The Commencement Ball

Chapter 5

"Yukino-san, thank you for all the advice." Natsuki was on the phone.

"Its no problem and I wish you two the best of luck."

--

Shizuru sat in her room alone in thought. She had shooed her friend out of the door earlier than normal and wondered if that was a good idea. They had been living together on and off for a couple years now and she was quite happy to do so. Sometimes she felt they were already a married couple, but Natsuki seemed to still react to her teasing so well. Maybe too well.

She didn't want her to get used to it, she was too cute for that, but she had her doubts. If she was no more than what she had been those few years ago. What progress had they made? Having doubts troubled her more than the doubts themselves. Fiancée? Annoying brother? She sighed. Either she would kick ass or do nothing at all. She had to smile as she wondered whose ass to kick.

--

Festivities were well under way and dresses of all styles and colors lit up the hall. Families and their daughters met once again and many hadn't in years. Natsuki looked out at them with a great smile on her face. She felt good about it. This ball was a great success and was much better than war.

But they say all's fair in love and war.

Shizuru was still in her room, Natsuki thought, but it was not unreasonable for her to leave at some point. Surely her intention was not to just hide herself from this problem. No, Natsuki knew it was she who had doubts. So much had gone on over these past years. Good and bad and she had to face them both head on. She didn't know which was worse. Shizuru and her future or the Fiancée and that damned brat, Yukito.

--

Shizuru entered the dance floor in her ball gown. Surely she could find some nice people to talk to or not so nice people. She stood out quite well and she had to laugh at the happy yet curious looks on other's faces. To think it a ballroom dance and she was the only one in a real ball gown.

As she walked, people greeted and spoke. She smiled and greeted them back without a thought. Her mind was elsewhere; she was on a hunt for some dimwitted idiot standing alone in this massive crowd. She meant the fiancée, not her love.

She spotted Arika whom was more than generous to shout, "Shizuru-onee-san!"

"Hello, Arika-chan!" 'Natsuki was hiding,' she thought. She would have been found by now if she wasn't. That poor girl. Shizuru decided to keep her hidden for the time being. Surely everyone wondered where she was. "Where's Principle-san?" Arika asked. Shizuru had to laugh, but only for a moment. From a joyous voice to a voice she'd rather not hear again.

"Ah, Viola-oujo-san!" that voice spoke up behind her and she frowned.

She turned and flashed a smile, "Krugar-san!"

"No, please, call me Yukito." He offered his hand.

Shizuru was reluctant to take it. The music was playing, but the dance had yet to officially start. This is what she told herself. "Yukito-san." She spoke.

"Shall we dance?" he took her hand and placed his other upon her shoulder. He disregarded the size of the dress and brought himself a little closer.

He thought to get even closer, but the dress was well made.

"For a short time, I cannot dance with everyone I see." Shizuru feigned a bit of laughter.

"No, but this is the great Commencement Ball! Where the little ones get to show off to their parents all they have done over the school year." They moved gracefully across the floor.

Above them, "What… the… hell" Natsuki felt the blood rushing to her head and her fingers were grabbing the rail far too tightly. Stormed away.

Shizuru tried to entertain herself with other thoughts, "Yes, graduation is near. We will also have new Trios members elected."

"Ah yes, Hallard-san and Soir-san have taken posts? I am happy for them. Do send my regards."

"Indeed." Shizuru opened her eyes at the feeling of impending doom.

"Brother. Dear." Natsuki growled.

"Oh!" He let go and turned to her, "I was looking all over for you, sister dearest."

"Fancy that."

"I was just sharing a dance with Shizuru-san here and I must say that is a beautiful dress you have on. Shall we?" he held out a hand.

"No." Shizuru-san?

"Ah, ever the Ice Queen. I remember when you were…"

She kicked him in the shin. Shizuru stifled a giggle.

"Pads." He still cringed.

"Lucky for you." She took Shizuru's hand and walked with her to the tables.

"Wait!" he called.

"What?" Natsuki didn't turn.

"Your fiancée is here. I'll retrieve him."

Natsuki's eyes were wide open. Shizuru saw this and held her hand tighter. She bumped shoulders to catch her attention and showed her a smirk.

"No, don't, please." Natsuki pleaded. Shizuru sighed. Some battles could not be fought.

Natsuki thought to escape, but this crowd was far too dense. Hiding in it was not so easy either with everyone wanting to thank her and talk with her. A thought crossed her mind, but it had to wait.

They found a table with four chairs and without much thought, Shizuru relocated one chair to an adjacent table. The dress really was hard to navigate here. She adjusted the dress what she could and sat upon the chair. She had most of the dress bulging under the table. She hated to admit how silly she felt now. Never mind the view one might have under that table.

Natsuki watched her fuss with it. She had to smile at Shizuru's temperament over this whole fiasco. It was cute and she was happy she was a bit jealous, but this couldn't possibly keep from blowing up. She also had her reputation to maintain.

"Natsuki, dear, this is Akito Tsubana. He's a lawyer, correct?"

"Yes, two years now." He grabbed the chair from the other table and sat down next to her. Yukito sat by Shizuru. Akito had brownish hair slightly long and scattered across his brow. He ran a hand through them and they landed back where they were.

Seems if he used moose, it'd be gone by now with that habit. He wasn't bad looking, but Natsuki could care less if he was attractive or not.

"So, Natsuki-san, if I may?" Akito asked.

"Kruger, please." Natsuki groaned.

"Sister, please." Yukito spoke. He hadn't seen Shizuru's eyes through out this meeting. Nor had he felt them on the side of his head just now.

"Look, I am not ready for marriage!" She shouted.

People around them softened their conversations and Shizuru turned to her as well. What did she mean by that?

Yukito smiled, "Sister, dear, you do not need to marry him. Otome by rule are not to marry until they retire. I bring him here in our father's best wishes so that you may live happily somewhere and have kids. So he may have someone to bounce on his lap once again. You understand this, right?"

Natsuki broke from her chair and slammed her fists on the table. "I'm still young! I will not retire for a long time! I am not getting married, you understand!?"

"I'm sorry." Akito was upset now and wanted to get away. Yukito grabbed his arm and put it upon him with a glare to remain strong. He had told him all he knew of his sister. Mostly from past poor match making experiences and her embarrassing childhood.

Shizuru really had her fill and since she could not act she felt useless. To top it off, now Natsuki had made her wishes clear to her. With all the clues she thought she saw, she felt a bit sad. "I should use the rest room, Natsuki-san, would you like to help me out of this dress?" Maybe her doubts had foundation after all.

Natsuki blinked. Was she making a joke? She thought she knew her well enough, but the question really derailed her train of thought. "Yes, of course."

Shizuru realized what she had asked and bit her tongue. She rose to her feet with a bit of fussing with her dress. "Well, if you will excuse us."

"Not so fast, Natsuki. You've escaped me many times before." Yukito spoke a bit harsher now. Shizuru could see their relationship easily. "I want you to promise me to spend time with him, he isn't a bad guy."

Natsuki regarded the option. She glanced at her friend whom just looked away. She knew saying yes would hurt her. Even in asking her not to interfere, no doubt she would if she truly objected. She took it as an 'ok'. "Just for today and tomorrow, you are gone."

"There is the open house tomorrow." He reminded her.

"Yukito…" Natsuki growled.

"It will take me much time to undress, so if you would excuse us." Shizuru added.

Natsuki glanced at her and thought maybe it wasn't just a ruse, "Fine." They made their way through the crowd.

Akito watched as they left speaking distance, "Yukito-san, I saw you dancing with Viola-san, you aren't thinking of…"

"Thinking?" he smirked, "Romancing ladies and diplomats is what I do. You would do well to learn from me." He patted his shoulder, "Natsuki is a sharp one, be honest with her and don't let her scare you."

"I'll do my best."

--

"Natsuki, it seems I cannot stay by your side today." Shizuru sighed. She was putting her dress back on once again.

"I'm sorry." Natsuki tied some remaining strings.

"It can't be helped. Have fun with your fiancée." Shizuru tried to smile. Natsuki watched her finish adjusting the dress.

"I have a lot of people to meet today, its not just him." As if those words would make her feel better. Natsuki chastised herself for not being clearer. All she could do was watch her friend walk out of the room.