Do You Feel That? [Part 1]
Title: Do You Feel That? [Part 1]
Pairing: Mizu Natsuki/Ayabuki Mao
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Again, I neither own Takarazuka Revue nor the two people mentioned in the story. I WANT MIZU!!
Author’s note: This is my first time writing something like this… And perhaps this story is FAR too out of character for Mizu...? I don’t really imagine Mizu to be so shy in real life, but in this story she takes the role of a more passive woman. I hope you’ll all enjoy it anyways.
Do You Feel That?
In recent years, Mizu and I had become the closest of friends. Her friendship provided me with the outlet I needed. While the rest of the revue looked at me through eyes of awe and admiration, Mizu alone kept my two feet firmly on the ground, then again, she held an even higher position than I. Perhaps I should have been the one to do that for me. She was not hesitant to remind me that I was only human. Whatever else I had become - famous or honored or revered in our society, she always knew that I was just - human. Merely a woman.
It became routine for the two of us to be in each other’s company.
We would share meals on the weekend; walk together for a drink, or share conversations over meals.
I cannot pinpoint the exact moment that I fell in love with Mizu. All I do know is that it happened. And when I finally realized, it hit me like a slap in the face.
I recall vividly the day I told her how I felt. Three weeks ago, the two of us had taken a walk around the lake in the grounds around the theatre. It was a quiet afternoon - the ‘siennes had the day off and much of the population was spending the day shopping, and exploring, and enjoying themselves. Dark clouds overhead presented the threat of the first snowfall for the season and the air was crisp. I could not help but notice, as I walked beside her, how the cool air caused a flattering red hue to develop on Mizu’s cheeks, and I watched, but didn’t listen as she spoke animatedly, her hands expressing her passion about certain points. I was busy noting the way her hair made her skin look like delicate porcelain, and how her eyes burned holes through my own as she looked at me, when she spoke my name.
“Yumiko?”
The sound of her voice had quickly pulled my attention back to reality.
“I’m sorry, I was miles away.”
She frowned slightly and patted my upper arm softly, “Are you alright Yumiko? You seem distracted this afternoon.”
I allowed my eyes to drift over the glistening lake and shrugged noncommittally,
“Just enjoying the scenery.”
She gave me a contemplating look, and I knew she did not quite believe me but she turned away and moved to continue our progress along the water edge.
I do not quite understand what motivated me to do what I did next. Perhaps it was a desire to be honest with my friend. Perhaps it was the breeze that whipped a few loose strands of dark hair about her face. Perhaps it was sheer stupidity.
Whatever the case, I found myself gripping her shoulder, and turning her around to look at me.
“Mizu,”
She was staring at me with question blazing in her eyes and all of a sudden I found myself having difficulty forming words.
“I ah…I need to tell you…I mean, you know I consider a great friend, and sometimes friendship can…” I paused, unable to properly articulate what I needed to say. Sighing, I instead took her hand and pressed it firmly upon my chest, directly over my heart.
“Do you feel that?”
I knew very well that my heart was pounding so hard, and so fast beneath her warm hand that it may well have jumped out of my chest, but she merely nodded.
“You do that to me.”
She narrowed her eyes slightly, as if trying to comprehend what I had just said.
Without allowing her time to respond, I found myself moving forward and gently brushing my lips against her own. For a moment, for a split second, I was certain that she responded, but all too quickly she pulled away from me, her expression unreadable, not meeting my eyes. She said nothing but merely shook her head slightly, staring at the ground in front of her before quickly running away as fast as her legs could carry her.
I had tried for days after that to speak to her, to apologize, to make sure she was alright, but she refused to remain in my presence for more than a few seconds or whenever we had business or performances it remained strictly that--business.
I had honestly thought that she fully intended never to speak to me again.
To Be Continued in [Part 2]