Hello everyone, Author here.

I hope you enjoy this next installment.

2 - Check

If Haruka abhorred one thing above all else, it was running late. Running late meant every other task scheduled for the day would effectively start later than the expected time unless she went double-time to fix her errant schedule. Today this would mean sprinting full speed towards the bus station to see if she could make it in time to flag down the 8:30 bus. She was no stranger to the activity and indeed it wasn't necessarily hard, but her mind had been occupied as of late and as a result her attention derailed her running into a half-hearted jog.

What the heck is wrong with me?

Her footsteps dragged into a still silence. The cold was beginning to creep up from the city streets but she made no move to fasten her coat shut to ward off the cold. Instead her hand snaked into a pocket and extracted a folded over card. She checked her watch and gave a weary glance towards the bus stop.

Fuck it. I'll just wait for the next one.

She fidgeted, uncertain at first. But time wasn't going to magically rewind so she could have it her way. She allowed herself some time to calm down before unfolding the card in her hand.

Haruka was no stranger to Fujino invitations. Despite the scions of the two families being on tenuous terms, their fathers were actually very compatible business partners. They had even attended the same academy together and later the same college, much like their daughters were doing right now. Fujino was content to "show off his wealth" as her father would put it, and her father was content to attend the extravagant functions despite his personal aversion to such displays. Haruka had often wondered why her morally upstanding father would indulge in such behavior, but Suzushiro Junpei had offered a rather succinct response that ceased anymore mentioning of the topic.

"I don't go to these functions for that bubuzuke-otoko. I go because it is what his wife would have wanted."

There was an unspoken story told between the curiously blank crimson eyes of Fujino Shigeru, and the worried crease of Suzushiro Junpei's brow. Haruka felt it wasn't her place to ask. It wasn't her time to delve into. But something eased in her father's eyes whenever he saw Fujino Shizuru, and ever since she could remember, it hurt. Her father had offered nothing but the most begrudging of approvals towards his only daughter, but whenever Shizuru was mentioned in passing, Junpei merely sat back with a curiously complacent look on his face. It didn't matter how many instances of immoral behavior Haruka could come up with. No matter the amount of mud she had thrown all over the image of her heated rival, she could never succeed in dirtying the reputation of Fujino Shizuru to her father's eyes.

Was it really Shizuru's fault?

In the back of her mind logic dictated that it wasn't. It more likely than not had something to do with the relationship between her father and Shizuru's father. Logic repeated this string over and over, ad nauseum. But Haruka had gotten very good at shutting down that part of her mind. Logic was logic and it was very sensible, but it chipped away at her like a chisel being taken to stone. For some awkward reason her rival could do no wrong, and there was no real explanation that could put it all in perspective. It baffled her. It eventually angered her. And that led to a dark growth of hatred focusing on what she thought was the most damning of all of Shizuru's habits.

Unnatural.

Wrong.

Funnily enough, Shizuru's sexuality was rarely discussed in the affluent circles of their society. If it was known, then everyone did a very good job of keeping it under wraps. Either that, or Fujino Shigeru did a wonderful job keeping everyone's mouths shut. The most prominent rumor about the Fujino family was that they were involved in the yakuza if not part of the criminal organization itself. Haruka had her doubts, but her father remained surprisingly tight-lipped about any yakuza rumors which tended to fuel her curiosity. Then again, she supposed that if she really wanted to find out, she knew who to ask.

She knew who to ask.

Haruka sighed and tucked the invitation back into her coat pocket.

She didn't really understand the Carnival all that well, even after about two years since it happened. All she could clearly remember about the event proper was splitting apart into pretty green lights, head-butting Fujino, and the strange plant-like thing Yukino had summoned in a panic. But just as soon as the crazy started to reach a fever pitch, it ended just like that. Then came graduation, and then came university, and then came the realization that she and Fujino were destined to stick together on the academic front. They were to inherit the majority share of their respective businesses, after all, and it was only accepted that they would go through the motions like their fathers before them. This meant shelving away the feelings of disgust in favor of quiet neutrality which Shizuru seemingly found just peachy. But silence was more prevalent in their conversations now than it ever had been, and she found herself wishing that they could go back to the constant bickering of their high school years.

Haruka had drifted, now. She was not tied to anyone in the Fuuka Academy aside from a handful of visits she had participated in with the other former members of the Student Council. It helped the Academy immensely to keep tabs on the benefactors that helped fund the school, and her family's company was now at the forefront of talks to keep the checkbook open and the ink flowing readily. It was a grooming exercise on her part, to prepare herself for more bureaucratic ventures in her father's company, but it was awfully boring. She preferred to be out on the construction sites and even working her own hands to the bone over sitting at a desk all day. That seemed like more of Shizuru's avenue, at least outwardly. But she knew more than most how seriously Shizuru took her studies and the late hours she spent in the university libraries for research.

Everyone was making something of their lives after the Carnival. Everyone was trying to find their own footing. Haruka couldn't think of an example of someone who wasn't. Perhaps Tate Yuuichi flicked into her mind for all of two seconds, but she hastily shoved it out. It was no secret what he did to Mai, but it was more of a cautionary tale to her ears. He wanted something more, tried to reach for it, and failed. But he wasn't making a fool of himself. He hadn't quit his position as Vice President of the Student Council, and in fact he was doing his job much more efficiently now. It gave her a little comfort to know this.

Everyone was making something of themselves.

What am I doing?

Her past self would have called this person standing in the bus stop a fool. Or a tool. Or a spool. Whichever strange lapse of vocabulary she tripped into. In her mind the small breathy voice would correct her timidly, but with a strange sense of assurance. At least someone understood her. At least someone made an effort to understand her strange grammar and too-loud voice.

But Yukino was nowhere in sight. If Haruka recalled correctly she was most assuredly still in the Student Council room, filing away the last bit of Executive Committee reports for review. Then would come the Winter holidays, and after that the last push into exams and eventually graduation. She had no doubts that Yukino would place first overall and get accepted into any college she applied for. It was only natural, after all. A predictable pattern.

Safe.

Life is everything but safe.

Haruka let loose an uncharacteristically shaky breath and looked across the street. Tired eyes stared at a bakery awash in soft lights. A row of cakes with whipped frosting advertised a special on Christmas cakes. Her eyes dimmed in fond memories.

"Haruka, I would like to introduce you to someone."

The Christmas cake had been opened and two slices were eaten already, but she still eyed the cake in hopes of snagging another slice. Her father had received an advance from the construction company he worked in, and the first thing he did was buy a small cake for himself and his daughter. The rare treat was understandably distracting, so her father waited until her attention was fully on him.

"Oh? Who is it father?"

The patriarch of the Suzushiro family winced momentarily at the booming voice that exuded from his young daughter. Hopefully she would grow into it, he reasoned with himself.

"You remember the Kikukawa family, right?"

"Yes I do."

Her father nodded.

"They have a child a little younger than you. This winter they've fallen on some hard times, so they've asked if we could help take care of her until they get their bearings straight. She's a little shy, so let's be nice, okay?"

Haruka paused and furrowed her brow in thought before brightening into a smile.

"We'll make sure she feels at home!"

It was hard to argue with the conviction behind the young girl's voice. Her father cracked a rare smile in response.

"That's good, Haruka. Remember, the Suzushiro family prides itself in..."

"Strength, beauty, and GUTS!"

They chorused the line to each other, their individual smiles widening. With that in mind, her father walked over to the door and opened it, revealing a tiny girl with brown hair. She stood slightly behind Junpei as he walked back into the living room of their small house.

Times were simpler, then.

Things were simpler, then.

Haruka stood and roughly swiped her hands over the fabric of her pants before extending a hand towards the younger girl.

"M-My name is K-Kikukawa Y-Yukino." She nearly melted behind Junpei's leg. "P-Pleased to meet you..."

Haruka either ignored the stutter or it didn't register in her mind that the girl was almost afraid of her as she bounded over towards the younger girl.

"My name is Suzushiro Haruka! Pleased to meet too!"

Junpei fought the urge to shake his head. His daughter tried so hard. Sometimes her boisterous way of speaking would cause her to mix the word she meant to say with something that sounded similar.

"... you."

The two Suzushiros blinked and looked down at the mousy girl. She nervously adjusted her glasses and shuffled from one foot to the other. For a terse moment Junpei watched Haruka's face. But his daughter smiled and nodded.

"Yes, that one! Pleased to meet you!"

Junpei blinked. By this time Haruka was already dragging the poor girl over to the table where the small cake sat. His daughter gleefully sliced a slice of cake and shoved the small plate towards Yukino who hesitated at first, but accepted it with a stuttered thanks.

A sense of fondness flooded Haruka's mind until she broke her gaze at the bakery. The fondness began to ebb in favor of a mixed sense of uncertainty that made it hard to swallow.

What was this feeling?

Her hands shook and her mouth suddenly felt very dry. She attempted to swallow and found the act exceedingly difficult as the seconds ticked by.

The bus had arrived, bringing with it a break in Haruka's thoughts. She mechanically began to separate herself from her uneasiness, marching towards the bus with her hands tucked into her pockets. She chose a seat near the end of the bus and tucked her coat around herself, pausing only for a moment to look out towards the bakery again. Her mind flickered with that fond memory once more in some feeble attempt to calm her nerves, but she closed her eyes. It slowly began to slip away as the bus shuddered to life and began to move.

What was this feeling?

It was unnatural.

She heard the roar of a motorcycle down the street and her thoughts stilled back to the monotonous drone of everyday tasks. She checked her phone and sighed. Only thirty more minutes until her arrival home.

The Ducati cut through back roads to avoid the traffic starting to form in downtown Fuuka. Natsuki knew where she was going and Shizuru trusted her with everything, so the lone wolf revved the engine in an effort to make it to their destination as fast as the bike was able to get them there. Natsuki had mentioned nothing about an evening ride through Fuuka, but she seemed earnest enough and Shizuru knew she could never say no to those emerald eyes.

Winter had arrived but the bitter cold wouldn't start until January, so the ride wasn't too uncomfortable. Fuuka city started to ebb away like the tide that surrounded the island, leading them up and up the roads towards the mountainous side roads. Shizuru looked around inquisitively as the motorcycle slowed to a cautious crawl before idling in front of a patch of railing. Natsuki stuck a leg down to steady the bike, allowing Shizuru to disembark before turning the ignition off and getting off of the bike. Shizuru noticed that the light was not turned off, but she failed to point it out. Maybe Natsuki would remember to turn it off. She propped the bike up using its kickstand and took a second to undo her helmet. Her navy hair streamed out like a flag unfurling in the wind, momentarily entrancing Shizuru as she too undid her helmet. The ocean spray hit their faces and Natsuki breathed in deeply before smiling.

"I always liked Winter."

It suited her, Shizuru noted. The cold and the biting winds encased a crystalline beauty in ice. It suited Natsuki almost frighteningly well. But there was a fire within those emerald eyes and a heart that was larger than anyone would give her credit for.

Winter was also a season that suited Shizuru, Natsuki thought. She was the epitome of a traditional beauty, with grace and manners that were perfect. Ever so perfect. But she fretted and laughed and cried just like everyone else.

Kindred souls.

Natsuki took in another deep breath before shoving her hands in her pockets.

The box greeted her fingertips.

"I love you, Shizuru."

Shizuru fought to keep the thundering of her heart down. Natsuki could say that statement as many times as she wanted, but every instance was enough to make her knees weak and her heart pound.

"I love you too, my Natsuki."

Natsuki nodded and offered a small smile. She sighed and let out an uneasy chuckle.

"Ah, I'm no good at speeches. I just..." She paused to collect her thoughts. "I don't know how to say this. I really don't."

A nervous laugh tumbled from her lips.

"I mean, really. I had written something down and I forgot that at the Student Council Room. Really stupid of me."

Shizuru cocked her head.

"Natsuki must be very nervous if she forgot something. This is rather rare."

"Ah, you're right. This is very rare. And I'm sure I only get like one chance to do something like this, so I'm a little peeved it's not perfect."

Natsuki pursed her lips.

"But let me go through the motions, and maybe I'll get my rhythm back."

"Natsuki... are you sure?"

"Oh... I know I'm never sure of some things, sometimes. But don't worry, Shizuru. I'm very sure of this."

Her hand snaked out of the warm jacket pocket, clutching a small black velvet box. Shizuru studied it with slightly widened eyes. Natsuki hastily dropped down to one knee, nearly smashing it against the gravel of the road's edge.

"So... I was wondering when I'd start getting nervous. I'll just let this do the talking."

Natsuki offered another small laugh before opening the box.

The ring was simple yet elegant a quality that both were particular to. It was a thin band of white gold with three stones. The edge diamonds were shaped in an attractive form that tapered, drawing the eye towards the round center diamond that sparkled brilliantly in the light of the motorcycle's lone headlamp.

"I don't even know if we can legally get married here. But I don't care. I know I'm jumping the gun here, and maybe there's some tradition in asking your father for your hand. But I don't care. All I know is I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Fancy titles and certificates can wait as long as they need to. I just want to be with you."

Natsuki looked up into Shizuru's eyes.

"Say yes, Shizuru. Say yes, and I'll find a way to make it so."

The silence was only broken by the crashing of the tide against the rocks. For a second Natsuki wondered if she had done something horribly wrong.

"Yes."

Shizuru honestly wanted to say something sooner, but the tears had started to choke her as soon as they spilled from her eyes. She nodded to reinforce her affirmation before she reached towards Natsuki. Natsuki blinked and let loose the breath she wasn't aware she had been holding in. It came out in a sort of strangled wheeze. Then she remembered the next step of engagement and she plucked the ring from its box. With shaky hands she coaxed the ring onto Shizuru's ring finger. When Natsuki was certain the ring wasn't going to roll away due to some failing on her part, she stood and clapped the dirt from her pant leg. She looked up to say something but found her mouth curiously occupied as Shizuru wrapped her arms around Natsuki's shoulders and smashed her lips onto hers.

They held each other in the stillness even as the kiss drifted off.

"Natsuki... you will still have to ask my father for my hand, just so you know."

Natsuki snorted.

"I thought so..."

"But..." They separated briefly to look at each other properly. "But I am sure it will go well."

"I dunno." Natsuki raised an eyebrow briefly. "I heard some stories about your father and the yakuza..."

Now it was Shizuru's turn to snort.

"Honestly! I don't know where everyone gets these yakuza stories from..."

She sighed and wiped away the remainder of the tears that stuck to her cheeks while a small laugh escaped her lips. She cleared her throat and smiled towards her now fiancée. Natsuki returned the smile before they gently bumped foreheads.

"No matter what... I am yours, my Natsuki."

"And I'm yours, my Shizuru."

A/N

I borrowed the Fujino and Suzushiro father names from my story Winter's Road because I am not very creative with names, lol.

I have wondered how a relationship between Kikukawa and Suzushiro would work, to be honest. It's easy to say something like "oh they have something going on" but would it ever be as illustrated and "oh yes they are totes meant to be together" as Fujino/Kuga? I'm not sure, really. I guess I wanted to show the contrast here. Thoughts?

Cheers.