A/N: Okay information run here. When I write about medical conidtion in any, I usually do some research to make sure I know what I'm talking about. I got this idea from my sister. She has the non-fatal kind of a heart murmur. And as you can tell the Present section of the story are growing now giving you a better idea of what is happening. But the question is, how did they get there?

I also have an unlikely pairing in this chapter. I apologize for it. I needed an "off the wall" plot twist so I could get some dialogue material. I really tried make Natsuki as mature as possible. Knowing what she wants and stuff and being very responsible because she's an officer in the military and what not.

Disclaimer: I do not own Mai-Hime or any of the chatacters.

"Shizuru, are you alright? Does it hurt anywhere?" I frantically asked.

"Natsuki, I'm fine. I knew you'd forget about my heart murmur." Shizuru sighed as lay on the bed in the farm hut.

I look at her in astonishment for a while and tried to remember when she told me that. She told me that on our third date before she told me she was the Red Princess. I hated those days. I was still fighting myself and the soldier in me. It was my belief we were innocent of the crimes we committed. We were just following orders.

"Shizuru, how am I suppose to remember that!? It's been about eight months since then. Thanks to your damn government the world is now suffering this "Great Confusion" that I possibly aided by letting you live." I yelled.

"You could have killed me at anytime! I never once knew you were the so called Ice Princess. I was honest with you the whole time. I was never involved in Project Grey Cloud. Do you think I support the use of chemical clouds?" Shizuru yelled in return.

Chemical clouds, I thought, such a sick weapon. It contained a bio-agent that created amnesia like state. However it did not work on the world's entire population. About 65 percent of Gaia's civilian population was not affected. All military personnel had special vaccines to combat Grey Cloud. I knew Shizuru wasn't responsible for Project Grey Cloud. Her mission was to kill me, but I found her first.

Flashback

I had given my report to my superiors three days later. I reported that I had suspicions whether the target was truly the Red Princess. However the target did come from our enemy government of Karis. I dreaded that they'd give me any orders during the meeting because I had a date with Shizuru that night. We met for lunch for the previous days, but a date was different for us. My superiors congratulated me on my works and simply dismissed me. I hated being a good soldier.

I got off work and decided to go straight to Shizuru's apartment. Yes I was still in uniform but this time I was driving a car much to my dismay. Once I got there I called Shizuru letting her know I was waiting outside for her. I stood outside of my car by the passenger's side waiting for Shizuru. People passing were saluting to me out of respect. In Webstein, the military was highly revered for their serve to the republic and its people. Occasionally young girls would walk by and blush as they made eye contact with me and giggled to their friends. I closed my eyes and shook my head, and as I did Shizuru had opened the apartment complex door to see the entire episode with the girls.

"Natsuki, I do believe everyone admires a woman in uniform. I wish girls fawned over me like that." Shizuru pouted. I smiled and cocked grin at her as I opened the passenger door for her.

As I got in I responded to her. "Girls probably do dote over you Shizuru. They just become completely spell bond by your beauty." I said in all sincerity admiring her body in a scintillating black sleeveless dress that enchanted me to no end.

Tonight I wanted to forget I was the Ice Princess and forget the Shizuru was possibly the Red Princess. We were dining at the finest restaurant in Vlas which was owned by another friend of mine; an ex-boyfriend of mine. We arrived at Palace Royale, a five star restaurant, and even then this five star restaurant could topple any other in the capital and country. The owner and head chef greeted us upon arrival.

"Ah, Natsuki Kuga, it's been far too long, darling." He said has he pulled me into a hug despite the fact I was wearing my formal military uniform. I imagined Shizuru was taken a back by this as I heard her gently scoff behind me.

"Reito, let go of me. You are crushing my uniform and embarrassing me in front of my date." I whispered as he slowly let go completely unabashed by his actions.

"I see a woman with you, Natsuki. Where is your date?" Reito asked with a puzzled look.

I frowned intensely at him, and thought how nice this would be as I introduced him to Shizuru; the perfect revenge against Reito Kanzaki.

"Reito, this is my date, Ms. Shizuru Fujino. Shizuru, this is the owner and head chef of Palace Royale, Reito Kanzaki. We use to know each other in college." I said confidently as I wrapped my arm around her small taut waist.

Reito's jaw almost hit the ground as he realized I was telling the truth. God, I'm sick but this the only time I have to get him back for what he did to me in college. I think beating him up wasn't enough. This was the last blow against his ego. Shizuru seeing my delight in his displeasure decided to make him even more miserable.

"Natsuki, this is just too romantic. You've set up this night so splendidly." Shizuru said as pulled me into a full kiss that made my face go red hot.

Reito was completely lost at this point as he coughed uncontrollably half way through the kiss. Shizuru broke the kiss and apologized to Reito. Reito grimaced a smile and led us to special table I had reserved earlier in the day. Even though I had gone out of my way to damage Reito's ego he went ahead and prepared all the dished we had order, himself. I felt a ting of guilt for what I did, but it couldn't have been helped he deserved every last bit.

"So, Natsuki, tell me, was Reito your boyfriend?" Shizuru said as she sipped her wine.

"Ah, yes, Reito was my boyfriend, in college. I haven't really had time for a relationship since then. My job keeps me busy. Hell I was in the military during college, too." I replied.

"I see. If you don't mind me asking, what ended you relationship with Reito?" Shizuru said as sipped more of her wine.

"Well it's all in the past, so I suppose there is no harm in telling you. Reito and I had been a couple since I started college. So we had been together for about six months. On my 22 birthday we went and had a marvelous dinner at his apartment. Now I don't like to drink and he knew this, but somehow he managed to get me to drink. I think Reito was becoming frustrated in our relationship because I didn't want to take our relationship to the next level of intimacy. Of course, with a little alcohol I'd do anything." I paused and laughed softly as I swirled my glass of water.

"Oh my, Natsuki, you didn't, did you?" Shizuru said in shock and odd interest. I blushed a bit as remember that particular night.

"Well Reito had probably got me drunk enough to say, 'Yes, master' which I'm sure he had me say. He may have that mature demeanor, but he is a closet pervert in reality. Don't let him fool you, but to make things less embarrassing for me, let me just say, yes he got me abed. He also got it on film and spread it around campus. When I had realized what had happened I beat his ass, pardon my language, so hard the school made Reito transfer." I finished as I slowly wished I had been the one drinking the wine.

"Natsuki, you did destroy all the videos, right?" Shizuru asked with curiosity.

"Of course, I did. It took me awhile but I did." I said proudly.

"So, alcohol is your weakness. I see that's why Natsuki isn't drinking." Shizuru teased as she drank more of her wine adding color to her face.

I smiled in delight as I watch Shizuru tried to tease me as she slowly became intoxicated.
"You, too, Shizuru. It's a good thing I'm not drinking tonight." I responded as I looked around for the waiter.

Reito came over instead of the waiter.

"What else can I get you ladies, tonight? More wine, Ms. Fujino?" Reito asked.

"No more wine, Reito." I interjected waving my hands. "We're checking out tonight. Thank you for the dinner. It really was marvelous." I said to make sure Shizuru didn't get completely buzzed for the evening.

"Natsuki, it's on the house." Reito said graciously.

"Reito, I don't know what to say." I said in a flabbergasted tone.

"I owe you for my bad behavior from college still. You can eat here free of charge anytime, just don't come everyday." Reito said smiling. "And, Natsuki, good luck with your new relationship. You've always deserved something better than me."

"Thanks, Reito." I sincerely said.

The evening continued as I drove Shizuru back to her apartment. She was bit too pink in her cheeks, and I'm not the kind of officer who takes advantage of women. I pulled up to the front of the apartment complex and walked around to Shizuru's door and helped her out. I knew tonight I had to go up to her apartment, but I refused to be seduced by this assassin spy. Shizuru seemed to be in complete control of her faculties as she walked into her apartment gesturing me to follow. It was quite the cozy apartment for assassin working undercover.

"Shizuru, I should be going. It's not right that I'm here this late." I stated like a good officer.

"Nonsense, Natsuki, please stay just a little longer." Shizuru said as she sat down on her couch and patted the cushion by her.

"You aren't trying to seduce me, are you Shizuru? Going after military secrets." I teased being completely serious though.

"You're right, Natsuki, it's too late. Go home." Shizuru said turning her head away from me as if she were insulted by what I said. I laughed at her childish reaction.

"Wait a second, Shizuru. Can't you take a joke? It is late, and I've got lots and lots of work to do these next few weeks. I hope we can have lunch next week, but chances are I won't be able to get off base. I'm going to a governmental proceeding in Karis during the proceeding weeks." I said realizing I had just leak information to her; relationships are dangerous things to have.

"How many weeks, Natsuki?" Shizuru said not really seeming to care about me going to Karis as she leaned forward.

"I'm not sure, about three and a half weeks. About two weeks in Karis after that. So that's about a month. This is why my relationships don't work out well. I'll understand if you don't want to see me when I get back." I said in official tone.

"Natsuki, I've never met anyone like you before. I'm not going to let a little time apart ruin our relationship. I know how you feel. I'm usually very busy, for weeks at a time with assignments from work." Shizuru said smiling sitting on the edge of her couch now.

"Well, then I'll see you in about month's time then." I said happily as I turned around to leave with my hair flowing behind me.

"Natsuki…" Shizuru said halting me in my tracks as I turned back around sensing Shizuru would be right there as went we into a full on kiss. She pulled me with as went back to couch. I didn't mind as I felt lost in her. She lied back as I leaned over her to continue our kiss. It was like I was becoming drunk off the wine she drank earlier as we continued. I had to stop, but I couldn't as I ran my left hand down her right arm. Just to touch her skin sent shocks of ecstasy through my body. I had to stop before she completed her mission; assassin my thoughts echoed. I had to remind myself I was making out with a deadly assassin who had killed many people before me. I stood up quickly and walked to the door leaving her on her couch.

"I'm terribly sorry, Shizuru. We can pick up where we left off from in about a month. I really have to go. My busy week starts in about three hours." I puffed trying to hurry myself out of the apartment.

"Mmmm, Natsuki you're so mean. Hurry up and go. I'll see you in about month. Go before I molest you." Shizuru said as she looked at the ceiling.

Flashback End

Mini-Feed:

Shizuru: Kara-san, this chapter makes me wonder...

Chuckabutt: Why is that?

Shizuru: -glares- who else has natsuki been "with" before my character?

Chuckabutt: -sweat drop- no one else...it was an accident

Shizuru: -back to normal- okay then. Oh, you don't write out the entire month things do you?

Chuckabutt: I'm not suppose to say...suspense right. -Shizuru's eyes water- Fine, come here and I whisper it in your ear.

Shizuru: -walks over so I can tell her then Natsuki walks into misinterrupting the entire thing-

Natsuki: You stupid writer! Don't you touch my Shizuru!!! -growls as she approach-

Mini Feed is temporarily out of service due to possible dead author

' yes, uh, well...I'm hiding. natsuki is scary. Yes! This chapter twas exciting, no? I have to apologize again for Reito/Natsuki pairing...it's wrong...but at least she beat the shit out of him. Go Natsuki!

"Living Forever In You" CH7 is on its way...it's got to be about 3000 words...I only have 800...hehehehe I'll get there. I'm writer's blocked.