Disclaimer: I obviously own them, which is why I'm writing stories about them for a contest and not making mega millions off them. So yeah...disclaimers aren't even necessary.
Warnings: Alcohol, yuri ((girl likes girl))
Additional: This is Nurse ((MaixShizuka)) for Compy's contest.

You're haunting me, haunting me as I speak to your brother.
You're taunting me, taunting me with the eyes of another.

It'll never work.
You don't know her like I do.
I know her well enough.
But never good enough. Trust me.

xxxxx

Mai heaved a sigh, watching the rolling wave of human bodies moving slightly out of time with the music. One hand rested in her lap, the other on the bar counter, lightly fingering a glass half emptied.

Against her better judgment, she'd agreed to meet little Shizuka here. The girl was young, and had no idea what she wanted. But Mai knew. Oh, yes. Mai certainly did know.

The song changed abruptly, leaving a jarring note in the air too subtle for the intoxicated crowd to appreciate. With the change of rhythm came a change in scenery – a wisp of a girl picking here way through the outermost dancers. The ones spilling off the floor into no man's land. The ones with too little courage to get drunk enough to take center stage.

Mai's sharp eyes followed the girl, barely enough to be considered a young woman. Hardly slight enough to be a child.

Their eyes met, locking over the sea, and Shizuka pulled on that lifeline, following it to where Mai waited. The silence of ear-aching music and drunken laughter reigned supreme to fill the awkwardness of the meeting.

Shizuka's eyes were downcast as she blurted – screaming to be heard over the music – "Will you go out with my brother?"

She would have liked nothing better than to throw her head back and laugh at the absurdity of it all. Instead, she nudged her glass towards the girl, silently offering a drink. After a moment's hesitation, Shizuka took a small sip.

"Why would I want to date Jounouchi?" Mai called over the heart-stopping bass.

Affront appeared on Shizuka's face, and Mai really did laugh then.

"He's loyal and sweet and smart – " Shizuka seemed prepared to rattle off a list of virtues.

Mai cupped a hand across the girl's mouth. "We'll talk about it later. Drink this." The bartender had refilled her glass and she passed it to Shizuka, watching confusing and something much fainter play across her face. Finally, the girl drank, downing the glass as if it were water instead of alcohol.

Mai smiled.

xxxxx

It's not what I would do.
She's too solid to be broken.
I don't think I can do it.
When the moment's there, you will. Trust me.

xxxxx

She watched a haze gather and build. Watched people suddenly move in straight lines, darting like fish from every angle.

Felt hands guide her to her feet. Felt warmth seeping through her.

Smelled the over-sweet smell of honey perfume. Smelled the undercurrents of sweat and excitement.

Heard her own voice slurring out someone's name. Heard the music dip into something slower.

Tasted peppermint, wine and tears. Tasted what she thought was betrayal.

xxxxx

She doesn't even like me.
Oh, believe me – if you can reach her, she does. Trust me.

Author's Notes: The thing that comes from me here is trying to set someone I like up with someone else...and having it fail.