"I don't know which is worse, being the one with the broken heart or being the person that breaks the hearts."

Beta: Ivy Rose Thorn

Disclaimer: I don't own Mai HiME. Sunrise does.

Chapter 4 – Voyage

The good thing about the start of a new semester is the free time during the first weeks. The classes are full and the lessons are mostly unimportant in the beginning, and although Shizuru had to fight hard to get into Mrs. Bradstone's Gender Studies class, she wasn't lucky enough to be part of the first lesson. When she came to the lecture room, it was already so crammed with students that she couldn't even see the famous teacher from her current position. After a fellow student had explained that the university had stuffed the class due to demand, Shizuru decided that it was no use standing in the hallway. I can't say that I'm surprised that they weren't bright enough to think of supplying a bigger room. She thought while pondering if she should stay or go. A few minutes later she gave in with a sigh. There was no way that she would grab a piece of information outside of the room. Usually, she would go to the library to use the won free time to study, but since the semester just started there was nothing to study at all. Not really knowing what else to do, she made her way to the city. She didn't really feel like going home yet; after all, it was only 4 pm. The weather nice and warm, and her other classes wouldn't start until next week because the English Department had a thing for delaying the start of lecturing.

When Shizuru entered the mall, she was stunned by the image in front of her. The shops were almost empty and the air was actually fresh. Only now she realized how relaxing shopping could be if you go at the right time. A smile crossed her lips as she started to work out a shopping plan in her head. She started with a cup of black-tea at the coffee corner before she made her way through the boutiques. The Kyoto-born would have loved to spend a fair amount of money in some of the shops, but the fact that she came by bus wasn't very inviting for carrying tons of bags. She made a note to herself that she'll come here again before lunch but next time with her car. It's a shame that Reito isn't around when I could really use a hand. She fished out her phone and dialed his number, having little hopes that he was available. The law-department was rather strict about their classes. But to her surprise he picked up after a little while of ringing.

'Hello sweetheart, you wouldn't happen to be free would you?' Shizuru said in the sweetest voice with a smile on her lips that Reito surely would have liked if he could see her right now.

'Hey darling, why are you asking? It's Monday and the semester has just started. I have classes in a bit. Is everything okay?' His voice was just as melodic, but the chestnut-haired girl could tell that there was no chance that he would skip classes for a little shopping adventure.

'Of course. My class was crowded and I wasn't lucky enough to get in.' She explained.

'Aww, I'm sorry. That was the one by Mrs. Bradstone, right?'

'Yes, but I'll try again next week.'

'So, where are you now? Wait…Don't say anything. You're at the mall right?'

'How did you know? Are you spying on me?' She was amazed that Reito seemed to know her that well, but after all, she was a girl. So, probably it wasn't too hard to figure out.

'Not yet. But I might if you decide to go into the right store.' His voice suddenly had that special undertone, and she knew very well where he was hinting at.

'Naughty you. But you're right. I am at the mall. Not in the shop you're hoping for though. Originally, I wanted to ask if you could pick me up with your car later because I don't want to get on the bus after a shopping marathon. You know me and my bags.' A small chuckle could be heard from the end of the line before he answered.

'Yes, I do. I have sad news for you though. I will be out late today.'

'I see. Too bad. I might postpone my shopping tour then.' She added a little extra sadness to her voice, but her boyfriend knew her well enough to not fall into her trap.

'I'm sorry. But I'm sure you can at least carry one little bag from a particular nice little shop.' Avoiding getting affected by the heartbreaking tone of Shizuru, Reito was quick to change topics.

'You're such a perv. I'll see.' Her voice was back to the normal melodic sing song.

'Okay, hon. I got to go. I love you. Bye.' The voices in the background had become lower and she assumed that the lesson was about to start. She said a quick goodbye and flipped her phone shut. Well, I think I could at least take a look.

Walking through an almost empty mall certainly was something she could get used to. Not completely unintentionally she found herself in front of 'BrasNThings' after a few minutes. The first time Shizuru had set a foot in that store she fell in love with it. The shop assistants were friendly and the products of high quality. The price could have been a bit lower, but it was affordable. A friendly and polite greeting welcomed her when she entered the shop. Only a few women were looking through the huge collection of lingerie. She slowly walked around until her eyes caught sight of a lavender colored set of underwear. The bra had some nicely black-laced outlines, making the piece quite unique. Not wanting to waste any time, she started searching for the right size. In the corner of her eyes, she noticed someone walking over to one of the shop assistants. When she heard the voice she couldn't help but take a closer look. But the girl had already turned around, heading towards the changing rooms. Not completely sure if it really was Takeda's date, Shizuru took the set of underwear and walked after her. Two of the five stalls were in use. Okay, there is a fifty-fifty chance, but according to Murphy's Law, I might spy on the wrong one. She slowly tiptoed towards the first cabin. The curtains were never completely opaque, and so she had the chance to take a quick peek. She could see a girl with long black hair, but she was sure that the body didn't fit the measurements of Takeda's girl. The biker-suit wouldn't have fit if she was the person behind the curtain. By now Shizuru believed that she had imagined the low and husky voice, but she sneaked over to the last cabin nonetheless. The curtain, as usual, wasn't completely closed. She tilted her head a bit and tried to look through the small slit. She was immediately greeted with something that looked like porcelain. A slender but athletic body was bending over inside the cabin. She couldn't see much, but what she saw made her dizzy for a slight second. Her gaze was fixated on the small of the back in front of her eyes, following every movement as the body righted back. Completely captured by how the muscles tensed and loosened again, she gulped in shock as silky black hair suddenly scattered across the naked flesh.

"Do you need anything, Miss?" The voice of the assistant that was suddenly standing at the front cabin made her swirl around in shock.

"No." She answered with a polite smile, still holding the set of underwear in her now sweaty hands.

"If you want to try those on you can choose one of the free cabins."

"Yes, thank you." She hectically jumped into the next free cabin and closed the curtain. Breathing heavily, she sat down on the little stool inside of it. Well, at least I'm not imagining things. It was her after all…Phew, the biker-suit was right about her… curves. I can't believe I'm hiding inside a cabin of a lingerie shop. I feel like the average pervert… What the hell was I thinking spying on her while she's trying on underwear? I need to get out of here, and to grab some cool water… or better some cool booze… Damn you, Murphy!

Ripping the curtain open with one hand, she dashed out of the changing room without paying attention to what was in front of her. When she felt the impact she had no idea what had gone wrong. Only as the scent of a certain perfume wrapped her up did she slowly realize in what position she was. She slowly opened her eyes and found herself inside an ocean of emerald. Not completely certain on what to do, she tried to interpret the shocked gaze right in front of her. She had trouble to breaking the intensive eye-contact at first, but when she let her gaze wander down the body of her opposite, her brain started working again. Natsuki must have come out of the cabin when Shizuru was hiding, and by rushing outside she practically tripped over the raven-haired girl, sending them both flying against the wall of the other side of the small corridor that was framing the cabins. When she saw the red color on the cheeks of the emerald eyed girl she noticed with a shock that their faces were much too close. The only thing that was keeping her balanced was her arms. They were stemmed against the wall, unintentionally trapping the other girl's body. The bra and the slip were still in her hand, hanging down next to the biker-girl's cheek. Due to the hectic movement before it was swinging back and forth like a pendulum, ticking away the seconds. The emerald eyes slowly wandered to the clocklike set of underwear, still not saying a word. When Shizuru started breathing again, she had troubles in fighting down a blush herself. Pulling away as elegantly as possible, she was quick to cover her embarrassment with a perfect smile. She knew she had to break the silence now or never.

"Ahh, to meet Natsuki here of all places. I am quite surprised." came the warm voice with the distinctive Kyoto-ben.

"He… Hello." The other girl stuttered still completely flustered. They were both lost in each other gazes again for a few moments before the chestnut-haired girl was able to go on.

"Have you found anything nice?"

"Umm, I'm not sure." The raven-haired girl was hiding a piece of lingerie behind her back. Shizuru followed the hands with her eyes and recognized the pink bra from her peeping attack.

"But it looked nice…" She coughed. "I mean, I'm sure that looks wonderful on you." She corrected herself while pointing at the lingerie. I need to keep it cool. I bet she already thinks I'm a pervert but then she's dating Takeda, so she should be used to it. Unable to repress a light chuckle at her mean thoughts, she didn't notice that Natsuki wasn't so stiff anymore. The girl seemed to relax a little now that she had brought some distance between them.

"Maybe." She mumbled while her gaze had shifted to the ground.

"Do you want to surprise Takeda? Knowing him quite well, I'm sure he will be delighted with your choice."

"What? Why would I buy something like this for him?" Obviously embarrassed Natsuki's voice was much higher than usual.

"Oh, is Natsuki already seeing somebody else? And here I was thinking poor Takeda would finally be lucky." Seriously, what is wrong with me? I'm not sure why I am constantly saying weird things in front of her… But then the herb in the tea earlier tasted slightly funny… The silence was a sure sign that her comment wasn't appropriate and she deeply regretted it.

"I got to go." The emerald-eyed girl suddenly said.

"No, wait. I'm sorry. I was just teasing you. I'm sorry if I overstepped a line." Not sure if the apology was enough, Shizuru patiently waited for a reaction, which eventually came in the form of an unexpected question.

"And you? Are you going to buy that for Reito?"

"Reito?" A puzzled look decorated Shizuru's already troubled face.

"Your boyfriend."

"Yes, Reito. Of course. Yes, I wanted to surprise him." Actually, I don't… I am already used to the babbling but why am I lying now?

"I see. It's nice." Natsuki said, not sounding particularly happy.

"Thanks." An odd silence started to unfold, but this time Natsuki was the one to break it.

"The fabric is of high quality. I would buy it, if I were you."

"So, Natsuki is familiar with lingerie." Why can't I stop talking about lingerie in front of her? The image of Natsuki bending over and the porcelain skin came back to her mind, sending a light blush to her cheeks. Luckily the raven-haired girl didn't notice the slight change of color since she was busy fighting against another blush herself.

"I… I have a thing for lingerie." Getting a questioning look form her opposite about her confession, Natsuki started stuttering an explanation. "Err… I mean, I collect it."

"Wow, what a nice hobby you have." This girl really is fascinating… Driving a motorcycle and collecting lingerie… For a split second the strange image of the raven-haired girl sitting on her bike in the pink underwear crossed Shizuru's thoughts and she immediately cursed herself silently. Not wanting to get wrapped up in sick fantasies she started babbling again. "Maybe, you can show me your collection sometime." Wait! Where did that come from? Good, if she didn't already think I'm strange, she'll be certain about that by now…

"Maybe…" Natsuki's answer was barely audible and a sure sign that she felt uncomfortable.

"What are you doing here by the way? The semester has already started."

"I wanted to attend a class, but it was too full and so I decided to take a walk. I wanted to get to know the city a bit better."

"Me too." Shizuru said being completely distracted by the emerald eyes again.

"But you live here." Natsuki stated bluntly with a what's-wrong-with-you-look on her face.

"I know…" I certainly need to get a hold of myself before she starts avoiding me completely due to idiotism. "I meant with the class. I came here because I was standing outside the classroom and couldn't understand a thing." She said, explaining her answer from earlier.

"Oh, okay."

"Do you want me to show you the city for a bit?"

Natsuki took a short moment to deliberate, but eventually nodded with a light smile.

After they had walked around for a while, Natsuki slowly got a bit comfortable around the taller girl. It was already getting dark when they stopped at a little noodle shop to grab something to eat. The beeping tone of Shizuru's mobile let her thoughts wander back to Reito for the first time after she had encountered Natsuki in the afternoon. The text was saying that he has to attend a meeting with his tutor in an hour, and that he doesn't know how long it would take. Okay, that sounds like taking the bus then.

"I'm afraid I have to go in a bit." She said, while replying to the message.

"Oh… okay. It was nice…" Somehow the undertone of the husky voice sounded a bit sadder than usual.

"I did enjoy myself, too. I would have loved to stay a bit longer, but the last bus goes in 15 minutes and Reito is too busy to pick me up."

"I could give you a lift. I always have a second helmet with me since I'm seeing Takeda." Her voice became lower at the end of the sentence and the name was more mumbling than speaking.

"I don't want to trouble you. I don't live close by."

"No problem. I like driving." The raven-haired said with an insisting voice.

"If Natsuki is okay with that…"

"Yeah, sure. It's my way of repaying you for the city tour."

Shizuru agreed with a smile and the plan was settled.

When the raven-haired girl started the bike, Shizuru wasn't so sure if this was a good idea. She felt her heartbeat speed up after hearing the power of the engine. Natsuki must have seen her worries since she gave her a reassuring smile while handing over the helm. Shizuru took it and got on the bike with a brave sigh.

"Don't worry. I'll drive safe for you." The tone of Natsuki's voice was almost knightly.

"Thanks, that's very kind." Shizuru replied, before she lightly encircled the slender waist of the girl in front of her.

"That won't do."

"I'm sorry?"

"If you don't hold on a little tighter you'll most likely fall down."

Not really sure what to respond, Shizuru tightened her grip around Natsuki's waist. She could feel how the muscles of the girl tensed under the touch of her hands, and loosened up in the next seconds.

"It's safer this way…" Natsuki muttered.

I am not quite sure if it doesn't make it more dangerous…

Without saying another word, they started driving. The Kyoto-girl had some troubles giving directions due to the loud sound of the roaring engine, but tried her best. When they were near the cliffs, the roaring suddenly got louder. She was a bit irritated when the raven-haired girl suddenly stopped the bike on a small parking lot on the cliffs, but waited until Natsuki descended from the bike.

"Is something wrong?"

"I think so. It usually doesn't make such sounds… Dammit!" Natsuki cursed after a short checkup.

"What is it?"

"I think the chain tension is too low."

"Ah, the chain tension… whatever that means." Shizuru had no idea what the other girl was talking about.

"It means that I have to take it to a mechanic."

"So, we can't go on?"

"Most likely. I mean we could, but I don't wanna put you in unnecessary danger."

Shizuru gave Natsuki a reassuring smile before an idea came to her mind. "Let me try calling Reito, he must be finished by now. He has a trailer. We could pick your bike up too."

"Thank you. I'm sorry. This is the first time something like this has happened." The girl sounded guilty although there was no one to blame.

"Don't worry. It's not a problem at all." She fished out her phone and dialed the number of her boyfriend while walking a few steps away towards the street. After a short conversation, she came back to spread the good news.

"He's picking us up. It might take a little while though since he has to get the trailer first." Shizuru said to Natsuki who seemed to be completely absent-minded by now.

"Thanks." was the only response from the other girl. Curious about the reason of the distraction, Shizuru followed the gaze of the emerald eyes, finding herself just as stunned in the next second. The sun was already setting. Its rays illuminated the ocean with a warm and comforting orange, glittering like a thousand diamonds as they broke on the surface of the deep blue. None of them dared to speak a word while the bright light was slowly melting with the horizon. The crashing waves accompanied by sounds of the birds seemed to be the perfect music for the indescribable sight in front of them. They both walked over to the edge of the cliff to bring themselves closer to the peaceful scenery. When Shizuru turned her head towards the raven-haired girl she once more found the melancholic expression in those remarkable green eyes. But this time she could also see contentment. A light smile crossed her lips as she took in the soft features of the other girl. She almost looked fragile in the warm light of the setting sun.

"You like it, right?" Shizuru was almost whispering as if afraid to destroy the atmosphere.

"It's beautiful." The contemplative look slowly lightened up a bit.

"It is…"

"I didn't know such a place like this existed here." Natsuki's voice sounded dreamy, and somehow Shizuru liked it very much.

"I've never been here before either."

"I thought you lived close by." The biker girl turned around with a puzzled look on her face.

"Well, yes. I passed by a lot but I never took the time to take a closer look before. Although I always intended to…"

"I can hardly imagine that something that stunning can go unnoticed." She said, while turning her green eyes back at the horizon.

"Not unnoticed. I did notice it. A lot actually… but I somehow was always too busy with every-day life. Doing the things normal students do. Like studying or going to bars and parties. But now that I am here I have no idea why I didn't listen to my intention earlier. I'm glad I finally realized what a wonderful place this is. Thank you."

"Guess we have to thank my broken bike." They both chuckled before Natsuki got a serious look again as she added: "Sometimes the most beautiful things are in front of our eyes, and we don't even notice because we're either too busy or too afraid to take a closer look."

Shizuru tore her gaze away from the raven-haired beauty back to the last rays of sunlight. A quotation came to her head as she thought about their conversation a little longer. "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes..."

"… but in having new eyes." Natsuki tossed in, completing the sentence.

"You know Marcel Proust?" The Kyoto-girl was obviously surprised.

"I'm studying literature too. Remember?" Natsuki said with in a cool tone. The chestnut-haired girl smiled over the response. "It's nice to share this with you. Maybe I'll pay better attention to what's right in front of my eyes from now on." She said, having her eyes once more focused on the raven-haired girl.

The horn of Reito's car tore them both snap out of their reverie in shock.

"I heard two beautiful girls are in trouble. Don't worry ladies your men are here to rescue you." He said with a bright smile. Shizuru waved at him and Takeda who was also sitting in the car before she locked her gaze with Natsuki again.

"Shall we?" She asked the silent girl in a low voice.

Natsuki once more turned around and faced the ocean. She nodded lightly before she started to walk towards the car to greet Takeda and Reito. Shizuru followed her and was greeted with a passionate kiss. When she opened her eyes again, she saw that. Natsuki was looking at them, but quickly turned away after they had broken the kiss.

A/N: Okay guys, I came down from the megalomania. But still it's odd that the story alerts are increasing whereas the reviews are decreasing. I still have the slight hope to hit the 100 reviews with this chapter but that'll only work if you keep reviewing like in the first and second chapter. If you don't feel like reviewing, I hope that you at least like the story so far. It took me a while to write this chapter since it's a longer one. I guess two days or so, maybe you can sacrifices two minutes from your time to let me know if you liked it =)