Thanks for the reviews! They were very much appreciated.
Some of you are wondering when the romance part of this story is going to kick in…well, so am I. Did you know that 99% of the female population has excellent romantic intuition? Too bad I'm part of the 1% who lacks it. Denser than lead when it comes to that stuff, I am, so bear with me, people!
This is mostly a filler chapter…but the next one will hopefully be up by late next week. I'm planning to have lots of blood and guts in that one, yay! Or at least, more action than this chapter has to offer.
Warning: Violence, swearing, and will probably have some girl-on-girl action in the future. All the good stuff. ;)
Disclaimer: Don't own a single darn thing, either James Bond or Mai Hime. T'is a shame, really..
Tokyo, Japan
"You know, Shizuru, you're being unusually quiet. Is something wrong?" Natsuki asked smugly.
The two women were walking through VCS Tokyo's expansive headquarters, but Shizuru hadn't said a word to Natsuki since the balcony incident; she even chose to walk slightly ahead of the agent. Natsuki observed Shizuru stiffen the slightest bit at her question and stifled a grin. "Don't tell me you were expecting something to happen on the balcony! I never would have pegged you for that type of girl."
Natsuki knew that Shizuru's ego suffered a huge blow from Natsuki's feint on the balcony, but her pride equally demanded that she brush off it off like it was no big deal. How far can I push you before your composure snaps, Shizuru?
Shizuru turned to give Natsuki a haughty look. "Ara, Natsuki thinks too highly of herself. What makes her think I would engage in any indecent behavior, especially with her?"
"Because I'm hot, and you know it."
Shizuru dismissed Natsuki with a wave and continued walking. "I've seen better."
Natsuki chuckled. "I don't believe you." She quickly fell into pace with Shizuru, retaining the smug look on her face.
Shizuru's reply was cut short when a loud voice called out, "Shizuru-san!" Akane and a brown-haired man stood at the end of the hallway. Akane rushed towards Shizuru and Natsuki with an ecstatic grin. Stopping before her boss, Akane barely restrained herself from throwing her arms around Shizuru and instead settled for beaming at her superior. "I'm glad you're safe, Shizuru-san."
Shizuru smirked at her lieutenant. "It'll take a lot more than incompetent yakuza to kill me."
"Thanks to Kruger-san, apparently." Akane turned to Natsuki and gave her a solemn nod. "It seems VCS Tokyo is in your debt."
Natsuki nodded back at Akane before giving Shizuru a smug look. "Finally, somebody appreciates my efforts."
Shizuru grimaced at Akane. "Don't encourage her. We can just give her a girl and call it even." She ignored Natsuki's dirty look and appraised the handsome, brown-haired man. "Ara, I do not mean to offend, Kurauchi-san, but it is not safe for you to be here. VCS and the Sato Clan are at war."
Kazuya Kurauchi gave a slight bow. "No offense taken, Viola-san. I see you haven't heard the news, then."
"What news?" Shizuru immediately gave him a sharp look.
"The Wakashi Clan no longer exists. Ichiro Sato killed Tetsuo Wakashi. Due to an unfortunate turn of events, Ichiro Sato is now at the bottom of Tokyo Bay, and the Sato Clan is under my leadership for an indeterminable amount of time." Kazuya explained.
Shizuru looked surprised. "Is that so? I suppose I have you to thank for saving me from the menial task of getting rid of Sato myself?"
Kazuya shrugged, neither confirming nor denying the question.
"Ah, there is a slight problem, Shizuru-san." Akane interjected. "The Wakashi Clan doesn't exist anymore—but only in name. There are about a hundred leaderless yakuza members running amok in Tokyo, and not all of them are willing to give up their freedom so easily. Tokyo's on the brink of a yakuza civil war." She looked exasperated.
Kazuya nodded solemnly. "Akane—Higurashi-san—is correct. Something needs to be done to control the situation before the law enforcement goes on some idealistic crusade to eradicate us all from Tokyo."
Natsuki looked between Shizuru and the yakuza boss. Kazuya's reasoning was sound, albeit in a twisted way. If either the VCS or the Kurauchi Clan wanted to retain their places in the underworld, they would have to form an alliance to get the renegade Wakashi Clan under control and thwart the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Which is why she was surprised when Shizuru said, "You are absolutely correct, Kurauchi-san. I wish you the best of luck!"
With a pleasant smile, Shizuru pushed past Kazuya and continued down the corridor.
Kazuya gaped at Shizuru's retreating back and looked at his lover in confusion. Akane remained expressionless, although her eyes were sympathetic. Kazuya turned and called out, "Just a moment, Viola-san!"
Shizuru stopped and gave him an innocent look. "Yes, Kurauchi-san?" Her red eyes were hard to read, but Natsuki thought she caught a gleam of mischief and cunning lurking in those crimson depths.
Kazuya stepped towards her, looking solemn. "Unlike my predecessor, I am not stupid, nor am I suicidal. I am fully aware that VCS Tokyo is capable of utilizing the imminent power struggle among the yakuza clans to destroy us all. However, I believe it would be to both our benefits if we had an alliance." His voice grew louder, although his face remained calm. "Consider this, Viola-san: we can work together to thrive and prosper, or we can compete and kill off one another. The Kurauchi Clan is not nearly as powerful as the VCS, but we will drag as many of your men as possible down to hell with us." He glared defiantly to punctuate his point.
To his surprise, Shizuru chuckled. "Ara, Kurauchi-san, there's no need for such strong words. You've convinced me that you are a much better man to have on my side than Wakashi and Sato were. Why don't we discuss this further?" She gestured for Kazuya to walk with her.
Natsuki looked at Akane with a raised eyebrow. "She certainly capitulated fairly quickly."
Akane grinned. "If you haven't noticed yet, Kruger-san, everything Shizuru-san does has a purpose. She intended to form an alliance with the Kurauchi Clan the moment she saw Kazuya here. However, she walked away from him for two reasons."
"And that is?" Natsuki kept her eyes trained on the backs of Shizuru and Kazuya. They were talking quietly among themselves, but Kazuya was leaning rather closer to the crimson-eyed woman than Natsuki liked.
"Firstly, it was a test for Kazuya-kun. Shizuru-san cannot and will not jeopardize VCS Tokyo by siding with an incompetent leader. She requires an ally who recognizes the danger of being too greedy; Wakashi and Sato both failed in that regard."
Natsuki frowned in distaste. "Bloody politics. That's why I much rather prefer being a field agent than having a desk job. What's the second reason?"
Akane gave her a cocky grin. "It's true that Shizuru-san wanted this alliance. But it's very important that you remember this about Shizuru-san: she doesn't ask you; you ask her."
"Is that so?" Natsuki looked at Shizuru thoughtfully. Akane nodded. When Natsuki didn't say anything more, Akane walked over to where Kazuya was and struck up a quiet conversation, which seemed to be private because Shizuru stepped away from the couple.
At that point, Shizuru caught Natsuki looking at her and gave the agent a mischievous grin. "Does Natsuki see something she likes?"
So you don't like to ask nicely, Shizuru? Too bad I'm the same way. Natsuki thought. She raised a dark eyebrow in the honey-brunette's direction. "I've seen better."
Shizuru laughed at hearing her own words thrown back at her. She sauntered up to Natsuki and fingered the agent's collar, making her acutely aware of Shizuru's proximity.
"Natsuki tells such lies. Anyways, Irina will be in the lab. I have to discuss further opportunities with Akane-san and Kurauchi-san; I suggest you use this time to contact your headquarters."
"What, you're not going to baby-sit me while I call home?" Natsuki asked sarcastically.
"Why would I? I trust Natsuki," Shizuru simply replied. "Besides, even if you did get your agency to 'rescue' you—" she air-quoted the word rescue—"They don't have the connections that I have to get you what you need. All in all, everybody loses and nobody wins."
Natsuki felt a warmth in her chest when Shizuru said she trusted the agent. It was a foreign feeling, but not necessarily an unwelcome one. "Or I can just get my agency to extract me and kidnap you as well," Natsuki returned dryly.
Shizuru waved away Natsuki's suggestion. "As much as Natsuki wants to spirit me away, I have much work to do. I'll meet up with you shortly in the lab so we can take a look at the First District files. Try not to mess anything up in the meantime; if you're good, I'll give you a reward." She traced a finger along Natsuki's jaw line before stepping away with a wink to follow Akane and Kazuya.
Natsuki absent-mindedly rubbed her jaw where Shizuru had touched her. Infuriating woman.
-000-000-
Shizuru calmly appraised the man sitting across from her. Kazuya Kurauchi was a man of medium height, not particularly memorable-looking at first glance—most people would mistake him for an ordinary Japanese businessman. However, the look in his eyes told a different story: Kazuya Kurauchi was calculating and occasionally brutal, definitely a man not to be crossed.
Yet, Shizuru knew that wasn't all he was. Kazuya's eyes turned warm and happy when he looked upon Akane, which relieved Shizuru. After all, who wanted to work with a complete psychopath? It was unnerving and uncomfortable, to say the least.
"Well, Viola-san, Higurashi-san, I'm glad we've come to an agreement. It will be beneficial to everyone involved." Kazuya gave each woman a nod.
Shizuru gave him a small smile. "There's no need to be so formal, Kurauchi-san. So when is the official union of VCS Tokyo and the Kurauchi Clan?" At Akane and Kazuya's confused looks, she clarified, "I know about you and Akane-san. I just want to know when the wedding is." To her surprise and amusement, both Akane and Kazuya reddened at this.
"Shizuru-san!"
"Viola-san!"
Shizuru raised her eyebrows at the twin outbursts. "Ara, it's true! Couples do begin to resemble each other the longer they're together!"
Akane stood up with a scowl. "I have to go oversee the collateral damage resulting from our recent conflict. Until later, Shizuru-san." She turned to her lover. "Coming, Kazu-kun?"
"Actually, Akane-san, I have a few more things to say to Kurauchi-san." Shizuru interrupted.
Kazuya and Akane exchanged glances before Akane nodded and left. Shizuru turned to the yakuza leader, who looked slightly less confident now that he was alone with Shizuru.
"In all seriousness, Kurauchi-san, you would do well to remember that Akane-san has the entirety of VCS behind her, should you do something you may regret…" Shizuru let the sentence trail off ominously.
Kazuya wisely decided to keep quiet and nod. The smile easily returned to Shizuru's face. "Wonderful. That brings me to my next question: Have you heard of Kiyohime?"
Kazuya looked thoughtful. "I've heard rumors here and there, and Akane mentioned a few things, but that's it."
"Some people, if given the opportunity, would readily go on a destructive spree. I condone many wrongs, Kurauchi-san; I would be a hypocrite if I didn't. But there are people who commit needless violence; you and I both know them. They're the men and women who not only beat and torture someone, but also go after the victims' families; they're the men and women who make up VCS and the yakuza, as well as every other crime syndicate."
"I know who they are. So Kiyohime is the justice system of the underworld, is that it? That's a very ambitious plan, Viola-san, but why? What are you trying to accomplish?" Kazuya looked skeptical. "It's bound to fail. Criminals don't want to be judged; that's why they became criminals in the first place."
"If 'accomplish' means receiving a profit, Kurauchi-san, then we accomplish nothing. Kiyohime isn't like a police force; we don't arrest or imprison anyone. Rather, we are able to do something that civilian policemen can't: we rein in the worst of the worst criminals. We control psychos, murderers, rapists—to name a few—so that the innocent stay that way: innocent." Shizuru shrugged.
"Who's to say that I'm not one of the worst there is? I do head an entire group of these people, Viola-san."
"As do I. Tell me, Kurauchi-san, did you aspire to lead a life of crime when you were younger? Did you consciously choose to live in the shadows with blood on your hands? Or did only join the yakuza because you felt there was no other way out but down?"
Kazuya's averted gaze told Shizuru his answer. "I'm not a good person, Viola-san. None of us are, but let's assume, for the sake of argument, that you and I aren't as bad as the others. Then why aren't the members of Kiyohime renouncing crime for good?"
Shizuru frowned. "Logically, most of us are in too deep to retire without any consequences. I know I'm a wanted criminal—for good reason, of course—and avoiding the law sometimes becomes a pain. At the same time, I'm glad there's a warrant out for my arrest; it means that I'm still free. VCS has caused too much damage over the years for any government to simply let me quietly disappear. Also, Kiyohime is to keep the wolves in check. How can we control them if we aren't among them?" She paused and gave Kazuya a dark grin. "However, I admit that I do have selfish motives in forming Kiyohime. The criminal life is exciting, Kurauchi-san; it's an adrenaline-filled, risky lifestyle, a constant game of touch-and-go. But if you want large returns, Kurauchi-san, then you need to make large gambles, and one day our luck's going to run out. When that happens, Kiyohime is just a little tip in the scales to get karma on our side." Shizuru shot Kazuya a reckless grin.
Kazuya considered the implications of joining Kiyohime. It was a surefire, permanent alliance with the Shizuru Viola, and it did make him feel like less of a scumbag. He shrugged and nodded at Shizuru. Protect society from the likes of us? There are worse things I can do, I suppose. His brown eyes connected with enigmatic crimson ones. But her selfish motive for Kiyohime isn't really selfish at all. In fact, she may be one of the most honorable people I've ever encountered, criminal career notwithstanding. Akane was right; you, Shizuru Viola, are a very unique individual.
-000-000-
Irina yawned and leaned back from the computer, rubbing her eyes. She jumped when someone abruptly sat down in the chair next to hers and turned to glare at the perpetrator. "Kruger-san. What do you want?"
"It's nice to see you, too." Natsuki retorted.
Irina snorted. "Not hardly. I've resolved to make an attempt to like you, though."
"Why's that?" Natsuki leaned back and placed her feet on the desk.
Irina glared at the offending boots. "Anyone who saves Shizuru-sama can't be that bad."
Natsuki laughed dryly. "Ah, you see, that's where my superiors would beg to differ."
"The government sucks. Stick it to the man."
"Alright, most of the lot are bastards, I admit." Natsuki shrugged. "Still, it's better to be a bastard on the legal side of the law; they get leniency if they're caught."
"With Shizuru-sama, you won't ever need any leniency because you won't get caught." Irina looked sure of herself.
"You sound pretty sure of yourself," Natsuki noted.
Irina gave Natsuki a look that made her look far older than her teen years. "I owe her everything. So wherever Shizuru-sama goes, I'll follow."
"And if she leads you to the end of the world?" Natsuki raised an eyebrow.
"Shizuru-sama is one of those rare people who are born to be great; there's something about her that draws people to instinctually follow her. She's another Alexander the Great, a Julius Caesar—a leader with enormous potential and the misfortune of being born in the wrong time and place."
"Loyalty is all good, but the rats who followed the Pied Piper ended up drowning."
"Who are you calling a rat? Anyways, it's Shizuru-sama—if she had to go to the end of the world, you'd better believe she had a good reason to."
Natsuki smiled ruefully. "If only everyone could be as devoted to something as you are, kid." She quickly changed the somber mood by flicking Irina in the forehead with her finger and grinned at the irritated teen. "Here's your first set of orders from your Shizuru-sama, then. Connect me to MI6 headquarters."
Irina scowled and slid her computer chair over to another screen, typing furiously on the keyboard. "You have about five minutes; it'll give you a thirty-second warning before the connection terminates."
"Thanks." Natsuki waited for the video call to connect. She glanced at Irina, who was also staring at the screen expectantly. "I'd prefer if you didn't listen in."
Irina huffed and made a show of putting on a pair of headphones, glaring at Natsuki as she did so.
"Thank you very much." Natsuki drummed her fingers on the table as the call was being connected.
Haruka's grumpy face appeared on-screen. "Who—007! What's your status?"
"I've got a lead, H. I can't be sure, but it looks fairly promising."
Haruka gave her a weary look. "I hope so. The chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee is becoming impatient."
"I'll be investigating a branch of First District very soon."
Haruka shuffled some papers on her desk. "One just opened near Liverpool. We're investigating the company right now, but there's nothing to implicate it so far. Is it an immediate concern?"
"Something about First District isn't right. I would post a team on it, H." Natsuki furrowed her brow. "Has Kanzaki made any threatening moves?"
"He hasn't made a peep…and that worries me. Whatever you're doing, 007, it has to be done quickly. I have half my agents concentrated on eradicating VCS London and the other half on missions in the rest of the world—although none as important as yours. I'll try to send back-up, but red tape and Chairman Smith are blocking my every move." The blonde director gritted her teeth in frustration.
"Right. You handle the grown-up stuff and I'll do the rest," Natsuki said dryly. "I may have some back-up here, but she won't be too pleased to hear that you're trying to boot her people out of London."
"Good. That only makes me want to do it all the more." Haruka scowled. "If you think Viola is trustworthy, I am rapidly reconsidering your sanity. The dialysis of your psychological profile is shaky enough as it is."
"Diagnosis. And it's fine; most of us don't live long enough to snap, remember?" Natsuki casually dismissed Haruka's concern. "The situation with Shizuru is hard to explain. Shizuru—I can't say that I trust her implicitly; not yet, anyways. But she's a trustworthy person. Does that make sense?"
Haruka snorted. "A trustworthy criminal is still a criminal. She made her choice." Haruka's lavender eyes hardened. "Why do you still believe in her?"
"Because she's not completely bad. She's more like a…" Natsuki hesitated before smiling self-deprecatingly. "She's like a fallen angel."
Haruka gave Natsuki an incredulous glance, but a small beep alerted Natsuki to the amount of time she had left. "Listen, H, I don't have much time before this connection terminates."
"Tell me where you are, 007, so I can send support," Haruka ordered.
"I agreed not reveal my location. It would be bad form for one of the good guys to break a promise." Natsuki shrugged.
"You're joking."
"No worries, H. I do have back-up other than VCS; the intelligence agency here is aware of my presence," Natsuki half-lied. They did try to arrest me, so at least they know I exist, she thought wryly.
"Kruger—"
"I don't know when I can contact you next, H. Hopefully the next time I see your beautiful face, this mission will be successfully completed. 007 out." Natsuki gave Haruka a cheeky grin and a two-fingered salute. The screen went black.
Natsuki leaned back and sighed. She quietly said, "I'm done."
Irina immediately took off her headphones. Natsuki gave her a look.
"What?"
Natsuki scowled. "You heard the entire conversation, didn't you." It wasn't a question.
"What are you talking about?"
"You heard me say that I was done, even though I said it so quietly that only mice and one very nosy teenager would be able to hear me."
"Damn it." Irina gave up all pretense of innocence. "So your boss is moving against VCS London, huh?"
"That's none of your business. Forget London and concentrate on Tokyo; there's enough shit happening here."
"Okay." Irina promptly changed the subject. "More interestingly, you think Shizuru-sama's a good person!"
"Don't change the meaning of my words. I said she wasn't bad; that doesn't make her good." Natsuki looked annoyed.
Irina rolled her eyes. "I don't get it. You obviously like her, and I know she doesn't think you're too bad, either. Just have a quick fuck and get it over with!"
Natsuki gave her a withering glare. "Now I know that's definitely none of your business."
"Don't you want to push her up against the wall and have your wicked way with her?"
"Ara, do what with who?"
Natsuki and Irina jumped in their seats. Irina squeaked out, "Shizuru-sama! When did you get here?"
Shizuru raised a tawny eyebrow at the obviously flustered teen. "That makes me wonder what I missed." She looked at Natsuki, who looked more reserved than usual and only glanced back at her coolly. Shizuru switched her gaze back to Irina. "Don't tell me you were surfing for porn again."
Irina flushed at Natsuki's snort. "Shut up! You were supposed to never mention that again, Shizuru-sama!"
"The visual was seared permanently into my brain against my will. I hope you washed your hands." Shizuru looked pointedly at the keyboard in front of Irina.
"Let's forget this conversation ever happened," Irina muttered. She held up her hands, forestalling Shizuru's reply. "What can I do for you, Shizuru-sama?"
"I was sent files pertaining to a company called First District. Extract the data for me, please."
Irina immediately went to work and in less than five minutes, the files were printing into her hands. She handed the stack of papers to Shizuru.
Shizuru accepted them with a grateful nod and spread them on the table so Natsuki could see. Natsuki quickly scanned through the text. "There's nothing much of use here; it basically a list of expenditures."
"But it still tells a lot about this particular plant. This item is curious—some type of reactor?" Shizuru pointed at one of the items on the list.
"It's a nuclear power plant; reactors are necessary to convert the uranium into a fuel source." Natsuki gave Shizuru a quizzical look. "Why would you think that strange?"
"Exactly: nuclear power plants convert uranium. First District Tokyo has two reactors; this one uses uranium, but it doesn't say what the second one converts." Shizuru shook her head. "Of course, it could be a dead-end."
A photo of a man caught Natsuki's eye, and she picked it up to scrutinize it. "I don't know much about science and whatnot, either. I suggest we track down this man and ask him some questions."
Shizuru read the caption. "Xavier Jimenez, head of First District's Tokyo branch." She looked back to Irina. "Irina-chan, tap into the security system and search the database for a Xavier Jimenez."
"Sure. Give me a few minutes." There was a furious tapping of keys.
Natsuki stared at Shizuru. "Exactly whose database are you referring to?"
"The Japanese government's, of course." She smiled at the priceless expression on Natsuki's face. "Natsuki's face will stick like that if she isn't careful."
Natsuki gave Irina a bewildered glance. "I wonder how good Japan's security actually is if a kid can hack into it in five minutes."
Shizuru shrugged. "Irina's very adept at computers. It's an innate skill of hers."
"MI6 would kill to have her."
"She's too young to have a legitimate job."
Natsuki threw Shizuru a look, but Irina quickly shushed them, light glinting off her glasses. "Finally! They added in new security measures since the last time I broke in, but they were easy enough to overcome. Xavier Jimenez: Venezuelan expatriate, member of First District's board of directors. He's recently arrived in Japan, only about three months or so ago. Has two parking tickets, lives in the Roppongi district." Irina's eyebrows rose. "You'll like this, Shizuru-sama. It seems Xavier Jimenez is a frequent client of Garderobe."
Shizuru's face split into a dark grin. "Ara, is that so? How fortunate for us."
"What's Garderobe?" Natsuki asked in confusion.
"It's a very exclusive bath house in Roppongi. The clientele is from the uppermost crust of the Tokyo elite and includes CEOs, professional athletes, and politicians, to name a few. To retain their patronage, privacy is an absolute must at Garderobe," Irina informed the agent.
Natsuki quirked an eyebrow. "Privacy for what?"
"Enough money keeps people's mouths shut, Kruger-san. At Garderobe, where the bill can run up to 40 million yen, some clients like to take advantage of everything the bath house has to offer…including the very attractive female attendants." Irina gave Natsuki a knowing look.
The agent suddenly understood. "I see."
Shizuru continued, "It just so happens that the owner of Garderobe, Shiho Huit, is a good friend of mine. She'll leave us alone if we happen to run into Xavier Jimenez at the bath house."
"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Natsuki grinned in anticipation.
"Ara, Natsuki seems rather eager to go, especially after she heard about the girls. I wonder if she has an ulterior motive?" Shizuru asked mischievously.
Natsuki shrugged. "I'm just excited for some action." She inwardly cringed when she realized how her words could be misconstrued. Natsuki tried to ignore Shizuru's shit-eating grin, but she couldn't block out Irina's low laugh and her mouthed words, "Against the wall, Kruger-san!"
Unfortunately, Shizuru's perceptive eyes also seemed to have caught Irina's motion. "You've been a huge help, Irina-chan." Irina looked pleased at the compliment. Shizuru slyly continued, "I do apologize for rudely interrupting the conversation that you and Natsuki were having before. I hope it wasn't anything important?"
"Oh, it was about nothing, really. I was just telling Kruger-san that she has a considerable amount of self-restraint." Irina shot Natsuki a quick glance.
"Does she now?" Shizuru smirked at Natsuki, who raised her eyebrows in response. "How strong do you think that restraint is, Nat-su-ki?"
Natsuki's heart twitched at the way her name was drawn out. Not as strong as I previously thought. "That's for me to know."
"And for me to find out?" Shizuru brought her face close to Natsuki's.
Natsuki refused to back down. "You can try."
Shizuru narrowed her eyes at that infuriatingly arrogant, damnably attractive smirk on the agent's face. Getting a little full of ourselves, aren't we? Someone needs to knock you down a notch.
She straightened up and smiled at Irina. "Thanks once again, Irina-chan. Natsuki and I have to be going now."
Natsuki stood and walked to the door. Shizuru made to follow, by Irina caught her arm and whispered something in her ear. Natsuki watched them in suspicion as Shizuru paused at whatever Irina was saying before whispering something back and patting the teen on the shoulder.
Shizuru walked past Natsuki out of the lab, her footsteps echoing down the hallway. Natsuki looked at her questioningly. "What did she say?"
"Nothing Natsuki has to be concerned about," Shizuru replied airily. "She did say that Natsuki behaved rather well, though. I did promise Natsuki a reward."
Natsuki scowled. "I'm not a child. I don't need a damn prize."
"I think Natsuki will like this one."
"What is it—" Natsuki's words were cut off when soft lips pressed against her own. Natsuki's lips parted in shock, and Shizuru used the opening to her advantage, slipping in her tongue.
Natsuki nearly moaned at the probing, insistent warmth, but she was determined not to cede control. Instead, she fought back with her own tongue, her hands coming to grip Shizuru around the waist.
The kiss ended as abruptly as it started. Natsuki opened her eyes, still struggling to catch her breath. She realized that Shizuru had pressed her against the wall and was also panting for breath, her head titled forward so that her hot breath caressed Natsuki's neck. Desire shot through her veins and Natsuki nearly caved in.
Goddamnit, why did the room feel so hot?
Shizuru stepped back. Her smirk was in place, but it seemed false, the slightest hint of reluctance in her eyes. "Shall we get going?"
Wha—? Wait, that was— "Of course." Natsuki automatically responded.
Shizuru flashed her another smile and continued walking. Green eyes narrowed at the honey-brunette's back. You'll pay for that, Shizuru.
London, England
Haruka stared at the screen in irritation. That must've been the hundredth time that Kruger hung up on her, damn it!
"Agent Kruger seems to have things under control." A petite brunette leaned against Haruka's desk.
Haruka scowled darkly. "Has she finally gone insane? She's gone to Viola for help! VIOLA!"
Yukino sighed. "Doesn't the way she defended Viola seem familiar? It reminds me of a certain temperamental, outspoken blonde years ago."
Haruka's eyes widened. "You're right, Yukino! The symptoms all match up; why didn't I see it earlier?"
"Well, you've always been rather dense concerning romance—"
"—It's just my luck that my best agent developed Stockholm syndrome. Why can't Wang have the crazy agents?" Haruka complained.
"She likes Viola—wait, what?" Yukino gave Haruka a bemused look. "That is nowhere near to what I was insinuating."
"Likes her?" Haruka echoed, looking just as bewildered as Yukino. "As in the romantic sense? But Kruger's known her for less than a week!"
Yukino seated herself on Haruka's desk. "Natsuki and Shizuru just seem to click together. It was that way between you and Shizuru in our school days, remember?"
"Love and friendship are two completely different things, Yukino." Haruka scowled. "As for that friendship—well, everyone can see how that turned out."
"First of all, Natsuki is just as impulsive, hot-headed, and stubborn as you are. It's hard to make her change her mind, and she's determined to trust Shizuru. I don't know if I still can say that I trust Shizuru, but I do trust Natsuki." Yukino fiddled with Haruka's tie.
"Yes, but how do you equate Natsuki and Viola with love?" Haruka looked confused.
"That brings me to my next point. The position for Shizuru's best friend is occupied—by you." She held up a hand to forestall Haruka's outburst. "You might not ever talk to her again, but I'm positive that Shizuru won't forget that you were her first true friend. If Natsuki has no chance of being her best friend and seems intent on being much more than a regular friend, then there's no other possibility except for romantic interest, is there?"
Haruka chuckled and wrapped her arms around Yukino's middle. "Was I the temperamental, outspoken blonde you were referring to earlier?"
The brunette flashed a mischievous grin. "Yes."
"Well, it's a good thing you'll always be rational and cool-headed to balance me out."
Yukino laughed and tugged Haruka's tie, jerking her upwards for a kiss. "Actually, I'm trusting my gut instinct on Natsuki and Shizuru's relationship."
The sound of the door opening and an obnoxiously loud voice startled them. "H, Youko wants you down in the lab now—whoa, H! Starting an illicit office romance with Miss Chrysant? I never knew you had it in you!"
"Zhang! Get out of here!"
Nao jerked back just in time to avoid the stapler that Haruka had thrown at her head. The redhead winced when it made a dull thump against the wall, but her wince transformed into a smirk.
Nao peeked her head around the door. "Youko says she's received a tip-off about VCS London! You may want to check it out…once you're done in here, of course. No rush, boss! I'm sure you have all the time in the world!"
Nao blanched when Haruka grabbed the nearest thing to her, which happened to be a glass paperweight. The redhead slammed the door shut with a snigger. She had just stumbled onto some prime blackmail material. This was her chance to be involved in actual fieldwork instead of being saddled with paperwork like the other beginners were. The opportunities were endless!
Nao grinned and gave herself a mental pat on the back. Oh Nao, you sly, sly fox; you have the best luck in the world.
I can has review?
Random Note #1: Patty Hearst, the original Stockholm syndrome gal, was indeed, in fact, a blonde. Oh, the things you learn on the Internet…
Random Note #2: Nao is my absolute favoritest character from Mai-Otome…independent, feisty, and extremely attractive. Who could ask for more?
