* Carefully looks around the corner *

Please don't kill me because I waited so long 

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"Shizuma?"

This can't be happening. Not while she's here, not now…

"Shizuma?"

Why did that idiot get the police involved? Why? Couldn't he have just developed those stupid pictures and sent them back to me?

"SHIZUMA?!!"

Startled, Shizuma looked up to see Miyuki swaying the phone in front of her face. Her friend had a worried expression on her face Shizuma knew she didn't deserve. Bracing herself, the silver haired girl sighed and took over the phone, staring at it like as if it were a snake who was swift to strike and very poisonous. I just hope this one doesn't bite…

"Hello, Hanazono Shizuma."

"Good day Miss Hanazono, I'm calling in connection with the pictures you sent to the photographer yesterday morning?"

"Yes, how can I help you?"

"Well, you see, the man who developed those pictures called us this morning to inform us about…the bruises and scars… did you take those pictures miss?"

Shizuma silently cursed the man, wishing him to the other end of the world, preferably somewhere with big, dangerous, photographer-eating carnivores.

"Yes sir, I did."

"Would you, by any chance know the victim?"

Like I'd tell you that, not in a million years!! This time, Shizuma silently agreed with her inner voice that was fuming with anger.

"No sir, I'm afraid I can't help you with that."

The other end of the line went quiet for a few seconds, but Shizuma could clearly hear someone whispering. Obviously the officer was now discussing things with his boss. Shizuma chuckled inwardly; they could whisper all they wanted, she wouldn't tell them anything about Miyuki.

Miyuki!!

Remembering her friend who was still sitting on the other end of the bed, Shizuma quickly looked at the girl's worried face, flashing her a reassuring grin.

Miyuki smiled back and blew her a kiss. Shizuma suddenly felt guilty as she looked into those trusting brown eyes. How did she make such a mess of things? And how on earth would she ever fix it? She knew she had to talk with Miyuki about the abuse…and tell her that she'd taken pictures. But, first things first.

"I'm sorry sir, but I really can't help you. Tell the photographer to send me my pictures and he'll get paid. I friendly advice you not to interfere, this is a personal matter. Thank you and have a good day!"

With this Shizuma pushed the off button and threw the phone on the bed.

"What was that all about, Shizuma?"

The blonde sighed and took Miyuki's hand, pulling her into her arms. Confused, the bluenette let herself be locked in Shizuma's embrace, not understanding why her friend acted so strange. Soft hands slowly caressed her back and Miyuki felt herself relax against Shizuma's body. This feels nice…

Fighting the urge not to fall asleep again, Miyuki tucked her head under her friend's chin, feeling perfectly safe and content. She felt warm breath tickling her ear when Shizuma leaned in closer. An uncontrolled shiver ran over her spine when the blonde gently kissed the sensitive skin.

"I'm sorry about this Miyuki, but I had no choice. I want you to understand I only did this because I care for you…"

Shizuma felt tears burning in her eyes as her voice broke down. She was just so scared…

Miyuki didn't have time to process her friend's words as long fingers tangled themselves in her hair, pulling her head up with gentle force. Her eyes opened in surprise but before she could say something, two lips locked her mouth, pulling the blue haired girl in a desperate kiss.

I tastes salt…I can taste tears…why are there tears?

Miyuki felt herself moving from Shizuma's mouth to her cheeks, kissing away the salty droplets that now rolled from misty green eyes.

Sobbing, Shizuma put two hands on either side of Miyuki's face and pushed her away. Shivering slightly, the young woman managed a weak smile and shook her head.

"You're making this difficult for me Miyuki. Please, just listen to what I have to say. I promise I only wanted to help you…please, just hear me out?"

Not wanting to upset her friend even more, Miyuki nodded and leaned back against the pillows to allow her friend some room. She knew Shizuma wanted some space to put herself together and she patiently waited until the sobs stilled. While sitting there, she couldn't suppress the feeling of something being wrong. Very wrong.

As she wiped the tears away, Shizuma desperately searched for a subtle way to bring her information. Finally; she decided there simply was no good or simple way to bring this, so she used the tactics that had always worked best for her; direct approach or otherwise translated: Blitz attack.

Now she had decided on her strategy, Shizuma knew there was no going back. She fought back a sarcastic grin at her inner voice; you enjoying this then?

Getting no response, Shizuma simply crawled next to Miyuki and began unbuttoning her nightgown.

"Shizuma! What are you-?"

"Shhh!" Shizuma placed two fingers on Miyuki's lips. Stilling the nervous girl, Shizuma continued opening buttons until she could slide the gown of shaking shoulders. When she pulled the material down, Miyuki's hands flew up to cover her shoulders and, as Shizuma had seen two nights earlier, the bruises on her back.

Smiling softly, Shizuma leaned forward and gently started prying Miyuki's fingers away.

No! I don't want her to see those, I don't want it! She'll ask how they got there…I can't tell her, he said he'd hurt me more if I told anyone! Please, Shizuma!!! Help me!

Gripping her own shoulders, Miyuki dug her nails into pale skin, drawing blood in the process. Small, red rivers started flowing down her back.

"Miyuki! Stop it, Miyuki!! Let go!"

Panicking, Shizuma gripped Miyuki's face and looked into her eyes. Again, the coldness and emptiness chocked her. She decided she had to stop this now, or Miyuki would hurt herself even more.

"I'm sorry, Miyuki…"

Shizuma looked at her friend regretfully and raised her hand.

"…but it's the only way."

She closed her eyes and then slapped her friend in the face.

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I hope I did a good job…please let me know what you think about it.

I want to thank all of you for being so patient and to go through the trouble of reading this in the first place.

Disclaimer: * takes megaphone * I DON'T OWN THEM!! I KNOW IT BY NOW, NO NEED TO RUB IT IN!!!!