[Characters property of Kosuke Fujishima. I don't own them
at all and am not attempting to make money from this story.]
This is a sequel to my previous two 'You're Under Arrest' fics,
which can be found on my web page or in teh RAAC archives.
Collision Course
by Lara Bartram
"You look happy."
"Why do you say that?"
Natsumi smirked. "It's something to do with the glowing thing
you're doing. Did you have fun last night?"
Miyuki sighed contentedly. "I suppose you could say that."
Leaning back a bit, appraising Miyuki critically, Natsumi
nodded. "As I thought."
"It wasn't anything like that."
"Oh I know. He said it, didn't he? You got him alone, chained
him to a wall and denied him food and water until he said it.
Right? Torture... That was the only way you could drag it out
of him." Natsumi sat on the corner of the desk, still smirking.
"Where do you come up with these ideas? It wasn't anything
close to that. He said it all on his own, because he wanted
to." Miyuki smiled dreamily. "It was so sweet."
"Mm hm. I bet. Now fess up some details. Yoriko's not the
only one interested in gossip." Living vicariously through
Miyuki... It was just about the end of the world as far as
Natsumi was concerned.
"There aren't any. Really. He just.. said it."
"He said it and then what? Come on, details!"
Miyuki blushed and shook her head. "Nothing happened. It was
just so... perfect."
"Yeah, well I noticed you didn't make it home last night. What
about that?"
"Natsumi, everyone knows. Why do I need to tell you every time
we... It's just not anyone's business." Miyuki busily started
to tidy her desk even though it was in perfect order.
There was no way Natsumi was done though. Not by a longshot.
"So how often do you think you'll... have a sleepover?"
"Natsumi!"
"Hey, I'm just curious," she responded innocently. "If you're
gone, I could have some friends over."
Giving her partner a disbelieving look, Miyuki said coldly,
"That'd just be your excuse to lay around in your underwear all
night and drink too much."
"But if you're not there, what difference does it make?"
It didn't matter what she said, Natsumi would just find some way
of embarrassing her for it. Better to go at it head on. "Maybe
tonight."
"What about tonight?" Natsumi's devilish grin was still in
place.
"I might be staying over tonight." Calmly, Miyuki pulled out
some unfinished paperwork and started going over it.
The reaction was not quite immediate, but extreme. "Tonight?
You mean you're going to..." The concept of Miyuki actually
admitting to doing _anything_ personal like that was more than
boggling. Sex? Ken? Miyuki? That was just not in her head at
all.
But to emphasize her point, Miyuki called out, "Nakajima!"
Ken approached at his regular walking speed. He wasn't going to
rush over and make a fool of himself at the station. "Yes,
Kobayakawa?"
Natsumi watched, one eyebrow twitching, in disbelief. They
acted as if nothing had gone on between them.
When Miyuki spoke again, it was much quieter so that Ken had to
lean down to hear her. "Are you busy tonight?" she asked.
He shook his head.
Flashing a smile at Natsumi, Miyuki pulled Ken down a little
closer. When she spoke again, it was directly in his ear and
impossible to hear what she was saying.
The only thing Natsumi did see was the smallest nod from Ken and
the little kiss Miyuki gave him on the cheek.
Standing up straight, gathering his composure, Ken said loudly,
"Kobayakawa, I'm having trouble with my bike."
It was impossible to not hear him say it.
"Oh, let me see what the problem is then," Miyuki said brightly,
pushing the paperwork away. She stood and walked off with Ken,
leaving Natsumi behind.
***
Natsumi sat in front of the TV and stared at the screen. So
Miyuki hadn't been kidding. That, for some reason, disappointed
Natsumi.
Of course she wanted to see Miyuki happy, but... She sighed and
took another drink. If Miyuki and Ken... got married, then what
would happen to her?
Third wheel and all. Losing her best friend was the absolute
worst possibility in the world, and all she had... With three
large swallows she emptied her glass.
There was always one thing she could count on.
***
Watching television had never been so... exciting. And he was
just sitting there. "Are you sure you don't want to get
takeout?"
"I'm fine," was the only thing Miyuki would answer him with.
Ken fidgeted, wishing Miyuki would do or say something. When
she was quiet and docile, it made him very nervous, like there
was something wrong.
"Are you sure..."
Then she turned the smile on him, and the question died right
there. "Really, there's nothing wrong. I just wanted to share
a quiet evening with you." Her hand took his and squeezed.
Ken changed his mind. Watching TV wasn't exciting. It was
really exciting.
Covering her mouth with her not occupied hand, Miyuki yawned.
It had been a very long week, and it seemed everything was
catching up with her then. Maybe because it was finally okay to
relax; her worries had been eased.
Glancing over at Ken, who seemed unnaturally enthralled by the
flickering screen, she smiled. "Ken, do you think I could
change and head to bed? I'm tired."
That was his cue. Miyuki would never ask something like that
unless she was... dropping a hint. She had proven herself to be
much more formidable in private, definitely not anyone's
doormat. She certainly wouldn't limit herself to being a
traditional housewife, and that meant she wouldn't be asking for
permission.
"I don't have anything to wear to bed," she stated as he stood
and helped her to her feet.
"Would you like something?" Ken turned the set off.
Miyuki put one arm around him. "Do you want me to?"
"It... depends if you plan on sleeping in it."
Leaning against his larger frame, Miyuki knew there was no such
thing as too far, and she couldn't ever possibly go too fast.
***
For about the fifth time in ten minutes, Natsumi sighed heavily.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
And for the fifth time, she had answered that there was nothing
wrong. Miyuki had a very good idea what the real problem was,
but she certainly couldn't solve it.
It was a choice between Natsumi and Ken. That was not a choice
she would make; it shouldn't have been a problem. "You're not
making this easy for me," Miyuki finally whispered, not able to
take another sigh like that.
"I'm not doing anything," Natsumi insisted, doing her best to
look indignant.
Looking down at the papers in front of her, Miyuki frowned.
Maybe she had taken the thing yesterday too far. Natsumi had
only been kidding around, but... It wasn't fair that she and
Ken had to be the joke of the station.
For the briefest of moments, Miyuki didn't like Natsumi very
much. "I'm going to get some tea," she said abruptly, stood,
and left for the kitchen.
***
"Tsujimoto."
Natsumi looked over at Ken, fatigue the only thing evident on
her face. "What is it, Ken?"
One corner of his mouth twitched downward in a frown. "It's
about Kobayakawa."
"Miyuki," Natsumi said, starting to get annoyed. "Her name is
Miyuki!"
"I know that. It's just not appropriate to be so unprofessional
at work."
Natsumi looked blankly up at him, looking at her reflection in
his sunglasses. "So what is it you want?"
"She's upset. I was just wondering..."
"I didn't do anything! I didn't say anything! What is your
problem?" Natsumi snapped.
Ken took two steps back. "I was wondering if you'd talk to her.
She won't tell me what the problem is. But if you don't want
to..."
That was it. They were meant to be together. He had that same
look that Miyuki got, the one that was stolen directly from a
forlorn puppy or kitten.
"I'll talk to her. I can't guarantee she'll tell me anything,
but I'll talk to her." Just when she wanted to stay out of
things, she ended up right in the middle.
"Thank you... Natsumi. You're Miyuki's best friend."
That brought Natsumi up short. For some reason, she hadn't even
thought of that. She thought because of what had happened, Ken
would be the one Miyuki would turn to.
"Thanks, Ken. That... means a lot to me."
***
"Miyuki?"
"Yes?" Miyuki's voice was strained and she avoided looking over
at her roommate.
"Ken asked me to talk to you." Natsumi was doing the same,
looking straight ahead as she spoke.
"Why is that?"
Sighing, Natsumi knew it was going to be a tough conversation.
"He said there was something wrong, and that he thought it would
be better for your... best friend to talk to you." She looked
out of the corner of her eye.
"What is it, Natsumi? I'm not in the mood for your games
tonight."
Natsumi's mouth refused to work. Miyuki... didn't want to hear
her out? "But I was just..."
"Don't bother; I'm pretty sure I can guess what this is all
about, and right now, I don't care." The anger she had felt at
the station hadn't completely faded, but had mutated into more
of an intense hurt.
Why should she have to make the choice? It was obvious Natsumi
had already made her choice, pushing away rather than seriously
dealing with things. "You can just sit there and keep drinking,
and don't worry about me. I have other people I can rely on."
"But I was just..."
Miyuki stood, and there was no mistaking her posture. She was
mad, more upset than Natsumi had ever seen her. "I know what
you want, but I won't do it. I won't choose between you!"
With that lingering between them, Miyuki stomped away, and left
the apartment.
Staring in shock, Natsumi was still trying to figure out what
had just happened. She had tried to ask what was wrong, and
Miyuki had... yelled at her? And left?
What had just happened?
***
It was dark out. Late afternoon had turned into evening, and
evening had turned into night.
Natsumi was still in front of the TV, looking at the cup in her
hand. She had given up waiting for Miyuki to come back; her
friend was a mystery to her now.
So she ended up wasting her time by getting drunk. It was a
familiar routine, and one that she liked to engage in. Usually,
there were more people around though. But going out... just
didn't sound very fun.
Sitting around with Miyuki wasn't usually that much fun, but she
had never felt so... alone. Depressed. Like a complete loser.
Sighing, she drained her glass and filled it again.
***
She knocked on the door and waited. She knocked again, getting
a bit more impatient. She needed to see him, if only to relieve
the sting of what Natsumi had done.
Nothing was ever serious to Natsumi. It was always a joke,
there was always something to laugh at. Even if it meant
hurting her friend's feelings.
Well, Miyuki was done with that. It was time for Natsumi to
find a new partner, a new friend to make fun of.
She pounded on the door.
***
His heart was beating so hard, he could hear it. Miyuki was
there with him, causing his heart to behave that way. The
gentlest of touches, her hand on his arm, was enough to make him
forget his own name.
But it wasn't just a dream. Not anymore. He rolled over and
reached for the space next to him, expecting to feel her there.
Holding her close could banish any worries or troubles he had,
and make him generally feel better.
His arms encountered empty space though, and the thudding grew
louder. This finally prompted Ken to open his eyes and sit up
slowly. Looking around the darkened room, it became clear what
the noise was: someone knocking on his door.
Stumbling to the door, Ken opened it and stared blankly at the
person there.
"Oh, Ken!" Miyuki cried and threw her arms around him. "I don't
know what to do!"
There was that feeling. If he could transfer it to her, he was
sure any problem would be solved in only a few moments. Miyuki
seemed to not feel the same way as he did though. She wasn't...
affected...
But here she was, taking comfort in his... He slipped his arms
around her. Here she was, taking comfort in his arms. Ken was
quite prepared to start asking her what was wrong, but the late
hour, his own fatigue, and, naturally, Miyuki desperately
holding him convinced him not to.
Closing the door and locking it, he led her to his bedroom.
Some sleep seemed like it would do her more good than anything.
And him as well.
***
Natsumi staggered up the stairs, her eyes closed to protect
herself from the glaring morning sun. "An elevator. Please get
me an elevator," she mumbled to her self, leaning heavily
against the rail.
Too much to drink, staying awake too late, no breakfast. She
knew for certain she was about to drop over dead.
The fact that she had even made it to the station was almost a
miracle in itself. Riding on her little bike was a hazard in
itself with the way she felt.
"You picked a great time to go into meltdown," she mumbled, not
sure if she was talking to herself or about Miyuki.
***
"Natsumi?"
Groaning, Natsumi tried to wave away the intruder.
"Natsumi, patrol. You have to go on it."
Lifting her head, vision blurry, Natsumi stared at the person
speaking to her. "Huh?" she asked intelligently.
"Miyuki's waiting for you," Yoriko prompted, taking Natsumi's
hand and tugging on it. "You have to go on patrol now."
Letting out a breath, Natsumi allowed Yoriko to pull her to her
feet. "Okay, I'm going. Patrol..." Her hangover had faded for
the most part, but she still had a throbbing headache, and
wanted to go right back to bed.
That would be the last time she drank that much, that late into
the night, watching cheesy movies until four in the morning.
"Yoriko, just kill me," she said, squeezing her eyes shut as her
head throbbed.
But Yoriko was no longer there. Obviously, the tension between
the two partners was enough for the others to see. And avoid.
"I've been waiting," Miyuki said flatly when Natsumi finally got
into the patrol car.
"Rough night," was all Natsumi said in response as she put on
her safety belt.
Miyuki nodded before heading out.
***
The patrol was made in silence. A day when they didn't need any
trouble was completely without it for once.
Miyuki was an ice cube in the driver's seat. She didn't talk at
all to Natsumi, who wasn't terribly upset by it.
She was having her own problems, eyes closed, head back against
the seat. She wanted to release a moan of misery every so
often, but contained it, knowing there would be no sympathy from
her partner. Not this time.
Squealing brakes and almost being slammed into the dashboard
made Natsumi open her eyes immediately. She looked over at
Miyuki, neck aching, for explanation.
Miyuki was on the radio, calling in... something. Natsumi
couldn't quite make sense of what she was saying; between her
headache, sore neck, the people outside making all that noise...
"What in the..."
"Hit and run! He's on foot!"
Looking over at Miyuki with a dull glare, Natsumi was taken
aback at what she saw. Raw fury. Past Miyuki, out the driver's
side window, her fury was explained.
There were two cars, almost wrapped around each other, on the
sidewalk. One driver was still in his vehicle, slumped against
the steering wheel while the other was empty.
With horrible realization, she saw two people on the sidewalk,
and knew what had made Miyuki so upset. And the other driver,
probably the slime that had caused the whole thing, had run.
She threw open the door and started to get out, but was yanked
painfully back by her seatbelt. "That's not good," she
grumbled, undoing her belt and getting out of the car.
Natsumi approached Miyuki, who was at the car, speaking to the
person still in the car. "Is he..."
"Go after that guy!" Miyuki snapped, glaring back at her.
With purpose now, Natsumi nodded and went to open the back of
the car. She struggled getting her compo out, the bike feeling
ten times heavier than usual. Breathing heavily, feeling
completely out of sorts, she set up her bike and started it.
"Red shirt, black pants, black baseball cap! That way!" Miyuki
yelled, pointing in the direction they had come from.
Natsumi was off, somewhat sluggishly, but heading in the right
direction. Controlling the bike was tough since her vision
wasn't completely clear and her head was thudding even more
intensely.
Weaving back and forth, avoiding curious people, Natsumi sped
along. Up ahead, she could see a figure moving quickly, but
couldn't see any details. It was just a dark blur amongst other
dark and light dressed pedestrians.
She was pushing it, going faster than she should have, with the
people all over the place, but she had to catch that guy.
Letting him get away because she was still suffering from the
world's worst hangover would be... Natsumi would fire herself
for something like that.
There, a figure in red and black turning a corner. Natsumi
leaned forward and sped up. At least she was gaining on him;
she wasn't in that bad a shape.
Leaning into the turn, Natsumi tried to pick out the fleeing man
as she swerved deftly around a surprised couple and a stopped
car.
There, still running; she almost had him.
It was the dog. The dog did it. Like some video racing game,
the dog broke free from its owner and ran right in front of her.
To avoid it, she turned hard, almost losing control. The curb
finished what the dog started and sent her down, skidding on the
sidewalk.
Cursing, tears springing to her eyes from the skin that had been
peeled away, Natsumi tried to get out from under the bike and
right it. With blood pouring down the side of her leg, she
started it, but couldn't manage to get more than a few feet
before her body surrendered.
Collapsing against the handles, she began to sob, pain mixed
with failure, shame and even... rejection.
***
"Tsujimoto." The chief's voice was gruffer than usual, and he
looked at her with a hard glare. "Do you think you were in
condition to perform your duties as a police officer today?"
Looking straight ahead, trying not to see the chief or the
reflection of the others watching in the window, Natsumi opened
her mouth to speak.
The automatic answer was that of course she was fine, nothing
was wrong, but the honest answer was... "No, sir."
"If you had been, do you think you could have managed to catch
that suspect?" There was no indication of what the chief
thought about her answer.
"Of course, sir."
"I agree." He looked down at some papers on his desk. "When
you are at your... full capacities, you are an excellent
officer."
Natsumi could almost feel the hammer hovering over her, about to
fall.
"But for this, coming to work in a condition that hindered your
performance, I have to place you on suspension. One week
starting today. You are dismissed."
Everything around her was a blur as Natsumi trudged out to her
desk. She collected her things, then left without speaking a
word to anyone.
***
Sitting at home didn't help the situation. There was absolutely
nothing to do. The very idea of drinking to keep herself
occupied sickened her. That was what had started the whole
thing in the first place.
No. No more of it. Even if Miyuki wanted to act that way and
accuse her of things she hadn't done, spend all her time with
Ken...
Sighing, she looked at the clock. Not that she really expected
Miyuki to be home, but it was about the time that she would have
been under normal circumstances.
Another night alone in front of the television. Eh. It'd be an
entire week of it so she might as well get used to it.
***
The lights came up, revealing the ring Natsumi was in. Standing
across from her was Miyuki, looking at her coldly.
"We're here ringside today for this special Bokuto Station
deathmatch," the chief said into his microphone. "Here with me
is the station's gossip hound, Nikaido Yoriko."
"This should be fun! Natsumi, after spending all her nights
alone and drunk in front of the television, without a man, and
doing things even _I_ won't talk about, is here to settle her
differences with Miyuki.
"Miyuki's been spending all her time with the stations very own
Nakajima Ken, probably in the privacy of his apartment with as
little clothing as they could manage, but I don't have the
photos or audio tapes to prove it. Unless you want to make a
small donation to my retirement fund."
Both Natsumi and Miyuki were staring at Yoriko with looks of
pure evil.
Clearing his throat, the chief tried to get things back on
track. "Yes, well, I think we're ready to get things started.
Both ladies look ready to kill, so let's not keep them waiting
any longer."
Ken climbed into the ring, dressed in traditional referee's
outfit, and stood between the two opponents. "Both of you are
aware of the rules?" He looked back and forth.
Miyuki's eyes narrowed and she nodded sharply.
Natsumi did the same, realizing she would finally get to put
Miyuki in her place.
"Let's get it on!" Ken declared in perfect Mills Lane fashion.
Miyuki, at hearing the phrase, looked quickly at him, eyes
flashing dangerously.
Ken retreated quickly, a panicked look on his face. "I didn't
mean... Don't..."
Natsumi took advantage of the diversion and charged forward.
She kicked Miyuki in the stomach and then uppercutted her as she
doubled over.
Miyuki flew back, dazed from Natsumi's quick strike. She landed
flat on her back and lay there, unmoving except for the labored
rise and fall of her chest.
Smiling with satisfaction, Natsumi brushed her hands against one
another and turned to the two commentators. "That was short.
Next time, I think everyone will know better than to... Urk!"
Natsumi clawed at her throat as her oxygen was cut off suddenly.
Miyuki stood behind her with a savage grin on her face, pulling
tighter, making her tie dig into the flesh of Natsumi's neck.
"Uh oh. Natsumi looks fit to be tied!" Yoriko exclaimed,
watching the two struggle.
The chief's eyebrow twitched before he began commentating.
"Tsujimoto looks like she could be in trouble if she can't break
out of this choke. Kobayakawa is really putting everything into
it."
Gurgling, unable to get the tie to loosen, Natsumi tried one
last thing. Leaning back a bit, she put all her strength and
jerked forward, tossing Miyuki over her shoulder.
With a startled squawk, Miyuki landed roughly on the mat,
letting go of the tie.
Gasping for breath, Natsumi ripped the tie from around her neck
and grabbed an oddly convenient nightstick.
"Tsujimoto's looking a bit winded, but determined. Kobayakawa
had better get back on her feet quick," the chief said, not
looking at all excitedly the fight.
"Miyuki's really going for it. She must really have a grudge
against Natsumi!" Yoriko added excitedly, almost hopping up and
down in her chair.
Miyuki started to roll over to get Natsumi in her sight, but
double-timed that when she saw she was about to be smashed in
the face.
Relentless with her attack, Natsumi repeatedly attempted to hit
Miyuki with the club, but apparently spending all that time
under the car helped her agility and she was able to roll out of
the way of each blow.
Whirling around, Miyuki swept Natsumi's feet out from under her
and sprang to her feet. The top two buttons of her shirt popped
off as she yanked it open. Miyuki beckoned Natsumi forward with
two fingers, smiling grimly.
"I think Miyuki's done playing around now. She's got that look
in her eye!" Yoriko added for dramatic effect.
Natsumi got slowly to her feet, then kicked off her shoes. This
was serious. She twirled the nightstick as she advanced on
Miyuki.
The two circled each other for a few moments, Natsumi with the
nightstick, Miyuki barehanded. Like wild beasts, they suddenly
charged each other.
Natsumi swung the baton, but Miyuki defended with her forearm, a
sickening crunch signifying the block.
Miyuki's right forearm swung down, useless, but she did not let
that stop her. An iron palm to Natsumi's gut drove her back,
breathless. A charging elbow was barely dodged.
Thankful for the stability of her bare feet, Natsumi stood
straight up, one arm across her midsection, and brought her club
to bear. Up and down, her arm fell as she tried to break
through Miyuki's defenses.
"This is savage! The two are beating each other into bloody
pulps!" the chief said loudly, finally showing a little emotion.
"I wonder just how Natsumi got so good with that nightstick?"
said Yoriko thoughtfully. "All those nights alone?"
That comment didn't go unnoticed by Natsumi, who turned and
glared.
Miyuki took the opportunity to grab the nightstick and try to
pull it from Natsumi's hand.
They pulled back and forth, until one violent tug by Miyuki, and
Natsumi released her grip.
Miyuki went tumbling backwards, right out of the ring.
"This could be a bad development for Kobayakawa if she doesn't
get back in the ring. Nakajima will be forced to count her
out."
"I don't think he ever counts Miyuki out of anything!" Yoriko
said gleefully, her eyes glued to the events in the ring.
Natsumi was waiting for Miyuki to stand and show herself,
waiting to see what the next attack would be. When she saw
Miyuki, it certainly wasn't what she had been expecting.
Standing there, moving her arm, Miyuki looked like she was ready
to spit chewing tobacco and fire a six-gun. The jumper cables
looked a lot less friendly than a simple lasso though.
Her broken arm was fixed in the haphazard manner only a mecha-
junky would do it: the tire iron from the Today was grey-taped
to her arm to act as a makeshift splint. The flat, pointed end
extended past her hand to form a very... handy weapon.
"Wow, that looks handy," Yoriko noted.
The chief, unable to stand it any longer, smacked her with his
microphone.
Miyuki let her jumper cables lasso fly, somehow managing to
catch Natsumi in it.
Tumbling to the mat, her legs snagged by the cables, Natsumi
swore to herself and tried to pry them loose. She spared a
glance at Miyuki, who was climbing into the ring. Seeing the
look in her partner's eyes, Natsumi tried harder, but the cables
were too tight to pull apart.
"Tsujimoto had better do something quick or Kobayakawa will have
a definite advantage," the chief said, holding his hand over
Yoriko's mouth.
Natsumi watched with wide eyes as Miyuki stood over her. She
would have to move quickly; Miyuki wasn't going to be satisfied
with choking her this time. She was looking for blood.
Miyuki raised her arm. Natsumi tensed.
As soon as the point started to descend, Natsumi rolled, getting
herself more twisted in the cables, but not caring. She simply
continued to roll until she fell out of the ring on the concrete
outside.
Miyuki didn't bother going after her. She would have to get
back in the ring eventually.
"Miyuki looks ready to pounce on the next thing that moves. Ken
had better not get too close!" Yoriko said cheerfully, holding
the chief's hand so he wouldn't be able to silence her again.
Chief tried anyway, planning on using his microphone again if
necessary.
Standing in the middle of the ring, Miyuki waited. This was
probably one of her only chances to get back at Natsumi for all
the grief she'd been giving her and Ken.
The mat tearing at her feet was unexpected, along with the
handcuff that quickly locked on her ankle. It seemed Natsumi
was a bit more resourceful than she had thought initially. She
pulled at first, hoping it wasn't actually locked down, but
finding Natsumi had secured it to something under the ring, she
would have to unlock it herself.
"Natsumi looks fit to be tied!"
The chief looked over at Yoriko. "You already used that."
"Um, ah... Why is she wearing a bracelet on her ankle?"
Feedback squealed as the chief smacked Yoriko over the head with
the microphone.
Miyuki was fumbling with the tiny key to the handcuffs while
simultaneously trying to watch for Natsumi.
She had the key in her hand and was about to release the cuff
when the sound of squealing metal surprised her, and the key
dropped from her fingers, skittering away on the mat.
Natsumi ripped the flashing bubble from the car, and, with an
insane look in her eyes, hopped into the ring.
"Natsumi looks ready to shed some light on this terrible
situation. I hope Miyuki has a contingency plan for this. The
Today will need that reattached!"
The chief looked at Yoriko. "You're really stretching it,
Nikaido. I hope I don't have to discipline you for it."
Miyuki stretched, trying to reach the key, but it was just out
of her reach.
"Open up, Miyuki. I've got a gift for you," Natsumi hissed, and
the follow-up insane laughter was almost audible. Without
allowing her partner to answer, the battle-crazed woman shoved
the bubble into her partner's mouth.
Miyuki struggled, trying to get her hands on Natsumi, but her
partner stepped back to watch.
"Do you think Natsumi's enlightened Miyuki?" Yoriko quickly
ducked out of the way as the microphone swung over her head.
Watching Miyuki try and remove the flasher from her mouth,
Natsumi almost missed the incoming baseball, ducking out of way
in just the nick of time.
That baseball was followed shortly by the infamous Strikeman.
He landed on the other side of the ring and pointed right at
Natsumi. "Home Run Girl! Time for a rematch! I have a new
pitch that you can't possibly hit!"
Growling, Natsumi stalked toward the "crimefighter" and stood in
front of him. The look on her face was enough to kill his
smile.
"Um... if this is a bad time, I can come back," he offered
timidly under Natsumi's hellish glare.
"Bad time. Very bad." She grabbed his bat like a snake
capturing a meal, and proceeded to club his knee with it.
Strikeman crumpled to the mat, releasing a gurgling howl as he
clutched his smashed knee.
Smiling grimly, Natsumi gave the same treatment to his other
knee, pounding on it several times. "You might have a pitch
that I can't hit, but I'm not having any trouble with these."
"Whyyyy?" Strikeman wailed pitifully. "Whyyyy?"
"Because you're an annoying idiot, that's why!" Natsumi snapped,
then beat him over the head before kicking him out of the ring.
"Can we call her Batgirl now?"
"Nikaido, I think you had better stop for your own safety."
Miyuki, in the meantime, had pried the flasher from her mouth,
put her jaw back where it belonged, and unlocked the handcuff
from her ankle. She had then slipped out of the ring and...
borrowed something from the Today. It was her friend. It'd
help her beat Natsumi.
Tossing the bat away, Natsumi shook her head. Stupid idiot.
She turned around just in time to receive the Today's exhaust
pipe right through her stomach and out her back.
Staring in disbelief at Miyuki, she stumbled about, blood
spurting vigorously from her wounds.
"That looks like the end. Kobayakawa's got the clear upper
hand; I don't think there's anyway Tsujimoto can recover from
this," the chief said gravely.
"Yeah. Natsumi's looking really exhausted."
The chief shook his head slowly, then scurried away from the
broadcast table.
"Where are you going?" Yoriko asked as she watched him leave.
That was right before she noticed Natsumi and Miyuki approaching
her. "Heh heh. Is there... something wrong?"
"Not at all," answered Miyuki in a frighteningly calm voice.
She stood at Yoriko's left and took her arm.
Natsumi stood to Yoriko's right and took her arm. "We've just
got something to show you."
The two dragged Yoriko over to the Today and let her sit behind
the wheel. Miyuki put on her safety belt for her while Natsumi
went to the rear.
"Now you stay right here," Miyuki said gently, smiling. She
shut the door and waved to Yoriko.
Yoriko gave a little wave back before Miyuki joined Natsumi at
the bumper.
The two began pushing the car until it was tucked into the
conveniently waiting machinery. They backed away, not wanting
to be caught in it.
"They don't look much like the jaws of life," Miyuki commented.
Natsumi smiled. "Jaws of death maybe."
Miyuki nodded in agreement and then hit the big green button
that was labeled 'Crush into tiny little cube'.
"Oh, I don't think that's going to come out of the seats though
when this is done," Natsumi said, completely ignoring the
exhaust pipe through her midsection.
"I think we'll manage," Miyuki replied, a huge satisfied smile
on her face as she watched the Today with Yoriko inside be
compacted down into said small metal cube.
***
Natsumi sat straight up on the couch, feeling her midsection.
Thankfully, there was no exhaust pipe thrust through her, though
the idea of taking care of Strikeman like that wasn't all bad...
Rubbing her face with one hand, she flicked off the TV and
stared into the darkness of the apartment. It was so quiet and
peaceful. It was then that Natsumi decided she missed Miyuki.
Living alone was so tedious, even though it had only been for a
few days. She had no contact with anyone, which normally wasn't
so bad because Miyuki had always been there before. Pride be
damned; after showing up at the station numerous times hung-
over, she was a little low on pride anyway.
She was going to make up with Miyuki at all costs.
***
The kitchen was a wreck, but it wasn't the first time for that.
It'd survive. What really counted was the fact that Natsumi was
holding in her hands the best thing she'd ever made.
Now to get it to the station without it getting wrecked.
She drove slowly, actually thankful for her suspension. There
was no need to fear the chief's wrath from her being late again
since she was still on "leave".
There was a close call with that infuriating woman on her damn
scooter, but other than that, all was well.
Until she got to the station and actually had to confront
Miyuki. Natsumi wasn't nearly the picture of calm she had
envisioned herself to be in the situation.
She held the lunch so tightly she was about to crush it to keep
her hands from shaking visibly. That didn't help how weak her
legs felt as she approached Miyuki's seat.
Natsumi had been hoping Miyuki wouldn't be there, but when she
saw the empty chair, her bravery and resolve faltered. It would
be easy enough to just turn around and walk out again...
Straightening her posture, brushing off the front of her jacket,
Natsumi held her head high. Taking a deep breath, she sat in
her usual seat across and waited.
Through some miracle of willpower, she was able to keep the
fidgeting down to a minimum, and just kept thinking about what
she would say when Miyuki returned. Each speech that formed in
Natsumi's mind was summarily rejected as too wooden, too, well,
rehearsed.
In some ways, Miyuki was like Natsumi's own mother. Natsumi
would deliver her speech and Miyuki would smile politely and
forgive her.
And Natsumi would hate herself. She was about to drop her head
to the desk before she remembered the carefully crafted lunch
there that her hands were still locked around.
"Natsumi, what are you doing here?"
Jerking to sudden attention, Natsumi spun around and stared.
She stayed that way for a moment, then sprang to her feet,
almost knocking the chair over. "Miyuki!" She thrust the lunch
at her partner.
Slowly, Miyuki looked down at it, then back to Natsumi. The
look she wore was one of confusion, and that was all.
"I made this," Natsumi said, and shoved the lunch at Miyuki.
"It's for you."
Miyuki's answer was simple. "Why?"
"Because..." Every single speech she had made up and discarded
ran through Natsumi's mind then. "I'm sorry."
"You didn't need to do this."
"Yes, I did." There was a creaking noise as her grip tightened.
The box was going to be crushed in her hands if Miyuki didn't
take it soon. "I made it for you. I hope you haven't eaten
already."
Natsumi held her breath under the unwavering gaze of her
partner.
And then Miyuki smiled. "Thank you, Natsumi. Apology
accepted." She gently took the abused lunch. "Is the kitchen
still in one piece?"
Turning bright red, Natsumi laughed nervously. "Mostly."
"Oh, then making dinner won't be a problem, will it?"
***
For once, Natsumi woke up nice and early, and was perfectly wide
awake. She would have never thought she'd actually look forward
to waking up on time and getting to the station.
That week without structure, left to her own devices, was
probably the wake-up call she needed most. That and being a
drunken mess each morning, having to look at herself in the
mirror and clean up her own mess...
"God, I'm such a slob," she said to herself and laughed out
loud.
***
Natsumi looked out the window as they drove slowly down the
narrow streets. Another harsh reality: things went on without
her. Society didn't crumble while she was on suspension, the
police got along fine without her.
"I never thought I'd prefer doing this over sitting around."
"I knew you were better than that," Miyuki said, smiling. "I
think you just needed to realize it."
"Yeah, well..." Natsumi shrugged, still looking outside.
The radio crackled to life. /"Miyuki, Natsumi, there's traffic
constriction two blocks over from the school,"/ Yoriko informed
them.
Natsumi grabbed the microphone and spoke into it confidently.
"Count on us."
----
lara@emunix.emich.edu
http://www.thekeep.org/~lara/index.html