Disclaimer: I do not own Sunrise or any of its creations.

Three Wishes or You

Chapter 3

Nimara

I could hear the surround sound system being put to good use in the living room as I pulled my night gown over my head. It had been a week since I had seen or heard from Natsuki directly. It had been a week since the incident with the photo album. It felt as if I was walking on eggshells with her even if I had not seen her. My emotions that day were so overwhelming, even after the fact. The anger that rose to the surface took me by surprise. The first couple of days after, Natsuki made her presence barely known, but as time went on she interacted more freely in the house. For me, this was a small sign that the tension was slowly dying between the two of us.

I wasn't sure what to feel about that afternoon. Part of me was angry that she brought back old memories but another part was burdened with a tinge of guilt. I had treated her badly and pushed her away when she offered to talk about it. Normally, I would not have cared but things were different with Natsuki. Things were always so different with this person who had lodged herself into my life by fluke.

Natsuki, I learned, turned out to be quite the night owl. The television ran until the early hours of the morning. Yesterday she discovered the surround sound system that came pre-installed with the small house as a 'modern implementation'. I've been hearing explosions at maximum volume ever since.

I grabbed the magazine that waited for me on the bed. It was the Yomiuri Weekly. Technically, it was a tabloid but aimed for more accurate stories about the lives of celebrities in Japan. I started reading it when Rin-chan brought a copy that had an article about her successful debut in it. Even though I was not a celebrity tracker, the magazine was a nice way to keep in touch with that world. I moved the comforter aside to crawl into bed when I heard a soft knock on the door.

At first I wasn't sure if I had heard it or not, but it came again, more heavily. Only Natsuki was in my house. My chest tightened uncomfortably as I dropped the tabloid and opened the door.

"Shizuru-san." Too polite for Natsuki. She stood there in a pair of cotton sweats and a t-shirt.

"Natsuki? Is there something I can do for you?" I dropped the honorific hoping she would catch the change. I felt breaking formal barrier would help us get over whatever remaining tension was left. Her usual arrogant air had been dropped and instead she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously.

She shoved her hands in to her pockets. "I was wondering if I could pop some popcorn...from the cupboard."

Ah, so she had been through my cupboard. I wasn't surprised. She seemed to be curious with the things around my house and was always poking into drawers and closets when she thought I wasn't looking. Unfortunately for her, I was very particular about where everything is placed so when something is moved, I knew. But she wanted popcorn?

"Popcorn? Whatever for?"

Her typical 'that's-a-stupid-question' glare came to her face. "To eat." She looked away with a huff.

"The television is doing an Action marathon of the best action movies to come out in the last three years...I uh, wanted popcorn 'cause...yeah."

"Sure," I said casually with a smile. I knew I had to see this. I assumed she didn't eat, but here she was asking for popcorn. I was once again bestowed with a small but beautiful smile from her. I mindlessly ran my hand down the side of my nightgown when I realized what I was wearing. She apparently noticed as well and shyly dismissed herself to the kitchen. I threw on my robe and followed her. Natsuki was already ripping open a bag of popcorn to put in the microwave when I came.

"I've never seen you eat before."

"I don't get hungry very often. It comes with being a Genie, I guess." She never looked away from the rotating bag of popcorn.

I went to my open cupboard and looked for a bottle of sleeping pills that I regularly used. Nights were long and I silently dreaded them. The pills were a way of managing even if they barely worked. I narrowed my eyes when I saw the bottle was missing. With a quizzical look I turned to Natsuki. "Natsuki, where is the bottle of pills that was right here?"

She looked up and over to the empty spot I was pointing at. Natsuki blinked then turned back to her microwave. She shrugged. "I hid them."

"You hid them?" I crossed my arms. "What for?"

"They were sleeping pills right?" The microwave went off with three beeps and she opened it. She opened the steaming bag and threw the popcorn into a waiting bowl.

"Yes, and I need them."

Natsuki ate some popcorn as she looked over at me. I was miffed. She had no sense to stay out of other people's belongings. She seemed to realize the anger slowly simmering inside me. I wonder what gave it away. Was it the crossed arms? The heated flush? Or perhaps it was the fact that I was glaring straight at her.

She waved her hand in the air and the blue mist appeared, slowly forming into a solid object. It was a jar filled with some sort of dried herb. It glided over to the counter space next to me and landed gently. I felt a shudder run down my back. I could deal with a Genie but floating objects still creeped me out.

"Brew some of this with honey and lemon. It's chamomile, a European tea. It'll help you fall asleep." She opened the refrigerator and I could hear her moving my perfectly organized groceries around.

I opened the jar and smelled the sweet aroma from the dried flowers inside. "Thank you," I said, filling my kettle with water and placing it on the stove. I still wasn't pleased with the fact she had taken the liberty to hide my pills. The gesture of giving me a replacement was sweet if not interesting. I looked over at my open refrigerator door and sighed softly.

"About what happened last week...-"

"Don't worry about it," she cut me off and closed the refrigerator door, my bottle of mayonnaise in her hand.

"I'm really s...-"

Her voice rose. "Stop." She looked over at me with a tilt and softly pleading eyes. "Let's just forget about it okay?"

Natsuki's expression and words puzzled me but I nodded and she smiled back down at her popcorn. I placed a few chamomile flowers into the kettle, preparing it like any other tea. I looked over at her curiously as she popped the cap on the bottle.

I tried to suppress my gag reflex as I saw her turn the bottle upside down over the popcorn and squeeze. The white fatty substance was generously drizzled over the hot popcorn. The broadest grin was plastered to her face when she placed the bottle down and reached at the disgusting concoction with her hand.

"Natsuki!" I yelled. Her hand still hovered over the noxious mess as she looked over at me with a sheepish smile. "Please tell me you were not going to eat that with your hands?"

Though I was not an overly materialistic person, I still feared for my upholstery.

"I...was?" She looked around as if trying to figure out what my problem was. Three fingers inched closer to the popcorn.

"Use a spoon! You're going to make a mess!" I scolded and she dropped her hand with a small pout. Was she serious? She was really going to eat that...that...ugh...whatever that was, with her hands! I hastily got her a spoon and placed it in her hand. Like a small child, she lit up again with a smile.

I blushed as I looked at her shovel her spoon into the popcorn. How could someone be so cute and disgusting at the same time?

The kettle began to whistle and I poured the tea into a large mug along with a bit of honey. I didn't have lemon, so this would have to do for now. Her mouth was full as she looked back at me. I sipped the tea and found it to have a pleasantly mellow taste. It was also the first time I put honey on tea and I thought the sweetness was a nice contrast

"How's it?" She said after swallowing and licking her lips.

"It's really good." A definite change in taste from Japanese tea.

Natsuki nodded and headed towards the living room, cuddling her bowl to her chest. She turned at the doorway and exhaled heavily.

"Do you want to watch television with me?"

I smiled. Spending time with Natsuki sounded nice but I was already tired. I knew I would not be much company if I fell asleep during the middle of the first movie. I hoped she would make such an offer again. "No, thank you, Natsuki. Maybe next time?"

"Next time then. Night." She replied neutrally.

"Goodnight, Na-tsu-ki." I singsonged. She blushed and I mentally declared 'Checkmate'.

After that night, Natsuki returned to watching television during the day time as well as night. Her choice of television changed during the day. I would always catch her watching various news channels and even some foreign ones. In the beginning, I thought she was ignoring me when I walked in but I soon realized that she was truly engaged with the world events to the point where she disregarded everything else. I also noticed that my daily newspaper had been taken hostage. My mail would be on the dining table when I woke but the newspaper would be missing.

My guess that she was catching up for her years of sleeping was confirmed when she asked me for my laptop, which was kept in my room. She had called it the "flat mini computer". I handed it over to her, simply wanting to see how she would use it. Surprisingly, she turned it on and navigated her way onto the internet easily. She fumbled around with the idea of webpages before she resigned to asking me how she could look up news. I showed her, tickled by the thought of her using a computer. Just like the television, she became engrossed with the news on the internet.

Her preference for television watching changed half way through the week and she became more social. It changed to movies and fast action shows, like at night, and surprisingly the occasional adventure cartoon. When I found her watching the latter, she would always timidly greet me and switch the channel. Our conversations were not as sparse and her attitude seemed to change over time. Her words were not always filled with biting sarcasm or with an edge of complaint.

It felt unusual to have a stranger living in my house. She was still very much a stranger to me. I wasn't sure if it was because of who she was or how she was, that I was so comfortable with her. Not once did I feel uncomfortable with her in my house, but rather just thought it was simply strange. Most of the time I hardly thought of it and it felt as if she had always belonged in my house.

The jar of chamomile and honey appeared on the kitchen counter top every night and I never failed to make the tea. I bought lemon, eventually, which made the taste even deeper. Natsuki did not mention the chamomile after that night or how my sleeping had improved. The chamomile had the same effect as my sleeping pills except with added benefits that I could not ignore. I noticed my mood and complexion change as well as an increase in my energy and appetite.

I found myself become restless with being at home so much and I'd walk down to town more often. I would go just to see the new produce that had come in or grab a simple baked good. A few times I passed by that old antique store. I never felt compelled to walk inside though. Who knows what would happen to me next time I walked in there. Perhaps I would take home a little purple kappa or a shinigami. No, definitely one live-in Genie was enough for me to handle. Also, I don't think I wanted to know what other mysterious creatures and beings existed in my world. There was such a thing as knowing too much.

I was not the only one eating more. Natsuki rummaged through the cupboards and refrigerator more often, usually at night when she was watching her movies. On more than one occasion she stole food right off my plate. Eventually I started making meals for two which I found was a very smart idea. By making her food, she was forced to sit down at the table with me. For the most part she was quiet during the day but when she was eating at the table, she talked more. A lot more. Quite frankly, she would sometimes ramble.

The topics were general and light hearted like any acquaintances. Usually, she discussed the changes between the eras or remark on the most up-to-date news that she had watched or read. Her attention to details and the ability regurgitate information with such accuracy amazed me. When I asked her about it she said that it was simply another thing that came with being a Genie or living so long. For someone who had slept for so long, I was surprised she did not wake to a culture shock nightmare. Her favorite things to discuss were the advancement of technology, cars, and government. When she talked or even listened I could see the desire in her eyes to actively take part in the world she had woken up in. At these times I could not help but pity her and at the same time felt guilty of my lack of wish making.

Most of my lunches and all of my dinners in the past couple of weeks continued on in this fashion. I enjoyed looking at her over the rim of my teacup and listening to her until she caught me staring and yelled at me. One thing I had come to love was the blushes she so easily gave. I never got tired of finding new ways to make her blush that beautiful pink tone. Also, now knowing her sick obsession for mayo, I refused to let her put any of it on the meals I made for her. I was not going to advocate such unhealthy behavior. Unfortunately, I could not stop her from putting it on her snacks. To say the least, my small bottle of mayo was used up in the first week. She was quick to complain about the condiment's absence but I promised her nothing. When that Saturday came around, I surprised myself by unconsciously throwing in a large bottle of mayonnaise into my basket.

The next week I visited the snack aisle of the market for the first time in ages. Natsuki liked snacks. She had eaten every non-tea related snack in my kitchen, including the chocolates I hid behind the pans. I felt that there was not a more refreshing snack than tea but she begged to differ. I felt almost lost among the glossy bags and boxes of the MSG-filled aisle. I had no qualms about buying snacks for my Genie if it would get her to stop complaining, but I honestly had no idea what to get. The names were all funny and half the time the little animal mascot on the bags had nothing to do with the ingredients within. In an attempt to narrow my search, I scanned for the words 'Mayo' and 'Mayonnaise'. I thought my search would be fruitless but it seemed as if the Gods were favoring me that day.

Mayo Crisps! In super King Size!

So they really did have a snack for everyone's twisted tastes. Somehow finding such a suitable snack for Natsuki made me feel giddy and oddly elated. On my walk home, I noticed that I was still happy at the thought of being able to give Natsuki something she would like. I found it somewhat troubling. Ever since she had appeared, my mood and emotions had taken off in a whole new direction. The generally happy nature that I was experiencing was something I had not felt in quite a few months. Even when I entered the house on this reflective note, I was still excited to show Natsuki her treat. A distant jingle and a waft of her autumn scent told me she was about.

"I'm home," I called out. Such commonly said traditional words were foreign on my tongue. It felt nice to hear them again.

"Welcome home," she replied from the living room. Receiving a response surprised me and I could not help but feel flustered. Walking into the living room my ears picked up a melody that made my blood run cold. All the excitement, giddiness, and warmth left my body. The melody grew louder and I slowly turned to look at the television. As I listened to the Enka fade and slowly play, I bit into my bottom lip. I could not tear my eyes away from what I was watching.

"Ara, grandmother do you believe in fate?"

My voice. That was me. Yet it was not me. I wasn't speaking at that moment. I looked at the happily smiling woman. Though she looked exactly like me, she was a complete stranger.

"Shizuru." Natsuki got off the couch with the remote in hand. She broke my concentration and I finally took in the room and her. She had been looking at me the entire time. A pile of DVDs were scattered across the floor.

"Shizuru." She frowned this time.

"Yes?" My mind ran sluggishly. I thought of the photo album then looked at the DVDs, feelings of anger and remorse boiling in me again.

"You were an actress."

"Yes," I said again. I tried to quell my emotions and finally settled with a heavy sigh. "Turn it off."

Natsuki clicked the television off without looking away from me. There was something so critical to her gaze, as if those green eyes were burrowing into my heart. Not wanting a repeat of what happened with the photo album and not wanting to discuss anything more with her, I walked to the kitchen with my bags. She followed quietly and I began to put food away. The chill of the open refrigerator was a sharp contrast to my heated face. I felt caught. I felt as if I had a bad secret to keep and she had found out. I jumped slightly when she spoke behind me.

"You were a famous actress." She was purposely pushing the boundaries we had silently set. Why? Please, just leave me alone. "Probably the most famous actress at the time."

I nodded but did not stop from putting the produce away. My mind begged her to stop but I heard her breath as if to speak. For a second she did not, as if debating to go further. I hope she did not. I hope she just walked away from it.

"...Then you quit. You dropped two dramas and a movie. The press was never given an excuse. No one has seen or heard from you in over two years. Why?"

She gritted her question out. I tossed the mayo crisps at her, which she easily caught. For a second her interest was captured and I hoped she would drop it but instead she placed the bag aside. The distraction didn't work and I looked away still hoping that this stubborn woman would drop the subject. Of course, she didn't.

"Why?" Her voice rose and there was a hint of concern and anger.

I remained silent. I couldn't...begin to even think...I didn't want to. I could feel my heart beat not just in my chest but throughout my body.

"Stop shutting down and listen to me!" She snarled softly from across the counter. "I know what happened. It wasn't drugs. It wasn't illness. You lost someone. That's why you cried every night. That's why you don't notice my presence all the time, because you're lost in thought thinking of..."

I glared at her, slamming the refrigerator shut. It squealed as the metal feet scraped against the floor. "Quiet!"

"You need to move past this, Shizuru! You were just a shell when I met you. A shell filled with practiced and acted out emotions! You're not living. Is that what she would have..."

"Shut up, you idiot!" I yelled louder this time with a stuttered breath.

"NO!" Natsuki brought her fist down against the counter top but it fell right through.

Tears began to freely flow from my eyes and I tried to bite back strangled gasps and whimpers. My chest constricted painfully and I clenched my fist to side. My body was shaking but I couldn't tell if it had been shaking this entire time. I knew she was right. I knew it all already, but...

"I can't," I cried out, leaning over the counter, my tears hitting the marble.

There was a warm breeze and my body was forced to turn. Natsuki stood next to me, with what seemed like her hands on my shoulders. I could not feel her though, just warmth and the movement of air.

"D-don't cry." Her cheeks were flushed. Even if I wanted to stop crying, I couldn't. As I wiped my tears from my eyes I saw her body fall through mine. She spat out a curse and I realized what she had tried to do. She was attempting to hold me. Frustrated, she pulled away from me with a forlorn and regretful look.

"I want...to help you but I can't. I want to comfort you, hold you, rub your back. But the most I can do is give you a tissue or...this..."

Natsuki closed the distance between us and her hand lifted to my face. It was such a solid and real looking hand that it seemed impossible that I couldn't feel it. Her fingers came to my cheek and I felt soft wisps of air caress the skin under my eyes. She was wiping the tears from my eyes. Little wisps of air moved around my face and my falling tears did not get very far. The astonishment of her actions alone made my tears stop slowly. Natsuki held her hands to my face even after I stopped, still rubbing the pads of her thumbs across my cheeks. She smiled and pulled away. "That's better."

Emotions of care and consideration played so clearly on her face. Even though I had known her for only a little over a month, it was as if I could look through those emerald eyes and into her soul, feeling as if we'd known each other for years. Her soft smile was not one for a stranger but for a friend. I felt my eyes begin to sting again but this time because of Natsuki.

"Okini.."

"We...we can talk about this later. I...shouldn't have pressed so harshly," she said bashfully and quietly. "Do you want to rest a bit?"

Slowly, I could see the emotion leave from her eyes as her cool facade was placed back on. I wiped my eyes once more and nodded. Another heavy sigh shuddered out of me and I ran my hand through my bangs. I felt heavy and tired.

"Go take a nap. I kind of need to rest as well. As a magical entity I need to restore my energy if I've been away from the teapot too long." She held out her hand. "Take this."

From the palm of her hand she drew out a thin dark blue ribbon. She tied it securely to my wrist and I studied it carefully. "What's this?" I asked softly.

"It can't come untied accidentally, but if you need me, just untie it and I'll be there. I don't know how long I'll be in the teapot and it's hard to sense you while I'm in there."

She walked over to the teapot, trying to hide a small blush. I smiled and fingered the soft ribbon. "Natsuki is so thoughtful and caring."

"Shut up, you idiot." She snapped and disappeared into the teapot.

Exhaustion won, and sleep took over me, but all I could dream about was her. It was the same nightmares over and over again. Always about her.

Yukino.

I met her.

"Shizuru, this is Yukino Kikukawa. Her family is going to be working closely with ours."

"Hello, Yukino-san." She was so small and demure. Her hair cut was like a little boy's. Freckles. Glasses. I giggled.

"Hello, Fujino-san."

"Do you like tea?" Maybe we could find a common interest.

"I like fiber optics."

"I take it that that's not something you can eat, cute Yukino-chan." My first friend.

I watched her.

"It must hurt to watch her every day. You should tell Suzushiro-san how you feel about her."

"No. She doesn't love me that way. I can be content just watching her." So self-sacrificing.

"You're only hurting yourself."

"I can't hurt forever, Shizuru. No one can hurt forever." You were much too wise for me.

I knew her.

"I'm going to send a car to pick you up tonight."

"What for?"

"Your family is busy in America. You're not spending the winter holidays alone."

"I'll be fine."

"You're afraid of being alone. You don't like when the house is quiet and dark. And your favorite holiday is New Years because you can sit under the moonless sky and share your wishes with someone."

A grateful and relieved smile. "Thank you, Shizuru."

I comforted her.

"Haruka's going to Oxford."

"Have you told her yet?"

"No. I'm happy for her though. I...I think the school will be good for her. Our society represses her aggressive nature. It'll be good for her to see the world. It will be a g-good experience as well."

"What about what's good for you?"

"...I love her..."

"I know..."

"..."

"You can cry all you want. We can't hurt forever." You taught me that.

I held her.

"Shizuru..uhn..."

"Let it all go, Yukino."

"Ah...ahn...!"

"Concentrate on me. Forget about her." I only wanted you to think of me.

"Please...m-more...!" … … … "Shi-Shizuru!"

Yukino.

I loved her.

"I'm getting a two week break after this talk show interview. Let's fly away somewhere!"

"Hehe, where?"

"Paris! Vienna! Hong Kong!"

"You're excited, Shizuru."

"I haven't had much time to be with you with everything in my way."

"I don't mind. I know you love to act."

"I mind. I love you and want to be with you. Pick anywhere."

"How about New York?"

"New York, it is. You have to do me a favor though, my cute Yukino."

"What is that?"

"Come see my interview on Kayoko's talk show. It's my largest one."

"You know I don't like crowds. You're so famous that there will be so many people."

"Please? You haven't been to one yet...I would like it very much..."

"Well, okay, I guess."

"I love you."

"I love you too, Shizuru." A kiss.

I killed her.

"There's been an accident outside the studio! It seems fatal, Kayoko-san. The audience is leaving to check it out."

Sometimes you just know.

"Fujino-sama, do you mind delaying the interview?"

"N-no, of course not."

I ran.

"Clear the area! Back up!" Sirens. Yells. Someone grabbed my hand.

"Shizuru-san, please do not go any further."

"What happened? Who is it?"

In your heart you know the answer.

"Let's go to the hospital. The crowd is too large here."

"W-who is it?" Those pitying eyes.

"Shizuru-san, it was Yukino."

My breaking heart.

And no matter how hard I screamed or cried, I could not get away from the nightmares. There was no light in the darkness. There was no hope for release. There never was. I can't be helped.

"Wake up, Shizuru..." Her soft jingle.

Yukino..."

"Get up." Her autumn scent.

"Yu...Natsuki..."

"Yeah, it's me. I should have given you something to sleep better. Seems I'm a bit too late."

I didn't bother wiping the tears from my eyes. I was just glad to be awake and be pulled from the darkness. My own room was dark but it was a comforting darkness filled with warmth. Natsuki was knelt down at my bedside.

"What time is it...?"

"Early morning." Natsuki moved to sit on the side of my bed and her added weight felt reassuring. The warmth of her hand could be felt as she placed it on my stomach. I looked down at my wrist for the ribbon. It had not come untied.

"Why are you here? I thought you needed to rest too?"

"I don't know...I just knew something was up and came over. You know...when your emotions get heavy, I can feel them. It's like an extra sense, like smelling, feeling, and hearing."

I knew it was hard for her to explain so I just took her answer as best I could. She sat there and we remained silent until my wet tear-stained face dried and my breathing slowed down. We did not look at each other. We just sat there in the darkness of the room, my mind blank.

"Oi, Shizuru?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think you can fall back asleep?"

"No." My mind was already up and awake but that was not why. I could not fall back asleep out of fear that I would have to lose control of my dreams all over again. What if Natsuki did not wake me a second time?

"Ah..." She looked over at me. "I think I know a wish you could make...but you have to trust me."

A/N:

Thanks for reading Chapter 3 of Three Wishes or You. I know a lot of you are going to have some strong reaction to Yukino being Shizuru's ex-lover. I want to tell ya guys now that I won't indulge flames on it. XD I simmered on this particular part for a while, picking the proper woman to fit Shizuru. I really thought that the two of them were a nice sweet couple that complimented each other very well (though not as much as Shizuru and Natsuki heehe).

ShizNat moments have increased slightly in this chapter but they are small and sweet. If some of you can't tell, the person who seems to be pushing the ShizNat-ness is Natsuki.

The next chapter will have the first wish and more on Natsuki's back ground (I don't want to rush anything), so I hope to see you guys there.

Thanks to my glorious BETAs for their hard work.

As always I love to hear from you guys so please review or shoot me an Email/PM.

Reviewers:

depression76- Oh my goodness, I laughed so loud when I heard you got kicked out. I hope some of your questions were answered!

Ume sama- I'm not leaving sneak peaks for chapter 4 this time. XD So now you won't be cringing and trying to figure out what'll happen next! Haha

Jyuami- Yes, first person POV is really hard to pull off. I am really grateful for the spectacular BETAs I have that keep me in line while I write. It's my first time really doing serious first person pov so I'm quite nervous! I'm glad you caught the ambiguity of the 'ending fate'. There is a lot of room for romance in this plot but not a lot for a happy ending the way ShizNat fans like it. Shh we'll see what I can do.

Natsuki-X- I'm trying to get a bit of Shizuru's story out of the way so I can expand more on Natsuki's. Since it's Shizuru's POV it's natural that we'll have to wait until her and Natsuki get to know each other more to share pasts. Next chapter should have more to do with Natsuki!

Krugen- :D Ah I just always have to respond to you. You're so wonderful with your reviews. It's like you pick out the highlights of my chapters!

DreamShadower- I actually tried the popcorn with mayonnaise. yeaaah, it tasted okay if I didn't think about it too much.

Hanazono- Really, thank you for the compliment. It seriously means a lot.

Aquamarine- Thank you! M rating will come for later chapters as well. I'm glad you think the idea is original. I'm trying to add as much originality and twists into the story as I safely can.

Alphawolf69- Thank you for reviewing both of my stories! I'm glad you enjoyed both of them. They are two completely different stories, that's for sure (except they have an element of fantasy). The Greatest Gift will have chapter 3 posted next Monday!

Thank all of you for your reviews. I read all of them over and over again and show them to my beau. You guys make me and my stories feel so special.

-Nimara