Sorry for the wait :) Rated M for language (this time). Disclaimer, I do not own Mai-Hime/Otome/Z-Wei
I was going over the reviews for this story, they make me smile and as much as I wanted to answer some of the questions, I won't for the story's sake :) With the way I'm writing this, this story might take longer than expected...is this good or bad?
Please enjoy, R&R please
I will try an update my stories as soon as I can. No worries I will finish every story. Thank you for your patience :)
-Danzai13
There is no next time. It's now or never
-Anonymous
Walls to Climb
"Almost done with your tea?" I asked.
"Almost, just a few more sips." My wife smiled before taking another sip.
"Okay, take your time." I walked to the living room window.
I guess the rain is letting up, just a few droplets falling from the sky. Still at the speed we walk at, an umbrella wouldn't hurt. Just in case, you never know when some young punk might bother us. I may be old, but I can still pack a punch. I felt an arm wrap itself around my arm and a head lean on my shoulder.
"Finished?"
"Yes, ready to go?"
"Ready." She held up our umbrella to show me.
"Okay, lets go." I wrapped my hand with hers.
XXXX
"Wow, so mom was cool at one time?" Hana asked.
"Yup." Shizuru smiled.
"What do you mean 'was cool'? I'm still cool." Natsuki gave a stern look.
"Um...so onee-chan, what do you think?" Hana smiled at Shizuka.
"Oh no, you keep me out of this." Shizuka petted Luna.
"Ara, what time is it?" Shizuru asked.
"Um...it's 6:30." Natsuki answered after looking at her watch.
"Ara, where's our son? He should of come home by now." Shizuru looked worried.
"Don't worry about him Mother Hen." Natsuki grinned.
"Ara, I heard onii-chan has a liking to someone." Hana smiled at Shizuka.
"Really? Who?" Shizuka asked.
"I think that Mori girl...uh I think she's in your year..." Hana took a moment to think.
"You mean that Mori Akemi girl?" Shizuka raised an eyebrow.
"Oh yeah, that one."
"Mmm..." Shizuka looked disturbed.
"What's wrong?" Hana asked.
"I heard she's...well...she's very well sought out by the guys in our school." Shizuka whispered to Hana.
"...I take it she's good in bed, huh?" Hana grinned
"Hana!"
"Just asking."
"Well...yes." Shizuka rubbed her neck.
"Oh...onii-chan, how low you've fallen." Hana sighed.
"He's a guy, he just wants to fool around for awhile." Shizuka sighed.
"But we got to warn him." Hana looked worried.
"About what?"
"Not to stick his thing in crazy!"
"What?" Both mothers turned at Hana's outburst.
"Um...nothing." Hana blushed.
"Were you talking about your brother?" Natsuki raised an eyebrow.
"Um, yes and no." Hana tried to smile.
"So what happened next?" Shizuka attempted to change the subject.
"...Where were we?" Shizuru began to think.
"Let's see...mom had a 'cool' moment...grandfather, grandmother and you were going to lunch...I think that's where we stopped." Shizuka answered.
"Ah...okay, so then-" Shizuru began.
"Wait a minute, what about your brother?" Natsuki interrupted.
"Uh...he-ah...um...he's Haru." Shizuka tried to smile.
"Girls..." Natsuki gave them each a stern look.
"Well he's trying to get extra hours of practice in his schedule so he can go pro." Hana answered.
"Yeah so then he can go get a good wife." Shizuka added in.
"You two are terrible liars." Natsuki sighed.
"Just like their mother." Shizuru giggled.
"Okay fine," Hana rolled her eyes, "Haru's trying to get this girl."
"Well what's wrong with that?" Natsuki asked.
"Um...we've heard certain rumors about this girl." Shizuka answered.
"What kind of rumors?" Shizuru asked.
"Um...r-r-r-red light district rumors." Hana hesitated.
Natuski looked at Shizuru who was looking at her. Natsuki sighed as Shizuru nodded her head.
"You two don't worry about that."
"But-"
"I got it." Natsuki gave a stern look.
"So on with the story..." Shizuru nodded her head.
XXXX
"So Shizuru, who was that friend of yours?" My father asked as we sat down at a table.
"Which one?" I asked, still thinking of how I just saved by Natsuki.
"That Marguerite Tomoe girl? She seemed...well, different."
"Oh, well she's...she's more of an acquaintance than friend," I'm not sure if that was the truth or a lie, "She ask me for help and we've become close friends."
"She seemed so happy to see us." My mother looked suspicious.
"Well...she thinks a little different than most people," I wonder...I wonder what their reaction would be, "I think she has this impression that we're...um..."
"An impression of what?" My father asked.
"Well it's kind of silly and strange but, I believe she thinks that were a couple." What will they say?
"Really?" My father looked surprised.
"A couple? You mean like...those kind of couples?" My mother asked me with a whispered tone.
"I-I think so."
"Well...at least she has good taste." My father smiled.
"Shin!" My mother glared at my father.
"What? Is our daughter not a lovely woman Asuka?" My father smiled at my mother.
"She is, but those kinds of relationships...its disgusting."
I felt a twinge at my heart.
"Now come on Asuka."
"I just don't understand that kind of lifestyle, it's disgraceful" My mother continued, "A man has so much more to offer. It's just...just very strange and dishonorable, especially to her family. How dare she thinks about my daughter in that filthy way."
I don't feel so good.
"Asuka, everyone has different interest," My father gave my mother a stern look, "Besides, Shizuru didn't get angry or treat this Marguerite any different than she would anyone else."
"Oh all right, that is true," My mother sighed, "I'm so glad your not like that Shizuru."
"Uh, right. Of course not." I put on my fake smile.
"Let's just put this aside. How are you doing Zuru." My father asked, using my pet name.
"I'm fine father, just studying most of this time. How are you, mother, father?"
"Fantastic, you're father got a promotion at the company."
"Congratulations father." That smile wasn't fake.
"Thanks, I guess I'm getting better after all these years." He smiled.
"And I have a special surprise for you." My mother smiled.
Uh-oh...
"A surprise? Is it like the last surprise?" I remember that too well.
"Well, somewhat but I promise you he's an extremely suitable omai for you."
"Mother I don't know, I...I want to find someone on my own." That was the honest truth.
"Please just one more time?" My mother asked.
"You just want grandchildren to spoil, don't you?" I said.
"Well grandchildren would be nice," My mother smiled brightly, "But more than anything I want to see you happy in the arms of a wonderful, strong man."
"Mmm..."
"Zuru, I promise you won't be disappointed with this one," my mother winked, "I think you might recognize him too."
"Ara? Who is he?" This was new.
"Well I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise."
"...I guess I'll go."
"Okini, you'll like him." My mother smiled.
XXXX
"Aw man that was close." Chie ran a hand through her raven hair as she let out the breath she had been holding in.
Heh, Chie you've done it again. Another happy couple in the making. Chie pumped a fist into the air.
"Excuse me."
Chie turned around to look up and stare up.
"Wow, you're tall."
"Not really, just a couple of inches taller than most guys," the man smiled, "Can you help me?"
"Uh, sure. What do you need?"
"Well not really need, but I'm looking for someone."
"Oh? Who?"
"Well..."
XXXX
"You? Steal my Shizuru away?" Tomoe smirked.
"Yup." Actually I have no idea how I'm gonna to steal her away. But I figure if that Love-Stalker says were a great match, it shouldn't be that hard to steal Fujino...Shizuru. Besides I think Shizuru wants to get away from this bitch. Anyone would. Guess I can help her out.
"Wow, you're hysterical," Tomoe rolled her eyes, "Why don't you piss off now. I got a date to go on."
"You think Shizuru will want you after what you almost did?"
"No doubt, she loves me as I love her."
"Wow...your so delusional." I glared at her.
Tomeo glared at me and I saw her clench her hands into two tight fist. I really don't want to make a scene out here. But if she come at me, I won't let her beat me down.
"Wait!"
I turned and so did Tomoe to the voice that stop the soon-to-be fight. I raised an eyebrow...who is this guy? Kind of tall...black hair...lavender colored eyes...
"What do you want?" I asked.
"Forgive me for the intrusion," he turned to Tomoe, "Are you Marguerite Tomoe?"
"Yes...who are you?" Tomoe raised an eyebrow at him.
"Sorry, my name is Kanzaki Reito," he bowed down slightly, "I wanted to take this small chance to meet my fiance's friend."
Wait...fiance?
"F-F-Fiance?" Tomoe seemed as confused as me.
"Yes...she didn't tell you, did she?"
"N-No...I'm her girlfriend. Why wouldn't she tell me about her having fiance?" Tomoe looked broken.
"Well to tell the truth, she's known about this for quite some time," Kanzaki had a small smile on his face, "I guess she wanted time to play around a little before this coming year."
"How...how long has she known?" I had to asked.
"Well since we were kids." He smiled.
"A...An arranged marriage?" Tomoe looked sad.
"...I guess she didn't want to hurt you. She must care a lot about you."
Tomoe smiled a little, is this guy serious?
"But please, don't burden her heart like this," Kanzaki had a serious look on his, "Please leave, don't hurt her anymore."
"B-But I love her." Tomoe protested.
"If you really love her, you'll let her go."
I looked at this Kanzaki and then to Tomoe. She hesitated to move at all. She then glared up at Kanzaki.
"If you don't take care of her, I'll kill you."
"I promise I'll take care of her."
Tomoe then glared at me as she began to walk past me. She stopped when she was a step behind me. I turned my head to glare at her smirking face.
"At least I had a few months with her. Have fun with your loneliness."
"Same to you."
XXXX
Stupid nun! What the hell does she know? I can take care of my damn self.
I kicked a rock that was in my way and heard it ricochet off the metal light post. With hands deep in my pockets, I let the ash fall off my cigarette and ignored the ash falling to my boots. Damn, why am I letting that nun get to me?
I need a drink...and some more cigarettes. Hmm...maybe I should quit, its really taking a bite out of my wallet. I reach in my back pocket and take out my wallet to search for some cash. Not much...guess I better get to work.
XXXX
"Heading out so soon?" I asked my parents.
"Sorry Zuru, but work is calling back for me." My father smiled.
"And the ladies at the club need me to perform a tea ceremony." My mother had on a sad smile.
"Well, I'm glad you came to visit your daughter." I smiled.
"Until next time my dear," my mother wrapped her arms around me, "And Zuru, remember the omai meet up date."
"I promise I'll go." I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
"Okini, I promise you'll like him." My mother winked.
XXXX
"Whew, I can't believe that worked." Kanzaki sighed as soon as Tomoe had left.
"What?" I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Sorry but your Kuga Natsuki, right?" He smiled at me.
"What's it to you?" I glared at him.
"Heh, Shizuru has an interesting taste in women." He chuckled.
"...Is Shizuru really your fiance?"
"Yes and no."
"Eh?"
"I'm her omai, but I've known her since we were kids."
"Childhood friends?"
"Yup."
"...How'd you know about her and Tomoe?"
"Harada-san told me about her. And about you as well."
"Figures that Love-Stalker told you stuff," I rolled my eyes, "Well what do you want?"
"Actually I have a request for you."
"What?"
"I'm not suppose to be here yet so could you not tell Shizuru you saw me?"
"...I guess you got your reasons. Fine I'll keep my mouth shut."
"Thank you, in return I'll help you."
"Eh? With what?"
"Your first date with Shizuru." He smiled
XXXX
"Aww yeah, I'm the greatest." I smiled as I watched Kuga and Kanzaki walk away.
Sweet, I definitely got to celebrate. I'm a get money! MONEY! I reached for my cell phone and called my home phone. She should be home by now. Darn, went to voice mail. Oh well, guess I'll leaver her a message.
"Hey babe, you won't believe it but I put one and one together again. We're gonna celebrate tonight, if you know what I mean. Well I'll see you when I get home. Love you."
Can't wait to see her.
XXXX
"Damnit, nothing from that guy either." I grabbed the small coins and tossed away the wallet.
Well this street blows...I had better luck on that street. More cash means more food...and I got to pay the rent. Still...that all female gang...
...What am I worried for? I can handle myself. Night Iron gang? What a load of bull shit. I take out another cigarette and my lighter. As the small sparks flew out of my hands, I continued to walk to my street destination. Finally the sparks grew into flames and lit my cigarette. Taking in a deep breath I let out the smoke in my lungs and felt more relaxed. I leaned against a lamp post and scanned the men walking the streets. Not much is biting tonight. Suddenly my eyes catch a snazzy looking man in a nice hat and somewhat decent suit. Well hello there, time to go to work.
I follow close behind and play one of the cards up my sleeve. I trip over my feet and bump into the victim. I grab his arm to steady myself and prepare my cute face.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." I look up with puppy dog eyes.
"Watch it bitch." The now woman pushed my off of her.
I rubbed my sore arm and twitched my eye. Damn, guess I got to sort the men from the butches on this street. I dusted my jacket off and began my search again. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the butch talking to a couple of girls at a corner. I saw her pointing at me and the nodded their heads.
Oh shit...
XXXX
It's dishonorable, especially to her family.
I'm not sure what now...I don't know whether to cry or to just sleep...I don't want to do anything or think about anything anymore.
It's disgraceful, strange...
My mother...I love her so and yet...she unintentionally stuck those words on my heart.
I'm so glad your not like that Shizuru.
But I am...I am like that mother...I am...
I fall on to my bed and feel my limbs grow numb. Laying on my side the only thing my ears hear is my steady breathing and beating heart. Thoughts and words echo throughout my head, a fear of the unknown haunts me too.
Would you still love me mother? Would you still love me if I told you the truth? Would you still love me if I told you I loved a woman? What will you tell me?
..its disgusting
I wrap my arms around me to try and smother away the unknown fear and pain inside me. This is who I am...this is me...
I...just...I just want someone to hold me and tell me that it's okay. That I'm okay the way I am.
That I'm loved.
XXXX
"Whoa,whoa,whoa,whoa,whoa! F-F-First date?" I felt my face get hot.
"You have a cute blush." Kanzaki smiled.
"I'm not blushing, its the damn sun," I glare at him, "Wait...your her omai. Why are you setting up a date for us? Why don't you go on a date with her?"
"Because she has a liking towards you, and I'm not here remember?"
"...Yeah, but-"
"And right now she needs a friend more than ever." He had a sad expression on his face.
"...Her parents...they're the type that would kick her out?" I asked.
"No, but Shizuru adores her mother and I'm not sure her mother could handle the truth."
"..."
XXXX
"Hey babe! I'm back."
I close the door behind me and put my stuff on the couch. Weird...she's not home yet? I walk around our apartment and try to find her. It's not a big apartment but...
"Babe..." I open the door to our bedroom.
Wha-...nothing. Simple nothing...a nothing that makes my heart skip a beat. But then I see a envelope on the dresser with my name written on it. I felt my hands shake as I grabbed the envelope and reached for the letter inside. I felt myself slowly lower to the bed as I began to read my letter.
Chie
I woke up today and realize I have to move on. Thanks for the fooling around, I had a great time.
I let the letter fall from my hands. Fooling around? Move on? Was I...just your plaything? But...I love you...how could you?
XXXX
"Shit,shit,shit,shit,shit,shit,shit,SHIT!"
I took off as soon as those girls nodded towards that butch girl. They were right behind me, each of them wearing the same black colored cloth somewhere on their body. Seriously, four against one isn't fair game.
As I turned a corner and knocked down whatever my hands could touch to the ground. I felt my breath short and ragged. I swear if I get out of this I'm gonna quit smoking for good.
Fear slowly took its time going up my spine as the girls jumped over all of my obstacles. I saw an alley I knew well and jetted for it. It's a small alley with a lot of twist and turns, you'd get lost if you didn't know when and where to turn. Right, left, another left, right, snake turn, I continued to run. Come on...come on legs, just a few more steps to the fence. I felt a smile appear on my face when my eyes caught sight of the large chain linked fence. Over this fence and I'll be home free. I jumped as high as I could and firmly grabbed the small corners of the metal diamonds. Taking a few seconds to balance myself out, I began to climb up to freedom. Yes,yes,yes, just a little more...
"Oh no you don't."
Hands and fear simultaneously grabbed and pulled me down from the fence. I felt whatever wind I had left in me sail away when my body crashed with the ground. I looked up at my captors and saw the glares and black cloth stare down at me. A foot pushed me back to the ground when I tried to stand back up.
"Stay down bitch, we got a few questions to ask you."
Shit.
XXXX
Love...is that even possible for me?...Maybe not...
I felt myself jump at the sound of my cellphone ringing from my purse. I let it ring until the chime ended. To my surprise it began to ring again. Curious, I slowly rose from my bed and reached for my phone. Looking at who was calling, it was a number I didn't recognize. Someone new...pushing the call button I slowly lifted the phone to my ear.
"Hello?"
XXXX
"Fujino?"
I panicked when she didn't respond to my voice. I looked over at Reito who nodded with that small smile of his. I took a small quiet breath and waited for a response.
"Who is this?"
"Name's Kuga Natsuki."
Another pause.
"Thank you...for today." She finally answered.
"No problem...you okay?"
"I'm fine..."
"Um...I now this is might sound stupid, but do you want to go get dinner?"
"Dinner?"
"You can say no if you want." I kind of hope she wouldn't.
"...Okay."
"Really?" I felt a small smile stretch my face.
"I'd love to get dinner." I swear I could feel the warmness of her voice.
"Cool, um, how does ramen sound?
"Delicious."
"Want to meet up at the Tokiha House? Or do you want me to meet you at your place?"
"We can meet at the Tokiha House."
"Okay, at 7?"
"At 7, Kuga-san?"
"Yes?"
"How did you get my number?"
"That Love-Stalker."
I heard her giggle. Her voice...its sounds soft...and warm...
"I'll see you there then, Kuga-san."
"Just Natsuki."
"Okay...Natsuki."
For some weird reason, I like the way she spoke my name. It sounded smooth...caring...
"I take it she agreed?"
I looked up at the smiling Kanzaki. For a guy, he's not that bad. Not too bad looking either.
"Yup...thanks I guess."
"No problem, have fun." He smiled.
"You two must be good friends."
"Well we did grow up together. We help each other in any way we can."
"Friends...huh..."
"Surely you have friends, right?"
"...Just one." I guess my roommate would count, seeing as she hasn't moved out yet.
"Well, you can add me and Shizuru on the list now."
"...Sure, why not."
This new feeling...it almost feels as if I'm melting.
"Oh before I go, I would watch out for Tomoe."
"Why? I think you convinced her to go."
"I may be good with my words, but I wouldn't count on her going away anytime soon."
"Damn..." I ran a hand through my hair.
"I'll do my best to keep Tomoe away from afar," he answered with a serious face, "I expect you to keep Shizuru safe, understand?"
This guy...that determined look in his eyes...
"I will."
XXXX
"Did you really think we'd let you steal from our turf?"
I spit out the metal tasting liquid in my mouth. I glared up at the three torturers despite the new bruises I had all over my body. Grunting a little I tried to stand up with one arm holding the left side of my ribs. The butch one kick me back to the ground and I held back the grunt in my throat.
"So ladies, what should we do with our new play thing?" The butch asked.
"Well she's tough, should we extend her an invitation into the Night Iron?"
"Yeah, we could use someone like her."
"Well,well,well, looks like its your lucky day," The butch bended her knees to look at me at eye level, "My girls here think you deserve a shot. So how about it?"
As I began to stand up, I let a chuckle escape my lips. I looked each of them with a grin that confused the hell out of them.
"Go fuck yourselves."
I felt a hand come across my face that left a stinging burn on my cheek. As I began to fall back I felt a body at my back. Before I could find my point of gravity, I felt two arms wrap each other around my arm in a Nelson hold. I began to kick and turn my way out, but this girl behind me kept a firm hold on me. The butch stood in front me and began to pop her knuckles.
"Naw, I'm gonna fuck you first."
"Sorry, but if I liked girls I wouldn't fuck you even if you paid me to."
She glared at me and slammed her fist into my stomach. I gagged at the loss of wind and felt something spray out of my mouth. I held my head down and clenched my teeth to make the pain more durable. Without warning I felt another blow to my stomach. This time I couldn't help it and let out a painful cry.
"Not so tough are you?" The butch grinned, readying her fist for another blow.
"...A-A-At least I-I didn't b-b-bring a couple of cheerleaders with me." I managed to look at up her with a sneering grin.
I closed my eyes as she pulled back her fist for another shot at me.
XXXX
Damn I'm so nervous...I've never been on a date before...if you can call this a date. I guess it counts...
"Hi, welcome to Tokiha House." A girl from behind the counter smiled at me.
"Hi."
"Would you like a bowl?"
"Not yet, I'm waiting for a friend."
"Ok, just let me know when your ready." She smiled and slightly bowed to me.
I nodded my head and watched her walk away. Damn she's got a set, I wonder if drinking milk really does help.
"Natsuki."
That warm voice...I turn around and saw who I was expecting. Her smile...I stand up and slightly bowed to her.
"Sorry about my behavior."
"No if you hadn't of stopped Tomoe-"
"I was referring to our meeting at the store." I stood up straight.
"Oh...well that's in the past. Really I should be thanking you. You did buy my things."
"Only cause I was being a jerk."
She just smiled at me. I rubbed my neck and turned to the counter.
"Want a seat?"
"Sure."
She and I took a seat next to each other. This is kind of nerve wracking, I hope she isn't as nervous as me.
"So...are you okay?" I have to ask.
"I'm fine."
"Two bowls?" the girl came back.
"Yes please." Shizuru smiled.
"Coming right up." the girl began to prepare our meal.
It was silent for a moment. Damn it she probably thinks I'm some lonely loser and just wants to go on this date because she feels sorry for me. Damn it I don't need you pity. I don't need anyone's-
"Natsuki."
"Yeah?" I got pulled out of my trance.
"I'm sorry I had someone track you down for me. It wasn't right of me."
"Well, its a little weird but..." What am I suppose to say?
"But what?" She looked worried.
Well I guess I could tell her the truth. Might as well right? Especially since I don't have anything else to say.
"Let's not think about any of that. Let's just enjoy ourselves."
"Really?" A surprised look came on her face.
"Yeah." I smile, or at least try to.
I think the smile worked. She smiled back...wow, that smile...its captivating...
"Here you go, enjoy." The girl gave us our food.
"Thank you." She responded.
"Thanks."
As I reached for the chopstick holder, another hand interfered with the same pair of chopsticks I was reaching for. I looked up at the owner, and she looked at me. I think...I think for a moment, things just stopped. They definitely stopped when I felt her hand move a little closer to mine. I felt my face heat up a little.
"Ara, you have a cute blush."
"I'm not blushing. It's hot in here."
She chuckled as she took two pair of chopsticks. She handed me one pair with that warm smile on her face. As I reached for the offered chopsticks, I felt something stir inside me. Maybe...maybe that Love-Stalker was right. I'm not sure why but...
I think we might make a good pair.