As I had expected, the last chapter really came out as crap. Well I don't blame you of not liking it, I myself don't. Though I did feel slightly dissapointed to receive only like 6 reviews, in comparison to 30 in each previouse chapters, it is nothing XD

Well I read your reviews and had responded to them all but here are several thiings that I wanted to point one:

1. Shizuru had been together with Reito for more than half a year, it would be weird if she felt nothing for him after such a long time even though her memories came back.

2. When you are in panic and under pressure, best ideas not always come when you want them to.

3. It was Natsuki's desicion to become Shizuru's angel, Shizuru holds no responsibility. It was Natsuki's choice alone, she knew perfectly well to what she was agreeing so no cheating there.

Anyway here is a new chapter, I felt really inspired about it and I think that it turned out really well. Hope you will agree with my point of view here too. Also it is my fastest update during this whole time, even week hadn't passed yet, I'm improving XD

Chapter 17

Response

Days went by and eventually Shizuru started to go back to her normal self, her interactions with Reito seemed to be the same as before though they did seem to be a bit less huggable, but Reito didn't seem to be bothered by it anymore. Looks like he got used to Shizuru's change of moods. We sure got lucky that Reito happened to be so understanding.

However, whenever we got time to be alone, Shizuru tried to give all her attention to me. She seemed to forget about the outside world and lived only in that one moment. I was not really pleased with it but I let it slide. It is a tough task to do what Shizuru did, to play the role of the past self like nothing happened. Besides I myself had seriously missed the closeness between us so I was happy to get some attention of hers. Usually we would just lie in one bed and discuss random things. Most of the time they would have no connection to the outside world and what was happening there. Nonetheless, Reito did emerge in our discussions as well as the upcoming wedding day which was only several days apart.

Today Shizuru was out in the town, to collect her wedding dress, Mai agreed to accompany her.

Once we got to the shop, Shizuru immediately left to try the dress out. I decided to stay outside together with Mai, and wait for Shizuru to come out. I felt a bit uncomfortable and nervous about going inside, wearing a wedding dress for the first time was an important moment and I wanted for Shizuru to see herself first as it is supposed to be.

I was walking back and forth, feeling nervous but not knowing why exactly. I almost felt like a husband who was waiting for his wife to show up. I glanced at Mai and felt a bit envious, seeing how calm she seemed. Just when I was about to make a 100th turn, the shop assistant came out and informed us about bride being ready. I stopped in my track and held the breath the moment the curtain seemed to move to the side. I was struck in awe when I saw Shizuru in the wedding dress for the first time.

When she went to buy the dress, she made an order. The real product was never shown to her except some sketches which did seem impressive. However, seeing Shizuru dressed up was a completely different experience.

In comparison to majority of females, especially noble ones. Shizuru had ordered a very simple dress in comparison to them. Obviously it was purely white. It fitted her body perfectly, showing all the right upper curves. The upper part was open, so her cleavage was perfectly seen, it was a corset which was directly sewed with the lower part of the dress. The lower part was adorned with many jewelry stones yet none of them was real. Down below the dress became wider and the lower part was done from several materials and with several identical layers. One layer went right around her body; the second just below and so on until it completely reached the ground. On her hands she had something like gloves which went directly to her elbows but did not cover her palms. Just a small string was put onto her middle fingers so they would not fall off.

I was left breathless, at that moment I had forgotten about everything including Reito and God. All I wanted was to sweep Shizuru off her feet and hold her in my arms forever. To forget about everything and just stay with her, to feel alive once again. Shizuru's piercing gaze did not help, she was looking straight into my eyes. Seeing my dumbfound expression, she smiled knowingly. This state of mine was pushed aside the moment Mai got up and spoke out her excitement:

"Shizuru, you look fantastic! Reito will be left speechless that's for sure!" a bit of sadness had passed through Shizuru's eyes but was instantly covered up by her cheerful demeanor.

"Ara, thank you Mai. I'm glad to hear that my choice of dress was the right one"

"Right one is not the correct way to describe it" she walked towards Shizuru and touched the fabric of the dress "It is fantastic, fabulous, it's… even I can't express myself properly"

"I think that Mikoto-chan would have described it as tasty" Shizuru took a thinking pose.

"Haha yeh, that would probably be one of the best ways to describe it" Mai laughed while the shop assistant looked at them oddly. No wonder, Mikoto's way of description could be understood only by those who knew her. And despite having a limited vocabulary, her words always seemed to be precise despite sounding odd.

"Do you think I should change something about it?" asked Shizuru and swirled around while looking into the mirror and then side glancing at me. Understanding the message I answered:

"No, you are perfect" with Mai in one tone, it looked like we were on the same wave length despite usually disagreeing with each other in the past.

"Good, I was slightly worried that maybe the design I had chosen would not look so good"

"The great Kaichou-san was doubting her choice?" Mai smiled teasingly.

"Ara, but I'm not a great Kaichou-san anymore. So I could be wrong with my choice" she teased back.

"Don't think that's possible"

"But I was wrong during the carnival" her cheerful demeanor disappeared in a second and blank look crossed her eyes.

"Stop right there!" said Mai in a loud voice and broke Shizuru out of her trance "We all were at fault back then, that time does not count. That time had never existed, it was a dream" she took Shizuru's hands "The Shizuru I know, is a gentle and carrying person who cares about those who are dear to her and the one who always makes the right decisions"

"Right decisions?" Shizuru seemed surprised a bit.

"Yep" Mai smiled cheerfully.

After a moment of silence, a sincere and happy smiled spread across Shizuru's lips:

"Thank you Mai" she said happily, it made me lost for a second. I didn't know what exactly from Mai's words had made her happy, since I was telling her same thing in the past too. However I didn't keep my mind occupied with it for too long, as long as she seemed happy, I was fine.

"Your welcome"

They smiled at each other for some time, filling the room with warmness and making even me warm, before Shizuru broke the silence.

"Well, I'll better change back"

"Of course!" Mai let go of her hands "But I really like the dress, Reito will be really happy when he'll see it"

"Yeh..."

Mai probably had noticed it, but Shizuru's smile became less sincere, it made me ace inside. Since our last discussion about the matter, I was constantly thinking if what I was doing was right. Was it really the only way out? Sometimes I felt guilty, like if I was forcing Shizuru. But I wasn't, right? She herself admitted that she still has feelings for Reiro, so there is nothing wrong with her marrying Reito, right? Yep, that's right. I'm not forcing her to do anything; I'm just putting her back on the path that she happily walked several days ago. I also am fine with it, it might be a bit painful sometimes but that's what I have chosen, to be her angel and to support her in everything.

After Shizuru had changed back into her clothes, she had paid the rest of the money for the dress, thanked all the workers and left the shop with Mai. They had walked for some time before Shizuru suddenly stopped, with me right behind her. Mai had followed her suet and turned around to face her.

"Is everything alright, Shizuru?"

"I have just remembered something; could you please go on without me? There is one more place that I would like to visit" she smiled gently, the request made my eyebrows rise. I was really curious to know what she was planning. I hoped that nothing ridiculous.

"Um, sure… do you need company by any chance?" Mai looked puzzled, but was not complaining.

"No, I'll be fine"

"Should I take the dress to your house then?"

"Ara, that would be really nice of you" and so Shizuru handed the box with a dress to Mai "I'm really sorry for the trouble.

"That's fine" Mai smiled brightly "Then I'll see you tomorrow at the party"

"Hai and ookini for today" she bowed lightly.

"Always welcome" and with that they had parted the ways.

For some reason, Shizuru headed back. I thought that maybe she had forgotten something in the shop yet she passed it by. I decided not to ask any questions and simply see where she was heading. After several minutes of walk, we stopped by the shop which I did not expect to see, it was flower shop. I looked at Shizuru with confusion yet she didn't say a word. Before she was able to enter it, I spoke my mind:

"Flower shop? Isn't it Reito who is supposed to give flowers, not you?" I tried to tease a bit yet got no real reaction.

"Ara, times change" she smiled and entered the shop.

It was quiet a big one, with bunch of colorful flowers. Some of them were sold separately, some in bouquets. It seemed to also take orders and decorate whatever you want. After brief looking around, I followed Shizuru who was by the counter. She had already bought something the moment I reached her. I looked over her shoulder and was surprised to see her holding a bouquet of flowers, same flowers that I tried to crash several years ago, when I had met Shizuru for the first time.

I was quiet until we finally went out and I made sure that no one is around:

"You aren't actually planning to…"

"Yes, I am" she answered before I could even finish the question.

"Why?" I asked quietly, but in reality I was happy to know where she really was heading.

"I'm sure that no one had been there for ages, and I feel really bad for not going there sooner" she waited at the bus stop, bus was just several meters away, standing at traffic lights.

"It is not your fault"

"It is, if not count the past half year, I still had almost two weeks to do it and I didn't"

I planned to say some more but bus was already here so I decided to be quiet, I didn't want people to look weirdly at her since she basically would seem to talk to herself. The bus was quiet empty so I occupied the seat right beside Shizuru. About 20 minutes passed until we reached our destination. When we left the bus, the first thing we saw were huge gates leading to the graveyard. I took a deep breath and followed her. I wasn't here for as long as Shizuru and I really didn't want to admit it, but I felt like I had come back home. Especially when I was facing my gravestone, which still had name Sango written on it. My grave got quiet messy over this time, but somehow I didn't mind.

Silently Shizuru knelt down, put the flowers into small bucket that was left there and started to pray. Several minutes passed until she spoke again, her eyes still remained closed and head was bent down.

"It sure feels lonely here…"

"It might sound weird, but I feel pretty comfortable right now…" I scratched my head "maybe because you are here"

"From now on, I'll be here each day" she said firmly.

Small smile danced on my lips "That would make me happy" Shizuru's eyes opened wide, and deeply stared into mine. The reaction made me laugh "What?"

"Ara, you are not going to protest?"

"I don't see anything wrong here" I started to balance from my toes to my hills, awkwardly holding hands behind the back "I think it is normal to visit the grave of whom is important to you" I looked to the side, embarrassed.

A light chuckle reached my ears making me face her again.

"I'm glad that we finally agree" her smile was so warm and sincere at that moment that I could not control myself, my body became completely hot from embarrassment and possibly whole body blush. The light blush on her cheeks and a bright sun which was shining directly at her, making Shizuru look like an innocent angel, didn't help at all. I looked away one more time before quietly whispering…

"Baka…"

Today was the day of the party, Reito's friends were celebrating in one bar while Shizuru and her friends in another. Obviously her friend consisted of all HiMEs and those who were involved at some point. Before the party, in the morning, Shizuru visited my grave once again. However, this time she decided to do a proper cleaning there despite my disagreement. I insisted on her getting ready for the party, she declined saying that it was more important and that she had enough time. I didn't pursue her any further about it. One, because it was useless. Two, she was not breaking any rules and three, I was happy. By seeing her take care of my grave, it felt like if she was taking care of me instead. I had guessed that it was something like a compensation to us dead, since we didn't feel anything ourselves anymore and we could not be touched or taken care off. Death eliminates those small yet happy moments. But now, I found how it could be remunerated.

Whole this time we were having small conversations about any topic that came to our minds. After she was done, she had remained at my grave for several more moments. Surprisingly time passed really fast for us, we didn't even notice t until sun started to set down. I promised to myself that I would not allow her to stay that long here any longer, otherwise she was completely missing on other things.

After we came home, she took a shower and had dressed up for the party. Her driver took her to the bar where everyone was waiting for her arrival. Once inside, they sat around the table and had a small meal and glass of wine for the starters. Midori was the first one to complain about it on what she received a hit in the head from Nao who called her drunken head. The small argument started because of that, mostly on Nao's part who still could not forgive Midori for getting her drunk at the beach.

Mai was the one to calm them down when she had mentioned the presents. Each one had brought a present for Shizuru and had gathered in a circle around her, handing the presents. Some of them were quiet normal… I think… Mai had given her child's clothing, have no idea why. As far as I know Shizuru is not pregnant, Mai said that's for future baby girl. 'You are so easy thinking Mai, and what if she will have a boy?' Midori had given a huge bottle of sake, did not expect anything less from her. Youko actually seemed to be displeased, probably because she wanted bottle for herself but maybe that's just me. Haruka, who was also invited, had given her a huge pack of tea. Nao being Nao gave a vulgar leather costume, seeing it Mikoto got way too excited, asking Mai to buy her one too on what poor Mai only blushed in embarrassment. Many more presents had come into Shizuru's possession, each one unique and awkward in its own way, what else could you expect from the bunch?

Once formalities were done, the real party had started. Stronger drinks were put onto the table; Midori was drooling while looking at servants carrying them. While Mai was not looking, Mikoto also got several shots what ended with her running around bar and jumping from table on table and on many other stuff. To be short, some restoration would be needed once party would be over. Mai was apologizing for 10 minutes, holding Mikoto by her side. Shizuru kept waving her hands saying that everything was fine and that she could cover all he expenses what made Mai even more ashamed of her companion.

It took some time before Mikoto calmed down and had fallen asleep in the corner letting Mai relax a bit. Obviously karaoke was part of today's evening; it almost became a tradition thanks to Mai. Seeing everyone perform, for a moment, made me happy that I was dead. I didn't want to experience it again, especially since they were cross-dressing this time too. Poor Akira was forced to put on Barbie's dress and sing Barbie's song. Good for her that Takumi was not here but at Reito's party.

I was laughing whole party along with Shizuru. When her turn came to sing, my laugh died. I was fascinated by her singing and her beauty could not be ruined even by dressing as taxi driver. Hell, if she was an actual taxi driver, I might have stopped using my bike back in my livelier days.

The last part of the party was a huge cake with stripper inside of it, sadly for Mai, Mikoto had woken up at that moment. I myself was not impressed by stripper; especially when he started to swirl his butt in Shizuru's face. The pleasant smile, did not leave Shizuru's face even during that moment. Though, I really wanted to shove him off.

Everyone had stayed some more afterwards, getting ready to go back only about half an hour later. Huge couch was ordered, to deliver everyone to their living places. Even here it didn't end without scenes. Midori got sick as always, and as usual Nao ended to be nearby. Seriously, with all those constant scenes they should get married already.

Drunken Haruka started to sing some random songs, sadly loud enough to wake up people around. I didn't envy Yukino at this point who was trying to calm her down.

Shizuru stood outside, watching bus leave. Smile that she was wearing whole evening was still there. After several moments, she sat into limousine that was waiting for her. All presents were already collected and taken to her room. One more day was left until the wedding now. I was sure that everyone would most likely be recovering from today and gaining new strength for the actual occasion.

Once in Shizuru's room, I finally started to talk again:

"As usual, it was loud. I guess you can never have a quiet party with them"

"If it was too quiet, it wouldn't be a party anymore" Shizuru smiled and sat at her bed, looking at the boxes with presents that were put into the corner.

"I guess you are right, though now you have to pay for all the destructions which Mikoto caused"

"That's fine" she patted spot by her side, signaling for me to sit by her "At least there will be some use for all of these money"

"True too" I sat down by her side.

Slowly, she turned around and gazed right into my eyes. Her stare was so gentle and intense at the same time that I had to look to the side.

"Is there something on my face?"

"Yes"

"Impossible! Nothing can touch me!" my head turned back and was met with a sweet kiss on the lips, if you can call it like that.

My eyes had widened and I was frozen on spot, I did not see that coming. Shizuru didn't seem to want to pull back despite how awkward it must've felt to be kissing a cold substance. Though, considering my embracement, it probably got warmer. Several seconds had passed before I got control back and moved away, despite the fact that I really wanted to return the kiss. This small action made me doubt my actions till now, about marriage and everything else. Just this action made me wish to forget about everyone and everything and take Shizuru all for myself, thankfully my senses came back right in time. Otherwise we would have one weird night.

"W-what are you doing?"

She opened her eyes gradually "Can't you tell? I'm kissing you" she answered calmly.

"I could tell that! But I didn't understand the reason behind the action!"

"Is my love not enough?"

"Geez Shizuru" I shot up on my feet "I thought we had discussed it already, we can't"

"Because of Reito?" she stood up too.

"Because I'm dead!" I answered sorrowfully and turned my back to her.

"That does not bother me" she answered firmly, determined to get what she wanted.

"But it does bother me! That's not right! "I turned around sharply "And God won't allow that!"

"God,God, God… it is always God" she was getting angry "Can't you fight him back?"

"A God? To fight a God?" I was on the verge of laughing at this point "I made a deal, that I would not interfere with your life in exchange of becoming your guardian angel. I'm surprised that He still didn't show up"

"Maybe that's the sign that He doesn't mind?"

"You don't know Him; He would have said that it was fine. He is most likely giving me a chance to make things better"

"The way you keep denying me all the time makes me think that you don't love me anymore" she looked away, no teasing was seen or felt. She was really depressed.

"Of course not!" I stood right before her "I have never stopped loving you and I never will, don't you dare to think so!"

"Then is there really no way for us to be together?"

"I don't see any right now unless God will decide to bring me back to life, don't see it happening though"

"But…"

"Stop, how did we even come to this topic?" I started to shake my hands in frustration.

"I kissed you" was short and simple answer.

"Exactly! Don't you feel sorry for cheating on Reito?"

"I do, but I feel even worse when I'm cheating on you"

"You are not cheating on me, Shizuru" I said each word firmly, trying to male her understand "You can't cheat on a dead person and it is me who chose this life. I'm completely fine with it"

"Ara, are you?" she crossed her hands "Several weeks ago someone was in huge depression"

"I have overcome that!" I burst out in reply.

"Have you?" she came closer and looked directly into my eyes.

"Yes" I answered, looking back into hers.

"If you say so" she turned around and went towards the bed "Good night"

"I can't believe that such great day got ruined by a dumb argument" I sighed but no reply came. Sighing for a second time, I went towards the chair "Good night"

The next day things were quiet, but surprisingly Shizuru kept talking to me like if nothing had happened. I didn't know if I should be relieved or worried about it. I was happy that things stayed the same between us but it also made me suspicious. In the end I decided to shake off the feeling and just enjoy the day, hoping that no arguments would arise today.

As I guessed, everyone was recovering from yesterday's party, including Reito's guests. Reito and Shizuru were probably the healthiest; it didn't look like they had drunk at all yesterday. They decided to spend the day together, the last day of when they were just lovers.

However before that Shizuru had visited my grave as promised, though we agreed for her no to do it tomorrow because of wedding.

I thought that maybe Shizuru would become distant with Reito again because of yesterday, surprisingly they seemed to be even closer. They took a walk in the park, holding hands all the time. Small picnic was arranged and some cuddling.

I sat near the opposite tree, observing them carefully. Small smile danced on my lips when I saw Shizuru smile, true smile 'Baka Shizuru, can't she see that I'm fine with them being together? I'm not angry or sad anymore, I have accepted my destiny and Shizuru is in safe hands, Reito won't hurt her. And she really is enjoying her time with him'.

They decided not to stay till late since some preparations for tomorrows wedding still had to be done, that is why they separated quiet early. Reito still had gone together with Shizuru to her house, to ensure that she was safe.

No arguments happened between us today and I finally was able to relax.

The next day was the busiest since the whole carnival ended, everyone were running back and forth: preparing, searching, simply having fun, panicking and etc. Each person was excited about today, especially Mai whose eyes were shining all the time. The one who seemed the less bothered was obviously Nao who kept standing in the corner, away from the whole mess.

Shizuru seemed to be the most composed person out there. She was calmly waiting in her room for Reito to pick her up. While being alone in the room, we had small conversation about nothing really specific. Mostly about how busy and noisy everything was on what she just laughed saying 'That's what's wedding like', I anticipated her to mention us at some point but it never came.

Minutes later, Reito was by her door, singing serenade for her. I was surprised to hear him sing so well despite knowing what a Mr perfect he was. Nether less, I had a laugh about how cliché whole thing was and was happy not to be in Reito's shoes at that point of time. I had no wish to sing and it would probably suck big time that Shizuru would never let me be later on.

Once Shizuru left the room, everyone went straight for the church. After the church a walk in the park had to be next and then an actual party with huge table. They even prepared extra number of food especially for Mikoto.

The moment we had entered the church and ceremony had started, a lot of thoughts rushed through my head 'This is it… from today onwards Shizuru will become Kanzaki… Kanzaki Shizuru?' I laughed slightly 'Doesn't sound bad though I think Kuga Shizuru is better… Stop right there! Stop thinking about dumb things, I have already decided. Why am I starting to doubt myself now of all times? Well I was slightly jealous before but that's different. No, I can't. Shizuru will officially become Reito's wife today and all that's left for me is to do my work as a guardian angel'

I looked straight at her, for my surprise she was looking at me within the corner of her eyes. Smiling I spoke:

"I promise to be the best guardian angel ever, just for you"

Her lips curved in a gentle smile and eyes returned back onto the priest.

"Yes" I heard Reito's reply, huge smile on his face.

"And you, Fujino Shizuru? Do you promise to love Kanzaki Reito and share happiness and sadness together? To support each other until death will separate you both?"

Shizuru closed her eyes, small smile still there:

"No…"

Mini Feed:

Natsuki: Hell yeh! Now we are talking!

Shizuru: Ara, shouldn't you be against my response?

Natsuki: Who cares about what that dumb author has planned! I'm keeping you all to myself! –grabs Shizuru-

Shizuru: Ara! –gets pushed into the bedroom-

Bad One: No one loves me T.T –sits in the corner-

Reito: Me too T.T

About that scene in the bedroom, don't forget that Shizuru was slightly drunk in case you think that things don't match.

Hope I was able to please you this time. Only around 2-3 more chapters left.