Author: I'd just like to say thank you to those who reviewed, your reviews are what keeps me going. And for the poll, it seems ShizNat is the winner no questions about that. Thank you to Ume Sama for beta-ing this chapter, you're the best! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Mai HiME or Lucky Channel, if I did I would have Shizuru all to myself :P
Chapter 8
"Alright Yukino, start talking!" her fist clenched hard around the brunette's school collar, an enraged look was upon Natsuki's face with her eyes turning a dark jaded green sending an ice cold chill down Yukino's spine. "Why did you do that?"
"Na-Natsuki...just let me...explain..." Yukino gasped aloud, feeling Natsuki's fist tightening the collar around her neck. Natsuki brought her glaring stares away from Yukino releasing the brunette from her fierce grip.
"Do you know what you've done? Why on earth did you kiss me!" Natsuki's felt her anger rising high bringing a look of worry upon Yukino.
"I-I'm sorry, but I..." Yukino went silent, feeling an eerie feeling of embarrassment as Natsuki's eyes turned to her. "I... had too..."
"Why!"
"Let me explain, you see..."
Yesterday...
There, all finished.
Yukino smiled happily, looking over at the papers piled neatly before her.
This week's meeting schedule for the Student Council. All I have to do is finish this last arrangement, then I can spend more time with...
Her hand hovered above the paper before gently resting at her side. Turning her eyes away towards the window, she gazed off through the glass at the sun beginning to descend revealing a fire lit sky above the city.
...Haruka...
A deep sigh escaped from her lips, her eyes mellowed into the beauty of the sight as she couldn't help but smile dreamily. Her distance stares didn't catch sight of a certain blonde entering the room taking an instant notice of Yukino's odd mood.
"Yukino?" Yukino screamed out loud at hearing her name called out of sudden that she stumbled out of her seat before turning to see Haruka standing before blinking a few times.
"H-Haruka, y-you scared me" Yukino hesitantly replied fixing her glasses up.
I've really got to stop daydreaming about her so often.
"Why did I spare Yukino?" Yukino's cheeks turned red at Haruka's question which only brought a raised eyebrow from the blonde.
"It's scare, H-Haruka. I was just um... daydreaming" Yukino's hands began to twist and turn behind her back, her eyes steadily looking down away from Haruka's own.
"Play screaming? What were you play screaming about?" Yukino chuckled lightly at hearings Haruka's mispronunciation.
"Oneechan, you really need to work more on your English" this times it was Haruka's turn to blush but rather it was from embarrassment. "I was just... thinking about someone... to say"
Wait, should I have said that?
"Oh, okay" Haruka nodded her head, before strolling over to the closet. Yukino let out a sigh in relief until hearing Haruka's footsteps coming to a halt. "Wait, someone!"
Uh oh...
"Is it some boy?" Haruka at instant charged over at Yukino looking somewhat enraged.
"N-no, Haruka it isn't" Yukino protested waving her arms trying to halt the blonde's rampage. Haruka didn't look too convinced, continuing her staunch attack Yukino felt wave of fear throughout her being. "It's..." Yukino's voice quietened down, her eyes trembling at the sight of her protective sister. "It's..."
"If it's some guy, then I'm going to flound him good!" slamming her fist onto the palm of her other hand, Haruka stood strong with her eyes peering at Yukino for an answer.
What do I do, what should I say?
Yukino's response ticked away as Haruka stared down the frightened soul.
What should I say? Please no...
"It's a girl" Yukino whispered softly to herself, hoping that Haruka hadn't heard her response. Shutting her eyes tightly, she braced herself for Haruka's ramblings expecting the worse to come.
"A...a girl?" to Yukino's surprise Haruka sounded more surprised than angry. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw that Haruka didn't look the least bit angry but rather confused and surprised. "Y-Yukino, are you-"
"Please, I-I..."
"Yukino, you don't have to tride it from me. I...I understand where you're coming from..." Yukino gasped lightly, watching Haruka's expression shift trying to look more understanding.
I...I guess she's not angry at me for liking a girl...
Lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice Haruka's arms were around her holding the girl close to her. Her eyes softened as the scent from Haruka flowed around her mind.
She's so close... so warm... I never want this feeling to go away...
Releasing her arms away from Yukino's sides, she stared down into the Olive green eyes of her sister. "So what's her name?"
"It's..."
Present...
"I see" Yukino could see that Natsuki had calmed down but her attitude was still on her anger side.
"I'm really sorry for doing that, but..." Yukino once more went quiet, feeling rather she shouldn't say anything.
Natsuki laid her back against the wall; her mind was far too occupied with the past events that have been happening to her.
Dammit, why has my life gotten so complicated now?
"...Look, I'm willing to forget that this little thing happened, but you have to warn me next time in advance if you do something like that again" her eyes looked over at Yukino who seemed a little relieved at hearing Natsuki say that.
"Ookini. I have something though that should cheer you up" digging her hand into her bag, Yukino pulled out a sheet with a picture of a timetable of sorts. Handing it to the blunette, Natsuki stared down examining the object before her. "It's a table showing all the student council meetings and sorts. I've mark places where you can spend time with Shizuru with an 'X'"
"Cheers" Natsuki looked up at Yukino giving the mousy brunette a warm smile. "Will I be able to see her this afternoon?"
"Of course, Rieto shouldn't be a bother for you as I've got him on a school inspection task" Yukino smiled deviously which brought a worrying look upon Natsuki.
I swear, underneath that frightened skin is an evil mastermind.
"Hai" Natsuki was cut off by the bell ringing heavily through the halls. "I better get going, and as far as both of us go, this never happened" slyly winking at the brunette, Yukino nodded her head watching the blunette walk away.
Thank goodness I don't have another lover, that's the last thing I need right now.
The students soon filled the halls as Natsuki passed by. Her eyes trailing side to side at people pointing and muttering things which she could tell were about her
Dammit, that little act has cost me big time. My reputation could be at an end!
"Hey, Kuga!" halting her feet to a stop, she turned her head to see a girl with short lead coloured hair approaching her accompanied by a brunette haired girl holding a note pad and pen. "Is it true?"
"Is what true Chie?"
"That you're dating Yukino of course" the brunette leaned forward with eyes lighting like stars giving Natsuki a rather uncomfortable position to stand in.
"W-what?"
"She's protesting Aoi, it must be true!" Chie turned to her partner who was quick with her pen in jotting down the gossip.
"I didn't say that!" Natsuki by now was tip toeing past her anger stage but didn't frighten the least out of the duo.
"Denying true love, what a scoop" Aoi turned to Chie who grinned in pleasure.
"Let's get this onto tomorrow's issue!" before Natsuki had the chance to strangle the two, they fled in a hurry.
F*ck, can this day get any worse?
"H-hey Kuga"
... I said it too soon.
"What do you want Takeda?" irritated by the presence of Takeda, Natsuki kept her back turned to him hoping he would go away.
"I was just, um wondering... how your day wa-" the crunching pain cut him off by Natsuki's foot backing into his privates.
That just made my day.
Natsuki chuckled lightly at hearing a thud from behind her giving it her cue to walk away. Her ears tuned into the sounds of pain coming from behind her but soon disappeared as she passed around the corner.
I better get to class before anymore distractions come up. Never thought I would say that
"Ara, if Natsuki doesn't hurry she will be late" lifting her head from her thoughts, she looked to see Shizuru standing before with a warm smile.
Must... resist...her...beauty...
"S-Shizuru"
"Ara, Natsuki looks like she has seen a ghost" Natsuki quickly shook of her surprised look before fixing destination to the door. "Is it true Natsuki?"
"Is what true?" halting herself to Shizuru's side, her eyes slowly began to crawl along the lines of her eyelids watching the picture slowly ascend into her mind.
?
"About Yukino kissing you" almost at instant Natsuki turned a rose shade of red peaking Shizuru's question to being true.
"W-what?"
Crap, how did she find out about that? Damn you morning gossip!
"Perhaps now is not the time, meet me after school in the student council room, okay?" Natsuki stared out into the distance taking no notice of Shizuru's presence slowly walking away from her.
Why does she want to meet me there after school? Wait, no meeting for her, us alone in a room. Score!
A triumphant grin spread along Natsuki's lips as she marched herself to class without a care in the world.
-That arfternoon-
Natsuki stood silently outside the room, her eyes staring down at her shoes as she took a deep breath.
Okay, remain calm and cool. Here it goes
Lifting her hand high she lowered against the door giving a few gentle knocks. "Come in!"
Wait, did that sound like-?
Opening the door, Natsuki found herself being stared at by three pairs of eyes. One pair she was happy to be stared at but a particular pair she was not pleased to see one bit.
Yukino, Haruka? Wait, shouldn't they-?
"Why hello Natsuki, are you going just stare at Haruka all day?" hearing Shizuru's voice broke the blunette away from her stare before turning her attention to Yukino. Yukino issued Natsuki to her as the two walked over towards the corner of the room.
"I thought you separated Haruka away from Shizuru" Natsuki shifted her eyes to Haruka before switching back to Yukino.
"I'm sorry, I must have forgotten to change one" Yukino looked over her shoulder watching Haruka harass the chestnut haired girl. "Haruka won't bother you after this, but right now I need to get her away from Shizuru"
Damn, getting Haruka away is like trying to knock over a bulldozer with a stick. Think, how do I get her away? Of course!
"I've got an idea" reaching into her pocket, Natsuki flipped out her phone before dialling a few numbers. Bringing it against her ear, she waited for the phone to pick on the other end.
"Hello, Yuuki's escort services, Nao Yuuki speaking"
"Hey Nao, I've got a favour to ask"
"W-what? K-Kuga, how did you get this number?"
"Don't worry about that, right now I need you to cause a distraction outside of the school"
"And what's in it for me?"
"I'll put in a good word about you for my sister" the long pause did not trouble the blunette smiling sure to herself.
"Deal" Natsuki flipped her phone shut, turning to Yukino who could only tilt her head in confusion.
Nao like a sucker when it comes to Alyssa, I can have complete control over her.
"Wait for it" both eyes look towards the window. A large splat hit against the window alerting all eyes at it. Haruka rushed to the window, before clenching her fists in rage.
"Damn that Yuuki girl, she's nothing but double!"
"That's trouble Haruka" Yukino hastened to the blonde's side eagerly awaiting the blonde's commands.
"Yukino, follow me. We're going to patch that trouble baker once and for ell!" wasting no time for Yukino to make any corrections, Haruka charged off with Yukino in tow leaving Natsuki and Shizuru alone.
Both eyes turned to each other with both shrugging their shoulders in response. "Geez, I thought she would never leave"
"Ara, why was Natsuki so interested with Haruka's presence? Perhaps she wanted to give something to Yukino, a kiss perhaps?" at almost instant Natsuki's face lit up like a tomato bringing the blunette into the chestnut haired girl's clutches.
"I-it was never like that, she doesn't love me she loves-" Natsuki hesitated to finish her sentence but preferred to keep quiet about the situation.
"She's in love with Haruka isn't she?" Natsuki almost gasped at hearing Shizuru's accusation bringing the brunette's theory to conclusion. "I find it moving, forbidden love. Although, if Yukino doesn't make her feelings clear she may lose Haruka"
Yeah, she might lose her to Shizu- I'm not going to even finish that! I will not let Haruka get Shizuru; she belongs to me and only me!
"D-don't you find it gross about one sister loving another?" Natsuki found it hard to speak comparing her situation to Yukino's own.
"I suppose one would consider it disgusting" the pause in Shizuru's sentence sent a wave of fear throughout Natsuki's body causing her breathes to get shorter. "But, I suppose love has no boundaries, whether it be with a boy, girl or even a sibling love is still love" Natsuki felt her heart rising from the depths of her stomach lifting her spirits high.
If I told you I loved you, would you think it to be disgusting then?
"So Natsuki, have you patched things up with Mai?" Natsuki's eyes widened at hearing Mai's name mentioned her mind flashbacked; remembering as her eyes trailed across the distance watching her friend run away in tears.
Mai...
"Um, not exactly" she could feel a heavy weight being dropped onto her shoulders at hearing her friend's name. Her eyes trailed up over towards the window as she soon found herself becoming lost within her surroundings.
This feeling, I remember when I first felt this pain...
5 years ago...
"Natsuki, come play with me!" the small little blonde haired girl tugged repeatedly on the blunette's jumper.
"Shizuru, help me" Natsuki looked towards the chestnut haired girl sitting elegantly at the small table taking a sip of her tea.
"Doesn't Natsuki want to join our tea party?" Natsuki could feel a small warm blush spreading across her cheeks making a small smile grow along her lips.
Back then I was in love with her. I knew that if we weren't sisters by blood that she might accept me as but another girl. That was until...
"Natsuki. Natsuki!" all three pairs of eyes looked towards the door, watching as a woman with long chestnut hair walking past before turning her eyes into the room. "Natsuki, can we speak to you?"
Natsuki turned to her 'sisters' for answers but both shrugged their shoulders. Stretching her legs up, Natsuki followed Shizuma out of the room as the woman led her to the lounge room.
Natsuki's eyes carefully examined the room; she could see Hiro sitting on the sofa as his eyes never left Natsuki's own. Issuing for the blunette to take a seat, Natsuki did as she was told whilst Shizuma returned to her husband's side.
I was nervous too say, I thought they might've discovered the missing Mayonniase bottles concealed under my bed. But what they told me was far worse then what I had done...
"Natsuki, me and Shizuma have been talking about something and we think it's best we tell you first to see if you would be okay with it" Natsuki began to tense up feeling the mood getting the better of her immediately. "Natsuki, we were wondering if you would like to be part of the family"
My world just turned upside down.
"What he's trying to say Natsuki, is that we want you to be part of the Fujino family. We want you to be our daughter" Shizuma took a seat next to Natsuki bringing the young girl's eyes towards her. "If you don't want too we're comfortable with that, we just wanted to know what you think of this"
What I think of this? I think this is terrible, if I become part of their family fully I may never be with Shizuru.
"C-can..." Natsuki stuttered on her word trying to think of the right thing to say. "Can I still keep my last name?"
I wondered why I chose to say that?
"Of course, if that's what Natsuki wants. Are you okay with this?" Natsuki stared up into the woman's eyes; her jade orbs trembling slightly but when she looked upon the woman's soft gentle crystal eyes she could see a glint of happiness sparkling out.
"H-hai"
From that day, I became a Fujino. I look now and I guess I know why I chose to keep my last name. Cause right now, my surname is what keeps the chances of me being with Shizuru alive...
TBC...
Omake:
Shizuru: Hm, where's Natsuki? (Looks around)
Camera man: Uh, I think she's not here yet
Shizuru: WHAT? (Catches on Fire) What do you mean she's not here, she was suppose to do –
Camera man: Shizuru, we need to start the show now!
(Fanfare)
Shizuru: HiME Channel!
(Sign Falls)
Shizuru: Hiya HiME's! Welcome to another exciting episode of HiME Channel! I'm your all time favourite Navigator Fujino Shizuru, welcome!
...
Shizuru: Oh right, she's not here is she? Anyway, it's for our new segment! (Pulls out a sign) It's Story Review! Wait, what kind of crappy name is that?
Camera man: Well the writer didn't know what to call it exactly so this is the best he could think of
Shizuru: Whatever, if he has enough time to write he has enough time to think of a better segment title. Anyway, our story we're reviewing today is da da da! 'Love You Today, Tomorrow, & Always' by Ookami Z! (Pauses)
Camera man: Ah, Shizuru? You're going to have to give the review since Natsuki isn't here
Shizuru: Great, why do I have to do everything around here? Okay, let's see here (pulls out palm card) according to the author 'The story lines follows Natsuki and her journey through Windbloom, the greatest school of magic and sorcery alongside with her partner Shizuru' (squeals). Hm, sounds interesting...
Natsuki: Sorry I'm late! (Runs in onto the set)
Shizuru: Natsuki! (Eyes turn into love hearts)
Natsuki: 'Okay, well the story doesn't just follow me solely; it also revolves around Natsuki's friend Nao Yuuki who at the moment seems to be having relationship troubles with her girlfriend'
Shizuru: Ara, Nao dating? That's so Kawaii!
Natsuki:... You find it cute I find it a mystery. 'It seems Natsuki has run into a slight problem as she is...'... hm that's strange (Reads closely)
Shizuru: What is it, let me see (leans over)
Natsuki: What the F-! (Jumps out of her seat)
Shizuru: Natsuki?
Natsuki: Why on earth am I-? That's it I'm going to have a word with that-
(Fanfare)
Shizuru: Oh it looks like we're out of time, what a shame looks like Natsuki won't be killing anyone today.
Natsuki: Who said I wasn't?
Shizuru: The author, as he power over you in this Omake
Natsuki: Yeah right I'll like to see him (looks down to find herself in her underwear) What?
Shizuru:... (Nose begins to bleed) Okay, right now we're opening up to suggestions for a better name for our reviewing segment so don't forget to leave a review or PM the Author for a suggestion. So until Natsuki keeps her pants on
Natsuki: Hey!
Shizuru: Byee!
(Sign pops up)
Shizuru: So where was Natsuki this afternoon?
Natsuki: Oh, um... I just had to go out for some... um shopping
Shizuru: What kind of shopping? What's in that bag you're holding?
Natsuki: No, wait!
Shizuru: (Shizuru grabs the bag and looks inside)... Natsuki's gotten kinky! (Tackles Natsuki) I'm going to try this on right now
Natsuki: No, wai-
End of Omake
Author: I'm sorry If I didn't put enough ShizNat moment in this chapter, I was running out time for the chapter and didn't want it to drag on for too long. Don't worry, I PROMISE you there will be more ShizNat in the next chapter so until then stay tuned. Right now I don't have a poll for the suggestions but if you send me one through PM or the review I'll put it onto the poll and let it get voted.
Oh yeah, if you just read the little extra ending to chapter 8 I have to warn you though that the kiss won't be happening anytime soon, you'll see why in the next chapter, sorry to dissapoint you.
The story I gave a review for is an excellent story and if you haven't read it yet you're going to be in for a big surprise, what it is I can't tell you. Remember, if there are any stories you would like me to advertise don't forget to leave them in the review. Okay Nothing else more to say except read and review if you liked the chapter, I'm open to what you have to say!