A/N: Happy Valentines Day and Chinese New Years everyone!
This update is set pre-Hime series and serves as a prequel to the chapters: 'Power and Control' and 'The Birth of the Revolution'. The power dynamic theme in this one is kind of subtext

The Old Way of Rule

"Have a nice day, Fujino-sama" The girls bowed shyly before leaving. I smiled at their retreating forms.

It was early morning and they were already my third set of visitors today - knocking on my dorm room door bearing gifts and bashful blushing faces, they looked at me either with innocent admiration or sinful primal desires – they were all the same, same in the fact that they were all under my grasp.

If I had wish, with them I could call upon an unrivalled force to stand at my side, or with the most whimsical actions have every last one of them melt into putty in the palm of my hands. I wouldn't say I feel any particular pride or delight in manipulating them – it's not as though I did anything in particular, they had all flocked to me like a moth to a flame – but I do, however, feel a sense of security and comfort to know that I can.

Yet like all else in the world, everything has a price – should I wish to continue to relish in this feeling of security I must maintain my demeanour amongst my loyal follower – that's why I wouldn't refuse their gift and feelings, despite knowing better.

Still, I decided that it was best I leave my dorm room – I may not want to reject their gifts out right, but that won't stop me from avoiding accepting them.

I took my keys and was half way through the door when a nagging pull reminded me of the small item I had left: wrapped and ready, in the refrigerator from the night before.

I wonder if I'll see her today… I might as well keep it with me, in case.

I returned to my kitchen to retrieve the object, and placed it in my skirt pocket.

Strolling through the campus, I stayed off the paved path; instead I walked along the outskirts of the campus' nearby forest. The morning Sunday air brought a refreshing change and allowed my mind to wander just as my feet did.

The memory of those girls this morning returned to me – their innocent eyes that sparkled with delight when they saw me flashed by in my mind, along with some having momentary dark gleam appearing once they notice my night wear, and then - most importantly - the memory of the red hue that took over their face due to embarrassment or perhaps excitement when I accepted their gifts with a smile – it is always an indication that they were under my control, like mindless lambs.

I never really had to do much to have them all fall head over heels for me, sometimes a polite smile was all it took – I know they fawn over me because they cared; they cared whether or not I smiled at them; whether I remembered their names or held a special place for them; they cared about me and if I cared for them. In a way I guess I do, I care in the sense on whether they allow me power in my life; that by having them it shows that I have as strong of a hold on my own reins in life as I did with them – selfish, I know.

I slowed in my steps and forgot my train of thoughts, when I noticed tire track leading into the shrubbery.

I wonder if she's there.

I ventured into the bushes, pushing aside branches, my movements made little sound. A few metres in, I come across a blue haired girl standing with her back facing me – her bare shoulders just about to be covered by her leather outfit.

"Who's there?" She snarled, twisting only her head around to see whilst her hands pulled at her item of clothing to cover the previously exposed skin.

"Ara?" I said in a surprised tone, in truth, I really was pleasantly surprised to see her – the one person I had came across that did not seem to fall under my spell - no matter how friendly I am to her she doesn't seem very willing to reciprocate my actions.

"Shizuru? What are you doing here?" Realising it was me; she looked back forward fumbling to find the zipper to her outfit.

"I was just on a stroll, was Natsuki busy? I didn't mean to interrupt anything, but I must say your partner is quick on their toes, I didn't even see anyone else nearby-" I said while looking around – we were in a clearing surrounded my bushes and trees and just beyond her was her most prized possession – her bike.

I've always wondered how she came into possession of that and if she had a license or not, although even if she did, I'd wager it's fake given her age - no middle-schooler would be allowed a license right?

"What are you on about?" She sounded annoyed, making my polite smile widen, no longer able to hide my teasing one.

"-or could it be that Natsuki was having some alone time to-"

"BAKA!" She yelped, having finally noticed what I had been insinuating and properly zipped up that black and red leather bike suit with haste.

Turning to face me I could see her face was fully red – and my smile changed.

"Perhaps I was mistaken then." I said thoughtfully. She bared her teeth at me, as I walked up to her.

"Neh, Natsuki, do you know what day it is?" I asked when I stood in front of her.

"Sunday?" She replied in her gruffness, trying to ignore our previous exchange and returning her attention to her bike.

"Well, you're not wrong but that wasn't the answer I was looking for…" Moving round her, to see her face properly again.

"Then what day is it?" She asked tiredly - removing some fallen twigs from her vehicle.

"It's Valentine's Day."

Her face contorted and she replied with a hint of dread in her voice: "Oh."

A small frown claimed my face.

I don't think she likes this day, so I doubt she got me anything.

Oddly enough, I felt my chest constrict at the thought of having receiving chocolate from all those other girls but not her.

"Mou. Natsuki-ikezu, and here I am, with chocolate I made full of my love and feelings." I pouted at her, as I took out the small wrapped box from my pocket and presenting it to her with both hands.

I never understood why I tease her so much, more than I do another or why seeing her blush calms that feeling of fear that I never knew existed until it had been banished.

"Eh?" She said with a blushing and slightly frightened face - somehow it made me feel both comforted and sad.

"Why is Natsuki looking at me like that? These are my feelings of friendship; do you intend to reject them?" I stared honestly and meaningfully into her eyes.

The fear that tainted her features left, leaving only her blushing red face which she turned away.

"Um, thanks… Sorry I didn't get you anything though…" She extended a hand to retrieve my gift while the other rubbed the back of her neck gingerly. I smiled and placed the item in her hand.

"That's okay; Natsuki can repay me by taking me out for the day." I stated.

I watched her as she contemplated my offer. As I watched, I thought of my first impression of her – how she had perked a defiant feeling inside of me – at the time it was like someone had challenge me, claiming that I wouldn't be able to tame her, and feeling both curious and competitive I took up the challenge and approached her – to the 'me' then, she was like an obstacle, one that had to be overcome.

Though now, I stay because of this mixture of fear and excitement I get from being with her – I can't explain either of these feelings but they are there, always, which is why I can't help but be by her side - I stay in hopes to witness those rare moments of care and thoughtfulness made by her that never fails to bring me unexplainable joy, and I tease to relinquish that feeling of fear and dread that occasionally grows inside of me.

"Valentine's Day, huh?" She smiled a cocky smile at me. "I guess it would be a hassle for you to stay in a den full of wolves, right?"

"Hmm? I don't understand what you mean Natsuki." I looked innocently at her.

"Whatever. I'd be heartless to leave you here today, so get on." She passed me the one and only helmet before saddling her bike.

I looked at her form before putting on the helmet. She's still not under my control, her defiant and strong personality had made it difficult to break her, but along the way somehow my objective had changed, I no longer wanted to overcome this supposed obstacle, I only want to be beside it for as long as I can – even at the cost of this uneasy and mixed feelings I feel inside.

"So where will Natsuki take me today?" I asked while getting on the bike.

"We'll go to the bakery first." Her voice then went quiet and bashful. "And I'll get you something for that chocolate."

I felt warm.

Pointless Ramble: I had the most detailed dream the other night, I dreamt that: Shizuru and Chie had been in a 20 yr long relationship and that Chie had been unfaithful for 18 of those 20yrs with Nao. Shizuru knew but didn't do anything about it and just kept the pain all in, then finally she breaks up with Chie via a letter and Natsuki comes in to comfort her...

The fact that the dream was so detail makes me worried about my sanity... I may have to hold off fanfictioning for a while... :-S