[Natsuki] It's Just Business

Author's note: This story happens in a separate timeline from my prior Natsuki works.

Recruited for yet another business trip
Of course with that one particular colleague of yours...
The one that is always cold and snarky
"Wow! Someone as dumb as you actually writes decent code?"
The one that always keeps you at arm's length
"I'm going to get lunch, you're not invited!"
Yet somehow...
The one that always ends up working closely with you
"Finishing early means I can get away from you earlier!"
Everyone else is at least somewhat friendly towards you
Is a little professional courtesy too much to ask?
Now you're stuck with her for a full five days
At least the company covers all travel expenses...

11:30 PM
It's been an hour and you both are still sitting in the lobby
Not something you'd expect from this kind of hotel chain...
You were prudent enough to keep your laptop charged during travel
Though you can't say the same for your coworker...
"I need it just for a second!  Gimme!"
She attempts to grasp at your personal property for the third time
And again you easily rebuff her feeble attacks
"Not fair!"
Natsuki dejectedly sits back and sulks in her chair
But not before piercing you with that familiar pink glare
"Hmph! you really are a meanie you know that?"

'Next please'
The hotel clerk gestures for the two of you
Finally...
'Sorry about the long wait, we have a full house tonight'
'Are you two here for business or leisure?'
You begin to respond to her very typical question
"HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!"
...
The whole room suddenly quiets down
The shrill voice echos throughout the room
Natsuki's face turns beet red
"I.. I mean this is just for business ma'am..."
Well she certainly handled that with Natsuki-like grace
'Well then... your room number is 15213, enjoy your stay!'

The elevator ride to your floor was dead silent
Normally you'd enjoy a rare moment of piece and quiet
But it's difficult when the atmospheric tension is this thick
You look to the pink ball of embarrassment
Is that a girl's head or a ripened tomato?
You barely notice her attempt at burrowing inside her shirt
Not a good idea when wearing business attire...
"W... What do you want..."
A weak monotone sound barely escapes her mouth
...
'15th floor'
Even the elevator sounds more human...

15212... 15213
Finally after what felt like hours of walking
Maybe it's just that Natsuki hasn't peeped a single word
You kind of miss those snarky remarks and insults
...
Must be the exhaustion talking
Some sleep will do both of you good
You swipe your card and enter the room...
"EEP!"
Natsuki is frozen in place, hand over mouth
Her worried pink eyes, locked on to something
You now notice the problem on your hands
This is not good...

"WHY IS THERE JUST ONE BED!?"
At least Natsuki is back to her good old self...
"I'm not sleeping with a baka like you!"
Her sharp piercing eyes, slightly quivering
Her face, a shade of red deeper than the ripe tomato
Looks like you discovered a new color...
'Bashful Natsuki Red'
"You'll probably do perverted things to me!"
You aren't sure how to respond to your colleague's frustration
You haven't even fully processed the situation yet
"Hmph, you probably booked this room on purpose you baka"
...
Didn't Natsuki insist on booking this room herself?
In any case it's not relevant right now
Why is she bickering over this silliness?
All that matters is that tomorrow's meeting goes well
This is just a business trip after all

12:00 AM
You finish up your nightly routine
Natsuki is already relaxing on her side of bed
Fully clad in oversized pink pajamas
Her drooping eyes are somehow still focused on her manga
Comfy
As agreed, a large barrier pillow rests in between you two
Apparently that's not enough for her...
She flushes as you approach your side of bed
"Don't try anything funny you pervert!"
Is she really that concerned about this arrangement?
Why was she then so hesitant to request a room change...
Probably just a way to save precious sleep time
An example you should follow... you need to be up by 6
At least your tired body should make this easy
You quietly slip beneath the blanket
And eventually to the world of dreams...

...
It's only 2 AM?...
Waking up thirsty in the middle of night is never fun
At least the hotel was generous with the free water
"...muuu.... you baka..."
That soft sleepy voice
Did you somehow wake up the little pink gremlin?
Whatever... you should focus on going back to sleep
"...you can't do anything right..."
"...that's not how you cuddle..."

Did you hear that right?
You really should be trying to sleep
Unfortunately for your body curiosity gets the best of you
Without making a peep you slowly flip around...
It's Natsuki... fast asleep
She's holding the pillow barrier in a loving embrace
Her face still slightly flushed
A soft smile on her lips
She really looks quite peaceful
"...mmmm..."
"...hold me you d.. dummy..."
Apparently sleep talking to a dream lover
Strange... she never uses "baka" or "dummy" for anyone
Except when she's insulting you of course...
In any case that's enough to satisfy your curiosity
What would you do if you missed tomorrow's meeting?
You turn back around and start drifting back off
...
Did someone call your name?

~FIN~