Happy Birthday Shizuru!
Merry Christmas everyone!
I know I'm late to wish the birthday girl but I am early with the christmas wishes so that should even it out, right? xD
A quick chapter before I fly off on vacation. Exams are finally over! Yes! Yes! So happy x) I hope you guys are enjoying your holidays too. I do hope you enjoy this chapter as well. And if it pleases you, do tell me (^ U ^)/
When Natsuki awoke the next day, she would have forgotten 90% of her dream within the first five minutes; 100% by the tenth. It was pity that she could not remember since that dream would have answered quite a few questions. But that is a story to be told at another time. What was more of a pressing issue at the moment were the two little legs which seemed to be peeking out from the side of her bed.
Hmm…now who do you think that could be?
A tickle here. A tickle there.
Guess what happens?
Whoosh! The little feet disappear deeper under the bed.
Ara, are you disappointed the fun ended like that? Don't be calm now just because the suspicious feet have disappeared. You don't know what will happen next. The owner is now completely not within your sight. What could be happening under there hmm? If you had paid any attention, you would have noticed the tiny hands appear on the other side. They are crawling inch by inch, pulling the body behind across the wide expanse under your bed. This happens until the body has conquered enough space to sit up and brace itself.
And when you do finally realize and turn your head, you are attacked from behind and you grit your teeth at the impact. Your face is then attacked by something wet all over; your nose assaulted by the scent you know so well. Hearing the laughter right next to your ear, you can't help but smile. But as the assault continues, you find your thoughts changing or rather you come to a realization.
This isn't the time to sit and leave yourself in the mercy of the enemy! You have to fight back; it is a war!
Your hand reaches to touch the skin before you and you attack the spot you know is her weakness. And as you tickle your way to victory, you marvel at the cries of mercy around you; laughing evilly for the heck of it.
But just as you are reaching the surrender you were waiting for, the phone rings and you sigh in disappointment and annoyance. Stopping your actions, the laughter beneath you halts as well, followed by a silence that urges you to pick up the phone. You stare defiantly at the disturbance so very near from you; deafening screams reaching your ears. Your body does not get up; your mind somewhere else. Plagued with conflicting thoughts, your body halts and you focus upon the center of it all. The captive who is now your ex-captive.
She understands that you need to do whatever it is you need to do. That work is important and your cell phone ringing during the day only meant business. Because family and friends would call the house phone first. Because today is not a work day. She is so understanding and yet you feel angry because she always lets you off like that; only thinking of you and never of herself. You wish that she would be more selfish. Work could never be more important.
The phone continues to ring as you ponder this, the body beneath you getting up to give you some privacy. Watching her back disappear out the door, you resign yourself and grab the cell phone on the bed stand next to you. Pressing the button to receive the call, you are unaware of the blush that fights your cheeks the moment your caller's voice reaches your ears.
"Hello, this is Kuga speaking."
"Ara, this is Shizuru speaking. Kuga-san, may I speak with Natsuki?"
"Mou, I am Natsuki! Didn't you call knowing that this is my number?"
"Natsuki sounded so distant I am afraid I couldn't recognize her voice. Who's to say that you are really Natsuki and not some relative?"
"Well, err….because umm…"
"…you do know I can hear you laughing right? You are not as quiet as you think."
"Ara, I am caught."
"Yes you are. Now is there anything that you need other than to tease me?"
"There is one little thing. It is about your motorcycles. I was wondering if I could get a little demonstration."
"You want a demo of one of the earlier models?"
"Yes. As you know, this is the first time Fujino Corporation has ever ventured into the motorcycle industry. Sadly, I have yet to see one in action having only read about them from various sources. I was hoping I could get a little demonstration to know a little better of what I am investing in."
"That sounds fine. I think I can set one up. Is tomorrow morning okay with you?"
"Splendid. Thank you, Natsuki."
Early Monday morning, Shizuru was directed to the race track near the Kuga Co. building upon arriving at the front entrance. She had been greeted by a perky receptionist who, in different circumstances, she might have flirted with. But now she was not in the mood for it and you could say that she was finding her presence quite annoying. When asked if she would like her to stay, she gave a quick negative which caused the girl to leave dejectedly back to her post.
Looking around the track, she saw no signs of the dark-haired woman. She was hoping to have a nice chat with her whilst she did her little 'research'. 'Where was she?' she wondered. As time ticked by she found herself getting restless. Finding her behavior a little surprising, she sat down on the bench provided to calm her nerves. Thinking to herself how a cup of tea would have been delightful, she frowned slightly for having let go of the receptionist before asking for some. She was sure she would have brought it to her gladly.
With the absence of her most-awaited companion, the thought of leaving ran through her mind. She did decide to do this with the intention to find a chance to speak with the woman after all. And if she wasn't going to be here, then Shizuru would be unmotivated to go through with it. But because of her personality, she decided to stay. It would look bad if she just suddenly upped and left when she had been the one to request for this after all. Thinking back, Shizuru regretted not specifically asking Natsuki to accompany her.
A roar of an engine caught her attention and she trained her eyes upon it just in time to catch a glimpse of blue as it zipped past her and unto the track at lightning speed. Watching the motorcycle circling the track, she couldn't deny that it was somewhat intriguing. The driver was impressive at maneuvering the bends and really knew how to present the bike in a way that would attract buyers. There would definitely be some people who would want to buy one just from seeing the way this driver rode; they would even pay just to look as cool.
As the vehicle slowed to a stop not too far from her, she stood and clapped her hands lightly to show her appreciation and undoubtedly, to be polite. Though she was disappointed Natsuki wasn't with her, she did at least enjoy the show so she approached the fully suited individual with a pleasant smile. She was surprised to find out - by the womanly curves hugged tightly by the biker suit- that the driver was in fact female. Even more shocking was the fact that when said driver pulled off her helmet and shook her hair like in those shampoo commercials, she was greeted with silky blue. It was dazzling. And pretty. And beautiful.
Emerald eyes stared smugly at her and she probably knew why. The surprise must have showed on her face despite her efforts to seem unaffected.
"Betcha didn't think it would be me huh?"
"Natsuki had failed to mention that during our conversation yesterday."
"Surprises are always more fun."
Shrugging her shoulders and flashing that handsome grin of hers, Natsuki was unaware of the effect on Shizuru. Very not so good things were running through her mind and it was good that she had enough self control not to act upon it.
"Hey, you know, I think if you want to learn better about motorcycles you don't just see them in action. It's best if you feel it first-hand."
"Ara, you don't mean…"
Shizuru didn't need to finish her sentence because what Natsuki said next had confirmed her hunch.
"Wanna go for a ride?"
Thoughts of the bicycle ride they had before suddenly flashed through her mind and a part of her cringed. The other part however, was not; it was rejoicing. Rejoicing for the fact that this was a chance; a very good chance.
Minutes later, Shizuru finds herself behind Natsuki on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet and feeling a bit less apprehensive than her time on the bicycle. Mostly because she made her swear that she would not pull any crazy stunts while she was on the thing and a speed limit was impose until Shizuru gave her okay to any increase. Other than that, it was her pride that did not let her be made a fool of by the same thing twice; the first experience a lesson to prepare for the second- if there were any. A Fujino does not back down unless strategically needed.
The adrenaline pumping through her veins at the sensation of being on a fast moving bike was exhilarating even for Shizuru who found the longer she was on the thing, the more relaxed she was. And with this release of tension, came the ability to enjoy the ride. Especially where she was holding onto at the moment. Those abs. Ohhh, how delicious.
The ride had left in a good mood for the rest of the day. This was witnessed by her employees at work and her parents when she had tea with them that night. To them she seemed a bit friendlier than usual and genuinely happy.
"Ara, Shizuru dear, you look happy. Something interesting came your way?"
"Yes, father. I have recently met this pretty little flower. I'm sure you would enjoy meeting her."
"Oh? Do tell me more of this flower."
"Remember that company you introduced to me? Kuga-san is quite engaging."
"Kuga as in the Kuga of Kuga Co.? Ara, what is she like? From her profile I sent you there wasn't much to go on. I do remember that she was a head turner; very pretty eyes."
"Easy to tease."
Laughing heartily to himself, Fujino Takashi wrapped his arm around his wife and gave her a knowing smile.
"I seem to recall someone who was like that. Do you, honey?"
All he received was a halfhearted pinch on his arm to which he guffawed.
Dong! Dong! Dong!
Hearing the grandfather chime, Shizuru tried to excuse herself. Tomorrow was another long day at the office and she really felt like catching some good sleep. Despite the day's exciting events, she still was a touch exhausted. Her mother's voice however, piped in just as she was about to get up.
"Takashi, she plans to leave without elaborating further. Our dear daughter withholding information from us. For shame!"
"Yes Aria, for shame!"
"Ara, have I not said enough to satiate your curiousity?"
"Enough? Afraid not, my dear. May I remind you that we are retired adults with lots of free time on our hands."
"And it's not often that we get to hear you speak of your personal affairs. Especially not something as juicy as this. Oooh~"
"Ara, Aria you know just what I was going to say! My honey!"
Takashi pressed a peck on his wife's cheek in good humour. Shizuru seemed perplexed as he took a peek at her in the corner of his eye. Frowning on the inside, he wondered what she was thinking about. Surely, they were not asking too much of her?
But her face did not stay the same as he pulled back and he knew that what was going through her head would not be expressed at this very moment. Perhaps she needed some time. Perhaps she didn't want to share. Granted, he knew that they did not spend as much time with her like normal parents would have done in the past but they tried. And now they are trying even harder because work could no longer get in the way, retired as they were. A lot of free time meant that they thought a lot more of the people around them and how they wanted to be so much closer to Shizuru. They were beginning to realize that they did not know as much about her than they thought.
"How much do you think would be enough then?"
She had this grin on her that he thought that was beautiful, if not defiantly mischievous. It was different than what she normally showed but it reminded him of his younger self.
"Up to the challenge, I see."
"Always. I am a Fujino aren't I?"
"Spoken like a true one. Truly a daughter of mine."
For a minute she looked like she was contemplating something and then after that determination settled upon her ruby red orbs.
"Father, mother, is there perhaps a relative I do not know of that looks very similar to me?"
Her parents did not show any unusual reaction to the question. In fact, they looked as normal as can be, calmly sipping their tea as they thought over her question. Takashi shook his head lightly and gazed at his wife.
"Aria, do you know any? A cousin or niece of yours maybe?"
"Takashi you know that our daughter has such unique features. She takes after the both of us after all. I have not heard from any of my relatives about them having any children with red eyes or flaxen hair. Apparently, flaxen hair is actually quite rare in our family."
"What is this about Shizuru?"
"Curious that is all. Have you heard anything about Kuga-san's wife?"
"She has a wife? Ara."
"Not only that, she looks eerily similar to me."
Her parents were shaken but not excessively so. It was to be expected. She too, was shocked when she heard and saw for the first time. It is definitely not something that happens every day.
"I think that is enough for today, yes? My apologies but I would like to retire to bed now father, mother. Good night."
"Yes, good night dear. May you dream pleasant dreams tonight."
As she walked away, she mused lightly, chuckling right after.
"I don't suppose you're hiding any siblings from me, are you?"