Maki Maki Chapter 13: Heads or Tails?, a mai hime fanfic

Disclaimer: I don't own MaiHime.

A/N: Ugh.. Yes, late late late.. Sorry guys... I'm caught up.. hehe.. anyways, here it is.. the 13th chap.. brrr... I'm extending this experiment--so heads up! Thank you for the reviews... keep 'em coming..

And yes.. hehhe.. I'm publishing my Nao fic!!! whoopieeee!! Come on, whip me!! LMAO! No I got the urge over the week and decided to revise it so I'm sure that I'll still be alive after I post it... haha..

Back to this chapter, I'm setting up a mood for everyone, so, on my homepage, listen to Replica...I placed it on top of my featured playlist... It doesn't mean much... But the beat is suggestive of the upcoming chapters.. soooo... no blinking! lol

I'm sorry if I'm late and if this chapter is not to your liking, I'll rant more later.. ENJOY!

MAKI MAKI

Chapter 13: Heads or Tails?

The travel back was longer than anticipated. Natsuki left Yukino's place, dragging the Kikukawa and Suzushiro tandem as well. She gave the Romanesque mansion a last giddy look and started to remember how she got here. Out in the open, Natsuki also had a good look at the huge mountain standing as walls; the same huge mountain she and Mikoto trekked a month ago to get here… to get near Shizuru.

Shizuru…

Much to Haruka's dismay, Natsuki still decided not to at least give Shizuru a visit before going away. She opted to reason out that the travel will be longer if they move back and forth from the rest house to Yukino's place then set off again.

Natsuki knew that 'yesterday' was enough… She'll be back anyway.

She'll be back… and she'll be waiting.

Right now, she needs to go forward.

"Good morning, Shizuru-sama…" Alistia's voiced hummed as she placed the tray in front of the just woken chestnut haired. Unlike the Alistia of the night, this one showed great concern as she carefully fixed Shizuru's meal.

"A-Arigatou…" Shizuru searched for animosity and waited patiently for a throw. None came. Alistia only smiled at her, questioning the intensity of her stare. Shizuru shied away.

"…Harumi-san…?" She averted.

"She's out by the gardens… would you like me to call her?" Still, the gentle words that is surprisingly so true to hear.

She thought for awhile.

Natsuki…

…and decided to give her heart a break.

"Yes please…"

Alistia beamed and bowed, and almost giddily walked out of the room, leaving the crimson eyed slightly confused at the change of treatment.

She shook her head, and decided that 'yesterday' was enough… She'll be waiting anyway.

She'll be waiting… and she'll be back.

Right now, she needs to stay firmly planted on the ground.

"Natsuki!" Mai's voice was impossible not to hear. Natsuki can only smile as she stood waiting for the busty orange-head to 'collide' to her.

"Natsuki! Natsuki!" Mai's voice rang even louder as she tackled the biker to the ground, her excitement evident. Mikoto stood nearby nodding towards Haruka and Yukino who followed Natsuki out of the car. Mai also noticed the two after a brief moment.

"Oh--! Haruka-san, Yukino-san! You're both here, too—" her smile suddenly faded into a worried look. "What's wrong? Did something happen?" Mai's look went to Natsuki who was still pinned on the floor and back to the two figures standing. The biker managed to sit up and grab Mai's shoulder.

Natsuki sighed and smiled at Mai. Before the orange head girl could ask, Yukino pacified the situation.

"Please do not worry, Mai-san…" Yukino tapped Mai's shoulder and smiled. "Natsuki-san just wanted to see you…" she looked at the black haired standing near them, unmoving. "…all of you…again…"

Haruka stepped up. "We also wanted to come along… Knowing that you cook provident!"

"E..Etou… Haruka-chan, it's prominent…" Yukino's small voice somehow eased Mai's anxiety.

"What'd I say?"

Natsuki stood up and shook her head. Mai also followed her.

"Oh! I know! Mikoto!"

Mikoto perked up.

"Let's prepare something good tonight, neh?" turning to the other three, she continued. "You'll all be staying here more than a day or two, right? Right?"

Haruka just smiled and walked towards Mikoto, asking the girl if she could help with something, followed closely by Yukino. Natsuki just laughed out a response.

"Of course Mai…"

The two walked towards the rest, Mai's arm still linked to Natsuki's.

"Ready?"

She took the hand offered to her and giggled nervously. It's been so long…

She almost squirmed as she felt the horse move a little as she mounted it. But Harumi's hand fixedly assisted her. When she was settled, she pried her eyes open, and saw Harumi's flushed face.

"You're breath-taking up there, Shizuru-hime…" The snow-haired said as she took hold of the rein. Shizuru can't help but blush as well.

"…Mou… Harumi-san is being kind again…"

"Oh, no, Hime-chan… I meant it… Kind or not kind…" Harumi smiled and started to walk, carefully leading the horse Shizuru is riding.

"Harumi-sama! Shizuru-sama! Please enjoy the day… and take care!" Alistia called out, a wide serene smile graced her face. Shizuru glanced at her and, unconsciously looked for anything… bad. But nothing was there except the honest happy smile.

"Thank you Alistia… please take care of everything for the meantime…" Harumi waved and started off. Shizuru only nodded at the other woman's way.

"Shizuru-hime…?" the snow-haired voice almost caught her, but she answered fully.

"Hai?"

"Are you…sure you wanted to go out on a picnic today on this?... with me?" Shizuru looked at Harumi and smiled. She wanted to at least lighten her load… but this is mostly for the other girl.

"Of course, It's been so long since I rode a horse…"Shizuru giggled, as a light hand caressed the animal's neck. " And it would be fun to spend time with Harumi-san…"

"Haha… Yes, well, I guess this is okay then. " Harumi grinned as she continued to walk alongside the horse which trotted aimlessly. They're not going that far but Shizuru wanted to ride something on the way. And Harumi explicitly reminded the other that she's not Natsuki.

Remembering this, Shizuru almost winced at the open exposure of how careless she is towards Harumi's emotions. She got used to riding Natsuki's bike. She crossed the idea, but then today, Harumi surprised her by presenting the magnificent black-haired horse.

Brazenly, Shizuru loved it…

"…You sure are far off… I wonder what my Hime-chan is thinking…" Harumi's voice edged and Shizuru knew she had to stop comparing notes. Harumi deserved something… and if anything, she also deserved her undivided attention.

"…Gomen, Harumi-san…" She didn't know what to say, and decided to stare point blank on the horse's black mane. In contrast, Harumi's white feathery hair ruffled against the soft wind.

"…Ora… maybe Hime-chan wishes to be with…someone else…?"

Guilty… But Shizuru wanted to scream defiance! She wants to show something different… She wants to give Harumi something… She's not being fair and she's correcting that.

She can't fail. Not today…

"No! Please, Harumi-san shouldn't think of herself lesser than anyone…" It's good that Harumi's back is the only witness that she has. Shizuru felt her heart skip.

"Hmmm…" Harumi hummed. Unsatisfied.

"Let's enjoy today, Harumi-san… I want us to enjoy this day together, neh?"

Harumi halted and turned to her. Shizuru saw the twinkle on those red eyes she surprisingly finds too deep. Her heart skipped another beat.

"Of course…" bowing softly, much like the true prince, Harumi smiled her best. "…Hime-sama…"

Yes, Shizuru believed… It's been so long…

"What? My God! You're kidding me, right?" Natsuki's bewilderment was drowned with drunken laughter, as Haruka almost spilled her cup laden with sake. Mai pounded on the table as she controlled another snicker.

"No…No… It's all true!" The busty girl was able to continue but after which, let out a bellow of laughter. Yukino, also reddish because of the slight intake of alcohol, nodded to point out the truthfulness of the news.

"Goodness…" Natsuki breathed, then laughed as well. "Geez… Tate…? TEACHING! Oh my…"

Mikoto looked at the drunken woman, and just sighed, a grin never leaving her face.

"…This is… God! I wish I could see him now and smack him on the head!"

"No, Natsuki! You can't do that! He's a good grade school teacher now, see? And he's more of respectable than bully-material...!" Mai said as she held up her cup. "Mikotoooo!" her voice swirled.

"Hai… Hai… It's good we have a lot of these…" Mikoto said as she emptied yet another bottle of sake.

"Why do you have these anyways?" Haruka slurred waving an empty bottle around. Yukino tried to get the object but failed miserably, her glasses are nowhere on her face.

"Well, customers have started to love the karaoke bar this ramen house turns into every night. And well—This—" Mikoto poked Mai's forehead as the orange-head tried to hug Mikoto."—This—devil of a woman gives service by actually letting them sing drunk every Fridays… Good for someone like me, neh?" Mikoto sarcastically said.

"…Mikoto, you have to study the books I gave you… Mikoto, you should not waste time… Mikoto… --BAH! You're not even helping me have peace and quiet in here!" Mikoto continued, mimicking the other girl's nagging voice, all the while, struggling to get out of Mai's grip.

Natsuki grinned as she watched the reversed role play between the two. She's glad the two are together, though she would have loved knowing when, where and how the two realized it.

Maybe, that has something to do with Tate pursuing the profession he has now.

"Well… Mai-san, isn't Takumi-kun on the same campus…?" Yukino brought Mai back from actually doing something with Mikoto in front of them all. Mai only blinked then smiled at the mention of her younger brother.

"Well… yeah! T-That Ta-te…sur—surv..ived… becauseee.. of mah..broo-broTHER!!" Mai slurred as Mikoto sighed in defeat. Takumi took part time in teaching some grade school kids as he finishes his chosen course.

"Hmm… That's good. Although, I'm wondering how Tate's 'sister' survived not having him near… Or did she follow him?"

"Well… Shiho on the other hand, got over her 'brother' fetish and got married right after Tate left as an apprentice…" Mikoto explained. Natsuki's eyes widened then squinted.

"My… Really?! Well, considering that she now knows how her 'brother' faired, it's great to know that she's doing good…" Natsuki pondered, the effects of the sake wearing off.

"Well..." Haruka was saying." I bet that little squirt wore something flowery to add to her maiden-ish look.. red would have been perfect! Oh-- pink! Yes pink!" Which was followed by her robust laughter.

"Hmm—speaking of marriage and all, I remembered the only instance Haruka wore something flowery and pink was on a wedding… Akane's wedding… that was last year, right Ruka-chan? " Yukino smiled, oblivious to the gaping Natsuki and the shocked Haruka, who is now sober because of the reminder of that particular day.

Natsuki slowly looked at the blushing blonde. "You wore what???" she shook her head, grinning incredibly. "Pink, huh?"

Haruka almost fainted in embarrassment.

"Yukino…"

"…Oh..shoot!"

The picnic went smoother that Shizuru expected. And even Harumi riding with her on the way home was anticipated and welcomed.

"How was it?" Alistia was at the door way, smile handy.

Harumi got off first, and then lightly lifted Shizuru off of the horse, a household aid holding the reins tightly. Even as her feet touched the ground, Shizuru felt her head swirl. She could still feel the closeness of Harumi's body as they rode back.

"It was amazing… Thank you for packing such a wonderful meal…" Harumi acknowledged Alistia, her hand leaving Shizuru's waist.

"Yes, thank you, Alistia…" Shizuru's voice was small, and she can't help but be dubious of the other girl's intention.

"No worries! I serve to please." The beaming was too much. Shizuru decided not to be too malicious. She looked at Harumi who now instructed the aid to take the horse.

She felt another flutter as Harumi touched the horse's mane lovingly.

"Shizuru-sama…?" Alistia called for her and she absent-mindedly answered, unaware that Alistia actually is looking at her.

"Hmmm..?"

"It's good that you're spending time with Tamagaki-sama...I hope you really enjoyed today…" The words were not harsh, but Shizuru's head snapped to look at Alistia's openness. Harumi was far to actually hear them.

She pinched herself for actually expecting hostility but all she saw was the honest happiness on the other.

"I really did, Alistia…" she said. Alistia smiled then began to turn and walk away. Shizuru caught up. "And…I'm sorry… "

"For what, Shizuru-sama…?"

"...for how I've been to Harumi…" her voice was small. She felt a hand reach for her. Alistia's smile never left her.

"…Harumi-sama is happy. Shizuru-sama is happy. And if all that is true… then nothing is there to apologize for… "

Shizuru looked at the other, but before she can mutter something, Harumi's voice covered hers.

"What's the matter, Hime-chan…?"

Shizuru glanced at Alistia and nodded, understanding evident, then turned to go to Harumi, her face radiant. "Nothing, Harumi-san. Thank you for the day."

A hand was held out, and yes, she wanted to accept it, to at least be a gift in return to all the wonderful things this person gave her.

So she did.

And they walked inside the house with her arm linked to the snow-haired.

"The process may be tough, questionable even, but—I'll pull it through…"

"That's wonderful, Reito-kun!" Reito blushed a bit but was smug about it. He gently sipped his tea as he studied the papers again.

The person also drank her cup. "Will I be expecting it just in time for next week?"

"No, Oh No… two days… That's the maximum…" Reito penned something and smiled again, confident of his words, too eager to start.

Tapping her chin, the person gently pouted, a play on her end. "My…that is so fast… Will that be really okay with you…?"

"Of course, I'd be very delighted to accomplish this… you don't need to worry about anything…"

"Okay, then…" she stood up and bowed, and Reito stood up and did the same. "…Please do your best… and be careful…"

"Yes, Alistia-san…" Reito muttered, loving the feel of the name. "Oh—I'm sorry… I'm meaning to ask for this…"

Alistia stopped. "Yes…?"

"Well, I could be of more use if I work with someone…" Alistia's brow furrowed.

"…Are you certain of this 'someone's' integrity?"

"Yes, of course yes… Her loyalty is to Fujino Shizuru… and her aim is to make her happy…" Alistia thought for a moment, and decided.

"Do your best then… and wish her luck for me…" Alistia turned but followed through. "Hmm, do I know her?"

Reito smiled behind her back. "Yes, Alistia-san… She's been around with the Fujino ever since Shizuru-sama helped her and her mother…" With the mention of it, understanding dawned on Alistia.

"Ah…yes, I remember her… Yuuki Nao?"

Reito smiled but remained quiet and Alistia got the confirmation she wanted, assured of the person working side by side with the Kanzaki genius.

A/N: There you go.. eep! -dodging.stabs-LMAO!

YEP!! Added more characters! Because-- the more the bloodier!! er... ehem.. the merrier... I mean...

So, hmm, I decided backtracks for Natsuki, realization time for lost chances with friends that she over eagerly left out because of her problems/issues with Shizuru... and it 'looks' like Shizuru and Natsuki are ok, right? hehe.. Soo I had her go back.. Hmm, will it be just a week? Follow through on the next update.. hehe..

And on Shizuru's camp, yes, I felt the need to show some 'gratefulness'... I just hope I don't slip and make her do something... hmm.. -wink- -wink-

and continuation on the Reito-Alistia scheming.. delicious? YES! Added spice would be our very own BLEEP! Need I say her name? hehe.. wait for her on the next chapter..

Thanks for the additional readers.. And the reviews.. Thanks for my regular critiques.. hehe.. Love you guys, we've been through the whole 13 chapters, blinking, smirking and stabbing all the way..ROFL! I promise I'll try harder to update faster and be a little bit better on the coming chapters..

Again, for the new ones, this is an experiment, please be gentle.. and this is my first non-oneshot.. I usually do POVs so I'm sorry if this is not to you liking.. please feel free to send in a review, a log, comments, suggestions..and THREATS!! welcome back to jam-chan and firstclasstroublemaker and ALEXISSA2! Missed the comments guys..

Thank you for the support! and I hope you enjoy my other fics... watch out! I'm posting the Nao fic today! harharhar! LMAO!

"Fall, you idiot!! Why don't you just fall!!"