"You fall in love with the wrong person simply because the wrong people may say the right things."
Disclaimer: I don't own Mai HiME or Mai Otome.
Chapter 4 – Sights set
Bright lights and loud babbling noises coming from an awful lot of people were naturally sure signs for the raven-haired Ice Queen to stay as far away as possible from such an event as the summer festival of the town. But thanks to the manipulating crimson eyes of her best friend, Natsuki found herself right in the middle of the crowded market ground. Ever since she had parked her bike and saw the countless heads running through the streets, she felt the need to drive far away. But instead of leaving the city for a nice ride in the cool night air, she had to wait for Shizuru, and thereby endure the annoying voices of millions of kids who begged for food or participation in one of the countless games.
"Ara, I'm happy to see that Natsuki is punctual for once." The melodic voice coming from behind startled her at first, but she tried to keep her cool composure nonetheless.
"That's because I want to leave as soon as possible." The grumpiness was to be expected since it wasn't a secret that Natsuki hated festivals.
"It's nice to see you too." The sarcasm in Shizuru's voice didn't go unnoticed by the raven-haired girl, who instantly felt slightly sorry for her harsh words.
"Sorry. I'm just not good with crowded places."
"I know. And it makes me really happy that you'd do this for me. Natsuki is my knight in shining armor." Shizuru said in the sweetest tone before grabbing Natsuki's arm. The girl immediately tensed and Shizuru loosened her grip with disappointed eyes.
"I wouldn't go that far." Natsuki tried to sound as normal as she could in the hopes of brushing the oddness of the situation off. Shizuru seemed to want the same as she replied with her usual playfulness.
"So, Natsuki says I'm not a princess? How cruel…"
"Oi, I didn't say anything like that!" Her mind went on panic mode, but was instantly reminded that this was just an old trick. And she was not in the mood to go through all the episodes of teasing now. She was hungry, and she wanted to go home as soon as possible. "Ugh, listen. Can we just go and get this over with."
"As you wish. How about starting with something to eat? I'm sorry that I couldn't make room for our date at the restaurant, but my father is very strict with business assignments. Would you like a hot dog as atonement?" At least Shizuru still seemed to be able to read her thoughts.
"Sounds good." The face of the raven-haired girl lightened up as they started to walk over to the food stands.
On the other side of the festival grounds, Tomoe started to get really annoyed by the boring conversation of her friends. Lately, the fan club had become a nuisance to her. She felt like she didn't fit in there anymore after her Onee-sama had crushed her hopes once again. Right now, she couldn't deal with praising the crimson-eyed beauty.
I don't even know why I came here to begin with. The information that Onee-sama is here too might be fake anyway.
After another conversation about the Kaichou's gorgeous eyes and her graceful movements had started, Tomoe decided that it was time to get away for a while. She made up an excuse for leaving the noisy crowd of middle schoolers alone, only to run into a pile of laughing kids.
Geez, is there no escape from this loud mess?
She struggled her way out of the center of the festival and leaned against a cold wall. While she let her gaze wander upon the flickering lights and random people she suddenly felt captured by a small stand that was offering hot dogs. At first she thought she might be hallucinating, but after she had seen the raven-eyed companion of her Onee-sama drooling over the greasy American junk food in the cafeteria the other day, she was sure that her eyes didn't trick her.
Great, so the rumors were true. And I of all the people have to run right into them. I bet the girls would freak out if I told them that Onee-sama is really here with Natsuki. Thank god, they haven't spotted them yet. I bet Natsuki would give them a good death glare. Although…
When Tomoe looked over to the two girls again, she saw a pleased expression on the face of the emerald-eyed girl as she scarfed down the second hot dog.
Food seems to appease the beast quite fast.
After Natsuki had finished eating, Shizuru dragged her into the direction of some small stands that were a bit offside from the crowded area. Not really knowing what else to do, Tomoe followed the girls silently. When they came to stop at a lottery stand, the jade-haired girl was quick to find cover behind a kissing couple.
Phew, that was close. What the hell am I doing here anyway? Didn't I want to stay away from Onee-sama for a while? I guess old habits die hard.
When she felt safe enough to risk another peek, she could see Natsuki pulling one of the multiple strings that were hanging down. She didn't seem so lucky though as the end of it was empty.
Well well, lucky at cards, unlucky in love they say. And since you've already won Onee-sama's heart you don't even need to try!
When Natsuki pulled another string with an empty end, she hung her head down in disappointment. The jade haired girl saw Shizuru placing a hand on the shoulder of the raven-haired girl, probably to cheer her up. It pained her to see her Onee-sama acting so caringly towards the cold girl, but when her gaze drifted back to Natsuki a strange thought crossed her mind.
Somehow she looks like a lost puppy right now.
Just when Tomoe felt a bit sorry for the unlucky girl, she observed how Shizuru pulled a string. And of course, she was lucky. An evil grin crossed her face as she thought back on the saying.
Lucky at cards, unlucky in love… Okay, that was mean, but still…
The owner of the stand gave the chestnut-haired woman her prize. When Shizuru turned around, Tomoe couldn't see what it was. She got a little closer, after making sure that the upperclassmen couldn't see her, and found the object to be a little stuffed cat. The crimson-eyed girl offered her prize to Natsuki with a warm smile, but her opposite didn't really light up. Quite the contrary, she made a disgusted face, and shook her head. Shizuru's smile faded and was replaced by a look Tomoe had never seen before.
Onee-sama… Right now, she looked… sad. I wonder if Natsuki even noticed.
Within a blink of an eye Shizuru had managed to cover up the emotions with a smile. She said something Tomoe didn't catch and they both started to walk away from the lottery.
Stupid games. Of course there is no use in spending money on such pointless things like a lottery. They only have stupid prizes and… Hey, it's a Sailor Mars doll. I guess I might give it a try.
"One ticket, please." She said to the carny in her sweetest voice.
"That'll be 300 Yen." The response sounded completely disinterested, but still the price was horrendous.
"What? You bast…" Tomoe's eyes wandered back to the Sailor Mars doll, and after another flood of grumbling sounds, she fished out the money and looked for an appropriate string. She remembered Natsuki taking two blue strings, and Shizuru pulling a purple one. Okay, Sailor Mars. Think, Tomoe think… Oh yeah, her element is fire! It has to be the red string! I am a genius after all! The jade-haired girl pulled the string with enthusiasm and as expected the end wasn't empty.
"Congrats, little girl. You won a prize." When the carny gave her the so called 'prize' she couldn't do anything but nod. It's kind of cute, but probably not even worth 100 Yen… She thought to herself while she started to walk away quite disappointed about not getting what she wanted. Just like always.
When she was about to go back to her group, she had hung her head so low that she didn't notice that a person in front of her wasn't moving. Only the impact as she stumbled into the back of the girl in front of her shook her out of her thoughts. After she had blinked twice, she couldn't believe how unlucky she actually was. Great… Of all people she had to bump into Shizuru Onee-sama.
"Ara, Marguerite-san. What a surprise to meet you here." Although Shizuru's voice sounded as friendly as ever it somehow had an edge to it. Not really knowing what to say or do, the younger girl started babbling.
"Yeah, such a coincidence. Don't you think?" The nervous giggling didn't really help in sounding self-conscious.
Shizuru of course noticed the insecurity and just nodded, her red eyes never left the younger girl, who felt completely caught off-guard.
"So, where's Natsuki?" Tomoe suddenly said in the hopes to break the uncomfortable silence. The realization of her stupidity, only hit her with the next comment of the chestnut-haired beauty.
"How do you know that I am here with her?" The words were sharp, and the gray-eyed girl could only gulp in response. "I guess there was a rumor about Natsuki and me coming here together, ne?" The smile on Shizuru's face was back as soon as it had died away seconds ago.
"Yes… The girls from the club told me about it." I sound like an idiot! I got to come up with a reasonable explanation here or else she'll think I am a completely scary stalker. "Right, and the club sent me to give this to you." She nervously searched her bag for the prize she had won a few minutes ago.
"Well, thank you Marguerite-san but I already got one." Shizuru held up the stuffed cat, and turned around with a slightly annoyed expression.
"Oh, I see." Was she always acting so arrogant or am I really such a nuisance to her? In the corner of her eye, she saw Natsuki coming out of one of the restrooms. Fine! You asked for it Onee-sama! "Ne, Natsuki. I just won the lottery." She made sure to make her voice super sweet.
"Oh, hey Tomoe. Didn't know you would be here too. Everyone besides me seems to be lucky I guess. The prizes were stupid anyways." Natsuki said nonchalantly as ever.
"You think so? Maybe you're right. Who needs a stupid stuffed dog? I might as well throw it away or give it to one of the kids." Tomoe took the little blue stuffed animal out of her bag, ready to throw it into the closest garbage can.
"Dog?" Natsuki said without noticing that she had spoken her thoughts out loud. Tomoe was a bit startled at first and wasn't sure if she was imagining things.
"What does Natsuki want to do next?" Shizuru asked out of the blue, interrupting the small conversation. Tomoe couldn't help but think that it was on purpose since the Kyoto beauty didn't even try to conceal her intentions. "I'm sure Marguerite-san needs to get back to her friends now." The sound of her voice was so melodic, yet the words were sharp like daggers. The jade-haired girl felt like crying, but the anger burned away the tears. Maybe it was mean to drag Natsuki into the cold war between herself and her Onee-sama, but right now she didn't care.
Alright, let's go all the way then! She thought to herself before she turned around with a provocative glance. "Actually, I'm here all by myself and hoped to meet some people I might know to hang out with."
"And I'm sure there are some of your classmates here." Shizuru said with a smile and an even more intense glare.
Natsuki was still wrapped up in thoughts about Tomoe's prize. She couldn't stop asking herself if the gray-eyed girl was lucky enough to win the cute stuffed animal that looked like a husky. Only when she saw Tomoe tightening her grip around her bag, she snapped out of her thoughts.
"Fine. If you want to get rid of me that badly. I'm gonna leave you two lovebirds alone." She said, before she stomped away.
"Now, that was a little impolite." Shizuru said with the fake tone of regret in her voice.
"I'm not quite sure to whom you are referring…" Natsuki's words made Shizuru uncomfortable. She didn't want the raven-haired girl to think of her as cold-hearted, but she had been looking forward to spending time with her secret love without being bothered by fangirls. When she saw Natsuki walking after the jade-haired girl once again, she suddenly became a little worried. It was unusual for her silent friend to be interested in strangers, and given the fact that Tomoe was the leader of a group that Natsuki claimed to hate, made it even more bizarre.
"Oi Tomoe, wait up!" Natsuki wasn't yelling, but it was fairly louder than her usual low voice. Still enraged about the harsh words of Shizuru, Tomoe stopped but didn't turn around. Her hands were clenched into fists, and the whole position gave off a stay-away attitude. Natsuki on the other hand, as the master of leave-me-the-fuck-alone emotions knew exactly how to act without invading the personal space of the middle schooler. She positioned herself next to the agitated girl, and avoided unnecessary statements. She figured that nice phrases or comforting words were something Tomoe didn't want to hear in her anger right now, and so she decided to be as blunt as ever.
"If you really wanna go for Shizuru, you should learn to control your emotions better. Otherwise she'll kill you with one of her fake smiles one day."
"She doesn't seem to mind you being the Queen of bluntness."
"I thought I was the mighty Queen of Ice."
"Well, let's say Princess of Cold. I don't think you are as fragile as ice."
"Ice is not particularly fragile. It can be as hard as stone if it's thick enough." Natsuki replied.
"But that takes time. At first it's razor-thin. Even if I tried, Onee-sama would melt it within a second with her flaming words. I'm impressed she didn't turn you into a pile of water. You're ice must be getting thinner with every minute you two spend together."
"I'm not quite sure about that. It doesn't feel like melting. More like cracking..."
Tomoe peeked around not knowing what to say. She didn't get the raven-haired girl at all, but when she turned around she saw the two crimson-orbs piercing her intensely. She let out a little sigh before she fished out the prize from her bag.
"Here. Thanks for the advice. Although I doubt I am able to be as cool as you." Tomoe said with a sigh.
"I'm not cool. I'm just… Oh my god, it's the husky!"
"It's only a stupid stuffed dog." What's her deal?
"Thank you, Tomoe."
Okay, she is definitely weird. She drives a motorcycle, is unsocial, grumpy, and yet she's grinning like a child just because of a stupid stuffed animal. I guess I completely misinterpreted her personality. She actually seems to be okay. In a very odd way.
When Shizuru saw Natsuki smiling over the stuffed dog, a wave of anger shot through her body. She couldn't stop herself from walking over.
"You're welcome." Tomoe said to Natsuki with a light smile. Suddenly, she felt a death-glare on her neck and instantly knew that Shizuru was coming over. She was pretty sure that the Kyoto-beauty wouldn't be so pleased about the scenario. But somehow, right now, she didn't care. Why should she feel bad about something that seemed to make the Ice Queen happy? Her anger against the chestnut-haired girl started to increase again, and without really thinking about her actions Tomoe swirled around, facing Natsuki.
"Do you want to go goldfish scooping with me?" She said with pleading eyes.
"Huh?" the raven-haired girl obviously was startled, but since she didn't instantly say no, Tomoe kept being persistent.
"I always wanted to scoop one but I'm never fast enough. You seem like someone who's capable of catching a big fish." The biggest of all actually…
"Err…I guess, I could try." Natsuki stuttered, not really capable of turning down the younger girl.
"Thank you, Natsuki Onee-sama!" The young girl squealed in joy.
"Onee-sama?" Natsuki's eyes shot open in panic. Oh no, not again. I almost forgot… No, she was acting completely normal seconds ago. She talked about wanting Shizuru didn't she? Well not directly… but still. What if the ribbon thing is… NO! That's nonsense. She's probably just thankful.
"Ara, you two seem to get along quite well. I'm amazed that Natsuki is finally trying to be nice to other people." Shizuru's words were friendly, but her eyes were hard.
"Yeah…" Not really knowing how to explain the situation to her friend, Natsuki was as one-syllabically as ever.
"Let's go!" Tomoe tossed in with newly discovered self-consciousness.
"Go?" Shizuru's crimson eyes were searching Natsuki's for an answer, but she only found an apologetic look.
"Natsuki Onee-sama promised to scoop me a goldfish." Tomoe said happily, whereby she paid special attention to Shizuru's reaction.
"Well…" Shizuru was quick to respond, but even to the jade-haired girl it was obvious that she had troubles in finding the right words at the moment. "That sure is nice of Natsuki Onee-sama. She's really good at scooping…"
This time her voice slightly changed, and a glimpse of anger was visible through the veil of containment in the deep red orbs.
Oh my god. What have I done? Natsuki noticed the change of mood in Shizuru's eyes instantly, and somehow she felt really bad about the whole situation. But before she could think of a plan to get out of this smoothly, Tomoe had grabbed her arm and started to drag her from Shizuru's judging eyes.
The gray-eyed girl knew quite well that Shizuru was completely exasperated, but she didn't care. Right now, she enjoyed being the one in control for once.
I'm sorry to drag you into this, Natsuki. But if I can't have Shizuru I will at least make sure that she doesn't get what she wants either. You might be right about ice being hard as stone, but I'd rather fight fire with fire!
A/N: Flood of story-updating this week. I was hard-working ;-) Sadly the reviewers weren't. Thanks to HollowPoint. He was also hardworking with beta'ing all of my updates