Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.
Author Notes: yeah for new readers and reviews! I'm glad you're enjoying and even more happy there is still life in RW fandom!
Rose justice: The only fic of Kento is part of my short story: RW drabbles, go check it out and let me know what you think...have a fun idea for Kento? Always up for challenges!
Zorra, I snorted! Ha! Thanks for the compliment! I do like Sage, but I made Him OOC in this fic...! Normally, he is a great guy:P
Crystal Moon: thanks for the reviews!
...let the soap opera type chapter begin! Risqué chapter implied.
A desired peace
Morning already? Out of habit, Ryo pulled himself out of the bed. Red numbers reading 4:45 caught his eyes. It was the normal time he awoke during the week. A morning jog always got his blood flowing.
A groan escaped his lips as he stretched his arms over his head. Refreshed...what an odd feeling. He was so use to sleeping on a hard mattress. Not that he had thought to complain, but the feather soft hotel bed certainly made him desire the extra comfort. He'd have to go mattress shopping soon.
Rubbing his eyes, he turned to the form beside him. She is so beautiful. Mia was curled on her side. Her long locks were spread on a pillow in disarray. Her eyes closed, her breathing steady. A sheet was wrapped tightly around her form concealing her body. His fingers brushed a lock from her eyes. What on earth did I do?
Things just became complicated. Ryo crept from the bed and began to put on a pair of his pants from his suitcase. Last night was a night he would never forget. Memories of their first time together flooded his mind. Her fingers in his hair, her soft moans, her legs clamped tightly around his waist. The way they had fallen into a blissful sleep. How long had it been since he had slept without nightmares of Talpa? And even when they were awoken by a drunk singing in the hotel hallways, they had once more came together in the wee hours of the morning. It was peaceful.
But what now? He couldn't look at her the same. Whether she was drunk or not, he had taken something from her he could never return. It was something he knew was treasured. Was it only because it was a job the Ancient One had given them that she had given him her innocence? Or could it possibly mean she could have deeper feelings? The thought caused him frustration.
He was weak. He should have told her no...or pushed her away, not until he knew if she truly did care. He felt like his heart had been revealed for the first time last night. And Ryo Sanada had never opened his heart to anyone before. Keeping his emotions and desires locked away made it easier to protect those he loved. But if he enemy found out his weakness? They would be destroyed.
Throwing on a shirt, Ryo decided he needed to run. Needed to think.
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"Hm?" Mia opened her eyes and stretched like a cat. Every muscle in her body screamed in rebellion. It felt like she had trained for a battle! Red colored her face. Last night's activities were surely a workout.
Sitting up, she held the sheet around her frame tightly. The bed space that had been occupied beside her was now empty. Where was Ryo? The clock read 10:45. Her eyes widened,"AYA! I slept in very late!"
A tray of food on the nightstand caught her attention. A smile played on her lips as she saw a note. It read: Mi, went for a jog and found a game of beach volleyball. Didn't want to wake you. Come out whenever you want.
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"Your serve!" A smile came from Laura as she turned towards Ryo. She was slim and had a head full of golden locks thst were tied into a ponytail. Her smile was genuine, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
Tony rolled his eyes,"Can we Focus on the game? Quit being a flirt!" The other volleyball players laughed.
Ryo captured the volleyball, his blue eyes on Laura. She certainly was beautiful, but she was too bold for his taste. He hadn't joined the game to get a phone number, he had joined the game to get his mind off of Mia. He needed a distraction. It just happened to come in the form of a blonde haired beach babe.
Before he could serve, Tony's words caught his attention,"Will you look at that...not sure if that's my grandma or my great grandma..." Several of the members began to giggle.
Just over the sand dune, a trim woman wearing a very floppy sun hat and large sunglasses was trying to balance a book, a basket, and a bag. A large button down shirt and a pair of flowing pants swallowed her petite frame. She looked like an elderly woman. It took only three more steps before she tripped over her own feet.
"Don't everyone rush all at once," Ryo threw the ball to Tony while smirking,"I'll be back..."
His long strides brought him at the foot of the woman instantly. The bag was now slung over his shoulder, the book in his hand. He offered his free hand,"Are you okay? Let me help you."
The large hat covered the embarrassment from her face as she picked up her basket,"I'm fine, thank you, I just brought too much I guess. Oh..."
He couldn't help but smile. He knew that book looked familiar. Feelings that he couldn't even describe rushed over him as he looked into the same eyes that had called his name in the early hours of the morning. Desire. That's what he felt. His voice turned intimate. "I see you finally woke up..."
"I, uh..." Red colored her cheeks. The teasing was too much! Was this normal for a married couple-the embarrassment?! Mia felt her flushed cheeks and broke away her gaze,"I-I decided it was a nice day to catch up on my reading."
Ryo pointed towards an umbrella thst had been sat up with a chair,"I figure you would. Come this way. You look like you packed for a weekend trip instead of just a few hours on the beach."
"I live with Kento, did you forget? I am prepared for anything."
A voice broke into their conversation,"Hey, Ryo, how long will you be? We are all ready for that serve..." A very beautiful blonde rested her arm on Ryo's shoulder. If a stranger were to walk by, one would assume the two were a couple.
Laura could be described as athletic, tan, and beautiful. She looked like something that had walked right off of a fitness magazine! Mia bit her bottom lip. Ryo, who couldn't seem to figure out his wife's mood, crossed his arms. The muscles in his arms and chest flexed at the movement.
He doesn't even have a shirt on?! Mia could've screamed from the jealousy that was gnawing at her heart. He was an attractive man, heaven help her, he was gorgeous! And he was playing volleyball with a very beautiful girl, of course he didn't want to be standing here. "You should go serve..."
"Mi? Are you okay? I can help you set up your-"
"You know her?" Laura had dropped her hand then and looked at the frumpy looking lady with laughter in her voice.
"Yeah. Laura, this is Mia. Mia, this is Laura. We met this morning when I was jogging...I ended up joining their game."
Laura sized her up. Mia remained silent. Embarrassment. I'm sure I look real attractive in my hobo clothing and my sun hat! This is the last time I dress to protect my skin...maybe I should just...tan! "Did you want to play...or is it not your thing? I wouldn't want to get burnt with skin as white as yours-"
Yep. Low blow. Mia had taken the book into her hands,"I would rather read..."
Lauren smirked as she pulled on Ryo's arm,"Come on, let's get this game back on track."
Turning to Mia, he raised his eyebrows,"Do you mind?"
"Please, by all means, go have fun...I'll sit and watch...it's a good book anyways." She faked a smile.
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"Yes! Lunch, food, rest!" Tony let out a guffaw as he launched towards the canopy some of the team mates had set up. Five of the team members were close friends and had came to the beach together.
Laura handed Ryo a water,"Are you hungry? I packed an extra lunch if you're hungry..."
"Sure, I'll be right back." It took him only a moment to jog to his nearby set up. His wife, with her nose stuck in the book, didn't even notice him approaching. She always reads those silly books...His fingers pulled down her book,"Hey, you hungry?"
"...mm hmm." The book had lowered, but her eye remained on her exact sentence. It was the best part! She had only a few more sentences until she figure out who killed James, the secret agent. Did he love Natasha? Was she his enemy?
"Mi...Miaaaa."
If Natasha wa the enemy, surely their love was strong enough to overcome-. A finger rested under her chin and pulled her eyes up. "We've been invited to eat lunch with some of the team, are you coming? Or should I leave you with...your book?"
His wife snapped the book shut,"I will be along in a moment! I just have to grab some stuff..."
"I know you too well. You're going to finish a few more sentences, forget it's lunch time, and fall asleep." She opened her mouth to argue. Wow, he did know her well. "I will be there in just a second, I promise."
Natasha and James would have to wait.
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Minutes passed and still no Mia. The team had already opened the lunch they had looked forward to: peanut butter and jelly, water, and bagged chips. None of them seemed to mind...as long as it was food!
Ricky, a dark haired Australian, whistled low,"Will you look at her..." All eyes turned to a figure walking towards them with a basket. Bernette hair was tied to the side in a long braid, sunglasses were perked on top of her head, and her bathing suit showed just enough of her body to keep one curious. "Now, that is a babe..."
Laura took a bite of her sandwich,"Anything that is female and has two legs is a babe to you, Ricky."
Curiously, Ryo looked up. Gone were the baggy clothes and floppy hat.
The conversation came to a stand still when Mia approached their canopy. A smile rested on her face, her eyes resting on Ryo's,"Sorry, I wanted to finish the last chapter...I brought food, but I guess everyone already started...?"
"We already ate-" Laura had leaned casually towards Ryo as she spoke.
"...what's in the basket?" Amy, a red headed beauty with freckles, smiled curiously. All eyes were now on the new addition to their group.
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No one could breath. Not only did they devour the chicken salad on croissant rolls Mia had made, they also had got a hold of her homemade cookies. Mia had always been prepared with snacks and food for the guys. It was an advantage of living with the Warriors! A smile came to her face as Ricky spoke up,"That is the best food I've had in awhile...you can cook for me any day, Mia."
"So what brought you guys to the beach anyways, vacation?" Amy questioned as she nibbled on another cookie. (She'd go jogging later!)
Mia had began clearing some of the leftovers, standing with a plate of cookies in her hand. Ryo answered as he studied her,"We're on our honeymoon."
Ricky stood to his full height and walked behind Mia. His hands rested on her hips, his voice teasing her,"You're married to this hot thing? You're playing volleyball on your honeymoon? If she was mine, she wouldn't leave the hotel room..." As if to prove a point, he grinded into her.
The plate of cookies flew into the air. Mia, who had jumped from surprise, stood as still as a statue. Laughter erupted from the men. Laura, enjoying the game, snickered along as she saw the young woman's face grow even more red.
Anger crossed Ryo's mind. He had grown up with talk like this in school, but it usually only occurred in the gym locker room. His parents, as young as he was at the time, could still remember that you were suppose to respect women. They were not an object, they were people. He stood instantly and began to scoop up the cookies that had fallen on the ground. "Really, Ricky? Watch it."
Silence. All of the cookies were now picked up and placed on the plate. Ricky had stepped away. A knife could cut the air. "...come on, man, it was a joke..."
Blue eyes glared at the young athlete. He could feel his own pulse throbbing in his forehead. Laura broke the silence,"I think it is time we started another game."
Everyone agreed. Slowly, the members began to clear out and head for the game. Ricky turned to Mia with a look of embarrassment,"Look, I'm sorry-"
All she managed was a smile,"It's okay, really..."
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Ryo had threw the last napkin in the garbage bin. The area was cleaned back up. It was an awkward silence between husband and wife. Mia had held her emotions together. It was a simple joke, really, but very different from the kind of joking she was use to. The Warriors had always teased her, but never in an inappropriate manner. They had treated her with respect.
"...you okay?" The Wildfire stood in front of Mia and tilted her chin up gently. Tears had welled in her eyes then.
"I'll be fine." Mia let the tears fall,"I guess it's my fault, really. I thought if I looked like the other women, I would be taken more seriously. I saw the way your friend looked at me when we first met. She looked at me like I was not worth anyone's time...just because I enjoy books and I wear a hat to block out the sun doesn't mean I am worthless. I can look just as pretty as them and enjoy books...and I bet I can cook better than them anyways! Peanut butter and jelly for lunch, what kind of lunch is that?!" She hiccuped on a cry.
Ryo tried to hide a smile. "...you don't have to compare yourselves to others, Mi. And yes, you're cooking is amazing. Especially these cookies..." He took one that had fallen on the ground, took a bite of it. Sand and all.
"I just wanted to show them I can be beautiful, too."
His finger brushed away a tear,"You're beautiful just the way you are." She hadn't planned to blush. Her stomach tightened from butterflies. Did he just say she was beautiful?
Ryo leaned down as if to kiss her, only touched the tip of her nose with his finger.
Damn it. I shouldn't be doing this.
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Dances on the beach were romantic! Mia smiled at herself as she changed for the fourth time. The day had passed too quickly. She had read two books while Ryo had played several games of volleyball on the beach. The rough edges were smoothed over from the earlier encounter and the group invited the newlyweds down for drinks and some dancing.
Music poured overmthenloud speakers. People from the hotel,mfronf the nearby restaurant, and even the beach were enjoying the free concert. Ricky and Amy had already claimed the dance floor.
Mia placed an order for two mineral waters when she turned to Ryo. It was a perfect opportunity for them to talk. They needed to talk. So much has gone on. Temporarily, it seemed like the Sage issue had been pushed to the back of their minds. Mia, however, found her heart doing weird flips when she was around her husband...was it just because of their night together? Because he was the first one to experience these joys with? And why did it cause her so much jealousy to see Ryo near Laura? They needed to talk. And soon.
"Ryo, we need to talK-" She was cut off from a ringing phone.
Ryo pulled out his cell phone. His smile was gone. "I need to take this. I'll be back in a few..." Mia nodded. Would they get a chance to talk?
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45 minutes had passed and Mrs. Sanada was about to lose her courage. Two mineral waters had been drained instantly and she had manned up to try a small glass of wine. Oh, what wine did to her! Maybe it would give her the bravery she needed! Her eyes scanned the ground.
Thick black hair caught her attention. Taking one more drink, Mia stood from the bar. Why hadn't Ryo came back yet? She followed the head and soon found it disappearing towards the boat docks.
I'll never wear shoes again on the beach! The sand is already in between my toes! Mia popped her shoes off and balanced them in her left hand. Where had Ryo gone? Didn't she see him head this way? Heavy panting soon filled her ears.
Her body froze as she found the black hair she had followed. Laura, with her fingers entangled in those locks, was pinned against a large wooden pillar from the dock. The couple was clearly engaged. Their hands were everywhere, kisses being shared. Her voice was filled with pleasure,"Ryo..."
She looked up and looked directly into Mia's eyes.
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She ran as fast as she could. The sand no longer seemed to or bother her. The waves had came crashing around her feet as she ran. After only a few seconds of running, her lungs felt like they were on fire. You're an idiot! You never should've listened to your feelings! They were wrong! He doesn't care for you, he was just doing what the ancient one wanted! Tears fell down her face as she stared at the water. Could life get anymore complicated?
Finally, she caught her breath and took a moment to focus. Right in front of her, was the traitor himself. How dare he show his face? Grasping her soaked skirt, she walked right up to him.
"Yeah, I'll talk to you later, Cye...Thanks..." Ryo shoved his phone in his pocket and ran his hand through his hair. Somehow, talking to the Armor of Torrent made things better. He had always made even the most complicated pieces of life seem like a child's puzzle. "Hey...sorry, I guess I lost track of time."
Mia slapped him as hard as she could with an open palm. Anger colored her face and even caused her to say a few unfeminine words,"How dare you?! I trusted you!" There was no time to think! Taking the simple band from her finger, she threw it into the rushing waters,"I hate you, Ryo Sanada, and you were the biggest mistake I ever made!"
She retreated from him. She couldn't even look at him! All she saw was Laura! He caught up to her quickly. Strong hands grasped her shoulders and shook her forcefully,"What the hell was that about?!"
"Let go of me, you two-timing, cheating, son of a-"
He shook her again,"What is your problem?!"
"I saw you with her under the docks a minute ago! You seemed real close-"
Confusion was written all over Ryo's face. He had lost track of time, was she really that upset? "Who are you talking about?"
The tears burned her cheeks,"I saw you with Laura!"
Ryo had trouble with one thing: his temper. Yanking his phone out of his pocket, he flipped to his caller log. He shoved it right in front of her face,"I don't know what is going on in that brain of yours, but I've been on the phone with Cye for the past hour almost! I don't appreciate the accusations and I surely don't think you have room to talk when you were with Sage right after our wedding vows!"
Ouch. Mia bit her bottom lip. Embarrassed, she pulled away from his grasp and began to walk towards the rocky cliffs further down the beach. The distance sound of music filled her ears, but the waves soon became the only sound she heard. I am so confused! The waters rushed around her ankles as she found herself running instead further away from him. I just need to think!
Ryo caught up to her instantly. He had lost his temper with the guys and even with the quiet Cye, of all people, but never Mia. But only a day after their wedding, it seemed they had butt heads on more than one occasion. "Run as fast as you want, I can still catch you."
She found herself backed against the rocky cliff. Jagged rocks were around her. It was the cold water on one side, a rocky wall behind her, and an angry Ryo in front of her. Her eyes widened when she saw him draw closer,"Please, just leave me alone..."
His arms felt like steel bars as they slammed down on both sides of her head,"You will not slap me again, do you understand?"
Mia felt her throat tighten with emotion. "Yes, sir." Fear gripped at her heart. She had seen Ryo hit Kento once. The hardhead had charged an enemy when the leader said to wait...the battle ended with Rowen in stitches. Ryo was more than angry with akentnfor not following directions and had punched him in the jaw when the hardhead joked about it being an adventure.
He softened from the terror he registered. "I would never hit you, Mia, don't ever think that. But you do have some explaining to do." He kept her pinned between his arms as he looked at her.
More tears,"I'm so confused! Last night was so...(she blushed) and you were gone in the morning. You spent all day with Laura! She is beautiful and tan and she flirted with you all day! You didn't seem to mind that! Then, I wanted to talk to you at the dance, but you weren't there and I saw your hair and I followed you and then you and Laura were kissing-" she rambled.
"First of all, I had a lot to think about today and needed a good workout to clear my head. Second of all, I am not the only person with black hair! I was on the phone with Cye-"
Her hands covered her mouth,"Oh, Ryo, I'm so sorry, I was so angry!...you were so distant with me after last night and I thought I did something wrong. Laura is so pretty and I saw you kissing her-"
The frustration began to slip away as Ryo could smell the lavender in his wife's hair. She was a beautiful creature. Simple, but as fragile as a flower. Little by little, he began to register her feelings. It would've been so much easier if someone wrote a book about women's feelings or even if women would cut straight to the point. She was jealous! For some odd reason, it made him smile. She was actually jealous?
Laura was nothing more than a Kento in woman form. She enjoyed attention, but the wrong kinds. Mentally, he kicked himself for not being more sensitive to his wife's feelings.
"Mm...how was I kissing her?" The Wildfire drew closer towards her and broke the distance between them. Her hands were now fisted in his white shirt as her eyes widened.
"Y-you had her against the pillar of the dock-" Ryo lifted his wife in his arms and pressed her back against the rocky cliff. Her legs automatically encircled his waist. Both of their hearts raced. It seemed a very intimate position.
"...and?" He teased her. His lips were hovering above hers. Slowly, he leaned forward and pressed soft kisses on the corner of her mouth, the nape of her neck. Mia lost her train of thought as she felt his lips finally touch hers.
It didn't take long before they were lost in each other. Their tongues danced, their bodies pressing closely together.
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Both of them felt the wind at their back. The water had began to rise, the water lapping at their feet. Neither noticed as both of them rode against the tide, against all of their emotions.
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