Author's note: This is a quick ficlet I wanted to put up; it was written for 30kisses over at livejournal - not much, just something to keep my account somewhat alive. XD;

Pairing: IshtarIsis x Kujaku Mai.

Rating: PG-13.

Warnings: Adult themes; shoujo-ai.

-----

Rumors

The rumors about Kujaku Mai and Ishtar Isis had begun to spread. Neither of them paid the rumors heed.

"The newest import has arrived at Domino City Museum today, and with Ishtar Isis as head of the display, it will soon be open to all visitors."

Mai was curled up on the sofa, reading the latest issue of her favourite magazine, when the monotonous voice on the news broke through the silence. She blinked, lowering the magazine so she could see the television better. "Huh?"

Mai, clad in her silk pyjamas and no make-up whatsoever, leaned forward a little, watching the television intently as shots of the museum flashed on the screen; the artefacts made an appearance every now and then, every image reminding Mai of the pharaoh and Battle City. She set her magazine down, continuing to watch with mild interest as she ran her fingers through her blonde hair, before tying it into a loose ponytail.

Isis hadn't appeared on the news as of yet, so it was safe to say the Egyptian seer wasn't yet in Domino – perhaps, she was still in Egypt, and wouldn't be coming for a while.

Mai sighed, her hands falling back down into her lap. She knew Isis was here; knew the other woman hadn't given her a second glance since their last encounter – Isis wasn't the type to regret things, especially not when she knew what the future held. She was far more intelligent than she let on, and she knew much more than she was willing to share; these were things Mai admired about the Egyptian.

Then, as if by chance, Isis appeared on-screen, her eyes as blue and as serious as ever; her dark hair was let down, save two braids clad in golden cuffs at the front; her eyes were skilfully lined with kohl – the trademark Ishtar look. Though, around Isis' neck hung a pendant of sorts; an azure lapis lazuli was encased within silver – long ago, Mai had given it to her. The stone had originated in Egypt, Isis' homeland, and had ancient meanings: truth and friendship; both of which Mai had offered to Isis with the very gem the Egyptian was wearing.

Mai felt her heart stop for a moment.

"The Egyptian exhibit is being assembled within the main display hall," Isis' smooth voice spoke, drawing Mai's eyes back up to the exotic woman's calm face.

Unconsciously, Mai's manicured fingernails began digging into the fabric of the couch; her heart racing at what could have been a thousand miles an hour. 'Isis is back,' she thought distantly, too engrossed with the familiar face on-screen that reminded her of a time that seemed so long ago. 'It wasn't that long ago.'

As Isis began to converse with the news reporter in a collected manner, Mai simply watched the Egyptian speak; her eyes were focused on Isis' as they flitted back and forth between the screen and the artefacts behind her in the background.

She was still beautiful, after all these years.

Mai, at last, came to her senses and forced herself to switch the television off. She sighed as she flopped onto her back, arm hanging over the side of the couch, the other draped over her eyes.

Isis had moved forward – why couldn't she? Mai often lingered in the past, musing on the time she'd spent in Isis' company; it had been one of the more memorable times in her life.

Mai smirked faintly, her hand dropping from her forehead to rest upon the amethyst stone attached to the chain around her neck – Isis' parting gift to her. She lifted the necklace, bringing the cold stone to her lips and kissing it lightly.

It was still beautiful, after all these years.

-----

A/N: Nearly bedtime; oops! Any reviews would be REALLY appreciated. :D -flee-