It takes place after the graduation. From Natsuki's POV though. I know you all probably have read a story like this often but I just had to get this off my mind and on a word document.. it has been nagging at me lately, heh. I need a break from working on my next chapter to my first story though. But anyway. Hope you all enjoy this one!

Also, Chapter one of my other story, "Fallen Angel: Prologue" .. I'm sorry to say, but it will take longer than expected to be completed. I'm still stuck on it and it still needs a lot of work.

Replies to those who reviewed my first story, "Fallen Angel: Prologue"
DarkElena: You're right. I didnt notice that till then.. thank you for pointing out my mistake! I shall fix that as soon I'm done with my next chapter.

HimeISM: Yes, I have read your Nina/Arika fic.. I loved it. It was cute. I hope to see more from you soon!

Kimiko Li: Thank you. :) I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Perfection

A few people think they're too perfect for anyone or anything, while most say perfection does not exist. In humanity, at least.

I thought differently. After surviving that night I went off the cliff with my mother and having my soul broken into thousands of pieces along with my dying heart, I loathed people who thought they were perfect. I even hated the word itself.

I hated it… because my life wasn't perfect. I lost my mother, father, my dog Duran and not to forget to mention, my dignity. Everything. I didn't have any friends, but then again that was only because I distanced myself from most people and the relationship, friendship, itself. I was afraid of rejection. Afraid of losing a loved one again.

I put my walls up. Walls of ice that symbolized despair and hatred. Behind it, my soul laid within it's cold and hollow core, crying to be loved. My heart wouldn't allow it. If it could bleed out the pain it held, it would have been drained of its blood completely by now. My heart was the opposite, it begged to be put out of its misery. My eyes would not leak out tears anymore. They were tired and dry.

Behind my barriers, I watched everyone else in disgust. Even the couples at school, exchanging terms of endearment and sweet kisses, it made me sick. I wanted to puke. I wanted to scream and run away every time I saw the happy couples. But I didn't. I just stood by and stared coldly, in hopes it'd scare them away within one glance. Even though the happiness around me made bile churn in my stomach… in my thoughts, an opinion echoed, if one was truly, completely head over heels in love with another person, he or she would see that another person is perfect in their eyes. That was the only way perfection worked among humanity and only way that it's true nature could be comprehended. The only best way to show that he or she is truly in love.

Ever since I lost my mother, I made a vow to myself that I'd banish myself from friendship and love. I thought I'd be able to go on through life like this… but I thought wrong. I found that out on the very day I met her.

That day, I remember it well…

--Flashback--

I stood at the far end of this garden. It belonged to the Director of Fuka Academy, I assumed. All the flowers shone brightly under the blinding rays of the sun. Thoughts of hatred and destruction remained in my mind, refusing to budge an inch to the sight of the pink daisies. They blended in well with a large variety of different flowers surrounding a small stone shelter in the middle.

As I wandered to the pink daises, my eyes fixated on them… my only wish by then was to tear the petals off and crush the flower in my palm. My cobalt blue hair flowed up gracefully, due to the light breeze passing by and hitting my face gently. Merely few inches away from the daises, my emerald eyes stared at them hard. Hard enough that if it were possible, laser beams would come out and burn it instantly. Oh how I wished that was possible. Of course, the only way I could destroy it was by using my hand. Reaching down to grab it in my palm. The second the flower's silky velvet petals brushed against my palm, the soft side of my soul fled to the nearest escape it could find, only to be detained by it's prison, hatred.

Suddenly, memories of my mother flooded my mind… her smiling face. I'd remember how she used to love to do gardening in her spare time. Then that horrid flashback of the night we flew off the cliff somehow slithered it's way into my memories, filling my soul with anger once again. Gritting my teeth, I then started to close my palm on the flower.

That was when I heard it. That voice. It's graceful tones laced with a heavy accent. It sounded like a Kyoto accent.

"You shouldn't do that."

My eyes widened at the sudden presence as I heard the voice. I spun around to see who would dare to disturb my moment of solitude.

All I could see by then… or rather, focus on, were those deep maple eyes. They fit so well with that smile plastered across her face and her flowing chestnut hair. I immediately recognized who it was, I'd know that girl from anywhere… but I couldn't remember her name nor did care to learn what it was. All I knew that she was the most popular girl around here. She even had her own little fanclub. It made me sick.

"Why not?" I countered, the annoyance could be heard in my tone. I could tell from that smile on her face as it widened slightly. How did I know? I had no clue how I knew, but I just…knew.

"Flowers are meant to be loved…because they do their best to blossom for the duration of their short life…" The maple eyed girl answered, that smile still plastered across her face. I wanted to smack it off, really. I did…but I resisted.

'True… wait what the hell am I thinking? Get away, Natsuki. Get away before her…cheerful disposition sucks you in! RUN!'

Battling with my thoughts that were practically screaming at me, I then simply stated in a gruff tone, "Yeah, whatever."

I turned and started to leave, expecting the other's presence to fade away. Apparently, it didn't. Instead it grew. That girl was following me! What did she want…

"Besides… Kuga-san, wasn't it? Anyway, Shouldn't you be back in class by now? Break time's over." Hearing the smooth Kyoto accent again, I grumbled and turned to face her again. To my surprise, her gentle smile that previously was on her face had evolved into a teasing smirk.

'Huh… what the hell… why do I… feel… ARGH! NO! GET AWAY!'

Desperately wanting to be alone and despite the light blush somehow sneaking it's way across my face, I uttered my farewell and a 'leave-me-alone' glare was shown as I fled.

--End flashback--

Ever since that day, she was pretty persistent. Day after day, well… whichever day I'd come to school, no matter what, that girl will see me and attempt to greet me. My escapes were always futile. It was like she had eyes on the back of her head, knowing where I was and how to approach me without me seeing her first. It was quite annoying.

But…somehow over the times, I became used to it. Different feelings had awoken inside me, gradually satisfying my crying soul. My ice barriers were slowly being broken down piece by piece. She was the only person I ever became close to, before I met those two crazy kids, who were also HiMEs.

Ever since I found out that I was a HiME, I had been using her laptop from time to time to search for certain information about the First District, then she'd come in and find me on her laptop and give me the most gentle smile that I've became fond of.

And now here I am, in the very same room I'd always meet with her after school. I'm staring through the window at the blue sky, slowly darkening to a soft hue of sunset. Aside from the thoughts about First District, the HiMEs… and my mother, all I could think about was her and the day I met her. Without my acknowledgement, a soft smile crept across my face. My hands were idly fiddling with the fabric of the curtains in the student council office, my emerald eyes fixated on the sunset sky.

It's getting late… where the hell is sh--

"Ara, how long has Natsuki been waiting for me?"

Instead of being startled by the sudden voice, my soul swooned to the Kyoto accent that I adored. I spun around to face her, my gaze locking upon the calm expression plastered on her face. My heart suddenly warmed to the sight of her, not the 'reserved-for-fan girl-smile', but her warm smile that was only reserved for me. No one else.

"Shizuru… Where have you been? It's getting late, you know." I simply replied, hiding the obvious, not wanting to be teased once again. I sure did have enough of those moments lately anyway.

"I apologize. Haruka-san needed to speak to me about certain subjects relating to the student council meeting." My heart skipped a beat as she laced her hands together behind her and strode towards me gracefully. She didn't even have to put effort in her movements. That was just the way she was. Then my heart stopped. Due to the sight of that smirk, that teasing smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.

Oi… what is she up to now? Better keep my guard up…Even though I knew my best to keep my guard up whenever that smirk appears on her face, she STILL surprises me. Always. I hated it…but at the same time, it was one of those little things that I absolutely treasured about her.

"Something on your mind? You sure did look like you were spacing out for a moment there…"

"…How long have you been standing at that door?"

"Oh, long enough. Just enough to notice that incredibly adorable look on your face when you're thinking." With that, a soft giggle was issued from her throat.

"S-Shizuru!" I could feel the heat growing in my cheeks.

She was watching me…argh. Curse you, you sneaky Kyoto wom--

"Ara! Natsuki is SO cute when she scowls!" Her hands were revealed as she brought them up to clasp them together in front of her like an amused teenager.

"SHIZURU!" I crossed my arms across my chest and tersely adverted my gaze off to the side with my cheeks puffed out like a little child. I knew my cheeks were probably blazing red by now, according to the unbearable heat I felt within my cheeks. I could hear the mirth practically bubbling within her giggles agitating me further more, but in the meanwhile, they were sweet music to my ears.

Shortly after, I could hear the chair behind her desk being dragged across the hard floor then a soft 'thump' as she sat down in it. I kept my gaze off to the side. Remembering my thoughts from earlier, I had an urge to ask her about one thing. I wanted to know her opinion.

"Shizuru…"

"Yes, Natsuki?"

I glanced at her from the corner of my eyes, seeing if that teasing smirk was still there just to be safe. Luckily, it wasn't so I could ask my question easier. Turning my full attention to her, only a soft smile was seen on her bright face as she awaited my reply.

"Umm… Err, well ok… Before you came here, I've been thinking… about my past. Everything. About what my thoughts and opinions were back then. One thing came to my mind… perfection. Um, back then… I didn't really like that word… because I wasn't that way. I still don't like it, thanks to people who act like they're perfect… Uh, what I mean… what is your opinion on perfection?"

Her right eyebrow raised slightly at my question, I could tell that she was somewhat surprised to hear me say such thing. After all I wasn't the one to express my thoughts quite often.

"Well…" She got up from the chair, pushing the paperwork she had been holding in her hands, off to the side. She advanced towards me then over to the window, standing next to me. My eyes were fixated on her the entire time, I could tell she was thinking about it… thinking about her opinion and how to answer due to the glaze glinting in her deep maple hues. The descending sun gave them a some kind of glow as she gazed out the window at the sunset sky.

"…Perfection isn't a word I would use to describe people generally. Only rather for objects, such as crystals. However, if we were to apply 'perfection' to a certain someone, I think you'd have to be in love with that person. Because, if he or she is perfect in your eyes, then it would tell you that he or she has everything you want in a person. Even if you don't realize it or deny the fact."

…You took the words right out of my mind, Shizuru. I listened to her intently, a soft smile tugging at my lips. I was amazed at the fact she had the exactly same thoughts as I did. My thoughts then died as I heard a soft chuckle out of the older girl.

"You know, I've heard many students mention around here, that I'm perfect. I wish they could see it the way I do. Because I'm not. Not even one bit…" My eyebrows furrowed as I noticed the slight hint of sadness pass by in her orbs. Suddenly, it hit me, I knew what she was referring to. The HiME carnival. When she was affected by the Obsidian Lord and became awry with desire to protect me. She had confessed her love to me by then, not in so many words, but I knew what she meant. She had taken so many lives with her own hands and her naginata, most of the poor souls worked for the First District. The organization I was opposed to. She even destroyed Yukino and Nao's Childs… just to protect me. After the carnival ended, thanks to Mai and her unwavering courage and belief in the right of our free will, Shizuru had realized what she had done and apologized non-stop. I could tell she was torn apart by it. I even saw her cry. It was the second time I've ever saw her vulnerable side since the first time I saw her cry during the carnival. I knew the fault of the massacre wasn't hers. It was the Obsidian Lord's and the HiME Star's fault. But despite all that, she still loved me.

She hung her head slightly, to hide the gleam of sadness from me then put on a gentle smile as she looked back at me.

There she goes again…Masking her vulnerability behind that perfect Kyoto-ben demeanor… I envy you, Shizuru. I envy your strength.

"It's getting late. We should go. Oh I know, why don't we go out and grab something to eat?" She asked me, her deep maple eyes now changing to a brighter hue of redness.

They may say you're perfect and you may disagree with them…

"Sure. I'd like to, Shizuru." I reply, smiling. I then turn to head towards the door. Allowing her some time to gather up her paperwork and put them away.

And your words of disagreement may betray your mask of perfection…

I turned half way at the door to watch her gracefully gathering up the paperwork and slipping them in a folder. Soft sounds of a drawer being opened fade out from my hearing as my mind drowns in my thoughts.

But, you Shizuru… Fujino Shizuru…to me…

Her next comment yanked me out of my reverie and out of my world as I brought my eyes up to meet now ruby-tinted ones in perfect alignment.

"What do you feel like eating, Natsuki?"

"Hmmm… oh, how about fri--"

"And please, nothing fried or greasy. You know my stomach doesn't bide well with those… yucky food." She interjected, obviously knowing what my answer would be. A small smirk followed by a soft giggle emerged from her lips as I pouted.

"Ok fine. Sushi then?"

"Hehe, I was hoping you'd say that." With that, she picked up her purse from under the desk and headed towards me. I had to leave the room first so she could lock the door behind her. Soft and prolonged echoes of our conversation and our footsteps rang through the empty hallways. The soft ember-like rays of the descending sun coated the trees as the orange orb began to fall down past the horizon. One final and true thought lingered in my mind, signaling my unrequited love.

To me, in my eyes…you ARE perfect.