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TITLE: Intents and Purposes
SERIES: My Otome
AUTHOR: Dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Haruka/Yukino.
SUMMARY: Haruka Armitage and Yukino Chrysant have done everything in their lives for a common purpose with a shared intent.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my dislike of hot weather.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sara Gallagher and her hat come onto the scene.
Intents and Purposes
By: Dreiser
Nine -- Part Two
Manners hadn't been enforced with Haruka as they had been for Yukino growing up because of the brunette's obvious position in the spotlight as a Senator's daughter but the blonde was a very considerate person. That's why her being late to their arranged lunch at their favorite café in Wind City was worrying for Yukino. It simply wasn't like Haruka and she started to rise to her feet, planning on perhaps searching for the younger girl though she had no idea how to find her, when she saw her figure emerge through the crowd. Haruka had a grumpy look on her features and her arm was occupied by Shizuru Viola who wore a teasing smile as she clung to the blonde.
A great swell of irritation came over Yukino and she approached the two, well aware of the frown on her face and the look of apology that Haruka was giving her. The blonde knew her feelings about her former roommate, how they were anything but friendly since the enrollment battle and that being so, Yukino wondered why the younger girl had brought Shizuru with her. Those manners that had been instilled in her kept Yukino from voicing this but the thoughts were there and clearly on display for Haruka, who knew her better than anyone, to see.
"I couldn't get rid of her," Haruka said once they reached Yukino and though her expression was flat, obviously not wanting to give anything away to Shizuru, her violet eyes seemed to plead for understanding. "I tried but the bubuzuke was impossible to lose."
"Haruka-chan," murmured Yukino, taking a step closer to the blonde and subtly displacing Shizuru, causing the other girl to step aside as she cupped Haruka's cheek, smiling when the blonde leaned into her touch and sighed softly. "It's all right." She tilted her head to one side and it took all of her years of practice to force a polite smile onto her face as she regarded Shizuru. "Viola-san," she greeted. Normally she would've said a pleasure to meet you, nice to meet you, but they would be lies at this time and she didn't have it in her to do that. Instead Yukino kept the smile on her face and said evenly, "Haruka-chan speaks of you often. I have always wanted us to meet."
It wasn't a lie, although wanting to meet Shizuru wasn't exactly a current desire. Before Shizuru could reply, Haruka coughed nervously and nodded to their usual table which seated two and turned back to Shizuru with a scowl. "If you're sticking around we need to find another table, bubuzuke," she grumbled, obviously accepting the unhappy reality that she wouldn't be able to stop this meeting from occurring.
"Ara," Shizuru said and she formed a pleasant smile. "Then I shall find a waitress and get us another one."
With that, Shizuru was gone and they were alone and Yukino found herself met by a strangely anxious Haruka. Her hands held in a soft but strong grip and Haruka was inspecting her closely, stepping forward so there was hardly any space between them as she said, "I tried to get rid of her, honest I did, Yukino. She wouldn't let me shake her off then I thought I lost her in this crowd but--"
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name soothingly, holding the younger girl's face in her hands and kissing her tenderly. When she pulled away, looking into those apologetic eyes, she smiled sweetly and murmured, "It's all right. I can handle this."
"But you were so mad about the battle," Haruka frowned deeply. "I told bubuzuke it wasn't a good idea but she wouldn't give up."
"I know," said Yukino with a smile, imagining the situation clearly from having heard of the countless times that Shizuru talked Haruka into things she was reluctant towards or outright wanted nothing to do with. Running her hand down Haruka's side in a calming caress, she said, "Everything will be fine, Haruka-chan. You don't need to worry about a thing."
It was then that Shizuru returned, full of charm and smiles, an enamored waitress at her side who directed them to a new table. They placed their orders and an awkward silence came over the table, Haruka not so covertly shifting her attention from Yukino to Shizuru then back, and Yukino knew the younger girl was worried about her feelings towards Shizuru, the resentment that never quite went away after the enrollment battle. For her part, Yukino did her best to calm Haruka's nerves, holding her hand and squeezing it gently, forming a reassuring smile that Haruka eventually reciprocated and all of this was observed by the inquisitive eyes of Shizuru.
"Chrysant-san," Shizuru began smoothly, offering her most beautiful smile which caused Yukino to clench her free hand underneath the table into a fist. "I wanted to meet with you, to thank you for everything that you did for myself and Natsuki. She told me about your conversation in the coliseum before the enrollment battle and Haruka-san confirmed it was your idea to force the issue to light through a challenge. If it hadn't been for your plan and Haruka-san's kindness then I'm not certain I would be so happy and content with my Natsuki today."
Although she wasn't by any means a street smart person, Yukino had always been able to read people, to understand their motives and interpret their intentions. That was what allowed her to see that Shizuru was telling the truth. She was sincere in her gratitude towards both Yukino and Haruka for their help in reconciling her with Natsuki and part of Yukino was moved and she was happy for the other girl but another part of her just couldn't let go of the anger as she recalled the image of Haruka, broken and defeated under that wall, her spirit diminished when she discovered how much Shizuru had been holding back in all their previous battles. It was that part of her that kept her from whole heartedly accepting Shizuru's thanks as much as she might have wanted.
"You're welcome, I'm glad I could help," said Yukino evenly, keeping her tone and expression neutral. Though a smile did curve on her lips as she looked to Haruka and murmured, "Haruka-chan was the reason I thought of it though. She was preoccupied with concern for you."
"Yukino!" Haruka blustered and she turned dark red, scowling in embarrassment only to have it disappear when she was met with Yukino's loving smile and felt her hand caress her thigh in an affectionate touch. Ducking her head, she muttered, "I wasn't that concerned."
"Of course, Haruka-chan," said Yukino affectionately, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind Haruka's ear and smiling.
"Haruka-san denies it time and time again but she's a very considerate person," Shizuru said with a winsome smile. "My time at Garderobe would have been lonely indeed if I didn't have her by my side. Although sometimes I wonder if she thinks the same of me."
"Bubuzuke, you talk too much," grumbled Haruka, the red tinge still on her cheeks. "We're friends, you know that."
"I do but at times I wonder if Haruka-san doesn't care for me as much as I care for her," teased Shizuru and Yukino's grip on Haruka's hand suddenly tightened, causing the blonde to look at her girlfriend in surprise. It was then that the food arrived and Shizuru was distracted by the presence of their waitress who continued to blush and giggle and look at Shizuru with adoring eyes.
Once they were left alone, Shizuru turned to them and wore a small smile that seemed to echo of regret. "My Natsuki wanted to accompany us today, she also has much to thank you for, not as much as I but she wanted to do it all the same. However, even with the backing of two members of the Trias we couldn't get the Principal to sway on allowing a second year Coral to leave the grounds," Shizuru said. Her rust colored eyes drifted about the city, taking in the sights and sounds, sighing as she murmured, "I fear it will be quite some time before I may take her on a proper date as Haruka-san often does for her Yukino."
"I don't think the kid cares," said Haruka sardonically. She speared a piece of the rare orange that was native only to Windbloom and offered it to Yukino who she knew was fond of the fruit. "Seems to me being with you is more than enough to keep her happy, bubuzuke."
"Haruka-san is kind as always," Shizuru complimented and the blonde rolled her eyes as she pressed the fruit against Yukino's lips, smiling when the older girl finally took a bite of the food. Shizuru observed Haruka wiping at the corners of Yukino's mouth, her eyes twinkling as she said, "And she is a most attentive partner as well. I hope my Natsuki will follow in her footsteps."
"Right," Haruka snorted, directing her gaze from Yukino to Shizuru. "I don't see her taking after me, Shizuru."
The lunch continued on, filled with banter on the part of Haruka and Shizuru, with Yukino keeping relatively silent. Part of her was aware that she wasn't being as polite and friendly as she could but Yukino didn't have it in her to force it. Not with Shizuru, not when she kept seeing the aftermath of the enrollment battle, Haruka crumpled under the weight of that wall and Shizuru smiling proudly, bowing to her cheering audience and all because Haruka had been determined to help her. More than that, she couldn't move past that hurt expression on Haruka's face as she realized how Shizuru had been holding back during all their together at Garderobe. That was what kept her silent and she knew Haruka was aware of her mood by the way the blonde gave her concerned glances and extra attention.
When it got to the point where Haruka was shifting uncomfortably in her seat, obviously trying to put off answering the call of nature, Yukino sighed and decided to take things into her own hands. "Haruka-chan," she said her name kindly, smiling when Haruka looked her way with a slight grimace on her features. "It's all right. Viola-san and I will be perfectly fine on our own for a few minutes."
"Yukino," Haruka said her name with a frown, though she shifted again in her seat. Yukino could practically see the wheels turning in the younger girl's mind as she debated whether she could continue to hold on and if the brunette was telling the truth. "You sure?"
"I'm positive," said Yukino with a smile, touching Haruka's cheek softly. "Go on. We'll be right here waiting."
Another pause as Haruka searched Yukino's gaze, looking for confirmation and reassurance, and finding what she needed, she nodded and rose to her feet only to immediately point an accusing finger at Shizuru. "You better not try anything perverted with Yukino while I'm gone, bubuzuke!" she growled. "I'm warning you."
"Haruka-san thinks badly of me, it's upsetting," Shizuru pouted and Haruka rolled her eyes, kissing Yukino before walking off. The moment she was out of sight, Shizuru turned to Yukino and remarked in carefully measured tones, "I think Chrysant-san is cross with me."
"You think right," replied Yukino in equally measured tones. "And I think you know why."
"The enrollment battle," said Shizuru quietly and Yukino watched a real look of regret pass over her beautiful features. "I realize I went overboard in my tactics but I was fighting for my Natsuki and for once not entirely using my head. I shouldn't have gone that far, not when I knew very well why Haruka-san had challenged me. Please, believe me, I am sorry for injuring her. I never meant for that to happen."
Shizuru was telling the truth, Yukino could see that but she didn't understand what really hurt Haruka that day and that caused Yukino to frown as she said, "I believe you but that isn't what I'm the most upset about. You don't understand what you did to Haruka-chan, do you? It wasn't that you defeated her so quickly and injured her in the battle it was the fact that with that battle you let her know how much you've been holding back all these years with her at Garderobe. If you know Haruka-chan at all you know how much trying her very best, working her hardest, means to her. Finding out that you haven't been doing either of those things with her, that you've let her win…" Yukino trailed off, a look of disgust on her face. "It was the cruelest thing you could have done to her. She would've rather lost a thousand battles than to know that."
"Chrysant-san," said Shizuru in a whisper, her eyes going wide, and her skin paling. "I never meant…"
"I know that too," murmured Yukino in solemn tones. "But I thought you should know. Haruka-chan hasn't been able to tell you as far as I can tell and this isn't the sort of thing that should be allowed to fester. Especially if you really do consider yourself her friend."
"I do," said Shizuru quietly and she had a miserable look on her features, her gaze moving away from Yukino to look out into the crowd. "Haruka-san was my first real friend, I think. Everyone else I knew before her treated me carefully, delicately, because of my father's status in Windbloom. They all wanted something from me but Haruka-san, she never did, she just treated me as one person would another and she was the first to ever admit she was annoyed or angry with me and she became so precious because of that." Moving her gaze back to Yukino, a kind of muted desperation in her rust colored eyes, Shizuru continued, "Rank doesn't matter to me. All I want is to become an Otome, to graduate from Garderobe, and Haruka-san cares so much about her placement. I just thought--"
"You would let her win since it matters to her and you could care less," Yukino finished knowingly and she released a sigh. "I understand the impulse but that isn't what Haruka-chan would have wanted. That isn't how she thinks she could best improve."
There was a long and uncomfortable silence then Shizuru looked to Yukino and the older girl swore there was a plea in her gaze as she said, "What should I do?"
"Talking to Haruka-chan about it would be a good start," said Yukino matter factly and while her anger at Shizuru had dissipated since they began this conversation her resentment remained, though it had lessened, and it kept her tone more professional than friendly. "If you want to have her as a friend this can't go on."
A subtle nod of assent was Shizuru's response and she tilted her head, studying Yukino with a lidded gaze. Then she murmured, "I think that Haruka-san is lucky to have someone like you love her. Most would consider her the fierce one but they would be wrong, wouldn't they?"
Yukino blushed at this and started to reply but the sound of Haruka's voice burst onto the scene, accusing Shizuru of saying something perverted to Yukino despite her warning and soon the two Otome in training devolved into a something of an argument. Not an actual one by any means, not if you considered how Shizuru smiled throughout it and Haruka didn't have a speck of animosity in her tones. By the time lunch came to an end and Yukino said her goodbyes to Haruka and Shizuru, she knew her resentment towards Shizuru wasn't entirely gone but it was quickly disappearing. Especially in the face of Shizuru's obvious regret and feelings of friendship for Haruka.
---
They had just stepped onto the Garderobe campus when Shizuru turned to Haruka and said something that the blonde never thought she would hear from her. "I'm sorry," passed smoothly from Shizuru's lips but unnaturally also. Maybe because Haruka always had the belief Shizuru never did anything that she felt she would remotely need to apologize for. If you disregarded the incident with Natsuki, that is.
"Bubuzuke?" questioned Haruka with confusion, blinking at the other girl. "What's this about?"
"The enrollment battle," said Shizuru simply. "I'm sorry for what happened on that day, Haruka-san. I'm sorry for what I did to you."
"What?" Haruka muttered and a dark look formed on her features. "You apologize for finally fighting me with your full strength?"
"Haruka-san," Shizuru said sadly, stepping closer to the blonde but stopping when Haruka folded her arms across her chest. "I--"
"Just tell me one thing," interrupted Haruka, staring Shizuru down hard, her gaze unflinching. "Why did you let me win those other times, bubuzuke? I know that's what you did, there's way you didn't, not with how much better you are than me."
It was another first, seeing Shizuru hesitate, watching her waver, and Haruka felt herself begin to soften, her anger falling away as Shizuru turned to her and said, "Haruka-san is the only person I consider a friend. My Natsuki… she's different. She's my love and that's not the same as being a friend but Haruka-san, she has always been honest with me, she treated me as she would any other person, never giving me favor or excuses, never pretending to like the things about me which irritated her and I cherish you for that, Haruka-san, I do. I've never cared about my rank at Garderobe, just the end result of graduating and becoming an Otome, but you do and it didn't matter to me, losing those battles."
"But I care about winning," Haruka finished, watching the brunette nod her head. Releasing a puff of air, Haruka started walking again, aware Shizuru was following after as she said, "That's not what I want, bubuzuke. Winning doesn't count for anything if from the start the fight is fixed and that's what all those were, fixed fights because you weren't giving it your best. Sure I want to win but more than that I want to be the best I can and that'll only happen if I get to train and battle against strong opponents. I don't know how much but I'm sure I could've been stronger, a lot stronger by now, if you'd given it your all against me from the start because I would've been forced to work that much harder to keep up with you. Now I've lost all that training time and we're about to graduate. That's what bugs me the most."
"Haruka-san," Shizuru said her name again, looking at the blonde forlornly. "I don't know what else to say."
"Say that from now on you'll fight me with your full strength," said Haruka, facing Shizuru with determination. "If you do that then it'll start to make up for the rest of it, bubuzuke. And maybe I can start to catch up on all that training time that's long gone."
"I will, I promise," said Shizuru earnestly and she offered her hand which Haruka stared at for a moment before accepting it.
Shaking the brunette's hand vigorously, Haruka formed a reckless grin and tugged Shizuru to her, wrapping her free arm around her back to give a one armed hug of sorts, leaning in close to murmur in Shizuru's ear, "I find out you're holding back again, I'll spank you as punishment."
"Haruka-san," Shizuru drew her name out in teasing tones with a hint of exaggerated shock. "I didn't realize you enjoyed such things."
Instantly, Haruka's face reddened and she shouted Shizuru's name, causing the brunette to giggle in delight and run away from the blonde, her eyes lighting up when she spotted Natsuki busy with the outdoor cleaning chores. "Natsuki!" Shizuru cried out in delight, running up to the younger girl and pouncing on her for a tight hug. "I've missed you."
"Shizuru-oneesama!" Natsuki exclaimed and she blushed from ear to ear though she made no attempt to escape from Shizuru's embrace. She took notice of Haruka approaching at a subdued pace and bowed the best she could with Shizuru hanging onto her. "Haruka-oneesama, hello!"
"Natsuki-san," said Haruka in droll tones. "Try and keep the bubuzuke in line, will you? She's running rampant again, said perverted things to Yukino when we went out to lunch. That's why I wanted you to come along."
Natsuki directed a suspicious gaze towards Shizuru who pouted and clung to the Coral that much tighter. "My Natsuki shouldn't listen to what Haruka-san has to say. She's jealous of our love," she declared and Haruka snorted then rolled her eyes at this while Natsuki blushed again.
"I don't have anything to be jealous about," Haruka asserted, nodding in a goodbye to Natsuki and waving off Shizuru's teasing protests as she walked away. She hadn't gotten far when she spotted Sara Gallagher sweeping the walk alone and an unconscious smile formed on her lips on seeing the blonde Coral who was wearing a black hat that was definitely not Garderobe regulation. Walking over to the girl, she called out by way of greeting, "Oi, you Coral! What's with the hat?"
Looking up from her sweeping, a bright smile formed on Sara's features and she dropped her broom and jogged over to the taller blonde who waited for her with a crooked smile. "Haruka-oneesama!" she said happily, coming to a stop in front of the older girl as she tugged her hat down so it rested just above her eyes. A light blush covering her face, she said, "It belongs to my father. Sometimes I like to wear it to remind myself of him. Helps with the homesickness." Ducking her head, she continued, "Haruka-oneesama probably never feels that way."
"No," Haruka disagreed in a mutter, adjusting the hat and smiling when Sara looked up to meet their eyes. "I used to feel that way all the time. Except I didn't take a hat, I got a pair of old glasses and a flag that belong to the person I love the most."
"Haruka-oneesama," Sara breathed, her eyes going wide. "Really?"
"Really," said Haruka, a hint of a grin on her lips. "But don't tell those other squealing Corals, would you? They'd make something out of it." Walking over to where Sara had been working, she picked up the broom and began sweeping, her grin growing bigger at Sara's protest and she raised an eyebrow and said with dry humor, "You don't think I ever swept around here? I used to do it for myself and the bubuzuke, she was always finding some way to get out of stuff like that. Remind me to tell you about our wilderness exam sometime."
"Haruka-oneesama is a Pearl, she shouldn't be doing chores assigned to me," said Sara with a frown.
"Me sweeping while we're talking doesn't hurt anything," said Haruka stubbornly, pushing some leaves aside. "Besides," she nodded towards a group of Corals who were several feet away and watching them with wide eyes. "This is keeping them at a nicer distance than usual."
Directing her attention towards the crowd, Sara turned back to Haruka, a wry expression on her features that was also fond. "You don't like the attention, do you, Haruka-oneesama? I've seen how you yell at them sometimes. You know they're your fans, don't you?" she asked.
Scoffing at this, Haruka moved down the walkway, sweeping it in a large movement as she said, "We're all students here. Just because I'm a Pearl that doesn’t make me better than them or something to be admired. They should be concentrating on their studies instead of mooning over people who really aren't as special as they'd like to think. It's a waste of their time and training to be occupied with stuff like that."
"Is that why you haven't taken a heya-gakkari?" asked Sara boldly.
"They're talking about that again, are they?" responded Haruka in deprecating tones. Turning to Sara and moving her sweeping towards the walkway and near the younger girl, she said, "I don't see the point of having one. I keep my room plenty clean on my own and just the idea of having a personal servant doesn't sit right with me. Especially considering how I don't like the Pearl and Coral ranking system as it is."
"That's not all it's about though," said Sara passionately, stepping forward and her face suddenly determined. "It's about a sempai helping an underclassman of their choice, taking them under their wing and aiding them through the difficult times, training and things like that. Creating a closer bond between the students. Doesn't Haruka-oneesama want to participate in something like that?"
"If a Coral really wants my help all they have to do is ask. I don't need a heya-gakkari to do that," said Haruka candidly. She lifted an eyebrow and studied Sara closely as she said, "I'm helping you, aren't I?"
"Yes," said Sara and a bare hint of a blush covered her cheeks as she nodded. "You are."
"So what's the point of having a room attendant?" asked Haruka skeptically, handing the broom over to Sara. "It's a waste of time and I don't like the idea of me ordering around another girl just because she's not in the same rank class as me and I'm not like the bubuzuke, all caught up in a school romance and using that as an excuse to spend more time with the person I love so there's no sensation in it for me."
For a moment Sara kept her head down, looking disappointed, then she lifted it and there was a gleam in her brilliant green eyes and she sang out Haruka's name as she asserted, "Haruka-oneesama! It's SENSE not sensation." Skipping over to the older blonde, she wagged a finger in her face, and grinned when Haruka formed a scowl. "Remember what I said about needing to be careful with your words?"
"Right, right," Haruka grumbled, rolling her eyes, and putting up with Sara's lecture as they walked through the grounds together, moving onto the portion that the Pearl knew from her own chore list as a Coral was next up to be swept. "That's what I meant though."
"But that isn't what you said," pointed out Sara cheerfully, laughing when Haruka lightly held her neck and shook her gently.
They continued on their walk, aware of the crowd of Corals trailing after them, but not the envious looks on their faces as they observed Sara's interaction with the normally reticent Haruka. It was the only time they had seen her act this way with someone other than Shizuru and the fact it was Sara with her perfect test scores and unflappable nature just served to stoke a jealousy in many that wouldn't soon go away.
To be continued…
SERIES: My Otome
AUTHOR: Dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Haruka/Yukino.
SUMMARY: Haruka Armitage and Yukino Chrysant have done everything in their lives for a common purpose with a shared intent.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my dislike of hot weather.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sara Gallagher and her hat come onto the scene.
Intents and Purposes
By: Dreiser
Nine -- Part Two
Manners hadn't been enforced with Haruka as they had been for Yukino growing up because of the brunette's obvious position in the spotlight as a Senator's daughter but the blonde was a very considerate person. That's why her being late to their arranged lunch at their favorite café in Wind City was worrying for Yukino. It simply wasn't like Haruka and she started to rise to her feet, planning on perhaps searching for the younger girl though she had no idea how to find her, when she saw her figure emerge through the crowd. Haruka had a grumpy look on her features and her arm was occupied by Shizuru Viola who wore a teasing smile as she clung to the blonde.
A great swell of irritation came over Yukino and she approached the two, well aware of the frown on her face and the look of apology that Haruka was giving her. The blonde knew her feelings about her former roommate, how they were anything but friendly since the enrollment battle and that being so, Yukino wondered why the younger girl had brought Shizuru with her. Those manners that had been instilled in her kept Yukino from voicing this but the thoughts were there and clearly on display for Haruka, who knew her better than anyone, to see.
"I couldn't get rid of her," Haruka said once they reached Yukino and though her expression was flat, obviously not wanting to give anything away to Shizuru, her violet eyes seemed to plead for understanding. "I tried but the bubuzuke was impossible to lose."
"Haruka-chan," murmured Yukino, taking a step closer to the blonde and subtly displacing Shizuru, causing the other girl to step aside as she cupped Haruka's cheek, smiling when the blonde leaned into her touch and sighed softly. "It's all right." She tilted her head to one side and it took all of her years of practice to force a polite smile onto her face as she regarded Shizuru. "Viola-san," she greeted. Normally she would've said a pleasure to meet you, nice to meet you, but they would be lies at this time and she didn't have it in her to do that. Instead Yukino kept the smile on her face and said evenly, "Haruka-chan speaks of you often. I have always wanted us to meet."
It wasn't a lie, although wanting to meet Shizuru wasn't exactly a current desire. Before Shizuru could reply, Haruka coughed nervously and nodded to their usual table which seated two and turned back to Shizuru with a scowl. "If you're sticking around we need to find another table, bubuzuke," she grumbled, obviously accepting the unhappy reality that she wouldn't be able to stop this meeting from occurring.
"Ara," Shizuru said and she formed a pleasant smile. "Then I shall find a waitress and get us another one."
With that, Shizuru was gone and they were alone and Yukino found herself met by a strangely anxious Haruka. Her hands held in a soft but strong grip and Haruka was inspecting her closely, stepping forward so there was hardly any space between them as she said, "I tried to get rid of her, honest I did, Yukino. She wouldn't let me shake her off then I thought I lost her in this crowd but--"
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name soothingly, holding the younger girl's face in her hands and kissing her tenderly. When she pulled away, looking into those apologetic eyes, she smiled sweetly and murmured, "It's all right. I can handle this."
"But you were so mad about the battle," Haruka frowned deeply. "I told bubuzuke it wasn't a good idea but she wouldn't give up."
"I know," said Yukino with a smile, imagining the situation clearly from having heard of the countless times that Shizuru talked Haruka into things she was reluctant towards or outright wanted nothing to do with. Running her hand down Haruka's side in a calming caress, she said, "Everything will be fine, Haruka-chan. You don't need to worry about a thing."
It was then that Shizuru returned, full of charm and smiles, an enamored waitress at her side who directed them to a new table. They placed their orders and an awkward silence came over the table, Haruka not so covertly shifting her attention from Yukino to Shizuru then back, and Yukino knew the younger girl was worried about her feelings towards Shizuru, the resentment that never quite went away after the enrollment battle. For her part, Yukino did her best to calm Haruka's nerves, holding her hand and squeezing it gently, forming a reassuring smile that Haruka eventually reciprocated and all of this was observed by the inquisitive eyes of Shizuru.
"Chrysant-san," Shizuru began smoothly, offering her most beautiful smile which caused Yukino to clench her free hand underneath the table into a fist. "I wanted to meet with you, to thank you for everything that you did for myself and Natsuki. She told me about your conversation in the coliseum before the enrollment battle and Haruka-san confirmed it was your idea to force the issue to light through a challenge. If it hadn't been for your plan and Haruka-san's kindness then I'm not certain I would be so happy and content with my Natsuki today."
Although she wasn't by any means a street smart person, Yukino had always been able to read people, to understand their motives and interpret their intentions. That was what allowed her to see that Shizuru was telling the truth. She was sincere in her gratitude towards both Yukino and Haruka for their help in reconciling her with Natsuki and part of Yukino was moved and she was happy for the other girl but another part of her just couldn't let go of the anger as she recalled the image of Haruka, broken and defeated under that wall, her spirit diminished when she discovered how much Shizuru had been holding back in all their previous battles. It was that part of her that kept her from whole heartedly accepting Shizuru's thanks as much as she might have wanted.
"You're welcome, I'm glad I could help," said Yukino evenly, keeping her tone and expression neutral. Though a smile did curve on her lips as she looked to Haruka and murmured, "Haruka-chan was the reason I thought of it though. She was preoccupied with concern for you."
"Yukino!" Haruka blustered and she turned dark red, scowling in embarrassment only to have it disappear when she was met with Yukino's loving smile and felt her hand caress her thigh in an affectionate touch. Ducking her head, she muttered, "I wasn't that concerned."
"Of course, Haruka-chan," said Yukino affectionately, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind Haruka's ear and smiling.
"Haruka-san denies it time and time again but she's a very considerate person," Shizuru said with a winsome smile. "My time at Garderobe would have been lonely indeed if I didn't have her by my side. Although sometimes I wonder if she thinks the same of me."
"Bubuzuke, you talk too much," grumbled Haruka, the red tinge still on her cheeks. "We're friends, you know that."
"I do but at times I wonder if Haruka-san doesn't care for me as much as I care for her," teased Shizuru and Yukino's grip on Haruka's hand suddenly tightened, causing the blonde to look at her girlfriend in surprise. It was then that the food arrived and Shizuru was distracted by the presence of their waitress who continued to blush and giggle and look at Shizuru with adoring eyes.
Once they were left alone, Shizuru turned to them and wore a small smile that seemed to echo of regret. "My Natsuki wanted to accompany us today, she also has much to thank you for, not as much as I but she wanted to do it all the same. However, even with the backing of two members of the Trias we couldn't get the Principal to sway on allowing a second year Coral to leave the grounds," Shizuru said. Her rust colored eyes drifted about the city, taking in the sights and sounds, sighing as she murmured, "I fear it will be quite some time before I may take her on a proper date as Haruka-san often does for her Yukino."
"I don't think the kid cares," said Haruka sardonically. She speared a piece of the rare orange that was native only to Windbloom and offered it to Yukino who she knew was fond of the fruit. "Seems to me being with you is more than enough to keep her happy, bubuzuke."
"Haruka-san is kind as always," Shizuru complimented and the blonde rolled her eyes as she pressed the fruit against Yukino's lips, smiling when the older girl finally took a bite of the food. Shizuru observed Haruka wiping at the corners of Yukino's mouth, her eyes twinkling as she said, "And she is a most attentive partner as well. I hope my Natsuki will follow in her footsteps."
"Right," Haruka snorted, directing her gaze from Yukino to Shizuru. "I don't see her taking after me, Shizuru."
The lunch continued on, filled with banter on the part of Haruka and Shizuru, with Yukino keeping relatively silent. Part of her was aware that she wasn't being as polite and friendly as she could but Yukino didn't have it in her to force it. Not with Shizuru, not when she kept seeing the aftermath of the enrollment battle, Haruka crumpled under the weight of that wall and Shizuru smiling proudly, bowing to her cheering audience and all because Haruka had been determined to help her. More than that, she couldn't move past that hurt expression on Haruka's face as she realized how Shizuru had been holding back during all their together at Garderobe. That was what kept her silent and she knew Haruka was aware of her mood by the way the blonde gave her concerned glances and extra attention.
When it got to the point where Haruka was shifting uncomfortably in her seat, obviously trying to put off answering the call of nature, Yukino sighed and decided to take things into her own hands. "Haruka-chan," she said her name kindly, smiling when Haruka looked her way with a slight grimace on her features. "It's all right. Viola-san and I will be perfectly fine on our own for a few minutes."
"Yukino," Haruka said her name with a frown, though she shifted again in her seat. Yukino could practically see the wheels turning in the younger girl's mind as she debated whether she could continue to hold on and if the brunette was telling the truth. "You sure?"
"I'm positive," said Yukino with a smile, touching Haruka's cheek softly. "Go on. We'll be right here waiting."
Another pause as Haruka searched Yukino's gaze, looking for confirmation and reassurance, and finding what she needed, she nodded and rose to her feet only to immediately point an accusing finger at Shizuru. "You better not try anything perverted with Yukino while I'm gone, bubuzuke!" she growled. "I'm warning you."
"Haruka-san thinks badly of me, it's upsetting," Shizuru pouted and Haruka rolled her eyes, kissing Yukino before walking off. The moment she was out of sight, Shizuru turned to Yukino and remarked in carefully measured tones, "I think Chrysant-san is cross with me."
"You think right," replied Yukino in equally measured tones. "And I think you know why."
"The enrollment battle," said Shizuru quietly and Yukino watched a real look of regret pass over her beautiful features. "I realize I went overboard in my tactics but I was fighting for my Natsuki and for once not entirely using my head. I shouldn't have gone that far, not when I knew very well why Haruka-san had challenged me. Please, believe me, I am sorry for injuring her. I never meant for that to happen."
Shizuru was telling the truth, Yukino could see that but she didn't understand what really hurt Haruka that day and that caused Yukino to frown as she said, "I believe you but that isn't what I'm the most upset about. You don't understand what you did to Haruka-chan, do you? It wasn't that you defeated her so quickly and injured her in the battle it was the fact that with that battle you let her know how much you've been holding back all these years with her at Garderobe. If you know Haruka-chan at all you know how much trying her very best, working her hardest, means to her. Finding out that you haven't been doing either of those things with her, that you've let her win…" Yukino trailed off, a look of disgust on her face. "It was the cruelest thing you could have done to her. She would've rather lost a thousand battles than to know that."
"Chrysant-san," said Shizuru in a whisper, her eyes going wide, and her skin paling. "I never meant…"
"I know that too," murmured Yukino in solemn tones. "But I thought you should know. Haruka-chan hasn't been able to tell you as far as I can tell and this isn't the sort of thing that should be allowed to fester. Especially if you really do consider yourself her friend."
"I do," said Shizuru quietly and she had a miserable look on her features, her gaze moving away from Yukino to look out into the crowd. "Haruka-san was my first real friend, I think. Everyone else I knew before her treated me carefully, delicately, because of my father's status in Windbloom. They all wanted something from me but Haruka-san, she never did, she just treated me as one person would another and she was the first to ever admit she was annoyed or angry with me and she became so precious because of that." Moving her gaze back to Yukino, a kind of muted desperation in her rust colored eyes, Shizuru continued, "Rank doesn't matter to me. All I want is to become an Otome, to graduate from Garderobe, and Haruka-san cares so much about her placement. I just thought--"
"You would let her win since it matters to her and you could care less," Yukino finished knowingly and she released a sigh. "I understand the impulse but that isn't what Haruka-chan would have wanted. That isn't how she thinks she could best improve."
There was a long and uncomfortable silence then Shizuru looked to Yukino and the older girl swore there was a plea in her gaze as she said, "What should I do?"
"Talking to Haruka-chan about it would be a good start," said Yukino matter factly and while her anger at Shizuru had dissipated since they began this conversation her resentment remained, though it had lessened, and it kept her tone more professional than friendly. "If you want to have her as a friend this can't go on."
A subtle nod of assent was Shizuru's response and she tilted her head, studying Yukino with a lidded gaze. Then she murmured, "I think that Haruka-san is lucky to have someone like you love her. Most would consider her the fierce one but they would be wrong, wouldn't they?"
Yukino blushed at this and started to reply but the sound of Haruka's voice burst onto the scene, accusing Shizuru of saying something perverted to Yukino despite her warning and soon the two Otome in training devolved into a something of an argument. Not an actual one by any means, not if you considered how Shizuru smiled throughout it and Haruka didn't have a speck of animosity in her tones. By the time lunch came to an end and Yukino said her goodbyes to Haruka and Shizuru, she knew her resentment towards Shizuru wasn't entirely gone but it was quickly disappearing. Especially in the face of Shizuru's obvious regret and feelings of friendship for Haruka.
---
They had just stepped onto the Garderobe campus when Shizuru turned to Haruka and said something that the blonde never thought she would hear from her. "I'm sorry," passed smoothly from Shizuru's lips but unnaturally also. Maybe because Haruka always had the belief Shizuru never did anything that she felt she would remotely need to apologize for. If you disregarded the incident with Natsuki, that is.
"Bubuzuke?" questioned Haruka with confusion, blinking at the other girl. "What's this about?"
"The enrollment battle," said Shizuru simply. "I'm sorry for what happened on that day, Haruka-san. I'm sorry for what I did to you."
"What?" Haruka muttered and a dark look formed on her features. "You apologize for finally fighting me with your full strength?"
"Haruka-san," Shizuru said sadly, stepping closer to the blonde but stopping when Haruka folded her arms across her chest. "I--"
"Just tell me one thing," interrupted Haruka, staring Shizuru down hard, her gaze unflinching. "Why did you let me win those other times, bubuzuke? I know that's what you did, there's way you didn't, not with how much better you are than me."
It was another first, seeing Shizuru hesitate, watching her waver, and Haruka felt herself begin to soften, her anger falling away as Shizuru turned to her and said, "Haruka-san is the only person I consider a friend. My Natsuki… she's different. She's my love and that's not the same as being a friend but Haruka-san, she has always been honest with me, she treated me as she would any other person, never giving me favor or excuses, never pretending to like the things about me which irritated her and I cherish you for that, Haruka-san, I do. I've never cared about my rank at Garderobe, just the end result of graduating and becoming an Otome, but you do and it didn't matter to me, losing those battles."
"But I care about winning," Haruka finished, watching the brunette nod her head. Releasing a puff of air, Haruka started walking again, aware Shizuru was following after as she said, "That's not what I want, bubuzuke. Winning doesn't count for anything if from the start the fight is fixed and that's what all those were, fixed fights because you weren't giving it your best. Sure I want to win but more than that I want to be the best I can and that'll only happen if I get to train and battle against strong opponents. I don't know how much but I'm sure I could've been stronger, a lot stronger by now, if you'd given it your all against me from the start because I would've been forced to work that much harder to keep up with you. Now I've lost all that training time and we're about to graduate. That's what bugs me the most."
"Haruka-san," Shizuru said her name again, looking at the blonde forlornly. "I don't know what else to say."
"Say that from now on you'll fight me with your full strength," said Haruka, facing Shizuru with determination. "If you do that then it'll start to make up for the rest of it, bubuzuke. And maybe I can start to catch up on all that training time that's long gone."
"I will, I promise," said Shizuru earnestly and she offered her hand which Haruka stared at for a moment before accepting it.
Shaking the brunette's hand vigorously, Haruka formed a reckless grin and tugged Shizuru to her, wrapping her free arm around her back to give a one armed hug of sorts, leaning in close to murmur in Shizuru's ear, "I find out you're holding back again, I'll spank you as punishment."
"Haruka-san," Shizuru drew her name out in teasing tones with a hint of exaggerated shock. "I didn't realize you enjoyed such things."
Instantly, Haruka's face reddened and she shouted Shizuru's name, causing the brunette to giggle in delight and run away from the blonde, her eyes lighting up when she spotted Natsuki busy with the outdoor cleaning chores. "Natsuki!" Shizuru cried out in delight, running up to the younger girl and pouncing on her for a tight hug. "I've missed you."
"Shizuru-oneesama!" Natsuki exclaimed and she blushed from ear to ear though she made no attempt to escape from Shizuru's embrace. She took notice of Haruka approaching at a subdued pace and bowed the best she could with Shizuru hanging onto her. "Haruka-oneesama, hello!"
"Natsuki-san," said Haruka in droll tones. "Try and keep the bubuzuke in line, will you? She's running rampant again, said perverted things to Yukino when we went out to lunch. That's why I wanted you to come along."
Natsuki directed a suspicious gaze towards Shizuru who pouted and clung to the Coral that much tighter. "My Natsuki shouldn't listen to what Haruka-san has to say. She's jealous of our love," she declared and Haruka snorted then rolled her eyes at this while Natsuki blushed again.
"I don't have anything to be jealous about," Haruka asserted, nodding in a goodbye to Natsuki and waving off Shizuru's teasing protests as she walked away. She hadn't gotten far when she spotted Sara Gallagher sweeping the walk alone and an unconscious smile formed on her lips on seeing the blonde Coral who was wearing a black hat that was definitely not Garderobe regulation. Walking over to the girl, she called out by way of greeting, "Oi, you Coral! What's with the hat?"
Looking up from her sweeping, a bright smile formed on Sara's features and she dropped her broom and jogged over to the taller blonde who waited for her with a crooked smile. "Haruka-oneesama!" she said happily, coming to a stop in front of the older girl as she tugged her hat down so it rested just above her eyes. A light blush covering her face, she said, "It belongs to my father. Sometimes I like to wear it to remind myself of him. Helps with the homesickness." Ducking her head, she continued, "Haruka-oneesama probably never feels that way."
"No," Haruka disagreed in a mutter, adjusting the hat and smiling when Sara looked up to meet their eyes. "I used to feel that way all the time. Except I didn't take a hat, I got a pair of old glasses and a flag that belong to the person I love the most."
"Haruka-oneesama," Sara breathed, her eyes going wide. "Really?"
"Really," said Haruka, a hint of a grin on her lips. "But don't tell those other squealing Corals, would you? They'd make something out of it." Walking over to where Sara had been working, she picked up the broom and began sweeping, her grin growing bigger at Sara's protest and she raised an eyebrow and said with dry humor, "You don't think I ever swept around here? I used to do it for myself and the bubuzuke, she was always finding some way to get out of stuff like that. Remind me to tell you about our wilderness exam sometime."
"Haruka-oneesama is a Pearl, she shouldn't be doing chores assigned to me," said Sara with a frown.
"Me sweeping while we're talking doesn't hurt anything," said Haruka stubbornly, pushing some leaves aside. "Besides," she nodded towards a group of Corals who were several feet away and watching them with wide eyes. "This is keeping them at a nicer distance than usual."
Directing her attention towards the crowd, Sara turned back to Haruka, a wry expression on her features that was also fond. "You don't like the attention, do you, Haruka-oneesama? I've seen how you yell at them sometimes. You know they're your fans, don't you?" she asked.
Scoffing at this, Haruka moved down the walkway, sweeping it in a large movement as she said, "We're all students here. Just because I'm a Pearl that doesn’t make me better than them or something to be admired. They should be concentrating on their studies instead of mooning over people who really aren't as special as they'd like to think. It's a waste of their time and training to be occupied with stuff like that."
"Is that why you haven't taken a heya-gakkari?" asked Sara boldly.
"They're talking about that again, are they?" responded Haruka in deprecating tones. Turning to Sara and moving her sweeping towards the walkway and near the younger girl, she said, "I don't see the point of having one. I keep my room plenty clean on my own and just the idea of having a personal servant doesn't sit right with me. Especially considering how I don't like the Pearl and Coral ranking system as it is."
"That's not all it's about though," said Sara passionately, stepping forward and her face suddenly determined. "It's about a sempai helping an underclassman of their choice, taking them under their wing and aiding them through the difficult times, training and things like that. Creating a closer bond between the students. Doesn't Haruka-oneesama want to participate in something like that?"
"If a Coral really wants my help all they have to do is ask. I don't need a heya-gakkari to do that," said Haruka candidly. She lifted an eyebrow and studied Sara closely as she said, "I'm helping you, aren't I?"
"Yes," said Sara and a bare hint of a blush covered her cheeks as she nodded. "You are."
"So what's the point of having a room attendant?" asked Haruka skeptically, handing the broom over to Sara. "It's a waste of time and I don't like the idea of me ordering around another girl just because she's not in the same rank class as me and I'm not like the bubuzuke, all caught up in a school romance and using that as an excuse to spend more time with the person I love so there's no sensation in it for me."
For a moment Sara kept her head down, looking disappointed, then she lifted it and there was a gleam in her brilliant green eyes and she sang out Haruka's name as she asserted, "Haruka-oneesama! It's SENSE not sensation." Skipping over to the older blonde, she wagged a finger in her face, and grinned when Haruka formed a scowl. "Remember what I said about needing to be careful with your words?"
"Right, right," Haruka grumbled, rolling her eyes, and putting up with Sara's lecture as they walked through the grounds together, moving onto the portion that the Pearl knew from her own chore list as a Coral was next up to be swept. "That's what I meant though."
"But that isn't what you said," pointed out Sara cheerfully, laughing when Haruka lightly held her neck and shook her gently.
They continued on their walk, aware of the crowd of Corals trailing after them, but not the envious looks on their faces as they observed Sara's interaction with the normally reticent Haruka. It was the only time they had seen her act this way with someone other than Shizuru and the fact it was Sara with her perfect test scores and unflappable nature just served to stoke a jealousy in many that wouldn't soon go away.
To be continued…
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Meant I loved the Yukino/SHIZURU conversation. ^_^;
Also liking Sara in this.
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