Next Step

Disclaimer: I'm not to blame for the absolute cuteness that is Mai Hime.

Suisei Kink

Chapter One: Long Road To Heaven

Kuga Natsuki was somewhat reluctant to accept that it was over. She turned the tap off and stared uncertainly at her reflection in the mirror above the faucet. She had grown so accustomed to most of her thoughts and emotions revolving around it, including the many sleepless nights she pondered over it. Somehow she found it a guilty pleasure to continue in doing so, yet it would be selfish for those who were also involved.

She could not help to think that now, she had pratically no purpose in life. A large portion of her sixteen years had been spent single-mindedly working towards it, solving the Hime's ultimate secret, along with her mother's death. Little did she expect that this project of hers proved to be a mere escapism from life, from human vulnerability. The result of the aftermath had left her less than happy, the harsh truths she had obtained did not make things better.

Nevertheless, she was relieved that everyone caught in the crossfire were safe and sound. The injuries the festival incorporated she could accept, but others dying, she could not.

" Natsuki? Is everything fine?"

Shizuru's concerned voice reverberated through the ladies' toilet, snapping Natsuki out of her reverie. A small smile teased the blue-haired girl's lips, more often than not, she was grateful for her friend to remind her that despite shunning away from the social circle, she never ceased to exist.

However, the smile died down as quickly as it came, upon remembering that she and Shizuru were not just friends anymore. She did not hate her due to the incident during their brief disappearance from the academy, but was secretly disappointed that all along, Shizuru had other intentions.

Natsuki was not one to jump to conclusions easily, though. Furthermore, she slowly came to realize that the feeling was mutual, that she equally treasured Shizuru and her love. But that was not a sufficient reason to shrug off the awkwardness between them. First, she had to find out what the latter truly wanted.

Natsuki was afraid that once again, she would not like what she would know.

Shizuru's expression instantly brightened as Natsuki approached her. Losing a sense of herself, she reached out to grab her hand, only for it to be swatted away in a flash. Her heart sank as reality dawned upon her.

" Sorry," Natsuki mumbled stiffly, never liking public affections.

Taking a deep breath, Shizuru strained a smile. She called it her 'kaichou-smile', one she used not only during student council meetings, but when she needed to affirm others that she was worth it. Hopefully, she would never have to use it on Natsuki again—she mentally slapped herself for being fake to the person who felt the most real to her.

Then again, she was the one who first suggested taking a step in the relationship. Who was she to complain? Besides, Natsuki had forgiven her selfish actions in the past, which she would do anything to atone for. She would do anything for Natsuki, even if her desires would not be satisfied. No, she would not repeat the same mistakes, now knowing well that they bring nothing but hurt.

" Lets get back to the party before someone thinks you're on the run again, neh?" She requested, gesturing towards the hallway. Just mere minutes ago, she was irrationally fearful that Natsuki would speed off once again into the night to complete some supposed unfinished business.

" Fine," Natsuki let the matter go and they both proceeded back to the function room. Midway, Natsuki abruptly stopped and turned around to place a comforting hand on Shizuru's shoulder.

" Don't worry," She assured, " I'm not going to leave you anytime. I'll never leave you."

Shizuru felt a surge of vertigo at her words and smirked upon realizing that she had unveiled Natsuki's hidden soft side. A once in a blue moon event. " I like it when you're this cute, Natsuki-chan," She teased, causing Natsuki to blush hotly.

" Shall we?" Shizuru outstretched her palm, this time waiting for Natsuki. A stab of anxiety affected her for half a second, until Natsuki complied, placing her hand on it.

Gently, Shizuru pulled her forwards. Though she was the one leading, to her it was as if she was the one being led.

Reluctantly, Shizuru brushed specks off her red chiffon gown and left Natsuki to make her final appearance as Fuuka Gakuen's student council persident. The speech she was going to give onstage was admittedly boring, it was a part of the image after all and willingly reccommended Natsuki to save herself from it.

Natsuki shrugged, informing her that she won't go far away. She was tentatively smoothing her satin dress when she spotted a familiar face. Not far from her was Tokiha Mai, an ex-comrade. It was the first time she saw the orange-haired girl in formal wear and the simple yet elegant black dress she donned certainly accentuated her good figure.

" Isn't this party for graduating seniors only?" Natsuki inquired, advancing towards her.

Mai turned to her, slightly surprised. " Oh, Natsuki! Midori dragged me along, since she's one of the chaperoning teachers and can't find a date in time. But she's abandoned me since we came…and she even made me wear this short dress!"

Mai tugged on the hemm of her dress in hope to cover more of her flesh, but instead drawing more attention to her body. Despite herself, Natsuki chuckled perversely.

" So, how's life?" Natsuki asked casually, attempting a polite conversation.

" There's still too many things to think about," Mai replied, frowning. " Yet it's not worth the while anymore, since so far it's not been a threat. Maybe next time it will, but that seems so much later. What about you?"

" Nothing much," Natsuki simply said, dreading Mai to press on the issue of what had become of her and Shizuru.

" What about you and Shizuru?" Mai continued.

" I…" Natsuki wished she could remain speechless, but that left more to be explained in the future. On the other hand, what was going on could not be summarized in mere sentences. " I…It's accomplicated."

" You want to talk about it with her, don't you? About everything," Mai stated understandingly.

" I just can't anymore," Natsuki sighed. " It used to be so easy, now I don't even know what she really takes me as."

" At least you know that she loves you," Mai pointed out, " and you are no different. Your love is not doomed, Natsuki."

It seemed like a peaceful moment and Natsuki remained silent for a while to absorb the difference in the atmosphere. To her it was déjà vu, like the time when the two of them spent the night over at the dorm. Similar problems they discussed, but no haunting memories made things more difficult. They were merely two friends conversing with each other, no strings attached. As compared with her current interactions with Shizuru, Natsuki was more at ease. Mai was naturally easy to talk to and she wanted this rare conversation to last longer.

" Come on, lets go outside for fresh air."