Disclaimer: I own nothing.. there.. --my head.. my aching head...--
A/N: I'm so sorry... I uploaded this as soon as I could.. hehe.. got stuck somewhere.. ARghh.. Anyways, Thanks guys for the review... I couldn't - WOULDN'T- update/continue this if it weren't for you all.. nuf of that... Here it is.. chappie fivuh!
WARNING: This is a merger-- again.. OCs.. And yes- surprise!!
Note: Someone actually sent me a privie message about the title, and requested to actually change it to Spiral Spiral... haha! I'll think about it dude..
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MAKI MAKI
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Chapter 5: Delayed too much
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Haruka seated calmly, Yukino beside her; both adjacent to a now sober Natsuki, whose left hand now occupied by a bag of ice. Haruka sported a bandaged arm, a casualty from breaking her fall when the biker fought back an hour ago.
Animosity was forgotten.
It was time for business.
Keeping her eyes still, but failing miserably, Yukino tried to push herself to speak. The momentary glances she's giving to her long time friend did not escape Natsuki's envious eyes. Yukino gasped when she felt Haruka's fingers entwine with hers. She can't help but smile.
Turning to the other girl, Yukino braced herself.
"I know where she is, Natsuki." It earned her a pleading look.
"We know where she is." Haruka's help was unexpected. Natsuki didn't move. She suddenly felt the urge to touch her reddened cheek but stopped as soon as she felt her hand move to do so.
The confirmation of Shizuru's whereabouts was enough to keep her at the edge of her seat. But she was too engrossed with what's happening and more so- with what's happened over the course of her come back.
Mai's hysterical feat was disturbing. It would be understandable for questions to barge in on her, but none came. And Mai just broke down.
Mikoto's uncanny features now prove worthy of her time. The younger girl, now as tall as Mai, had massive personality change. She even felt herself cower at her at some point. But it was Mikoto's relationship with Mai now that had really moved her.
Aoi's demeanor brushed her off. Was this really the girl who loved to just follow someone around? She never was a girl for long tiring conversation… what more of entertaining a guest?
Then, there's Reito and Haruka.
She shivered lightly.
Natsuki knew that she really was at fault. But if hate was to be thrown, it should come from Mai.
Really.
That would be less confusing.
Reito hating her, and having the guts to actually 'step' on her was just unthinkable. But it happened.
And all she did was hate herself.
Now, this…
The former student council member who strongly opposed Shizuru just slapped her for the same reason as Reito's. She just didn't get it.
Well, maybe she did.
--
Before she can stop herself, she stood up, walked towards Haruka and knelt again. But this time she made sure she was still in control of her emotions.
"Please…"
Haruka's face dimmed but she did not move a hand to shove Natsuki's away. Lowering her eyes, Natsuki continued.
"I… I have no idea… what happened to Shizuru was beyond me… And I should not be as stupid as to assume forgiveness would be given readily…" Her hand treaded cautiously, squaring Haruka from her seat.
"I don't even know - cared to find out – whether she'd be… "She let the word hang. Thinking about it was morosely unacceptable, mentioning it would be fatal for her. Natsuki was at a lost for quite a while before she felt heavy hands on her. She was expecting another bout from the blonde girl but she was surprised as instead of hands, words did the communication.
"You should get ready…" Haruka's voice was slightly warmer than her hands. Yukino stood up and helped the troubled Natsuki to her feet. Haruka also followed, comically dusting Natsuki's pants off of dirt. "You don't expect to be seen by her so dirty, would you?"
"Se—See? You mean…?!"
"Yes,Kuga. I'm sure you're ready." Natsuki's smile was replaced by a stern look; one of strong, unadulterated determination. Haruka smiled.
"Your cheeks…?" Yukino inquired, not regrettably.
"It still hurts." Natsuki answered. The smile showing again. Her eyes met with Haruka's, a mute understanding shared.
"Well then. Five minutes, Kuga."
"..Five?"
"Would you prefer longer?"
Haruka left the room even before Natsuki could mutter a reply. Yukino smiled at her, whisking her to get ready. Natsuki was too ecstatic to think.
Finally.
Closer.
--
The drive was long and much as Natsuki wants to memorize the surroundings – just in case – she just can't store anything in her.
She saw Yukino's head lying limp on Haruka's shoulder. She was sitting beside the blonde but she could still make out that they're hands are amazingly linked. She daydreamed again.
When she was 'away', all she could think of was Shizuru. The notion of showing herself up was too stupid for her. It wouldn't be like her. She was always a concrete decision-maker.
At first, she thought it was of guilt. The constant image of Shizuru hovering over her wakes her in a pool of sweat. She would even call it a nightmare.
But was it because of her fear of the girl?
Or did she desire the girl as well…?
Her heart, amazingly was saying that she was afraid of things…of new – intense – things… Because she was just not familiar with care… love… And ironically, her mind sided with the fact that it's stupid to be scared…
It says she's stupid and she has to come to her senses.
Her mind was at war, her heart swinging both ways.
It's calling Shizuru.
Shizuru is waiting.
Much has to be made and she will do anything. God forbid her fears materializing!
Shizuru's hand… could be as soft as feather, if it were to enclose hers.
If.
Please, let her not hate me too much.
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Had she been the younger version of herself, she would've trashed relentlessly all through out the drive. She was asked to prepare in less than 10 minutes, but the drive took them forever! Her exasperated sigh gave it all away.
"That is the logic to it, Kuga…" Haruka smirked.
"Yes, the drive was longer than usual…"
Usual, eh? So they've been here often…
"Would you like me to carry you out, Kuga?" The snap made Natsuki fumble with the car's door, immediately getting herself out of the darn thing – and of Haruka's way. Yukino, yet again, muttered a short apology.
--
The breeze caught up with her as she stepped out. Haruka was close behind so she had to move forward.
The place was simple. But – like Yukino's – unexpectedly quiet. Though this time, a couple of well-suited men walk the place.
Guards, perhaps?
She didn't notice Yukino walking ahead of her, until someone approached the girl. She walked briskly but was stopped by Haruka, the latter's eyes scolding her.
Yes, patience… I know…
Impatiently she watched as the two talked. The lady looked older than her but the way she cheerfully spoke with Yukino betrayed the mar of age. Haruka gave her a slight push, signaling the time to 'butt' in. Yukino also motioned to them, clearly introducing her to the other girl. As their eyes met, Natsuki's mind stopped.
She at least expected disgust, hate or even a slight annoyance to show. But instead of those, the woman's eyes were smiling - inviting. Natsuki stopped an arms length away from the group, Haruka already reaching Yukino's side. The lady bowed to her.
"Good day to you, Kuga Natsuki." The voice held nothing special. She's neither foreign nor native. She's just ---
"My name is Alistia." The way she pronounced her name was simple, yet Natsuki felt her spine shiver.
Was that…flirting?
"Oh, yes, Natsuki, Alistia will be our guide today. She will be – assisting us today." Yukino was saying.
Guide…? Assisting?
"Kuga, your compartment…" Haruka simply muttered.
"Comportment, Haruka…"
"What I said…?" Yukino shook her head.
"Yes, I'm sorry." Kuga bowed belatedly, not minding Haruka and Yukino on the side. She was still intrigued by this Alistia person.
A guide, huh…?
Before she can ask, Alistia turned and proceeded to go inside the place. Yukino followed, tugging the slightly blushing Haruka. Natsuki also followed, her eyes fixed on the tall girl ahead of them.
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"You may all wait here, Yukino."
"Thank you Alistia."
The lady smiled as she left the three in a medium-sized room. It was still plain, but the smell reminds Natsuki of one of those expensive hotel rooms she once rented – no choice on that - while she hurried her way here.
She was expecting something from the girl – of what, she wasn't sure of. Her assistance did little justice to her striking introduction. Natsuki sighed loud enough for Yukino and Haruka to notice.
"Chill, Kuga."
"Yes, Natsuki. Hurrying really won't help." Yukino added helpfully.
"Yes. I… I thought she—"
"Oh, Alistia…?" quickly picking up, Yukino opted to explain.
"No, Natsuki, Alistia is just one of the attendants here…"
"—I see..." Natsuki sat on a nearby couch. Haruka comfortably followed her, occupying the opposite one.
Haruka closed her eyes and let out a chuckle. "Waiting got you far."
Natsuki answered, slightly letting out a little of the burden she's carrying. "Right. Thank you."
I'll wait.
Like you did.
Shizuru.
--
The opening of the door startled them, but both Yukino and Haruka stood up and bowed the moment they saw who came in.
Natsuki certainly doesn't know this person.
And if Alistia made an impression on her, this one left her frozen in place.
Her hair was a striking disparity to Natsuki's; as the latter's hair was long, this one's is short; Natsuki's was of the night; the other's was of blinding morn of white. Snow paled to compare to the girl's alabaster skin.
The girl is, no doubt, taller than her, fuller than her. And though she sported an accommodating smile, Natsuki felt foul as she smelled the stink of a certain brat; that arrogant spawn of what not.
But those were not the once that kept her still -- it was the new comer's eyes.
Natsuki almost muttered Shizuru's name.
She felt herself bow, mimicking her two companions, greatly unnerved by the other's presence. Yukino was, again, doing the greetings and she felt robotic. At the mention of her name, she bowed again, and as she raised her almost numb body, she tried to meet the person's eyes.
Shizuru.
"Kuga Natsuki…" She repeated, stronger than she anticipated.
"Tamagaki Harumi." The person said.
Spring and summer.
She noticed that all the while, Haruka remained quiet. Was she also unnerved by this girl? She looked no more than of Haruka's age.
"May I see her now?" Natsuki couldn't help but press. Somehow she felt threatened.
This person obviously has more knowledge of where Shizuru is.
And she doesn't like that one bit.
"My, excited aren't we?" Sarcasm that was thrown casually.
That is so Nagi…
"Ta-Tamagaki - san, she's been meaning to see her. She is 'the' Natsuki."
Did Yukino's voice waver just now?
"I see…" Harumi muttered, the smirk not leaving. Yukino was supposed to speak again but was politely stopped by Harumi's eyes.
"You don't have to, Yukino-san. Her name, really, was enough…" Harumi turned to her again. " Of course, I know Kuga-san… the famous…" Natsuki tried not to clench her teeth.
She chose to avert her eyes and gave a quick glance at Haruka who still had her lips sealed.
Fear? Anger? Which is it..?
"I'm sorry, Natsuki…" Yukino's voice served as the only music in the dull room.
"Why do you keep her?" Again, her advance. It was against her tactic, being patient and all. This person is not reading good in her books! Yukino was about to say something but was again, stopped.
"I keep her, because I am Harumi." Her smirk was a little too playful, a little less comforting. Harumi walked towards the biker, relaxed and unmoved. Natsuki faced her at eye level.
"I'll show her to you, but you will have to stand back first. Do you understand?" Natsuki tilted hear head but knew she had no choice.
Why is everyone so tensed?
Her questions left unanswered, Natsuki saw the white-haired proceeded to go out. She motioned the three of them to follow. Haruka seemed to remember she was alive.
"Remember, Natsuki, do not 'hurry' the events…" Although Harumi's back faced theirs, Natsuki can almost trace the grin on the other's face. Haruka's hand reached her arm.
"Don't." It was low, audible to every one. But Harumi didn't mind.
Natsuki looked at Haruka and nodded. "I understand…"
They proceeded to walk until they reached a particular room. Harumi raised her hand, stopping Natsuki from following. She quietly motioned for her to take a peek if she would like. Then Harumi went in, leaving the door slightly a jar. Natsuki slowly peered in.
The room is spacious, with the bed on the farthest side. She saw Harumi get closer to the bed while calling out a person laying there.
"Hime-chan…?"
Natsuki's heart skipped a beat as the person propped herself up after being called.
"Harumi!"
"How are you, hime-chan…"
"I'm fine… ookini…"
Natsuki unconsciously straightened herself. All the waiting was nothing compared to what she has achieved now.
Finally.
There she was, too far for her to touch, but still too much for her to see. Her mouth felt hot, her palms sweaty. Natsuki opened the door just a little too much. The creaking of it was unnoticeable as she unfastened her lips dryly.
"…Shizu..ru…"
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A/N: She's here! They're here!! There.. atleast...right? haha! Cliffie-- yet again.. Sorry, told you guys, this is an experiment.. Well, anyways, hope you enjoyed it.. I will post the next chappie BUT... reviews please.. haha!
Hello to Carmen, who was too sweet in adding me as a friend in our imeem profile..Here it is, you naughty girl, you..! Haha.. Now I can sleep, geez.. You're the meanie.. ikezu!! haha!
Updated pics at my homepage, you may go and look at my prototype Harumi.Finally, she's here... Haha.. And NO-- I AM NOT HARUMI.. I'd be happily flirting endlessly if I was her.. lol.. I personally liked the idea of her being compared to Nagi... ooohhh... Brat! But no-- wait for the next chap.. don't judge my Harumi just yet.. -kisses.Harumi-
Tenshi No Tsume: dude I'll mail you the link.. I might be sued.. haha..
Thanks for the reviews, yet again.. please review this one as well.. -HUGS-
To my inspiration: I hope you enjoyed this one.. I sincerely hope you did..