Again, another beautiful vignette. Shizuru is not the only one who suffered or caused much pain in MH. Everyone did, but there's just so much focus on Shizuru. It's understandable when people can relate to unrequited love by falling for a best friend. At least Shizuru lucked out, whereas Yukino is still in the closet and may or may not ever have her romantic feelings returned (damn, since childhood, too!), but I digress.

This is an eloquent piece because in just 5 paragraphs you showed how a person of such remorse, who lived a lie, who murdered so many in what she believed was in the name of love, now sheds her skin in humility. There's just no recompense despite how many times she hears the words "I forgive you" or "It's okay" - it isn't so until forgiveness is truly gained from the one she needs it most: herself.

It's interesting that you use Nao, Haruka and Natsuki to examine the notions of forgiveness, guilt, and consequence here. It's not easy to deal with any one of them now that Shizuru is utterly vulnerable and humiliated. Nao and Haruka could take advantage of the situation, so naturally Shizuru is terrified. However, she finds safety in Natsuki, because her beloved is understanding, accepts her for the friend she truly is despite her flaws and appalling actions during the chaos.

Well done!

I absolutely loved this. You've managed to get into Shizuru's head in less than a page, and I really felt for her.

It's impressive that you have enough of an opinion on her character to predict that forgiveness from Nao would actually be harder than antagonism from Nao. Oftentimes, authors put too much emphasis on external, rather than internal, conflict. And in this case, I think you're right. If Nao has forgiven Shizuru, the weight of her actions are pushed entirely onto her conscience and her pride. Not an easy thing to shoulder.

I know this is such a sterile and overused request, but it would really make me ecstatic to see you do a sequel on this. You have some interesting ideas about the characters, interesting enough that you've already got me hooked. I'd love to see the rest of Shizuru's healing process according to Annwyd.

Keep up the good work!

Complete? NO! This is awesome, though I cannot think of how much could be used as a plot of sorts to continue it, nevertheless this is a really good story.