knives and bruises a yuri x natsuki fanfic

Part 16

Natsuki shouldered her backpack stiffly, muttering short replies to her friend from maths, Mia, who was currently attempting to ignite conversation. Although she just couldn't muster up enough strength to seem all that enthusiastic. The weekend had been overall positive up until later in Sunday, or rather yesterday. The rest of the day at Yuri's had passed a little too quickly for her liking, but that was only because they'd been enjoying themselves.

Yesterday, however, papa had decided to drink a little more than his usual lot and had lashed out at her for no obvious reason, other than 'your room's messy'. It was fairly clear he was merely using her as a human punching bag to vent his frustration at this point. Her head hurt, a throbbing, blunt pain distracting her from concentrating too hard on anything, especially her friend. He'd left no bruises that needed covering, luckily, but the dull pain remained as a constant reminder that her home life was a living hell.

As they left the class Mia shortly yanked her to the side away from the scrambling crowds of students and lowered her voice. "Natsuki, can I talk to you?" Ugh, do I have to? She hadn't seen Yuri yet today, she just wanted to find her so they could eat their lunch in peace with Monika, which would no doubt cheer her up as it often did.

She shrugged anyway, figuring it was better not to postpone the discussion any longer than so necessary. "What's up?"

Mia was shifting her weight awkwardly, seemingly struggling with her words. "I heard that someone saw you kissing Yuri last week in the milkshake bar. Is that true?"

Natsuki hesitated, alarm bells ringing inside her head. She didn't really feel like lying, though it'd be pretty hard to keep their relationship on the down low if she had to answer constant personal questions truthfully. "Who told you that?"

"Just someone," she said in a hurry, her expression contorted into agitation. "Is it true?"

Fuck it, just tell her. "Y-Yeah," she finally muttered, crossing her arms warily. "Not that it's anyone else's business."

"No, I know that, it's just..." Mia shifted again, her fingers fidgeting with the loose strap on her bag. "I know she's your friend, but...She's dangerous."

Dangerous? That didn't seem right. Yuri had told her she could act upon overwhelming emotions, but surely she's not threatening. "What do you mean?"

She examined her carefully. "Don't you remember the stories going around last year?"

In an instant Natsuki felt a twitch of anger rise, balling slowly into a bungled mess of irritation. "You don't know what you're saying. Those weren't true." It seemed like it was her obligation to defend Yuri against the shameful accusations; after all, Mia didn't know her. No one did, not like Natsuki.

"Not all of them, no, but...some were. I'm not trying to start anything here, I'm just trying to warn you. She's crazy."

That was the last straw. Her defenses shot up, acting as a solid barricade against the mixed emotions coursing through her mind. "Leave me alone," Natsuki hissed, butting past her to storm towards the lunch room, her movements firm and instinctive. Those stories really had been false, right? Surely Yuri wouldn't do anything so-

"Oof!" As she turned a corner she collided with a rigid, tall body and her head spun as she was knocked back. Luckily, the other person caught her arms and kept her upright before she toppled back. Natsuki blinked her eyes open groggily to find Yuri, her speeding mind calming at the sight of her. That was until she noticed the glimmer of tears in her eyes. "Yuri? What's wrong?"

"I-I over heard..." she murmured, refusing to meet her eye. "I am not crazy, Natsuki. I-I promise!"

Natsuki shook her head firmly, relieved at the lack of pain she felt in her neck. The bruises were nearly faded enough to get away with abandoning the scarf and the discomfort was minimal. "I know you're not. C'mere."