Disclaimer: I don't own MaiHime.
A/N: Wahh.. Happy? The spoilers were launched... gah.. hehe.. AGAIN.. THIS IS AN EXPERIMENT.. PLEASE.. Please... be patient guys.. NO, SHIZURU IS NOT TIRED! haha! Thanks for reading my works.. and sending those marvelous reviews.. YUMMY! For better enjoyment of this chapter, please listen to Fortuna by Yousei Teikoku, a MaiHime soundtrack, while reading..
WARNING: This can either bring light to what's really going on, or just give you guys more reason to kill me... arghh...
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MAKI MAKI
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Chapter 4: Flash and Pit stop
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The place was huge but Natsuki felt it constrict her lungs. Mikoto walked briskly, clearly showing she knows the place too well. It's not a house, to say the least. It's a – well – it's huge. And the place is well-kept but strangely empty.
Except for the girl standing just ahead of them.
Natsuki tried to make out who the girl was. But she really doesn't need to exert much.
"Ah, Natsuki… Mikoto… " The girl bowed, her brown hair held up neatly. She wore a casual shirt and jeans. Like the tablet outside, she was a little off to be here.
".. A-Aoi..? Her bewilderment made the other girl blush.
"I should be the one giving you that look." Aoi countered. Mikoto just looked on as Natsuki was caught off guard.
Of course…
"It's good…" Aoi continued. "… All of it, all of it was just truly a ruse…neh? It's great that it was… " The biker flinched. Aoi gently wiped a tear that never made it out. Seeing Natsuki – in the flesh -… She was given the facts, but seeing it first hand; it was just too overwhelming.
Natsuki just stood still. There were too many people – she never thought of it four years ago. She just went ahead and did it! Not minding how the others would feel. All she thought of was she had to go away - at all cost.
Such a fool… Her shoulders shook in controlled anger; anger directed to herself.
"Ne, don't be like that… I'm sorry, Nats—"
"No!" Natsuki cut off, surprising the other girl. Mikoto also was taken aback. "… Please… don't apologize…" Bitterness took over her voice that Aoi can only nod.
Shaking her head, visibly trying to clear any other thoughts, Natsuki released a heavy sigh.
"I apologize – for that…"
The words struck Aoi but the smile automatically appeared.
"We have our reasons. Natsuki." She turned around quickly urging them to follow her.
"Well, so far so good…" Mikoto's voice comforted her. With the statement, she bothered a smile.
"Yes… so far so good."
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They entered a room, much normal than what they've been passing through. Along the way, just to keep them entertained, Aoi gave a few explanation on things – for Natsuki's sake.
She confirmed that the estate is owned by Yukino's father, and that she was more than happy to be working here part time as a researcher. Natsuki just listened feeling nostalgic all the while. Mikoto chose to interact in behalf of Natsuki. It was informative, but lacking the important things she came here for.
She was selfish, still, after all this time.
Sitting by the room, now being served unusually with juice, Natsuki managed to form safe questions.
"So, you also act as Yukino's secretary?"
"In a way, yes. But to be blunt, just for occasions, like this." The wall broken, Aoi is now composed, so different from the girl of before.
Natsuki dismissed her thoughts. She cannot just conclude that, or decide on that matter, what's with her not being around to witness the gradual change.
A quick look at the other girl made her eyes burn. This person never held something for her, and yet, seeing her and Mikoto, and Mai and Reito—seeing them just makes her weak. Memories she barred flowed relentlessly, memories she wanted gone along with 'her' that one fateful day.
Her head suddenly snapped as she saw something by the window; yet another nostalgic image, but she can't put a name to it – just yet.
"Natsuki – are you alright?"
"Un. I thought I saw something…" Aoi waved her hand.
"The wind… perhaps?"
"—someone, rather. " Natsuki earned questioning looks. What's the name?
"Hallucinating? GAH! You should keep yourself together, old lady!" Mikoto tried to laugh but was only able to smirk.
"No…" her expression not changing, her anxiety heightened, she turned to Aoi. "Miyu…"
The slight shadow was hard to notice as it crossed Aoi's eyes briefly. Natsuki, unfortunately, missed it, still engrossed boring a whole through the window.
"That—can't be, Natsuki. That's just imagination. Maybe all this reminiscing is not doing well for you. We could talk of other things…"
"Like your travels, Natsuki…" Mikoto's suggestion caught her off guard.
Travels.
Nicely put… she thought as she straightened herself from sitting. Seems like everyone knew of her act. Which could mean, Shizu—
"Natsuki..? You spaced out again…" Aoi's voice hinted of worry. Mikoto just glared at the blue-haired.
"I told you! Be ready! Geez… Now you're too weak to focus…" Natsuki blinked, smiling and thanking the gods for having Mikoto right now.
"I'm… sorry. Of course, travels, neh?" Natsuki took the slender glass and drank what's inside. Sweet juice. Not bad. But not what she's missing.
She placed the glass and decided to concentrate on what's ahead.
"Well, I… I've been to remote places. And I have learned a lot…" And realized a lot.
The conversation dragged on, as the sun beat hard on the windows of the well-ventilated room. Somehow, speaking with people as if nothing has happened, as if she never left, was really good. But she knows, good things – most of the time – must end.
When the clock struck 11 in the morning, Aoi looked at her watch. She smiled apologetically, thanked Natsuki's patience. She even joked about Natsuki's character changing over the course of time, especially her ability to take thing slower than her usual manner.
Her words felt hollow, but Natsuki accepted. Aoi stood up and motioned for Natsuki to stay while she escorts Mikoto out. Yukino should be coming soon, she added.
"M-Mikoto.. You're not staying..?" Before she could stop herself, the shameful words left her. Mikoto only grinned.
"You're a big girl Natsuki, you don't need my help from here." Natsuki can only smile back. The younger girl is right, never thought she'd admit that.
"Thank you, Mikoto. And Aoi, thanks also."
"Don't mention it, Natsuki. Welcome back." Aoi bowed, a little too formal, a little too sincere.
"No problem, old lady." Mikoto muttered, waving her a goodbye.
"Baka Ramen Monster…"
"Yea, whatever…"
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As soon as the door closed, leaving her all alone, Natsuki's worries came back. But before she could entertain them the door opened once again.
The person who entered was expected, but seeing her for the first time after all these years, Natsuki still felt a lump in her throat. She had been controlling the urge of asking for Shizuru, but as she looked at those eyes framed by translucent glasses, she felt herself break.
Before any words were muttered, Natsuki knelt in front of Yukino, mindlessly clutching at the other girl's limb, the Kikukawa heir was a bit surprised but remained staggeringly calm. From her position, she can see how Natsuki's shoulder trembled, and how the biker's deft hands crumpled her favorite skirt. She smiled as she reached to pull the other girl up.
Natsuki's eyes, duller and broken, held Yukino's. She wanted to hug the distraught comrade only to be stopped by the pressing matter at hand.
When she learned that Natsuki was indeed alive, she was torn between revealing it or just letting it be. She wanted to help, but if she did, it's either she'll be helping the other or foiling the plans of the other. Either way, she was not in the position to decide.
Looking at the girl now, she wished she had just helped out.
Natsuki cried, as quietly as she could. It was just unfair for her to have this personality. Shizuru loved that part of her, but she detests it! Her uncaring and cool ways just brought her misery.
They stood there, apart. Natsuki continued her lone despair, Yukino just held out her hand to support the other girl. The reason for the return of Natsuki was evident. That, Yukino is sure of.
The jarring of the door stunned the two. Yukino was too shocked to even stop the impact.
It was so fast and Natsuki just felt a sharp tug at her arm while her body was pushed to the wall, the loud thud waking her. Her mind reeled but as she came to, she came face to face with a pair of purple eyes.
The push was given again, not to knock her out but perhaps to bring her to senses. She can vaguely hear Yukino stopping the person from what she's doing.
Finally, Natsuki adjusted her sight, her back aching, her instinct kicking in. Mustering all her waken strength, she propped herself, adjusting to the wall and with precision, launched herself towards her assaulter, landing both of them heavily on the floor. Natsuki got up as quickly as she could, backed away slightly and readied herself for another attack.
With her eyes catching on to the blurry images from before, recognition dawned on her. Before she can blurt a question out, Yukino was already on the side of the other girl who still got the wind knocked out of her.
"Haruka? Haruka! You're so careless…" Yukino helped the other girl up and flashed an apology at Natsuki who was too baffled at what just happened. Haruka wobbled but remained standing, her eyes fixing again at Natsuki. The hate was there.
Just like Reito's…
Yukino tried to pacify Haruka by putting herself in between them. But Haruka simply looked at Yukino, softness evident in her eyes as she firmly but carefully moved the brown-haired girl aside.
Facing the still-stunned Natsuki, Haruka advanced carefully. Her eyes were defiant, her lips trembled of unspoken agitation.
Natsuki lowered her arm. She knows she has to protect herelf but somehow the eyes – their eyes – showed desire. Desire for retribution, perhaps.
All too sudden, Haruka had her by the collar, her other sleeve tearing due to the intensity of the grip.
"Why are you here?" Through clenched teeth, the words felt like thousand knives. Natsuki decided to answer.
"I came back for her—"
"Foolish! After all this time?" The grip tightened. Yukino now stood behind Haruka, tears streaming uncontrollably.
"I want to bury you for good, Kuga! You have no idea how I loathe your means!" With that, Natsuki's mouth moved.
"Why? Tell me? I bet you were too glad I left…" Haruka's eyes widened. She pushed Natsuki hard, crashing the other girl on the table.
"Haruka!" The blonde was oblivious to her partner's call.
"Excuses?!" She mockingly asked, picking up the still dazed Natsuki.
"You are so sure aren't you? Like a kid running back to her mother!" Natsuki shoved Haruka's hand away. Her emerald pools answering the spark on Haruka's purple ones.
"I am." She stood defiantly.
"Haruka, please…!" Yukino stopped Haruka from violently advancing towards Natsuki.
Natsuki continued.
She needed to explain.
She needed help.
"I don't know why, but I feel her. Shizuru will forgive me. She will! I know, I'm selfish, but please! Without her, I am nothing… I… I just… I just realized that…" Her body shook slightly.
"I was afraid... Who wouldn't? I wasn't… accustomed… to things like this… " Natsuki looked straight at Haruka, the older girl meeting hers, waiting.
"Surely, you understand, Haruka. I remembered you're the one who called this disgustin---"
The slap came and she fell back. Natsuki felt the trickle of blood oozed from the side of her lips. Her palm reached for the sore spot. She flinched. She looked at the one who hit her.
"You… You have so many excuses… You of all people should know what your actions will do to her…" Haruka marched off towards the door.
"No matter, your reasons are not enough." She continued as she reached for the handle. Yukino shot worried looks at Natsuki, who was still in trance. Before Haruka could leave, she looked at Natsuki. The blue-haired waited but she saw weariness on those purple eyes that earlier held strength.
"That – " Haruka lifted her hand and shook it lightly.
"You may have not deserved that from me, but if that hurts, then I think you really deserved it…" She left with a thud which brought Yukino up to her feet. She looked at Natsuki, still stunned.
"I'm sorry, Natsuki. Please stay here. I—I'll be back…" Awkward as it may seem, Yukino took off and ran after Haruka. She's sure Natsuki would understand.
Natsuki was left with nothing but her sticky palm on her throbbing cheek. A smile formed on her lips.
"It… hurts, Haruka. A lot…"
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"Hmm... You're tensed, what' up?" Chie muttered as she snuggled closer. Aoi left out a gentle sigh as she stroked Chie's darkened locks.
Chie propped herself to look at her lover, her eyes staining of anxiety. A kiss made the worry lessen a bit.
"She…came back." Aoi stated, lowering her head at the crook of Chie's neck. Chie was shocked but quickly recovered, a slow, sad grin forming.
"I was right, wasn't I?" The voice was laced with sorrow instead of the normal triumphant tone Chie used whenever her rumors were proven true. This time, it wasn't as simple as high school.
"Yes."
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A/N: AHHH.. Longer? Yes, I edited the pacing. This should be two chapters, but since glowie has a knife on my throat - hahaha! - I have merged them into one.
Now, please glowie, lower the knife.. yes.. that's it.. good... -sigh-
Thanks to my dear readers... Did you like the pictures? I added one of my original early potrayals of Haru-kun.
Reviews guys.. I know this is slightly not to the taste of many, so please feed me criticismzzz... Thank you for the sweet words form my constant critics... You guys know how badly I beg for them.. haha!
The next update will be late... Sorry, got to go somewhere... I'll be back this Saturday, CST.
To my inspiration: Sweetie, can I call you mine? Haha.. Good thing you don't know you're the one I'm pointing to...Hah! The beauty of innocence...