Story: Mai Hime: Answers and Questions (all chapters)

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters or concepts from Mai-Hime, I'm just borrowing them for awhile. If you have not yet seen the end of Mai-Hime this entire fic is a spoiler, so please stop reading now. Newtype vol 3 #7 and vol 5 #1 were both used for reference, though any mistakes that slipped through are my own.

Mai-Hime: Answers and Questions

Nagi jerked as he heard the outer door slam open, then he heard a familiar and quite angry sounding voice yell out, "Nagi!"

"Oh hell," the blue haired young man moaned, then moved to run away. But before Nagi could try to escape the chamber both young women burst inside, the black haired girl swiftly pinning him against the railing forcefully. "Natsuki-chan, Mai-chan," Hagi smiled as endearingly as he possibly could at them, "your not Hime any more, does that mean you can't hurt me?"

"I may not be Hime," Natsuki Kuga said as the black haired woman smiled down at him dangerously, "but that doesn't mean I can't beat you black and blue."

"Or worse," Mai Tokiha added, her orange hair falling into her eyes as the busty young woman glared at him.

"What can I do to help you?" Nagi asked, giving in as gracefully as possible.

Very reluctantly Natsuki let him go, looking at him with a decidedly wary expression. "When we Hime fought amoung ourselves," she said quietly, "all of us... acted strangely."

"Mikoto, Nao, Yukariko, and even me," Mai quietly agreed, "it was hard to think straight and my emotions seemed to get the best of me too easily." She fixed him with a glare and demanded, "Was that your doing?"

"Sounds more like PMS," Nagi quipped only to visibly wilt under both their glares. Quickly he said, "It wasn't my doing!"

"So what was it?" Natsuki glared.

"The red star," Nagi admitted, "it needed to drive you to war, to make you eliminate each other and your Childe until there was only one left."

"So the things we did under it's influence..." Mai murmured, thinking of some of the harsh things that were said and done, "it wasn't us?"

"Not exactly," Nagi shook his head slightly, "it exagerated your emotions, yes, but it all still came from within you."

"And we should believe you?" Natsuki asked him warily, still keeping a tight grip on thr front of his shirt, putting choking pressure on his throat.

"Ask Mashiro if you don't believe me," Nagi said to them with as much calm as he could muster, "she'll confirm every word."

"I think he's telling the truth," Mai put a hand on Natsuki's shoulder.

"Maybe, but I still want to beat him black and blue," Natsuki muttered as she let him go, still standing near enough to pummel him if needed.

"Besides," Mai added as she looked at Nagi thoughtfully, "I think he's lost his powers, too. He's no threat to anyone, anymore."

"I'm harmless," Nagi admitted reluctantly.

"You'll never be harmless," Natsuki said grimly but she turned away, the two young women leaving much more quietly than they had come.

Nagi sighed, gingerly rubbing at his throat where she had nearly throttled him. "Life was so much easier when I could send the Orphans out after them," he grumbled.

Mai and Natsuki quietly walked away from the building, the breeze gently stirring both their hair and their matching uniform skirts. "So do you want to go see the director, Mashiro Kazahana?" Mai asked her softly.

Natsuki shook her head, "No, I think I believe him." With a smile she admitted, "I guess I just wanted to scare the little creep a little."

"I can sympathise with that," Mai agreed with a wry smile. She looked over at Natsuki as they paused beneath the trees and asked, "Were you hoping that Shizuru's behavior was caused by that?"

"Partially," Natsuki said quietly, silently debating what she should tell Mai. They had been through a lot together, from starting out as near enemies to fighting together against Sears and finally the battles amoung themselves, and through all of it Mai had become a steadfast friend.

"If you don't want to talk about it," Mai said compassionately, seeing the clear confusion on her friend's face.

"I do," Natsuki smiled slightly. Taking a deep breath she said, "I found out that Shizuru is in love with me."

"Like how I'm close to Mikoto?" Mai said tentatively.

"No," Natsuki said wryly, "like how you're with Yuichi, I think."

"Really?" Mai blinked in surprise.

"I still haven't decided how I feel about it," Natsuki admitted.

Mai smiled at her faintly, "Do you... feel the same way about her?"

"I don't know," Natsuki said with a irritable shrug. She frowned a bit as she conceded, "It's obvious I care for her, my ability to summon my Childe was based on that, but I don't know if I can return those feelings."

"It can't have been easy for her to confess to you," Mai mused softly, thinking of how hard she found it to speak of such things with Yuichi.

"No, it wasn't," Natsuki agreed, remembering how Haruka had confronted them with Shizuru's feelings, nearly gloating over discovering the president's secret. 'Of course that blew up in her face,' Natsuki recalled.

Mai noted the time and frowned, "I'd better get back, I bet Mikoto is fainting from hunger by now." As Natsuki chuckled at that comment Mai continued, "I think you should at least talk to Shizuru about it, you owe her that."

"Maybe so," Natsuki frowned as Mai raced off. The black haired young woman made her way through Fuka Academy, striding across campus with determination, standing apart from the other students as usual.

The buildings around them bore the scars of battle, walls having fallen, windows broken and streets damaged, all because of the battles between Hime and the aftermath, the war againced the power that created them. But the campus was renewing itself, students returning even as repair crews bustled to make everything right again.

Without really intending to Natsuki found herself in the gardens, the sweet scent of flowers waftig around her as she paused, reaching out to caress a golden flower. 'I met Shizuru here the first time,' she remembered, smiling fondly.

"Natsuki?" that familiar voice asked.

She turned and Natsuki could feel herself smile, even without intending to. Shizuru smiled back, the tall brown haired woman's eyes warm with caring and just a bit of amusement. "I was going to come by the student council room later," Natsuki said quietly.

Shizuru walked over to where Natsuki stood, both women quickly enveloped by the sweet scent of the flowers. "Good," she said quietly, "I was hoping you would." She looked around them, clearly also touched by common memories as she murmured, "You aren't going to try to crush the flowers again, are you?"

"No, I'm over that," Natsuki gently reassured her. 'Thanks to you,' she realized, gazing at Shizuru thoughtfully. She had come to Fuka filled with anger, driven by the thought of vengeance for her mother, and hadn't cared about anything else. Shizuru had come across her and for whatever reason kept reaching out, staying in Natsuki's life and slowly chipping away at her angry shell.

"Natsuki?" Shizuru asked softly, bringing Natsuki's eyes to her face. "When you were at my home, whatever Haruka may have thought she saw," her eyes glittered with anger for a moment, "I just lay with you then, nothing more."

Without thinking about it Natsuki reached out, gently taking Shizuru's hand and squeezing it in her own. "I know," she said softly, smiling at her warmly. " Shizuru...?" she hesitated.

"Yes?" Shizuru asked, reaching up to hold Natsuki's hand in both of hers.

"I don't know if I can love you," Natsuki said then admitted, "I'm not even sure I understand the meaning of the word. But I'd like to try, if you'd let me."

"That's all that I ever wanted," Shizuru said softly, tears glittering in her eyes.

Shizuru leaned towards Natsuki a bit then stopped, giving her a chance to back away. Instead Natsuki moved to meet her, their lips touchig in a gentle kiss. Without intending to her hands slid around Shizuru, holding her close as the kiss deepened and lasted.

"Sorry," Natsuki finally murmured as they seperated, "I got carried away."

"You can carry me away anytime," Shizuru murmured, then smiled as Natsuki blushed.

End.

Notes: This fanfiction is set just after the final battle in the final episode of Mai Hime but before the last wrap up scenes where we found out what happened to each character. It's an attempt to resolve a few issues I had with Mai Hime, including why nobody grilled and/or beat up Nagi over his role, as well as why everyone acted so strange in the final storyline. The "red star" theory is mine, not something from the anime...

Mai-Hime: Questions and Answers

Chie Harada pushed up her squarish glasses as she strode along the walkway into the gardens, the black haired young woman pausing to look around her warily. Feeling satisfied that she wasn't being followed she continued on, slipping between the shrubs into a private corner of the sprawling flower beds.

"Chie," Aoi Senou looked up at her with one of her sunny smiles, her long brown hair flowing down her back. In front of her beneath the shade were their two bento boxes, spread out on top of a blanket for them to sit on.

"Sorry it took so long," Chie smiled as she sat down gracefully, "I got distracted."

"Oh?" Aoi looked amused as she picked up her lunch.

"Natsuki and Shizuru were having a little... talk not far from here," Chie explained cheerfully, "I had to duck around them."

"What were they doing?" Aoi leaned forward eagerly.

"Talking at first," Chie related, "then they kissed."

Aoi sat back, shaking her head as she murmured, "I guess you were right about them."

"It's a gift," Chie said modestly.

"You were certainly right about me," Aoi reached out to gently lay a hand on Chie's.

Chie clasped that hand gently, squeezing a little. "And I'm glad," she agreed.

Aoi giggled softly, "Do you remember when we all had to leave and Mai said she could fall in love with you? I nearly blurted out something right then."

Chie chuckled softly, "I noticed, it's why I reminded her about Yuichi then."

"So you think Mai and Mikoto...?" Aoi asked.

"Maybe," Chie made a uncertain gesture, "I think they care about each other a lot, but I don't think it goes any farther than that."

Aoi sighed, "If so, poor Mikoto."

Chie nodded, thinking of the obvious affection that Mikoto bestowed on Mai, affections that in her eyes at least seemed far more than friendly. "We'll keep an eye on her," she mused, "and if we can help..."

"Fair enough," Aoi agreed. She deftly stabbed a piece of sausage, "Say ahh."

"Ahh," Chie opened her mouth and chewed happily on it.

"So how's Yukino?" Aoi asked as she ate her rice.

Chie munched, "Still pining over Haruka, of course. I wonder if she'll ever get the courage up to tell her how she feels?"

"You know it isn't that easy," Aoi chided her.

Chie looked off in the distance, her expression thoughtful, "I suppose you're right. I was certainly scared stiff when I asked you out."

Aoi actually looked surprised, "You're kidding, right?" She smiled, "You certainly seemed confident at the time."

"All an act," Chie smiled back wryly as she remembered, "that was a major scared witless moment for me."

"You know me pretty well," Aoi said softly, "you knew I'd say yes."

"I hoped you would," Chie grinned. She scowled cutely, "Remember, that was only days after you clamped onto Mai's little brother and wouldn't let go."

Aoi chuckled, "He was cute and I like cute things."

"Well, yes, I remember your reaction to Mikoto too," Chie conceded.

"And I may like cute," Aoi took her hand once more, "but I love you more."

"Me, too," Chie leaned forward to kiss her gently. Off in the distance they heard the warning bell and both cursed softly.

"Looks like we have to go," Aoi finished off her lunch and got up, the two cleaning up with simple efficiency. "See you later tonight?" she asked with a smile.

"Please," and Chie kissed her again before they bolted back to class.

In another part of the facility a young looking woman gazes out the window, looking out at the gardens and the warm sunlight. Her light purple hair cascaded down her back, her fine clothes suiting the surrounding building's fine furnishings.

"Miss Kazahana?" the soft voice asked respectfully.

Mashiro Kazahana turned in her wheelchair, smiling up at her companion. The pink haired woman had a sweet smile on her face, her green eyes soft and gentle as she gazed down at Mashiro. "Yes, Fumi?" she asked.

Fumi Himeno hesitated, the young lady in a maid's uniform seemingly unsure. "You've been very quiet," she asked gently, "are you all right?"

'She knows me so well,' Mashiro thought to herself fondly. "Just thinking," she answered honestly, "wondering if there had been anything else I could have done." A pensive look, "If I hadn't let myself be called away from Fuka..."

"Don't do that to yourself," Fumi said to her gently, "you had to answer that request for a meeting, and there's no way to know if your presence during the early days of the Festival would have made any difference."

"I could have at least told them more of the truth," Mashiro sighed.

"They weren't ready," Fumi answered, "if they had known earlier... I don't know if it would have helped or made things worse."

Mashiro reached up to take Fumi's hand, squeezing it in her smaller ones. "Your faith astounds me," she murmured, "you were a captive of the enemy for so long, forced to serve... how could you carry on like that?"

"Because I knew you would save me," Fumi said firmly, "and I knew that people like Mai Tokiha, Natsuki Kuga and the others wouldn't let them win."

Mashiro squeezed her hand, smiling slightly, "And I think it was your faith as much as anyone's that sustained me, too." She looked amused, "I remember how gleeful Nagi was when Mai came... I wonder if he knew she would be key to beating him?"

"I doubt he'd have been that eager," Fumi sounded like she was fighting a laugh. She paused a moment, "Have you decided if you're going to tell them about their powers?"

Mashiro looked thoughtful, "I don't know... right now they think they're free of the burden of being HIME. Do I have the right to tell them that's not true, that the only things that are gone are the Orphan and Childe?"

"I'm sure you'll make the right decision," Fumi said sincerely.

"No," Mashiro shook her head, "I think that decision to tell may be yours, Fumi."

"Eh?" Fumi looked startled.

Mashiro looked up at her with a sad expression, "With the Festival over for good Nagi and my time here is done. It's time to leave this world to the decisions of the HIME."

"But..." Fumi looked heartbroken as she knelt beside Mashiro to look into her eyes.

"If we stay it's possible the cycle may begin all over again," Mashiro said gently, "and I don't want to see that happen."

"I don't want to lose you," Fumi said softly, tears in her eyes.

Mashiro leaned forward to kiss her, a soft brushing of their lips. "And I don't want to either," she agreed, "but I won't let others suffer for my selfishness."

Fumi cupped her face in her hands, kissing Mashiro gently. "Before you go, could we...?" she asked softly, a blush to her cheeks.

Mashiro smiled through her gently falling tears, sounding much older than her years as she said, "I'd love to."

End

Notes: This fanfiction is set just after the battle in the final episode of Mai Hime but before the last wrap up scenes where we found out what happened to each character. It's an attempt to resolve a few issues I had with Mai Hime, including why nobody grilled and/or beat up Nagi over his role, as well as why everyone acted so strange in the final storyline. The "red star" theory is mine, not something from the anime... The Chie and Aoi pairing is mostly fan based, but I liked it and decided to slip it in. I'm also tossing in a plot thread for a continuation, maybe, depending on how ambitious I get.

Mai Hime: Answers and Questions

Part Three

Miyu Greer walked with the younger girl along the path to the church, the blue haired young woman’s expression oddly gentle. “My lady,” Miyu said softly, “there are people waiting at the church for us.”

Alyssa Searrs nodded agreement, the little blonde girl holding on to Miyu’s hand. “I know,” she said calmly, “in fact I think I expected them to do this weeks ago, just after the Obsidian Lord’s defeat.”

“Do you want to see them?” Miyu asked, a dangerous gleam in her eyes.

Alyssa gave her an affectionate gaze, “No fighting, please. That’s what got us into trouble in the first place.”

“Understood,” Miyu smiled back slightly.

The two entered the church to see Sister Yukariko standing to one side, a group of young women nearby. “I’m sorry about this,” the brown haired nun said, a bit of a bump in her belly indicating her developing pregnancy.

“It’s all right, Sister” Alyssa smiled gently to her then turned to face the band of Hime that waited to confront them.

Akane Higurashi met her gaze with cold fury, the brown haired girl standing in the lead of the Hime. Beside her Natsuki Kruger, Mikoto Minagi and Mai Tokhia looked rather uncomfortable, while Nao Yuuki gave Miyu a challenging glare. Over to one side Yukino Kikukawa pushed up her glasses nervously, her companion and protector Haruka Suzushiro standing by her side. Finally there was Midori Sugiura, the dynamic former waitress and often over the top teacher.

“Welcome back,” Nao said dryly, the redhead adding irritably, “now could we get on with this, please?”

“I’d like that, too,” Alyssa said. She looked up to meet Akane’s gaze, “Well?”

“You...” Akane looked furious, shaking her head, “how can you still be so arrogant?” Bursting out in anger, “You killed Kazuya!”

“No,” Miyu corrected flatly, “I was the one who killed your Childe. It was just Kazuya’s misfortune that he was your Key.”

“Don’t,” Mai grabbed Akane when the smaller girl looked like she was ready to lunge at Miyu. “You’ll hurt yourself.”

“You tried to blackmail the hime and threaten innocent lives at Fuuka academy,” Haruka declared dramatically, “what do you have to say for yourself?”

“You weren’t even there,” Alyssa noted with amusement.

“Yukino was,” Haruka unconsciously look the other girl’s hand, “and I won’t tolerate anyone hurting her.”

“Haruka,” Yukino blushed, looking down at her notebook.

“What do you want me to say?” Alyssa asked them all mildly.

“I’m sorry, maybe?” Mikoto offered, the black haired younger girl standing protectively close to Mai.

“But I’m not,” Alyssa shocked them by saying.

“What?” Natsuki said flatly, her eyes narrowing as she stepped forward, her stance signaling she was ready to fight.

Miyu moved forward, “Don’t even consider it.”

“Miyu!” Alyssa said quickly, “No fighting.”

Miyu looked back with a expression of fond exasperation but said gently, “Yes, milady.”

“What do you mean,” Nao asked curiously, “you’re not sorry?”

Alyssa met her eyes, “You must understand that when we fought I was fully committed to the goals of the Searrs Foundation. I believed that Searrs were the only ones capable of safely controlling the HIME’s powers, as well as guiding the fate of the world.” She paused, “In pursuit of that quest I was willing to do anything.”

“And now?” Midori asked, the busty teacher having noted that Alyssa was speaking in the past tense.

A bitter smile flickered on Alyssa’s face, “Having Joseph Greer attempt to murder me on orders of my parents in Searrs has altered my opinion of them.”She met their eyes, “But I still believe my decisions at the time were correct, based on what I knew.”

“I’m getting a headache,” Mikoto sighed.

“You all forgave Mikoto for her misguided actions under the Obsidian Lord,” Miyu said calmly, “will you forgive Alyssa for her past deeds, too?”

Mai looked uncomfortable, “We’d be a bit hypocritical if we didn’t.”

“Mai,” Akane protested.

“She did help save us all from the Obsidian Lord,” Nao shrugged. She looked down a bit uncomfortably at her red fingernails as she added, “And I think that we all have things in our past we may regret.”

There was a silent moment then most of the group began to nod their agreement. Akane’s eyes glistened with tears as she shook her head, “You may forgive her,” she cried as she hurried out of the church, “I won’t!”

“Akane!” Midori called, ready to go after her.

“No,” Natsuki surprised her by putting a gentle hand on her arm. “Let her calm down first,” she advised, “then talk.”

“There’s only one other thing that concerns me,” Mai said, looking very uncomfortable about being a spokeswoman.

“Yes?” Alyssa said politely.

“The rest of us seem to be powerless,” Mai hesitated, “but Miyu is a cyborg, she still has her abilities. What’s to keep her from misusing them?”

“But...” Miyu started then stopped herself firmly.

“Miyu is fiercely loyal to me and I have no reason to harm any of you, any longer,” Alyssa said to them calmly.

“Could I make a suggestion?” Sister Yukariko said after a moment.

“Please do,” Midori nodded.

“I would be willing to allow both Alyssa and Miyu to stay in the church if they wish,” Sister Yukariko said to them calmly, “I think it might make you all feel more comfortable while I keep a eye on them.”

Natsuki gave her a long look before nodding reluctantly and saying, “That might just be a good idea.”

“I’ll need the help as my pregnancy proceeds,” Sister Yukariko admitted ruefully. She looked over the group of women and smiled, “Oh, Nao?”

“Yes?” Nao gave the nun a long and wary look. She had once ‘confessed’ to the nun... in fact she had made up lewd escapades to shock the woman, and now she wondered if it might just be payback time.

“I was wondering if you would be interested in assisting me, too?” Sister Yukariko smiled at her sweetly.

“You’re crazy,” Nao blurted.

“Should we leave them to this discussion?” Midori asked the others quietly.

“Lets go,” Mai agreed as they filed out, leaving Nao, Sister Yukariko, Miyu and Alyssa all together in the church.

“I wish that had gone better,” Haruka scowled, the blonde walking by Yukino’s side as they headed back to report to the president.

“At least we can be fairly confident they won’t do it again,” Yukino said, her notes on the meeting in hand.

“I hope so,” Haruka frowned. “I wonder if I should have a few members of the Executive keep a eye on her...”

“Haruka...” Yukino started as they passed the gardens, a tree shading them from the sun, “thank you, for what you said in there.”

Haruka stopped them there, a faint smile on her face, “Don’t be foolish, Yukino. You’re very important to me.”

Yukino looked up at her searchingly. “I’m glad, but...” she started.

Haruka’s expression was faintly regretful as she put a finger to Yukino’s lips. “I’m sorry,” she said gently. Yukino nodded, gulping, then took her glasses off a moment to wipe at her eyes. “I wish things could be different,” Haruka said gently, “but as strongly as I feel for you, it’s a different emotion than the one for have for me.”

“I know,” Yukino sighed, “I guess I’ve always known.”

Haruka reached out to draw Yukino close into a chaste hug. “I have never wanted to be different than what I am before now,” she softly confessed, “which tells you how hard this is for me, too.”

“I know,” Yukino made herself smile, “thank you.”

“Now,” Haruka cleared her throat, “let’s go give our report to tea man and woman... then we’ll talk about finding you the right girl.”

“What?” Yukino blurted as Haruka tugged her along.

“You just have to approach the search synergetically,” Haruka said with determination.

“Systematically,” Yukino corrected.

“Whichever,” Haruka laughed.

End

Notes: Much like chapter one this was spawned by wondering why Alyssa never got into shit for threatening the Hime and so on. This also is my explanation of how the unlikely duo of Miyu and Nao got into nun’s uniforms in the final Mai Hime.

Mai Hime: Questions and Answers

Part Four

Nao Yuuki paused, her red hair falling into her eyes as she paced across the room she shared with Aoi Senou. With a sigh the slim young woman sat down at her desk, taking out a pad and a piece of paper.

“Dear Mother,” Nao started to write, then slowed to a stop.

In the aftermath of the festival, her mother had been restored to consciousness along with the healing of Nao’s wounds, a wonderous yet also perplexing event. While her mother was roughly the same Nao had aged several years, and had experienced things that had changed her in many ways. So now they were both adjusting, finding their way back together past the barriers of time and, in Nao’s case, secrets.

“I have to admit,” Nao wrote, “when Sister Yukariko went to you with her nun idea, I was a little annoyed. I don’t like feeling like I’m being manipulated, especially by that well meaning nun, but surprisingly I’m enjoying the work.”

“Heh,” Nao chuckled softly, remembering her fellow nun Miyu Greer’s rather direct style in advising students. Of course Nao’s own helpful suggestions could largely be considered rather un-nun like, too.

“Yukariko is also insisting that I go see a psychiatrist,” Nao wrote reluctantly, “she seems to think that I’m suffering from some unresolved anger issues. The sister is quite a kind woman, and I think that she wants to believe the best of people, a admirable trait considering her own bad experiences.”

Nao sighed softly, thinking back to some of her encounters with the nosy psychiatrist. To say that the woman was probing was a gross understatement, in fact she often felt like a bug under a magnifying glass. To the woman’s credit she did seem to know her stuff, and was helping Nao deal with the anger she still felt towards men in general over her mother’s injuries. Men, and another source of rage too.

“Natsuki, whom I’ve mentioned to you before,” Nao wrote, “came up again at my latest psychiatric session.”

Another regular topic of discussion was Nao’s feelings of anger towards Natsuki Kuga, even going into the revenge ‘fantasies’ that she had. She didn’t discuss the events of the Festival with the doctor, of course, but by describing her encounters with Natsuki as dreams they were able to deal with them, somewhat.

“I think I’m beginning to understand the roots of my rage towards both her and Mai Tokhia. You see,” Nao hesitated in her writing then continued, “we’re all three of us orphans, but how each of us dealt with it was wildly different. Natsuki inherited wealth sufficient for her needs, Mai took on the role of a parent for her brother and I found myself pennyless after the initial hospital bills, doing what I had to, to survive.”

Nao was tempted to erase the last part about herself, but she also knew her mother needed to understand who she was now, both good and bad. She looked away from the desk to gaze out at the sky, seeing the tree branches swaying with the gentle breeze, then with determination returned to her work.

“I don’t blame you for what happened,” Nao added, “I know enough now to understand some of what went on then. But the attack on you changed me, not just in making me manage on my own but also in teaching me about human nature. All our supposed friends scattered after lingering a bit, no helping hands were extended and no help offered. If it taught me anything, it’s that human kindness is overrated.”

“The only good thing,” Nao added after swallowing past a tightness in her throat, “is that I also learned that I could be strong, too.”

“I’m home,” a feminine voice called out in warning as the door opened. Nao looked up from her writing to see Aoi Senou enter, her long brown hair shining against the lighter tones of the school uniform.

“Welcome home,” Nao said as she put the paper she had been writing on in her notebook, “how was your day?”

“Not bad,” Aoi bounced cheerfully, “apparently Natsuki and Shizuru were caught committing an indecency in public.”

“What, again?” Nao asked as she fought back a laugh. Apparently the infamous couple were now firmly in their honeymoon stage of their relationship, and were having a hard time maintaining their discretion.

“Yes, apparently Reito, Haruka and Yukino walked in on them,” Aoi revealed, her eyes dancing with amusement.

“Heh, I wonder if that closet case Haruka got a nosebleed seeing that,” Nao said with a wicked little smirk.

“Oh?” Aoi looked curious.

Nao hesitated then shrugged slightly. “You’ve heard the stories about Haruka following Shizuru around like a puppy,” she noted, “not to mention her supposed reaction to learning about Natsuki and Shizuru.”

“You think she wanted Shizuru for herself?” Aoi asked curiously.

“Maybe not consciously,” Nao said, unaware that she sounded almost like her psychiatrist, “but yeah.”

Aoi smiled, “You mind if I pass that on to Chie?”

“As long as you keep my name out of it,” Nao smiled back.

Aoi sat on her bed across from Nao’s as she said tentatively, “Ah, Nao...”

Nao smiled wryly, “You want me to make myself scarce for a few hours?”

Aoi clapped her hands together and beamed, “Oh, could you?”

“You’ll owe me one,” Nao laughed at her roommate’s over the top gestures. She hesitated a moment then got up, “In fact, I can head out in a few minutes.”

“You don’t need to go so soon,” Aoi said gently.

“I wanted to head over to the hospital anyway,” Nao waved it off as she went to the closet to get some casual clothes to change into rather than her uniform, “Mom’s in rehab today, and that can be pretty rough on her.”

Aoi hesitated, “Do you think she’s up to some company? I know Mai and the others liked meeting her last time we all went.”

“Maybe in a few days,” Nao said as she changed, “I’ll check her schedule.”

“What time do you think you’ll be back?” Aoi asked.

“I’ll be out till nine,” Nao grinned impishly, “I’ll try not to be early. I’d hate to interrupt you and Chie again.”

Aoi fought back a fierce blush as Nao walked to the door and said, “I’m sorry you had to walk in on that.”

“I’m not,” Nao winked as she closed the door behind her, “it was quite educational.”

“I’m never going to live that down,” Aoi sighed as she flopped back on her bed.

Nao headed out with a spring in her step, her tight skirt clinging to her hips and white blouse gleaming. She liked teasing the basically good natured Aoi, it was good innocent fun for them both.

Seeing two figures walking close together in the afternoon sun Nao grinned as she stalked up behind them, “Isn’t this charming?”

“Nao,” Mai squeaked, the bosomy orange haired girl whirling around.

Mikoto reacted without thinking, the smaller black haired girl pulling her hand free from Mai’s she spun and leapt, tackling Nao to the sidewalk in a fierce move. “You know,” Nao said as Mikoto pinned her, “I don’t usually let girls do that to me on a first date.”

“Huh?” Mikoto blinked in confusion.

“Thanks Mikoto,” Maui gently tugged her back, “but I don’t think Nao means any harm.”

“Sorry Mai,” Mikoto looked sheepish.

Nao got up, brushing herself off. “No, I’m sorry,” Nao said wryly, “I should know better than to startle a martial artist.”

“You all right?” Mai asked.

“Nothing hurt but my pride,” Nao said as they began walking again. “Now if Mikoto were only older...” Smoothly Mai bopped her on the back of the head and Nao yelped, “Ow!”

“Mai, what does she mean, older?” Mikoto asked innocently.

Mai blushed, “I’ll explain later.”

“Is this one of those sex things?” Mikoto asked suspiciously.

“I’ll just leave you two to chat,” Nao smirked.

“Gee, thanks a LOT,” Mai muttered as she wondered how she was going to answer Mikoto.

“Have fun,” and Nao jogged off.

To be continued...?

Notes: The last (?) Of my character bits on Mai Hime, hopefully. I find myself oddly fascinated by Nao, so I wanted to examine her a bit. Yes, she’s more cheerful in here than in the anime, but I think getting her mom back might do that.