So sorry for the long wait :) Please forgive any grammar errors. Enjoy the chapter, hope it turns out good :)
R&R please
-D13
First best is falling in love. Second best is being in love. Least best is falling out of love. But any of it is better than never having been in love.
-Maya Angelou
The Missing Piece
"Are the children going to visit us anytime soon?" My wife asked.
"Haven't heard from them in awhile, our grandkids must be giving them hell." I smiled.
"Oh I can't wait to see them." My wife beamed.
"...The rain's coming." I looked up at the gray sky and readied the umbrella.
"You sure?"
"I can feel it in these old bones of mine." I winked.
XXXX
"What is this place?" Takara asked, looked at the tall stone gazebo.
"Just the school garden." Hana sat down on the stone steps.
"But the schools all the way over there." Takara noticed.
"Still on school grounds," Hana smiled, "So...what's going on?"
Takara hesitated as she sat down with Hana.
"I...I don't know," Takara sighed, "I just arrived at this school and everything going down hill."
"Its none of my business, but he is my brother. He's a good guy, Mom says he's going through some dumb boy phase."
"Yeah they all do don't they..." Takara smiled for a moment.
"So what happened?" Hana asked.
"Well...while we were having lunch, some girl forced herself between us."
"Hmm...was it a Mori girl?" Hana asked.
"Yeah, Mori Akemi. Do you know her?"
"Yeah...she's the high school slut." Hana frowned at the thought of Akemi and Haru together in the same room.
Takara chuckled a little at Hana's reaction
XXXX
The gasp he heard made him break the kiss. Shizuka looked up at Yoichi who froze all his actions. Both were blushing at the moment they were in. Shizuka felt the burn in her cheek grow as she slowly pressed a hand to his chest. Yoichi felt her gently touch and lightly sighed at the action. Feeling bold he brought his hand up slowly and placed his hand on Shizuka's right breast. Feeling the touch caused Shizuka to gasp in a high pitch. He liked the noise that escaped her lips and continued his massaging. Unable to control her gasp, she felt lips kiss hers and let them have their way.
They both leaned down to the floor, Yoichi gently placed Shizuka on the floor, now using both hands to massage her breast. She let out a moan as the hard hands gently rubbed her breast in circles. Yoichi loved the sounds of her moans and the way she squirmed beneath his hands. He moaned when Shizuka's hands rubbed the back of his neck, causing his hands to unbutton her school uniform. Her eyes shot open and she pushed Yoichi away.
"I..." She covered her chest and looked away from his eyes.
"...Sorry...I thought...you wanted to..." He avoided eye contact as well.
"I...I do...but..."
Yoichi's heart raced at her words. He looked at her, waiting for an answer. She fixed her blouse and tried to tone down the blush on her face.
"I don't want to do it yet..."
Yoichi smiled and put his arm around her. She jumped a little but leaned into his hug with a smile.
"That's fine, I can wait for you."
"...After my parents..." Shizuka spoke.
"Eh?" Yoichi looked down at her.
"After we tell my parents we're together...I want to..." Shizuka blushed heavily.
"...You sure?" Yoichi asked.
"Yeah."
XXXX
"Mmmm...yup, not a good idea." Haru sighed as he dropped the ideas of what Akemi would do to him if he really went to the secret location.
He sighed and thought about Takara, a small blush came to his face. Clutching his hands into a fist, he grabbed his house keys and ran out of his room.
"...I have to see Takara." Haru tightly put on his baseball cap.
Natsuki heard the quick footsteps and was about to scowl her son when he ran up to her and gave her a quick hug. She was taken aback at his affection, but smiled that her son was hugging her.
"Thanks Mom." He headed for the door.
Natsuki sighed as the door closed behind him, but smiled knowing what Haru was going to do.
"Guess we did good with him Shizuru." Natsuki said to herself.
XXXX
"Okini for walking me home Reito." I smiled at him.
"No problem, this was fun. We should do it again sometime." He smiled.
"Right...for the next time...do you mind if I bring someone along?" I asked.
"Is it your boyfriend?" Reito asked with a smile.
"No, but she's a close...friend of mine."
"Sure, how does next Sunday sound?"
"Sounds great, good night Reito."
"You okay?" Reito raised an eyebrow.
"Huh?" I looked at him.
"You seem...I don't know, scared and nervous for some reason."
"I...I'm fine, you don't need to worry about me." I smile, to reassure him that I'm okay.
"Well okay then, you know I'll be around if you need me." He smiled.
"The same here."
"Well, good night Zuzu." He grinned.
"Good night Rei."
I blinked and saw him take a step towards me. My...he is tall...I look up and see his eyes staring into mine. He smiled, I saw a warm look in his eyes that made my cheeks burn. I feel...dizzy...
"Well, good night." He winked and grinned.
"Uh, yes. Good night." I coughed.
I began to walk into my apartment when I turned my head and looked at Reito who was walking away into the dark night. I watched and finally turned away when he disappeared. Closing the door behind me, I let out a deep breath and pressed my back to the door. My knees lost strength and I slowly slide myself down to the floor.
Wha-What's happening to me? I've...never felt like this...am I...I...I can't be...I can't be falling for him...am I? I do love him but as a friend, a brother, but...
I heard a small vibration from my purse and began to search for my phone. When I opened it, I gasped and felt my heat drop at my mistake.
XXXX
"He's the murderer. I'm telling you, he did it." I shouted at the television.
I slurped up my mayonnaise sauced noodles as the murder mystery show continued. So yeah, this is what I do during my spare time. I don't know why, but I like a good mystery story to solve. If only I could figure out the disappearance of my girlfriend...
I swallowed my noodles at the sound of my cell phone ringing. I wiped my mouth with the sleeve end of my jacket before picking up my cell phone near by. I was almost surprised to see who was calling, then again I did call her three times. Three's always a good number. I don't want to look like the obsessive type.
"Hey." I answered the call.
"Kanin na Natsuki, I lost track of the time. Kanin na."
"Whoa, hey it's okay."
"It's not okay, I should of called you."
"I understand, don't worry about it." Actually I'm pissed but...
"I'll make it up to you, I promise."
"A make up date would be nice." I smiled.
"Ara, then how about a late night date."
"Uh, well there's nothing really open this late."
"True...guess the date will have to wait then." I heard her sigh.
"Well...it's a full moon tonight, we could go to the beach and have a late snack or something." I hope that didn't sound stupid.
"Ara, that sounds relaxing. I'll bring the snacks if you pick me up."
"Sure, I'll be at you're place in thirty minutes."
"See you soon."
"Yeah."
I hung up and felt my stomach do a flip. Guess I better get somewhat dressed...guess my leathers will do. Nothing to fancy or over the top.
XXXX
I hope Natsuki forgives me for making her wait...
Let's see...A thermos of green tea, an energy drink, rice crackers, a box of Pocky...don't have much for snacking. If only I had more time, I could make a bento box for Natsuki.
I heard my phone ring again as soon as I packed the snacks in a small bag. It's only been ten minutes, I hope Natsuki doesn't cancel on me. As soon as I picked up my cell phone, I felt my eyes widen at the name. I sighed and felt my mask build itself together.
"Good evening Mother." I smiled.
"So how's was you're evening." I heard a warm tone from my Mother.
"It was wonderful, and a surprise meeting at that."
"Ara, ara, I told you so. Such a wonder, neh? Reito has grown up to be a fine, tall, handsome-"
"Ara, Mother, if you want Reito, you can have him."
"Well if I was a few years younger maybe," I heard her chuckle, "So how did the date go? Tell me everything that happened."
"Ara, it was a simple date Mother. Nothing too serious."
"He's the perfect match for you my dear."
"We'll see Mother. Nothing is set in stone."
"But what's not too like about him? You practically know everything about him, he's a good man who will take care of you."
"I know Mother, but I..." I don't like him like that...
"Ara, I know. Take you're time my dear, but I do like this one," I heard my mother chuckle, "I'm in my 'I want grandchildren' stage so don't be to harsh on me."
"Ara, I hope I never get to that stage."
"You will, I know. I'm you're Mother remember."
"Well then...how is Father?" I need to change the subject.
"He's well, a bit worried about you're omai meeting but I'll tell him it went swimmingly."
I heard a knocking at my door, perfect timing Natsuki.
"Kanin na Mother, but I have to go."
"This late at night? Where are you headed?"
"To a friend's house for a study group session." I opened the door and smiled as Natsuki stepped into my apartment.
"Okay, I suppose I have to let you go then," I heard her sigh, "Please be safe Shizuru."
"I'll try to Mother. Say goodnight to Father for me."
"Will do, goodnight."
I closed my cellphone and sighed as I put it away.
"Kanin na, I was-"
I stopped at felt myself staring at Natsuki...she's in a leather suit...
"You were talking to you're Mother?" Natuski finished my sentence.
"...Uh yes, kanin na," I stopped my staring and tried to keep my focus on her eyes, "I don't have much, but they'll do for a light snack."
"Great, I brought a couple of things just in case," she smiled, "So ready to go?"
"Yes." I grabbed the small bag and my keys.
"So how did you're date go?" She asked with a teasing grin as I locked my apartment door.
"Ara, I won't lie, it was fun. It turns out that my date was with my childhood friend."
"Really?" We began to walk down the stairs.
"Yes, he's name is Kanzaki Reito. He's going to be attending the university next semester."
"Huh, guess he'll be spending a lot of time around you."
"Actually...I want you to meet him next Sunday. I want him to..."
We reached the ground level and I spotted her motor- Duran a few steps away. She grabbed an extra helmet from her side bag and handed it to me. As I put it on, she waited for me to finish my sentence. I smiled and without thinking, I wrapped my arms around her waist and brought her close to me.
"I want to show him what a wonderful girlfriend I have."
I smiled as I saw a red tint appear on her cheeks. Such a cute blush.
"Ara, should we head out on our date?"
"Y-Yeah, come on." She zipped up her leather jacket.
Before I let go and gave her a chance to put her helmet on, I placed a quick kiss on her cheek an watched the red tint darken a few shades.
"Ara, to think a blush could reach that deep of a red," I released her from my hold, "You have a gift Natsuki."
"It's not a gift, and I'm not blushing." She sat on Duran.
"Then what is it?" I took the seat behind her.
"...Allergies."
XXXX
I wonder...
This will definitely help her in the end...
XXXX
"How's this spot?"
"Let's see...the water's not too high, the stars are in a good position, and it's not too dark. It's perfect Natsuki." Shizuru smiled.
"Great, now we don't have to go hunting for another spot." I unfolded the large beach towel I brought with me.
"Ara, good thing it's not too cold." She sat on the towel after I placed it on the ground.
"Yeah...so what's in the bag?"
"Not too much, I made some green tea." She pulled out a thermos.
"Eh, no thanks. Not a big fan."
"Well I have a bottled water, or would you like this energy drink?"
"Mmm, I'll take the energy drink."
She handed me the beverage, and as I opened it she began to pour herself a cup of tea. Still warm, she must really like green tea.
"Cheers?" She lifted her cup.
"Cheers." I lightly tapped my drink with her cup.
After taking a sip, I looked out into the open sea and enjoyed the small breeze coming our way. I felt a hand close to mine and felt a small burn come up on my cheeks.
"You know anything about stars?" I tried to spark a conversation.
"A little...there's the Big Dipper." She pointed to a few stars.
"Yeah I see it, the handle points to the north star right?" I asked.
"Actually I think it's the Little Dipper's handle that point's to the north star."
"Then what about the Big Dipper?"
"I think it points by the top corner of the pot."
"So...then that's the north star?" I pointed to a star.
"I think so, see anything else?"
"Truth be told, they look like a bunch of dots in the sky to me."
She chuckled and took another sip of her green tea. Damn I, should of lied and made up something about the stars. Now what do we talk about? Uh...
"So how are you're parents?"
"They're good, they like to pick on me but I know they worry about me a lot."
"Only kid?"
"Yes, and you?"
"Only kid, had a dog once though."
"Ara, you're so lucky your parents didn't have allergies like mine."
"Yeah...lucky...how is you're friend after all these years?" I tried to change the conversation.
"A lot has changed about him," She smiled, "He's grown out, he used to be really short. Ara, and he's not a chubby boy anymore. He has some muscle to him."
"Sounds like the ideal guy." I took a sip.
"If you knew what he looked like back when he was eight, you would be shocked too." She smiled.
"So you two grew up together."
"Yes, up until we turned 11. He and his parents moved away to be closer to his grandparents."
"...Did you miss him?" I had to ask.
"Very much, I didn't have many friends growing up," She responded, "Or at least true friends, I still have a couple whom I trust."
"Sounds like this guy is a keeper."
"Ara, I suppose..."
It became quiet, maybe I should of kept my mouth shut about Reito. Maybe she really does like him...
"Want some Pocky?" She offered.
"What flavor?"
"Nnn...dark chocolate." She held up the box.
"Sure." I grabbed a stick.
Shizuru took a stick and bit of a small piece. I put my in my mouth and pretend its a cigarette, always have since I was a kid.
"Natsuki."
"Yeah?"
"I like you."
Well...this is sudden.
"I like you too...okay what did you do?" I raised an eyebrow.
She chuckled and took another bite of her Pocky. She looked nervous as she swallowed the snack.
"I...I want to be more honest about myself. About who I really am."
"...Are you sure?"
"I've thought about it for a long time...I think I'm ready."
"Starting off small?"
"With Reito, yes...and then my parents..." I noticed the Pocky shaking a little.
Whether we end up together or not, I want to help her. Is this what they call love? Wanting to do all you can for someone, even if you're never repaid? I don't know, maybe...but she need's someone right now.
I felt bold and wrapped my arm around her shoulder. She looked surprised as we locked eyes. Wow...she has beautiful eyes, almost mesmerizing.
"I may not be a big help, but I'll help you in anyway I can. I promise."
She smiled and leaned herself on my shoulder. I felt myself smile as she laid her head on my shoulder. This feels right.
"You have no idea how much you've already helped me."
I sighed and gently laid my head on hers. Damn, if she caught me blushing now, I'd never hear the end of it.
XXXX
"Wow, all the way from Tokyo?" Hana was shocked.
"That's right." Takara nodded.
"Wow, why transfer all the way out here?"
"I...the capital is really stuffy believe it or not. I just needed to get to somewhere clean air existed."
"Eh, I guess I'm spoiled by the good clean air then." Hana chuckled.
"Then again, I think its nice to go to a school where the water's close."
"Mmm, it's a nice bonus," Hana smiled, "So my onii-chan?"
Takara sighed and looked at the flower bush in front of them.
"I wasn't being fair. I just got here and I'm already making assumptions," Takara sighed again, "Don't think ill of me, I do like Haru. Maybe it was too fast of us to become a couple."
"Maybe ,my onii-chan is kind of dumb too." Hana sighed.
Takara smiled Hana's answer, to which Hana had to hide a blush.
"So it's just you by yourself?"
"Yes, my onee-chan and onii-chan keep in touch everyday. They worry so much, if they could they'd call me every five minutes."
"What about you're parents? Shouldn't they be the one's checking up on you?" Hana raised an eyebrow.
"They've been gone for a long time, a little after I was born."
"Oh...sorry."
"It's fine."
They heard a rustle from behind them and turned their heads to the sounds. A shadow could be seen coming towards them before they saw the owner of the shadow.
"Takara..." Haru stood still when they noticed him.
"Haru..." Takara blushed.
"Uh...yeah, I'm just gonna...yeah. Good luck you too."
Hana quickly walked away, but looked back from a safe distance. She watched them talk, smiled when Haru had a small blush come to his cheeks and when Takara smiled. Hana's smile disappeared when Haru wrapped his arms around Takara's shoulder's. She watched as a smile formed on Takara's face as she wrapped her arms around Haru's back. Hana turned away and paused as the world moved on without her. Sighing, she took a step away from the couple.
That's not fair...
XXXX
"Nervous?"
"A little..." Shizuru looked at me, a slight fear showing in her eyes.
I smiled, to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. She smiled back, though I could still see a sliver of fear in her eyes. I grabbed her hand and felt her take a firm grip on my hand.
"It's gonna be fine. I'm here, remember?"
She nodded her head and took a deep breath before taking the lead in our walk. Today we get to meet Reito, well for me it's suppose to be my first meeting with him.
"Where are we meeting him again?"
"At a small cafe. We went there on our date last Sunday."
"Eh, sounds girly."
"It wasn't to girly." She smiled.
"Let me guess, they sell green tea?"
"Ara, ara, excellent guess Natsuki." She chuckled.
I rolled my eyes, I learned something new about my girlfriend. She loves green tea, almost to a health hazard level believe it or not. I wonder how she'll react to my mayonnaise addiction?
"Ara, here it is." Shizuru stopped us.
I looked ahead and saw a small, quaint store. Hope it has some hard caffeine drinks. Kind of need one right now. I look over at Shizuru and I can tell she's second guessing her decision. Well...I...I lean over to her and kiss her cheek, bringing her out of her trance. She looked and me and I saw something that made me take a step back with a grin.
"So you can blush."
"Ara, ara," She tried to hide her blush with her free hand, "It must be my allergies acting up."
I still felt myself grin as the blush died on her cheeks. She took a breath and we continued our way to the cafe. As soon as the door opened, the smell of tea leaves hit my senses. Shizuru must be in tea heaven, nice choice Reito.
"Shizuru."
We turned to the sound of her name. He waved at us from a table he saved us. I felt Shizuru's hand leave mine as we made our way to Reito. Huh, hand feels kind of cold.
"Good to see you again Reito." Shizuru smiled at him.
"You as well Shizuru." Damn, he does have a nice smile, "So, is this your friend you wanted to invite?"
Charming bastard...Shizuru continued to smile as she introduced me to him.
"Yes, Reito this is Kuga Natsuki," Shizuru nodded her head, "Natsuki, this is Kanzaki Reito."
"It's finally nice to meet you Kuga-san." Reito slightly bowed.
"...Nice to meet you as well." I slightly bowed to him.
"So, ordering the usual Shizuru?" Reito asked as we sat down at the table.
"Of course," She smiled, "...Reito."
"Yes." He was all ears.
"Um...there's...there's something I have to tell you."
Well...thought she would of waited a little longer to confess. I watched his face and her's as well as time ticked slow for us. Shizuru took a deep breath before looking at Reito again.
"Natsuki...she's not...just my friend."
"...Okay..."
"She's...she's actually..."
"...Is she you're girlfriend?"
"Wha-...but...how...?" Shizuru eye's widen at Reito's sudden assumption.
"I always kind of figured Zuzu," Reito smiled, "Well, I hope for the best for you two."
"Reito..." Shizuru smiled.
Okay, maybe I'm just jealous. Everything is actually going great, we're laughing, sharing stories...well...maybe just a little jealous. Still...why would he help me get her? Maybe he has someone else in mind for him. I mean he already knew she plays for a different team, so maybe he won't try.
XXXX
"Excuse me for a moment." Natsuki stood up from her seat.
"Ara, hurry back." I smiled.
I saw her roll her eyes as she walked away from the table. So easy to make blush.
"Shizuru."
I turn to Reito who had a look of concern on his face. I felt the smile on my face fall at his concern.
"Is something wrong?"
"I'm worried about you."
"Worried? What for? Is it because I'm dating a woman?"
"Somewhat, though I will admit you hooked a nice one." He smiled for a moment.
I smiled, but that soon fell as his smile fell.
"Then...what are you worried about."
"I'm worried about whether or not you're taking your relationship seriously."
"What?"
"Well you've told me you've had six relationships not including Natsuki," Reito lectured, "At that last one, Marguerite was it? She was just a toy to you wasn't she?"
"...It was accident."
"Like the three other women before her."
"Natsuki is different, I really like her."
"Are you sure, because I like Natsuki as well. I don't want her get tossed aside like some rag doll. I know that pain all to well."
"Since when do you know what that feels like?" I could feel my mask slowly falling apart.
"...I think it should quite obvious how I know that pain."
The stare he was giving made my heart skip a beat. He wouldn't stop staring as I tried to avoid his gaze.
"So what is she to you?"
"What?" I looked up at him.
"Is she just a temporary play thing?"
"No!"
"Then what am I?" A different voice spoke up.
I looked up at the voice's owner...the famous icy stare...
"Natsuki please believe me, I-"
"You know what, forget it. I don't want to hear it." Natsuki pushed me away and headed for the door.
"Natsuki!"
She slammed the door behind her and ran as fast as she in a direction I've never been. I felt my heart skip a few more beats as my eyes watched her run away.
"Shizuru..."
I glared at Reito...this is all his fault. Why did he push Natsuki away from me? She means everything to me.
"How could you?" I continued to glare at him.
"I only asked you what she was to you, and you failed to give a response."
"She's not a toy, I care about her."
"Then why is she gone Shizuru?"
I looked at my cup, the green tea now cold. Why is she gone? I...I have no one to blame except myself...
"Well...you say she's not a toy," Reito turned his gaze away from me, "Care to prove me wrong?"
Immediately I get up from my chair and turn to leave. I look back and him for a moment, his eyes matching with mine.
"She's not a toy. I know we've only been together for a short time, but I know she's different because..."
"Because?" He pressed for an answer.
I feel a smile tug on my face as I took another step towards the door.
"Because I'm falling in love her."