Hey there, so much thanks for all the reviews! here's the update:D Be prepared!
Shizuru walked down the deserted hallways of Fuuka Academy sipping her to go mug of green tea. They were empty because she and the rest of her student council were there early setting things up for the dance and waiting for the Boy's Academy's council to come and help out. Because the dance was held at Fuuka the girls were in charge of music and decorations while the boys did refreshments, set up, and clean up. Shizuru elegantly went about her duties while she pondered the last few weeks and the resolution she had just made. She promised herself that she would tell Natsuki how she felt, but it seemed almost impossible to find the right time. In school never worked because of their constant followers and lately her walks with Natsuki had become less frequent thanks to the quickly approaching dance and the longer soccer practices.
She sighed to herself as she placed a notice on one of the school's activity boards addressing the curfew and rules of the dance. Ara, I certainly hope Natsuki attends, I haven't even had the chance to ask her if she was going.
"Shizuru-san?" Yukino suddenly stood in front of her, clipboard in hand.
"Ara, yes?" She answered, her Kyoto-ben thick due to her surprise.
"The Boy's Council is here." Yukino replied eyeing Shizuru skeptically. "They are just down in the gym."
Shizuru nodded slowly. "Then we shouldn't keep them waiting should we?" She tried and failed to shake Natsuki from her mind as she followed Yukino quietly though the halls.
The meeting went as planned but soon enough students started to show up for class and Shizuru quickly put it to an end. It was good to see her childhood friend Reito Kanazaki again but she was more than a little annoyed to find out the infamous Takeda happened to be a member of the council. She needed to leave so she could maintain her composure around the infuriating boy and promptly find her crush to see if she was attending the dance. The brunette bid her colleagues a hasty goodbye and set off to find her Natsuki. After a few minutes of searching and following the sounds of squeals she finally found the bluenette leaning against the wall in a very attractive pose arguing heatedly with Ishiko about which soccer club was the best.
"Ara, Natsuki is certainly loud this morning." Shizuru smiled sweetly at the defensive expression on the younger girls face.
"I'm only loud because she's an idiot." Natsuki said pointing at the husky girl. "Really who thinks Milan is better than Manchester?"
"It's because they are!" Ishiko defended. "Look at the caliber of competition."
"Look at their records and player quality!" Natsuki countered loudly, her nostrils flaring slightly.
"Ara, I'm sorry to interrupt this terribly important debate but could I perhaps steal Natsuki for a moment?" Shizuru politely interjected.
"Sure, we'll continue this later Kuga." Ishiko punched Natsuki lightly on the shoulder before she lumbered off.
"Damn right we will." Natsuki called after the older athlete, shaking her fist. She then turned her attention to the Kyoto beauty in front of her, her mood instantly changing. "So what's up Shizuru?"
Shizuru smiled appreciatively before teasing, "Does something have to be up for me to want to talk with Natsuki?"
"Uh no, I guess not." Natsuki shifted her weight from foot to foot awkwardly before she grinned sheepishly at the crimson eyed girl. Ara so cute! It's just a smile but it gets me every time! Inner Shizuru squealed. "We haven't really seen much of each other lately so it makes sense."
"That's true, I was beginning to think that Natsuki had abandoned me for someone else." She said putting a little hurt into her voice.
"No never!" Natsuki shouted. "It just that our practices have been longer because of the game coming up and you're so busy with all that stuff for this dance thing that there hasn't been time." She rambled using her hands for emphasis.
Shizuru blushed a little at the bluenettes adorable antics but easily hid it from view. "Natsuki," she placed her hand on the younger girls shoulder feeling an electric current run through her entire being at the contact. "Kannin na, I wasn't serious, but I'm glad that you care so much."
The said girl blushed deeply. "Teasing devil woman! Of course I do!" Emerald eyes widened when she realized what she had just admitted.
To say that Shizuru was surprised what a huge understatement. The earlier blush returned to her face as she searched for something to say. The usually eloquent Kaichou was speechless. Did she just say what I thought she said?
Natsuki nervously rubbed the back of her neck, not liking the awkward silence that had taken over the conversation. She searched for something to say when her eye's landed on a bulletin about the dance. Her heartbeat quickened when she remembered what she was going to do there, and it made it even harder to come up with a reply. "Uh, er, yeah so about the dance." She began, unsure of what she was trying to say. She looked at the bulletin and said the first thing that caught her eye. "Are there really going to be refreshments?"
Shizuru quirked and perfectly shaped eyebrow at the random conversation change. "Refreshments?"
"Yeah," Natsuki affirmed. Well you already sounded like an idiot so might as well go with it. "You know, like cookies and stuff?" Please just go with it.
"Yes, I do believe that they boy's student council are taking care of those." Shizuru answered still trying to piece together this totally jumpy conversation.
"Great!" Natsuki said way too quickly but then something about the sentence stuck in her head. "Wait, what do you mean boy's student council?" She asked curiously, assuming her 'puppy position'.
"Natsuki doesn't know?" Shizuru asked completely amused at the innocent look she was receiving. "Our sister school, or I guess brother school would be more appropriate, is also coming to the dance."
Natsuki swallowed hard. "So there will be guys there?"
"Ara, yes there will be. Why? Is Natsuki looking for a male companion?" Shizuru teased but honestly wanted to hear her answer.
Natsuki was lost in her own thoughts for a moment. Great, just frickin' great. Now I don't have to worry about just confessing to Shizuru but about avoiding those horny idiots. She then processed what Shizuru just asked her and scoffed. "Ew no." Natsuki looked thoroughly offended. "They're just a pain in my ass."
Satisfied with that response Shizuru chucked at the openness of Natsuki. "So is it safe to say that you're going? Even if it is just for the refreshments?"
Natsuki laughed freely at that statement. The clear happy sound was something that Shizuru had claimed as one of the best noises in the world. "Yeah something like that." Yeah refreshments and just confessing to you but it no big deal really! She thought sarcastically, then the bell rang and students started to make their way to class.
Shizuru heart soared from the news. Natsuki's going to the dance! That would be the perfect time to finally admit my true feelings! "Save me a dance then?" She asked playfully.
"Sure, sure." Natsuki responded nonchalantly. "Now Kaichou-sama I do believe we ought to be getting to class." Natsuki said knowing Shizuru hated it when she called her that.
She was rewarded with a light slap to the arm. "Stop it, or I won't let you have any refreshments."
"You wouldn't"
"Oh I would."
And then they both stepped into the classroom.
Later that night Natsuki was in the dorm putting on her usual outfit of skinny jeans, t-shirt, and converse. "Why the hell would anyone have a dance on a Thursday night?" She asked as she flopped on the bed.
"It's supposed to help enforce curfew and anti-drinking policy." Mai answered from the bathroom where was doing her hair. "They figure that if we know we have school tomorrow we won't stay out super late and get drunk."
"Oh, well that sucks." Natsuki said as she flipped off the bed and started to walk around the apartment. "And where are Nao and Chie?"
"They went early to set up Chie's DJ stuff."
"Oh ok." Natsuki started grabbed a soccer ball and started to juggle with it,trying to release some the nervous energy she had pent up.
Mai came out of the bathroom in her pink halter-top and low hip hugger jeans. She went to grab her purse when she looked at Natsuki's outfit. "Natsuki are you really wearing that?" She asked accusingly. "You're going to confess and you're wearing a t-shirt and old jeans?"
"Why what's wrong with it? This is what I always wear." Natsuki gestured to her clothes. "Comfortable yet socially acceptable."
Mai face palmed as she started to rummage around the dorm. "Nat, you're hopeless. Don't you wanna look a little nicer tonight?"
Natsuki groaned. "Ok fine. What should I wear then?"
Mai looked at her and smiled. "Just leave it to me."
Twenty minutes and several arguments later they both stood at the entrance to the dance. Natsuki in black skinny jeans that hugged her every curve and a loose white button up shirt with three quarter sleeves. The top three buttons were undone leaving some cleavage visible but not anything too drastic. Her leather riding jacket was over top allowing her rebellious image to shine through. Mai even convinced her to apply a little eye liner and mascara making her green eyes even more vibrant. She ran her fingers through her long midnight hair biting her lip nervously. Mai looked at her friend and gave her a reassuring pat on the back. "Don't be so nervous Nat, you look great. Remember the cafeteria. She's totally into you."
Natsuki looked at Mai gratefully. "I hope so." She then assumed her usual confident persona and gave Mai a cocky grin. "Oh, and look for Mikoto. I have a feeling she'd be really happy to see you."
Mai blushed a little before asking, "Why do you say that?"
"Oh I don't know it's just a feeling." Natsuki smirked at her. "And I may have taken a look at those Mai+Mikoto doodles you have inside your history notes."
"You looked in my notebook!" Mai shouted while pointing a finger right in Natsuki's face. "Natsuki Kuga if you say anything I swear-"
"Relax Mai. 'It's all in your best interest' remember?" Natsuki joked before she grabbed her friends arm and dragged her though the door and into the dance.
The gym was full of colored lights and the speakers were blaring Where Them Girls At by David Guetta. Natsuki took Mai and made their way over to the DJ booth to see Chie setting up the next playlist with Aoi Senoh sitting right next to her. "Whoa Natsuki looking good. You too Mai." The ashen haired girl yelled over the music earning a hard smack to the back of the head from Aoi. "Gah they're my friends Aoi, you know my heart belongs to you."
"Where's Nao?" Mai shouted as she scanned the crowd of teenagers.
"Oh she found some poor sucker earlier. I think she's trying to steal his new iPhone." Chie answered. "So she won't be around for a while but go ahead. Enjoy the dance, any requests?"
"No I think were good." Natsuki said absentmindedly. Her heart had started to beat erratically and her palms began to sweat when she spotted Shizuru dancing with a group of people towards the middle of the dance floor. Holy shit she's gorgeous! She was wearing a black skirt that was long enough to be classy but short enough to make her pulse quicken. Her lavender blouse fit perfectly in all of the right places, emphasizing her goddess-like body. Brunette curls were perfectly in place and her stunning smile only brightened when her glowing red eyes locked with Natsuki's green.
Before she knew it Mai pulled her away from the DJ booth breaking the eye contact. "Hey what are you doing?" Natsuki asked, mad at her for ruining the moment.
"Oh well you were unresponsive before so I was going to take you to get some water. I was afraid you had overheated or something like that." Mai said before spying Mikoto making conversation with some other girls.
Natsuki followed her line of vision at saw the object of her friend's affection. "Come on!" She said as she pulled Mai in that direction.
"No I should go check my make-up." She struggled against Natsuki's hold.
"Nope, let's go Tohika." Natsuki easily brought Mai to the group and cleared her throat rather loudly. Mikoto paused her conversation and looked at the victorious Natsuki and the very fidgety Mai.
"Hey Natsuki, Mai." She said while smiling genuinely. Her eyes lingered over Mai's rather revealing halter top.
"Hey Mikoto, you don't mind me leaving Mai with you while I go get some punch do you? With all these sketchy guys around she didn't want to be left by herself." She said smugly smiling at her now panicking redheaded friend.
"Oh yeah no problem, I'll protect her." Mikoto replied while looking at Mai fondly.
"Ok, sounds good." Natsuki said turning and taking her leave. She chuckled to herself as she heard Mikoto complimenting Mai as she walked away. She made a beeline for the refreshments but was soon confronted by a guy with spiky dark hair.
"Hey Natsuki-san." His deep voice caught her off guard. How the hell does he know my name! Stranger Danger!
"Uh Hi, uhm…" She started to walk away but the fool kept walking with her.
"It's Takeda, I'm not sure if you remember me but we went to school together."
"Oh, hey good to see you but there's a bowl of punch over there calling my name." Natsuki said still trying to shake this annoying boy. Not this idiot! I didn't like you then and I don't like you now.
"Hey I was heading that way anyways. I'll accompany you." Damn take a hint dude. I don't want to be accompanied anywhere by you.
Natsuki just shrugged and quickened her pace. Maybe if I don't say anything he'll go away. She reached the punch while totally ignoring his attempts at small talk. In the middle of pouring herself a cup she felt something touch the small of her back. "Natsuki-san? Did you hear me? I asked if you maybe wanted to dance?"
Oh no he didn't. Natsuki quickly dropped her cup, wrenched his hand away from her body, spun around and shoved his overly spiky head into the bowl of punch. She finally loosed her hold allowing him to come up gasping for air. "Don't touch me! Got it?" She hissed as she plunged his head once more into the red liquid. Breathing heavily she released him and walked away haughtily.
Making her way back to where she left Mai with Mikoto, she took the opportunity to glance around the crowd and hopefully smother the intense anger she had just built up. She saw Nao deftly leading her prey towards the restrooms, Chie and that Aoi girl getting cozy in the DJ booth, and in the distance Mashiro-san was scolding some couple for dancing inappropriately. Natsuki finally saw Mai and Mikoto dancing together on the edge of the crowd. They seemed to be really enjoying the moment and she didn't want to disrupt so she settled for leaning against the secluded back wall watching her friends. I can't believe I'm here. Just a couple weeks ago I was locked up in that house and now I'm here at a high school dance. I never thought I'd be doing something so normal. She eventually closed her eyes just listening to the music and the sounds of people enjoying themselves. Soon the music shifted from the up tempo dance beats so a much slower song. Natsuki was just enjoying the peaceful feeling when she felt someone slide up next to her. Her body tensed as she prepared to once again teach Takeda a lesson when she heard a sultry Kyoto-ben ask "I do believe Natsuki promised me a dance." She peeked one eye open to see the most beautiful crimson looking back at her. Natsuki gave the beauty a lopsided grin before grabbing her satiny hand and leading them to the dance floor.
Natsuki reached her destination and pulled the older girl close placing her hands on the brunette beauty's hips. Shizuru snaked her arms around Natsuki's neck as the swayed together perfectly in snyc. Natsuki's heart was hammering so loud she could barely hear the music. Their close proximity and Shizuru's flowery scent was starting to make her dizzy. "So how were the refreshments?" Shizuru asked while playing with some of Natsuki's blue strands. Ara, you look so good tonight my Natsuki. Seeing you dressed up was certainly a pleasant surprise. She thought back when she had first seen the girl conversing with her friends by the DJ booth. She had been so enamored with the bluenette she had almost stopped dancing completely to outright ogle the younger girl. It had taken a lot of self control to not run after her once Mai pulled her away.
"Great until that idiot Takeda-" Natsuki grumbled the last part of the sentence. She didn't want to waste this golden opportunity by talking about that moron. "Great, how's it going with you?"
Shizuru picked up the name Takeda and it made her blood boil but she realized Natsuki didn't seem to want to talk about it so she let it slide. "Ara, it's going very well now that I get to dance with my Natsuki."
Natsuki blushed heavily but instead of replying she just pulled the other girl closer. Shizuru smiled at the other girls bold action before placing her head on Natsuki's shoulder as they danced in silence, just enjoying each other's company. Shizuru's steady breathing against Natsuki's neck made her breath hitch and heart thump wildly. Natsuki could tell the song was coming to an end so she clamped onto her bravery. "Shizuru?" She asked nervously.
"Yes?" Shizuru answered lifting her head from its previous position, now looking straight into Natsuki's eyes.
Her intense gaze caused Natsuki to falter for a second. "I-" really like you. "Would you-" go out with me sometime? "I-" think I might love you. Natsuki blushed, embarrassed at her total lack of words. Shizuru just smiled at her encouragingly which helped Natsuki immensely. "Ok, what I'm trying to say is Shizuru, I-" She was cut off when some guy with raven hair pulled Shizuru from her grasp and into a tight hug.
"It looks like the dance was a success Shizuru-san!" He said cheerfully giving Shizuru a peck on the cheek. "But how could it not with us in charge eh?"
Natsuki felt like she had just been punched in the gut. All the air in her lungs seemed to escape as her stomach churned violently. Pain radiated from her heart and snuck into every nerve. She felt memories of the same pain washing over like waves. Her parent's death, her departure from Japan, her Uncle and his twisted punishments, they all came back in an instant. Loneliness, abandonment, and hurt all came crashing down on her with even greater force. She only allowed these emotions to show for a brief instant before covering it up with her ever faithful mask of indifference. I should have known.
She slowly backed away from Shizuru and the dark haired guy scrutinizing the shocked look covering Shizuru's face. Natsuki couldn't take it any longer and took off into the mass of dancing bodies. She heard the faint call of her name but ignored it as she pushed her way through the crowd. Her throat was dry and her eyes were burning but there was no way she would let these people see any weakness. Natsuki finally arrived at the door before she was stopped by a concerned looking Mai. "Natsuki what happened?"
She looked at her friend solemnly before answering emotionlessly. "Tell Chie she needs to fix her gaydar." She pointed to middle of the dance floor where she had left the brunette that had shattered her heart with her boyfriend. "I'm going for a ride."
Mai looked over seeing Shizuru still in the embrace of some guy. Her heart wrenched for what her friend must be feeling. "Nat, I don't think that's a good idea-" Mai began but Natsuki shook her off and stepped out into the chilly night air. She tightened her leather jacket as she ran over to the parking lot to her Ducati. Taking the keys from pocket she pushed them into the ignition and revved the engine loudly. She didn't even bother to put on a helmet as she tore out of the parking lot and onto the road. The cold air whipped past her numbing her body but not the emotions swirling inside of her. Pain, hurt, and anger coursed through veins. Pain and hurt from her past and present situation but the anger was directed herself for letting her guard down. Baka! You knew this would happen, why did you even try? Fuck this. Fuck my life.
She drove for what seemed like hours, speeding down dark empty streets. The time hardly seemed to register until her bikes fuel light went on and she looked around for a place to fill up. Natsuki growled as she scanned the shoddy houses and blinking street lights for a gas station. Of course it had to be in this type of neighborhood. She finally saw a sketchy gas station/café thing and pulled in next to one of the pumps. She hopped off the bike, swiped her card, and started to fill up the tank. Half-way through the tank Natsuki heard some men coming out of the café laughing and patting each other on the back. She glanced up to see two burly looking guys coming her way. Part of her willed the tank to fill faster but another part of her wanted the men to cause trouble. She really needed to kick someone's ass. The men came closer and paused when they noticed her filling up her tank. She glared at them challenging them to make a move.
"Hey Arashi, what do we have here?" One man with black hair and tattoo of a serpent on his neck said.
"Hmm it looks like the girl that Smith put a hit out on for that Wang guy." The shorter man with blond hair said while cracking his knuckles. Shit Wang did this? I knew the peace wouldn't last long.
"Well it looks like it's our lucky day." Said taller one as he rolled up his sleeve.
Natsuki scoffed at the two hitmen in front of her. "Really? Did you come to chat or was there something you jack-asses wanted?"
"Oh this girl's got spunk. Just how I like them." Arashi grinned manically as the two stepped closer to Natsuki who was now in her defensive position. The big guy with the snake tattoo moved first lunging and the bluenette. She sidestepped him easily grabbing his shirt collar and used his own momentum to force him into the metal gas pump headfirst. The blondie took this as his chance and swung his left fist at her face. She blocked the incoming punch with her forearm and landed a solid kick to the attacker's rib cage. He grunted in frustration before launching a rapid counter of right hooks and jabs. Natsuki blocked each one of his attacks but definitely felt the strength of the other man. Her forearms were starting to sting so using her speed to her advantage she quickly dodged his flurry of attacks and rolled around to his undefended side. She punched at his vital pressure points on his neck and shoulder causing the blond man to stiffen and sink to the ground. Being so preoccupied with this guy she didn't see the tall one creep up behind her until she felt his massive hands close around her neck. Instinctively she placed her hand over his trying to pry them off thrashing her body to hopefully throw him off balance. During this struggle she felt a fist connect with her face. She growled as raw pain exploded from the point of contact, she stared in the direction the punch came from to see the blond assailant who must have already recovered. The hands around her neck were starting to tighten their grip making it hard for her to breath. Another hard punch, and another, then a kick to her ribs. She could feel blood dripping from her face and the incredible pain in her side.
"You're mine now bitch." The shorter blond man said as he grabbed Natsuki's hair and pulled her face towards his. With sudden surge of strength Natsuki pried the hands from her neck just before her face connected his and gave the man in front of her a strong kick to the groin. He doubled over as she sprinted over to her Ducati taking her helmet from its compartment. The snake man followed her and grabbed her arm fiercely pulling her away from the bike. She acted on instinct and brought the helmet across her body nailing him in the temple. The man crumpled to the ground unconscious. Note to self, always aim for the temple! Natsuki went to climb on the bike when she was tackled to the ground, the sheer weight of the assailant taking her down easily. She struggled against the man as he pinned her hands to her sides.
"What should I do now?" The man mused as he held Natsuki down. He used his knees to keep her in place as reached into his pocket and pulled out a switchblade. "How bout we have some fun?" He smiled icily as lifted her shirt a little and pressed the cold blade to her abdomen. He applied pressure and Natsuki cried out as she felt it tear through her skin. His malicious grin only widened as he watched her squirm. Natsuki racked her brain for a possible solution as the blade slowly arched its way into a half circle. The bond guy seemed totally enthralled with his artwork that she took a chance. She whipped her head up with lightening speed smashing the dude's nose with her forehead. He dropped the blade and brought both hands to his no bleeding face. She then shoved him off and kicked him in the side. The man groaned in pain as Natsuki knelt over him and took a firm hold of his blond hair. "What did Wang promise you?" She asked in a gravelly voice.
"Like I'd tell you, you little wench." The man said as he held his hands over his profusely bleeding face.
"Wrong answer." Natsuki growled as she slammed his head into the pavement.
She stood up and dusted off her now bloodstained pants, picked up her helmet from the ground and made her way to her Ducati. She slowly climbed on wincing from the sharp sting of pain that emanated from her side. Natsuki thrust her keys into the ignition making the engine roar to life. She pulled on the accelerator and sped down the road not once looking back at the two unconscious bodies she had left in her wake.
Her pain intensified as the adrenaline from the fight ebbed away. Her hands started to shake and she could feel the blood from her knife wound soaking through her shirt. She drove towards Fuuka as fast as the Ducati would take her. After what seemed like an eternity, she sighed in relief when the school finally came into view. Made it. She parked her bike quickly and limped her way to the dorms. All the lights were out as she made her way through the darkness. She was glad her friends were probably asleep. I don't want them seeing my like this. Quietly turning the door knob she inched her way into the dorm. She slinked her way over the bathroom when a lamp suddenly turned on and she saw all three of her friends sitting on the couch waiting for her.
"Holy shit!" Nao yelled as she jumped off the couch. "What the fuck happened to you?"
"It's nothing." Natsuki lied. She started to limp towards the bathroom when Mai leapt of the couch and softly grabbed her hand.
"Natsuki look at us."
She turned and looked at her concerned friends, Mai came closer and examined her face. Natsuki eyed her warily. My guess is that I have nasty black eye, bruising on my cheek, and a busted up lip. But hey if she wants to look. She started to feel the blood from the cut on her stomach seep through her jacket. Shit I gotta get to the bathroom before they see this. "You done?" Natsuki asked gruffly as she made her way towards the bathroom before she heard Mai gasp. Dammit too late.
"Take off your jacket." Mai ordered.
"No."
"Nat take off your jacket. Or Chie and Nao will hold you down while I do." Mai said seriously.
Natsuki huffed in resignation before answering. "Fine." She shrugged off the leather jacket exposing her now completely bloody shirt.
"Chie go call the headmistress and tell her to bring a nurse." Mai said and Chie took off. "Natsuki sit down." Too tired to resist Natsuki slowly sat down leaning her head against the cushion. Her eyes fluttered shut as she finally let the emotional and physical fatigue take over. "What happened to you?" Mai asked while shaking her shoulder gently. No response. "Natsuki? Nat?"
Oh snap, things just got real! Don't hate me and please tell me what you think about this chapter. The more reviews the quicker i will let you know what happens...
p.s. I love feedback so if you have any comments, opinions, or random thoughts feel free to review or PM me! k thanks:)