rang into our ears just after she slams the door open. "KIA!!" I shouted as I covered myself with the cloths I was holding. "Ch…Ch…CHIE! GET OUT NOW!" I shouted again to Chie. I knew I was blushing hard as I could feel the heat on my face. "Arara…" Shizuru said as she sat up from the bed rubbing her eyes. "Good morning Chie-san. Ara… Natsuki… kawaii…" Shizuru said as she looks at Chie then to me. "Morning Shizuru…" "GET OUT!!!!" I cut Chie short as I threw a pillow at her direction. Chie laughed and said, "Natsuki never changes her bad temper." then closed the door behind her.
"Ara, Natsuki's up early today." Shizuru said as she looked at me smiling. Blushing, I turned the other way round and said, "Shoganai! Someone was pillowing my arm making my arm sore while that someone was sleeping soundly." "Natsuki could have waked me up. I don't mind to wake up and sleep on the pillow." Shizuru said as I just finish wearing my cloths. "You… were sleeping so peacefully… I haven't seen you sleeping so sound ever since you received the letter from your mom… So I…." Unable to finish my sentence, Shizuru embraced me behind and rest her head on my shoulders. "Arigato Natsuki -chan… you're so sweet." Shizuru teased me. Feeling my face turning bright red, I smiled and turned around to hug Shizuru. "Shizuru?" I called.
"Hai? What is it Natsuki?" Shizuru replied me as she kisses my forehead and pats the back of my head. "I missed the moment when we are together like this." I said as I hugged Shizuru tighter not wanting to leave any more gaps between us. Shizuru said nothing and silence overcome our conversation. I closed my eyes and enjoyed our moment. It felt so good and so right. I could have been myself who longed for Shizuru's embrace; Shizuru's kisses, her voice, everything. Shizuru's hand found her way to my waist and pulled me into a deeper embrace as she rests her cheek on my forehead. 'Shizuru… Shizuru… Shizuru!' I kept calling her name in my heart as I started to sob lightly. Shizuru didn't say anything except kissing my forehead.
"Shizuru-san? Natsuki?" We heard Aoi opens the door and call us but I didn't bother to release Shizuru. "Breakfast's… ready? Oh…Oh dear… Sorry to… Um… interrupt but breakfast's ready." Aoi continue and I'm pretty sure Aoi must have blushed. "Ara, how kind of you Aoi-san, we'll be there in a minute." Shizuru said and Aoi instantly left us alone. "Arara… Natsuki… Breakfast's ready, why don't you go wash your face?" I didn't reply Shizuru. I just kept on sobbing. Tear kept flowing out from my eyes wetting Shizuru's nightgown. "Natsuki? Mo… Stop crying." Shizuru said as wipes off my tears. "It's not like Natsuki to cry like this. Hora… you can go sit down first; I'll take a shower and change my cloths. Aoi-san and Chie-san is waiting." I nodded as I wipe my tears off using my palm. Shizuru took advantages to steal a kiss at my lips before walking to the bathroom to take a shower. Just before she enters the bathroom, Shizuru said, "Unless Natsuki wants to have a bath together?" Hearing Shizuru's teases, I felt the heat concentrated on my face. "SHI… SHIZURU!!!" I shouted. "Arara, Kawaii…" Shizuru said as she smiles towards me. "Hora! Go take your shower!" I shouted again as I throw Shizuru her cloths.
Just after Shizuru finished her bath, both of us walked to the dining table with our bags in hand. Chie and Aoi were already sitting there talking. Chie's expected with her cell phone taking pictures on Aoi while Aoi kept asking Chie to stop taking pictures. "Good morning, Chie-san, Aoi-san." Shizuru greeted them, as I only nodded. "Ara, the two lovely couple is out from their nest at last." Chie said and Aoi started to laugh. Blushing, I didn't say anything and places the bag on the floor as Shizuru took her sit just opposite Chie. Just as Shizuru sat down, Chie started to take picture on Shizuru. Feeling jealous, I walked over to Chie and took her phone off her hand.
"Stop taking pictures on MY Shizuru!" I barked to Chie. "Arara, since when is Natsuki so protective?" Shizuru teased. "SHIZURU!" I shouted as Chie and Aoi started to laugh. Aoi made breakfast for us and it was bacon, sausage, some vegetables, half-boiled egg and a loaf of bread in the middle of the table. Shizuru started to eat when Chie asked "Coffee?" I look and Chie and nodded while Shizuru asked if there is any tea. Aoi then stood up and went to the kitchen. It was then… I realize something missing. "Ano… you guys have mayo?" I asked. "Yes we do, hold on." Aoi said from the kitchen. "You mind if I have it all?" I asked again shyly. "Err… yea… sure why not. We rarely eat mayo." Aoi said. "Yea… I don't think you can finish the whole thing anyway. It's gonna destroy your appetite." Chie said between giggles.
Then, Aoi walked back to the dining table from the kitchen with a tray. On top of the tray was Mayo, coffee and a cup of tea. "Arara… Aoi-san, arigato." Shizuru said as she smiles at Aoi and took a sip of the tea. "Ara… it's a fine jasmine tea." Shizuru continued and Aoi smiled and nodded. I turn to look at Shizuru. 'She can tell just by a sip!?' I thought as my mouth dropped. Aoi then passes me the mayo and coffee. Just after I took the mayo in hand, I opened the bottle cap and squeezed a mountain high mayo on my bacon. "Na… Natsuki-san! That's a LOT of MAYO!" Aoi said half shouting half surprised as she and Chie's got overly shocked. "Ara, don't bother about her, she usually finishes a bottle of mayo in a day. Sometimes, when her mood is rather down, it'll be 2 bottles of mayo." Shizuru said calmly as she eats continues to eat her breakfast.
"Chie-chan… I think I'll skip lunch and dinner for today." Aoi said as she is still staring at the mayo horrified. Chie nodded and said "Yea… Me too…" I look at them as if they are the weirdest person of all. "What? Mayo's the best food of all!" I said to them. Instantly, Aoi fainted but Chie was in time to catch her. "Arara… I guess Natsuki's scaring them." Shizuru said in her carefree way. Speechless, I started to eat my breakfast ignoring Shizuru's teasing. 'Mayo is like... the best thing in the whole world! Why would they faint on something so great!?'
Just after breakfast, Shizuru and I started to get our stuff ready for another long journey. Our bags are places in front with a rope to ensure they do not fall off during our traveling to Sendai. "Shizuru-san, Natsuki, I'm glad that both of you enjoyed this place. And I wish for your happiness as well" Aoi said as she smiled. "Thank you Aoi-san. We had a great time here also." Shizuru replied Aoi together with her usual smile.
"Kachak!" Surprised with the sound, I turn to look at Chie to see her holding her cell phone. "A great shot!" Chie said with a smile. Smiling, I got on to the bike and started the engine while Shizuru look at the picture Chie took. "Ara… Kawaii…" Shizuru said and sighed, "Ma… I guess we will be taking our leaving now. It's really great to be with you all Aoi-san, Chie-san." Shizuru said as she got up behind me. "We can still have fun like this you know! Just remember to send us letters once you settled down! Oh, do take this with you. We can at least stay connected if you still need out help," Aoi said as she passes Shizuru a cell phone. Shizuru took the cell phone and nodded. "Thank you Aoi-san." Shizuru thanked Aoi and we continued our journey as we rode out from Ashikaga.
"Aoi-san and Chie-san's so nice… How are we going to thank them…" Shizuru sighed. "Yea… We owe them a lot including Midori-san. We'll think of something once we settle down." I said as Shizuru laid her head on my back. We said nothing else except Shizuru who is playing with my stomach. "Shizuru… Why don't you rest first. It'll take sometime before we reach the next rest house." Shizuru nodded.
Few hours later…
"Shizuru? Shizuru wake up." I called out for Shizuru as she moves her body a bit and sat up straight. "Hmm?" Shizuru replied with her sleepy voice. "Where are we Natsuki?" Shizuru said again as she rests her head on my back again. "Hey, wanna stop a while? It's almost lunch time anyway." I asked. "Sure why not. I need to stand up a bit. My leg is kinda sore from the long hours." Shizuru replied me. "Alright. It'll take us about 30 minutes to reach I guess."
"Natsuki?" Shizuru called as she started to play with my stomach again.
"Yea? Need anything?" I asked and she shook her head, "Just want to tell you that I love you. I really love a girl named Natsuki Kuga. And I'm really glad that I'm now with her even though I have to run away from my parents." Blushing, I knew I smiled under my helmet. "I love you too Shizuru Fujino." I replied her as I could feel my face heated up again.
Somewhere near the rest house…
I slowed down the bike as we are approaching the rest house. "Natsuki! Stop! Please!" Shizuru suddenly shouted. Shocked, I quickly stop my bike at the side just after we turn in. Shizuru took off her helmet and I followed her. "Whats wrong?" I asked panicked. Shizuru's eyes were wide open as she swallowed hard and slowly she pointed at three black Mercedes-Benz with six suited men and if I'm not wrong, they were all wearing something wired at their ear. "Natsuki... That's Fujino Company's guard…" Shizuru said as her body started to shiver. "Shit! Wear your helmet back!" I shouted as I wore back my helmet so is Shizuru and dashed quickly to the rest house exit hoping the guards does not realize. Unfortunately, one of the guards was in time to see Shizuru before she could wear back her helmet. They got in their car and started to chase us. "Damn it!" I shouted as I continue to speed up.
"How come they are there?!" I said in a higher tone as I started to overtake the cars in front of us. From left to right and right to left, I ignored the horning from other car as I continue to speed up. "My father might have assigned them to look for us!" Shizuru answered me.
"What!? Aren't they suppose to think we are in Kagoshima!?" I said again. "You think a company this big has that small amount of guards?" Shizuru replied again and her grip between my waist tightens as I was riding faster and faster. "You could have told me that Shizuru!" I said louder as the sound of the engine was getting louder and louder. "I never thought he'll actually assign them to look after us." Shizuru said again. Clenching my teeth together, I continue to concentrate on how to lose them. 'Damn! Why can't her father understand?' I screamed in my thoughts
Suddenly, one of the Mercedes overtook us from our right and pulled over few meters in front of us hoping to stop us but I was lucky enough to have avoided them. 'They are too fast!' I thought. My hand started to shiver as unwanted thoughts keep flowing into my mind. "Natsuki… I'm scared…" Shizuru said as I could fell her hand trembling.
"Shizuru… I don't mind dying right here right now… only if I'm with you… Anyhow, I'll try my best to lose them no matter what it takes. Are you with me?" I said between my shivering. Shizuru seems to notice my fear and answered, "I don't mind to die together with you Natsuki. I only wish to be with you." Smiling, I tried to ride faster but it seems that the Mercedes are packed with nitrous as the sound of the nitrous injected was heard.
Then, one of the Mercedes reached beside us, one of the guards winds the window down and as the driver kept in a steady pace as our bike.
"Shizuru-sama! Please return home!" One of the guards called to Shizuru. "No! I'm not going to follow you all!" Shizuru shouted back as I tried to keep distance with the car. "Shizuru-sama! Please don't make our work harder!" The guards shouted again and this time, he was trying to reach out to Shizuru. Instantly, I stepped on the brake making sure he missed and sped up again. Shizuru was shocked with my action as she screamed a bit.
"What… What if you were in Shizuru's position!!! You loved someone but you cannot be able to be with him or her! Your parents object you from being together! WHAT WILL YOU DO?" I shouted to the peak of my voice as I kick the door hard and we sway to the left a little from the impact. Shizuru's grip became tighter and when I gained control of the bike Shizuru shouted, "You never knew how it feels when you are forced to marry someone you don't even love! I love Natsuki from all my heart! Why you all can't understands us! What if it's your own daughter! You don't want to wish for her happiness!?" The sound of crying and sobbing as Shizuru shouted was obvious.
Suddenly, another car came on our left and over took in front of us, making me hard to speed up. "Damn it! Leave us alone!" I shouted as I tried to find a way to escape. However, the third car came on our left making sure we have nowhere else to go except to slower down our bike. "Stop the bike! Or we'll have to do it the tough way!" One of the guards with long hair shouted. "Shut up you girl looking GAY! You want to take Shizuru, OVER MY DEAD BODY!" I shouted as I pointed out my middle finger towards him
The guard became very angry; he tried to knock us over to the other car on the right, but luckily, I was fast enough to avoid the car as it knocked into the other Mercedes making them sway to the side and their air bag released and covered them. 'Yes! 1 more to go!' I said in my heart. Unfortunately, I was too early to get excited. Another three more cars came out from one of the exits and chased us.
"Shit!?" I said. 'They must have called for backup!' I thought. I tried to find a way to lose them but it seems that they were well experienced on chasing. I started to turn into one of the route into a small village hoping to lose at least a few of them and it was successful. Two cars in front of us weren't in time to turn in as another one was careless as it knocked into the side bar. The last Mercedes kept was too good, as I can't lose him no matter what I tried. Shizuru was hugging me tighter and tighter from behind as i was actually preforming a dangerous escape.
I tried to avoid him from going into the forest then out to the highway back but he still manages to keep up. I started to overtake every single car that was blocking my escape but he also manages to keep up. Running out of ideas, I started to panicked. "Shizuru… they are too good!" I said. "I know… They are hard to escape from…" Shizuru said, as she held to me tighter. "Natsuki! I got an idea! Keep on riding, I'll lose them!" Shizuru commanded. "What? Are you kidding?" I asked her. "No. Just keep riding! Leave them to me!" Shizuru said in a strict voice. 'Looks like I have to rely on her… hopefully she doesn't do anything stupid.' I thought.
"All right… I'm counting on you Shizuru." I said as I focus on riding. It was then, I heard nitrous injected and the Mercedes caught up beside us. "Shizuru-sama! I'm sorry to be harsh or rude, but I have no choice!" The guard called to Shizuru as he extended his hand and grabbed on Shizuru's hand. "HORA! Let Shizuru go!" I shouted but I cannot help Shizuru. If I did, the bike might be out of control and fell. "Shut up you brat!" The guard scolded to me. Clenching my teeth together, Shizuru suddenly said, "Be careful!" Shocked, I peeked to the back to see Shizuru holding pepper spray and sprayed into the guard's eyes. Shouting in pain, He covered his eyes and started to rub it. Then, Shizuru took her chance to open the bottle of mayo and throw it at the car's windscreen. The mayo covered the driver's sight.
The guards become stunned as his mouth dropped a bit and his eyes were wide open. Taking advantage on the stunned guards, I lowered my body and instructed Shizuru to do so to gain more speed. In front of us, there was two long extended truck carrying something heavy and there is only a few gaps in the between just enough for two motorcycle to pass. Knowing that it's dangerous, I look behind at Shizuru waiting for her approval. Shizuru looked behind us and the three cars are following us suit trying their best to overtake us. "Natsuki… Will we always be together even though we are involved in this horrible accident?" Shizuru asked as she pressed herself on my back. Without hesitating, I give Shizuru an affirmative nod. "No matter what happen, we'll always be together." I said to Shizuru.
"Hai! Natsuki-chan!" Shizuru said in her cheerful voice. Smilling, I accelerate the bike to the fullest and entered the gap between the truck. As we were at the center point of the truck, I notice the truck is moving closer and closer between each other.
"What the?" I said as I saw the truck on the left side moving towards the other truck with us in the middle. With the dagger of fear stabbed into me, I ducked myself lower hopping to pass and survive. 'Kami-sama… Please let us get through…' I prayed in my heart.
"Natsuki…" Shizuru's grip became tight. I knew that even she notices that the truck was actually moving closer and closer to each other but I did not reply her.
The truck kept coming closer… I started to press on the horn to notify the driver but it seems that it failed to get their attention. 'Damn…' I thought as tears started to build in my eyes.
My grip on the handle became very tight, as the truck is even closer to each other leaving an overall space, which can fit bicycle. From two motorcycles, now it has decrease to the space of a bicycle.
Closer… the truck went.
And Closer…
And increasingly closer…
I shut my eyes tight as we were about to exit that horrible passage but the gap was too small and it will be a miracle to pass through. 'Shizuru…' was the only thing I can think now.
"SCREE…BANG!!" The sound an accident was the only thing that I can hear loud and clear as it is ringing straight into my ears. I thought I was dead… for real…
However, Shizuru's grip on my waist loosen and the feeling of the wind rushing towards my face. Instantly I opened my eyes and pressed on the brake. As the bike stopped completely, I started to breathe heavily, taking as much oxygen as I can consume. 'Breathing checked, heart pumping checked, Shizuru behind me… checked! God… we made it through!' I thought.
I turned to look behind to see the trunk knocked into each other making a massive block then to Shizuru. Shizuru did not let go of me as she was breathing hard as well. "We… made it?" Shizuru asked between her trembling self. "Yes… It's rather a miracle…" I said as I pinch myself and winced from the pain making sure it is not a dream. Wasting enough time, I continue our journey in quite a fast speed making sure they will not be able to catch up with us.
"Natsuki… thank god you pressed the horn…" Shizuru said.
"What makes you say that?" I asked Shizuru. "If you did not press the horn, the truck driver on the right might not have moved to his truck a little to the right for us to go through…"
"Oh… I see…" I replied then sighed heavily. "That… was scary…" I expressed my true feelings to Shizuru. "Yes… indeed it was… I thought we'll never make it…" Shizuru agreed also.
We continue to ride without stopping at any rest house along the day.
Evening-7pm (Reached Fukushima)…
Without stopping at the rest house, we reached Fukushima. One of the city about 3 to 5 more hours to Sendai. We were too tired to continue, as we have not stopped at any of the rest house after the incident.
"Natsuki? Why don't we go for some dinner? We need to relax… At least a little while…" Shizuru suggested. It took me sometime to think but initially I agreed. I rode the bike to one of the food stall along the way and parked my bike at the motorcycle lot. Sighing, I took off my helmet and sighed deeply. "Let's reach Sendai by today." I said.
Shizuru looked at me and said "About how long?"
"Few hours… I guess." I answered back as I unpacked our luggage and hand carries them. Shizuru followed behind me as we entered the restaurant. Just after we are seated, the restaurant waitress came by and gave us a menu book. Too tired to think on the food I wanted to eat, I entrust Shizuru to order some food for dinner in the condition of having Mayo together.
"Natsuki… you look extremely worn-out." Shizuru said, as she looks at me concerned. "How can I not be worn-out…? Today is my worst day of all.What's worst, Mayo became quite a hell of a protection." I answer Shizuru with a sigh. Shizuru looked at me and smiled. "Arara, at least now we know other use of Mayo. Anyhow…I'm glad that we are here Natsuki…" Shizuru said as she smiled.
Looking at her, I smiled. "Me too Shizuru… Me too… I'm glad we are still together." I said. After waiting about 10 minutes, our food came and we ate the food. When we finished eating, we paid for the bill and walked to the small park near the area holding hands.
"Ne… Natsuki? I still remember you promised to sing me a song during my birthday last year which you didn't" Shizuru suddenly brought up the promise I made to her. "Err… Did I make that promise?" I purposely make as if I did not even make that promise. However, Shizuru did not reply me, which made me felt weird, turn to look at her; I was surprised that her facial expression turned sour and sad. "Natsuki… how can you… you promised to sing during my birthday day… and it was last year!" Shizuru said as one tear flow out from her eyes.
Panicked I quickly apologized. "Ahh… I am sorry… I am just kidding. I'll sing it right now." "Promised?" Shizuru asked between her sniffs. Blushing, I nodded my head. Immediately, Shizuru hugged me and kissed my forehead. "Ookini, Natsuki!" Shizuru turned cheerful again. Looking at Shizuru's smiling face, I pressed my lips to Shizuru's and closed my eyes. Breaking the kiss, I look at the grass and said "Come on… I'll sing it on the way to Sendai. At least it won't be so bored for at least a few minutes." Shizuru was shocked with my action but smiled later.
We got back to our bike and our luggage was place back at the same place as before. "Ready?" I asked. "Yes. I'm as ready as you are Natsuki-chan." Shizuru said teasingly making my blush. "SHIZURU!" Shizuru started to giggle as she got behind the bike. Making extra sure that Shizuru's behind me, I rode the back to the highway and headed straight to Sendai.
As we exited Fukushima, I maintain a certain speed, as I still fear if her family guards might catch up with us. "Hora, Natsuki Sing! I wanted to hear you sing!" Shizuru demanded like a 7-year-old girl wish to have a lollipop on hand. "Sigh... All right all right. I'll sing now." I said as I smiled.
Have you wondered how it feels when it's all over,
Wonnder how it feels when you just have to start a new,
never knowing where you're going, when you face a brand new day,
it used to be that way,
now I just close my eyes and say
I just want to breathe again,
learn to face the joy and pain,
discover how to laugh a little,
cry a little,
live a little more,
I just wanna face today,
forget about the was of yesterday,
maybe if I hope a little,
try a little more,
I'll breathe again
As I sing, Shizuru rested her head on my back and hugged me from my waist.
starting out again is never easy,
disappointments come and go but life still moves on,
with a bit of luck.
It's a brand new start,
that might just work my way, no need to walk away,
don't want to live on life replay,
I just want to breathe again,
learn to face the joy and pain,
discover how to laugh a little,
cry a little,
live a little more,
I just wanna face today,
forget about the was of yesterday,
maybe if I hope a little,
try a little more,
I'll breathe again
things will work out fine,
if you can find the courage to look past the night,
to see the break of dawn.
I just want to breathe again
,learn to face the joy and pain,
discover how to laugh a little,
cry a little,
live a little more,
I just wanna face today,
forget about the was of yesterday,
maybe if I hope a little,
try a little more,
I'll breathe again
Just as I finished singing, Shizuru whispered to me "That was nice… I love it… but not as much as I love you Natsuki." Blushing, I whispered just enough to let Shizuru hear saying, "Yea yea, stop with the teasing." Shizuru started to giggle.
We reached Sendai After a few hours and rented a cheap hostel for 2 days, which has a bathroom, a master bed and an air condition of a reasonable price. We didn't bother to even take a bath except throwing ourselves on the bed and sleep as we were both worn out.
To Be Continued…
I hope everyone enjoys this chapter as I had quite a time on writing it (ended up in the bed with medicine by the side) No… I am not sick… just over tired. Nevertheless, do enjoy this chapter!