Hey there! Does anyone still remembers this story? I hadn't uploaded it like for 2 or 3 years... that sure was a LONG time... I'm really sorry for that, I just had lost my inspiration for it but now I will try to type only this fic since I already have planned the ending and can confirm that only several chapters had left till the end. About 4-5 chapters are left and I will try to finish them before updating any other fics. Hope to finally finish at least one fan fic of mine, wish me luck ;)

Also since I didn't upload for such a long time, please forgive me for any inconsistency, I had read my fic from the beginning but there still might seem something off so let me know if you notice any. Also hope that things don't deem rushed here.

Disclaimer: 2 years had passed and I still don't own the show T.T

Chapter 15

Memories

The next day had come faster than I wished for it. But I still was happy... I was able to spend my time with Shizuru like we used in the past... well maybe not exactly the same way since I don't remember to ever fall out of ferry cups in to other ones... That was a really weird experience but I guess that was expected from a ghostly body. Even though I still can feel how objects were flying through me, it didn't bother me one bit. It all was worth it, Shizuru's happy smile and face completely paid off for it. Yes, I had disobeyed Jack's wishes as I had told him, but I don't regret it one bit. Shizuru is not miserable anymore and so am I. Things finally started to feel normal and there is no way that I will destroy it.

Reito had to return today and it might make things harder again but I won't give up. It still pains me; after all we had gone through hell, only the day before yesterday. But after calming down my nerves and having private time with my precious one, my light... I feel more confident.

Shizuru was still sleeping peacefully in her bed; huge smile adored her face. By her request, I had spent the night sitting be her side, admiring her peaceful face. Sadly the alarm clock had to ring any second, so I will have to say goodbye to this fantastic view. Sighing, I got up and went towards the chair. I would be happy to greet her with my most sincere smile, but making her see me again could really cause a serious trouble soon. Besides she said that she was fine with it... that my voice would be enough for her.

A loud ringing sound was finally heard, the alarm clock started to signal that the morning is here. With a slight sigh, Shizuru opened her eyes and stretched a bit. After good stretch, she turned onto her back with half of the blanket being off her body and the top of her pajama was slightly raised upwards giving the perfect view of her stomach. I gulped and turned my face away, feeling my cheeks getting redder by each second. Somehow, I was sure that she was grinning right now.

"Good morning Natsuki, did you have a good rest?"

"As good as it can be for someone who doesn't sleep" I answered weakly.

"Hmmm, and what did you do the whole night? Ara, is Natsuki looking at me whole night long? No wonder I get strange feelings during my sleep! Natsuki you are such..."

"No!" I jumped up from the chair, this time my whole body was burning like if it was on fire "Well, I do observe you from time to time... after all it is my work" I tried to excuse myself since she was completely right with her statement "but that's not the only thing I do! I sometimes walk around or... am lost in the thoughts or..."

"Ara, I was just teasing" she laughed and slowly got up, her legs had slightly touched the floor "I know that Natsuki is a good girl" she smiled at me and went straight to the bathroom. However, before entering it she had turned around and looked straight into my eyes. A teasing smile was firmly on its place "Would my angel like to join me?"

"Not today!" I crossed my arms and looked away once again; I wasn't going to fall for her teasing. I made a fool out of myself way too often.

"Ara, doesn't angel care about me anymore? I'm hurt! And what if I will fall over and will hit my head?" she pouted and it took me a huge self control not to fall for that old trick.

"Don't worry, I will sense when you are in trouble" I lied a bit, after all there is nothing dangerous in taking a bath, right?

"Ara, really? So Natsuki is really a pervert who was taking an advantage of me being clueless and was peeking on me? I'm so disappointed in you, what should I do with this little devil of mine" she shook her head and tried to look like she is deep in thought.

"SHIZURU!" I wasn't able to control myself this time and steam started to come out of my ears once again.

"Hai hai" she laughed and dashed straight to the bathroom without giving me a second glance. Despite that, her giggles were echoing in the room making the temperature inside me to rise. If I could die, I probably would be dead from the overheat. I still didn't understand why she loved to tease me so much. When I was alive she said because I look cute, but now? She can't see me, so what is the reason behind it? Though then again the heat in the area always rises whenever I get embarrassed, I guess she just likes to get the reactions no matter what they are 'And who is the devil now?'.

During the shower, Shizuru tried to tease me some more by pretending that something had happened. She was pouting really loud about hitting her foot too hard. Obviously, I had instantly ran inside only to find her naked in the middle of the bathroom and about to dress up. My blushing did not go unnoticed, Shizuru was grinning like a small child who had just won a toy. Teasing had followed right afterward and once again I had to try to defend my pride.

After shower Shizuru had gathered her things and we went outside to take a walk in the park given that she had a day free today. Mostly our walk consisted of us sitting under the tree with Shizuru reading a book out loud so I could hear it. I did insist for her to keep it down because we were not alone here but she had completely refused it saying that she wants to do something for me in return. I could not decline her kindness and had agreed. Surprisingly the book was not perverted or anything, on the other hand it had some nice story written down. Looks like Shizuru really wanted to return the favors in some way. I actually felt bad about it since I thought that I had caused more trouble than happiness. However, Shizuru insisted on the opposite theory of mine.

Sadly our happy and peaceful moment didn't last too long. Reito didn't lie, he really had returned today as promised. We were just about to leave our spot and go home, when his voice had echoed throughout the park. His face was shining from happiness while running in our direction with huge bouquet of roses in his arms. Despite being already happy, Shizuru's smile had sparkled some more what brought an unpleasant feeling in my guts 'Stop! You promised to behave and not make a scene! So finally do what you have promised!' I was lecturing myself in my head. Taking a deep breath, I relaxed my body and looked at the guy once again 'I'm dead... I'm not coming back and we can't be together anymore...' I looked at the two love birds who were already drown into conversation with each other. Shizuru had slightly sniffed the bouquet, a peaceful expression was adoring her face.

'I really am pathetic' I smiled to myself 'I was worried about Shizuru, that she wouldn't be able to move on and would have sank in the sadness when I had died... However, I have never thought about myself... I am the one who fell here and was not able to move on... I really should have thought it through when I had asked to be her guardian angel...' I continued to stare at the two and unnoticeable to me, a huge smile had spread across my face 'He makes Shzuru happy and I must be thankful for that. There is no place for me to interfere especially since it was my wish for Shizuru to move on' silently I walked towards the couple and placed my hand on Reito's shoulder:

"Take a good care of her, ok?" and walked away. I knew perfectly well that he couldn't hear me, but it wasn't important. Most importantly was the fact that I had said it and somehow... I started to feel lighter. Still smiling I had looked up the sky, trying to enjoy the sun's warmth. Maybe it was my imagination... but I definitely had felt its warmth on my ghostly skin...

"Ara, Reito. I think we should keep going" I heard Shizuru's voice and slowly turned around.

"Sure, where do you want to go?" Reito asked in return and tried to take Shizuru's hand although she had pulled it back. Reito looked at her questioningly.

"Stop" I said "Don't... you heard me, didn't you? I completely entrust you in his care now. You might not believe me but I don't mind it anymore. I really was an idiot this whole time, I'm sincerely sorry" I bent down even though I knew she could not see me "Forgive me, that won't repeat again" I looked up to see her questioning and worried eyes, maybe even scared. She was looking directly in the direction of my voice "Don't worry, I won't disappear on you. I'm still here, I still will talk to you whenever you need me. After all I am your guardian angel, am I not? I can't abandon you, I simply won't get myself involved in your personal life... I give you my blessings" I was fully smiling right now, standing in full height.

Shizuru's eyes had softened and she nodded, accepting my apology and decision. In return, I had received a beautiful smile of hers as well. At one point it looked like she would start crying yet no tears came out, she was able to take control of herself.

"Shizuru?" Reito asked worriedly.

"Ah, sorry. I just got lost in thoughts" Shizuru shook her head "So are we going?" she took his hand smiling.

"Sure, where to?" he had relaxed a bit. Shizuru refusing to take his hand at first definitely had shaken him a bit.

"Wherever you want, just you and me" she hugged him slightly.

"As you wish" he smiled at her and slowly leaned in.

Sighing, I turned around. Even though I had finally excepted the reality, I still preferred not to look at them, at least not yet. It was surprising enough that I could except them right now when not so long ago I was in agony, it would be unbelievable if I was completely fine right now. I would have to hurt myself to ensure that I was not dreaming 'Just a bit more time and I finally will except them fully... I hope'.

Several weeks had passed since the day I had accepted Reito as part of Shizuru's new life. It wasn't as easy as I hoped after all. Even though I had finally come to terms with my life, it still pained me inside a bit. However it wasn't as horrible as before. It really makes your life easier when you except the reality and truth... eventually my pain was decreasing more and more until I was finally able to face them face to face. Of course I wasn't fine at whole 100%, there is no way my true feelings would just disappear. No, I was just able to face my pain, accept it and stop running away from reality.

Despite me telling Shizuru to not to hold back, that I was fine. She still tried her best to not burden me too much for the past weeks. They did keep hugging, kissing and had all those lovely dovely moments yet on the other hand she still kept the distance, at least the bed was definitely the object that she tried to avoid for now. However slowly they were getting closer and closer to it. Reito was very patient and tried to follow Shizuru's wishes. Looks like that scene also had left a spot on him.

Today was a great weather and that's why the two of them decided to spent the day at the beach. They were hoping for some privacy but for their dismicy, some of the ex-HiME rangers also were there. To top it, most of them were a noisy bunch such as Midori, Nao and Mikoto. Being polite ones, Reito and Shizuru had gladly excepted their company.

"Mai, let's play volleyball!" shouted Mikoto while jumping by Mai's side who was trying to sunbathe.

"Mikoto, we were playing just several moments ago. Let's take a rest"

"But I'm not tired!"

"Me neither!" shouted Midori who was slightly drunk by now "And neither is Nao!" she shouted and pulled Nao by the hand towards her.

"Don't decide in other people place, you drunk-head teacher!" Nao protested and tried all her best to get away from the firm grip.

"Mah mah, Nao-chan! Didn't your mother teach you to respect teachers?"

"My mother had spent the biggest part of my teenager years in coma" she answered angrily on what Midori let go of her hand.

"I'm sorry, I kinda forgot..." Midori's cheerfulness was instantly gone, looked like she really felt sorry. The topic about Nao's mother definitely was a painful spot for that spider woman but I could understand her "However, Mikoto wants to play. Won't you please your friend?"

"Why would I please someone who constantly throws me off my feet?" she spat back and before she was able to face the bunch, she was already on her back once again with Mikoto between Nao's legs.

"Please Nao! I promise not to do that again!" she begged with puppy eyes already in action.

"You just did IT again!" Nao shouted angrily and tried to push Mikoto off, but to her pitty Mikoto still possessed a superior strength in muscles.

Seeing how Nao tried to get away had gained a chuckle from me. I still loved to see her in those awkward positions, kinda made me feel self satisfied. Soon Midori had joined in to help Mikoto to convince Nao as well. Obviously the bottle of beer was the best medicine in Midori's book, I was actually starting to feel sorry for Nao now... but just a tad. Eventually Nao was down and drunk enough to finally agree with the bunch. Soon two teams were on the volleyball grounds. Team one aka team Shizuru and team two aka team Reito. Shizuru's team consisted of Mai, Takumi and Akira who also had come to the beach while Reito's consisted of the most crazy and hyper ones. Midori was shouting like crazy, swinging the bottle of beer in one hand. This time it was Reito who had to convince her to put it down and surprisingly it went well. Nao was swearing the whole time and Mai had to fight the urge to run up and cover Mikoto's ears, who was jumping happily from excitement.

I pitted Reito this time, not only because Shizuru's team had appeared to be better players but mostly for his retarded team. The only one who actually managed to do something was Mikoto. However her punches were so hard that they had to change the ball because the old one didn't handle the pressure and burst up. Midori and Nao were mostly bumping into each other and later getting into a fight to decide whose fault was it. I won't even bother with what count had they lost...

As the game had ended, Shizuru had gone to sunbathe. Reito hoped to join her yet Mikoto wanted to play with her brother some more. Mai was sunbathing together with her, Midori and Nao were lying on the sand in no condition to move or even say anything while Akira and Takumi had decided to take a walk.

"It looks like Yoko-san is missing" pointed out Shizuru "That's a surprise" and laid down beside Mai.

"Midori said that she had to meet someone today" answered Mai.

"I see... looks like Nao-san had taken her place today though" she had glanced at the dunken pair who still was uncosiouce.

"Yeh..." Mai looked the same direction "I pity her"

When the sun started to set down, everyone had gone back home one after another. The first to leave were Akira and Takumi who decided to check the arcade while it still was open. Mai and Mikoto had gathered Midori and Nao who had woken up some time ago but Midori had gotten drunk once again and Nao was too sick to move around. In the end Mai ended up dragging Midori and Mikoto gave Nao a pigy ride. Reito had suggested to help but Mai had refused the offer saying that she was fine. Even when their form were barely visible, Midori's horrible singing still was heard like if she was right before us. I felt sorry for Mai's ears.

Shizuru had chuckled, listening to Midori's song about some drunken bunnies... I bet that she is the author of it as well.

Shizuru and Reito decided to stay at the beach some more and enjoy the sun set which was slowly crawling here. Holding each other by the waist, they took a small stroll along the shore, enjoying each others company and warm strays of sun light. The skies were getting darker and turning into dark blue with the mix of red and yellow clouds that were reflecting the light of the orange, setting sun. I never was a person to admire such simple things although this time around it really had fascinated me and I had remembered the time I had brought Shizuru to the cliff during the sun set, she seemed to be very happy back then.

"It was a long day today" noticed Reito.

"Yeh" nodded Shizuru in agreement.

"And our wedding is only about two weeks away from now on"

"That's true"

"Have you bought a dress already?" he asked curiously.

"Ara, you can't ask such questions" she poked him on the nose teasingly "or trouble might happen"

"Ok ok, I won't ask again" answered he and pulled her closer towards his body, smiling.

"The sunset is really beautiful today"

"Yeh it is, but nothing will compare with your beauty" he pecked her on the cheek.

"Ara, Reito. Aren't you over rating my beauty" she smiled teasingly.

"Not one bit" he answered proudly "and you smell good too" he pushed his nose into Shizuru's hair and sighed in satisfaction "though there is one thing with which you can't compete"

"Ara, and what might that be?"

"A nice cup of tea" he grinned at her and in return had received a light smack on the shoulder.

"Ikezu" she had slightly moved away from him "though I have to be sincere with you too..." Reito stared at her curiously, head slightly bent to the side "I had cheated on you with the pack of famous Indian tea that I like so much. I had slept with it" she sniffed a bit, pretending to be crying.

The expression Reito gave her, made me snicker 'Did he really buy it?'.

"I was snuggling with the pack whole night and enjoying its aroma and... well I won't go into too much details since that's private" she waved at him innocently.

"Oh my, it looks like someone had deserved a punishment" he grinned at her and rubbed his hands in anticipation.

"Ara, just look at the time. I have to go now, bye!" said Shizuru looking at her hand which obviously didn't have a watch on it and then dashed away.

"You are not getting away from me!" shouted Reito and had followed right after her laughing.

The day had finally come to the end and sun was long time gone, being replaced by a bright moon which was shining dazzlingly above us. The thousands of stars were already in the sky, making the dark night to seem livelier. Reito and Shizuru were standing by the entrance, saying their goodbyes to each other. Shizuru had proposed for Reito to stay but he had refused her offer saying that he had things to do tomorrow morning, and that it would be easier to get to the place from his house. Just by looking at them, it was obvious that today was not enough for them and they were still longing to stay with each other some more. Time was definitely a cruel thing and I had experienced it in a worst case...

I sighed, remembering my days with Shizuru once again 'What an idiot... if I wasn't scared like a fool, I would be able to stay by her side longer...'

Finally, they had parted with a last kiss and a tight hug. The car had come to pick him up and with a sad smile he had finally left, waving his goodbyes. Once the car had disappeared from view, Shizuru had entered the mansion. Slowly she made her way to the bedroom.

She had taken a shower and then went towards the huge mirror and sat in front of it. She took a brush and started to comb her hair while humming a melody under her nose, same melody as before when my voice had finally reached her for the first time. Quietly, I sat at the edge of her bed and closed my eyes, trying to enjoy the moment.

"You really have improved, Natsuki" Shizuru spoke once the melody had ended.

"I did say that I entrust you in his care, didn't I?"

"But I never expected you to become so peaceful about it in such a quick time"

"I had been thinking for a very long time back then and had a talk with a friend... not that I didn't any other time but..." I opened my eyes and looked at her reflection in the mirror "I finally started to realize what a burden I was bringing towards you through my actions and decided to take control of myself. It wasn't that easy of course, but I was able to calm down and accept things throughout these several weeks"

"What exactly did you have to accept?"

"I told you, I can't tell"

"Why?" she turned around facing me, what made me a bit uncomfortable since she was not supposed to see me.

"Shizuru, I thought that we made an agreement"

"Kanin na" she lowered her head "it just... I never stopped thinking about it, everything seemed to be so mysterious e and somehow I started to get a feeling that there is more to you... that you are not just a simple angel"

"That's right" I confirmed and her head shot up "I'm a guardian angel, not a simple one" I tried to sound reassuring, at the same time trying to hide my nervousness. I didn't like where this conversation was going all of a sudden.

"That's true" she laughed a bit "However, I meant something else" and slowly stood up, walking towards me in slow pace, she spoke again "Its like if you know something that I don't, like if I had a memory loss and you are the one who holds those lost memories"

"I think that you are over thinking things" I answered and slowly shifted on the bed, trying to crawl away from her.

"Then why are you running?"

"What?"

"Don't pretend Natsuki, I can see you" my eyes widened in surprise, it definitely was no good "I'm able to see you from the moment you had accepted Reito"

"Why didn't you tell me?" I burst out what made Shizuru back a bit, understanding my mistake I had covered my mouth.

"I didn't want to trouble you, besides as you can see nothing bad had happened"

"That's not the point! The problem is..."

"Natsuki" before I realized it, Shizuru already was right in front of me. My body froze while my inner voice screamed for me to run before situation got worse.

"Shizuru I..." two hands had reached towards my face and were gently placed on my cheecks, at least she tried to hold them there. Even though she could not really do it, I still felt her warmth.

"So cold... yet so gentle" she murmured, her eyes were half closed and held a gentle look in them "Who are you, Natsuki?"

"I've told you, Shizuru. I'm your guardian angel, nothing more and nothing less" I gulped before replying, I still couldn't make myself to move.

Shizuru sighed lowering her head "I see" she said weakly "Ok, I won't torment you any longer about this" and then smiled at me sweetly, making my ghost heart skip a beat "Good night, Natsuki" and before I could react, she placed a kiss on my forehead.

My reaction was the same as always, my body became hot and was about to explode. I had missed this feeling so much, so much that it was painful. And now that she had reminded me of the warmth of her touch and her lips, I wasn't sure that I would be able to live peacefully as I did before. I was afraid that my feelings would take over me once again and that I would ruin her happiness with Reito. I had to run, I had to escape it, I had to...

Suddenly, to my surprise I saw tears streaming down Shizuru's face. Panic over took me and my body finally got control of itself. Swiftly I backed a bit to take a better look at Shizuru who still was stuck in the same position as before, hot streams of tears were running down her flushed cheeks.

"Shizuru!" I shouted in panic "Are you alright? What happened? Did you freeze your lips?" I asked with concern. My hands were up in the air, ready to help but at the same time I was hesitant since basically I couldn't do much with them and most importantly I was afraid to cause her more pain "Shizuru, answer me!"

Gradually, she had opened her eyes, revealing two shining, red rubies which were all wet from tears. Pain and confusion were the first things that I had seen in them and which were the most obvious ones in her look.

"Natsuki..." she whispered quietly.

"I'm here, what happened? Did I hurt you?" I tried not to look too scared, my job didn't allow me that but it was hard to control my emotions when it came to her.

"Natsuki..." more tears started to run down her face.

"Shiz..." before I could finish my sentence, she continued.

"How could I?" an obvious hurt and self loathing was heard in her sweet voice. I backed once again, somehow I knew what she meant by those words and was praying that I was wrong "How could I forget you? Natsuki?"

Mini Feed:

Bad One: I'm finally back!

-Silence-

Bad One: Hey, where are everyone?

-The door opens and two granny's enter the room-

Bad One: Huh? Who are you?

Granny 1: Did you hear that Shizuru, this bastard does not recognize us!

Granny 2: Ara, well she did leave us for quiet some time.

Bad One: Eeeehhh? Shizuru, Natsuki? Is that you? 0.0

Natsuki: Of course that's us! Who else would linger here?

Bad One: But I wasn't absent for SUCH a long time! 0.0

Shizuru: Ara, looks like we were caught -took off her wig-

Bad One: I knew that!

Natsuki: Sadly reality won't make things easier for you -takes out the guns-

Bad One: Oh shi...