An: Well, thank you people for your wonderful reviews I have been looking for a beta, but to no avail I haven't found a good beta yet. So, I am trying my best to do everything myself and edit everything myself, so you readers and reviewers don't have to read with any mistakes. In conclusion, readers and reviewers please be patient with me and support me with your reviews and love thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own Mai Hime or any characters

Warning: Mild and heavy themes of profanity as well as limes.

Natsuki made her way to the court yard where she saw her father who was now dressed in a black and white tux just as she was. The cobalt-haired woman looked to see the brown liquid that was in her father's cup from the smell of it the twenty-six year old knew it was scotch. Shivering at a disturbing memory that crossed her mind Natsuki cleared her throat to get the older man's attention.

"What is it you want Natsuki can't you see I'm busy?"

"I was looking for you, so we could talk," said Natsuki in a firm voice. Squeezing her hands in a tight fist and swallowing the lump that made its way back down in her throat Natsuki spoke again.

"It's about the company and about Ahn."

"So, what is it that you came to tell me?"

"Just as I was looking for you I heard Ahn and a couple of other companies that sit on the board with us talking. While listening to the conversation took place I heard that senior Lu did not receive the paper work that was faxed to him."

"And, what would you like me to do about this?"

"Is that all you can say! I just caught proof of Ahn Lu plotting to take us down along with other companies! Do you not care I have met your expectations I have proven my innocence?"

"You don't get it do you what good does whining to me change! Stick up for your beliefs Natsuki stop acting like a sniveling coward!"

"Coward do you want to talk about coward! You're the one after mother died that hid you hid behind your work and you hide behind your drink you always have done this! Now why don't you stop being a sniveling coward and stick up for your only daughter!"

"You think it's so easy being a parent do you?"

"No I don't think it's easy being a parent, but I know in my heart that…I can be a better parent and father than you ever were!"

The two looked at each other with raging fury beneath their irises. It wasn't until a small cobalt-haired girl appeared behind the two. Natsuki's anger melted quickly as she looked over to see a timid Ruka Setusuna looked over with wide eyes to see a child that looked exactly like Natsuki.

"Hey there pup how'd you get here?"

"Ara I had grandma bring me here I missed Natsuki!"

"You did well, let's get you back to your mother shall we and we can all sit together," said Natsuki before scooping Ruka up in her arms.

"By the way this is your granddaughter dad," said Natsuki speaking so only Setusuna could hear. Setusuna watched as the two walked out to the main dance floor. The older man could hear the strings of the soft violin's play, but none of it registered in his mind.

Natsuki…Saeko…till now what have I been doing all of this time?

Shizuru was greeting the others as she held a glass of champagne in her hand. Her nerves felt on fringe as she was surrounded by many business associates some old and some new. Whether the faces were old or new none of them could hold off her charm and lightly laced Kyoto born accent that sooth the most aggressive of business men.

It's been so long since I have been around this kind of event it feels so good to be back!

For the second time that day Shizuru's eyes opened in terror as looked over to the woman walking towards her. Ahn walked over in a light gray tux with a black dress shirt under it was far different from the all tuxedo wearing crowd. It was almost as if the older woman wanted to make her presence known amongst the sea of people as well as insult this event that Kuga Inc. put up.

"Keep about your wits Shizuru Ahn is coming over here," stated Shizumi. Nodding her head to show that she understood Shizuru watched as the spectacle unfolded in front her crimson irises.

"Ahn so glad of you to make it," said Shizuka walking over to the short-haired woman.

"I'm glad that I can make it I would not miss a chance to see an event thrown by my fellow business members," said Ahn with a charming smile. Linking arms with the older Fujino Ahn walked over to where the crimson-eyed woman was stationed once Shizumi left. Fear struck Shizuru's heart like a tidal wave of horrors ready to sink her into the deep depths of the ocean. Once again standing face to to face Ahn delivered a small bow before kissing the top palm of Shizuru's hand.

"Well, hello my Shizuru it's nice to see you again," said Ahn with a smile that contained sickness.

"It is nice to see you again also Ahn," said Shizuru putting on a mask while trying to compose her inner self.

"So, do you know where my daughter is?"

Natsuki please come for me!

Before she could answer Natsuki walked over with Ruka in her arms. Once again looking up to see Ahn Ruka reached her arms out to greet the older woman.

"Mama Ahn you're here yay!"

"Why yes I am sweetie," said Ahn with a plastered smile of falsehood. Wanting to take the child from the blue-haired woman's arms Natsuki pulled back with Ruka in her arms and a glare plastered on her face.

"Now Natsuki surely Ruka wants to see me her mother why don't you hand her over."

"Whether you're her mother or not I'm spending time with Ruka wait your turn," said Natsuki with a low growl.

"If you must know I would like to spend time with my ex and my daughter this doesn't concern the likes of you," said Ahn in a dangerously low tone.

The small cobalt-haired girl cringed in fear as she looked at the face of Ahn with fear. The cobalt-haired girl fisted her small hands into Natsuki's tux and buried her head deep in the older woman's chest trying her best to serve as protection. Noticing this reaction Natsuki held on to Ruka tighter and controlled her temper as to not make a scene in front her flesh and blood.

"Well, that's a reason why she's your ex now isn't she as for Ruka back off. Before I have you thrown out your disturbing what's mine," growled out Natsuki between clinched teeth. For a moment Shizuru could have sworn she saw fangs between the cobalt-haired woman's gritted teeth.

"What seems to be the problem here," said Setusuna with piercing amber eyes.

"Nothing me and Natsuki were just having a talk," said Ahn straightening herself up.

"Well, there's no problem then I suggest you take your seat before the program starts. This pointless event that was starting to occur is disturbing my granddaughter," said the older man.

"Yes sir I am sorry for the disturbance," said Ahn before bowing and taking her leave. Once the older woman left the family of three took their seats as the program began. Natsuki looked down to see that Ruka had fallen to sleep and Shizuru still in shock at the events.

"Shizuru I need to speak with you in private," said Natsuki with a firm tone.

"What about the program?"

"The program can wait I need to speak with you this has been long overdue for quite some time."

"Father…Can you please watch over Ruka? Now would be a good time to spend time with your granddaughter," said Natsuki without looking at Setusuna.

"What I don't even know how to hold a child yet alone talk to her," said Setusuna who was now holding Ruka as though she would break. The older man's pleas fell on deaf ears as the two older women walked out. The two made it to the upper balcony once there the two looked over at the party below them who were now watching the program with focus.

"It's a nice program you have going on here Natsuki. I remember when we were younger you would sometimes donate your whole entire check to children in need."

"Yea it took me years to get to this level and I don't want to stop giving to those who suffered as I once did."

"Hai I see."

"Let cut to the chase why didn't you tell me about Ruka and her health?"

"Natsuki I'm s-"

"Sorry doesn't cut it Shizuru what is it that your hiding I noticed everything about you has changed. Certain things have changed from your demeanor to the pounds of makeup you wear also; to the clothes you wear what is going on with you?"

"I cannot tell you Natsuki," said Shizuru covering her eyes with her tawny-haired bangs.

"Ok I see but I have two questions," said Natsuki looking off to the gardened maze below.

"Why do you let her do it?"

Shizuru looked in shock as she processed what Natsuki was saying. Shizuru knew that the cobalt-haired woman had learned of her shame.

"I bet your wondering how I knew."

Natsuki watched as Shizuru still looked in shock, but remained quiet as the guilt rose up in her gut. The tawny-haired woman nodded her head to find out how the cobalt-haired woman knew of her shame and weakness.

"I don't know how you could really forget Shizuru? I have been your childhood friend I could read the emotions on your face as clear as day Shizuru. I know your life is yours to follow and as much as it this might hurt your pride I'm thinking of taking Ruka into full custody."

"You're what you're not taking my child away from me!"

"What other choice do I have Shizuru! You're letting this woman beat on you and I don't want my child in danger does your parents know about this? I saw Ruka back there and how scared she was do you think I want that fear installed in my daughter!"

"Your right but that still doesn't give you the liberty to take Ruka away!"

"Who says I'm taking her away I'm her mother too remember incase all of those beatings from Ahn have jogged your memory," sneered Natsuki. Shizuru looked in shock as she hear the angry comment fury boiled her veins as she opened her mouth once again to speak with fury.

"Well, you sure seem to have the mom part down getting me pregnant and leaving!"

"I did not get you pregnant and leave I can't remember what I did that night and I you know it!"

"So, why did you leave Natsuki tell me if I'm so weak why weren't you there to protect me!"

Natsuki was in stunted by the tears that traveled freely down the tawny-haired woman's cheek reaching out to wipe the tears from Shizuru's cheeks. The crimson-eyed woman flinched as she felt contact with gentle flesh stoking her cheek pulling away to run off in the other direction Shizuru made her way to the door. The tawny-haired woman was caught and pulled back into the cobalt-haired woman's strong awaiting arms.

"Shizuru you can't fight this. Why is it so hard for you to understand? I understand I left, but why aren't you leaving what's hurting you Shizuru? Are you leaving the future behind and looking towards the past or are you letting your past actions and regrets control you?"

"N-Natsuki I-I…"

"Shizuru I have something to ask and I want you to think of it from your heart," said Natsuki who was now resting her chin on Shizuru's shoulder.

Shizuru let Natsuki's cool refreshing breath tickle her senses as she let herself lean back into the younger woman's embrace. Finding the words to utter through her pink lips Shizuru struggled out to ask Natsuki what her question was, but she could not help the nervousness placed within her gut.

"W-What I-is it you're going to ask N-Natsuki?"

"I want Ruka and you to come live with me Shizuru. If you can't see what this lifestyle is doing to Ruka to…us then I don't know what to do, but I promise you that I will never run away."

"N-Natsuki please why are you doing this?"

"I'll await for you answer by the end of this weekend please Shizuru do this for Ruka and your happiness not for the happiness of others," said Natsuki letting go of the tawny-haired woman and walking to the door. Shizuru whimpered at the loss of contact as her body hit the cold air that embraced her with an unearthly chill.

"I will be waiting for your answer Shizuru," said Natsuki while looking sincerely at the older woman before walking out.

What should I do? Ahn could hurt Natsuki I must protect her, but I know she is right about Ruka I can't keep telling Ruka excuses she needs to know her real mother. The bigger question remains is these impending feelings in my heart…

Natsuki made her way to dance floor and looked at Ruka who was now up and alert. Getting news from the staff security the cobalt-haired woman was informed that Ahn had made her way to her limo. Natsuki looked down to see Ruka pulling on her pants leg and smiling with bright eyes.

"Well, hello little lady what can I do for you," said Natsuki bending down to Ruka eye level.

"Can Natsuki please dance with Ruka?"

"Such a bold request, but here's a tip Ruka you should always have the other person ask for a dance," said Natsuki with a chuckle.

"Why should I do that Natsuki did Ruka do something bad?"

"No you didn't pup I just believe that everything you do should be a choice. Also, too when you get older boys should start asking you to dance."

"Ara ok I see Natsuki daisuke!"

"I love you too Ruka now shall we dance?"

"Hai"

Shizuru looked from the balcony as she spotted the two cobalt-haired females dancing Shizuru smiled as she watched Ruka spin. Smiling the tawny-haired woman made her way down stairs to where the two were it wasn't until Shizuru ran into Setusuna himself. Shizuru analyzed from the looks of the older man that he was tired never before had she seen the older man so worn out.

"That Ruka is a hand full… waiter I need a scotch on the rocks," shouted the older man to the waiter.

Never seeing such emotions on the older man's face Shizuru could help, but give out a giggle. This in turn earned the young woman a death glare that she was now immune to thanks to the cobalt-haired woman on the dance floor.

"Ara it seems my daughter has worn out her grandpa ne?"

"Don't start that Fujino Natsuki knew what she was doing when she left Ruka with me," said Setusuna.

"Ara we forgot to mention to you that Ruka has a lot of energy."

"It's alright, but I have a bigger problem that I must ask about Shizuru it will help me place where all of this is going."

"Hai what is the problem Setusuna?"

"Does Ruka know that Natsuki is her mother?"

"No, Ruka doesn't know I'm just waiting for the right time to tell her," said Shizuru looking down at her palms.

"Well, I'm going to share with you something that my baka daughter has made me realize earlier tonight. There is no right time on when to be a parent or when to tell a child that he/she has a parent. It's best that Ruka learns now that my daughter is her mother else she will grow up and when you tell her she will grow with resentment. I wish I could turn back the hands of time with Natsuki so I could use the knowledge I have now."

"Setusuna you can still be a father to Natsuki…I…I know that's what Saeko would have wanted, "said Shizuru with warmth in her eyes.

"I know she would…I…just need to make it right. So, how are you going to tell Ruka that Natsuki's her mother?"

"I don't know exactly…I believe it's best for now that to let the two of them have their moment."

"Well, talking to Ruka she's a smart girl and she might know before you two can tell her. Oh there goes my scotch I will see you later Fujino-san."

Shizuru made her way to the dance floor where the older members of the company were watching with smiles as the two danced. Tapping the younger woman's shoulder Shizuru watched as Natsuki looked up to see the crimson-eyed woman smiling at the two who carried the same curious expression.

"Ruka do you mind if mommy cuts in and dances with Natsuki?"

"No Natsuki told me the sharing is good yeah?"

"Ara she did?"

"Hai"

The two adults watched as the younger girl played with the rest of the children that were still up and active. Natsuki who was now turning to face the tawny-haired woman stared into the woman's crimson-eyes with sincerity and warmth. The soft strings of the violins could be heard as well as the onward looks of the crowd that formed around them earlier with Ruka and Natsuki. Holding out her hand for Shizuru to take the older woman timidly took the younger woman's hand at that exact moment the crimson-eyed woman's heart matched the warmth in her palm.

"Shizuru would you please do me the honor of having this dance," bowed Natsuki to the top of Shizuru's palm.

"Yes you may."

Soon the two waltzed off in a mystic glory that could be unharmed by no one or anything the two childhood friends could feel there bond growing. On lookers watched and commented at the two spectating if they were lovers on the dance floor each movement perfectly in sync with each other pairs hearts beating as one.

An: I believe that is a good place to stop well on to a preview please folks read and review, but thank you for helping me to get to 100 reviews. I will try my hardest make a bonus chapter and get it out to faithful readers ASAP as a reward for my first 100 yay!

Preview: "I'm cold and I'm hungry what will we do father? I miss mother."

Zero