"She'd trade her guns for love, but she's caught in the crossfire. And she keeps wakin' up, but it's not to the sound of birds."

#18:

Tengenjutsu? Get Real!

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"Myself ain't never talked to me like that before. I wonder what the hell she's searching for."

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Four days passed since the accident in a mournful blur. Namiko kept herself as busy as possible. Riku hasn't said more than three sentences and answers questions with half-hearted, one-word replies. Yukariko came for Nina on the second day worried senseless.

Her husband was with her. He influenced the decision that Nina return home immediately instead of staying with her family like she wanted. Riku hadn't been able to do anything but nod, force a smile, and kiss her daughter goodbye.

Nao was spending a lot more time with her mother in the hospital. Shizuru helped Namiko around the house as much as she could. They were all grieving in their own special ways.

As for Natsuki, she grieved in a more explosive way. She was extremely frustrated and irritable. Her injuries made it hard for her to do anything she normally did on her own. She was inexplicably but understandably angry.

She had yet to snap, but everyone knew she was close to doing so. They were walking on eggshells around her.

She was currently upstairs in her room wrestling with a shirt she only managed to get on halfway thanks to her busted shoulder.

An ill-advised jerk of her left arm had her bent at the waist as waves of white-hot pain coursed through her fractured collarbone. "Shit." she cursed, flopping down on the edge of her bed, waiting for the pain to subside.

"Natsuki?"

Her girlfriend's soft-spoken tones wafted through the cracked door. She pushed it open and stepped inside, not even bothering with knocking after hearing the pained obscenity. She placed one hand on Natsuki's uninjured shoulder and the other on her back. "Are you okay?"

Natsuki nodded slowly. "Yeah, just jerked it a little."

The older girl threaded her fingers through Natsuki's dark hair. When the pain dulled down into a manageable ache, Natsuki rose and wordlessly allowed her girlfriend to assist her with the offending fabric. "Thanks." Natsuki said.

"You're welcome." Shizuru replied.

She made a move to step away, but a hand on her wrist prevented her from doing so. Crimson eyes locked questioningly with dark emeralds. Natsuki entwined their fingers and pulled Shizuru close to her chest. Her chin came to rest on top of Shizuru's head. She basked in the lovely scent of her girlfriend's hair, comforted by her familiar presence. "I'm sorry."

Shizuru pushed against Natsuki's chest so she could meet her eyes. "For what?"

"For being an ass." Natsuki sighed.

"It's okay. You're going through a hard time right now." Shizuru easily forgave her. She didn't think she could stay mad at Natsuki longer than an hour. Besides, it wasn't like she was doing it on purpose.

"That doesn't make it okay. Everyone's doing everything they can to help me and I'm just being a brat." Natsuki was disgusted with herself. She was never a particularly angry person. Distant and perhaps even a little cold, but certainly not the asshole she's been for the last few days. "I don't know why I'm so frustrated. I mean, I know why but I don't know why."

She pinched the bridge of her nose with a perplexed click of her tongue. The brunette rested her cheek against her girlfriend's shoulder and wrapped her arms tightly around her waist. She thinks Natsuki's lost weight because she doesn't remember her waist being this thin. However, it didn't surprise her.

Natsuki spent more time idly pushing her food around her plate than actually eating it. The loss of appetite wasn't unexpected after a traumatic event, but it still worried her. "You don't have to go back so soon." Shizuru said after a moment of staring at Natsuki's book bag.

"I've been cooped up in here for four days. I need something to do to get my mind off things, and trust me; it'll be good for everyone." Natsuki picked up her backpack and slung it on her shoulder as best as she could without aggravating her injuries. "How are you feeling?"

Shizuru's about twelve and a half weeks along now give or take. She's been reading a lot of maternity magazines lately, and she learned that this is the time when the most dramatic developments occur.

The twins now possessed the ability to open and close their hands. Their toes will curl, their eye muscles will clench, and their mouths already adept at making sucking motions. If she prodded her abdomen, the twins would squirm in response. Although, she won't be able to feel it.

"They look like people now." Shizuru placed Natsuki's hand on her belly and held it there closely. Natsuki sucked in a surprised breath. Her girlfriend's tummy was hot to the touch, almost as if someone had lit a candle and left it to burn inside. "They're the size of a lime and weigh half an ounce."

Natsuki's features softened. Shizuru smiled; this was the closest thing to a real smile she's gotten from Natsuki in a while. "Obaa-san told me that she used to poke my dad all the time when she was pregnant with her at this stage. She said she could feel it. Do you think they can feel this?" she began rubbing Shizuru's tummy.

Shizuru tried not to squirm under Natsuki's touch. Her belly's extremely sensitive and Natsuki's hands against her flesh sent shivers down her spine. "I don't know," she breathed, leaning further into her embrace.

Unable to help herself, Natsuki gently dug her finger into the spot above Shizuru's bellybutton. The brunette squealed and slapped her hand away. "Natsuki, Ikezu! You know I dislike being poked."

"I'm sorry." She didn't sound sorry at all. "I was investigating pregnancy myths."

"Oh?" That piped Shizuru's interest. "And what other myths have you come across?"

Natsuki snatched her phone off the charger. The device was unharmed. Luckily, it had been in her backpack during the time of the crash. "If we put a pair of headphones on your belly and play Mozart our kids will be geniuses."

A honey-colored brow rose. "Ara, I think our kids will be geniuses even without the help of Mr. Mozart."

"Good because I don't think Beats are made to play Mozart." Natsuki twirled her expensive blue headphones around her finger.

Shizuru rolled her eyes and straightened the collar of Natsuki's jacket. It was a little big on her because it wasn't actually her jacket. It belonged to her father. It'd been left strewn on the back of the couch after their last visit.

Natsuki treasured it. It still smelled like her dad. She unconsciously touched her necklace; the last thing her father had given her before she died. Apart from a small chip in the fang, it was fine considering the seriousness of Natsuki's accident.

After making sure they had everything ready for school, the two walked hand-in-hand down the old staircase and into the living room where Namiko was sitting on the couch with the house phone pressed against her ear. "I know, Yukariko, but the girl wants to be with her father. I know he's your husband, but he isn't Nina's father nor is he yours. It's your decision as well as Nina's."

She smiled upon seeing her two charges. Natsuki noticed the bags under her grandmother's eyes and the fatigue in her movements. She's been all over the place the last few days doing the necessary paperwork to acquire custody of both Natsuki and Nao since their legal guardian was no longer present, and of Shizuru since her legal guardian wanted nothing to do with her.

She was also trying to prepare a funeral service for her lost child. The expenses for everything stressed her out too. Not only for the funeral, but now supporting three growing teenagers and two future grandchildren as well, including doctor visits.

"Yes, I'm aware of the finances." Namiko sighed. "I'll figure it out. You needn't worry about that. Focus on your daughter first and foremost. Yes. Alright, Yukariko. Take care. I hope to see Nina soon. Goodbye."

The phone was thrown carelessly to the side. Namiko rose to greet her granddaughter, hugging the dark-haired teenager tightly. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"

"I'm okay." she replied.

The old woman noticed the bag on Natsuki's shoulder. "Are you sure you're ready to go back so soon?"

The younger Kruger nodded and made a move to scratch her head sheepishly, but her grandmother swatted her on the wrist scoldingly. "Aye yah," she tsked, "what have I told you about fiddling with your stitches?"

"Sorry, I forgot." Natsuki said. "But I really need to get out of the house, and I'm sure our friends are worried sick about us."

Namiko didn't know if Natsuki was truly as fine as she said she was, but if she wasn't she sure did a good job of hiding it.

Who are you trying to be strong for, sweetheart? Namiko mused. "Well then, if you truly believe you're ready to do this I won't stop you. But if it gets to be too much for either of you don't hesitate to come home. I'll be out most of today, but I should be home around supper time."

"Where are you going?"

"The bank for starters. Your grandfather left quite a bit of money behind in case of a disaster or whatnot. I never thought I'd have to use it, but…"

"Funerals are expensive." Natsuki said quietly.

The look on her granddaughter's face might as well have been salt forced into still open wounds. Namiko's heart gave a painful jerk, and her hand unconsciously ascended to rest on her left breast, right above the sore muscle.

Unable to stare at the pained expression on her grandmother's face any longer, Natsuki quickly decided to change the subject. "What's for breakfast?"

"Beef curry," Namiko said, thankful to talk about something else. "Now I know it isn't a traditional breakfast meal, but you've gotten skinny. You need to fatten up." She pinched Natsuki's uninjured right side, drawing forth a muffled yelp from the young woman. "And I'm sure the twins would enjoy it, no?" she finished, directing her last question at Shizuru.

Shizuru smiled. "Ara, certainly. They've got quite the appetite. I think they get it from their daddy."

"Hey," Natsuki protested, "I don't eat that much."

"You may not, but the sheer amount of mayonnaise you put on everything is enough to give you diabetes." Namiko chided with a semi-disgusted shoulder.

"I can go back upstairs if you two are just going to double team me." Natsuki groaned, half-heartedly trying to disentangle her and Shizuru's fingers.

Namiko ventured into the kitchen and returned with two plates. She encouraged the two to sit down and eat before gliding up the stairs to rouse Riku. Shizuru finished quickly. She'd been rather famished, though she was constantly starving all the time. She knew that the entire "eating for two - or in this case three-" was a myth, but she was finding more truth to that statement more often than not.

She was honestly still hungry. Natsuki offered her girlfriend her plate. She'd eaten her fill even though there was still quite a bit left. She just didn't have the huge appetite she normally had back yet. "It's fine," she said when she was met with expected resistance, "I'm full."

"Ara, are you certain?"

Natsuki nodded and pushed the plate into her girlfriend's hands with a ghostly smile. She watched her devour the remains of the curry in less than ten minutes. When she was finished, a tiny burp managed to sneak out. She blushed. "Ara, excuse me."

Natsuki couldn't help but laugh.

Namiko eventually returned with Riku. The woman's dark hair hung messily around her stunning face. She was dressed in loose black joggers and an old boxing shirt. A pair of dark shades rested on the bridge of her nose. She normally didn't bother wearing shades since she enjoyed the feeling of sunshine on her eyelids, but she'd slipped them on this morning.

"Good morning," she yawned like a cat and all but curled up in the armchair across from the teenagers. Namiko brought her a plate as well. "Thank you."

"Are you not eating having breakfast, Obaa-san?" Natsuki asked as the old woman slipped on a jacket from the coat-rack and grabbed her keys.

Namiko shook her head. "No, I have errands to run." She moved over to the couch and gave both teens a fond kiss on the head and threaded her fingers through Riku's messy locks. "But I'll be around for dinner. I'll see you guys at supper."

"Bye, Obaa-san." They chorused.

When the door finally clicked shut, Riku shoveled a few more spoonfuls of curry into her mouth before saying, "I heard you're going back to school today."

"Yeah." Natsuki confirmed.

Riku didn't bother asking if she was ready or not. She knew Natsuki had probably gotten that question a million times already. And besides, Natsuki knew herself better than anybody. If she thinks she can handle it, who had the right to tell her otherwise? "If you see Nina can you tell her I'm sorry and that I love her?"

Sorry for the fact that she didn't put up a fight when it came down to Nina staying with her family. She hadn't been in the right mindset and she missed her daughter terribly.

"Will she not be joining us anytime soon?" Shizuru inquired softly.

Riku's pretty face tightened. "I doubt the step-monster will let her. He'll do anything if it means "saving" her from the path of sin or whatever. And "sin" in this case is her crazy, unmarried blind father and her unconventional family. I'm surprised he hasn't broken her and Nao up." she snorted and set half-finished plate on the table.

Her actions were so fluid and confident. It was difficult to tell she was blind. Shizuru guessed it was from years and years of practicing using her other senses.

"I'll tell her." Natsuki promised. "You sure you're going to be okay by yourself?"

Riku waved her off. "Yeah. I'm probably just going to sleep most of the day or something. And if I get hungry I can always eat Duran."

The dog lifted his head from his place underneath the coffee table. Natsuki hadn't even been aware of his presence. Eventually, the alarm on Natsuki's phone blared signalling that it was time for them to get going. She bid her dark-haired cousin a gentle farewell before grabbing her girlfriend's hand and tugging her towards the door.

XXX

Mai was the first one to spot the couple as they walked through the front door. She practically leapt from the table, completely ignoring the rest of Tate's absurd story. Her plan to jump Natsuki and give her the biggest hug she could've conjured up was foiled when she caught sight of the brace on her shoulder.

"Oh god, what happened to you? Are you okay?" she fretted.

Natsuki nodded and tightened her grip on her girlfriend's hand. Shizuru noticed but decided not to comment. "I'm fine. Just a little banged up is all." she offered her friend a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Dude!" Tate howled, skidding to a stop mere inches out of Natsuki's personal space. Like Mai, he also wanted to hug the life out of the blue-haired girl. "You look like shit."

Mai elbowed him in the side. "Gee, thanks, Tate." Natsuki drawled.

He winced. "Sorry, I'm just worried is all." He ran a hand through his hair. Natsuki and Shizuru both noticed how long it had gotten. It hung in his face in a floppy, untamed mess. He was also sporting a good deal of facial hair, as if he hadn't bothered shaving for the past few days.

Mai's round face was absent of any makeup, and her own hair was pulled back into a hazardous ponytail. It was safe to say they looked how Natsuki felt.

"You guys don't look so good either." Natsuki said.

"Well," Tate rubbed his chin, "We're bros, you know? When you're down we're down. And your dad…"

"... She was like our dad too." Mai finished when he faltered. "We're going to miss her."

"We can all look like shit together." Tate said.

Natsuki looked away. Shizuru hugged her. "You guys suck." she choked out, but wrapped her good arm around their shoulders anyway.

XXX

Aoi approached Natsuki during the passing period.

"Hello, Natsuki." Aoi said cheerfully, her blue eyes bright.

Natsuki was a bit weary of the brunette to be honest. There was something strange about the girl, and not just because she somehow knew the stranger Natsuki often found herself thinking about every time she looked at a bottle of Colt .45. "Senoh." she nodded.

"I heard about your dad." Aoi's voice softened. "I'm so sorry."

Natsuki's locker slammed shut. She smiled apologetically. She hadn't been expecting that. It'd slipped. "Thanks."

"Mhm."

Aoi's hand shot out to grasp Natsuki's uninjured shoulder when she made a move to turn away. "Natsuki."

She tried to shrug out of Aoi's grasp, but her grip was like steel. Damn, this girl was a lot stronger than she looked. "Remember what I said."

"You're going to have to be a little more specific, Senoh."

Aoi's gentle smile disappeared, her expression turned serious. "It's going to be hard without your father."

Natsuki's brows narrowed, but she remained silent.

"You're going to need help."

"I don't need your help," Natsuki almost spat, "Or hers. I barely even know either of you."

"Think about it, Natsuki."

"There's nothing to think about."

Aoi sighed, releasing her shoulder. Natsuki took a few steps back, suddenly unable to stand in such close proximity to this mysterious young woman. Aoi, like the stranger from before, made the hairs on her arms and the back of her neck stand up.

"I'm going to be late for class." Natsuki said.

Aoi's smile returned. "Since when have you cared about being on time for class?"

"Since now."

Aoi waited until Natsuki was almost out of earshot before saying, "Kids are expensive."

She got the reaction she wanted. Natsuki stopped dead in her tracks. Her head whipped around, her eyes wide, her expression incredulous. She stalked back up to the shorter woman. "What did you say?"

"I said 'kids are expensive' Natsuki." she sang in that smooth, airy voice of hers. She poked Natsuki in the chest. "Especially twins."

She giggled at the dumbfounded expression on Natsuki's face. "Aw, you look like a puppy. How cute."

"How." Natsuki demanded, seeing as there would be no point in denying it. Aoi somehow knew things she shouldn't. She knew her girlfriend wouldn't have told her. Shizuru didn't even know her, and she knew that because Aoi was a second year, like herself, and Shizuru was a third year being a year older and all.

Aoi tugged on Natsuki's elbow and led her over to somewhere a bit less out in the open. They were now standing in the middle of an empty, rarely used unisex restroom. Aoi absently traced over a drawing of a penis on the side of the sink.

"I think you know how." she winked, her gaze drifting downward.

A blush erupted on Natsuki's pale cheeks. She placed a hand over her lap and turned to the side, effectively obscuring Aoi's view of her groin. "Cut it out!" she barked.

Aoi smirked. "You know, for being Fuuka's resident 'Ice Queen' you're awfully shy and easily riled up."

"Senoh," Natsuki growled warningly.

Aoi help up her hands defensively. "You call me by my surname, but you have no idea who the Senohs are, do you?"

She took Natsuki's silence as confirmation. She slowly circled the taller girl, like a predator. Natsuki didn't like it. She didn't like the fact that she felt like the sheep and Aoi the wolf.

"My family has been around almost as long as yours, best known for Tengenjutsu."

"Fortune tellers?" Natsuki translated, frowning. No one actually believed that silly nonsense, did they?

Aoi nodded. "You know, it was my grandmother who predicted Tei Mei's affair. How do you think she was able to hide her pregnancy for so long? She was also the one to fortel Kagura's death."

"Bullshit."

"Your were born December 23, 1997 to a single mother."

"Bull. Shit."

"Your favorite color is blue."

"..."

"You want to be a detective when you grow up. Or a professional motorcycle racer."

"..."

"'Keira' will be born first."

No fucking way.

"You-"

"Okay!" Natsuki exclaimed, her brow twitching with annoyance. She glared at Aoi. The girl's face was the epitome of smug. "You can't tell anyone."

"Are you ashamed?"

Natsuki's eyes darkened. With a furious growl, she used her uninjured hand to force Aoi against the wall. She'd never hit a woman, but she'd certainly assert her dominance. "I would never be ashamed of Shizuru or my kids. The way I see it, it's nobody's fucking business. Especially not yours."

She released her and backed away. Aoi wasn't deterred in the slightest. She straightened out her collar and folded her hands behind her back. "Of course. I'm just saying, though. Remember, if you ever need anything don't hesitate to let me know, Nat~su~ki." And with that, the enigmatic brunette stalked out of the bathroom, leaving a fuming and flabbergasted Natsuki in her wake.

"Gah! Don't say my name like that!"

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