Suicide - the act or an instance of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally.

The wind howled, forcing aqua curls to fly out of a porcelain face. Two bare feet stood inches away from the cliff. The rock surface beneath them seemed cold and damp, as if it were preparing you of whats to come.

I could have jumped. I could have let myself fall into the one place that I have ever felt as home, the ocean. Those steady waves crashed roughly against the sharp rocks. Such a sight was almost welcoming to me at the time. Such a release.

"Send me a sign, God, someone. Stop me…." Was a faint whisper that came from a girl. Her white dress blew along in the wind. Soft eyes were closed and another step was taken closer to the edge. One foot was now hanging down.

It was pulled back and planted on the sharp stone under her. "Hey! What are you doing!" Her innocent features formed a small hint of a smile and she stepped back.

I could have jumped. But I didn't. That sign did come to me, telling me to go on. I knew how cowardly suicide was. But that was all I had ever been, a coward.

"Get away from there. You're going to fall." A deep voice called from afar.

The sight of the girl was a mystery of its own. Standing so close to the edge like that. It was a death wish if anything. Then it all dawned. Suicide.

Before she knew it she was running to the girl. That girl who stood so dangerously close to death. The aqua haired beauty didn't move for a minute. She inhaled and exhaled, as if she were breathing in light and breathing out bitter darkness.

She finally turned around and met the other woman face to face. Her eyes matched the raging sea beneath her. They were red, as if she had been crying. The wind still blew furiously.

The woman with sandy blonde hair extended a hand, expecting her to take it. Michiru decided not to hesitate and accept. Something deep inside her told her to go, go far away from this cliff and start anew. Be stronger than her previous self.

They walked down the beach until a small cave was reached. The blonde ushered her into the dark place. Michiru nervously did so. Once the taller woman settled, she turned to the exceptionally beautiful girl beside her.

"Are you alright?" She asked. She hadn't said a word to her yet. The other girl made eye contact with her and smiled sadly.

"I am." Her voice was soft and melodic, showing no sign of weakness or timidity. Haruka could instantly feel her icy front breaking. Something about this girl, made her want to help.

"Tenoh Haruka." She shook hands with the smaller girl, noticing how incredibly soft her hands were. "Kaioh Michiru." She observed her, eyes widening.

"You're a Kaioh? I didnt recognize you." She asked in shock. Michiru sighed and nodded. Her family owned the biggest dress company and factories company in America. She had to uphold that family name, be perfect for them. That meant attending an endless amount of dinners and parties, smiling and talking to spoiled rich girls, being called a spoiled rich girl.

I had always expected things to get better, but they never did. Every day was spent trying to live up to my parents expectations. Every day was a living hell.

Silence filled the enclosed space. Michiru's heart still beating fast against her chest. She didn't know if she would have jumped or not, and that would remain a mystery to her forever.

"Why?" Haruka finally asked. The aquanette pulled her knees against her chest and rested her head on them. Here she was, in a strange cave, with a woman she hardly knew. But she did however recognize the last name, possibly one of her fathers good friends. It could be the last name of their company's vice president for all she knew.

"I gave up." She closed her eyes painfully. "Trying. And before you tell me, I know how weak that seems. I've never had a real friend to talk to. But I can't help but wonder, is there a realm beyond this one that is better, happier? Is there a place beyond this where I can be truly happy?"

"You bring a good point with you Miss Kaioh." Her eyes opened and she looked expressionless at Haruka. She had never been told that she was right when she truly expressed her feelings.

"But what if there isn't? What if this is your only shot? You're beautiful yes, but I'm sure you are told that almost daily. So much that the meaning starts to fade. What is beauty? Beauty isn't your life, but life itself. Imagine what your life could be. It is your masterpiece, that you must create." Haruka stated. She threw her hands behind her neck in a relaxed manner.

Michiru thought on those words. "But that life….it is out of reach. I'm trapped. So much that I almost gave up." She felt her vision blur, knowing that tears were escaping her eyes by now.

"Hey….. look at me." She sniffed and reluctantly faced the blonde. Those emerald eyes piercing through her, taking each emotion that she owned and observing it.

"Hang around a little longer. You're lost right now, I know how it feels to be lost. I promise on my mother's grave that you'll find your way. I promise." The two hands met again, this time Michiru was pulled into a warm hug. Her mask broke. Those damned tears finally won the battle and soft sobs filled the cave .

The sandy blonde wasn't much of a hugger, but this poor girl needed it. She needed a shoulder to cry on, and Haruka didn't mind being just that. She scratched the girls shaking back lightly with her fingers.

"If you want, we can be friends." She finally offered. She felt the smaller girl stiffen in her arms. A muffled 'Thank you' didnt go unnoticed.

The smaller girl felt so weak, crying into a strangers arms. But it felt right, this person truly cared. The sun peeked out from the distance, preparing to rise and bring light to the world.

"I'm sorry for troubling you." She finally said politely. Her manners were more than a habit, it was the least she could do to show respect towards the taller woman. Haruka shook her head.

"I'll take you back. You need to inform your parents, get proper help." The aqua haired woman froze at those words and gently pulled away.

"They cant find out. My parents are not the kind of people who would take this lightly. Please, don't tell anybody." She pleaded. Knowing well nothing like this would happen again, it would only start never ending chaos in her family.

"Okay. But on one condition." Emerald eyes met the crystal blues, that still shone from tears. The shorter girl seemed desperate enough.

"Let me help you. If you ever feel like ending your life again, come to me. Better yet, We can just meet to talk. You aren't the only one who could use a friend Miss Kaioh."

The sapphire eyes brightened, in thankfulness and glee. A real friend….. It was more than a gift to her.

"I would love that."

—

1 week later

" So what pushed you over the edge?" Haruka asked. They laid in a dimly lit library in Michiru's home. A fire crackled lightly, warming the two.

"Well, that night my parents told me something terrible. I am being forced into an arranged marriage. I guess that was what really did it." Michiru's tone was horse and sad. She lightly tapped on the book she held.

"Your tea. Please enjoy it." A maid bowed to them and set a tray down decorated with two porcelain cups filled with steaming tea. A bowl full of sugar cubes was placed beside the tea cups.

"A company collaboration." The blonde stated knowingly. She received a curt nod from the other girl followed by a sigh.

They had been meeting for a week, getting to know each other inside and out. They laughed and even cried in their time together. It turns out that Haruka's father was on the board of the company.

Michiru sat up and began to stir a melting sugar cube into the hot liquid. Haruka observed the nervous motions of the smaller woman.

"Have you met him?" Haruka asked.

Michiru crossed her legs Indian style. Haruka smiled at how 'non ladylike' Michiru acted around her.

"Yes. He is a cocky, rude, son of a-" She quickly placed her fingers over her pink lips, cheeks burning.

"Excuse me." She said with a deep breath. Haruka couldnt help but laugh at the embarrassed girl.

"So you dont like him, basically." She implied, receiving another set of rapid nods.

"I am expected to be his escort for the party tomorrow night, where we'll announce the engagement." She cringed at her own words and sipped on the tea roughly. Haruka scooted over and gently put an arm around her. "I'll be there. You won't be alone." She said with a lopsided smile.

"You're right, Haruka." She rested her head on the broad shoulder and smiled to herself. She loved these little moments that the blonde shared with her, those little snuggles. It all was kept in a special place in her memory.

"Haruka…. I love having you here with me."

—

"Now, A perfect dress for a perfect girl." A woman that smelled of far too much strong perfume sashayed toward her. Michiru observed herself in the mirror, the ballgown was a light blue, matching the sparkling eyes that she owned.

It reached her feet, that were supported by crystal slippers, quite uncomfortable. The silver beading made its way to her waist and stopped, letting the rest of the dress flow freely. Her corset was squeezing the life out of her.

"Now where is that silver hair piece of your mother's….." The woman searched around the cluttered vanity until she spotted it. Michiru allowed her to clip it into her bun. A few aqua curls fell in front of her face and out of the hairstyle.

"Now sit, sit." Michiru wasn't a talker, at all. She simply obeyed and sat on the white cushioned chair. A bright baby pink was applied to her soft lips with a brush. Her face was powered until it was as soft looking as her skin. A few puffs of blush and many adjustments to her mascara later, she was ready.

"Oh darling! You look wonderful! I am sure Keiki will appreciate having such a lovely lady by his side!" She turned at her mothers overly joyful voice and smiled the best she could.

"The car is downstairs, Hurry now." The elder Kaioh took her daughters hand and pulled her down the large flight of stairs. Michiru felt like she would fall over at any given moment, beauty really does come at a price….

A tall brunette man stood outside the door, his matching brown eyes scanned Michiru up and down. She shivered as his gaze stopped at her breasts. "It is good to see you, Mr. Higashi." She said in a loud tone, causing him to meet her eyes once more.

"You look absolutely radiant, Michiru." Her aqua brows rose, she didnt remember giving him permission to address her so familiarly. Without a reply, she stepped into the car.

Her father furrowed his brows at his daughter's rude actions. He was the first to step into the auto mobile after her. "Michiru. I expect you to keep your attitude in check." He said lowly.

"Yes, father." She said with a bow of her head. Once each passenger was buckled in safely, they proceeded to the party. The corset still caused her ragged breathing as she stepped out, having to link arms with that pig of a man.

"Smile, Michiru dear. We're about to go in." He said in an overly sweet voice. She sent him and glare before plastering the fakest smile she could manage on her face. Cameras flashed as they passed the red carpet and walked into the event.

Pointless mingling took place, wine was practically poured down her throat, and sapphire eyes searched for a certain blonde. No such luck.

The young socialite was now caught in a conversation with an old woman about how to train a poodle. She was about to drown in her own boredom when there was a light tap on her shoulder.

"Mind If I steal her from you?" Without really waiting for an answer, Haruka pulled Michiru away. They walked through the ballroom and out on the terrace.

"You saved my life." Michiru said thankfully leaning against a garden chair. Haruka smirked.

"Well that makes twice. You owe me." She commented with a grin. Michiru smiled and looked up at the twinkling stars that loomed above them. "Come with me."

She turned to follow Haruka but stopped as she saw what exactly she was doing. "Come on." The blonde urged. Michiru looked hesitantly at the balcony Haruka had just climbed over. But one glance into those shining emeralds and she all but kicked her heels off, lifted her dress, and swung herself over the railing.

Two hands caught her waist and lowered her safely down. She landed on both feet, Haruka's strong arms still latched around her waist. "That wasn't so bad hmm?" Before she could manage a reply, there they were running again. This time through the garden and into the forest. The mossy grass tickled her toes as they ran, but she loved that wild and adventurous feeling.

Haruka was as fast as the wind, pulling Michiru along with her. The trees seemed to fly by them, emerald eyes set straight ahead, knowing where to go. She came to a steady halt in front of a massive tree. Michiru's head tilted back as she looked up at the huge branches.

"You didn't think I took you here to see some stupid tree right?" Haruka asked as she kicked off her own shoes. Michiru raised both eyebrows in surprise. "There's more?"

"I think you're going to like this." She was once again lifted by the blonde onto the first branch. Haruka followed her quickly, just to see the awed expression of her friend. Below them was a clear stoned pool. The moonlight shone on its clearness, a beautiful creation given to them by Mother Nature herself.

"Its warm." Haruka said as she jumped off the branch and onto one of the large rocks. Her tuxedo jacket was thrown off and she now stood in a white tank top and her dress pants. Quickly unzipping them she kicked them off of her long legs, having worn a pair of longer boxers underneath.

Michiru gasped as the taller woman dove in. The aqua haired girl carefully climbed off the branch and onto the same stone. A familiar body them shot up from the crystal blue water, smiling at Michiru.

"Get in!" She beckoned. Michiru would have given anything to be in a swimsuit just then, but looked at her ballgown helplessly and then back at the beautiful water she longed for.

"This is a 6,000 dollar dress-"

"Then take it off."

Michiru blinked vigorously at her words before growing a wide blush. "W-what do you mean?" She asked as her face heated up.

"Just take it off, then you can get in." Haruka said casually. She then went right back to swimming underneath the moonlit sky. Michiru took a deep breath and looked to the sky. Eyes closed and two delicate hands pressed together in prayer.

"Oh God above, please forgive me for what I am about to do." Opening her baby blue eyes, she slowly unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the ground. She now stood in a pink laced corset and matching ruffly panties. She sunk to the ground, covering herself as the blonde swam up to the surface.

"Fancy." She said with a smirk. Michiru's face turned a nice shade of crimson. She slowly stood, knowing well that Haruka's eyes were wandering up and down her body by now. She had never felt this embarrassed in her life! She was raised to never show too much skin to anyone. And here she was in her underwear, swimming only a mile away from a party of her parent's close friends!

A hand grabbed her ankle, snapping her out of the worrisome thoughts. "What're you-" Before the sentence was finished, she was underwater. She quickly opened her eyes and swam directly up. "You are absolutely wild!" She stated with a small glare.

Haruka only laughed wholeheartedly. "That I am." Michiru dove back under the blue water, exploring the world beneath. There were many beautiful stones at the bottom of this pool. Some even resembled minerals, like diamonds.

Skinny fingers picked up two crystals, observing each. Haruka had begun to worry. Michiru had swam under more than 45 seconds ago. Now, the blonde herself decided to swim under to see what all the fuss was about. An aqua haired mermaid swam right past her and up for air.

"How did you stay down there for that long?" Haruka asked in a stunned tone. Michiru giggled and observed the two stones in her hand. "It's always been a strange talent of mine. I can stay under for minutes on end." The tone she carried was very casual, as if not breathing for 5 minutes was completely normal.

"Whatcha got there?" Haruka crawled onto of a rock, right beside Michiru who held two sparkling crystals. Her palm was opened by a delicate hand and the glistening stone was placed inside.

"Keep it. We can each have one." She walked over to her dress and placed her stone inside a hidden pocket. Haruka smiled to herself as she admired the crystal she had just been given.

"We should get back soon." Michiru said as they took turns jumping from a tall rock into the water. Haruka sighed and floated back. "My dad's gonna kill me." She said glumly.

Michiru paddled over to her. "You think he will?" She said with a hint of a smile. Haruka shrugged and leaned against a rock, taking the small girl with her.

"He won't be happy that we snuck out of that party." She said matter of factly. Michiru coughed, her corset was far too tight on her.

"Haruka…?" Her cheeks burned a bright red once more. "Yes?"

Michiru took a deep breath, only to cough again, before turning around so her back was to the blonde. "Please untie this." She said quickly, getting it over with.

Haruka's eyes widened. "You want me to what?" Michiru couldn't even make eye contact. This was absolutely mortifying.

"I can't breathe. Just untie it please." She said quietly. Haruka's nervous hands went to the laces that held Michiru's corset and began to untie them.

Michiru let out a satisfied sigh when she felt the strings loosen. "Thank goodness! I can actually breathe now." She cried out. Haruka gulped and stared at the bare back of her friend.

She had seen a few girls naked but none of them she knew. Michiru was her good friend now. The aquanette resumed her happy mumbling about feeling free of the evil corset.

Look away Look away Look away. Christ Tenoh look away!

"Oh… Oh my god!" Michiru finally said in realization. She quickly sank into the water, hiding her self. "I… This is so impure. Oh what would mother say if she knew?"

Haruka finally looked up, and met Michiru's worried eyes. She failed to fight the oncoming smirk. "Its alright. Its just me" Her voice was low and husky. Michiru bit her lip as the heated feeling in her stomach made its way down.

Oh no…. Why do I feel this way? For a woman? No. No I don't. I can't!

She slowly rose out of the water, her arms crossed protectively over her chest. Haruka quickly shut her eyes and turned around. "You have to strip naked don't you?" the blonde joked. Michiru giggled along but her blush grew and grew.

"I-I deeply apologize for being so informal." She said in a calm undertone. Haruka only chuckled and pulled herself out of the water.

"You forget that I'm a woman as well Michiru?" She questioned raising one eyebrow. The aquanette looked into the water her soft hands.

"No… It isn't that." She said honestly. Haruka propped herself onto the rock and stared intensely at the skinny girl below her. "Oh? What is It then?"

That smile… Oh don't give me that smile! This is ungodly!

The young socialite thought to herself. She was obtaining feelings for another woman. If her parents were to ever find out she would be disowned. Or worse.

The warm water suddenly felt glacial. She tried to holding onto a rock without parading around her naked chest. Haruka whistled nervously and suddenly took interest in the trees that loomed above them.

"Could you hand me my dress?" Michiru asked treacly. Haruka nodded and carefully picked up the costly dress. Michiru took it softly from the muscular arms.

Haruka almost immediately turned around. Michiru slid off her soaked underwear and stepped into the dress. "I feel like such a tramp Haruka! Im wearing a dress with absolutely nothing on underneath!" She said loudly. Her statement turned into a giggle, which resulted in both of them laughing uncontrollably.

"We should sneak you back home…." Haruka suggested.

"I suppose you're right."