Disclaimer: I don't own MaiHime.
A/N: Greatly sorry for being soooo late.. Hehe... I had.. uhmm.. a heart break.. -ouchie- LMAO.. anyways! never mind that..
THANKS again to my amazing friends... the reviews are getting too sweet for comfort.. Guys, must you drown me with happiness? haha! peace.. Thank you for the continued support of MakiMaki... This experiment has gone beyond me..
Well, this was late because, again, it was edited... the chapters were supposedly shorter, like chapter 1, 2 and 3... But I decided mergers and --BAM!
So, yes another merger.. Might get a little rough.. But, I'll make sure I do clean ups.. rants rants rants...
The title is from Jaded by Aerosmith.. 'my, my baby blue..! I've been thinking 'bout you...my, my...' and so on..
WAA!! Nuf said.. please enjoy this one.. And yes, volk, I squeezed my brains out this time! LMAO!
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MAKI MAKI
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Chapter 9: Baby Blue
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" Ojousama…?"
The quiet knock on her door brought the frown back to her face. Another day of solitude ruined yet again… She hesitantly answered the call.
"Come in…" She placed the book she's reading down and faced her father's aid. The man was too old to be her father and yet still strong to actually stand in as her bodyguard. Her brows furrowed even more as she saw what he held in his hands.
"W-What are those? Who gave them? And who said I want them?" She asked forcibly. The man didn't flinch. For the record, he's the most used to their master's only child's feats. His gentle smile made her pout.
He gently walked towards the young girl, carefully holding on to the object of his ojousama's glare.
"Come now, ojousama… These are not bad… Not bad at all… Another one from… the hundreds… But I've carefully chosen this, and I never told anyone who got it for you…This one suits your hair…"
His hands were swift; he carefully, yet artistically laid out his hand, the object presented unmoving. She can only mutter disgust…
Roses…
She hated them.
"Ojousama..." He nudged her to actually taking the bouquet, possibly earning a place in her huge, all-too-solemn room. She sighed.
"…I said… I don't like them…All of them…" She looked at the man before her. "Honestly… why do you bring one all the time?" She looked at the things and clenched her teeth.
The man carefully laid the flowers on her lap. She never moved to reject them.
As always…
"…I promised your father that, soon enough, you'll actually visit your mother's rose garden… Despite things…" he kindly said. "And besides, those people also did their best, putting effort even, in giving you those everyday."
"… Those things… they only make me look weak..." She still let the object lay untouched on her lap. "Are you really on my side…?"
The man simply smiled. She continued.
"…Please… Don't bring these again… I may not be able to throw them… But… I can always lock the door…"
"I will still try… You really should ease up… You are, still and forever will be, a princess of this cold castle…" The softness remained. She brought her hand up and wiped her eyes even before tears actually form.
"I… I am not a princess…" she stood up, letting the bouquet fall on the floor. She looked at it and slowly, but with more force than needed, stepped on them. The old man can only look on; the sadness evident.
Her smile was bitter, her actions are overwhelming. She gave the old man a look, her crimson eyes dreary. "Would you look at that...? I can actually crush these things…" Her foot moved on accord, squishing the broken petals on her floor. The man stayed still.
She looked at the white roses and her smile grew as she saw how torn they are. "I may have been a princess—but the king made me decide otherwise…" She sat back down, her hands clasped on her lap, her face tilted to the side.
"My father doesn't need a princess… " Her cocky smile almost unnerved the old man, but what can he do?
"…And I don't need flowers…"
The man nodded his head, forlorn gripped him as he bowed and turned to leave the room.
"Oh—yes, one more thing? Please send a maid to clean this... joke of a gift…" She turned to her book again and read.
"Hai, Harumi-sama…"
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Her father arrived but she can't care less… She cared though. Not for her father.
"How was the trip, Alistia?" Her attention directed towards a girl, quite older than her, but still equally – and almost dangerously – gorgeous to look at. She mused at her own heart as it battered hard against her chest. She looked at the girl intently, feeling her heart boil.
She desired the girl. She was too wonderful, that Harumi wanted to watch her, and care for the delicateness that the older girl exudes.
A complete façade… And Harumi loves it.
Alistia was a façade of emotions.
A living lie.
And Harumi adored her as much as she hated her.
Much like a rose…
Her father walked towards her, even before the girl can mutter a reply.
"My, have you grown an inch?" his hands were cold and yet it burned her face as it landed there to caress her. She slanted her face and wore her mask.
"Father, I'm glad you're home." Her smile faded as Alistia linked her arms with her father, the smile never leaving the brown-haired girl. Harumi steadied her smile, her heart pounded heavily.
"Well, we have to rest… It was a long and tiring trip… At dinner, I will give you your present… okay?" Her father patted her head, her gentle heart breaking. She turned to look as the two walked towards the inner of the house. Her fist tightened; her mask threatening to fall.
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He was always a visitor here.
A well-welcomed visitor, Harumi thought.
She sipped her tea meticulously, as she wasn't trained to do otherwise. She eyed the man in front of him, He's greatness wasn't much to leave her shaking. He was nothing to her.
And yet, her father walked side by side him, catering to the his whimsical wishes.
Her eyes turned to his father, who seriously conversed with the visitor. The solemnity was too much. But she was needed here, and it was her obligation, as the Tamagaki heir, to be here.
A turn over of servitude, perhaps? Harumi almost smirked but considered where she was and quieted her thoughts. It never appealed to her, but…
She glanced at the other girl in the room sitting beside her father. Her brown-hair complimented her eyes and her hands danced unnoticed to others as it played with a pen.
Alistia… If I can get away from you… then…
"Harumi…" her father's voice cut her and she almost gasped.
"Yes, father?" She noticed that the man was also looking at her-- just a little too soft for comfort. She let her frown show.
"You have to go with him tomorrow." Her father's voice almost pleaded. She nodded. She thought it was ridiculous to actually ask her to escort the man, but her father always had his way.
She placed the cup down. "Of course, father." She averted her eyes from looking at Alistia.
"You'll be helping him with his concern, so please prepare to stay there for the meantime." Her head shot up. Stay?
"Why would I need to stay?" she looked at the other man. "I'm sorry for being rude, but what is it that I can assist you with, ojiisama?"
The man was reluctant, but handed her a file. She took it and was surprised that her hand shook.
"That—"He was saying. "That is my daughter… My only daughter…" Harumi felt her breathe hasten. The girl's hair, it was like Alistia's—only lighter. Her smile, all-too familiar… Is it a smirk, a mock, or just a childish grin perhaps? You can never tell.
Much like Alistia's…
Her face, even through a photograph, feels soft. Yet she felt the sting. A beauty that promises the punishment of thorns!
Much like a rose…
But that wasn't what made her heart raced. It was her eyes.
"Her name is Shizuru… And she badly needs your expertise, Harumi…" Her father continued. She almost said yes all too quickly. Harumi wanted to meet this Shizuru as soon as possible. There is just something about her. But she contemplated.
She's skilled… too skilled. And this man asking for her service considering the amount of money he can dispose off, the case could be intricate. So the meaning of the words 'for the meantime' could be a pun. She knows it will be longer than just that.
And I can't afford it!
She glanced at Alistia, her eyes searching. She found one, so playful it hurt. But… it's her chance.
"Father may I speak with you…?" the man almost stood up, his worry evident.
"A-are you… refusing, Harumi-kun?" he was not commanding, not demanding. Just plain weak.
"No, ojiisama…" she smiled then turned to her father. "I just…need a favor, before I fully accept…" Her father's eyes widened.
"Saa… Harumi, ask anything and you shall have it… But please, go with him and help Shizuru-chan, neh?" Her smile reached Alistia who also smiled in understanding.
Quick, aren't we?
"Then," she stood and bowed to the Fujino master. "… Please excuse me and my father… We just need to discuss what is that I wish for…"
The man smiled at her and shook her father's hand. She vaguely heard a request for her father to just say yes at anything, which her father almost happily agreed to do.
One last time, she looked at Alistia, the older girl had her hand on her chin, her gaze too erotic to stand. But now, it excited her.
Finally…
As they went out and her favors surprisingly granted, her smiled never left her face.
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As she sat on the back of the car that will take her to the Fujino mansion, Harumi can't help but look at the file again.
The pictures were the most recent, as what the man told her. She was looking at the picture when a hand suddenly covered them. She quickly glanced at her side but before she can speak, her lips were covered with soft ones.
Harumi wasn't able to speak when it ended. And her cheeks burn as a soft chuckle drowned her ears.
"Oh dear… You mustn't look at that so much… I might get jealous…Haru-kun…" Alistia's voice brought her back. Her smile graced her face.
"Really now, Alistia?"
"What if I say yes, Haru-kun?"
"Then…" she handed her the file. "Please do so, for me… You are my personal secretary now, right?" Alistia's smile never wavered as she took the file to carefully examine them.
"Of course, Tamagaki-sama…"
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"Shizuru…" the man's voice was heavy as he called on. Harumi was perplexed. The man insisted for he to see her daughter right away.
As he opened the door, Harumi can't help but gasp.
The room was darkened by the thick curtains that hung by its window. There was nothing there, save for the huge bed and a table side.
It was like her room.
"Shizuru… I have here… a cousin…" The man hesitated but Harumi smiled. She still can't make out Shizuru's form. The man stopped and motioned Harumi to take care of things. Harumi thought that the Fujino master can't take it anymore. She smiled at the man and gestured for him to leave it to her.
As the man left, she neared the bed. She took extra precaution; this girl could already be insane.
"…Shizuru…?" she called. The form moved. She can now make out the girl's profile.
"Shizuru… I'm Harumi… Is it okay to…sit… beside… you…" her voice trailed. She was now looking directly at those crimson eyes.
They were so much like hers.
The rigidity, the raggedness, the anger… everything…
Harumi felt herself spellbound to the girl. Shizuru looked at her quizzically. She's not insane, but her life is fading… Right before Harumi's eyes.
She's perfect...
Shizuru's night shirt was still in tact, no torn in place. Her hands were red with cut marks that were cleaned but still marred the beauty of it. Harumi sat gently beside her and touched her hair.
...Like a rose...wilting...
"Who are you?" the voice was low, but sharp. It never moved to shove her hand away, but the look she' giving her was too strong.
"Harumi…" she answered quicker than she intended.
The girl angled her face on the side. "And…" Shizuru's smile showed surprisingly. It was mocking her. "…why are you here…?"
Harumi's heart sank. The bitterness was there, it was unmistakable... The pain was too familiar. She decided.
"I'm here to make you happy… Shizuru – hime…"
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Natsuki was a bit surprised to feel the quietness of the room as they came back. Haruka stood by the window and now turned to them, searching her face.
She gave her a quick smile and turned to Shizuru who also had a worried look.
"My… my… did we take that long? So sorry…" Harumi walked towards Shizuru and carefully bent down to whisper something to her ear. Natsuki almost fumed.
She's starting…
"Shizuru-hime… I would like to tell you something…It's more of a gift, actually…" Harumi was saying. Shizuru's eyes widened momentarily. Before Harumi could continue, she lightly placed her hand on her shoulder and shook her head to the side.
"…Hime-chan?" Harumi was also startled but straightened herself. She helped Shizuru up as well.
"Harumi-san… I think I know what it is…" Shizuru almost made Natsuki shake. The blue-haired exchanged looks with Haruka who just shrugged. Harumi smiled, quickly catching up.
"Hmm… wonderful Hime-chan…" Shizuru nodded at Harumi then walked towards the far end of the room. Natsuki stopped dead on her tracks. Her mind wheeled.
Haruka seemed confident but what was Shizuru saying? Natsuki felt her knees weakened some more.
"Kuga Natsuki…" Shizuru's voice was not soft, but it wasn't harsh neither, as she stopped briefly, her back turned. Natsuki can't look.
"H-Hai…?"
"It's our turn… to talk… " Shizuru looked at Harumi and smiled. "…Alone, please?"
Harumi nodded and bowed, rather princely in manner. Shizuru continued on towards the corner. Harumi glanced at Haruka who walked to follow her out the door. Natsuki wanted to stop the blonde but chose otherwise. She watched as the door opened and closed.
"Natsuki… please sit here, with me…" Shizuru's voice was comforting now. She patted the place in the long couch that was placed at the far end of the room. Natsuki strolled heavily, dreading what has to come.
Where had all my blood gone?
She glanced at Shizuru who quickly gave her a smile. As soon she sat beside the chestnut-haired girl, she felt her hands tremble uncontrollably, her eyes still not looking at the other.
Soft hands covered her own.
"Natsuki… tell me…" Shizuru's voice was a whisper…and with desperation. Natsuki finally gave in and stared at those crimson orbs. Shizuru continued.
"You… I…" the smile escaped the older girl's lips. "… Ara… Natsuki is making my words unsound."
"Shi-Shizuru… I have to tell yo—" Natsuki was silenced by Shizuru's hand.
"Before you do tell me anything, Natsuki… please confirm this first…" Natsuki waited. Shizuru sighed.
"I… We… know each other… right?" Natsuki felt a lump but nodded. Shizuru closed her eyes.
"We have known each other… and we were…close… right?" Natsuki can only nod. Shizuru's eyes had her hypnotized, yet again.
"We… When we kissed…" Natsuki winced. Shizuru continued, but this time, she held the biker's hand. "...It wasn't… It wasn't an accident…right?" The blue-haired felt she didn't need to answer that. Shizuru –also- felt she didn't need it.
Natsuki wanted to speak, but can't. Shizuru was monopolizing everything.
"Natsuki…" the call was soft – too incredibly soft. Natsuki stared at Shizuru, her jade eyes almost drowning. "Was I…?" Shizuru's words stopped. Natsuki gave a light squeeze on Shizuru's hand.
Encouragement… I'm the one needing that…
Shizuru smiled at her but quickly looked down. "Was I—Am I…" her voice was too low, Natsuki neared her face to hers, trying to listen –trying to capture– every beat of Shizuru's heart.
"Am I... in love… with you…?"
Again, Natsuki's world halted.
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A/N: I know.. I know... --ACK!-- someone...actually...stabbed me... arghhh..
LOL
Yes, cliffie... ooohhh, I know you missed it! Haha.. peace! Yes, uhm, back tracks for Harumi and Shizuru... reasons to why Harumi is sooo darn hated.. I love the hate your throwing her way guys, keep it up! Hence my name: hateKYEfever.
I'm having alot of personal issues now and so the next update might take longer--again.. so sorry.
Questions? mail me... Threats? MAIL ME... lol!
Hope you guys enjoyed this. Again, reviews..? Please? Thanks! haha.. I crave for it... and blah blah.. you know how I am..
THIS IS AN EXPERIMENT.. SO sorry if it was poorly written for anyone's taste or if the set up might be too questionable for some..
Visit my homepage sometimes... If you're sad or.. crazy.. cranky even.. And YES!! SAKURA addiction level 100!!! Yashan-kun a.k.a. Carmen.. It's because of her.. Haha!
Thank you again to those who sends out reviews, comments and lots of fluffiness! Everything is welcome... I know I have sooo much to improve on so keep 'em coming... I'm grateful for you all..
Hope you enjoy my other fics and yes, please leave reviews.. haha..
AND.. hmm what else? AH YES! Doujinshi! Who's got one? mail me.. please.. I need more doujinshis of MaiHime... hehe.. for addiction purposes..
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Away I go!!