Chapter 2: Faceless

Natsuki pulled up to Fujino Corporations and instantly felt out of place by how well dressed everyone is, in this part of town. The building towered with magnificence, made of the strongest metals and thickest of glass, shooting only her reflection back at her as she glanced at the tall, double entrance doors. One would have to croon their necks into the most inhuman positions to be able to see it in its entirety. She pushed her bike into a designated waiting bay and one of the security guards positioned outside the building approached her.

None too friendly, he asked, "What is your business here, girl?"

Of course this young, aloof girl riding a motorcycle to the biggest company in Fuuka had no business there. She looked fresh out of university and didn't know a thing about building development, infrastructure and foreign investment, just a few of the many things the company did. Natsuki sighed and immediately regretted not owning anything remotely fancy to match the ridiculously high standards of clothing these upper-class citizens donned. She did however, try to present herself as well as she could- black jeans instead of her standard blue, a white dress shirt with black tie and converse sneakers. All she owned were converse sneakers.

"I have an appointment with Ms. Fujino," Natsuki's tone lowered in annoyance but she reminded herself to stay civil, this was going to be her new work place on Monday.

"Right," he narrowed his eyes in suspicion and got his radio out, "What exactly was your name? I'll call it in to confirm"-

"There will be no need."

Everyone, including Natsuki froze and turned to the voice. The bulky security guard wasted no time in bowing his head at the figure walking confidently out the doors. For such a built man, he seemed comically small in the presence of the gorgeous woman Natsuki could only call,

"Ms. Fujino," she made sure her professional tone did not waver. It was hard to remain stoic at the sight of smooth thighs that went on for days, hidden only by the expensively tailored black office skirt she wore. Her blouse, a slight cream shade and her hair worn up in a loose bun. Her tall frame only seemed taller with the black heels that clicked in rhythm to her every step. She was breath taking.

"She is with me, Logan and she will be a part of your daily life come Monday. Get used to her." If Natsuki thought Shizuru's tone was cold before, she hadn't heard 'cold' till now. Natsuki could have sworn she saw Logan's shoulders stiffen, what exactly was so terrifying about this woman? The biker reached for her spare helmet and Shizuru waved her off.

"Please, I insist. Safety comes first on such a busy afternoon." It was one thing to speed on an empty highway at 3 am, it was another thing at 2 pm in a metropolis. If she was going to be professional, she was going to look after her clients. She took the helmet and handed it to Shizuru.

Shizuru said nothing for a moment and raised an eyebrow as if to question if Natsuki's defiance was a challenge or if she genuinely cared. Natsuki felt her gloved palms get slightly moist and quietly sighed in relief as Shizuru eventually took the helmet. "Where to, Ms. Fujino?"

"Garderobe."

Garderobe was one of Fuuka's leading establishments, providing a grandeur of hotels across the country catering to both local and international affairs. It was the top of its line, its 5-star standard maintained for years and it was owned by the Fujinos. If coffee and maybe lunch was going to be here, it will be an expensive coffee and maybe lunch that Natsuki couldn't possibly afford at this point. Shizuru called for a valet to take Natsuki's bike in and Natsuki once again felt severely under-dressed. Maybe she'll just have water.

"Ms. Kuga, you aren't going to leave me to have lunch on my own are you? I did specify that I hoped for some company."

Natsuki's train of thought was interrupted and she realised Shizuru had already began walking towards their destination... away from the hotel? "Where are we going, if I may ask?" Natsuki wondered why they weren't walking into the hotel and having all the staff at Shizuru's feet.

"There's another restaurant I had hoped to go to, the chef is just exquisite and the price is unpretentious. I get bored of these expensive places and people who try to please with an ulterior motive."

Natsuki was genuinely surprised, Shizuru was actually quite down to Earth. "We've stopped at Garderobe so we could securely park your bike. Garderobe provides top-range security and I do not wish for anything to happen to your beautiful Ducati."

'She referred to my bike as beautiful,' Natsuki found that strangely comical and flattering at the same time.

"Truthfully I had always had a fascination for bikes myself, but father insists I go no where near such things. I am to be proper and a figure of authority, forever sitting in the back seat and having some one else do the driving."

Natsuki felt Shizuru's mask slip again and she liked it. Shizuru seemed so faceless most of the time that this was refreshing. It made the woman seem more human, like she actually had emotions. Natsuki couldn't tell if she felt sorry for Shizuru but there was no way she could give a neutral, professional response after Shizuru had just opened up to her.

"Strictly non-business speaking, I could let you have a spin on my Ducati some time when I'm not working," Shizuru smiled and Natsuki felt warm, it was such a rare sight, "I won't mention it to your father or anyone else."

"I appreciate it," Shizuru said softly. She seemed in a better mood than she was this morning.

They were approaching a beach and Natsuki realised it was Fuuka Beach. They turned a corner and arrived at Kagutsuchi, one of the most well-known hotels in the area; Mai worked here. They entered the premise and Shizuru knew where to go, "Linden Baum, it is one of my favourite places to eat at. The atmosphere, the interior decoration, the staff, the food it is all refreshing and genuine. I see the chef at times and she is a hostess of friendliness and modesty. I hope this suits you as well as it suits me."

It's Linden Baum, the restaurant Mai worked at. Shizuru has met Mai, and Mai didn't even know who she had been speaking to. Perhaps the business woman preferred to be in unfamiliar environments so she would not be recognised and was thus allowed to be whoever she wanted to be. Perhaps Natsuki was over-thinking it.

Mai didn't work on Saturdays but her staff were well trained enough that she didn't need to be there. Shizuru enjoys the place nonetheless, "The signature Linden Ramen and a cup of green tea."

"And for you?" The waiter turned to Natsuki.

She decided to go for something less oriental, "I'd like a beef burger, thanks. With water."

"Chips on the side?"

"No that'd be fine, thank you." This place was not as pricey as Garderobe but it was still a 5-star hotel. Natsuki felt her wallet tear.

"My mother was not Japanese, German, actually. But she learnt to make the most amazing ramen for my father. I had not had any dish that came close to hers until I found this place," Shizuru took a sip of her tea. Natsuki recalled Shizuru mentioning coffee, but she supposed that wouldn't really have gone with the ramen.

"That explains a lot to me," Natsuki replied cautiously, "You don't look Japanese," Natsuki was careful with picking her words, although Shizuru seemed to be opening up, she didn't want to tread on uncharted territory and lose her job.

"I can't tell if that was a compliment or not," Shizuru deadpanned.

"Oh, I did not mean for it to sound offensive, I mean it isn't meant to offend, you're gorgeous, in fact if you were full Japanese I don't know if- well, maybe you wouldn't be as alluring, n-not that I'm into... yes, it's a compliment."

Shizuru chuckled, "Relax, I was pulling your leg."

Her mask is off. Natsuki couldn't sense anything threatening about this side of Shizuru at all. It this her real face? Another facade to put on for another person? Who is Shizuru Fujino? Natsuki wanted to know everything about her all of a sudden.

"What did you study in university?" Shizuru asked.

"Health Sciences, majored in Exercise Physiology."

Shizuru was intrigued, "You sound smart."

Natsuki laughed, "My mother was a biologist but I never had any interest in Biology. In school I thrived in Physical Education over any other subject. So I thought why not health science, live up to my mother somewhat, while still doing what I love."

"Yes, that would seem relevant."

"What did you do then, Ms. Fujino?"

"Psychology."

Natsuki swallowed. Shizuru just became that much more intimidating, maybe it was something Natsuki never should have asked. It was unnerving, knowing nobody could read Shizuru but she read everyone like an open book.

Natsuki finished off what was left of her burger, "So you're the smart one then," she tried nervously.

"I don't know, I never got to compete with other students to find out, I was home schooled."

"Oh." Natsuki felt a little awkward now. She got up to pay for her lunch and Shizuru stopped her.

"Where are you going?"

"I was just going to pay for this."

"I've covered it. This restaurant puts all my orders on a tab."

Natsuki did not feel comfortable owing Shizuru lunch, "Well I can pay you back."

"That will not be necessary, Ms. Kuga," Shizuru was adamant.

"But"-

"Sit." Shizuru wasn't joking, and Natsuki found her bottom back on the chair. 'What the hell, my body just seems to do everything she tells me to.' Masking her slight annoyance, the frustration of Shizuru's constantly shifting attitude is getting to her.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Kuga, I did not mean to sound controlling. The way I was brought up, sometimes the authoritarian in me is let out unwillingly. I genuinely wanted to pay for lunch, after all I called you out on such notice, it's the least I can do to repay you." Shizuru didn't seem like she was used to explaining herself, it probably was not something she normally had to do. Natsuki again, found herself flattered at Shizuru's attempt.

"Oh, don't worry about it."

"Shall you escort me back to the company then? I've taken up enough of your day."

Natsuki felt bad, "Oh, I wasn't doing anything today anyway. I'm not in a real rush. We could stay a bit if you wanted."

"Thank you," Shizuru appreciated Natsuki's considerate nature. "But I do have a bit to get through today."

Natsuki felt disappointed for a split second. She felt like she wanted to get to know this enigmatic woman even more. "Alright, I can take you back."

Natsuki watched as Shizuru retreated back into the building from the drive way, followers with business suits in tow. Probably heading towards an important meeting Natsuki will never have a part in. She put the spare helmet back into the seat compartment and strapped her own helmet on, Shizuru's parting 'thank you' fresh in her mind. Just before the brunette had gotten off the bike, her eyes expressed utmost gratitude for Natsuki's company even if her lips didn't part to reveal it. Natsuki sped off in the opposite direction, not really knowing where she wanted to head to next, maybe home so she could nap or Mai's place so she could relax? The wine shop where she met her underclassman, Tomoe? Water splashed onto Natsuki's helmet visor and she realised it had started raining quite heavily, 'Home then, I guess.'

Slowing down her speed as she came up to a narrow turn, she noticed a slightly shorter girl brisk walking on the pavement, shielding her head from the rain with her jacket. Water dripped from teal hair the jacket didn't manage to protect and Natsuki instantly recognised who it was. She felt terrible for the girl and her compassion would not allow the latter to walk home in such heavy rain. She slowed her bike to a stop in front of the girl and called out to her, "Tomoe, hey," she lifted up her helmet visor as the girl looked over to her, pleasant surprise all over her face.

"Natsuki! I didn't recognise you for a moment. What an unfortunate situation to be meeting you in, I'm soaked, how embarrassing." Tomoe stuck her tongue out.

"Yeah this rain came out of nowhere, it's crazy. Let me give you a lift home, it's not going to stop the rain falling on your awesome hair but at least you'll be home quicker," Natsuki joked.

Tomoe laughed, "I really wished I didn't look like a wet mess right now, I may have been able to enchant you into my home."

"Hey, maybe I like a wet mess," Natsuki replied playfully. She normally would be quite flustered from an attractive girl's advances, but Tomoe did look hilarious at the moment. She pulled her spare helmet out, "Here, put this on and hop onto the back. Where do you live?"

"Oh just the train station will be fine, it's only up this road," Tomoe said as she got on the back.

"Shut up, where do you live?" Natsuki looked at her reassuringly and Tomoe gave in.

"Reservoir, it's not too far from here." Tomoe lightly wrapped her arms around Natsuki. She seemed a little nervous.

"Ah, I know where that is, it's two suburbs away from mine. Direct me once we are close."

Tomoe's home was a 2 room unit in a round court of houses, making the area peaceful and secluded. Natsuki mentally noted how nice the area was and hoped she'd be able to afford something better once she gets paid by the company. Reaching the door way, Tomoe refused to hand Natsuki back her spare helmet.

"I feel like the only way I can repay you right now is to invite you into my home for a hot drink. It's cold and you need to warm up. I'm also keeping this hostage until you comply." Tomoe waved the helmet and hid it from view behind her back.

"Is this what you mean by 'enchanting me into your home'? It's not very convincing." Natsuki raised an eyebrow.

"Haha honestly, I just want to show my gratitude. Would you be so kind as to not leave a poor girl hanging? I don't deal well with feeling indebted," Tomoe pouted.

It was ridiculously adorable and Natsuki cursed at herself for being a softy. "Yeah alright, I suppose I have nothing going on for the rest of the day," she smiled.

"Great!" Tomoe unlocked the door and Natsuki followed suit. "I make a pretty decent cup of hot chocolate."

"Yeah? How decent?" Natsuki challenged and closed the door behind her.

"None of that instant stuff. Grind up some milk chocolate myself, heat it till it's melted perfectly, some cream and milk, it's to die for."

Natsuki quickly wiped the side of her mouth with her sleeve to make sure no drool found its way out. 'That does sound pretty damned delicious.' She was a glutton and she knew it.

"You look well-dressed, Natsuki but you should probably get out of those clothes too."

Natsuki looked incredulous at the suggestion, "Um."

"Please. You may be a marvel but I still have some self respect, I'm not suggesting anything except that you change into some of my spare clothes so you don't catch a cold," Tomoe teased.

"I feel like I'm overstaying my welcome now."

"And I'm welcoming you to overstay your welcome. It's not every day someone gives me a lift home in the rain. It's quite romantic."

Natsuki laughed, "You're quite the poet."

Tomoe got out some ingredients from the cupboards, "And you're quite the charmer." She began the process of melting the chocolate. "Hey, Natsuki you can go upstairs and get changed. My room is the first one on the left, just pick any clothes from the closet."

Natsuki stared intently at the array of clothing, not much suited her. Tomoe's taste was slightly more girly than her own and she sighed. 'Well it's better than staying in these uncomfortable wet clothes.' She opted for a black tank top and grey shorts that clung snugly against her hips. As she made her way downstairs, the piquant aroma of melted chocolate attacked her senses aggressively and there it was, 2 perfect cups of home-made hot chocolate.

Tomoe had already started sipping hers and Natsuki was still admiring the beverage. Tomoe looked at her in question, and rolled her eyes. "Yes, I've drugged your hot chocolate and I will take advantage of you once you are under its influence."

Natsuki gave her a look before sipping the drink, "Wow, this is delicious."

"Right?"

Natsuki took her place in the seat next to Tomoe and placed her cup on the kitchen counter. "What?"

"You look great in my clothes," the Athletics vice captain teased.

"You should see me in my clothes," Natsuki chimed.

Tomoe bit her lip at the thought. She totally wanted to. Or rather, lack-thereof. "Let's play 20 questions."

"Seriously?"

"To pass some time till the rain stops?"

"Alright, alright."

Shizuru looked out the window through her skyscraper office and sighed when it started to pour. She does not like the rain, it gets too gloomy for her already-complicated life. She had been going through new job applications and landed on Natsuki's file, eyes resting on that particular application for a bit longer than necessary. She rubbed her temples as she imagined what sort of life she could have had for herself instead of this dull, everyday-routine she found absolutely stale.

"Ms. Fujino," a voice came through her phone receiver.

She pushed the speaker button, "Haruka, speak."

"They've found Yuuta, they have him at the warehouse."

Shizuru's eyes narrowed. "Get me Logan and his men. I will be down in 5 minutes, I wish to speak with Yuuta myself," Shizuru's voice dripped with venom.

They arrived at the warehouse with their signature SUV's and one of the men moved to open Shizuru's side of the door. She stepped out with grace and proceeded to the warehouse entrance where another 2 men clad entirely in black, bowed and held the doors open for her. She stepped through and walked towards the back room, her steps confident and guarded, yet menacing to the trained eye.

A man in his late 50's sat tied to an uncomfortable steel chair, against the wall. His greying hair stained with dried blood and his face riddled with fresh bruises; he looked unconscious.

"Wake him up," Shizuru ordered.

One of the men grabbed a rusted bucket of water from the floor and roughly splashed the middle-aged man awake from his involuntary nap.

"Good evening, Yuuta. Did you have a good rest?" She asked with mock concern.

Yuuta's eyes widened in horror as he saw who stood above him, "Ms. Fujino, I... I"-

Shizuru shut him up effectively by placing a warm palm on his battered cheek. "Shhh, it's alright. Let me look at you." She turned his face from side to side like a mother would while inspecting her child's face after he's taken a fall. Yuuta was perplexed and uncertain of what his future was going to be in the woman's hands. Her comforting gesture did not bring him an ounce of relief, only a feeling of fear in his guts.

"Ms. Fujino, I never meant to betray your father. I did what I had to do, my family, they"-

Shizuru cut him off again, "Yuuta, it's okay. Tell me where Reito Kanzaki is and this will be over, I give you my word."

"P-please understand, he has threatened my family. If I speak a word of his whereabouts, he will kill them. My wife and my daughter." Yuuta's eyes were desperate but his pleading fell on deaf ears.

"And if you do not speak of his whereabouts, soon you will not be able to speak at all." Shizuru stroked his cheek gently, "I don't want that for you, Yuuta and surely you do not want that for yourself either, do you?" Her tone was soft and assuring, but everyone in the room knew what it truly hid. It was terrifying.

Yuuta looked like he was considering her threat as his lips started to quiver, he almost gave in to the fear and the pain. But his love for his wife and daughter kept him strong, his love for his family stood above everything else in existence to him. Suddenly, he stopped shaking and the tears in his eyes ceased. He felt light-headed as though his soul had floated above his body and he is now watching himself from afar, watching as this woman held his life in her grip, watching as he prepared for the inevitable like a violent soap opera in which he was the protagonist.

"I'm sorry Ms. Fujino," he said quietly. "Please have mercy."

Shizuru closed her eyes and let out a disappointed breath. "You know, I do not enjoy hurting people. This is the honest truth." She stepped away from him and turned towards the exit of the room, "unfortunately I was not raised to understand the meaning of mercy." She nodded to the men in the room and they picked up the pliers on the table as she walked out. Yuuta noticed the pliers and smiled helplessly to himself.

After the door had closed behind Shizuru, she leaned back against it and stared at the high ceiling of the warehouse. Pensively, she pulled out her phone and looked through her recent calls, stopping once she found Natsuki's number. She furrowed her eyebrows as Yuuta's screams of agony overpowered any sound coming from outside the building. It was deafening and she found herself wanting nothing more than to press dial.

Here's chapter 2. I honestly was pretty motivated by all the positive reviews I received from the last chapter and pulled this one out as quickly as I could; things will get pretty busy for me next week. Moving house, end of uni, all that stuff. I will still try to update as quickly as I can though. Thank you so much for all the support, I hope I've replied to all the reviewers who hold accounts, let me know if I've missed you.

Also, all the guests! What a shame I can't reply to you directly. But I will have you know most of your reviews made me smile or laugh, so thank you for that. Some of you seem to know me/remember me and I am very flattered :) Let me know who you are if we've messaged each other before! I miss my fanfiction buddies.

Ash