A/N: Here is another short story focusing on one of my favorite couples. Nao and Nina! It is set during the third episode of Mai-Otome Zwei.

Thanks to my BETA reader, Eternal Sinner, for going over this. Thanks!!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Mai-HiME/Mai-Otome.

My Treasure

1

"Please, you've gotta stop it. This is way too boring. Just like I thought, you haven't changed a bit." I said as I waved my hand dismissively, hoping desperately for a change of subject.

"Well neither have you." Was Nina's reply as she mirrored my smirk.

I had to end the conversation. She talked about her 'treasure' and how she wanted to do whatever she could to make up for what happened with Nagi. Her sincerity was too much. As we walk towards what I hope is the last room of this deadly maze, I feel my chest tighten. If only she knew that she was my treasure.

She was opening her heart and soul to me, yet I cut her off because of my insecurity. I can't hide my joy to know that she is still a virgin, which means that dirty Sergay hasn't touch her. She's walking behind me, and I need to keep it this way, at least until I can control myself again.

Why is it that this girl can have such effect on me? She was never one to share her feelings openly, but with me it has always been different.

As my room-attendant, I got to know her better and develop a sort of 'friendship' I guess it could be called. Every time she spoke of Sergay, her eyes illuminating just by talking about him, made me burn inside. My stomach turned and threatened to spill as I had to sit and listen through her rants. When did that start happening? I can't remember when it was that I began caring about Nina.

Sure, I had Shiho, but Nina was different. Her strong exterior that portrayed the image of invincibility incarnated, yet a mere weak girl inside. A normal girl full of insecurities that she refrained from sharing, and I was able to discover.

Shiho was fun, but she wasn't Nina. I hate to think that I was using her to cover the void that would always be missing Nina, but it's the truth. Why is it that when I can have anybody I want, I fall in love with the one I can't? The girl that is farthest from my reach. The one that claims love for her adoptive father, the girl that makes me feel weak and vulnerable.

I've never been one that can share my feelings openly. Therefore I have always used the image of the rebel or teaser or whatever you want to call it, to cover up my true self. The true girl that is scared of the lonely darkness. Even with the warmth of a body next to mine, I know it's not Nina, I know it will never be Nina, and that's what hurts the most.

Is this my destiny? Am I destined to live my life without ever savoring the joy of true love?

When she left with Sergay, I thought I'd never see her again. I figured she would become a lovely house-wife with ten children surrounding her as she prepared dinner for Sergay every night. Why couldn't I be the one coming home to a Nina that loved me and awaited my return with happiness? Why is it that I am doomed to never see her eyes burn with wanting and longing for me?

I had promised myself that if I ever got a chance to see her again, I would tell her about my feelings, even if it was a lost cause. I once heard that the lost cause is the one worth fighting for, and I'm ready to fight.

Yet now that she's here, now that she has opened her heart to me, I can't do it. I can't bring myself to let my heart take control and turn around to grab her in a passionate kiss. A kiss would replace all the words I could ever need and more.

She says I haven't changed...Nina, if only you knew. I have changed so much it scares me. I used to be care-free and without worries. I used to have control of my life, yet I don't anymore. I used to be able control my feelings, but now they seem to respond only to you. My heart only wants to beat for you.

Why didn't I see it before? I let you go without a fight, but I won't repeat the same mistake twice.

As soon as we get out of here, I will tell you. I will risk everything since even if you reject me, I am already dead without you.

Either I win it all or lose it all. In life there is a time when one must risk it all or lose it all.

And in this life, it's time.

"Looks like this is the last door." I say as we come to a large door. This is it, the last obstacle before we get out of here.

The last obstacle before I tell her how much I love her.

A/N: Hope you like it! Up next is Nina's view on this. Please review :D