AN: Oh, well, I'm back…once more. I'll not keep you waiting for another year for this chapter. On with it…


Chapter 7: I Do

"DO you, Miaka Yuki, accept Tamahome Sou as your lawful husband?" the judge asked.

I'm marrying the groom wearing a bride's maid gown! Miaka thought incredulously. She almost wanted to smile at the hilarity of the situation; the groom marrying the bride's maid.

They were inside the study room, along with Mr. Tokaki and Mrs. Subaru, the elderly caretakers of the house that will stand as witnesses. Miaka still can't believe all that is happening. In just a matter of hours, she was kidnapped and was about to marry Tamahome. She was staring at the judge as if he is an out of the ordinary human being.

She can't help being frightened, especially after the rapid turn of events and being aware of what Tamahome is really capable of. He really doesn't take actions with loopholes just like what he said. But what made Miaka even more worried is that there's no denying a part of her wanted this. She's more afraid of herself than Tamahome.

Tamahome is a hard man. But what made him cold-hearted is still a mystery to her. Once by chance, Tamahome let his guard down as he brought up his animosity towards his father's marriage with Yui's mother during their heated conversation in the restaurant. Even in his enraged state, he looked desolate. And maybe in between the three months of their marriage, she'll be able to find out.

Her train of thoughts was stopped when she felt Tamahome already clutching her left hand strongly. He's been holding it since they started, making her feel more helpless. With her present condition, marriage to her now is like a chain with an anchoring ball and she was about to bear it. For three months.

Miaka looked up to him questioningly and met with his austere face. Tamahome personifies girls' dream groom, wearing a fine-looking suit that emphasizes his assets and graced by his mannish persona. Miaka couldn't care less if they were married in any church or elsewhere. However, her dreams of Tamahome teeming with love as a young girl are far-off from the reality void of such emotion.

"The judge is waiting for your answer," he said quietly. Tamahome is unaware of his tight grip on Miaka's hand as if it is his salvation.

She looked back at the judge when he asked again, "Do you, Miaka Yuki, accept Tamahome Sou as your lawful husband?"

She was tongue-tied. The words 'I do' will seal her three-month ordeal with him. Tamahome gave her hand another commanding squeeze, warning her to do what she agreed to, she thought.

She looked up at him again and was surprised to see the look on his face. Miaka was expecting him to look more vexed with her. Instead, he was looking at her softly, as if he understands the difficulty of the situation for her. There's a pleading depth in his eyes. When she stared more into it, she saw something there she couldn't explain. It was as if he's telling her that everything would be all right. It's odd of him, when she knows he's most likely not capable of caring for someone. But she can't resist the way her heart responded to it.

Miaka turned her eyes again to the judge. Heartfelt, she said "I do".

And may the angels of heaven protect me.


AFTER the wedding, she wanted to go straight and lock herself in the bedroom. But Tamahome was insistent, still holding her hand wearing their wedding band. The design was simple yet the simplicity of it didn't hide its extravagance. Years ago, she dreamed of wearing a ring as Tamahome's wife. But now wearing the ring made her uneasy; it's disturbing weight on her hand akin to her heavy heart. It signifies the mock of a marriage they have.

"You'll eat with us," Tamahome said sternly, looking as if something is troubling him. "You may take your rest after."

"Alright, I will. But please let go of my hand," she said. "You've been holding it for too long."

Tamahome's face toughened more. He held her hand more tightly and brought her face near his, feeling his breath on her face.

"W-what do you want?" Miaka stuttered, suddenly alarmed. He was too close for comfort.

Instead of letting her go, his other hand went to her waist and clasped her to him in a tight embrace. There was this disturbing effect again from their closeness. Miaka could feel Tamahome's harsh intake of breath and the heat radiating through his body.

"Mr. Tokaki and Mrs. Subaru don't know a thing about our arrangement. I don't want to give them ideas," Tamahome said bitingly. "And as for this…"

She was like under a hypnotic trance when his face slowly moved closer and closer. She could feel only him. She could hear her heartbeat thundering heavily inside her chest.

"I have to kiss you, Miaka."

Unlike before, she wasn't able to fully comprehend what he said. Before she could take a breath, he was already touching his lips to hers so gently. She was surprised and caught off-guard, air suddenly left her lungs. She knew she was capable of stopping him if she wanted to just like the first time he tried to kiss. The problem was she didn't seem to want to.

He claimed her mouth in a kiss that temporarily suspended all her thoughts, except the soft and sensual mouth that was kissing her, parting her lips. After a while, all she could think and feel are his lips imprisoning her in shattering bliss. She can't deny him, warm and sweet, teasing her, biting and nipping her lips, devouring her. The heat of his kiss branded her whole being.

He momentarily stopped kissing her and gulped lungfuls of air, probably in an attempt to regain control over his emotions. But he seemed to lose. With a sigh that seemed to indicate defeat, he pulled her to him once more. She sensed desperation, of a deeper want in his kiss. She tried to respond with the same intensity, with the same longing.

Time ceased to exist for her. She didn't know how long he kissed her and when he ended it. She never wanted it to stop. But it did end, no matter how endless it seemed. She was shaking when he released her lips. Confused, Miaka stared at the dark unreadable eyes looking back at her. She was grateful for his arms around her, holding her, or else she might be already facing down the floor. Miaka thought she was about to faint any moment.

It was so much for her very first kiss. Her dream of Tamahome giving her first real kiss came true, even more.

"You didn't give me a proper wedding kiss," Tamahome whispered, much as perplexed like her with the potent effect of the kiss on him, his breathing and heartbeat fighting from physical and emotional struggle.

"I-I kissed y-you," she only said, her mind muddled up. Miaka was finding it hard to speak, her voice sounding feeble from the aftermath of the kiss. A tremor ran through her body when Tamahome brought his fingers and touched her cheeks flushed ruddy red.

"You mean that kiss on my cheek?" His voice was now mixed with devious amusement.

Miaka was edgy of the customary wedding kiss newly wed couples share after the ceremony. To the amusement of the judge and Mr. Tokaki and Mrs. Subaru, she kissed Tamahome on his cheek much to his surprise before they were acknowledged as husband and wife. Tamahome didn't say a word after, but she felt him quiver a bit. Maybe he's not that immune to her after all.

"You won't utter a protest whenever I want to hold you or kiss you, do you understand?"

"What—are you say—?" she said. Her stomach tightened strangely as his eyes caressed her face, from her eyes to her lips.

It was only then she saw Mrs. Subaru by the door, looking at them with an impish smile on her face. "You two can't move on to your honeymoon with empty stomachs," Mrs. Subaru said. Just by looking at her, Miaka is positive she saw them kiss. She and Tamahome must have looked like a newly wed couple eager for their honeymoon. To her amazement, she saw Tamahome smile at Mrs. Subaru.

"Your act as a loving wife starts now, Miaka," Tamahome whispered to her ear as she hid her face, hating herself for acting like a love-crazed teenager and be caught having her first kiss. To her horror, her stomach embarrassed her even more by making gurgling sounds, and it even preferred to do it with Tamahome's presence.

"I know it's my fault you missed eating lunch so I won't let you miss dinner either," he said with a trace of laughter in his voice. This was a side of Tamahome she never saw even when they were young. It was a rare happening of seeing Tamahome like this, his eyes without the frostiness she's used to. She'll let her tummy make as much noise it could muster if that will make him smile a hundred times, she thought wittily.

Miaka was shoved back when Tamahome caught her hand again. She didn't want to hurt Mrs. Subaru's feelings and besides her last meal was breakfast. And the kiss he gave her, her cheeks turned crimson as she slowly touched her lips with her free hand. It took all her remaining strength. She lowered her hand instantly as Tamahome faced her, now wearing an unperturbed look on his face. She wondered if the kiss they shared did it to him.

Miaka allowed Tamahome to lead her out of the room to the hallway. Along the way, her stomach made sounds again that Mrs. Subaru couldn't help saying "We better hurry, Tamahome, or your wife won't be able to keep up with you later."

Your wife. And she blushed even more.


IT was a grand dinner in celebration of their wedding. They were eating heartily, enjoying the array of different dishes prepared by Mrs. Subaru while chatting about different topics.

Miaka observed Tamahome's close bond with Mr. Tokaki and Mrs. Subaru. He must have noticed it so he explained. "They were already taking care of this house before I was born," he said in between eating. "This house has been with my mother's family for several generations. It's got a big sentimental value for me."

"Miaka, you should eat more," Mrs. Subaru encouraged thoughtfully. "You're very slim."

"Let Miaka decide on how much food she'll eat," Mr. Tokaki slipped in, teasing his wife. "You don't want to get big like a whale, don't you, Miaka?"

She and Tamahome spurted into laughter while Mrs. Subaru played mad with Mr. Tokaki. "You were always telling me how beautiful I am and now I'm a whale to you, you white-haired old man!"

Mr. Tokaki just laughed, placed an arm around Mrs. Subaru's shoulder, and kissed her cheek. "You're the most beautiful woman in the world. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I'm far-sighted, you know."

They all laughed as Mrs. Subaru pinched Mr. Tokaki's cheeks. The love shared by the couple warmed her heart, the king of love that withstood the strength of time.

How I wish I could find that kind of love. Thinking of this, she risked a glanced at Tamahome.

If only my husband could love me.

She caught her breath as she realized her string of words. They had been married for less than an hour and yet she was beginning to possessively think of him as her husband.

Her husband.

Don't be stupid! You don't want to go home with a broken heart after three months.

"Are you okay?" Tamahome asked, as he noticed she stopped eating.

"I'm done. I just feel tired and my head hurts a bit but don't worry," she reasoned out, suddenly feeling exhausted.

Miaka saw guilt cross Tamahome's eyes, thinking her headache is caused by the drug he used on her. "I'll assist you," he offered.

"Yes, please."

He stood up and helped her stand then bid Mr. and Mrs. Subaru good night, who are looking at them with wicked suspicion.

They went to the room where she woke up earlier. The cold sea breeze and the sound of the waves went inside the open terrace door, soothing and calming her, as Tamahome opened it wider. She sat in the bed while Tamahome went to a built-in closet and picked up paper bags and boxes then placed it beside her.

"I bought you some things," he explained while looking at her intently. "If you need something, just tell me."

"These will do. Thanks'," she said meekly. Miaka waited for him to leave before digging up the bags but he stayed standing by the door.

"Ahm… Miaka, I want everybody to see that we're very happy," Tamahome said watchfully after a few seconds.

She just stayed silent. Miaka already expected it from him.

"You will play the part of a devoted wife in front of everybody," he continued and waited for her reaction. When she still didn't say anything, he continued.

"We'll be staying here for three days. I'll be checking out on my business here before we go back to Tokyo. I bought us a house there."

"If that's what you want," she said dismissively. "Can I borrow your cellphone? I'm sure they're very much worried about me. And where is this place, by the way?"

"I already called your parents before you woke up. I told them that we eloped. You can call them up tomorrow. And because I will let you, I can't tell where we are now."

She simply nodded. Tamahome looked at her discerningly, wondering why she didn't contradict everything he said. She's simply tired of arguing. And the reminder of kiss they shared, as she mindlessly looked at his lips, blew her right track of mind away.

"There's one more thing."

Suddenly she became alert and nervous of what she's about to hear when she saw through Tamahome's expression.

"We will sleep in the same bedroom as long as you're my wife."


AN: I was very very busy I have no time for this story then. Now, I have ample time continuing it. Actually, something really depressing happened and I was making myself busy to get over it. And making this chapter really helped diverting my attention.

After finishing this chap', I realized there's more room for improvement for the previous chapters. I think I'll be re-editing those chapters…again. But maybe I'll do it after Chapter 8. Agree? *chuckles*

I made a fanart for this 'fic'. I'm not also that good in drawing, as much as I'm not that good in literary stuff. But I still tried making something anyway. They may not look like Miaka and Tamahome at all and very far from the story. *boohoo* It's my profile avatar. I don't know where I can upload it so you guys can have a good look at it. *eheheh*

And as for the reviews…

daianapotter – I'm happy you like this kind of Tamahome and I made your mouth water. *evil grin* I'll be changing the rating of this fic' to M but not yet. I'll try not taking too much time from now on. *smiles* About my other story, maybe I'll work on it after this.

MiakaandTamahomeForever – I'm glad you found me improving. *fireworks* I've been cruel but I'll make up for it. Don't die yet or you'll miss the M part of this fic'. *heheh* I promise I won't be extinct.

MiraShio – Wow! A Pinay just like me. *yipeee!*

*Imagining Tamahome making out also gave me the creeps, even me who happens to be the one who wrote it. *heheh* I didn't actually indicated that Tamahome is 'French kissing' but I guess with the words 'making out' that I used, there's French kissing automatically included so you got me there. *heheh*

*Miaka and Tamahome's marriage will serve as their journey to the other one's heart. Miaka will be determined to find out what made Tamahome hardhearted; whereas Tamahome will figure out he's undeniable attraction to Miaka and his true feelings for her. They just have to be true to themselves and that is what the following chapters would be all about.

*I'm glad and thankful for your constructive review, especially regarding the composition. It's my pleasure for someone like you, a Pinay like me, to beta read it. I'm still having a hard time using the English language; and this is my approach to improving it and I need help, so I hope you'll continue beta reading this story. *winks*

*About the M rating, I'm still thinking about it. It's still too early for me and for the story.

Eternal Anime Fan – Don't worry coz' Tamahome gets nicer. Nobody's that heartless, you know. *smiles*

midnight blue08 – I tried to make a twist so I made something unexpected. You'll find out what hit Tamahome into making him like Miaka...soon. *heheh*

neja 1- Sorry it took long for this chapter. 'Hope you'll still be able to read this.

charms 'n crystals

rocluvluxord

lavagirl14

MT FAN 4EVER

assanitor

dcb..

hikarushidou14

- I'm loss for words. I'm flattered and I appreciate your reviews so much. Thanks'...

hinata277 – It has something to do with his relationship with his father. I'm not good at making titles and I'm happy you still loved it. *heheh*

FLameAiRz07 – Tamahome. Pervert. I do remember using both in one sentence. *heheh* I'm pleased you enjoyed and had fun reading. *smiles*

THANKS' FOR ALL THE REVIEWS.