Love Stalks In

Melody

Disclaimer: Don't own Mai Hime, just this twisted plot bunny that yanks on my ear…

Natsuki finally retired for the night, shutting off the office lights at midnight. The cobalt haired woman secured the box under her desk, sure that none of her employees would dare to snoop around, lest encourage the wrath of the Ice HiME.

Looking at the windows which were uncovered from her curtains, Natsuki studied her exhausted reflection, dark circles under her eyes and hair tangled. Tired green eyes watched as Shizuru, in all her nineteen years, strode to her side, rubbing Natsuki's left shoulder soothingly.

Natsuki sighed, emerald eyes closing before opening, a faint realization of not wanting to know the truth lying behind them. Natsuki turned from the window to survey the empty room, heart feeling heavy. Shrugging it off, Natsuki strode out of the door, soon exiting the building altogether.

Stretching in her chair, Doctor Von Gier yawned boredly at her paperwork, poking it with a sleek pen, just in case that might make it all go away. Obviously, this was not the case, and Gabrielle scowled.

Mai had long since left, teary eyed, to their home. Gabrielle barely saw the place Mai called 'home' anymore, severe cases keeping her in the office later and later.

Observing the photos on her desk, Gabrielle straightened one of the cobalt haired woman she felt guilt for. In the photo, Natsuki was the epitome of happiness, broad smile showing it.

Touching the grey frame, Gabrielle sighed. "You just won't wake from that nightmare, will you?" She muttered, tapping the photo dully.

The phone rang loudly, jarring the doctor. "We've got a problem." Came a nervous voice from the other line. 'Another fated whisper to be heard.'

Arriving at her home, Natsuki fell upon her couch, taking in the warmth. Sitting up, she took a look at the walls, where no pictures hung. The heady scent of lilacs intruded her senses, and sleep deprived evergreen eyes caught bright crimson orbs. Shizuru was seated beside her older lover, resting her head on Natsuki's strong shoulder.

"Shizuru…" Natsuki breathed, surrounded by the aroma of the taunting lilacs, squeezing her dulled eyes closed. Natsuki felt warm breath on her ear, and soon the Kyoto-ben accented voice filled her mind.

"Ara, Natsuki. It appears you are just too stubborn for your own good."

Confused, Natsuki looked to her side, to find a empty couch. Shaking her head, Natsuki decided a warm shower would be wise before bed. Ignoring the fact that she was still dressed, Natsuki blasted the water, and stepped into the falling torrent.

Soon, Natsuki's clothes were as wet as her hair, and dulled ivy pools barely registered this fact.

Behind the closed doorway of the restroom, one chestnut haired teenager placed a hand over her mouth, tears overflowing her beautiful wine red eyes.

Feeling weighted down with guilt, Gabrielle's heavy footfalls echoed the mostly empty hallway of the hospital. The doctor eventually got to the accurate room, walking into the somber room.

Admiring the pictures upon the walls, mostly just two people she knew in each one of them. Coming to a stop in front of the single bed in the room, Gabrielle lifted the chart up to view. Twenty-three years, and only one interesting patient.

Well, not really interesting, just a comatose patient, one with very angry and very impatient friends, demanding the impossible. Demanding from the young doctor to bring their friend back from the coma, and that 'money was not a issue'.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes, and scoffed under her breath, putting the unchanged chart back. Standing beside the bed, Gabrielle pushed back the patients long, well taken care of, hair back and checked the striking eyes for changes.

Noting no change, Gabrielle leaned up a bit, a thinking expression upon her pale face. What could she do with a patient who just wouldn't wake?

Authors note.

Natsuki: "Just what the hell is happening? I'm so confused!"

D.V.G/Author: "I find that the story, while a little confusing, is actually easy to understand."

Natsuki shoots the author the famous 'Kuga Death Glare'.

Natsuki: "That's because you're the author!"

Shizuru: "Ara, my Natsuki has a point."

Natsuki: "Ha, see?"

D.V.G/Author: "Sure, side with a dead woman."

Everyone shoots shocked glances at the author.

D.V.G/Author: "Too soon?" *Is soon killed.*

*Also, I apologize ahead for any stalled chapters, exams are soon to begin.*