Author: It's good to hear that the readers are still interested with the fic. To make up for last month's slow update I have updated twice this month so I hope the readers are happy. Thank you to those who reviewed, it's what keeps me going on this fic and a big thank you to Ume for beta-ing this, she's the best. Enjoy chapter 7!
Disclaimer: I do not own Mai HiME or Lucky Channel, if I did I would be a very happy person.
The room was quiet, the only sound that could be heard was the afternoon breeze bringing a calming atmosphere over the blunette that lied across her bed, resting her head against her pillow.
Why...?
Flashback....
...No....Shizuru....I was....saving my kiss.... for you...
Feeling the tear slide down her cheek over her lips, her eyes softened in pain whilst her lips trembled before Mai. Her body was pinned against the wall; she could feel Mai's hands slowly making their way down around her waist encircling the cobalt haired girl bringing herself closer to Natsuki.
... Mai?....
For what seemed like an eternity to the blunette, Mai broke away leaving Natsuki breathing heavily, averting her eyes away from Mai.
What... what just happened....?
"I love you Natsuki" a gasp of air escaped from Natsuki, her eyes widened in disbelief before looking back at Mai. Natsuki felt herself weakening at hearing those words spill from Mai's lips.
Mai.....
"I... I love you, I've loved you since the day I met you. I've wanted to tell you for so long but..." Mai paused as she placed her hands above her beating heart. "I know about your feelings, how you feel towards your sister, but please Natsuki give me a chance" pleading to the blunette with all her might, Mai leaned her head in close making sure the blunette was looking into her eyes. "I want you Natsuki; I love you... Please...."
She... loves me? But I... I don't...
Pressing herself once more, Mai leaned in forcefully capturing the blunette's lips holding the blunette fiercely. Natsuki protested to Mai's actions but found herself helpless under Mai's control. Mai's hands were quick to trail down Natsuki's shirt before resting around the blunette's waist. Sliding a finger inside the blunette's skirt's waistband, Mai's fingers slowly began to push it down as her kiss became deeper.
Mai... Mai, NO!
Summoning all her strength, she stretched her arms forward pushing the saffron haired girl back before drawing her hand back. Bringing her hand from her side, she brought it fast against Mai's cheek slapping it hard on impact.
Panting hard, Natsuki's eyes watched the reddened swollen cheek stand out on Mai's face; she stared into the core of Mai's eyes watching pain grow within. Natsuki gasped aloud realizing the effects of what she had done bringing her hand close to her heart.
.....Mai...I'm sorry......
"Mai, I'm sorry...I...I just can't love you..." her eyes softened before tears began to stream down her face. Mai's eyes slowly turned back at Natsuki, staring at the girl's distraught state, feeling the heavy impact of Natsuki's words sink deeply in her heart. She couldn't move her body, her hand wanted to grab hold of Natsuki's own but the pain was too much to handle.
I...I...
Turning her saddened state away from Mai, she walked to the door wiping the tears away from her cheeks. Pushing the door open, her feet stormed away fixing a destination away from the cafe. Her head hanged low, her eyes didn't even turn to see Shizuru watching her as she walked past.
Mai... please forgive me
Present....
Flashing the memory in her mind, her eyes couldn't hold back the tears streaming down at the sides of her face. Turning onto her side, her jaded eyes drowned themselves picturing Mai's saddened look.
Why did she kiss me? 'I love you Natsuki'
Bringing the tips of her fingers to her lips, she gently traced over the spot where she could still taste Mai's presence.
Why won't that picture just leave my head? Every time I close my eyes I see her closing in on me, that same kiss repeating over and over.
Slamming her fist down on her bed, she clenched her teeth in rage as she shoved her face into her pillow to block out the scream that was soon to follow.
Why, why do I feel so messed up!
The gentle knocks on the door halted the blunette's screams. "Natsuki, can I come in?" lifting her head from her pillow, she turned her attention over to the door.
Shizuru's voice... Shizuru....
The door slowly opened revealing a lock of honey brown hair before accompanied by a pair of maroon gemmed eyes peeking from behind the door. "Natsuki?"
Natsuki's eyes lowered their stance turning back to the pillow before gently resting her chin upon it. Making no effort in reply, her emerald eyes continued to stare idly out into the distance. "Natsuki, are you alright? You haven't left your room since yesterday"
Right now I don't want her to see me like this, come on Natsuki you're stronger than this! Just say you're alright and then she will go.
"I'm fine" Natsuki groggily replied, her words being blocked out vaguely from the pillow. The silent response relieved the girl's senses before feeling the weight of the bed shift down near her legs. Shifting her head back, her eyes stared at the honey brunette sitting close by her legs. Her jaded eyes carefully examined Shizuru's crimson own, noticing the glint of sadness.
"Natsuki, you don't have to hide it from me" Shizuru watched as Natsuki shifted her body up so she was now facing the brunette.
"I could never get anything pass you, could I?" Natsuki chuckled lightly before the image of what happened earlier haunted her mind.
Mai knew that I loved her, were those signs that obvious? I wonder if Shizuru has picked up on it yet....
"Did something happen Natsuki?" Natsuki gasped softly, flashbacking Mai kissing her. Natsuki's arms slowly began to snake around her waist; she could feel the atmosphere around her tensing up.
Mai's kiss, she poured her heart into that kiss. Did she really mean it when she said she loved me? What was I to do, I couldn't give up my feelings for Shizuru, but did that mean I had to hurt Mai like that?
"...Shizuru...." her response was low; Shizuru could feel the girl slowly repressing her emotions. Moving closer to the blunette, her hands slid down past Natsuki's shoulders and around the girl's back bringing her in for a hug.
Shizuru...
Natsuki snivelled softly before bursting into tears as she brought her arms around Shizuru before resting her head against her shoulder.
In a time like this, even the strong must cry...
Shizuru held her sister close, feeling the pain escaping from Natsuki as the girl's tears fell upon her. After a few minutes she the blunette to a peaceful state, Shizuru's arms slowly began to unravel from Natsuki's sides bringing her to face the blunette. Reaching up to Natsuki's face, she wiped away the last of the girl's tears earning a few snivels from Natsuki.
Shizuru is the only person I'll allow to see me cry, because I know she'll be there to wipe away my tears with a smile.
"Natsuki, I'm here to help you. Should you feel like now is not the time to talk I understand, but you'll feel a lot better if you get it off your chest. You're not alone"
Natsuki's ears tuned to the sweet sounding notes flowing from Shizuru taking all words to heart. Bringing her being together, she pressed the pain close to her heart.
She's truly a caring sister.
"It was Mai... she.... she..." Natsuki halted on her words as she tried to find the right words to say. "She.... kissed... me..." muttering the last few quietly, she averted her eyes away as Shizuru caught the last of the blunette's words.
"Hm, I guess she finally mustered the courage to do that" Shizuru watched the surprised look on Natsuki's face turn to confusion.
"What, you knew?"
"Ara, a sister can see these kinds of things. Judging by your reaction, I'd say you were surprised by this" fixing her eyes away towards the window, Natsuki stared out through the glassed picture. "Mai does love you dearly, although perhaps the kiss was too soon for you"
Maybe it was, I kind of overreacted.
"Although, I know Mai and that seems a little out of character for her. She must have had a reason for being so assertive, no?" Natsuki gasped lightly at realizing the motives for Mai's actions. Noticing Natsuki's sudden quiet act, she brought her hands to Natsuki's shoulders bringing the girl to face her. "Perhaps Natsuki, you should give her a chance. Unless, you don't love her, then maybe you should tell her. I don't want to see two best friends turn to hatred over a small kiss, but it is entirely up to you on how you will solve this"
How will I solve this? I can't love Mai since I'm already in love with Shizuru, but I don't want to hurt Mai because of this. I guess I could allow her to love me, but I don't want her to get to close to me. Hm...
"Arigato Shizuru" Natsuki felt a warm presence upon her cheek looking to see Shizuru's hand gently stroking her. "S-Shizuru, don't I'm not a kid anymore"
"Ara, but Natsuki still blushes like one" the reddened patch grew brighter on Natsuki as she tried to hide her blush away. "Ara, so cute"
Cute? Does she really think I look cute?
"S-stop it, S-Shizuru, I am not a.... a little to the left.... ah that feels nice" Shizuru giggled lightly at sight of Natsuki rubbing her cheek along the tips of her fingers.
"Natsuki has a strong resemblance of a puppy, which would explain her bad eating habits" Natsuki's puppy like innocence faded as a hungry wolf lurched towards Shizuru.
"Hmph" crossing her arms childishly, Natsuki faced herself away from Shizuru avoiding the brunette's patronizing comments.
"Well, how about I make you a Mayonnaise sandwich, would that cheer you up?" Natsuki's eyes lit up like light bulbs as she pounced onto Shizuru like a hungry wolf.
"Arigato Oneechan, I love you so much" Natsuki cheerfully spoke aloud before taking the time to recall from what had just came out of her mouth. An enormous blood flow rushed to her head turning her face ten shades of red.
Oh shit. I'm screwed...
"Ara, I love you too Natsuki, but could you perhaps let me go?" realizing the position of her hovering above Shizuru, Natsuki perched herself feeling her heart melting away to the moment. "Natsuki?"
"Oh, sorry eh heh" crawling off the honey brunette, Natsuki rested herself against her bed watching Shizuru fix herself up.
"Natsuki sure likes rough; I wonder how she would be with Mai?" Shizuru hasted her retreat towards the door as the info reached Natsuki.
"Shizuru!" scowling at the retreating brunette, Natsuki laid there in the silence. Her eyes trailed down the buttons of her shirt, her hand perched along the bed frame as she let out a deep sigh. "That was too close"
She nearly found out my secret... I just hope she doesn't suspect anything about my feelings...
***Monday***
Frankly this is one school day I wish I didn't have to go.
Her eyes averted side to side, keeping her mind on full alert.
I wonder if 'she's' at school today...
Natsuki could feel her heart beginning to sink deep, her pace began to slow as she no longer became aware of what was happening around her.
I hurt her pretty bad; I just hope Mai can forgive me.
Her lack of attention paid for her dearly when she collided with an unexpected detour. Bringing her out from her deepened of thought, her eyes shot up to the person who she had collided with only to avert themselves away at the sight of their eyes.
Mai...
"Mai..." Natsuki's voice drowned out feeling the mood getting to her. Mai's eyes had trouble trying to look at Natsuki, as did Natsuki for Mai. Neither one was saying a word, both awkwardly looked away trying hard not to meet the other's eyes.
"Natsuki..." steadying herself, Mai slowly drifted her eyes towards the blunette trying hard not to allow herself to fall before the younger girl.
"Mai...I'm... I'm sorry for what I did" slowly lifting her jaded eyes up, she watched the shifted expressions from Mai change simultaneously.
It's not easy for her either; I guess this is something that's bigger than both of us.
"You don't have to apologise... it's my fault" Natsuki felt her heart sinking deep within her; she could see in Mai's eyes the pain she had caused her. "Natsuki....I'm sorry, for kissing you like that"
"...Mai..."
"I... I just couldn't stand... to see your love go unrequited... I couldn't control myself any longer" taking a step forward, Natsuki braced herself as she waited for Mai to make her move. "I hope you can forgive me" bowing her head repeatedly, she held her hands out in a prayer like manner pleading to the cobalt haired beauty.
I can't hate her, we're the same her and I. We love someone dearly and we would do anything to win their heart... but would I go as far to kissing Shizuru?
"Mai... It's okay, you have nothing to be sorry about" ascending her head up, Mai saw a smile crawling along the sides of Natsuki's lips.
Sighing in relief, Mai eased herself as she approach the blunette's side. "Thanks Natsuki, but rest assure your heart will be mine"
"We'll see" cocking a grin, the blunette continued her stroll to class with Mai trailing behind.
I guess she's not giving up on me; I better keep a closer eye on her.
"Natsuki!" hearing her name called out, Natsuki faced her attention to the source. Her eyes trailed the brunette haired girl running towards her with a familiar blonde haired woman approaching her from behind the brunette.
"Yukino? What's wrong?" the mousy girl stared worryingly into Natsuki's eyes before shifting an eye at Haruka who stood at a distance with her arms folded.
"I'm sorry Natsuki" leaning herself forward, she gently placed her lips against Natsuki's own earning a few gasps and mutters from the students around them.
What the fu-!?
Natsuki caught a glimpse at the side of her eye watching the horrid look on Mai's face bring the girl to tears.
Oh no...
Breaking away from the kiss, Natsuki stood dumbfounded, her eyes watching as her friend ran off down the hall crying in tears.
Why me, what did I do?....
TBC
Omake:
Shizuru: So anyway, I've been browsing around on this new thing called Fa**b**k and I found something interesting
Natsuki: Oh, what did you find?
Shizuru: Ara, it seems that there are pages dedicated to us and it seems we have quite the number of fans
Natsuki: Oh really, wow didn't think we would get that popular
Shizuru: Indeed, I love looking at the pics they have of us
Natsuki: Pics, what pics? (Looks worried)
Shizuru: Ara, the ones with us in the shower doing the dirt-
Man: Girls, you're on!
(Music plays)
Shizuru: HiME Channel!
(Sign falls)
Shizuru: Hiya HiME's! Welcome to another exciting episode of HiME Channel. When the darkness has unfolded over mankind or Natsuki is trying to find her missing bra....
Natsuki: Hey!
Shizuru: I'm your navigator, Fujino Shizuru!
Natsuki: Ahem and I'm Kuga Natsuki, Shizuru's faithful slave er I mean assistant
Shizuru: Wow, can you believe we're up to episode 7? The fans love me!
Natsuki: Wouldn't you mean they love us?
Shizuru: (stares at Natsuki) Yeah, anyway today we're going to do a character profile, just give me one sec.... (Searches around)
Natsuki: (hears the camera man whispering) Oh really, okay I'll tell her. Uh Shizuru...
Shizuru: Not now Natsuki, I'm trying to find that blasted sign (continues to search)
Natsuki: Uh Shizuru, but that's just it, there is no s-
Shizuru: Will you just keep quiet and let me work?! (Natsuki cowers back) Where the F*** is that stupid sign?!
Natsuki: I'm trying to tell you, there is no sign, the channel didn't get enough time to write up a character profile
Shizuru: (turns pale) Why didn't you tell me sooner instead of making me look like a fool?! (grabs Natsuki by the collar)
Natsuki: I was trying to but-
Shizuru: But nothing! Great, now we got to find some way of filling the extra time...... any ideas?
Natsuki: Well perhaps we could do a fanfic update review
Shizuru: Fanfic what?
Natsuki: Well basically, we can tell the viewers about the latest chapter update for fics or any news about an interesting fic
Shizuru:.... Have we sunk this low to advertising on the show?
Natsuki: Well.... er I guess we have, but think about it, if we get more readers then there will be more people and more people equals-
Shizuru: More Shizuru fans! (eyes light up)
Natsuki: Er, I guess
(Fanfare)
Shizuru: Okay, did everyone get that, we'll be taking requests to any fics you want us to review and broadcast on our next show and don't forget to say how much you love me!
Natsuki: A poll will be put up on the authors profile to decide in the chapter of which pairing would you want to see more off. So, until next time...
Shizuru: Byeee
(Sign appears)
Shizuru: Well that was an interesting episode
Natsuki: Indeed, although, what were you talking about with the pictures of us
Shizuru: Oh nothing, just some pics of us kissing and stuff
Natsuki: What?!
Shizuru: don't worry they were PG rated..... except for the R18+ ones (runs away)
Natsuki: Shizuru, get back her or you're not going to eat any 'Natsuki' tonight!
End of Omake
Author: I apologise if some parts seemed rush, trying to update another chapter was tiring work, especially with my exams are on this week. Oh and if you're going to complain about Natsuki and Mai's quick friendship fix, I'd like to point out that girls do that all the time, one second they're fighting, the next they are making amends so please no hate mail about that okay?
Anyway, like it said in the Omake, if there are any fics you would like me to tell in the next Omake, feel free to leave it in the review or PM me. Thank you for reading don't forget to leave a review, I'm open to what you have to say. Byeez!