Hello! Sorry for the wait, my heart apparently didn't learn the first time around. I think I might start making the chapters longer after this. Just to get more into the climax for both past and present chapters. It's starting to get to that point ;) I'm gonna bring back the awful cliffhangers.

This chapter is a bit smutty, you've been warned.

Please R&R, and enjoy.

-Danzai13

Chapter XIV

(past)

So, today's the day.

I watch as a frantic Shizuru re-cleans her apartment. It's kind of amusing to watch her go back and forth with a wash cloth and broom in hand. But now wasn't the time to let out a chuckle. As she replaces the broom with a sponge and attacks the table, I sigh and get up from my chair to stand behind her.

"Please don't stop me." She says as I move my hands to stop hers.

"This is the 10th time you've cleaned the table. You're gonna start making marks in it." I ignore her request and stop her hands.

"It's...it's not clean enough." She tries to move her hands again.

I sigh and grab the washcloth and sponge, tossing them aside. I turn her around and make her look at me.

"I know you're just trying to occupy your mind so you don't have to think about it. But prepared or not; your parents are going to be here in a couple of hours. You go change out of your wet clothes; I'll finish this. And don't try and clean your room again."

She lets out a small chuckle. As I watch her walk to her room, I couldn't help but think about what I was going to do when her parents got here.

XXXX

Flashback

"Mother..."

"Shizuru...did I wake you up?"

"N-No...Mother...I..." I can't find the words for the emotions rushing through me.

"Is your...friend with you?"

I look at Natsuki whose putting her kimono back on and staring worryingly at me. My friend? My lover? Which could I reply with? Which should I reply with. I could lie...

But haven't I done enough lying for a lifetime?

"She's with me."

"...Your father and I want to speak to you. We'll be there in a week...make sure your friend is present as well."

"Mother...she's not just my friend. Natsuki is-"

A click on the other side finished off my sentence. I sigh and put my phone back where it belonged.

"Shizuru?"

"Kanin na, my parents are coming for a visit...and they'd like for you to be there."

"...This is your chance to fix the bridge between you and your mother."

I sigh and move myself to under the covers and near her. She pauses as I wrap my arms around her.

"I just hope there's still connecting rope on that bridge...Natsuki, your not just my friend, your my best friend."

I feel her arms wrap around me and hold me close to her. This feels really nice...

"You're my best friend too." I hear her say as she places a kiss on my forehead.

I smile to myself and feel myself drift to sleep.

XXXX

I sigh as I strip out of my wet clothes and dry off the excess water. I feel my stomach turn and quickly bring up a hand to my mouth. I take a deep breath and try calm myself down. This stress and worry is taking a big toll on my stomach. I quickly change into some dry clothes and walk fast into the kitchen. I grab a glass cup, fill it with water and slowly sip it. My stomach rejects it and I rush to the sink and let out the stress. I hear Natsuki rush over and pull my hair back.

"You okay?" She hands me a clean hand towel.

"Kanin na, all that work cleaning and I've dirtied the sink." I wipe at my mouth.

"See? This is what happens when you worry too much."

I let a small chuckle escape me as I stand straight and fold the towel.

"You should clean yourself up. I'll take care of this."

"Okay, but just stop at the sink. I don't want to come back and see you dusting anything."

XXXX

I begin to twiddle my thumbs as the clock ticks closer to the meeting. I look up at the clock, about 23 minutes to go. At least in theory, it might take 30 minutes or so for them to arrive. Tearing me from my thoughts, I hear and feel Shizuru sit down next to me.

"You smell nice, all fresh?"

"Okini and yes." I feel her rest her head on my shoulder.

I lean my head on hers and smile when she takes a hold of my hand. We lay back in the sofa and try to enjoy the small silence. If it could just be me and her today...

"Maybe we should of made something to eat." Shizuru breaks the silence.

"We could always make tea. Your Mother likes that."

"True...I'll go make some."

"I'll help...or watch, I'm not much use in the kitchen." I follow her to kitchen, hearing a chuckle from her.

As she prepares the kettle, I smile as I watch her bring out the tea leaves.

"Do you need something, Natsuki?" She must of caught me staring.

"No, you look really nice today."

"Okini."

I step forward and wrap my arms around her. I nuzzle my face close to her ear and neck. I hear her sigh and lean into me.

"Natsuki, it sounds crazy; but I'm not really in the mood right now."

"I know, I'm hoping this will make you less tense," I kiss her neck, "Is it working?"

"Mmmm...I'd be lying if I said no."

"Should I keep going?"

"Yes please." She turns her head and kisses my forehead.

I move down and kiss her shoulder as I feel her try and turn around. I stop her and keep her facing forward.

"An aggressive Natsuki? This is a rare sight." She chuckles.

"...I've never really touched you. Can I?" I ask.

"...Keep in mind my parent's are about to arrive"

I move over to her other should as my hands nervously reach up and cup her breast. A small groan escapes her as I massage her. I honestly don't know what to do, but whatever I'm doing its working. I bite her ear and she turns her head to me. We kiss and one of my hands leaves her breast for her hand to hold. We break apart and I see her blush hard.

"Ara, I thought you said you weren't in the mood?" I smile as I try and mimic her accent.

"I'm really liking this aggressive Natsuki," The blush deepens, "But we really have to stop."

I don't know how or why, but something in me broke the timid and nervous walls in me. Right now, I want her.

"Are you sure?"

I snake my hand under her skirt and reach further until I hear her gasp. I kiss her neck up to her ear so I could whisper in to her.

"I haven't really done anything but," I whisper close to her, "You're so wet."

"Ah..." She gasp as I move my hand away.

She stops my hand and moves it back down. I feel her lips attack mine and I give in to her. Let's see...I like small circular motions; maybe she'll...

As I move my hand and fingers in a circular motion, she roughly turns around and wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me. I kiss back and try to concentrate on two things as once. She moans and I move faster, I can't forget we're are on a time limit. She moves her hands to my back and tightly wraps us. The kiss breaks and she rest her head on my should, gasping and moaning and holding me close.

"N-Natsuki..." She moans.

"Does this feel good?" I change speed and direction.

"Ah! Mmm...I-I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you." She grip tightens as she shivers and gasp one last time.

I slow down and pause as her grip loosens and her body relaxes on mine. Her heavy breathing calms down as I hold her close and remove my hand from her skirt.

"Wow, my hand's soaked." I bring up my hand to inspect it.

"Kanin na...we better clean up." Shizuru smiles.

"Yeah, sorry about that." I wipe my hand off with a nearby towel.

"I love you, I promise I'll repay you back later." She winks at me and I feel a blush come to my cheeks.

A knock at the door breaks the moment. I look at Shizuru before washing my hands.

"I'll get it, you clean up."

"Don't forget the tea as well." Shizuru quickly rushes to the bathroom.

I sigh and walk over to the door. I fix my shirt and pants before gaining enough courage to unlock and open the door.

"Mr. Fujino, Mrs. Fujino." I slightly bow to them.

"Hello Natsuki." Mrs. Fujino nods her head.

"Hi, I brought cake." Mr. Fujino grins.

"Uh, great. The tea's just about ready. Please come in." I move out of the way.

"Where's Shizuru?" Mrs. Fujino ask as she sits down at the table.

"She's in her room. Would you like a cup of tea?"

She nods her head in approval and as I rush to the kitchen Shizuru comes out in the open.

"Help me with the tea real quick?" I ask.

"Okay."

XXXX

I calmly set two tea cups on the table. I sit down as Natsuki places the other two cups down. I look at my parents; one eager to see me, the other with the stone-cold face I inherited. My Mother stares at me, and I stare back. I can notice my Father and Natsuki looking at us and at each other, very uncomfortable in the created situation. I have so much to say, and yet I'm not sure what to say at all. How to start, that also isn't clear on how it should begin.

"So...what flavor is the cake?" Natsuki breaks the long silence.

"Lemon cake. I always was a sucker for lemon flavored things. Right, Asuka?" My Father turns to my Mother.

"Mmm." My Mother simply nods.

"Really? It's a great flavor, huh? Right, Shizuru?" Natsuki ask me.

"Mmm." I nod my head.

The silence takes over again. It was a valiant effort to try and break the silence. I sigh and decide to make the first move.

"Shin, Natsuki; I'd like to talk to Shizuru alone." My Mother breaks the silence before me.

"Okay." Natsuki get up from her seat.

"Asuka, don't do anything rash," My Father warns as he rises from his seat, "And I'm taking the cake."

I almost laugh, but a small smile breaks my stone face. It was faint, but I heard a small chuckle escape my Mother. The moment was over as soon as they step outside. The stone-cold faces appear again. Under the table my fingers grip my skirt in nervousness. I take a breath and prepare myself for whatever may come.

XXXX

"You really took the cake?" I watch as he eats a slice.

"Mmm-hmm, want a slice?" He offers.

I smile and take a slice. We munch on the cake and watch the city in the distance. I finish my slice and look at Mr. Fujino.

"How come you're so cool about this?" I ask.

"Cause I'm cool like that." H answers, not missing a beat.

"I though you would have been against this lifestyle too. So why? If I may ask." Remember your manners, Natsuki.

He smiles and looks back at the city. He finishes his slice and debates about whether or not to take another slice. He doesn't and looks at me.

"I've always been one to understand that people like different things," He starts, "For instance, some people like lemon, others like strawberry. Some people like both, and other people prefer the orange in the background."

"Why explain with fruit?" I ask.

He just laughs and continues his lecture.

"Anyway, I've never really cared what people like. If it makes them happy and it doesn't hurt anyone, then leave them be."

"Oh, I see."

"But, I also have to keep my promise to my other two."

"Other two?" I raise an eyebrow.

"It's a touchy subject, Asuka and I had an extremely hard time conceiving and keeping. We lost two along the way, a boy and a girl."

"I'm so sorry."

"When Asuka was pregnant with Shizuru; I prayed so hard for her to make it. I made a promise that if she made it; I'd love her no matter what. I promised that to my lost two."

"...What were they're names?" I ask with caution.

"Haru and Hana." He grins.

"Haru and Hana...I like those names."

XXXX

"You...You're looking well."

"As do you."

"...Though its obvious; I'll ask anyway. What is it you want to talk to me about?" I ask.

She sighs and sips her tea. As she sets it down, she slightly smiles.

"I almost wish he left the cake," She looks at me, "Shizuru...I don't understand any of this. Why don't you like men? Have you never liked them?"

"Mother...its not that I don't like them. It's just when I comes to those...certain feelings, I don't have them for men. I never had; I can't explain it."

"Have you...have you ever tried to do it with a man?"

"...Just once. I didn't like or enjoy it. I almost wanted to throw up."

"When did this all start," My Mother continues, "No one hurt you, did they? Did I do something? Did you Father do something? Please, just tell me this wasn't an accident."

"Mother no one hurt me. You and Father didn't do anything to make me this way. This is who I am; I know that and I'm happy."

"...When?"

"...In high school, first year. I knew I was...was different. I cried myself to sleep thinking about it, I hated myself, I thought about hurting myself. I tried denying that part of me, tried to tell myself I wasn't like that. But..."

"But...?"

I sigh and take a sip of my tea before continuing my story.

"Do you remember that time around my second? I used to come home so tired that I would just go to my room and sleep. That went on for a month; but then that one day, I was back to smiling again."

"Ara, I remember. I took you to the doctors so many times. Your Father and I were baffled by the sudden mood change."

"Well...I was tired of running away from who I was. I finally told myself, that I'm gay, that I like women. I think I was more afraid that if I accepted that part of me; I would change into a completely different person. That I wouldn't be me anymore."

"Yet, here you are." My Mother spoke.

"Yes, I'm still me." I smile.

I watch as my Mother sighs and stands up. She walks around, I've known this since a child. When she walks around in circles, don't bother her. She's thinking of what to say next, and whatever comes next was very important.

She stops moving and sighs deeply. She turns to me and walks towards me. I grow nervous of what she'll say next and slightly move back in my seat.

"I honestly don't understand why or how. Maybe I won't ever understand."

I look down at my tea so I won't have to look at her. I gasp as I feel her wrap my arms around me and hold me close to her.

"...Are you happy? Truly happy this way?" She ask me.

"...I am."

"...Then that's all I need to know. I want you to be happy, I wasn't lying about that. If your happy, then that puts my heart at ease."

I hold her close to me and let the tears run down my face.

"Okini Mama."

"I still want grandchildren though."

"Ara, ara..."

XXXX

"Natsuki."

I turn to the sound of my name being called out. Surprisingly it was Mrs. Fujino. I stand straight and notice a smiling Shizuru in the background. I guess they've made up.

"So, you're dating my daughter?"

"Yes'mam."

"I see...then you're no exception. Come with me." She motions me to follow her.

I look at Mr. Fujino who looks away. This can't be good. I follow her and look at Shizuru who smiles a small smile for me.

"Kanin na."

"For what?" I ask.

"For what's about to happen."

"EH?"

"Natsuki please sit down." Mrs. Fujino motions for me to take a seat.

Obviously this has happen before. I gulp and take a seat. Shizuru...now I know where you've inherited that scary smile.

"So, I just have a few questions I'd like for you to answer."

"Okay..."

"What do you want to do with your life?"

"Well I-"

"Do you have any ambitions?"

"I'd like to think-"

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

"Um well-"

"What kind of job do you want?"

"I want-"

"Do you want children?"

"This is going-"

"Are you preparing for retirement?"

"Please stop!"

"Ara, she can't ever answer a few simple question," Mrs. Fujino sighs, "Shizuru, if you're going be with a woman, she needs to be quick on her toes."

"I don't think anyone could answer that quickly Mother." Shizuru chuckles.

"I want to be able to create something with my life. My ambitions may be small and petty, but I'm willing to do whatever I need to do to see them through. In five years I hope to be able to support myself. I want a job where I can work with my hands. I think I'd like children, but not right now. And no, I'm not saving up for retirement yet." I gasp as I finish answering her questions.

Mrs. Fujino seems impressed that I remembered her questions. She smiles and sips her tea as I wait anxiously for her next round of questions.

"Ara, don't be so tense. I have no more questions to ask," she smiles, "I can tell that my daughter has taking a liking to you."

"I hope so." I smile as Shizuru takes the seat next to me.

"So that being said; I give you permission to continue to see my daughter, if she wishes it so."

"Ah, thank you." I smile.

"Are we back to normal?" Mr. Fujino sits down eating another slice of cake.

"For the most part." I reply.

"I do like you Natsuki. You are a good friend, and being a good friend is what helps a relationship grow," Mrs. Fujino continues with a smile on her face, "But please remember; if you break my daughter's heart, I'm going to break your legs."

I let out a weak chuckle and rub the back of my neck. Mrs. Fujino continues to give me that eerie smile that kills my small chuckle.

XXXX

"She wasn't serious...was she?" Natsuki ask.

"She must really like you. That makes me so happy." I sigh contently.

"What makes you say that?"

"She usually threatens to break the arms and legs."

Natsuki sinks into the couch at the threat that hangs over her head. I chuckle and sit down next to her. It's been a few hours since my parents left. Now it was just the two of us, just how I like it. I hear her take in a deep sigh and smile.

"Must be nice, having great parents."

"They really care...Natsuki?"

"Mmm?"

I cup her face and kiss her. She kisses back and wraps her arms around my waist. I pull away and rest my forehead on hers.

"Stay the night?"

"...I guess I could." She blushes and avoids eye contact.

"Ara, where's that aggressive Natsuki from this morning?"

"Uh...she went back in hiding."

I chuckle and stand up, teasing her to follow me. I hear her follow me and reach behind to hold her hand. A deeper shade of red shows on her face as we near my room. Before I could register what happened in between time; she was laying down with only the blanket underneath to cover her and me above her taking in every curve and edge she has to offer. I smile at her shyness and cup her cheek.

"You've really come a long way."

"W-What do you mean?"

"I remember when you would snap back at a single small touch, even if it was a simple handshake," I lean down and kiss her forehead, "It took forever and a day for me to be able to hold you. Then even longer for me to hold you from behind. And not just me, you've opened yourself a bit more to other people. I'm proud of you."

"It's...not that big of a deal." She turns her head away.

I roll my eyes but continue to smile as I kiss down her neck towards her breast. She moans but it turns to giggles when I start to lightly touch her in the areas I knew where sensitive. She sits up and tries to move my hands away.

"Stop." She laughs.

"Make me." I challenge her.

She moves my hands behind her and leans in for a kiss. I feel my cheeks heat up when she sneaks in her tongue pass my lips. I hear myself moan as I kiss back when she pulls back. She looks up at me, with a smile I've never seen before.

"I love you."

Before I could respond, she takes one of my hands and moves it further down until I felt heat. She trembles and I almost want to remove my hand.

"You don't have to push yourself."

"...Be gentle, please."

I lower my hand and make small circular motions as I kiss her. She moans and holds me close, gripping my shoulders with her fingernails. My other hand runs down her back so I could lean her down back on the bed. She tears away from our kiss and moans into my shoulder.

"Shi-...zuru..." She's close.

I move faster and hold her close as she grips harder and gasp in my shoulder. She stays still for a few moments before melting softly into my arms with a steady breathing. I wipe my hand off on the sheets, I'll wash them later. With said hand, I move some hair from her face and kiss her cheek.

"I love you too."

She opens her eyes and looks up at me. She smiles and snuggles up close. Wrapping my arms around her, I smile and take in the moment we just shared.

She loves, and trust me completely. I promise I will never do anything to hurt her.

My lie will follow me to my grave.