Author's Notes:

-nods triumphantly- I'm glad you all enjoyed that, I'll certainly update chapter 2 of HFB when I get the time to.

Story 2: The Epitome of Love Itself

Rated T

Summary: There were many signs of her being a noblewoman. One being the way she walked up stairs. She would balance ever so steadily on her toes; swiftly and gracefully moving forward, almost in a gliding motion. Another was…well…When she kisses me, the remaining taste on my lips is one of the sweetest of teas.

Disclaimer: I don't own Mai-HiME.

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The Epitome of Love Itself 1

The morning of 1912 on the sixth month of the year, something completely unbeknownst, and quite frankly, unwelcomed had occurred. A letter, bound in a pale white envelope had appeared on the porch. Written in a beautiful mixture of katakana and kanji, it read:

To Mr. Sakomizu Kuga,

Ara, good afternoon.

My name is Fujino Shizuru and I will be living in the establishment to your right starting tomorrow.

Therefore, I wish to invite you and your family for a small gathering.

Please make your presence known tomorrow evening at precisely 6 o' clock.

Until then,

Fujino Shizuru

- - - - - - - - - - - -

"A social gathering?" Natsuki spoke between bites of a mayonnaise sandwich as she made herself comfortable at the dinner table. To her left was her eldest brother Reito Kuga, who was patiently cutting his slab of steak into small pieces while contributing to the conversation. Reito was always looking for marriage; his only problem was finding the right woman. So when news of a single and wealthy woman moving next door reached his ears, he was immediately intrigued.

In front of him, well, across from him, was the second eldest, Chie Kuga. She and Reito looked quite similar, but acted very different from each other. The raven haired woman could care less about marriage; her eyes were always set on money. As long as her husband was easy on the eyes and got a good income, he was perfect for her. She sat with elbows on the table as she spoke to the rest.

On her left was the youngest of the family, Nina Kuga. She sat quietly and stared at her plate blankly, the conversation unappealing to her. But everyone knew that her thoughts were solely about him. After all, she was smitten. So undeniably smitten that Natsuki often questioned the stupidity of the man whom she had fallen for: for he could never tell. A Sergay Wong, who's well known for his military expertise, is an odd fellow, but certainly a nice one. He is indeed perfect for Natsuki's dear little sister.

Sakomizu Kuga sat at the front of the right side of the table as his wife; Saeko Kuga sat at the opposite front/end of the table. Whenever their eyes met, they would smile warmly to each other and go on speaking.

"Sounds like it." Her father answered as he flattened the napkin on his lap.

"We are going, aren't we?" Chie asked him, her voice rising with curiosity and excitement as her glasses drooped.

"Chie, show respect to your father when you talk to him." Saeko scolded, wagging her finger at her once before placing her lips on the edge of a cup and drinking the clear liquid inside.

Natsuki on the other hand rolled her eyes at her sister. Really, what was so exciting about a little gathering? Surely they wouldn't go. What reason was there to?

"I don't see why we can't." The afro haired father smiled at his children before excusing himself from the table. "Excuse me; I have to tend to the gardens. If they die, we won't be able to enjoy such fine cooking. And Natsuki…"

The blunette looked up from the sloppy mess on her plate at her name being called. "Yeah?"

"Natsuki, manners!" Her mother corrected her, jumping in their conversation as she usually did.

"Sir?" She edited her sentence with teeth gritted and a soft sigh.

"No pants."

What?

Unfortunately, Natsuki had forgotten what time she was in. 1912 was a year in which women had to wear dresses at all times. Her father was always flexible with her and allowed her to wear pants around the house, as long as she didn't let any outsiders catch her.

"But…"

"Sorry Natsuki, rules are rules."

- - - - - - - - - -

And that is how Natsuki is where she is now. In a large estate, sitting in the corner, arms folded tightly under her bust. A scowl in place, she stared as her brother flirted, her sister danced with anyone available, and her little sister shyly talked to that Wang person.

This whole event was really wearing on her nerves. One thing in particular was making her one very unhappy camper. Where was the person who had invited them?

With a huff, her eyebrows pushed deeper against her eyelids. The mere thought sent her into a mini temper tantrum. How could someone invite them to their home, but not show up?

"Ara…"

'Damnit, it's all her fault I'm here. If she would just introduce herself, we could leave.'

"Excuse me…"

'I mean who does she think she is? I understand that she's a noblewoman, but it's rude to keep people waiting!'

"Kuga-san…"

"WHAT?" Emeralds snapped up to meet a pair of taken back crimsons. She instantly felt guilty the second she saw hurt flash in those eyes.

"Er…sorry, I…I was thinking and…I'm sorry." Was her mumbled apology.

The brunette before her giggled, chestnut tresses dancing about her frame.

"H-hey! What's so funny, huh?"

"Ara, such lack of manners. I am surprised that you get away with such language."

Choosing to ignore her statement, the dog lover looked the stranger up and down. She wore a purple frilly and quite beautiful dress. Jewels were around her neck, and she looked absolutely stunning.

Trying to hide the odd feelings stirring inside, she decided to speak once more in an angry tone. "Who are you anyway?"

"Fujino Shizuru of course."

"What?"

"Did Kuga-san not here me well the first time?"

"No, I did, it's just I thought you would be…"

"Older?" Shizuru offered, knowing full well that was what she would ask. After all, why would a wealthy young woman of her age be single? Most people often jumped to the conclusion of her being in her elder years before meeting her face to face.

"Yeah…"

"Well as Kuga-san can see, I am far younger than she imagined."

Natsuki nodded slowly in agreement to Shizuru's correct statement. "You can call me Natsuki; we are neighbors after all."

"That we are, Natsuki. You may call me Shizuru, then."

Their hands met in a brief encounter and the two made a firm yet gentle handshake together.

If Natsuki had known what that simple gesture would have led to, she most likely would have scared Shizuru off when they first spoke.

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Authors Notes:

Thanks for reading!

If you like it, I'll continue. And yes, it does have a Pride and Prejudice feel to it.

Next Story: Fatal Attraction