Next chapter everybody, I should really posting these really early in the morning :/ Please enjoy and please forgive any grammatical errors you might find.

R&R please, hope you enjoy :D

-D13

We accept the love we think we deserve

- Stephen Chbosky

The First

"Great...now what?" Hana sighed as she continued her walk home.

She looked to her side and tried to imagine her brother next to her as he usually walked home with her. She sighed and looked to her other side and again tried to imagine her sister walking beside her. She tried to hear their voices and laughter, but sighed and gave up on her imagination.

"Must be nice to be with someone..."

"Um..." A voice started.

Hana looked up and recognized by uniform and face it was a boy from her school and class. She stopped, making sure they were a few steps apart. She noticed he looked nervous as he had a red tint on his face and the way he rubbed his neck. She raised an eyebrow as he took a step towards her.

"Uh...you're Hideki-kun, right?"

"Yeah, that's the name," he smiled, "Can't believe the popular Kuga Hana knows my name."

Hana wanted to point out that they were in the same class, but kept it to herself as she was interested to see where this conversation was going. She watched as he nervously chuckled and continued to rub his neck.

"So...uh...um...I was just wondering...would you like...would you like to..." the blush became apartment on his cheeks.

Hana rolled her eyes, hoping he didn't see the act, and kept a sigh to herself. She then thought about her siblings, and looked back at the boy.

"Okay."

"Huh?" The boy looked up with surprise.

"Let's go on a quick date." Hana linked her arms with his.

"Wha-really?" He smiled.

"Yeah...so where are we going Hideki-kun?" She smiled.

XXXX

"So you also have an older sister."

"Yup."

"Two sisters, wow. I'm kind of jealous." Takara smiled.

"Eh, for girls I guess that would be a good thing." Haru noted.

"Maybe, I only have one."

"What about your brother ?" Haru asked.

"Well...technically he is yet is not my brother."

"Hmm?"

"He's my brother through marriage. I was really little when he was around so I just called him my big brother rather than by his first name."

"Wow, how far apart are you and your sister?"

"We're 22 years apart."

"Wait what?"

"Yeah my parents had one too many," Takara smiled, "I was a kind of an accident."

"Nobody's an accident." Haru sternly said.

"...Thanks." Takara smiled.

"So...it's just you, your sister, and her husband?"

"Well no, I have a niece and nephew," Takara grinned, "They're a couple of years younger than me."

"Interesting family...speaking of interesting..." Haru cleared his throat.

"What?"

"Um...I have to be honest with you about something."

"Okay." Takara looked at him.

"Um...you remember when you asked me about my dad?"

"Oh yeah...I'm sorry, did he leave you? I'm so sorry I asked." Takara felt embarrassed.

"No, nothing like that...I don't have a father."

"No...then..." Takara waited for an answer, not sure what to expect.

"I...I have a Mother and a Mom." Haru looked at Takara's face carefully.

"Oh...really?"

"Yeah..."

Haru watched her face, hoping not to see a look of disgust on her face. He impatiently waited for a response and broke out in a smile when he saw a smile on her face.

"Well considering I don't have parents, have a 13 year old niece and nephew, and a sister 22 years older than me, I'd say you're family is way normal than mine."

Haru smiled as she grabbed his hand and leaned closer to him.

XXXX

"So did you like this place?" Hideki asked.

"Yeah..." Hana replied.

"I'm glad you said yes." Hideki smiled at her.

"..." Hana looked down at her glass of juice.

Afar at a different table, Shizuka was drinking her tea, unaware her sister was in the same coffee shop. She looked up from her tea and let out a giggle.

"Why do you have a fake mustache?"

Yoichi grabbed the end of this fake mustache which curled up and smiled.

"I don't think one has to question why one has a fake mustache."

"...Can I have one?"

Yoichi smiled and reached into his pocket and handed her a fake mustache. She put her cup down and applied the mustache to her upper lip. She grinned and leaned close to him.

"Kiss me good sir."

"Uh, how about no." Yoichi pushed her lips and mustache away from him.

"Oh come on, you know you like it." Shizuka continued her assault.

"Not interested in mustache covered girls." He fought back.

"Just one?" Shizuka pleaded.

Yoichi sighed and gave her a small peck on the cheek. She giggled again and sat back in her seat. Hana had watched from the distance with a sad smile as she and Hideki left the coffee shop.

XXXX

"All right, meeting adjourned."

Shizuru smiled, grateful that the meeting was over as she took a hold of her suitcase. As she exited the meeting room she remembered something she forgot in her office and changed her route from the exit to her office. Once she entered her office, she set her suitcase on a nearby chair and walked to her desk. Grabbing a couple of files on her desk, she heard a cell phone chime ring out for her. She reached into her pocket and smiled at the name calling her.

"Yes my Natsuki?"

"Hey Shizuru, the kids are gone."

"Ara, what happened?"

"Well Shizuka's at her cooking club, Hana's at her art club, and Haru's on a date, I think. But anyway the important thing is, I'm all alone in our house."

"Really? My poor Natsuki is all alone?"

"Yeah, and I'm getting lonely."

"Ara, I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Okay, but hurry before I get bored enough to do any of my actual paperwork."

"You really need to finish that."

"Eh, I'll do it tomorrow."

"I'll be there in a few minutes."

"All right, love you."

"Love you too."

Shizuru ended the conversation and smiled to herself as she quickly put the files away in her suitcase and almost ran out the door.

XXXX

"So I guess I'll see you tomorrow at school?" Hideki smiled.

"Yeah..."

"Can we...go on another date...?" Hideki asked.

Hana paused and stared at Hideki. She felt her fingers twitch and gulped.

"You live nearby right?"

"Uh yeah, why?"

"Is anyone home?"

"...I don't think so..."

"...We should make out."

"Wh-what? Really?"

"Yeah, let's do it."

"Okay." He grinned.

XXXX

"Just you and me. Like I said." Natsuki smiled as Shizuru pushed her gently on their bed.

"It's been awhile." Shizuru began to kiss her wife's neck.

"For you maybe, we did it last night."

"Yes but I miss the days we used to do it in the mornings too." Shizuru smiled.

"I think that was before the kids showed up." Natsuki ran her fingers through Shizuru's hair.

Shizuru smiled and brought her face up to her wife's and placed a kiss on her lips

XXXX

I...guess...this is okay...kind of rough though...

Hana thought this as Hideki kissed her and she kissed back. He moved his lips to pay attention to her neck. Hana felt her eye twitch as she felt his lips move up and down her neck. She felt a hand grab her breast and she frowned. He grouped her breast with both hands, enjoying the softness they offered. She watch and tried not to have a look of disgust on her face when she felt a clothed bulge rub against her leg.

...This suck...Can't believe I thought this would work...

She sighed when she felt his hands work to get her out of her blouse. She stopped his hands and grabbed her backpack.

"Kuga-san?" Hideki looked confused.

"Sorry Hideki-san...I just can't..."

"But-"

"I'm really sorry..."

XXXX

"I'll be back, I promise." Shizuru smiled.

"Maybe I'll wait right here for you." Natsuki smiled as she played with the blanket covering her body.

"Ara, too bad the kids are coming home," Shizuru smiled, "You might as well finish that paperwork."

"Eh, I like tomorrow better." Natsuki laid back on the bed and put her hands behind her head.

"Well...if Natsuki finishes her homework by the time I get back, she might get some extra play time." Shizuru winked.

Natsuki quickly jumped out of the bed and dressed her self in her clothes. Before Shizuru could leave, Natsuki placed a kiss on her forehead and smiled at her.

"Take your time at the store."

"Maybe." Shizuru winked.

Natsuki chuckled as she heard the door close and sighed as she walk to the table to finish her paperwork. She reminded herself it was only a couple of files to work out and kept the prize in her mind. A few minutes passed and as she was halfway complete with her work, she heard to door open and sighed.

"Oh hey, you're home early." Natsuki looked up from her paperwork,glad to see it was to see Hana and not Shizuru who entered the house.

"Yeah, I didn't feel like going to the art club meeting today." Hana sat down next to Natsuki.

"Just cause you don't feel like going, doesn't mean you should skip out." Natsuki gave Hana a slight glare.

"You now I recall Mother telling me stories about a certain parent who skipped her high school classes almost everyday."

"And I also remember telling you kids to do what I say and not what I used to do."

"I suppose...Mom?"

"Yeah?" Natsuki looked up from her paperwork again.

"Do...Do you think I'll ever find someone?"

"Of course."

"I don't know...I just..." Hana sighed, "Shizuka has that guy, Haru has Takara, and I'm just...on the sidelines. I even thought being with some random person would help, but... "

Natsuki sighed and put her pen down. She usually left these kinds of situations to Shizuru, but it looked like it was her turn to take control of the situation. Natsuki didn't know what to say, but seeing her daughter almost on the verge on tears brought words to her mouth.

"Hana...sometimes the person we're meant to be with isn't always on time. I know its hard, but you got to be patient while looking for that person. Heck I had to wait almost 22 years until I met your Mother."

"Really?"

"Yup, so just try and be patient Hana. You never know where or when your person is coming. They might even be in another town, place, country, you just never know. But I do know you will find her, so try and be patient, okay?"

"...I'll try." Hana sighed.

"Good...hey let's go crepes."

"What? Now?"

"Yeah, come on let's go." Natsuki smiled at finding a way to make her daughter smile and escape her work at the same time.

Hana smiled as she followed her Mom with a small kind of hope blooming in her heart.

XXXX

"Excuse me for a moment." I stood up from my seat.

"Ara, hurry back." Shizuru smiled.

I rolled my eyes as I walked away from the table. I don't know how she does it. I need to get a control on this stupid blush.

Truth is, I don't need to use the restroom. I just felt like they needed some time to talk one-on-one. Not a bad thing, right? Now when do I go back?

I sigh as I lean my back on the bathroom wall and amuse myself with a small game on my cell phone. I...I think Reito is an okay guy. He does seem to want to help Shizuru...I guess he's alright. Damn, I lost. I close my phone and take a quick look in the mirror. Not too bad I guess. No gray hairs yet. I fix my jacket and clear my throat, preparing myself to enter the battlefield again. As I stepped out of the restroom and turned a corner, I hear Shizuru's voice change tone. I felt myself stop to listen to Shizuru's and Reito's conversation.

"...And 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."

...An accident?

"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 should think it's quite obvious how and why I know that pain."

I felt myself gasp silently. Wow...Reito...I thought...you...all this time I thought you were looking out for Shizuru. But you're looking out for me? I'm gonna have to buy this guy a drink later. Shizuru...how could you?

"So what is she to you?"

"What?" I looked up at him.

"Is she just a temporary play thing?"

"No!"

"Then what am I?" I couldn't take it anymore.

On instinct, I felt my eyes lower and set in their glare mode. This girl is only using me. I can't believe I fell for her trap.

"Natsuki please believe me, I-" She began.

"You know what, forget it. I don't want to hear it." I just...I can't take it anymore.

I turn away from her and ran for the door. I didn't even turn around when I heard her call out my name. That voice is dead to me now. I slammed the door behind me and felt a burst of energy fill my body. Without thinking, I felt my legs carry me away. As I ran, people moved out of my way and those who didn't were pushed aside with my shoulders. I don't know where I'm going, and honestly I don't care where I go. I just need- no- I need to get away. From her, from this...this aching I'm feeling inside me.

I just want to run and never look back.

XXXX

"Strawberry is the best." Hana smiled as she took a bite of her crepe.

"Nope, chocolate is." Natsuki smiled after swallowing a bite of her crepe.

"I don't know how you eat that Mom." Hana shuddered.

"I don't know where you get your 'I hate chocolate' gene. Definitely wasn't from me or your Mother."

"I think Grandmother doesn't like chocolate. Probably got it from her."

"Yeah you're Grandmother." Natsuki sighed.

Hana smiled as she continued to eat her crepe. She and Natsuki we're sitting on a bench watching people go about their business. Natsuki nudged her daughter and secretly pointed with her show a person of interest.

"How about that girl. She's cute."

"Mmm...she is, but she's a bit to tall for me."

"You're not tall either kid."

"I know, but I would like someone around my height."

"Okay, how about that one?"

"Too young."

"That one?"

"I'm not sure...looks a few years older than me."

"How about that one?"

"Mom that's a guy."

"What? No way, really?"

"Yup." Hana took a bite of her crepe.

"Huh...that's a new one on me." Natsuki raised and eyebrow.

"Yup."

"...Hey, how about that one." Natsuki pointed out.

Hana looked in the direction her Mom pointed out and paused. She watched as a wavy haired brunette was buying a crepe. Hana looked up and down the girl, inspecting every inch and raised an eyebrow.

"Is she a foreigner?" Hana asked.

"I think so, hope you paid attention in English class."

"Did you?" Hana grinned.

"Go say hi to her."

"No way."

"If you talk to her, I'll buy you another crepe."

"Make it two."

"Tell you what, get her name and I'll get you a soda with that crepe."

Hana took a deep breath and let it out as she looked at the girl. She handed her crepe to her Mom and fixed her collar as she stood up.

I should of paid more attention in English class. Kami, please let her know some Japanese

Hana was about to back out when the girl turned her head and made eye contact. Hana smiled and brought up a hand to wave.

"Uh...uh hello. Uh...Nice...weather...yes?" Hana tried to speak in English.

"Hola." The girl smiled.

Hana felt herself pale at the different language that touched her ears and the distant laughter from her Mom in the background.

XXXX

"Whoa...what happened to you?"

I looked up and saw Nao looking at me from the couch. Damn I must look like a mess, it is raining hard out there.

"None of your business." I made my way to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

I expected a smart comment from her, but to my surprise she was silent. Not that it matters, I don't care anymore. I move some items out of the way and reached for my secret stash. I opened the bottle and let the liquid rush past lips and into my stomach and soul. After taking the swig I looked at Nao who kept her distance from me. They always to that, backing the fuck away from me as if I'm some disease. Maybe they should go take a look in the mirror themselves.

"What are you looking at?" I glared at her.

"...Wanna talk?"

I laugh and take another drink. I gulp and breath as I glare at her.

"Fuck off." I throw my shit to the ground and take my bottle with me to my room.

XXXX

Natsuki...

I ran and ran without any end. Where did you go? I saw you run in this direction. Natsuki, please answer me.

I finally ran out of air and stopped my running. I looked up, wiped the sweat from my brow and tried again to call her. I listen carefully and counted each ring until it went to voice mail again. I take a deep breath and leave another voice mail.

"Natsuki please, answer me. I have to tell you everything, I don't want to break up with you. Please...please answer me."

I ended the call and leaned against the wall and looked up at the sky. It raining hard, but at least it covered up the tears falling down my cheeks. How...how did this...is this karma?

I gasped at the ringing of my cell phone and quickly answered the call.

"Natsuki?"

"No...I'm her roomate."

"Oh...hello."

"Hi...I'm guessing you and her had a fight."

"Yes...is she there?"

"Look I don't think she wants to talk to you. What the hell did you do to her? I've never seen her like this."

"Rei...I have to set things right, please let me talk to her."

"...Three days."

"Huh?"

"Give me three days. I'll have her talk to you in person. I'll call you later."

Before I could ask her anything, she hung up on me and static filled my ears. I closed my phone and clutched it close to my chest. Three days...that sounds like forever.

XXXX

"Hey...hey...hey...hey...hey...HEY!"

I grabbed my head and groaned. Kami...what the hell...damn my head hurts. I grab my head and feel a cold pack being placed on my head. I grab the pack and hold it close to where my head hurt the most. I feel a glass being put in my hands and I look at the beverage. I raise an eyebrow at Nao.

"My friend says its a magic cure drink to hangovers."

I shrug my shoulders and down the drink in one gulp. Kind of taste like bananas...and honey? I wipe the excess from my lips and hold the ice pack to my head.

"...How long have I been in this room?"

"A couple of days." She handed me a bento box.

I pushed it away, glad that she offered, but I felt like puking. Damn the swirling just won't stop.

"You're girlfriend called."

"She's not my girlfriend."

"...She wants to talk to you."

"Tell her to fuck off."

"...No."

I look up at her, that determined look in her face. I glare at her as I stand up.

"What?"

"You want her to fuck off, you tell her yourself."

"Fine, where's my phone?"

"Nuh-uh, you tell her in person."

"I don't wanna see that bitch."

"Aww, is Natsuki being a little bitch?"

"What?" I glare at her.

"Stop being a little bitch and tell her yourself in person that it's over. I gave you the grace of being a little bitch for the last couple of days, but it ends now. Either do it, or I'm selling your cellphone."

"Where the hell did you put it?"

"You can turn this whole building apart, you'll never find it." She grinned at me.

I glared at her but turned away and grabbed by things. My head is feeling better, wonder what that magic drink has.

"So where's my cellphone?" I asked.

"I told you-"

"How the hell am I suppose to contact her if I don't have my cell phone?"

"I have it all arranged sweetheart," She rolled her eyes, "Meet her on the rooftop at the half abandon warehouse."

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"Nope, place is still secure," Nao assured me, "So you going or what?"

I sighed and felt my feet walking my to the door. I paused as I was halfway out the door and looked back at Nao. I can't believe I'm saying this.

"...Thanks."

XXXX

I rose up from the bed and smile at the woman putting her clothes back on. As I sit up in the bed she fixes her jacket and hair, making sure everything fit into place. With the blanket wrapped around my body, I hug her from behind and enjoy the warmth between us.

"Uh...Shizuru?"

"Good morning."

"Yeah morning, I guess you don't know how this game works do you?"

"What?" I open the space between us.

I hear her sigh as she turned to face me.

"You know, one night stand rules. All fun, no strings attached. Technically you were suppose to leave before I wake up but eh, too late now."

"I don't understand, I thought...you said-"

"I say a lot of things to get someone to help me warm the bed sheets, sweetheart," she smiled, "So thanks for the fun time, but this is getting old. Need me to show you they way out?"

"Shizuru."

I hear that familiar voice and turned around to see her. I felt my heart leap for joy but it settled down when she gave me her famous icy stare. I took a few steps closer to her, the ice not showing any signs of melting.

"Natsuki..."

"I just came by to say in person-"

"Wait please let me explain."

"Explain what? You're using me as some plaything? A toy? An appetizer before the main course? I hate those games and I'm not about to play."

"I would never do that to anyone, especially to you."

"Don't play innocent with me-"

"I'm not! I know how it feels to be played with," I felt myself screaming my soul to her, "Falling for someone, only to be thrown out after being used. It's feels like being ripped apart and alone and I don't want anyone to feel that pain."

"...Then what am I to you? You never answered that question."

"...I...you...you're..." I felt my face grow hot, "You're...you're my other half."

"Come again?"

"I know...it sounds dumb, but...when I'm with you, I feel the empty part of me fill up," I let it all go, "You make me feel complete, and I don't have to pretend to be anyone else but me when I feel that way."

"Other half...complete..." I saw a blush spread across Natsuki's face.

"Yes...and...I also...made a vow to myself."

"What kind of vow?" Natsuki took a few steps closer to me.

"I promised myself...that when I found my other half," I took a step towards her, "That when I truly found the one I want to be with, that I would come out to my parents. Because one way or another, I'll still have my other half with me."

"Shizuru..."

"Kanin na, I couldn't say it before-"

"Well I didn't really give you a chance to explain," she sighed, "...I'm sorry too."

I wrap my arms around her and I feel her gently wrap her arms around me. I hold her tight, I don't want to lose her. I feel her loosen her grip on me and I loosen mine only to get a better look at her face. She still had that blush on her face as she looked at me. I felt her hands move closer to my shoulders as she leaned close to me. I felt my eyes close halfway as I felt the gap between us grow smaller and smaller.

I felt her lips meet mine for the first time. A very soft, non-aggressive kiss...

We parted after what seemed forever and I looked at her with a smile I had never seen before. I smiled back and held her as she held me. Despite the small falling droplets of rain, this right now, is the best moment of my life.

XXXX

"Um...sorry got to go." Hana switched back to Japanese and turned away.

"Sorry, so sorry." The girl responded in Japanese.

"You...speak Japanese?" Hana turned to the girl.

"Not as well as a native speaker, but I can find a way to get to where I need to go." The girl smiled.

"Oh...um, so was that Italian or...Portuguese?" Hana asked, not sure what to talk about.

"Just hello in Spanish."

"Nice, well it was nice talking to you but I got to go. Bye." Hana quickly turned around.

"Nice to meet you." Hana heard the girl say as she walked away.

"So...did we get her name?" Natsuki asked.

"Can I just have my two crepes?"

"...How about I give you the cash so you can buy one for your new friend?" Natsuki winked.

"Uh...no thanks."

"Ugh, youth is wasted on the young." Natsuki sighed as she pocketed her money.

"Hey what about my crepe."

"What crepe?" Natsuki smiled.

"Mom." Hana complained.

"Excuse me."

Hana recognized the voice and turned around to see the girl smiling at her. Natsuki smiled and stepped away to get a better look at the scene.

"Y-Yes?" Hana asked.

"You go to the Fuka Academy, no?"

"Yes, I do."

"Fantastic, as you can tell, I'm a foreign exchange student. I'm so glad I bumped into someone who goes the the academy."

"Really, well that's great."

"We should be friends, yes?"

"Uh sure, my name's Kuga Hana. You can just call me Hana."

"Hana...kun?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Please to meet you Hana-kun," The girl smiled, "My name is Gracia."

"Gracia...nice to meet you." Hana smiled.

XXXX

"Since when do you read?" I took a quick look at Nao.

"None of you're concern," Nao closed her book and put it in her bag, "Well I'm off."

"Nao-kun, where are you headed off to?" Shizuru asked.

"To visit a friend, see you later." Nao left with a smile on her face.

"Huh, she's been cheerful these past few day," I looked back at the TV and continued to play my video game, "Must have a boyfriend."

"Who knows." Shizuru sat down next to me.

"So...in a couple weeks?" She wanted me to meet her parents.

"Yes..." Shizuru clutched at her skirt.

I saw her hands and paused my game as I reached out to her hands to try and relax them. Shizuru smiled and I felt her hands relax and tale a hold of mine. She leaned in close to me and just as our lips were about to connect, the damn door opens.

"Sorry, forgot something." Nao smiled.

Damn it Nao, I swear I think you do these things on purpose. Shizuru just chuckled as she watched a blush form on my face. Nao grabbed what she needed and looked at us.

"Have fun, just not in my room." Nao grinned.

"Get out." I threw the closet pillow I could grab at her.

The pillow hit the door as Nao closed and locked it. I sighed and tried to relax, helped when my girlfriend leaned on my shoulder. I pick up my controller to continue my game, but I felt a hand stop me. I was about to protest but her lips meet her cheek and that was the end of that. I don't know why, but I quickly dropped the controller and wrapped my arms around back. Our lips met and her body fell on top of mine as we held each other close. Shizuru pulled back and looked down at me. I gave her the smile I gave to her when we were on that rooftop and she smiled back at me. Truth be told, I didn't think it was dumb when she said I was her other half that completed her.

I feel the same way.