Note: Mai Hime is an anime that was done by the studio Sunrise.

Natsuki Kuga had always been a heroic and cool, if somewhat cold and distant, woman. However, her life changed, thanks to Shizuru Fujino. After they met each other, Natsuki and Shizuru quickly became friends. They often spent time together and had a lot of nice times. As the days went on, it became clear that Shizuru had fallen in love with Natsuki. This was something Natsuki hadn't seen coming. She tried to deny her true feelings, but she eventually became honest with herself and admitted that she was in love with Shizuru.

The two of them started having better times, than ever before. Their dates became the highlight of each other's lives. Natsuki and Shizuru gave each other the most sentimental and loving type of comfort. They knew the world wasn't perfect. It's practically impossible, to act like the world is flawless. However, Natsuki and Shizuru both knew, that they shouldn't focus on the negative parts of life. There of plenty of things in life, which are worth celebrating and being thankful for. Both ladies had a lot to appreciate, but the things most dear to them was each other.

One morning, Natsuki got out of bed and started getting ready for her day. She didn't have any major events planned, but she was planning on paying Shizuru a visit. The two of them had become so close, that they were allowed to visit each other's houses, whenever they wanted to. In fact, Natsuki liked Shizuru visiting her house, without asking. It was a fun surprise and Shizuru felt the same thing, when Natsuki did the same thing. However, Natsuki was the more shy and distant one, so she didn't visit Shizuru as often, as Shizuru visited her. Natsuki changed out of her pajamas and got on a purple t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

A few minutes later, Natsuki went to the kitchen and started having breakfast. Natsuki's parents had become used to Natsuki being mopey and grumpy. However, after she met Shizuru, she started being more friendly and cheerful, even though she still had her darker moments.

Natsuki had a pleasant smile on her face, while facing her parents and said, "Good morning." She sat down and started drinking her milk.

Natsuki's mom was quick to notice Natsuki's mood, while Natsuki's dad wasn't as knowledgeable. The mom said, "You seem to be doing very well, Natsuki."

Natsuki replied, "I guess I am."

The mom asked, "You guess? With the overly-happy look you have, you must have something big planned."

Natsuki replied, "I don't have anything planned, well, I don't have anything major planned. I'm just planning on going to Shizuru's house and giving her a surprise visit."

The mom said, "Aww, it's cute how happy she makes you."

Natsuki blushed and replied, "Mom, that's not true." Natsuki knew it was true, but she thought stretching the truth would prevent her, from further embarrassment.

The mom said, "So, you and Shizuru are becoming quite close, aren't you?"

Natsuki shyly replied, "I guess so. It's not something I think about. I just hangout with Shizuru, have a wonderful time, and leave it at that. I love Shizuru, but our relationship isn't too serious or anything like that."

The mom said, "Natsuki, you remind me of my past."

Natsuki asked, "Did you used to be shy, when it came to relationships?"

The mom said, "Not really. I'm a very honest person. However, I had a friend who was very shy. She used to have a crush on one of our male classmates, but was afraid to ever ask him out. Now, they're married. It's nice how much life can change."

Having thoughts of marriage was something Natsuki didn't want to think about. She wanted to change the topic of conversation, but she wasn't sure how. Instead, she was hoping she could leave. She tried to look confident and casual, while saying, "I better get going."

The mom asked, "Where are you going?"

Natsuki answered, "Like I said before, I'm going to go to Shizuru's house."

The dad threw his newspaper at a lamp and said, "Hold on there. Before you go, I believe we need to talk."

Natsuki was hoping her dad didn't want to talk about anything serious. She had become used to her dad talking about his greed and other petty things, but that didn't stop Natsuki from worrying, that her dad would bring up an uncomfortable topic. She tried to not seem nervous, while asking, "What do you want to say?"

The dad answered, "You and Shizuru have become really close and that's great and all, but that doesn't mean everything's perfect."

Natsuki replied, "Well, nothing's perfect."

The dad had a dramatic look on his face, while saying, "That may be the case. However, I believe your relationship with Shizuru can lead to trouble. You care about her a lot and would do anything for her. However, it's important that you don't spend lots of money on her."

Natsuki angrily sighed. Once again, her dad was obsessing over using money responsibly. Her dad made a big deal about saving money, even when there were more serious and important things to focus on. She asked, "Why are you concerned about this?"

The dad explained, "I want to make sure that you don't make any overly-pricey purchases. Since you have a girlfriend, you might be tempted to get her fancy and expensive items, like necklaces and music-boxes. However, I strongly protest such purchases. I waited a few months, before proposing, so I could find a decently-priced wedding ring."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow and replied, "That's nice and all, but it's not something I'm that worried about." She started saying goodbye to her parents, before getting into her car, and driving to Shizuru's house.

After arriving at Shizuru's house, she grabbed her comb and started fixing her hair. Afterwards, she knocked on the door. Shizuru opened the door, wearing pink pajamas and a red robe. Natsuki looked happy, but shy, while saying, "Hi Shizuru. I hope you don't mind me paying you a visit. I know I didn't call you and ask for permission, but I was hoping it wouldn't be a problem. I'm really sorry, if I woke you up."

Shizuru tightly hugged Natsuki and replied, "I'm so glad, to get a visit from you. There's no surprise I'd rather have." Natsuki felt a lot of comfort from Shizuru's words. She hugged back, while feeling better.

Natsuki and Shizuru went into the house. Natsuki sat on the couch, while Shizuru went to the kitchen and prepared a snack, for her and Natsuki. A few minutes later, Shizuru returned to the living room and sat next to Natsuki. Shizuru looked at her girlfriend and asked, "What are you up to?"

Natsuki answered, "I don't have that much planned. My only thing planned was visiting you. Of course, that's nothing to take for granted and it's certainly a special gift, that my heart appreciates." She blushed, while hardly believing what she said. She said, "Wow, I need to stop saying my feelings."

Shizuru shook her head and replied, "No, you need to keep sharing how you feel. I really like hearing your feelings, especially since you have such adorable thoughts in your head."

Natsuki was feeling embarrassed, so she tried to change the conversation. She looked at Shizuru and asked, "What's going on with you? Do you have anything planned?"

Shizuru took a pause, before saying, "I do. At my job, I don't often get breaks or vacation-time. I may just be a clerk, but the store has strict rules."

Natsuki replied, "I understand how you feel." Natsuki used to be a clerk. In fact, Shizuru had been inspired by Natsuki, to take such a job. Natsuki said, "My fellow clerks cause so much trouble, that you could make a comedy film about them."

Shizuru responded, "Anyways, my workplace had a contest and the winner would get a vacation. I actually won the contest."

Natsuki said, "Congrats, you've earned it."

Shizuru replied, "Thank you. I have to leave, tomorrow."

Natsuki was surprised that Shizuru didn't tell her in-advance, but she tried to be nice about it. She said, "That's nice, but it starts tomorrow?"

Shizuru replied, "Yeah, I'm sorry about not telling you. I was worried, because I won't be able to see you for a few days."

Natsuki asked, "Why would you be worried about?"

Shizuru answered, "We've become so close, that I'm worried we'll be lonely without each other."

Natsuki said, "Shizuru, this your vacation time. You shouldn't be concerned about that kind of stuff. I want you to go on vacation and have a wonderful time. You work really hard and do a lot of impressive things, so you deserve this."

Shizuru had a concerned-sounding tone in her voice, while asking, "Are you going to be okay?"

Natsuki answered, "You know I'll miss you, but I'm going to be okay."

Shizuru said, "Thank you for being so supportive. I have the best girlfriend."

Natsuki replied, "No, you're the best girlfriend." Shizuru kissed Natsuki. Natsuki blushed, before getting over shy feelings, and kissing Shizuru back.

That evening, Yuuichi Tate was in charge of guarding the plane, that Shizuru was going to be going on. Yuuichi had been an airport guard, for a few weeks. He was glad about getting a job, but he often got bored and wanted to do something fun.

Yuuichi was standing outside and was guarding the airplane. He looked at his boss and asked, "Can I have some magazines?"

The boss had a confused look on his face, while asking, "Why would you need magazines?"

Yuuichi said, "I need something to read. This job is getting boring."

The boss sternly replied, "If you want to keep this job, you're going to forget about goofing-off and start being a responsible and dignified guard."

A few minutes later, the villainous Gonna Getcha appeared. Gonna Getcha was a thief, who dressed in black suits, had black hair, and had a long, cartoonish mustache. He had a sinister look on his face, while arriving at the airport. He started pacing around.

Yuuichi saw him so he said, "Dude, what are you doing here?"

Gonna Getcha had an offended look on his face, while saying, "I may be a villain, but I'm a classy type of guy, so I'm expecting to be called eloquent things, not dude."

Yuuichi replied, "Okay, fancy-bro. Why are you here?"

Gonna Getcha tried to look friendly, while saying, "I just want to check out this airplane."

Yuuichi asked, "Why?"

Gonna Getcha said, "It's a very fancy airplane and can probably be used, for many useful purposes. I'd like to take a look at it and see what the inside's like."

Yuuichi replied, "I'm sorry, you well-dressed bro, but I'm not supposed to let people go inside."

Gonna Getcha responded, "Oh, come on. I don't think letting me examine it will be a bad thing. In fact, I think it's the right thing to do."

Yuuichi said, "I don't want to hear of my boss' rants."

Gonna Getcha pulled some magazines out of his jacket and said, "If you let me go inside of the airplane, I'll let you read these."

Yuuichi replied, "Okay then." Yuuichi opened the airplane's front-door and handed Gonna Getcha a key to the plane. Gonna Getcha turned on the plane and flew off with it. However, Yuuichi didn't notice, because he was busy reading the magazines.

The next morning, Natsuki was laying in bed, when her cellphone started ringing. She grabbed her phone and answered it. She said, "Hi Shizuru."

Shizuru replied, "Hi Natsuki."

Natsuki started getting out of bed, while asking, "What's going on?"

Shizuru answered, "I'm afraid my vacation got cancelled."

Natsuki asked, "How come?"

Shizuru answered, "Somebody stole the airplane. Yuuichi was guarding the airplane. He has no idea who stole the plane, which his boss wasn't happy about."

Natsuki asked, "Can't you take the vacation tomorrow or something?"

Shizuru answered, "I'm afraid not. The plane-ticket, that I got from my boss, is only valid for this afternoon's flight, which has been cancelled. However, I'm not upset about this. I have the next few days off, so I'm going to have more time for you." Natsuki smiled. She was shy to admit it, but she was excited about getting more time with the love of her life.

After Natsuki got off the phone, she walked out of her bedroom and went to the kitchen. She was wearing a pink t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Natsuki looked like she was in another one of her happier moods. Natsuki's mom was glad to see that, because she thought Natsuki would be a little gloomy, about Shizuru going on vacation.

Natsuki started eating her breakfast, while waving to her parents. Her parents waved back to her. Natsuki said, "Shizuru's vacation got cancelled."

Natsuki's mom replied, "You're probably glad about that."

Natsuki looked a little offended, while saying, "Mom, I'm not excited about Shizuru losing the vacation, that she earned and deserved."

Natsuki's mom replied, "That's not what I meant. You're probably glad you'll get to spend more time with her."

Natsuki couldn't deny such an obvious thing, so she said, "Yes, I am looking forward, to getting to have more time with her."

Natsuki's mom replied, "It's too bad she lost her vacation, but I'm sure she'll have plenty of fun with you."

Natsuki responded, "I hope so. I know I'm not the most fun person in the world or anything like that, but I'm intending on giving Shizuru a nice time."

Natsuki's dad fringed his newspaper into the dishwasher and said, "I'm concerned."

Natsuki sighed and asked, "What are you concerned about?"

Natsuki's dad said, "If Shizuru isn't going on that vacation, doesn't that mean money is going to be wasted?"

Natsuki replied, "No, she won the vacation plane-ticket at work. She got it for free, so no money was wasted."

Natsuki's dad started shaking his hands, while responding, "Hold on there. Shizuru's boss probably spent a lot of money on that plane ticket. All that money has gone to waste."

Natsuki replied, "I feel sorry for the boss, but if the boss could afford to spend that much on a prize, I'm sure he's doing fine."

Natsuki's dad responded, "I certainly hope so. It's sad, when money is wasted."

A few minutes later, Natsuki got into her car and drove to Shizuru's house. She walked to the door and knocked on it. Shizuru opened it, while looking thrilled to see her girlfriend. She was wearing a green t-shirt and a pair of blue pants. Natsuki shyly said, "Hi Shizuru. It's good to see you."

Shizuru affectionately hugged Natsuki and said, "It's wonderful to see you, darling."

Natsuki and Shizuru went into the living room. Natsuki said, "I'm sorry that you lost your vacation. I hope you're not too upset about it." She looked at Shizuru and saw that she had a gentle, pleasant-looking smile on her face. Natsuki was relieved about that.

Shizuru replied, "I'm a little disappointed, that I won't get to relax on beaches and play on surfboards, but it's not a big deal. Besides, getting to spend the next few days with you is a true honor."

Natsuki blushed and responded, "Come on, Shizuru. I'm excited too, but it's not that big of a deal."

Shizuru smiled and replied, "It's a big deal, for me. Deep down, I think it's also a big deal for you."

Natsuki continued blushing, while saying, "Well, it seems like I can't deny that. I wanted you to go on vacation and have a nice time, even though I would of missed you. Since your vacation plans didn't work out, I'm hoping to give you a different kind of vacation."

Shizuru had an intrigued look on her face, while asking, "What do you mean?"

Natsuki said, "I can take you places and try to give you a good time."

Shizuru started holding hands with Natsuki, while saying, "I greatly appreciate that, but you don't have to try. After all, every time, that I've spent with you, has been wonderful." Natsuki nodded and did more blushing.

Natsuki had a thought in her head. Shizuru could tell that something was on Natsuki's mind, so she said, "You better not be trying to hide anything. You know you can trust me."

Natsuki said, "Since you wanted to go to the beach, on your vacation, I can take you to a nearby beach."

Shizuru replied, "Sounds nice."

Natsuki said, "I know the local beaches aren't as fancy and relaxing, as the beaches that would be on your vacation, but I think we can still have a decent time."

Shizuru smiled and replied, "Natsuki, it'll be even better, because I'll be with you. Being at a small beach with you is better than going to any beach by myself, no matter how eloquent it is."

Natsuki felt humbled, while asking, "Do you really feel that way?"

Shizuru nodded and said, "I sure do."

Natsuki replied, "Thank you, Shizuru. That means a lot to me." A compliment popped into Natsuki's head. She considered saying it to Shizuru, but she was feeling really shy about it.

Shizuru knew Natsuki had a thought in her head, so she nudged her, and said, "Tell me what's on your mind."

Natsuki decided she might as well say it to Shizuru, despite how corny she thought it was. Natsuki said, "If I had a choice, between going to the fanciest, most fun, and epic places in the world and hanging out with you, I'd choose you."

Shizuru blushed and replied, "Aww, I'd make the same choice."

Natsuki was glad Shizuru felt the same way. It gave her the confidence, to keep talking. She said, "I'd rather live in a small house, that's near you, than a mansion, that's far-away from you. I'd rather be the President of your happiness, than the President of the United States. I'd rather have you, than all the money in the world, because no treasure is more priceless than your heart." After Natsuki finished speaking, she felt really embarrassed and could hardly what she had finished saying.

Shizuru had a big grin on her face. She put her arm around Natsuki and said, "I've often felt the same way, when it comes to how I feel about you. I'd rather have you, than a bunch of treasures and stuff like that. It means a lot to me, that you feel that way. You're the sweetest, cutest thing ever." She gently hugged Natsuki.

Natsuki and Shizuru hugged for a long moment, before Natsuki said, "Okay, I think that's enough hugging, at least for now."

Shizuru shook her head and replied, "No, there's nothing more comfortable, than having your arms around me and having mine around yours." Natsuki agreed with that sentiment, so they hugged for another long-moment.

After the moment was over, thy finally stopped hugging. They looked at each other's faces and saw that they were both blushing. Natsuki shyly said, "Thank you for hugging me."

Shizuru replied, "You're welcome. Thank you for letting me hug you for so long."

Natsuki had an embarrassed smile on her face, while saying, "If you wanted to give me more long-hugs in the future, I wouldn't mind. In fact, I think I'd enjoy it." Shizuru stuck her arms out and was prepared to give Natsuki another hug, but Natsuki said, "Not now. I meant, for when we say goodbye."

Shizuru replied, "I never want to say goodbye to you."

Natsuki jokingly said, "That's going to make my exits awkward."

Shizuru replied, "You know what I mean. If it were up to me, you'd always be by my side."

Natsuki said, "Thank you, Shizuru."

Shizuru replied, "You're welcome, darling."

Natsuki had enough embarrassment and blushing for one day, so she wanted to change topic. She looked back at Shizuru and said, "I think it's time, for us to go to the beach."

Shizuru asked, "Yeah?"

Natsuki said, "Sure, this seems like a good time. Of course, it's up to you, because this is your vacation."

Shizuru held Natsuki's hand, while saying, "This is our vacation."

Natsuki asked, "Do you want to go the beach?"

Shizuru said, "Sounds like fun."

Natsuki and Shizuru walked outside. Natsuki said, "We'll take my car. I'll drive."

Shizuru replied, "I wouldn't mind driving."

Natsuki said, "This is your vacation, so you deserve to relax. That's why I should be the driver."

Shizuru replied, "If you say so."

Natsuki turned on the car and started heading to the beach. Shizuru wanted to hold hands, while Natsuki drove. Although Natsuki would normally love to hold hands with her, this time, she sternly refused. Her reason was because of how dangerous that would be. Shizuru was a little disappointed, but she understood and respected Natsuki's desire, to stay safe.

An hour later, Natsuki and Shizuru arrived at the beach. Natsuki parked the car and she and Shizuru got out of the car. Natsuki opened up the trunk, to get the beach blankets and other beach supplies. However, she realized that she and Shizuru didn't bring any beach-related stuff. They were so distracted by their love for each other, that they forgot to bring any beach-outfits, blankets, and surfboards. Natsuki looked at Shzuru and said, "We've got a bit of a problem."

Shizuru asked, "What's wrong?"

Natsuki said, "We forgot to bring any beach stuff."

Shizuru nervously smiled and replied, "That's quite the mistake. Should we drive back home, get the beach stuff, and come back?"

Natsuki responded, "No offense, but that sounds like a drive, that would be too long."

Shizuru replied, "Fair point."

Natsuki tried to make the best of the situation, by saying, "I'm sure we can still have a nice time."

Shizuru replied, "I agree."

Natsuki and Shizuru started walking on the beach, while holding hands. Shizuru looked around and asked, "Where do you want to sit?"

Natsuki said, "Shizuru, we can't sit."

Shizuru asked, "Why not?"

Natsuki said, "We'd get sand on our clothes, which wouldn't be comfortable."

Shizuru replied, "Fair enough."

Natsuki looked around the beach. There wasn't much they could do, without getting sand or water on their clothes. Natsuki was still determined to make the best of the situation, so she said, "We can just walk around. I know that's not super-exciting or anything like that, but looking at the beautiful sky and enjoying the breeze is a charming experience."

Shizuru replied, "Holding your hand is the best part."

Natsuki said, "Shizuru, you act like I'm the best thing ever."

Shizuru replied, "You are." Natsuki highly disagreed, but she appreciated the sentiment. Natsuki and Shizuru walked across the beach, for several minutes. The wind rises, which is something they learned, as the wind heavily blew on them. They were thankful, that they weren't wearing hats, because they probably would of been blown away.

Yuuichi was also at the beach. He was wearing a t-shirt and swim-trunks. He ran up to them and said, "Hi guys. It's good to see you."

Natsuki replied, "Hi Yuuichi. I'm surprised to see you here. I heard a plane, that you were guarding, got stolen."

Yuuichi responded, "I'm not sure how that happened or who did it."

Natsuki could hardly believe how clueless Yuuichi was being, considering he was the guard. She asked, "Didn't you see any suspicious people?"

Yuuichi answered, "I saw a few grumpy people, but nothing too weird."

Natsuki asked, "Didn't you hear the airplane, when it was being turned on and was flying away?"

Yuuichi answered, "I heard a few loud sounds, but I wasn't paying that much attention. I was reading some magazines, that were really interesting, so I tried to zone-out."

Natsuki replied, "No offense, but you're not being very responsible or mature."

Yuuichi had a guilty look on his face, while saying, "I'm sorry."

Natsuki replied, "I hope that, whoever stole the airplane, gets caught."

Yuuichi responded, "I've put in charge of guarding another plane, that's at the same airport, so I might find the criminal." He paused and said, "In the meantime, I'm going to go surfing."

Shizuru replied, "I'd go surfing, but I forgot to bring my surfboard."

Yuuichi said, "I've been borrowing a surfboard, from a friend. He has a few spares, if you want something to surf on."

Shizuru replied, "Sounds like fun."

Natsuki gently tapped Shizuru's shoulder and said, "Hold on. You didn't bring your swimsuit. If you surf in your day-clothes, you'll be soaked on the ride home."

Shizuru tried to calm Natsuki down, by saying, "I'll be on the surfboard, not in the water, so I'll be fine." Natsuki rolled her eyes, while Shizuru and Yuuichi grabbed a surfboard and started heading to the ocean.

A few minutes later, Shizuru and Yuuichi returned. Shizuru's clothes were soaked. She nervously laughed and said, "Your concerns were something I shouldn't of ignored."

Yuuichi returned, with two broken surfboards. He said, "I accidentally broke my surfboard, into two pieces."

Shizuru said, "Because of that, he grabbed my surfboard, which he also broke."

Yuuichi nervously chuckled and replied, "I'm sorry about that."

Shizuru looked at Natsuki and said, "I'm really sorry. I'm probably going to get your car wet."

Natsuki put her arm around Shizuru and replied, "That's not what I care about. Giving you a good time is what matters to me and if I accomplished that, I'm happy."

Shizuru smiled and responded, "You always give me a good time. My times with you are the best times of my life."

Natsuki smiled back and replied, "I feel the same way, about my time with you." Natsuki and Shizuru kissed each other. Their vacation already felt like paradise.