c2: Hello guys! How's everyone? Sorry for the long hiatus. I do not own Strawberry Panic.

A Winter Story

Chapter 2

Set-up

It was late in the afternoon when Tamao and Nagisa arrived at the Rokujo's traditional but very big mansion. The old lady caretaker led them to the living room where Miyuki, who was wearing a traditional Kimono was chatting with a beautiful girl who had emerald eyes and long black hair tied with two red ribbons on each side. As soon as the two girls walked in, they were greeted by the blunette and her cheerful friend.

"Welcome to my humble home Nagisa." Miyuki greeted.

"Thanks for having me, Miyuki-sama. I hope I'm not intruding." I would not really call this humble considering the estate is much bigger than the Suzumi's mansion in Okinawa."

"By the way this is Minamoto Chikaru, a friend of mine and Shizuma's." Miyuki then turned to introduced the two girls that just arrived. "This redhead here is Nagisa-chan and this other one of course is my fiancé which you have already met before."

"It's been a while Chikaru-chan. It's nice to see you again." Tamao greeted the girl before hugging and kissing her fiancé.

"Yes, its been a while Tamao-chan. How about I let you two lovers do your thing." Chikaru said making the two blunettes blushed.

Nagisa can't help but giggle with that last comment. "It's nice to meet you Minamoto-san." the redhead said while shaking the older girl's hand.

"Please call me Chikaru. I am glad to finally meet the girl who tamed Shizuma's heart. I have heard so many things about you." the beautiful girl smiled brightly.

"Good things I hope?" the redhead asked nervously.

"Haha. Well... I don't know, maybe?" Chikaru joked making the redhead giggle.

The two of them can't help but noticed the two blunettes making out on the sofa. "They sure missed each others company, considering they visit each other once every month." the younger girl said innocently making Chikaru giggle.

The two decided to leave the lovers alone so they sat in the far end side of the sofa. "Here, have some tea Nagisa-chan." Chikaru started pouring the hot liquid inside a porcelain cup. "I brought some chocolates from Belgium, maybe you would like to try some?"

"Thanks! the redhead took a small chunk and popped it in her mouth." She started chewing it with her eyes closed the whole time trying to savour the sweet flavours of the chocolate. "Mmmmm.. This is very delicious." She beamed in happiness.

"I'm glad you like them. Here have some more." the cheerful girl offered. I'm glad she has a sweet tooth. Our plan just might work. "How about we go straight to business Nagisa-chan since I don't think those two will be done anytime soon."

"Business?" the confused redhead girl glanced at her two friends who were still busy making out.

"I heard from Miyuki that you were originally planning to look for a part-time job during the holidays."

"Yes I was." the redhead girl nodded. Until Tamao insisted that I come here with her.

"Good!" the older girl smiled making the redhead wonder. " You see one of my closest friend is looking for a temporary personal assistant just for the duration of the holidays. I would greatly appreciate it if you can help us out?" Chikaru looked at Nagisa with her puppy eyes.

"Well, I would like to help you. But, you see I promised Tamao-chan tha.."

"Don't worry about me Nagisa-chan." the younger blunette suddenly jumped in the conversation. I can always help Miyuki in her office since it will be very busy during the holidays. And trust me, you don't want to get stuck with me doing those boring work." Tamao said after rolling her eyes at her fiancé.

"Nagisa-chan, It will be a great opportunity for you since you can list that in your resume when you start looking for a job next time. And I assure you it will land you a job right away if they see our friend's name." Miyuki said trying to persuade the girl. "Oh and the pay is good since Chikaru-chan's request is kind of a last minute."

"What do you say Nagisa-chan? It will really help us out a lot. I promise, it's going to be an easy job and you won't have any problems with my friend since she is a really nice person." Chikaru pleaded.

"Well... sure why not." Nagisa finally accepted. That was my original plan anyway. It will actually help the day go by faster. Making myself busy will at least help me stop thinking about Shizuma for a bit. I wonder if I should give her a surprise visit on my day off?

"That's great! Thank you so much Nagisa-chan! I will pick you up tomorrow morning at 7." the cheerful girl said in happiness as she tried to regain her composure. "But for now, will you stand still for me please." a smiling Chikaru brought out a measuring tape as she inched towards the young girl who was caught off guard.

At the Hanazono Mansion a very weary Shizuma was lying down talking to her mother before bedtime. Her mother Yuu, was sitting on her bed right beside her .

"Shizuma you look so tired. Are you not getting enough sleep at night?" Her mother asked worriedly.

"I am getting enough sleep. It's just that I feel so stressed out lately between the never ending office work and Kaori bothering me all the time." the younger girl said in annoyance. "That girl really doesn't know when to quit!"

"I'm sorry Shizuma, just hang in there ok?" Yuu tried comforting her daughter as she played with her silver locks. "How are you going to meet your redhead if you start getting sick?" the older lady teased.

"Mother, it doesn't really matter if I get sick or not since we both know that there's a high chance that I would not be seeing her. Did you not remember telling me this morning that I am not allowed to missed any work during the holidays?" the platinum haired girl said sarcastically.

"Shizuma! You cannot afford to get sick do you understand? This is the first time that you will be attending the parties as the future successor of your father. Besides, did I not tell you that I will think of something?" Yuu started shuffling Shizuma's hair.

"I won't believe you until I actually see it." Shizuma stared indifferently at her mother's olive green eyes.

"You know you can be pretty cold like your Father sometimes. Anyway, since when did I lie to you Shizuma?" Yuu feigning hurt to try to lighten up the mood.

"I'm sorry mother, I'm just really tired. I didn't mean it to sound like that." the young girl said apologetically. "By the way, I don't have anything important going on in the office tomorrow morning so I will be sleeping in."

"Shizuma, I know it's annoying but just deal with it for a little while longer. Now sleep early, tomorrow morning I will come back to check on you." Yuu kissed her daughter's forehead before tucking her in. After a few seconds she took a deep breath and left her daughter's room.

The next day, Nagisa was being dressed by her three friends for her new job. She is wearing a blank long sleeve shirt and white slacks while her auburn hair was being tucked in at the back by Chikaru to make it look shorter. "I need to cut your hair a little bit." the raven girl said without even waiting for the redhead's permission.

"Why do I need to look like this again?" Nagisa asked her three friends as she look at herself in the mirror. Miyuki was adjusting her blue tie while Chikaru was busy fixing her bangs to make it more ragged.

"Oh did I not mention yesterday that my friend is looking for a male personal assistant?" Chikaru feigning innocence.

"Wait! What! No! I can't believe you completely forgot to tell me the most important part!" Nagisa complained."Why did you ask me? I'm clearly a woman!"

"It will be okay Nagisa-chan. At least our friend will not try to make any sexual advances on you since she hates man." Miyuki reasoned. "And also, Shizuma will not get jealous if she finds out about your part-time job."

"Taken advantage of by your friend? Is she some kind of a pervert?" Nagisa asked in annoyance.

"Wait stay still, I need to take a picture of you for my collections. You look so handsome by the way." Tamao chimed in happiness. I would have completely fallen for the male Nagisa too. "Nagisa you look taller in those shoes, your taller than Miyuki when she stands besides you."

"I want her picture too. Here Miyuki take a picture of me and Tamao standing beside a handsome redhead!" the raven haired girl requested.

"What if I get caught!" Nagisa said as she tried to wiggle out of the girls arms who were so busy invading her personal private space just to get a good picture of her. "Hey will you two cut it out?"

Miyuki started chuckling as she started taking some cute photos. "I'm pretty sure our friend won't mind if she finds out. But you need to be careful since she could be a real flirt, so don't be falling in love with her."

Nagisa face turned pink as she sighed. "Why did I let you three talk me into this?" I hope Shizuma does not find out about this.

"You will be fine. Don't worry I will visit you whenever I get the chance." Tamao said as she hugged her friend.

After a few moments, Nagisa and Chikaru were finally sitting in the back of a limousine as the redhead tried to stay calm as possible. "I still can't believe I let you three push me into doing this." she said in disbelief as she shake her head.

"Don't worry about it too much Nagisa-chan. Our friend's mother was actually the one who requested for a girl to post as a male personal assistant for her daughter." the raven haired girl explained. "You probably need to start sitting like a man." Chikaru suggested as she look at Nagisa who had her legs cross in a very feminine way.

"Oh, my bad." the redhead tried to adjust her position to change her appearance. "That is such a weird request. I wonder why they are going to this great extent just to hire an assistant?"

Chikaru giggled. "Well, my friend's mother is actually wary of hiring a man since her daughter is a very beautiful girl and she's afraid that she will be taken advantage of."

The girl started massaging her head from all of the new information that she has been given. "I already have a headache from all of this but I can't complain since it's a decent job with a good pay."

"Don't worry, I promise you that you will not regret taking this offer." Chikaru assured the other girl.

The drive was pretty peaceful after Nagisa calmed down. She learned a lot of things about her new friend, Chikaru, who is very knowledgable about almost any topic. The redhead made sure to get some pointers on how to behave like a man as it will come in handy with her new job. As the driver pulled in a very large compound, the redhead can't help but be struck in awe. The driver open the passenger to let the two ladies out.

The older girl started chuckling when she saw the redhead's mouth agape upon seeing the vast landscape and the big mansion right in front of them. Oh my gosh. This girl is so funny. Now I know why Shizuma fell in love with her.

Nagisa caught herself being dumbfounded as she started feeling embarrass. "I'm sorry Chikaru-chan. Its just that this is the first time that I've seen a mansion as big as this one. It looks like a castle! Are you sure this is the right place?"

"It's ok Nagisa-chan, I actually find it cute." the older girl said making the redhead blushed. "And yes we are in the right place. How about we go in and meet your new boss?"

"After you, milady." the redhead bowed and offered her hand to her friend.

"Why thank you, my kind sir. You sure are a quick-learner." Chikaru took the redhead's hand as she guided her to the main entrance where a butler was patiently waiting for them.

"Good Morning Minamoto-san and her guest. Welcome to the Ha.."

"Satou-san." a tall, beautiful woman with brown hair and olive green eyes stopped her butler from continuing. "I wanted to personally greet them myself so you may go back now." the lady ordered.

"As you wish, Madame." the butler bowed to them and quietly left.

Nagisa was so enticed by the lady's charm that she just stared at her. She looks like a queen living in a castle. "Come in you two." The girls silently followed her in the living room where several ladies, who are wearing black and white maid uniforms awaits. One of them who looks older is wearing a different style but same color of uniform than the rest. The older lady ordered two of the younger maids to start serving tea while the rest just remained in their position waiting for any orders.

"Chikaru-chan! I'm so glad you could make it." the lady of the house said cheerfully before hugging the young girl who did the same thing. "You are growing to be more and more beautiful and graceful each day. How is Shion-chan doing?"

"Why thank you, Yuu-san. Shion is in America with her family for the holidays. It's been a while since I saw you last. How you've been? You look as stunning as ever like your daughter." Chikaru flirted.

"Oh my! You are indeed my daughter's friend." making the older girl giggle. "And this must be the person that you mentioned to me?" she said while giving her perfect smile at the redhead who was just staring blankly at her.

The two ladies look at each other and started giggling making Nagisa snapped out of her daze. She then realized that the beautiful woman was talking to her so she started shaking her head to get back to her senses. "Good Morning Ojou-sama! My name is Aoi Nagisa. I would be working for you starting today." the blushing redhead said in embarrassment before bowing to the older lady.

"Good Morning Nagisa-chan. Thank you for taking this job on a very short notice. My name is Yuu and I am the mistress of this house. You can address me however you like and please make yourself feel at home, I promise, I won't bite you." Yuu teased making Chikaru roll her eyes.

"Yuu-san is rather laid back. Nagisa-chan." the raven-haired girl said. "Although her husband is the total opposite."

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to stare at you earlier. It's just that you are so beautiful and your eyes reminds me of someone I know."

Chikaru and the older lady gave each other a knowing look before they both started laughing. This girl is pretty straight forward I wonder if that is the reason why my daughter fell in love with her. "It's alright, Nagisa-chan. Don't be shock when I tell you that my daughter has my eyes." trying to give the girl a hint.

"Oh really. Thanks for the warning Ojou-sama. I will keep that it mind that way I won't swoon all over her when I see her." Nagisa said with seriousness in her eyes.

"Nagisa-chan, I'm pretty sure she would prefer it that you drool all over her. Don't worry I won't tell your girlfriend on you." Chikaru winked at the redhead making the girl blush in embarrassment.

I wonder what's so funny? "Thank you, Chikaru-chan. Pardon my ignorance Yuu-ojousama but can you explain to me what it is exactly that I am going to be doing since I am not quite familiar with this job?"

"Let me explain the job details then. First of all, your job is to assist my daughter if she needs any help with anything, unless she advises you differently. Second, you have to accompany her everywhere she goes so you will be spending your time with her all day. Third, no one outside this household can know about your real identity, including your real gender, so you are not allowed to wear any female's clothing when my daughter is with you in public to avoid any unwanted attention." Yuu smiled at the young girl who was trying to remember all the details. "Pretty simple right? You think you can handle it?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"This young girl here is Chiyo-chan, she is assigned to show you around. If you need any assistance feel free to get in touch with her. She is also going to be your room mate that way she can help you get dressed and prepare in the morning."

"By the way, Yuu-ojousama how should I address your daughter?" the redhead inquired.

"Well, you can actually ask her yourself that way you can get to know her better." the lady of the house suggested.

Chikaru can't help but giggle in that last comment making Nagisa wonder.

"Does your daughter know that I am posing as a guy?"

"Not yet, but eventually, she will. So try not to let her find out right away to make this game more fun." Yuu said in delight. "We have prepared some more clothes for you to wear in your room."

"Yes Ojousama." Game? What am I? A toy?

"Yuu-san, maybe we should give Nagisa-chan a nickname?"

"Hmmm... that's a good idea." the brunette pondered for a few seconds as an idea came to mind. "How does Hono sounds?"

"That actually fits her perfectly. Aoi Hono (Blue flame). What do you think Nagisa-chan?"

Nagisa sighed in defeat. "I guess, since I will be changing my gender temporarily I might as well change my name." Nagisa is actually a unisex name but I guess it wouldn't hurt to let them have their fun. "I just need to start getting used to it.

"Great that settles it then, now why don't you go on ahead upstairs to the third floor to try to wake my daughter's lazy ass up and see if you can make her go to work today. Her room is at the very end of the hallway. Just go straight inside if she doesn't answer the door." Yuu ordered.

A worried Nagisa swallowed hard as she looked at Chikaru for approval. I just hope she won't think that a male pervert is up to get her when she sees me.

"Go ahead Hono-chan, You have my number so give me a call if any problem arises." the raven-haired girl insisted.

"Alright then, I will see you later Chikaru-chan." the redhead hugged her friend before addressing the lady of the house. "Yuu-ojousama, I will be heading to the third floor now." Nagisa bowed respectfully as she followed Chiyo who slowly climb up the stairs to guide her.

When they were away from earshot the two ladies continued with their conversation.

"This is going to be the greatest winter ever, Chikaru-chan." Yuu beamed in delight. "Nagisa-chan seems to be a sweet girl and I am already taking a liking on my future daughter-in-law."

"She is really a nice girl. I wonder how Shizuma-chan will react when she sees her?" Chikaru said as she laughs with Yuu. "Anyway, when are you planning to tell Nagisa that you know about her relationship with Shizuma?"

"I will let Shizuma handle that. For now, I wanted to just seat back and enjoy the show." Yuu smiled making Chikaru giggle.