AN: Hi! Sorry for not updating sooner. Things have been a bit hectic with normal stuff. Writing this story with my MF3 is so not doing me any favours but hopefully i will try and update sooner :) Well thanks for your reviews and for those who are just reading by :)

Chapter Ten

Shizuma winced as she tried to lift and steady her right arm, the bullet impact on her upper chest made it hard for her to move it with any speed. She was seated on the bath's rim, having just soaked in the tub for a good hour, looking at the damage she had sustained earlier. She was no newbie to getting hurt; her body had a few scars here and there. Most of what happened was a blur, recalling the fight, the pain and waking up to Nagisa looming overhead. 'She looked so scared. Too scared, as if she's been in that situation before and it turned out badly .I guess that mission of hers still haunts her. It could have been a lot worse; the bruise will go down in a few days.' A knock on the bathroom door interrupted her musings, as she turned towards the door.

"You ok in there? You've been in there an awful long time." Nagisa called to her

"I'm fine. I'm just having a little trouble with the bandage"

"Need any help?" an embarrassed voice asked of her.

It was silent for a little while, as Shizuma thought over the innocent request. Innocent for Nagisa, but other more devilish ideas for the etoile. Shizuma pictured the young agent with ease, knowing she would have deep flushed cheeks and seriously re-debating the offer. Before she could answer, a resigned Nagisa spoke.

"You're unclothed aren't you?"

"I have just been bathing Nagisa; I can't very well dress myself with any ease, my right side is far too sore to move around much." Exaggerating her injury just a little. Shizuma really wanted to show herself off, not to mention she honestly had trouble moving.

"I have no problem with helping you, only if it didn't come with the flirts and teases you enjoy so much. No funny business either"

"I'll behave" Shizuma silently giggled to herself

The door slowly swung inwards, letting in some cold air which made the warm damp etoile shiver in protest. Nagisa quickly entered, shutting the door behind her, saving the little warmth left in the room. Nagisa was blushing heavily, moving jerkily giving off an air of shyness and embarrassment. Etoile enjoyed her view, since all the girl was wearing were shorts and a tight fitting t-shirt. Nagisa barely looked at the unclad woman, trying not to give her any ammunition for the future, as she took the bandage from Shizuma's outstretched palm ready to tend to her wound and help her dress. True to her word, Shizuma didn't flirt or make any moves, which were extremely difficult for her, as gentle fingers caressed her skin applying the bandage around her chest. It was nothing but torture for her. So was the silence.

"Can I ask you something Nagisa?" a nod gave her permission "Why was you so scared when I got shot?"

Nagisa's hand stilled on her left side, at the question. Shizuma turned her head, to see Nagisa in some discomfort at what was asked as she quickly finished tying off the bandage. She brought her right hand over to stroke the redhead's cheek, moving towards her chin to bring red eyes to meet her own.

"What makes you say that?" Nagisa tried to deflect the question, tugging her gaze away from the searching eyes of the woman.

"Because I care." Shizuma told her

Red eyes met yellow ones as the former looked in some form of anguish at the answer. Rising unsteadily to her feet, dodging the caring hand that was held out, she hid her face amongst her red tresses. Shizuma heard her laboured breathing, wondering if she went a little too far. 'Did I go over the line? I couldn't help it; I just don't like seeing her like that. I really do care in this ice heart of mine.'

"You're all bandaged up now. I'll leave you to get changed."

With that the young woman quickly left the bathroom, shutting the door gently behind her and leaving a determined agent gazing after her.

Shizuma came out of the bathroom, wearing baggy joggers and a loose top, something that was easy to get on and off. Her eyes quickly set on Nagisa. The said girl was sitting in the middle of her bed, knees drawn in tight and arms wrapped around her bended legs. But what caught her gaze most was her pain filled face. Shizuma quietly walked over, gently positioning herself next to her. No one said anything, Shizuma waited patiently for her to begin giving her time to put her thoughts together. She had a clue as to why she was so freaked earlier, but not the reasons behind it all.

"It was nearly a year ago when it happened. I was stationed at a military outpost, under cover and highly classified. We had reports that there was a major security breach, someone was sending out classified information. I was partnered with Yumiko Kondo; I've worked with her before and we were close friends. We were informed that they had ordered a security lock down. It sounded so simple. We went in, contained the leak putting up extra defences just in case, all we had left to do was find out whom." Nagisa paused as she closed her eyes tight "It all happened so quickly that day, throwing everyone off their game. We had an outdoor mock battle when they decided to strike. People dropped around us before we realised what was happening. It wasn't just one person as we were led to believe but a gang of them and they were smart. They targeted those in the chain of command first, making it harder for others to take and give orders. Yumiko and I tried to get around them and find out; but before we could we were all herded into the centre of the training grounds. I couldn't believe it when I saw who it was, the base commander and a few of his loyal cronies, eight of them in his team armed with a small arsenal. The cost would be too high to overpower them, the base held a max of thirty personnel. The base commander was in the loop of whom and what we were and what we had done to the computers. I was dragged to the front, made to kneel in front of him as he pointed a gun to my head. I was so scared, for the first time in my life I felt for sure I was going to die. He demanded to be given Astraea's codes. I said no. I closed my eyes tight when he reached for the trigger. Someone else died instead. I remember the jerk smiling all the time. Four more times he asked me each time I said no. Each time someone else died. He turned his anger on me, beating me senseless. I don't know how long he beat me, all I know when I opened my eyes I found Yumiko kneeling beside me. A gun pointed directly at her." Nagisa had tears flooding down her face, her sobs making it harder for her to talk, as all the pain rushed back. Shizuma forcefully took her into her arms, wrapping her up tight as her cries grew harsh. "He kill…killed her right… in front of me. Ju…just for…some damn codes. I couldn't do anything, I was so weak… I failed her. I got…her kill…killed." Nagisa couldn't speak any more, as she cried her heart out into Shizuma's shoulder.

The etoile rocked her gently and tried to soothe her, her tale had been more than enough to understand her a little better. The pain which Nagisa still tortured herself with, Shizuma could only try and relieve it. 'The sick bastard! He knew exactly what he was doing, luring agents from Astraea to get at their codes, what buttons to press when they arrived. She closes off everyone because of that, no one can get too close to her. Just like me. I don't blame her for doing that to me, I came on rather strong. I don't like to see her like this, I want to see her happy. I finally get her to see past my exterior to something I've hidden for a while. I wonder if I can be something more to her and vice versa.' Shizuma stayed holding Nagisa until the latter had cried herself to sleep.

Gently and slowly Shizuma laid Nagisa down on the bed, still keeping the exhausted woman in her arms, making sure she was all tucked in tight. As Shizuma tried to let go off her, Nagisa clung on tighter to her, there wasn't a way in which Shizuma could release the hold without waking her. Deciding it was best to leave her to sleep, Shizuma's only choice was to join her. Carefully she lay down beside her, on top of the covers as Nagisa's hands released their hold on her sweater, with one arm coming to drape over her waist. Shizuma smiled warmly at the woman beside her, knowing that for now no dreams would haunt her sleep. The etoile soothingly stroked the red hair, more for her own benefit since the other was fast asleep. 'Finally she calmed down. I bet she hasn't had a good cry over that in a long while. Then again it didn't happen too long ago. Then she got stuck with the mission of Carter's manor. No time at all to recover, even barely had time to get a psych eval. It's getting late and starting tomorrow we are so going to have a good long talk, the both of us. That's what partners do isn't it?'

The morning light streamed in through the balcony windows to gently wake a silver haired beauty. Feeling quite warm especially on her left side the etoile slowly opened her eyes, barely moving she looked towards the clock, trying to sit up but found that a heavy but pleasant weight stopped her from moving too much. Still dozy and not all together there, Shizuma glanced down to her left wondering what was hampering her movements. A mop of red hair was resting on her left shoulder with an arm draped securely around her waist pressing up snuggly against her. The sight finally woke her up and memories of yesterday asserted themselves. 'Well this is a sight I've thought about, not exactly but then again. Seems she slept well which is good. I don't want to move.' Shizuma stayed where she was a while longer, simply enjoying the warmth and comfort until she decided it was time to get up.

Shizuma quietly went about her morning routine, deviating a little when she checked over her injury, which apart from being sore was holding up nicely as long as she didn't strain herself. After ordering for room service did the hacker finally start to stir, which in turn made Shizuma a tad nervous. A knocking on the door and carrying in the breakfast brought Shizuma to a clearly uncomfortable and blushing Nagisa. An awkward atmosphere penetrated the two women as both tried to find words to say.

"Good morning Nagisa. Sleep well?" Shizuma softly asked

Nagisa bobbed her head looking at the tray of food and drink on the table before her. Shizuma sat down beside her handing her a hot cup of tea and one for herself. Quietly they ate and drank their tea as the awkward tension was still there. 'Well this is annoying. I thought what happened after last night we could move on. I did say I would talk to her even if it makes me uncomfortable.'

"Nagisa I want to thank you for yesterday for telling me about what happened." Shizuma quietly told Nagisa "I had a partner I was close to. Her name was Kaori Sakuragi. After Miyuki went to train for the higher chain, I was partnered with her and we hit it off right away. It was inevitable really, you might think it was a forgone conclusion, but I fell for her and I fell hard. I've never felt that way for someone before. I'd like to say we both did but now I'm not entirely certain. Anyway, we became more than partners until two years ago." Shizuma paused trying to find the words to continue.

It came quite a shock when a warm hand clasped on to hers giving it a gentle squeeze. Not daring to look at the face next to her, but liking the silent support and the time she was given she responded back the same way. The words came hard but she found it a little easier to get them out.

"We were on a mission when it happened, Kaori was restless and I was suspicious. My plans seemed to fail at every turn, no matter what I did. We argued a lot during that time, Kaori going on about how wrong we were and me because she was keeping something from me. Don't get me wrong, secrets are one thing but I knew it was something else from the way she went about things. Finally we herded the guy into a corner, in a massive warehouse at an isolated place. That's when I knew the depth of betrayal. Kaori turned on me with her gun, planting herself in front of the target. I couldn't move or do anything. He then told me of how she had been working for him for a while now, misleading us and corrupting data. Then it all went to hell, Miyuki had sent back up knowing about Kaori's defection and then everyone started shooting. I woke up two days later in the Astraea ward with Miyuki and Shion looking down on me. She had escaped whilst he was being held. I never really trusted anyone after that, especially with my heart."

It was total silence on the room, the only sound was of the breeze blowing the curtain and the normal noise of people hustling about outside. Shizuma kept her face lowered, not wanting to show her watered eyes or the pain lurking within them. The warm hand on her own never budged, which made her feel she had done something right in telling her. Both of their pasts brought to light and their fears. 'It feels kind of good to let it out, to talk to someone about Kaori. If I do meet her again I don't think I'll ever trust her or love her the same way. Nagisa's awful quiet.'

A few seconds longer in the silence was a bit unsettling for the etoile, her heart had been exposed and now she was waiting for what her partner would do or say. The hand that held her own lifted away, Shizuma missing its support already, only to find it cradling her cheek. Gently Nagisa lifted the etoile's face to meet her own, surprising the latter when she started to wipe away the tears she had let fall. It was soothing to Shizuma; the air of tension which was uneasy earlier had all but disappeared. When Nagisa had finished her hands cradled Shizuma's in her own a warm smile lighting her face, as Shizuma waited for her to speak.

"Thank you for telling me. You didn't have to and I know how painful it must be for you to talk of it. Thanks for trusting me most of all. I promise I won't break your confidence with this. I'm your friend after all" Nagisa spoke softly

It was late morning as the two agents found themselves seated on the small balcony, Nagisa typing away with Shizuma just finishing her check in with Miyuki. The earlier awkwardness and hostility from before had disappeared; their new found insight and understanding (sort of) of one another had certainly lightened their spirits. Shizuma poured a new glass of fresh orange juice for Nagisa, who gave a small smile thanks, looked over the landscape as she sorted through the last few days. 'Well this has certainly been a mission to remember. The chaos with Carter's Manor, unknown targets and their goals and a temperamental partner being the biggest of my worries. Until now. It's amazing what opening up a little will do for you.' A quick series of bleeps from across the small table shook Shizuma from her thoughts. Looking to her friend she saw an ever-growing grin on her face. The redhead had found something. Shizuma shuffled her chair closer to comfortably see the laptop, brushing by Nagisa a little which went not unnoticed.

"Gee Shizuma how close do you want to get?" Nagisa teased her

Shizuma turned to give a smirk whilst inwardly she was a little shocked at how Nagisa was behaving "How close do you want me?"

"Close enough to see far enough away so I can relax" Nagisa fired back with a twinkle in her eyes

"Don't you trust me Nagisa?" Shizuma asked leaning forward a little

Nagisa hesitated for a second or two looking Shizuma directly in her eyes seeing a brief flicker of some emotion and knew her answer "For a mission yes, for your 'appetite' no way and as my friend…absolutely."

Shizuma gave a big smile as she heard her answer with an added chuckle for the good natured teasing "Fair enough Nagisa. So what have you found out?"

"Looks like we have found that man you were so interested in the other day." Nagisa clicked a few keys whilst Shizuma raised her brow at the implication.

"And did we actually find something on someone for a change."

Bringing up a picture profile on the screen, Shizuma saw a close up view of the man from the business camera she looked at. They had something tangible at last, something they could work with instead of floundering around.

"Shizuma meet Matthias Dracos. He's a local man, born and bred here. Matthias operates a labour work force, which is why you saw him socialise with the workers instead of the military looking people. As things are here, he served in the military when he left school; after his time was up he got a few degrees. Nothing really stands out." Nagisa looked at Shizuma

"A hardworking man caught up in all this. Reede wanted a work detail; Matt signed up for it not knowing what he was getting into." Shizuma shook her head a little "by the way how did Reede get in contact with Dracos anyway?"

"Ah I was getting to that." Nagisa nodded her head "It seems as well as operating his work force he owns a bar here in town, The Ambrosia. Quite popular too."

Shizuma's eyes glazed over a little as she tried to remember what some of the local people told her when she went snooping that day. It wasn't much but she did recall something about harbour and work outfits.

"I think I know where to start looking for this detail. I recall hearing about a work force being seen at the harbour in the early hours and late at night. We should check it out." Shizuma told her "Anything on the other data you got?"

"Nope. I sent the huge data file to Astraea along with the mini-sub picture. The other one I'm fiddling around with now. It will take a while."

"If you can't find the answer to it Nagisa I doubt others will" Shizuma stated "Now why don't we take a walk around town? We can't search the harbours till late afternoon."

Shizuma passed Nagisa the binoculars as she continued to stare at the harbour. There was a way in. The only drawback was how to get into the work detail itself. 'If we dress as one of the workers, we can get easy access to the island. Work for a few days whilst we scout out the terrain. I wish we could go there in more style. Oh well, I've been on worse missions.' Shizuma tore her eyes away from the men and boats below, to look at Nagisa who was still peering at the goings on below. The etoile moved a little closer to her, bending down a little so her chin rested on her shoulder.

"Is Nagisa trying to picture me in that uniform?" whispering teasingly in her ear

Nagisa quickly pulled the binoculars from her eyes, her cheeks tinted red in anger as she glared at the smirking woman beside her. Shizuma couldn't help but tease her; her different reactions were just too good to miss. Nagisa took one step forward, still glaring at her hard, pulled back her hand and gave it to her. Shizuma exhaled loudly as Nagisa shoved the binoculars into her chest, before quickly turning back on her to gaze below. Shizuma chuckled softly as she stood next to her.

"I guess we found our way in." Nagisa pondered aloud

"Yup. No one really takes any notice of individual workers so it will be good cover. Plus it gives a certain freedom to snoop around on the island too."

"Sounds like you've already got this planned out pretty much." Nagisa admired "One itsy-bitsy problem"

"What?"

"How do we sign up?"

Shizuma just stared at Nagisa when she heard the question. She had the basic plan all figured out, yet there was always something she forgot. Heaving a sigh she crossed her arms, now wondering as to the success of the worker plan. Shaking her head a little Shizuma glanced around them; the harbour was the main attraction of the little town, so it had a little foot traffic, thankfully with no one heading in their direction. Draping her arm around Nagisa she pulled them away from the view, back towards the main street.

"Shizuma?" Nagisa asked a little confused by her behaviour

"There is nothing more to be learned from watching them, we might as well try and ask around discreetly if they know. Or for you my little hacker, to find it your way." Shizuma explained still keeping her arm around the other

The two walked casually along the street, talking of little things when Shizuma's eye caught sight of a certain shop. Pulling up abruptly, turning Nagisa in the opposite direction wanting this to be a little surprise.

"Stay here I'll be right back." Shizuma told her, faking a glare to be sure

Nagisa nodded her head still startled a little on the sudden change of her partner. Shizuma glided down the street, turning into an alley where instantly the smell of sweet heavenly aromas filled the air. 'This is just the thing to cheer her up. I remember when we were at that party, she had quite a few slices and I'm betting she would have eaten the whole selection if she tried. I wonder what kind she likes best. Ah! That one is perfect.' When the etoile had brought her purchase, she returned quickly to Nagisa. Just in the nick of time too. The redhead was listening to an eager woman, as Shizuma walked towards them, both of them not realising her presence for the time being. From what she could see Nagisa was quickly tiring of the chatty one, as her fists were clenched tight. Moving in a little nearer Nagisa caught sight of her and her eyes twinkled in mounting mischief, Shizuma knew something was about to happen and it involved her. Whatever it took for the woman to leave Shizuma will help gladly.

"So how about it cutie, care to join us and have a good time?" the woman tried to sway her

"I'm sorry but I already have plans for two this evening, which will no doubt be good" Nagisa told her smiling wide "with my lovely wife no less"

"Your wife must be very protective if she doesn't allow you to have some fun"

"I get a lot of fun don't get me wrong, but one of her traits is to be very possessive." Nagisa looked over towards Shizuma "Isn't that right honey?"

Shizuma walked over, giving the woman a mean glare as she walked past and stood next to Nagisa. When Nagisa saw the bag, Shizuma shifted it so she couldn't see. It was after all a surprise. The woman didn't look too happy at seeing her; strangely enough the glare she received didn't put her off like it had done to others. Deciding to be more intimate, Shizuma hugged Nagisa to her planting a lingering kiss on her cheek still holding her close as she addressed the other woman.

"Sorry to keep you waiting love. Who is this?"

"She wanted to know if I fancied joining her and a few others for some fun. Unfortunately we already had plans, so I did try and decline. She also happens to be very pushy." Nagisa explained lightly.

Shizuma nodded her head at that, still looking at the other woman, who was strangely enough not getting the hints. How much blunter would they have to be, to get through the thick skull that a no means a no.

"Sorry to disappoint but we have plans that only involve two, so excuse us." Shizuma bluntly ended the conversation.

"You are rather possessive of her aren't you?"

The two agents stopped just a few steps away when they heard her; Shizuma tightened her grip on Nagisa's shoulder, more for her own mounting anger than anything. Turning her head the etoile glared coldly at her.

"That about sums it up. Now leave us alone" Her ice cold tone sent shivers down those around her.

The woman took the hint finally and left, not daring to rebuke the words as she scurried away. Shizuma released Nagisa with a heavy sigh, when she noticed Nagisa's stare aimed straight at her. It made her squirm, which was unusual for her.

"What's with that look?" Shizuma asked her

"You usually get along so well with women, yet that one you treated downright nasty. I should be asking you what the matter is."

"Nothing is wrong, that woman rubbed me the wrong way is all. Now shall we go?"

Shizuma started to walk off slowly, Nagisa falling quickly in beside her. It wasn't too long before Shizuma saw her friend peeking around her to eye the bag. Coming up to a crossing in the street, they waited patiently for the signal to go. One however was sneaking her way around Shizuma, who of course kept track of the little redhead. When Nagisa edged her way to the other side, Shizuma shook her head as moved the bag into her other hand. Receiving a mini glare and a cute pout, Shizuma gave her a smile in reply. The green light told them to cross, as soon as they reached the other side Nagisa's curiosity got the better of her.

"What's in the bag Shizuma?" Nagisa asked

"It's a surprise."

Shizuma kept on smiling as she dodged her attempts to see inside. They managed not to knock into people along the way, but there were plenty of close calls.

"Awww what gives?" Nagisa pouted cutely

The etoile had a hunch, a big one, concerning the ability of that look Nagisa was currently using on her. Ripping her eyes away from the maximised cuteness, Shizuma continued on, very pleased when she heard a tut and cuss from behind. Nagisa hastily caught back up, still looking eager to know but not enough to have a good whine about it. Shizuma decided to tease her a little, their new understanding of each other opened up new possibilities.

"Nagisa you are one curious kitten"

"Anyone would be curious, if you wave something underneath their nose and not say anything on what it is." Nagisa argued back

"I told you it was a surprise"

"That's what makes it worse." Nagisa finally whined

"Awww my poor cute little kitten" Shizuma teased her, loving the subtle blush with it.

She was enjoying it until she saw her partner smirk. Shizuma soon figured out, that whenever Nagisa used that smirk she was getting impish. It bode ill for whoever was her target, namely her at the current time.

"Whatever you say Silvie." As Nagisa continued to walk on.

Shizuma stopped walking raising her eyebrow at her partner. Luckily they had reached their hotel, so Nagisa giving her a final smirk leaving the mutinous woman alone, whilst the redhead went to their shared hotel room. Slow to follow her, Shizuma took her time with every step thinking some sort of revenge for that awful nickname she landed with. 'No way is she calling me that, especially outdoors. I don't like it. Couldn't she have called me something else? What can I do to…? I got it! The curious kitten won't get her little surprise, or maybe until I'm satisfied. Too cruel not to let her have it after all.' Her room door was in front of her, preparing herself, for what she wasn't sure, Shizuma reached out and opened it. Carefully hiding the treasure behind her back as she went in. Nagisa was seated on her bed tapping away at her mini laptop, sparing Shizuma one quick glance when she heard the door click shut.

"What took you so long? Waylaid by a needy maid? Thugs trying to kill you again? No…no I got it. It was an ex-lover seeking revenge by trying to take candid pictures of you, until you found out and returned the favour" all the while looking very happy with herself.

"Funny kitten. I wasn't gone that long" Shizuma told her, as she down on her bed opposite, placing the mystery bag near the back of the bed closest to the wall.

"Twenty minutes Silvie." Shizuma growled Nagisa chuckled "It doesn't take you that long to walk from the lobby to here."

"Why, did my cute little kitten miss my company for that long? Want me to give you extra attention in return?"

Shizuma turned from scowling to flirty in a heartbeat. Moving with feline grace, she stalked closer and closer towards her kitten. Shizuma enjoyed the way Nagisa tried to go backwards, only to find the wall stopping her. When she saw her prey make a break to the side, nearest the door, Shizuma pounced. Her hands caught her around the waist, hearing 'oomph!' as the redhead was now half off the bed still struggling to get away. Chuckling heartily Shizuma straddled her, pinning her legs effectively down on the bed. Making sure she was secured Shizuma then began to pull Nagisa back up. They were laughing enthusiastically with a few squeals here and there. A maid walked on past, her eyes going wide and ears turning red, as listened at the noise coming from the room. The maid crept closer until she heard a loud thump and a few moans. Unwilling to listen anymore the maid scurried away, a full flushed face and eyes wide with many a thought rushing through her mind.

Beyond the locked door showed the playful women lying in heap on the floor. It seems that in a bout of tickling, Nagisa twitched a little too much, knocking Shizuma off her and the bed. Unfortunately the said woman was entangled with Nagisa still, bringing her along for the brief ride. When they finished their bout of laughter and dried their eyes they finally looked at their positions. Nagisa was beet red when she realised she was straddling Shizuma, who was looking all amused at the situation. Shizuma was in a high state of tension, yet she tried very hard not to show it as she watched Nagisa scramble off her.

"I didn't know you were that eager to do this and that to me." She teased her

Nagisa gave her a glare that didn't hold "If you keep that up I'll…"

"Fine, fine. I'll cut you some slack" Shizuma granted her as she got up herself

"So can I see what's in the bag now?" Nagisa asked Shizuma wearing a bright smile

"On one condition" Shizuma told her watching as the smile faltered a little "You never call me Silvie again."

Nagisa chuckled at the deal; nodding her head vigorously she stuck out her hand to finalise the agreed terms. Shizuma took it in her own, feeling the warmth and smooth skin and clenched it firmly.

"Deal" Nagisa nodded once.

Before Shizuma could blink Nagisa was around her and kneeling on the bed to reach for the bag. Coming up behind her Shizuma saw how excited the redhead seemed to be in opening up the little surprise. Nagisa took it carefully out of the bag and began to open it, scuttling back to the edge so Shizuma could sit down beside her. It must have been the wrapping or the feel of the parcel that made Nagisa unwrap it cautiously, as she bit her lip showing her concentration. Shizuma was more interested in her face than the gift; it showed everything and was more than pleased when her partner opened the last layer. Nagisa's eyes flew wide open her mouth was slack jawed until it formed into a toothy smile. In her hands was a sponge cake, with fresh strawberries and cream in the centre, icing decorated the top with a good dollop of another cream and slices of strawberries around the edges. It wasn't a large cake, enough for four small slices, but it certainly wouldn't last long with the sweet tooth Nagisa seemed to have.

Shizuma barely registered her partner putting down the cake before arms wrapped around her neck in a squeezy hug. What made her blush a little was the soft peck she received. Before she could say anything Nagisa was off out of the door, in search of plates and drink to go with it. The agent touched her cheek gently where Nagisa had brushed her lips on earlier, rising from her bed to go to the balcony. As she settled on the railing with arms crossed on top taking her weight, she admired the scenery as her mind worked over the little friendly tumble. 'In all my partners' I've never been that friendly before, there was always something I wanted. Hearing her laugh like that was worth it to me. Playing around like a couple of kids, I wonder what people would have thought if they walked on by and heard us. Something in the gutter probably. She's like a child getting all giddy at the sight of a cake. I can't really complain though, the hug and…kiss was nice.' Her thoughts were interrupted when Nagisa came dashing into the room, with two plates and a jug of juice. A big smile still graced her face as she set up the little table in their room.

"Gosh Nagisa all excited over a little cake" teased Shizuma who was now fully facing the room.

"I'm sorry" Nagisa looked sheepish "I guess it's been a while since someone gave me a gift, especially making it into a surprise."

Shizuma said nothing as she watched Nagisa put the cake onto the table, in a much calmer mood than before. Shizuma pushed herself away from the railing to walk over to her embarrassed partner, putting an arm around her shoulders and roughly pulled her to her side. It brought a yelp of surprise from Nagisa at the unexpected show of affection.

"Don't be down Nagisa; I'm glad you liked it"