Chapter 10:
"You have a lot of explaining to do" the teacher said, staring at the third year in forced annoyance. After sending Minagi off to speak with Mai Natsuki went to the karaoke room Mikoto rented to find Shizuru Fujino. It's not that she wasn't happy to have Shizuru there, better her than Nao, but the risk…
"How is Tokiha-san? Mikoto-san came back worried" Shizuru asked in a concerned voice, situated on a red sofa.
"She'll be fine. But more importantly" the teacher responded, sitting on the coffee table, opposite of Shizuru, "why are you here? You knew it wasn't a good idea-"
"I know Natsuki" Shizuru interrupted, "I know we can't be seen together but…aren't you being a bit paranoid?" The third year smiled as she leaned forward, touching her knee to her blushing teacher's. "We're in a private room. No one's passed by except Mikoto-san, the owner believes you're in singing with Mai, and this karaoke bar isn't in Fuka academy's jurisdiction. The likelihood of someone discovering us together isn't high."
"Yeah, but what if-"
"I'll take that risk." Shizuru inched forward, sitting on the edge of her seat to be closer to Natsuki. She captured the older woman's hand, giving it a squeeze before resting both hands on the biker's knee. "To have these moments with you" the brunette leaned forward, pressing her forehead to Natsuki's, "I'll take that risk."
Natsuki gave off a small chuckle, smiling as she moved to the couch. "How do you do that?"
"What?"
"Put me at ease."
Shizuru merely smiled, resting her head on the biker's shoulder. "You're just a closet romantic, that's all."
"Wh-what? I'm not a closet romantic! I like action movies! Things that go boom, not pansy ass romance dramas!"
"Ara! Why is that I wonder? 'Things that go boom'? You know why action movies are so popular, don't you?"
"W-what?"
"Adrenaline pumping, blood pounding in your ears, excitement, the build up? Sound familiar?" Shizuru grinned before blowing in Natsuki's now bright red ear.
"Th-that's not why I like action movies! Not everything's about sex!"
"I never said anything about sex, Natsuki-hentai."
Natsuki released a loud growl of frustration, tackling Shizuru into the couch and tickling the unsuspecting brunette as punishment. "Stop making me sound like a pervert!"
"Na-tsu-ki shouldn't be thinking those thoughts then!" Shizuru exclaimed through a giggling fit, wrestling the older women's assaulting hands. She finally managed to capture both hands in her own, intertwining their fingers to ensure their restraint. "Na-Natsuki-ikezu" she wheezed out, smiling up at the biker. Natsuki smiled back, only to realize the situation was a bit more serious than she intended. Here she was, laying on Shizuru with their hands intertwined, their bodies pressed against each other. Wasn't it…a little soon for this? Natsuki began to pull away, undoing her hands from Shizuru's.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"No" Shizuru interrupted, wrapping her arms around Natsuki's neck and dragging the woman back down. "Its fine, it…feels nice." The biker tilted her head into Shizuru's hair, feeling it's softness against her face. It smelled like strawberries. "We don't get enough time for this" Shizuru whispered, Natsuki humming in agreement, too preoccupied enjoying the scent of the young woman's hair. "I want to change that."
"How? The meeting house is out, since Midori-sensei goes and gets drunk there every hour she can. My class room is never safe- the whole school isn't safe with Suzushiro, that god damn loudspeaker system with legs."
"Natsuki's too hard on Haruka-san. She only does what she believes is right."
"Then she'll be responsible for buying me hearing aids within the next few years."
"That still doesn't solve our problem…Natsuki, why can't we spend time at your apartment?"
Natsuki backed out of Shizuru's hair, lifting her head to stare at the brunette properly.
"Well I…I didn't know if you'd feel comfortable with that. We haven't exactly been going out for very long."
"Yes, officially, but we've spent time together since the beginning of the year. I don't believe it's to forward. Perhaps we can simply watch a movie?"
Before Natsuki could answer both women jumped with the compartment's door opened, revealing a shocked Mai and blushing Mikoto. The athlete quickly averted her eyes while the chef simply continued to gawk.
"N-Natsuki! Get off Fujino-san! I know you two are going out and you haven't had any in FOREVER, but she's still a minor! Control your flaming libido!"
"Mai! Will you shut up!" the teacher squeaked, jumping off of Shizuru as the third year simply sat up, smoothing the ruffles out of her clothing.
"Ara ara, hello Tokiha-san, Mikoto-san" Shizuru smiled. "It seems Tokiha-san is aware of our relationship?"
"Sorry Shizuru, it's just Mai's my best friend" Natsuki replied, sitting down next to her girlfriend as Mai and Mikoto came into the room, the spiky haired girl still a bit flustered.
"I understand Natsuki. After all I have Mikoto-san to talk to; it's only fair you have someone to confide in."
"Besides, now you guys have a place to meet" Mai winked.
"What are you talking about?" Natsuki asked, raising an eyebrow at the red head's sudden smile.
"Well, I figured since I close early on some nights anyway you two could meet for dinner at my restaurant every now and then. It'll just be the two of you in the place, I can prepare dinner for you guys before I leave and I'll just let Natsuki lock up."
"A-ara" Shizuru whispered, surprised by the offer. "Tokiha-san, are you sure? That's asking a lot."
"I might not know you that well Fujino-san," the chef began, "but if you're able to make this grouch happy I'm willing to help with that."
"What! Who the hell are you calling a grouch?"
"Oh! There's that crease again!"
"Damn you!"
The two students merely exchanged confused expression as Mai began laughing and hiding under the table as the two adults began throwing pillows at each other. Mikoto and Shizuru eventually settled the two down and all four (minus Natsuki) enjoyed the rest of the night singing. Mai dominated, but also enjoyed listening to Mikoto and Shizuru. The biker was surprised to find Mikoto had quite the voice on her- a natural alto. If that didn't impress Mai she didn't know what would. She knew also that Minagi had that over Tate. His voice made her want to chew razor blades and suck on lemons just to distract from the pain in her ears. Natsuki eventually was forced on stage, her eye twitching through the entire girly, flowery song Mai chose for her. Then she chose a song for Shizuru, picking a James Bond song she liked, 'The world is not enough'. The owner finally kicked them out around eleven, getting complaints about Natsuki's singing.
"That jackass. Like he can sing any better" the biker growled as they walked to their cars.
"Natsuki should watch her language" Shizuru said before lacing her arm around the older woman's. "And you weren't that bad. I'm not a very good singer myself."
"I thought your voice was beautiful" the biker mumbled, the thought slipping out her mouth before she even realized it. Shizuru smiled as a blush consumed the young teacher's face.
"Thank you Natsuki."
"So, who's taking who home?" Mikoto asked, looking around. "We've got two cars, Mai's and Shizuru-san's"
"I think it would be safer for me to ride with you Mai" Natsuki said, "It would look less suspicious."
"Yes, yes it would" Mai smiled. "Come on Mikoto, I'll take you home!" the chef suddenly exclaimed, grabbing Mikoto's hand before rushing off. Minagi gave a happy wave to Natsuki and Shizuru, almost laughing at her sensei's shocked expression.
"Damn you Tokiha!" the biker yelled, turning to Shizuru when the third year began laughing as well. "Not you too!"
"Ara ara! I like your friends" the brunette said before taking Natsuki's arm again and walking to her car. The couple drove in silence, their minds in different places. When they reached the teacher's apartment complex Natsuki was about to get out, but paused.
"Is something wrong?" Shizuru asked, looking past the young teacher to see a man standing near the apartment's stairwell. He looked rather ordinary, except for a long braid that ran down his back and the round sunglasses he wore, even though it was night. He merely smiled at their arrival, walking towards the couple.
"Ya-Yamada?" Natsuki stuttered as the man approached, causing the student to turn off her engine and get out of the car. She stood next to the stunned biker as mysterious Yamada merely grinned.
"Natsuki-chan! It's good to see you again" the man said, raising his eyebrow at the appearance of Shizuru. "And it seems I'm interrupting something?"
"B-baka! You're not interrupting anything! And don't call me that!" the biker stuttered, "Yamada, what are you doing here? Don't get me wrong, it's good to see you, but why…?"
"Can't I stop by to say hi to an old client?"
"No. You're usually where the money is, so spill it." Yamada merely released a hardy laugh at the young teacher's bluntness.
"That's the Natsuki-chan I know! Tell me, how's that knee? Healed any? It got pretty messed up in that accident, didn't it?"
"Knee?" Natsuki almost jumped at the sound of Shizuru's voice, forgetting the young women was even there. "Natsuki, I thought your back…"
"He doesn't mean…that accident" she responded before turning back to Yamada. "Listen, it's good to see you but could you give us a minute?"
"Of course. Take all the time you need." With that the biker turned to Shizuru.
"Natsuki, who is that man? What does he mean by 'old client'?"
"He's an old friend Shizuru. I promise I'll explain tomorrow, but for now you need to get back to the dorms. It's way past curfew."
"Natsuki…"
"Please?" Natsuki whispered, closing the distance between them to wrap her arms around the younger woman. "It's just something I need to straighten out. I'll explain tomorrow during lunch, okay?" She felt Shizuru smile against her neck.
"Only if Natsuki gives me a proper goodbye." The young teacher's face became hot.
"I- well- what about-?" she stuttered, looking over her shoulder at Yamada.
"Oh, don't mind me. I'm fine right here" the man chuckled as a grin stretched across his face, earning a growl from Natsuki.
"That's two against one" was all Shizuru said before dragging Natsuki down for a kiss, wrapping her arms around the woman's neck and giving a playful nip on her bottom lip. Just as Natsuki was about to give in they heard a cat call from Yamada, causing Natsuki to pull away from the brunette's warmth.
"S-shut up you pervert! Go wait for me at my apartment! It's-"
"Yeah, I know where it is" he laughed, disappearing up the stairwell.
"Figures" the biker mumbled, looking back to Shizuru. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Are you positive you'll be alright with that man?" the third year asked, her arms still possessively wrapped around Natsuki's neck.
"Yes. I've known Yamada since I was about your age."
"Ikezu. Natsuki makes it sound as if I'm a child." Natsuki grimaced as Shizuru released a sigh, pouting up at the flustered woman.
"I-what? You-you're not a child! I'm just saying I've known him a long time!"
"'Long time'? So Natsuki's saying she's much older than me?"
"I am not! I'm only 22!" the teacher yelled, her blush worsening as the brunette began laughing. "Stop that!"
"Goodnight Natsuki" Shizuru smiled, causing all of Natsuki's pent of frustration to melt away.
"Night Shizuru." And with another kiss she left, the biker watching until her car was no longer in sight. Despite the odd appearance the young teacher wasn't particularly concerned about Yamada, only confused as to why he was there at all. She hadn't seen the man in years. Without hesitation Natsuki made her way up to her loft, finding Yamada standing by her door.
"Quite the cutie you have there" he smirked, causing the biker to frown. "I've wouldn't have guessed she was your type. She seemed so polite."
"No offense Yamada, but I know you're not here to tease me." The man merely smiled. It was a warm expression, familiar and Natsuki couldn't help but smile as well. She was happy to see him. Yamada had been a part of her early adult life, almost like a father.
"My, how you've grown. I almost couldn't believe it when I heard you became a teacher."
"It's a fun profession" Natsuki replied as she opened to door to her apartment, inviting Yamada inside. They walked in and settled in her entertainment area, comprising of a small couch and a chair.
"Fine then Natsuki-chan, I'll get to the point. Someone wants you."
"What?" the woman asked, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion. Yamada merely smirked.
"In three months. You know what that'll be?" Natsuki merely glared at the man, giving him his cue to continue. "It'll be the anniversary of your accident. There's a big fan of yours that'll pay tooth and nail for you to represent their corporation in the Superbike world championship."
"What?"
Author's note:
Thank you for those of you who still read this. Next chapter: the rest of Yamada's visit and a surprise from Shizuru.
Have a nice day everyone,
-Kruger