Cramoisi

by 7rabbits

Paris in between 19th and 20th century. Cramoisi is not your average house of prostitution. It's house of the most elite courtesans, Viola being the Lady of the Cramoisi. And it was fate that Natsuki found herself sold to this exotic house. ShizNat

6. Chapter 6

Hello popcorns! On one not so special day I received a bombardment of lovely reviews that forced me to sit on my laptop and write and here it is... It took some time for me to think of the deeper layers of the story that will reveal in time... :)

(My dear Gurj; I'm sorry popcorn, I wanted you to Beta Read this chapter so much but it took such a long time that after a while I just wanted to be done with it you know :)

If you like the chapter don't forget to blow me a kiss in your reviews! My girlfriend is insisting I join her for breakfast now and by insist I mean biting, whining, tickling. Gotta go, love you all! :*

Thoughts in italic.

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CHAPTER 6

Previously on Cramoisi...

Viola raised her body from the blunette's with a final small kiss, and took her ephemeral naked body out of the bed. She walked to the wardrobe and turned her head to the helpless girl on the bed.

She smirked with what she was about to say,

''Tonight Natsuki… Tonight you shall learn it all.''

The blunette visibly gulped as she realized her aims to play with Viola's heartstrings had back-fired.

''Tonight?'' she asked timidly wishing Viola would suddenly remember forgotten plans of some importance.

''Ara, tonight indeed. Who knows maybe Natsuki's preconceived notions of 'all is sin and wrong' may change...'' To emphasize her words Viola dressed herself right in front of the girl in an agonizingly slow manner, and turned her head to check her results before continuing. Mission was accomplished. A blushing head had turned towards the wall.

''Natsuki should have some faith. Remember I am the best in what I do...'' And with that the woman smirked once again, her hands trailing the contour of her body, feeling the white dress she now wore.

''That, for some reason I do not doubt.'' Before the words even left her mouth she stood up and walked out of the room in a rash manner.

It had only been a day and Natsuki's previous equilibrium was in total chaos. As she walked down the steps she realized how she had become so volatile since she came to this house. Her emotions were so extreme, nervous responses so near the surface, so rapid and keen.

It's as if I'm living in another dimension… She thought to herself.

Her heart seemed to beat faster in this house, her steps quicker. Everything she saw was brighter like a deadly flower. She saw outlines more sharply, precisely defined even if they were things not visible to the eye but to mind.

She came to a halt as she reached the sunny garden occupied with couple members of the Cramoisi. But she did not acknowledge them. She was busy with her own mind and body. They were at war after all.

On the top floor of the house Viola stood next to her windows that looked towards the lush garden. Her eyes locked on the stoned navy haired girl as she contemplated various things. The woman then turned towards her drawer and reached to pull out a single letter. It must have been old as the pages were now a saturated yellow. She held it delicately, afraid it might fall into ashes any minute.

'' Viola.'' said a familiar voice right behind her.

She did not avert her eyes from the letter but chose to sit down as she replied,

''Good morning to you too Nao.''

''I have some news.'' The red head curtly replied as she moved towards the grand bed and sat not so comfortably.

As Viola registered the unusual tone of her dear, she put the letter back to it's place and turned towards the red hair with a smile.

''And what news may it be to put such grave emotion on such a lovely face?''

''It's from Russia.'' Was all Nao could say as she saw Viola tense up in seconds, her face turning into a marble stone stuck in time.

''What is it? Say.'' The blond commanded, her hands grabbed the rigid surface of the table and her knuckles lost all color, her face had turned a ghostly white. It was as frightening as a Michelangelo sculpture coming alive and talking back to you.

''Grand Duchess Maria… '' she started but found herself unable to finish. She took a visible gulp and blurted the rest as fast as possible, ''She was killed. It is thought to be Bolshevik secret police. But there is a bigger talk that he is behind this.''

Nao watched as the woman in front of her shook visibly. She moved to raise and to reach when she thought Viola was about to fall to the ground. But her movement halted mid way when Viola abruptly held herself together and turned her back to the red head with a single hand motioning her friend to stay where she was.

''And Alexei? Alexandra? …Olga? …Anastacia?'' she paused for a second before continuing ''..The Tsar?'' it was a question most timidly asked, as she was afraid of the answers she was to get. Nao stayed silent enough to give Viola the bad news, and this exact silence crashed Viola's last stance as the woman fell down to her knees like rock and started swinging back and forth.

''Viola!'' Nao quickly rushed to her Lady. Her arms automatically surrounded the woman in a tight embrace.

A single sob came out and broke Nao's heart.

A second and third followed. Viola tried holding them back but tears in the company of sobs forced their way out to the surface. The beautiful body Nao held in her arms started to shake. And with every sob those mild shakes turned into powerful trembles.

''I know V. I know… But some say Anastacia has ran away. I swear V! I had Mikoto beat the men and they said Bolsheviks were at craze because they can't find Alexei or Anastacia! We have to move before he does!''

The trembles visibly died as Nao continued.

''You know how cunning that son of a gun can be! But I bet one of us took Alexi and Ani and found a way to escape. We have to believe they did… ''

A hand grabbed Nao's so tight that the red head couldn't hold back a wince.

''Yes. Yes they would. What of the Mad Monk's boy?''

''No news. Disappeared into thin air.''

''As expected of him.''

And when Viola raised her head Nao was surprised to see that the only remains of Viola's outbreak were the slightly pinkish eyes. She raised her body slowly and adjusted her dress as Nao let go of her and took a step back amazed by the sudden change in her lady. Amazed and intrigued all together because the façade Viola held at the moment only meant war. And Nao recognized that face to be very deadly.

''What would you have me do?'' she asked now with a serious tone.

''Has Yukino heard of the news?''

''Yes.''

''I see. Then take her with you. Her connections have proved to be most unconventional yet most trust worthy. Learn of this gossip more and come back to me at once. ''

''Yes my lady.'' With a nod Nao turned to leave quickly but stopped at the doorway. ''Viola?''

''Yes?'' the woman answered now once again seated at her wooden chair deep in thought.

''What is to become of us?'' Nao asked hoping for a dust of ease.

''Do not worry. We shall survive as we always do.'' Viola turned her head to the woman at the door, her eyes now a darker shade of crimson. ''Alexei will try to find a channel of communication if he already has not. Find it. We were erased for a reason and the most unfortunate circumstance has happened. We have to act.''

''Yes Viola.'' And the girl left closing the door behind her. She started her descend downstairs but came to a halt when she saw a certain blunette make her way upstairs with a determined face. She held her place and grabbed the girl as she was about to pass her.

''Where do you think you're going?'' the red head asked without an ounce of tolerance in her voice.

Natsuki was taken aback for a second but her brows knitted to their original position as she declared, ''To see her. Do you have a problem with that?''

''Yes. Right now is not the time for your childish games. Go downstairs and help someone.'' Natsuki tried to free her arm of the strong hold but failed miserably when the pressure increased with Nao's next words. ''I said now girl!''

For a moment Natsuki stood frozen. She had never received such an attitude from the red head before. Her resolution fell into her curiosity, ''What's going on?'' she asked in puzzlement, aware of the fact that something was going on.

''Nothing.'' It was unsatisfactory but Nao did not give a damn. ''Just do as I tell you and do not bother Viola until I say you can.''

''What the hell, you can't tell me what to do!'' Natsuki rose in another riot but this time Nao smirked uncharacteristically.

''Oh? Do you want your delicate precious cherry to be popped Virgin Mary? '' Nao dug her nails into the arm she was holding and pulled the blunette closer as she whispered her next words with emphasize. ''Do you wish it so bad to feel Viola inside of you? For her to crumble your every wall and to be betrayed by your own screams?'' Natsuki stopped all protest and stood motionless right next to the red head.

''Because believe me when I say pretty thing, that is exactly what will happen the moment you walk into that door. She will not wait for you nor will she hear your protests. Because she will know after the tenth minute you will only scream more.''

With the last word dripped in poison, Natsuki yanked back her arm and turned to descend downstairs. Nao stood where she was, contemplating on her actions. Yes, she had crossed the line. And the fact is she did like the blunette very much. Something with that girl put a smile on Nao's face and it was not because the girl had saved her some time ago. It was for the fact that the girl was absolutely indecipherable in her plain simplicity. Nao had noticed the small changes in Viola whenever the girl was around and was in fact very happy about it.

But not today… She thought. Today Viola didn't need any childish games. Today what Viola need was her mind and her mind only. Nao knew of the complicated clockwork of the woman's intellect and they needed it. Needed it bad.

With the disappearance of Natsuki appeared Yukino. Nao did not need to utter another word as they proceeded to the entrance door and vanished into the desolate street.

-:-

Viola had always thought her to be one of the Renaissance angels. Light brown hair that would dance in the slightest wind, her slender frame stood in proof of her noble blood and the large blue eyes that were known in the family as ''Marie's saucers.'' How many times had their French tutor Pierre Gilliard took time to compliment the soft gentle look those eyes conveyed she did not remember. Hadn't uncle Vladimir nicknamed her ''The Amiable Baby'' because of her good nature?

And wasn't it her that always strayed that beautiful sheep off her way…?

The blond woman smiled as her mind drifted off to a single day forgotten in the past.

They were having their bath as usual. Women holding their arms up high to delicately swipe off the non-existent dirt from their skins. Maria was singing while she was working up a childish corrupted plan in her mind.

''Mari?'' she whispered excitedly making sure the close by maids wouldn't hear.

''Hmm?'' came the humming response as the young princess stopped her melody.

''I dare you.'' the blond imp giggled to her best friend.

The young queen pouted aware of what was coming next. ''Not again Shizuru! Mama is already angry at Ani and I know it was all your plans.'' she whined hoping to reach the sympathy in her friend.

But in return her blond friend only held her chin up and continued in a nonchalant manner, ''Ara, I only wished to help. I didn't know you wished for Alexei and Ani to ban you from their games forever…'' The blond imp opened one eye to check on the young princess and a cute yet devilish grin appeared as she saw her friend's resolution crumble.

''Shiizuruu.'' The young girl whined once again before giving up. Her small arms crossed over chest and her eyes dimmed to a narrow line, ''You are the devil reincarnate. What did you had in mind?'' the princess asked after some silence and it was all Shizuru waited for as she scooted next to her friend for secrecy.

''Margarette is busy making that poor woman deaf with the Dreyfus Affair again.'' She stopped to mimic their Irish nurse and the princess giggled at the acute reenactment of her friend. ''So how about we make a run for it!'' she exclaimed with enthusiast her hand raising high into the grand ceiling. The maids had already left the two girls alone with their nurse to go and bring new set of clothes.

''Run for it? But Shizuru we are naked!'' the princess replied in utter shock, her rosy cheeks burning.

''Ara, we are indeed!''

''No.''

Little Shizuru pouted when she didn't receive the response she expected. ''Come on… It would be.. umm what's the.. word-wicked fun!'' she exclaimed once again and her friend shushed her afraid that their nurse's attention would shift onto them. Shizuru giggled and lowered her voice as her small hands reached for her friend.

''I do not know where you learn these words for I know Pierre is not the cause of it. I suspect my brother. Am I right?'' the princess inquired with a raised brow and the younger only chose to nod. She knew of the princess' weakness and it was her sisters and brother that held reluctance in accepting Maria into their games but seemed more than enthusiastic to have Shizuru in what ever they planned.

Finally the young princess gave a out a sigh and turned to her friend with a smile,

''How far can we make it do you think?'' she asked mirroring her friends devilish grin.

''We can't know until we try princess…''

And so the both girls tried sneaking out of the baths. Slowly and silently they approached the door to not alert their nurse and when they reached the door they made a run for it.

It was the happiest moment of little Shizuru's life as she held her best friend's hand and ran naked feeling the liberating wind on their small naked bodies. They laughed out loud as they passed shocked maids and butlers until a strong hold captured them with a matching laugh.

''My my, what do we have here!''

Busted they were… But that did not stop their giggles for they had been captured by none other than Grand Duchess Olga, in other words; auntie Olga whom always held sympathy for harmless fun.

Aunt Olga walked back to the baths carrying two blond naked children, and whole three of them started laughing when they found the Irish nurse still babbling about the Dreyfus Affair.

''Now all makes sense…'' was aunt Olga's final words on the matter.

Thus she named her Putti , the little angels of Renaissance, while she herself was none other than Salai… the little devil.

And when that night Shizuru encouraged her best friend to steal some biscuit's from her mother's tea table, the governess Alexandra had suggested Maria to be punished by going to bed early. However it was Nicholas that objected. Shizuru loved the Tsar who always had time to entertain his kids and interestingly Shizuru, who was not of the crown family but acknowledged as a crown jewel by the Tsar just the same. She remembered Nicholas' humorous tone as he said, ''No punishment is necessary Alexandra. Frankly I was always afraid of the wings growing. I am glad to see she is only a human child.'' Maria's love for her father had always been known as she ran up to her papa's arms and the handsome man picked her up to a strong hold.

Shizuru had stayed behind but was awarded with a secret wink by the Tsar reserved only and only to her.

No wonder they had named Nicholas as Saint Nicholas the Passion Bearer…

But not everything was what it seemed.

As little Shizuru slowly grew up to be an exceptional young lady, she became aware why they lived with the Romanovs. She had lost her mother due to an illness long ago when she was still a little girl, and the only affections she had received was from the Romanovs as her father was a great General and a tactician with lack of affections or emotions. Shizuru knew her father was Nicholas' right arm in building the great empire they lived in. But in time, as she mastered herself in the arts of war and politics, she realized her family was not to be mentioned with such grandeur in the generations to follow.

After all it was his father that was responsible for Khodynka Tragedy, Bloody Sunday and for most of the anti-semitic pogroms…

A part of Shizuru had remained stoic when news of her father's death arrived at the palace gates. She had cried of course but not as much as a loving daughter would. In fact a keen observer would say she shed less tears than the crown family…

And the only reason she had shed those few tears was because she had come to doubt what her future role would behold.

It was a beautiful Sunday when Nicholas had asked for Shizuru's presence. He had been watching the young girl with awe, internally wishing she were his own daughter. There was too much promise for Shizuru. She was a greater general than Alexei, she was more queen than Olga, Tatiana, Maria or Anastacia combined. Nicholas watched as the once mischievous little girl slowly transformed into a hypnotizing beautiful and dangerously intelligent young woman.

To Nicholas, she held her mother's Japanese origin only in character. The patience she seemed to hold that would crack even the sturdiest rock in a competition, the grace of a lilac, and the sweet tone of her voice were all her mother. Her mother after all, Nicholas believed, to be the most beautiful woman that walked on earth. Pity Nicholas always thought, that she was given to such a man like Vladimir. If only she would have submitted herself to Orthodox religion, Nicholas wouldn't bat an eyelash to make the woman her own. But wasn't it also the woman's crazy determination that put her so highly on Nicholas' eyes.

''Beautiful day is it not Shizuru?'' he asked with warmth as his grand body basked under the sunlight.

The blond girl slowly approached her remaining father figure and touched the elegant steel rails of the balcony standing right next to him with a smile on her face,

''Indeed it is uncle.'' She waited for the man to reveal her calling to his presence, and the man complied sensing this.

''I realized we have not had the time to converse much lately.''

''Uncle is busy. One could not reign an empire if he stopped to converse with everyone.'' The girl replied wisely and received a gentle laugh in return.

''Oh, Shizuru I did miss talking with you,'' He then turned to the girl and asked in a more serious manner, ''How has the palace been in my absence?'' he inquired.

The girl hesitated in her answer and Nicholas noticed it immediately. He raised his hand to young girl's chin and made her gaze into his eyes where he knew Shizuru would not dare lie. ''Tell me the truth child. My heart is not at rest lately… That Rasputin, what do you make of him?''

The girl looked back with caution but her widened irises had already gave her out.

''In truth?'' she asked once again to confirm.

''Yes and always…'' The man replied.

''I believe him to be a Mad Monk uncle.''

Nicholas saw the distress in the young girl and if there was something that uneased Shizuru, that meant there was a problem at his hands.

''Go on..'' he encouraged the little girl but let her chin go to give her some space.

''I think he has too much influence over the Queen. It is true that he seems to hold the cure for Alexei, but I do not know. I sense something evil in him.'' The girl continued as her gaze turned to the lavish gardens in front of them.

The ruler remained silent and only gave out little nods. Indeed, he had been suspecting the same thing but his wife had pledged a blind oath to the medicine man and the last thing the Tsar wanted was to have his wife against him. And the most dreadful part was that if a situation like that were to happen, he knew he would fail and the monk would win. Thus for some time he had been acting favorable towards the interesting threat in his palace.

His brows knitted, as he did not know what to do for the first time in his life. Rasputin was gradually becoming a bigger threat but he was also a need if he wanted his son to be a healthy successor. A dilemma indeed…

''You are a child of mine, so I have to ask Shizuru… Has he made a move against you?'' he asked slowly. After all, the Tsar had also heard of the man's reputation inside the palace, and very much dreaded the answer.

''He believes I hold deep affections for him for that is what I would like him to believe uncle. But he also knows that I am like a daughter to you, so he does not dare.'' She replied in whisper.

''You are my daughter, and you are much too wise for your age...'' Said the man, once again turning towards the young woman who turned as well.

''I know I am not to be your daughter's company for all my life uncle.'' The girl stated which took the handsome Tsar by surprise. The man turned abruptly and gazed into the hypnotic crimson. She held determination in her eyes and the man knew that the day had come. That he could no longer sit and wait for Shizuru to mature, that for his luck the girl already had pre-matured. Just as he needed…

Tsar's silence had only proved Shizuru's suspicions. Today she wanted to learn everything.

''I understood this when my father looked at me with sorrow in his eyes. It was the only emotion he ever showed. He never touched me nor did he ever smile at me but he did drown in sorrow whenever you, uncle, would hug me or hold me. And the only time he stroked my hair was when he left only to come back dead. I knew then that he was to die.''

The man stood, his eyes suddenly turning matte and his face stoic as he gestured for the girl to continue with a half nod.

''I thought it was my father's wish to be educated in the arts of war, politics and… other unconventional subjects. But it was you uncle, was it not?'' she inquired and the man was surprised to find no evidence of shock on the young girl. He smiled. Shizuru had become perfect.

''Your father only wished for you to live the life of an ordinary girl.'' He answered honestly.

''But somewhere in between you opened your plans concerning me to him did you not? Now I wish to hear those plans uncle.''

''Too wise… Too beautiful you are…'' he said with a dreamy whisper.

''Just as uncle wished me to be.'' Came the automatic answer, which took the Tsar out of his reverie.

''Indeed I have. Indeed. . .What I utter today will only be uttered once Shizuru and only uttered so you make sense of my future actions.'' The man said in grave tone as he signaled the girl to follow him into his studies. The young girl followed him with only a nod, following with timid steps, not intending to break his words as she grasped the crucial meaning of them.

''My father had always favored me for one thing and one thing only. That I can foresee the future...'' He gestured for the seat in front of him as he made himself comfortable on his own couch. ''And grave it is that what I see and what I want are different for the future of Russia. I grew up with Vladimir, your father, as he was assigned to me in the childhood. Together we would make plans and draw on the maps almost every night fantasizing the Great Russian Empire.'' He reached for the cognac he always favored and took out two glasses out of the rococo style cupboard.

He put one empty glass in front of the young woman as he continued, ''It was a dream thought over for years. Years to master and to foresee every possible wrong move beforehand.'' He poured the dark orange liquid on both glasses and walked back to his seat. Shizuru had remained from the glass for the time being, the action spoke much more volumes than any word.

''And what we came to realize is that one can not reign an empire sitting inside one's palace. We had to have a network Shizuru. A network of only the finest men and women who would dedicate their lives solely to the greater of the empire and if it is necessary give their lives.''

Shizuru only hummed in affirmation as she started to etch the words in her mind to remember them always, word for word for the coming days.

''The success of our empire is founded solely on these handful of people all around the world. For the moment I can not enclose these people to you but in time you shall learn everything my girl.'' His hand reached for his grand beard and stroked it slowly as he thought about his next words.

''What is it that uncle wishes of me?'' the girl asked in a serious tone, which only made the Tsar smile with sadness.

''You Shizuru… You came as the biggest surprise. In a way your intelligence and beauty became the architect of your demise and perhaps if my calculations go right, the savior of this empire.''

That had startled the young woman as she took her eyes off the Tsar and diverted them onto the ground. They were big words uttered with grave seriousness and Shizuru knew Tsar would never exaggerate anything.

''You see, you are my golden girl Shizuru. And the education you have been receiving, and will continue receive, has been to create the irresistible.'' The man said his eyes burning into the woman in front of him.

''I-irresistible…? I do not understand uncle.''

''In one word irresistible Shizuru. Just that. You are my secret weapon, and when the time will come no one will stand against you. No one… No one could. Man or men…''

''Lady Viola?''

The Lady of the house jumped slightly letting go of the picture she was holding for the past two hours.

''You called for me?'' Mikoto asked ready to do whatever her lady may ask of her.

''Ara, indeed I have. I wish for you to run to the city. I want all my politicians to converse their mind in Cramoisi tonight. It is uttermost importance that Mikoto succeeds.'' She smiled softly but her demeanor said other wise.

No other word was necessary as Mikoto gave a curt nod and proceeded to walk outside.

Viola turned back to the picture and let her thumb stroke all the faces tenderly, especially of Maria's. Then her eyes locked on the handsome Tsar as she muttered,

''For a man whose pride was to see the future, I can not imagine the shock you held when they came to destroy you uncle… Or perhaps you were not surprised?'' A sickened smirk appeared on the blond woman and disappeared as soon Viola saw her reflection on the mirror. She once again turned to the picture in her hands, ''Farewell uncle… Now I am complete, with nothing ever holding power over me… Just like you wished.'' She put the picture inside a little box that occupied several pictures and papers.

''But the plans have changed.''

With the final word she left her room to get ready for the night.

-:-

At first everyone seemed to avoid her. Yukino, Nao and Mikoto were apparently gone. Mai, after receiving instructions from Lady Viola, had dismissed her out of the kitchen. The girls and boys had retreated to their rooms to get ready for the night. The house seemed almost silent with the exception of the buzzings and hummings coming from the kitchen. Not knowing what to do, Natsuki found herself in the cellar. A place that reminded her of home... The air in the cellar was dry as it should be Natsuki noted. She walked past many wine bottles examining them one by one. Each and every one of the dusty bottles took her back to home, to a time when her heart was filled with warmth and security.

She halted in front of a bottle. She picked it up and a smile made its way. She wiped the dust of the simple label and sat down on the ground, holding the liquid filled bottle onto her chest.

Who would have thought. . . To find home, in a dusty cellar in the back streets of Paris. And look Ma, it's your favorite year. Huh. Paps would have killed me if he caught me drinking this.

But then again that bastard would have been too drunk to notice it. Oh he would see doubles and beat me twice as hard! Hmm. That's more like the paps I grew up with. Nice thing you never got to know him Ma. But then again, if you hadn't go… whatever.

She shrugged and picked up the knife she had taken with her from the kitchen. Tonight was the inevitable after all. She decided a good wine, her family's wine, was pretty fit for the situation. She opened the bottle without much struggle and raised the bottle in the air.

''I drink to you paps! Thank you for being the son of a bitch you are!'' she merrily brought the tip of the bottle onto her lips and drank like she was in the middle of Sahara, like her thirst could wash away everything.

In short time she had emptied the bottle, but her knew found drunkenness urged her to open a second one and she did. Although Natsuki thought she was deep in her thoughts she was not so. In fact, she was saying out loud whatever that was in her mind. The little echo of the cellar only made Natsuki believe that her brain did not occupy so much room in her head. That her head was a big empty box. That perhaps she was a dim wit, her brain size competing with one of a bird's.

She remembered... Remembered a time when she held a similar bottle in her hands, dying the aqua color of their small pool as her body lied in the bottom. Propelling herself with the heavy, slow steps of someone in a dream as she imagined her own death.

Suicide!

And so young, so lovely...

She wondered if people would have talked much about it. After all, it wasn't everyday that a fifteen year old girl did herself in...

She could hold her breath no longer.

Imagining her own dissapearance from the world gave her a certain satisfaction- but what would it accomplish? True, her life had reached a point of unbearable monotony of cruelty, and she would do anything to snap that pattern, anything that wasn't stupid.

But suicide would be stupid, she decided. Of course, her mother would be insane with despair even from her grave. And who knows maybe just a tad a bit her father too. There was a satisfying element of revenge in that.

All the abuse she had suffered...

She heard a noise from the outside. In need of oxygen her legs disobeyed her to reach the surface.

''Was today the fermentation day and I had no knowledge? Cuz I'm pretty sure you're supposed to crush the grapes in the treading vat not your pool Kuga...''

The blunette took a huge gulp of air. ''-Aly? What?''

''Ara ara, I see Natsuki in deep thoughts..''

Natsuki jumped back to reality when the tone of the voice changed drastically to an elegant unfamiliar accent.

''Viola!'' she tried to squeeze her eyes to focus but all seemed tad a bit blurry.

''What is Natsuki doing in the cellar? Besides draining my wine collection of course.'' The woman in front of her seated form asked with a raised brow and a small smirk.

''Draining away.. Just like you said. Clever woman you are Viola.'' She grinned. Her mother was right to favor this wine Natsuki thought. It made people happy.

''Ara, am I so. And what was my precious Natsuki babbling previously?''

Natsuki didn't protest the added adjective to her name and only shrugged in her response.

''Hmf. I am no one special. Just a common girl with common thoughts.''

Viola eyed the girl's drunkard state. Today also had it's toll on her so she decided to humor herself next to the little cellar mouse she had found.

''Common?'' she repeated, knowing full well she did not need to ask any questions, that the girl would unravel by herself.

This was an opportunity Viola did not dare miss.

''Common! Common is as common does.'' The girl extended the bottle to the Lady of the house as she continued ''I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me, no novels inspired of me, and definitely no paintings that only exaggerate my bust!'' the blunette exclaimed, mentioning one occasion where Viola was depicted by a famous brush.

''Ara-''

''Hush. But in one respect, I've succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived.'' She stopped only a second before exclaiming the crucial words, ''Anyone but you!'' To emphasize her target, she raised her initial finger towards the blond woman in accusation.

Viola had taken small sips of the wine, surprised that it tasted so… She honestly did not know. It was just perfect for the moment. The little comment on her bust size had made her leer while the unidentified accusation only made her realize the close proximity between them.

She had seated herself right in front the blunette, crouching to blunette's height, taking seiza position. A delicate finger had just raised and touched her chest, catching her off guarded.

''And what may that be that I have failed so miserably?''

''I…'' the blunette paused a second as all strains of logic visibly disappeared, ''I've loved another with all my heart and soul.'' She stopped to raise her head. Her green eyes, which could fix upon one with the intent and impenetrable gaze of a fox.

Hypnotized, Viola stood without uttering a word.

''But you can't. Haha!'' the blunette laughed the next second. Clearly showing the bipolarity of a newly alcoholic.

''You lack both them! I loved not a flesh like you, but a person. You… You love, nooo wait! -you desire and conquer flesh! Just like how papa loved to crack those seashells and suck them dry… '' The blunette continued as Viola remained seated, unable to say anything to stop the girl in front of her.

''You… You and papa. You are the same.'' Natsuki's arms snaked around her own as her voice gradually went down to almost a whisper. Although her face did not show, Viola was shocked to see the brunette shrink back to a six year old. It was obvious that the girl had no loving father. And to be compared with…

To be acknowledged same with him…

''You know I tried to die, but he won't let me'' she looked at the ceiling with accusatory eyes. They were meant for God.

Previous words echoed in viola's mind, as drunkard as they maybe, those words had hit home. It was funny to be told the truth in the unknown corners of Paris, in a cellar of dusty bottles.

True she did not know how to love.

True she only conquered, rather than to build or invest in anything in her life…

Life was funny indeed.

''Well, Natsuki can't have everything…'' Viola said in the company of a sad smile that went unnoticed by the blunette. ''It's a lovely day outside. Let's take a walk.''

''I don't think so.'' Came the childish resistance.

''Well, we've got to get Natsuki out of here.'' The woman tried to reason, while closing near the girl with caution.

''Who says?'' the girl asked, her eyes closing and opening from time to time.

''I do.''

''And who are you?'' the girl asked once again. She looked up to the beautiful woman in front of her, as if to see her for the first time.

Had angels descended from heaven?

''I am as Natsuki puts; a woman incapable of loving another just for who they are. A woman with no heart or soul...'' The tone was neither hurting nor angry. It was as if stating the most obvious fact in the world.

''You? Peff. Impossible! You are too pretty to be that empty.'' Natsuki never saw the unexpected blush rising on her lady's cheeks nor did she realize that the woman's face had come right in front of hers.

''Ara… Natsuki thinks I'm pretty?'' Viola whispered, genuinely happy with the little comment.

''You are beautiful.'' Natsuki whispered as her emerald eyes discovered crimson for the first time. ''But in a way forest fire is beautiful…'' she continued. Her eyes had a hard time keeping them open.

''Forest fire..?''

No one had ever described her this mysteriously. The small smile kept its place as Viola's hand came up to hold her chin. This young creature sure kept her interested.

''Yea, forest fire. Something to be admired from a distance… not up close.'' She mimicked the small smile right in front of her as her head tilted to the side literally admiring the woman in front of her.

Viola slowly descended her lips and stopped only an inch away from the still ones in front of her.

''And what happens if one decides no longer to stay distant?'' with Natsuki's words she had realized their own proximity and something inside of her didn't wish to be so close yet so distant from those now red lips.

She reached only a bit more and captured them in a chaste, small kiss tasting the remains of the wine combined with Natsuki's own. She didn't withdraw her face but kept still, both of them feeling each other's breath.

''You get burned.''

A final mutter and the blunette's head fell down to her lady's shoulder.

''Ara…'' Viola gave out a silent laugh, as this was the position she least expected. She smiled as her hands cupped the little head on her shoulder and lifted it slowly.

Such beautiful youth her hands were holding. Such vulnerability… She moved couple strands of midnight blue hair away from the milky face, towards hers. What she inhaled was so different from what she was seeing. Natsuki smelled of nature even in a dirty city like Paris. She smelled of wilderness, and of danger. Any sentient creature would have the good sense of keeping away from danger. But not Viola. Especially when danger came in such a sumptuous form...

-:-

''What happened to me?''

''Natsuki passed out. After draining my favorite wine of course.''

''O-oh.. Yea, sorry. Wait! Why the hell am I naked?''

''Natsuki didn't have a good sleep. Do nightmares haunt Natsuki often?''

''You didn't answer my question. I asked why the hell I am naked!''

''Mai had to towel you with cold water. It helped you calm down. Though if I knew Natsuki wished her exposed form to be due to something else, I would have surely complied to her wish.''

''Oh sure you wish! I still have my suspicions, I'm watching you Viola!''

A half naked form covered with black sheets moved uneasily inside the bed. Viola had her back turned to the blunette obviously avoiding the Kuga whine. But the last word from Natsuki resulted in the lady of the house turning with a wicked smile.

''Ara ara, I'm flattered. It was my secret yearn to have Natsuki watch me… all the time.''

Here had came the red hue Viola tried to accomplish. It was there, full force… as expected.

''Shut up. You swear you didn't touch me?'' Emerald irises focused on crimson with determination and doubt, but Viola averted her eyes after looking towards the ceiling in annoyance.

''We took care of Natsuki. You were disturbed so we helped. We are a family. We take care of each other.'' But Viola's words were cut short by the now half dressed blunette.

''You're born into a family. You do not join them like you do the army. And you sure as hell do not expect a family member to sell her body. I am not your or anyone else's family. My family is long dead.''

''Perhaps… So what Natsuki means to say is she does not care for anyone in this house?''

Natsuki fidgeted. How did this woman always found a way to turn her words against her was a skill indeed. Her hand grabbed the sheets under her, playing with the texture unconsciously.

''I… didn't mean like that.''

''She would not try to save us all if this building were to catch fire?'' Viola lightly asked while moving around the room. Emeralds followed the stunning form, like a cat to a mouse.

''Idiot! It doesn't matter who they are, I would try and save anyone if… if in a situation like that! Except for you of course.''

Natsuki knew she was being childish. But right now she did not care. Viola's light mood irritated her while she was in the woman's bed half naked. She looked around to find her trousers but failed to find it.

Viola did not react to the blunette's infantile discrimination.

''I accept the sentiments.'' Was all she said, before she turned to the blunette as if contemplating something. ''Then may ask one more question?''

Natsuki rolled her eyes and let her body drop back to bed.

''Like you need my permission.'' She murmured.

''Ara, so true. So, if a person from this house were to come to you in tears, clearly troubled with a problem would you not listen? Or if they wished to have Natsuki's doubtingly pleasurably company would you not dine with them? Do you not wish to keep them safe at all times? Mostly, do you not worry when they worry? Or sadden when they are? Can you remain stoic when they genuinely ring your ears with their own?'' The list seemed to go on, and pissed Natsuki with every word. Viola's face changed into a more serious one as her body halted right in front of the bed.

''Tell me Natsuki, did you not come to respect the people in this house on your own pace?''

''That's whole a lot question than one.'' She averted her gaze from the crimson as her arms closed over her chest.

Don't answer this. She is playing her mind games again. And knowing you, you'll take the bait in the next minute or so. Hack, may be I do like the people here but come on she is saying we're a family!

''Yet the answer is the same is it not?'' Viola pressured with a low voice still not moving from her place.

''It is still not the definition of a family.''

''And thank heavens it is not.'' Just like that Viola turned away and walked to her mirror on top of her dresser. Her hands reached for the Indian ink Tomoe had brought some time ago. Her steady hands slowly stroked the black ink on her eyelids. She could see the puzzled face of her blunette from the reflection.

''Is it me or are you contradicting yourself?'' the said blunette asked.

''Family has power over us. It has the power to deem you of your freedom. Of your character, of your choices in life. '' Viola explained as if stating the most abundant fact in the world.

''How is it different from what you are trying to do since I came here?''

''Natsuki can leave whenever she wants. There are no guards in this house if she has not noticed before? We have certain ways and rules but we do not have power over each other.''

''You have power. You make people do whatever you want them to!'' Natsuki raised in fury but fell back the next second, very aware of her half clothing.

''No. I am appointed to power. And I do not make them. There are no lashes waiting if you wish not to obey. Here, you have to right to disagree and the right to disobey, and since this is a house of love.. any disagreement is regarded with utter care and delicacy.'' She gave an impish wink with her newly featured eyes.

''Then regard my disagreement as well.''

''And what may that be?'' She knew very well that the blunette would play the broken record all over again, but she did not care. She liked Natsuki most when the blunette challenged her very core.

''I do not wish to sell my body.''

''Noted, thought over.. and I'm afraid nothing I can do.''

The answer had come way to casual for Natsuki's liking. She felt her body boil like every time it did whenever she was around this blond demon. Her control slipped all too sudden, and her next words left her mouth without much thought.

''All this family talk is bullshit! You are a tyrant of a whore house so stop painting a pleasing picture! You're all whores selling your body for a dime!''

Natsuki's eyes widened the second she finished yelling. Viola had turned abruptly towards the bed. In seconds she was a foot away from the blunette, her gaze burning an eternal fire.

''Not every family is a merry group of people happily chatting in their dinner table. Not everyone chooses the path they wish to lead. There is such a thing called unfair fate. Do not be the gullible idealist!'' Viola's hands reached for a powerful grip on the blunette's shirt. She pulled the girl closer to her face and did not let go.

''Natsuki was sold to this house, like almost all the members in this house. We were all born from a mother's belly, yet we ended up here. But we do what we can do to be there for each other. We do what is necessary to survive! I will not take it kindly if Natsuki ever decides to badmouth anyone living under my roof. Mark my words ki-''

''I'm sorry.''

It had come so haste that Viola stopped. She looked at the girl quizzically but did not let her go, all too soon becoming aware of the blunette's breath on her face.

''I am. I did not mean to say those words. I do like the people of Cramoisi. It's you… You make me say things I do not wish to.'' Natsuki murmured in a fragile tone, not trying to break away from the hold.

''I?'' Viola breathed out, her mind drifting off subject.

''You.. I get angry when I'm with you.'' Natsuki's cheek colored into a beautiful hue of red.

Why am I saying these..? It's just-

''Is that the only emotion you feel when we're together?'' Viola brought Natsuki back from her thoughts. The hand grabbing Natsuki's body moved towards the blunette's neck, slowly making it's way to the porcelain face. It lifted the chin up so that emerald could meet crimson once again.

''I… no.''

Just say it and be done..

Natsuki took a deep breath to voice out the remaining,

''I also panic, get frustrated, and be extremely furious.'' She finished in one breath. Viola descended her face closer but Natsuki did not move. She closed her eyes and waited for whatever was to happen. She felt Viola's breath and inhaled her enthralling scent. The said breathing winded through her cheek and stopped near her ear.

''So in other words, you get nervous and fear me because you think you can be defeated by me, thus feeling fiery and passionate which results in a behavior opposite of what you wished.''

Perhaps that was a bit too much, Viola thought with a smirk.

A pair of emerald shot open and a midnight head moved back abruptly,

'' Wha-those are not what I said! ''

Viola wanted to push further. A single knee raised itself and moved on top of the bed sheet, right in between two undercover leg. With small effort the blond goddess raised herself, her hands resting on the blunette's shoulders for mock balance.

She was charming her way with her smile. ''They are the synonyms of the words you preferred to choose.''

It was astonishing really. Any other person would have melted half way, but this girl…

Ara, it seems with this girl everything I do has the adverse effect. Those clashing brows, that serious face.. She just might be the most intriguing creature you've yet to encounter Shizuru.

''Yea and I choose those and not their synonyms for a reason.'' Blunette replied without moving an inch of her body.

''Exactly. Because Natsuki wishes not to express her true feelings towards me.''

''You wish to learn my true feeling towards you? I would rather be sent to hell this instance rather then to be with you. There, as true as it can be.'' Natsuki turned her head away from the vision in front of her. Why? Simple. It infuriated her! Her logic seemed to fail down whenever the woman came close, and lately she had been finding herself close to the blond all the time…

A hand pulled her head back from her hair and whispered into her ear. Goosebumps appeared on Natsuki's milky flesh.

''Watch what you say young one. I've been to hell, you've only heard about it. And believe me when I say it is an unpleasant place.''

''Ugh.''

Just like that the weight on the bed was gone as well as the hand pulling on Natsuki.

''Onto our next topic. I need Natsuki to do something for me tonight.''

''I didn't think there was anything left you could ask from me. What is it now?''

It was funny how they were charged and released at a full tilt. Neither of them had noticed but both had grown accustomed to other's rise and falls, and perhaps even enjoyed. It was the only explanation to why Natsuki Kuga still remained inside her lady's bed.

''The ambassador of the Ottomans is to come here tonight. I wish Natsuki to entertain him with her charming presence.''

''Oh Jesus no.. And now I am stuck with a brainless palace smug.'' The young woman threw her body back inside the comfortable bed. Her gaze fixated on the ceiling while her ears enjoyed the melodic voice coming from the other end of the room.

''Actually I thought Natsuki might get along. I heard the ambassador to be the adventurous type who loves to hunt and hike…''

A third viewer would have described the moment as two women taking pleasure in each other's company. And perhaps one would dare say there was more than just friendship. The lady of the house busied herself with her jewelry all the while her prior attention lied in the blunette in her bed. The said blunette on the other hand, had spread along the bed. She was busy curling and unfolding parts of her body from her neck to toes. She had even entombed her face on Viola's pillow in between their conversation without either party's notice.

''Okay so perhaps he is not a complete moron. I'll do it. You'll make me anyways. I'm going downstairs.'' Her long slender arms reached for the pants that she had spotted a minute ago.

''Wait.''

And Natsuki did, for a second. She halted midway and turned towards her lady waiting for a reason. Awkwardly none came. Natsuki eyed the woman tilting her head to the side just like a puppy but there was no clear answer from the crimson. To Natsuki, Viola seemed hesitant which only intrigued the emerald beauty.

''What is it?'' she asked. Disregarding her lady's previous instruct, she put on her pants inside the covers and raised herself out of the bed with a quick jump. She walked towards the door, but that also meant walking right in front of Viola.

''If he advances in a way you… if you do not feel comfortable with, just signal me. I'll be right next to you.''

She had not met her eyes. It was a first coming from Viola, Natsuki did not know how to respond but to parry.

''Whatever.''

She gave a half smile and walked out of the door.

-:-

Ambassador Cem was nothing like Natsuki had imagined. In her vision he was a bearded man with a big belly whose understanding of an adventurous life was to sit still on his horse while the animal struggled enormously to have them look both dignified. What Natsuki had in mind was a funny picture that had made her laugh till Cramoisi opened it's doors.

What she had in front of her was something entirely else. Cem, as he wished Natsuki to call him by from the first moment, was a tall tanned man in his middle twenties. He had dark brown eyes that resembled of a falcon, charming yet fierce. His body was of a true combatant, muscled in all the right places giving him the look of a Greek sculpture made out of brown ceramic. His posture was nothing like Natsuki ever seen before, except on Viola. They both walked like they floated on earth, full of grace and elegance…

''Has Natsuki ever been in wilderness? I heard France's forests are to be admired.'' The man asked in gentle means to start conversation. It had only taken him a short wile to understand the woman in front of him was of introvert nature.

''Unn, I was born in a vineyard far from here.''

''Oh, they are…'' he stopped to find the right word, the right translation, but failed to do so.

''… -pardon my limited vocabulary, I have not been fully educated in your language.''

''No- no! It's absolutely fine. You're really good actually.'' She tried her best at a smile but one would argue it's success.

The man let out a visible sigh and chuckled. He raised his glass to Natsuki and took a gulp.

''Ah, then I am happy. I know well, that France has the best wine in the world. I would have loved to have some of your home place.''

''Actually, you kind of can.''

''How so?'' the man asked with genuine interest.

They had seated themselves comfortably in the garden right under the colorful lanterns. It was a warm night in Paris.

''I found some of my family's wine in the cellar just yesterday.'' She scratched her neck accompanied with a silly little smile. But Cem had suddenly crossed his brows.

''Natsuki may I pardon you a question?''

''You want to ask me a question?'' she repeated and the handsome man nodded. ''Yea sure, you don't need any permission for that.'' Or did he? All of a sudden Natsuki realized she had no idea what the Cramoisi etiquette was in entertaining a guest.

''It is of a personal question and I do not know the customs of your country well so forgive me in advance. Before I thought you were an… what is the word.. from humble origins. But now you said your family owned the vineyard?''

She didn't understand what humble origins meant but she did not particularly care either. She saw Mai pass with Mikoto by her side. They smiled towards them and she returned the gesture all the while answering Cem.

''Yea we still kind of do.''

There was a momentary silence before the handsome stranger continued.

''And isn't it so that a family which owns a vineyard is substantially secured in the matter of finance.''

Now she understood where Cem was getting at. The man had wondered what the hell she was doing in a place like this.

Good question buddy. Good question.

''You mean where we wealthy? We used to be. Actually who knows we probably still are.'' She stopped and mumbled the rest in a whispered tone, ''I wouldn't be surprised if that drunk bastard forgot where he hid his money.''

''Then I do not understand how you could be here.''

''Ah.. Well you see I did not come here. I was sold to this house.'' The girl tried to explain further but that wasn't necessary.

''I understand fully.''

Natsuki was surprised that the man did not feel the need to question more. How could the selling of a person be regarded this neutrally?

''You are not surprised?''

''The barter of a person is a custom in my country as well Natsuki. Not practiced legally but done so frequently. And I have traveled enough to understand the causes and the need of such barter.''

The man continued with ease, which only stupefied Natsuki further who had forgotten her expected charming manners.

''Yea sure there are always causes but there should be no need. A person's life is not something that can be bartered Cem!''

It was the first time in their short acquaintance that Natsuki had used the young man's name. She hadn't noticed this of course but it had a great impact on the said man whose eyes had sparkled momentarily.

''I am sorry if I offended you.'' His tone was soft and gentle which took Natsuki off guard.

''No it's just.. that's how it is.'' She stammered. All of a sudden she didn't know where to place her hands. And was she still on an ant colony rather than a cushion?

''True, that's how it should be. And in ideal; a fact that should not meddled with. But my words were not meant for a situation between these walls specifically Natsuki. We buy human everyday.'' His tone had become a tone lower so Natsuki instinctively found herself leaning closer to the man. They were already sitting pretty close but something about the man oozed security and thus Natsuki did not mind.

''Huh?''

''Look,'' he whispered, his initial finger showing the people in the garden. ''I see people in Cramoisi no different than the architects we buy to build our palaces, our hospitals nor of the other thousands of people we buy for our needs. And perhaps buy is not the right word, but in all honesty I hope you understand what I mean.''

He turned his head right to face the blunette whose head was still turned towards the crowd of the house.

''Yea, well when you put it that way I guess so...'' she answered without averting her gaze from the garden.

Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. There was a big dark brown wooden table that stood towards the entrance of the garden. Many candles lighted it. On it's surface laid many delicacies, but most abundant were the plates of caviar.

Her eyes searched for Mai as her mind drifted back to the conversation she had with the busty orange head earlier in the evening.

She had felt something after she had left Viola's room. Certain members of the Cramoisi held serious faces as they did their daily routine. She had also recollected how Nao had acted towards her.

In her gut, she felt that something was going to happen... Some large event, dangerous, which an animal instinct in her had sensed in the scorching stillness of the day.

It was Mai that confirmed Natsuki's feeling.

''It's starting,'' the orange head had said out of nowhere.

''What's starting?''

Natsuki was idly sitting in the kitchen watching the chef of the house work her magic.

''Well there are rumors. . . '' the cook absent mindedly said.

''Rumors?''

''Indeed. So I went in to the Market and bought two hundred cans of caviar.'' Mai went on with a grin plastered on her face.

But it made absolutely no sense for Natsuki, and her face clearly showed it.

''Jesus Mai will you just let say it already!'' the blunette whined clearly irritated, but the cook only giggled.

''They say there's going to be a shortage—this house can very well do without everything, but not caviar!'' The cook grinned in her accomplishment and opened the door to a very small attic that resembelled the winery. Cans and cans of caviars...

Oh God.. And here I was thinking something might have really happened. I am an idiot.

''Good for you. Personally I never understood how one can deem fish eggs a delicacy. Anyways, you said you could make my hang over go?'' The blunette shrugged. Perhaps her gut feelings were wrong or off radar. If her sense of danger urged others to buy lots of caviar, then that danger could not be life threating at all could it...

The blunette no longer questionining the chef of the house, simply smiled and left the mumbling cook after taking her supposed medicine for her hang over.

''Such grave topics we talk about, I am sorry if my conversation has troubled you.''

Cem's word had brought her back from reminiscence. She turned her head towards the sound only to find the young man look at her dazed face. She felt her face blush from her careless mistake.

''No-no. It's okay.'' She smiled and it complimented her blush beautifully. ''Frankly I do not know how else to converse… I-I am new here so I don't really know what I should talk to you about.''

The man gave out a genuine gentle laugh and Natsuki couldn't help but think that it suited his handsome features. She smiled as well; her tension in the beginning of the night had left her gradually. She had actually liked this man called Cem. Perhaps entertaining people wasn't that bad after all.

She looked around once again, not able to hold the penetrating brown gaze any longer. She saw people chatting, laughing and mostly flirting. With that her body once again tensed. Cem did not expect any advances from her right?

Wait, Viola said I would not do anything I am not comfortable with. And flirting is definitely on top of my uncomfortable list. Where is she anyways?

Her eyes automatically scanned the garden, unable to find her the desired object.

''So this wine you mention previously. Would I be asking much if I said I would like to taste it?'' the man asked, acquiring the blunette's attention once again.

''Ah, yea sure. I don't think Viola would mind, not that I can see her anywhere anyways.'' She answered, her eyes still searching for her lady.

''Lady Viola, yes, I think I saw her a moment ago going inside your manor.'' The man answered looking around as well.

''Well then, shall we?'' the blunette raised her body in one quick motion and turned towards the man with a smile. ''I know where they are kept, '' she then realized her mistake in hospitality. ''Then again don't stand! I can bring it right here.''

Man I'm no good in this. She thought to herself looking in between the door of the house and the man still sitting in front of her.

''No need Natsuki. I think after a long sit, my legs would appreciate a stretch.'' The man stood up as well, dusting off his pants.

''You are different.'' It was all too sudden and Natsuki hadn't really wanted to say it out loud. But the man had heard her, his brows went up and his eyes strayed to his feet.

''Different? A right choice of word to define I would say. I am from a far after all.'' The man had clearly taken it the wrong way as his face was somewhat embarrassed.

''Stupid mouth.'' Natsuki palm smacked her head before turning towards the man, ''I didn't mean it that way Cem. It's just you have, no you are kind… and well you are okay in my book.'' She said in an apologetic tone, and it changed the man to flash a beaming smile.

''To be deemed okay by such a lady like yourself, I am more than flattered Natsuki…''

The way Cem had uttered her name froze Natsuki momentarily. The handsome ambassador took this chance to take Natsuki's hand and curl into his own.

''Could I by any chance be okay enough to humbly request to hold Natsuki's hand?''

The way he had formed that sentence awfully resembled of some one else.

What is it with these people… Geez. How hard could it be to say say 'yo! Wanna hold my hand?' Always the fancy words…

''You sound just like Viola. For a man who had just apologized for limited vocabulary you're damn good when it comes to girls aren't you?'' she hadn't uttered her words in accusation. If anything she was mildly entertained.

Wait a minute! He just said he wants to hold my hand. He just said he wants to hold my hand. He just said he wants to hold my hand!

Her inner self jumped in sensing that the girl was about to be emotionally locked.

He is already holding your hand idiot! And he is talking so listen! Listen!

''What can I say Natsuki… In my country there are two things we give importance to. Woman and war. Thus one should be equipped to get ready for both them since they are exceedingly close in nature.''

The humor was unexpected and thus she couldn't hold back her laughter. Couple heads turned to look at Natsuki who stood next to the handsome man. Everybody who had witnessed the laughter thought it suited the blunette very much. Nao, for example was caught off guarded to hear such a clear melodic laughter, and she was even more surprised when she realized the blunette to be the source of it. The red head eyed the couple with a penetrating gaze, observing and recording; two things Nao Yuuki did best. Other than her talents in bed of course…

Originally it was her that was supposed to entertain the foreign ambassador. She had no idea why Viola had given Natsuki to such a crucial case. All through the night her mind was busy absorbing every bit of information regarding the politics of the country while her body fooled everyone into thinking she was tipsy from excessive alcohol. Thus, from time to time she would also watch the couple only a little distance away from her.

At first she believed it would be a disaster. Either Natsuki would make a fool out of herself, or the ambassador would say something remotely stupid and the blunette would go beat him up. But never in her scenarios had Nao expected the duo to get along. And clearly they were… She wondered then, what were Viola's thoughts on the matter.

Her lime green eyes searched for her lady and spotted her at the far corner of the garden occupied by many people. Tomoe Marguerette had made an appearance, that being so, she expected the blond woman's full attention. But Nao had perfect timing. As she followed her lady's gaze her eyes went back to the blunette. A smirk played across her features. This was amusing. Sure these were delicate times, but there was no harm to spare time for some amusement was there? She turned back to her own company, and made up for her momentary absence with a dirty joke that got everybody laughing.

''So shall I then?'' the man asked once again.

''I've never held a man's hand before.'' Natsuki honestly replied.

Do I mind him holding my hand? I mean I guess that's the least I can do, right…?

True Suki.

What's up with Suki?

Nevermind. Back to the topic. Look around kiddo, all the girls are sitting on their customer's laps and making out, which we have no plans to do so. Except for Viola of course. That is open to negotiation.

Shut up idiot! Damn that Viola! Okay. Okay. I am calm. All is okay. Just hold his damn hand and be done with tonight.

Attagirl.

Go away.

As you command.

''It does not acquire much talent, let me assure you so.'' The man lighted their mood and Natsuki could only nod. She positioned herself right next to him to better sync their walk all the while blushing intensely. His hands were bigger than she expected, they were not smooth like Viola's. It had a certain texture, but Natsuki found herself not repulsed by it.

They headed inside the manor not knowing a crimson gaze burning like a phoenix followed their every move.

''It is delicious Natsuki.'' The young ambassador complimented the splendid taste conquering his taste buds.

''It is so, is it not!'' she smiled back at him feeling proud all of a sudden.

''I would be lying if I said I were wine person. In my country we drink an alcohol named Raki. But this, this is by far the best wine I have drank in a long time.''

They were now seated on the black table in the kitchen. Natsuki had sliced them some cheese and placed it right next to freshly baked breads. The kitchen was dimly lit but both company had no wish to make it brighter. It was not tiring for the eyes nor was it too bright. A third eye would say, it was almost romantic.

''What is Raki Cem? '' she poured them some more wine and ripped a piece of bread.

''It is made of grapes too. My people call it the lion's milk because it is hard liquor. Normally you have to water it but my family is proud to call themselves 'sek' drinkers. Which means we drink it without watering down.''

''I like it's name.'' She tilted her head as she idly put a small piece of cheese into her mouth. This was almost like conversing with a friend. Almost like the days from her childhood. She would steal two bottles from family cellar and make a run for Aly's, where they would dine and talk all through the night in the dim little kitchen.

''Would you want to try?'' The man asked with a playful smile on his face.

''You mean now?'' the blunette raised one brow searching for a bottle on the young man.

''One can not travel without treasure.'' He beamed a flashy smile as his hand reached for an inner pocket to bring out a small bottle. He placed it on the table right next to their plates and looked back to the blunette who was observing the content in the bottle.

''It doesn't have color!'' she exclaimed. Her hands reached for the bottle all too soon as Cem's hand hadn't moved. Their hands touched for a brief second and Natsuki retrieved it back immediately. ''Ah, sorry. Got excited you know.''

''It is the least thing you should be sorry for Natsuki.'' The man pushed the ornamented bottle in front of the girl. His head gestured the blunette to take it. ''Would you like to see something magical?'' he then asked with a playful tone.

''Magical? Yea sure.'' She clasped her hands and placed them under her chin, her eyes never leaving the bottle in front of her.

''Could you give me two cups and water?''

Natsuki quickly jumped from her seat and asked the man washing the dishes for Cem's request. Two cups and some water were brought to them immediately.

''There. Now do your magic.'' She sat on her knees to better view what was going to happen. She very much looked like an excited little kid. And the young ambassador found it to be utter most charming.

''Alright, now watch carefully.'' He poured the colorless Raki to both glasses and reached for the water. ''Now this is where the magic happens…''

Natsuki stood stunned as the once colorless alcohol swiftly changed color to a clear white. Her eyes widened moving back and forth to the man and the glass.

''How is this possible?'' she asked staring in wonder. She leaned more towards the bottle and the ambassador did as well. Their heads were separated by short distance.

''Many mysteries of my country.'' He wiggled his brows in a handsome fashion and Natsuki looked up to the man only to find him very close. She closed her mouth that was open slightly and gulped.

He is close. Close. Closer.

The man slowly descended his head to the blunette who didn't bat an eyelash. She was frozen in time unable to move back. She then closed her eyes not to expect the kiss but because she longer was able to watch it about to happen.

Dear God Dear God Dear God Dear God I really don't want to kiss! Make something happe-

'' Ara, ambassador..''

Natsuki quickly turned towards the voice, escaping the mentioned ambassador's lips inch away from hers.

''Viola!'' she exclaimed with inner gratitude.

''That is Lady Viola for you.''

And then she saw the woman's eyes, alive with blazing fire.

''A-ah. Yes, Lady Viola.'' She stammered not knowing what to say. She moved back and stood up from her side of the table.

''Lady Viola.'' The young ambassador gave a respectable bow in front of the beautiful woman.

''I was wondering if you were pleased with our hospitality.'' Viola changed her tone to a more pleasant one but something inside Natsuki said it was not a sign to be trusted.

''I have been more than pleased Lady Viola. They have been right to praise such a house full of beautiful, but most importantly intelligent women.''

''Natsuki has been taking good care of you then?'' The woman moved towards the mentioned blunette. Her words may be directed to the man but her flaming eyes were only directed at Natsuki who found herself unable to look away.

''Indeed Natsuki has been an excellent host.''

The young man looked between the two women, only now realizing the aura between them. His brow rose as he silently watched the gaze between the two women. In the end, a sad smile appeared on his lips.

Of course… Natsuki was way too beautiful. When he had first met the young girl earlier in the evening, he was taken aback by the unnatural beauty in front of her. Those midnight blue tresses reminded him of the Black Sea while her skin was like the moon herself. And if that was not enough, the young girl was nothing like the pampered, over indulged selfish woman lack of all wit that he had crossed most of the time in his journeys. Such a fool he was to think he could maybe be an addition in Natsuki's life in the longer terms.

Apparently Natsuki had already been claimed, and by none other than the Lady of the house.

Said Lady turned towards the young ambassador with a smile that would bedazzle anyone in the world. ''I had initially come to tell the ambassador that a messenger awaits at the gates. I've been told that he has given your name and asks for audience.''

''Oh, thank you Lady Viola. It must be Hakan, and I am afraid it is of importance. I humbly ask for your forgiveness but I must see him at once.''

''Of course ambassador. I have placed your man in the second room to the right. You shall have your privacy.'' Viola's hand moved towards the door companied with an elegant nod.

''Thank you Lady Viola. And thank you Natsuki… If it's not too urgent, perhaps I can stay some more.'' He glanced back at the blunette standing next to the blond woman but her eyes were not on him. Thus, he turned his body and moved quickly out of the kitchen.

Silence filled the room as Natsuki averted her eyes to bread crumbles on the table.

''It amuses me to find Natsuki in compromising positions when all she does with me is to protest against it.'' She whispered still facing the door, giving her back to the blunette.

''He- he was showing me a trick. I didn't expect it to happen.'' The blunette replied in hesitation. She hadn't meant for this to happen! Viola just found the perfect timing in all cases!

She is right you know… Her inner voice interrupted.

All you do is protest and revolt when it comes to Viola whose touch you actually don't mind and in reality enjoy. You say her touch infuriates you yet you go around letting others have their way.

NO I DO NOT!

''I see. '' Natsuki's eyes shot back to Viola's back when she heard her voice. The voice was cold... Cold and emotionless. ''I have some business to attend so you may go and help around the house unless the ambassador wishes for you again. I have asked Mikoto to have men paint your quarters so if you wish to take your leave do it so in my room.''

And without a singe glance back Viola moved towards the door.

You like her. And clearly she feels something for you. Don't let her misunderstand!

With the encouragement from her inner self Natsuki quickly moved to grasp her lady's arm but failed to do so. All she caught was the woman's dress, yet Viola stopped nonetheless.

''What is it?'' the woman only turned her head, her eyes now a dreary color.

''Uh- um, will you be late?''

It was the first thing that came to Natsuki Kuga's mind, and her inner self slapped herself across the face.

Viola's brow raised and her eyes looked deep into the emeralds in front of her. Natsuki couldn't hold it much longer and averted hers to the floor. Her body was restless under that crimson scrutiny.

''I will not be late.''

And just like that Viola turned and disappeared behind the door. Natsuki let out the breath she had been holding and threw her now heavy body back to the seat next to her. She hunched her body and paced her head sideways to the cold surface of the table. Her arms hung on her sides idly. She closed her eyes but all she could see was a pair of crimson.

She sighed. Then another followed. She raised her head only to find the remaining glasses filled with the magical liquor. Her hand reached for the glass and brought it in front of her nose.

Ugh! It doesn't smell all that magical… I wonder how it tastes.

She looked around to see if there was anybody around. She changed her position to a more comfortable one and decided a quick taste wouldn't kill anyone.

Cem say it was strong liquor. Lion's milk… Will it give me a lion's courage? A lion's fierce? No. But it might help me get through tonight.

Not knowing how to drink the specified liquor she decided to drink it in one go.

I was about to kiss a man. No he was about to kiss me. Viola…

Her head once again came to a rest on the table.

I wonder what color my room will be. I should have asked for it to be blue. Blue is nice… And what am I to do now? What for Cem, go out.. go back to Viola's room? Certainly not the last one.

Are you still at the first stage?

Oh great you again.

It was okay for the first days for you to be in denial. But frankly it is getting a bit tiring.

What the hell are you talking about.

Oh you know, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and hopefully acceptance. For a minute I thought we were ready. Drinking through the day, sighing all the time…

I am glad that our grief makes you happy.

Firstly, I am jumping in ecstasy that you chose to acknowledge me. Secondly, we desire Viola.

''No we don't!'' she said out loud and a few heads turned to her. She murmured a sorry and turned her head back to the table with a full blush. She was going lunatic. That's what was happening. Who else would talk to themselves!

Irritated with her self she rose from the table and took Cem's glass with her as she walked out of the kitchen. She decided to go up to the balcony where she could see all the members of Cramoisi but none would notice. There she could be by herself.

When she reached the balcony, she sat down on the cold floor. She rested her body on the side and idly watched all members until her eyes once again came to a halt at a haunting vision.

Somebody seems to be entertaining herself…

-:-

She was just a girl picked up from the streets. Paid and disclosed fully for. She was not an asset of high value.. or at least it did not seem like that for now. So why was it that this certain girl, no different than the many others she harbored under her roof, had the power to turbulent her emotions? What was it about this girl that had hers jumping from one extreme to another Viola did not know.

Contradicting thoughts raced inside Viola's mind but none showed up on the surface. She did not have the luxury. There was a heavy burden on her shoulders and these were critical times. So, she once again turned to her guests surrounding her.

''Dance with me.''

Viola's head turned to the commanding voice to find Tomoe Marguerette on her feet, thrusting out her hand.

''Ara…''

''Come on Viola.'' The woman placed a cocky smile and Viola hated the fact that she had to validate that cockiness. Marguerette was of vital value, so if she wanted a dance Viola decided she would get it. In a fashion the woman would never forget.

She elegantly raised her body as her head turned to the small group of musicians to signal a song. The musicians seemed to know exactly what their Lady wanted.

The agonizing tune of a violin filled the garden and rose to the sky. They only two standing people walked to the center of the garden as some people scooted out of their way. The set was ready, the action was to happen.

''Dancing is just a conversation between two people. Talk to me senator.''

Her hands sneaked around the green haired woman, pulling it rough enough to arouse its victim. A creamy leg sneaked out of Viola's dress and curled behind the standing woman. Viola could see the foolish grin on her prey, and she had just started too. Obeying her previous command Tomoe moved her one hand over the thighs of the woman she was holding while the other stabilized it's place on Viola's back.

A slow dance started. Some whistled, some clapped and some cheered. Viola showed everyone the reason she was deemed the most beautiful woman in Paris. She moved like water but burned her image in one's cornea like fire.

As the song made a slow turn to a lower tempo Tomoe could not hold herself longer. She pulled the woman against her body and claimed her lips in a ferocious manner. Oh, how addicting those lips were… One could not get enough of-

Tomoe opened her eyes when the kiss got broken mid way. She turned to see who had pulled her arm, only to find another exotic creature in front of her. For a second she thought this creature wanted to share the pleasure Viola had. After seeing her gaze she thought otherwise.

Viola also stopped to see Natsuki standing in front of Tomoe Marguerette. She could not decipher the emotion behind the emerald gaze. Was it anger or was it determination? She stood still with a vacant face, trying to understand what Natsuki wanted.

''What is it?'' the green headed woman asked taking a step towards the blond woman next to her. It was an instinctive move.

''May I cut in?'' the sentence might have been formed like a question but there were no doubt from the surrounding crowd that it was a demand.

All of a sudden Tomoe's previous joy dissipated and she turned towards the blond deity for a proper reject.

But none came. Natsuki's head turned towards Viola as well, and she was glad inside to know the other's gaze was on her all along.

Okay. Now what… Oh, bow!

She bowed in front her lady extending her hand just like Cem had instructed a while ago. She closed her eyes and chanted inside not to be rejected.

And just as she was about to loose all courage her cold hands were touched by a warm one. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Viola with an intrigued smile.

''Ara, I hope the ambassador would not mind.''

Well, the ambassador did not have a say.

''No. Of course.'' Her face showed clear displeasure but she also knew there were people around. So she tried her best at giving out a smile and then turned back to where she was seated before.

Natsuki was now very aware of the act she was about to pull or fail as she believed as a higher probability. She took a visible gulp of air and took a step forward.

''Look at me.''

Her head shot up to the enchanting voice.

''Natsuki should look at my face if she doesn't wish to make fool out of both of us.''

''Is it that obvious?'' she asked with a smile. Her cheeks colored a mild red. She scratched her neck with her free hand but Viola did not allow her to continue for long. She reached for the blunette's hand and slowly placed it on her back.

''Come closer Natsuki.'' Viola whispered and the blunette obeyed.

Her heart was at full pace, drumming her to deafness. She was scared that if she stood too close to her lady, Viola would hear her deafening heart.

But this was it. She wanted this dance.

Standing on the balcony watching Viola dance with Tomoe… it had burned her insides.

But most importantly images of Viola with Tomoe had flashed back.

And it was then that Natsuki Kuga, for the first time in her life, felt jealousy.

Cem was right.

We trifle when we assign limits to our desires, since nature hath set none...

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