My three favorite letters in writing romantic fiction: UST. Oh hell yes. PM me if you don't know. So I was originally going to have one giant chapter, but I got to page 10 in Word, and hit a moment that'd leave everyone wanting...no, NEEDING, the next installment ASAP. I will write more tomorrow night. But I am so excited about this chapter that I couldn't contain myself and HAD to post a cliffy. For the Love of KAMI, Review Kudasai! I need to know what you like and don't like! Now how the HELL am I supposed to sleep! Oh and lastly, If you've never taken the time to listen to the DTB OST1 it's up in it's entirety on Youtube. I made a playlist and had it on repeat while writing. Groovy.
ENJOY! ^_^ Love, Destinies Entwined
Chapter 8: Words Unspoken
Misaki touched her lips with a shiver as she walked down the hall back to her room. Smiling to herself, she dwelled on what had transpired just moments prior.
Hei had walked with her into the hotel, and surprised her as they walked by the public phone alcove by pulling her with him out of sight of watchful eyes. Emboldened a bit by Daisuke's potent elixir, he had pressed her up against the nearest wall and smothered her with his lips as if he couldn't get close enough. She surprised herself, in retrospect, as she instinctively wrapped one leg around his hips, drawing him in tighter and drawing out of him a low groan.
He released her lips to feast upon her neck. Misaki gasped softly. Hei hummed against her sensitive flesh.
"Do you even know what you do to me?" his voice was a deep rumble, causing her skin to prickle with goosebumps.
All she could do was whisper out to whatever deity would listen, as she grasped handfuls of his soft shaggy mane.
After another moment he reclaimed her lips for one final searing kiss. As he pulled away slightly, he searched her eyes for some kind of answer. His lips separated as he drew in a breath, as if there were words poised on them. The he paused and smiled sheepishly, "I'll see you at the restaurant at eight?"
Misaki exhaled and mirrored his smile, "Eight o'clock. I'm sure Kanami will be excited, too."
With one last brush of his lips against hers as he cupped her face, he turned and headed back toward the front doors.
Kuso! Did that just really happen?
She took a moment to collect herself and her cell rang. Hah…figures.
"I just got back. I'm down in the lobby."
"Oh good! I just got back from a very therapeutic dip in the hot springs."
"I'll be right up."
Misaki arrived at the suite door and let herself in to find Kanami seemingly back to normal, lounging on the futon in her robe.
Kanami raised her brow at her flushed friend. "And how was your afternoon, Misaki-chan?"
"It was…" she flashed through the last six hours. "It was wonderful, Kanami," she said, a sigh escaping her lips.
Kanami's eyes widened at Misaki's confessing expression. "Misaki Kirihara, you are spilling it…right now. What the hell is going on with you and Li?"
Misaki began with their breakfast excursion and Kanami laughed at the mental picture of those two pigging out together. But Misaki interrupted her, "I caught him watching me, Kanami. Those eyes…" her breath caught in her throat.
She drifted off for a moment until Kanami snapped her back to reality, "Earth to Kirihara! What else did you do?"
"Well, we went to his place so he could change before going-"
"Did you help him with that?" Kanami winked.
Misaki blushed furiously, "Absolutely not. You know me better than that! But…"
"But what…?" Kanami never hears anything juicy come out her tight-lipped friend's mouth.
"Well, first off, the guy's place is immaculate, bathroom and all. It's weird. I don't know many guys who are that neat…but…Oi, Kanami…does it make me a pervert to look at his shower, and the first thing to cross my mind is-"
"It just means you need to get laid. Misaki. Kuso! I've never seen you have the hots for anyone so bad. I mean really. You haven't had a serious boyfriend in nearly ten years. You may as well be a virgin."
Misaki's face got hot, not only was she flustered thinking about being intimate with Li, she was infuriated by her friend's chiding. Time to change the subject!
"Anyway, Kanami," she said through gritted teeth, silencing her nosy partner-in-crime, "We went to Matsuyama Castle, he showed me around. There are some beautiful scenic views. And the gardens are gorgeous. We sat and meditated for a while…it was so calm and relaxing there, just being with him…"
"Misaki?"
"What, Kanami?"
"You're in love with him. Certifiably head over heels."
"I…" she envisioned his embrace, his kiss, his touch. Just the way he spoke to her, looked at her and made her feel, it flashed in random moments in her mind's eye.
"You're right, Kanami," she conceded, gnawing on her bottom lip as she mustered up her courage. "I am in love with Li Shengshun."
The air hung thick in silence as Kanami's jaw hung open in shock when her stubborn friend willingly agreed with her assessment. Misaki's face turned from melancholy to bright with a smile as she laughed in relief, "Hah! Who'd have thought? Me…In love with someone…And admitting it to myself! I can't even tell you how many times we've kissed since last night…Holy hell, Kanami, I may just be losing my mind! Haha!"
Kanami shook her head and was about to get up to change when Misaki interrupted her, "By the way, we have a double date tonight. Li's friend, Daisuke is the manager and brew master at the Dogo Onsen Brewery and Restaurant down the street."
"You sneaky bitch!" Kanami laughed. "For once you are trying to hook me up. I hope you two know what you're doing."
"Hey now, Li's a great judge of character. I trust him. If he tells me Daisuke's a decent guy, I believe him. Besides, I met him earlier. He was very pleasant, handsome, and the man can make a damn good beer," Misaki added with a nudge of Kanami's arm.
"You said he's 'handsome'? So he's older? Like, how old?
"I'd say mid-thirties, nice hair and about the same height as Li, a little broader in the shoulders and chest, with a warm smile."
Kanami eyed Misaki and nodded, "All right. You sold me."
"And we are going to the restaurant for dinner and drinks with the guys, then, Daisuke supposedly knows of some classy places to go."
"So this guy has some money, I assume?"
Misaki nodded, "He definitely seems to carry himself that way, and if he is the best brew master in town, I'm sure he's well-known."
Kanami's eyes sparkled at the thought of a date with a local celebrity. She immediately jumped up and headed over to her dresses hanging in the little closet, "Damn, now what to wear, then?"
O.o ^_^ o.O ^_^ O.o ^_^ o.O
It was seven forty-five and two beautiful and intelligent women walked into the lobby, long legs extending from the shorter length of their dresses. Kanami paused as they stepped out of the elevator double checking the purple clutch that matched her cocktail dress that swooped over one shoulder, layered purple chiffon accented by silvery beading along the waistline, the dress stopping a couple inches above her knees. Her silver strappy pumps glinted in the light of the lobby as she dug through the clutch make sure she had her travel vile of her favorite designer perfume. Misaki ducked over to the nearest mirror to take one last look at herself to double-check her hair and make sure she hadn't accidentally smudged her make up. She felt practically naked in this dress, due to the incredibly light, satin scarf-like material of her exotic dress. The cut was unlike anything she had let herself wear before. She had argued with Kanami about it at the mall that day they went shopping…
"It's totally sexy, Misaki, yet classy and feminine at the same time," Kanami had said to her, trying to convince her of her beauty.
"But I feel so naked! I can't even wear a bra with this! What if it's cold in the air conditioning? That'd be so embarrassing!" Misaki argued as she smoothed her hands over the thin, black, silver and white Indian-style patterned silk. The neck line was a shallow angular sweetheart neck line with thin spaghetti straps.
Kanami laughed at her self-conscious rebuttal and attempted to assuage her with more flattery. "The hem line of that dress is sexy, too. I love how it's longer on the sides and it makes a 'V' up to the middle of your thighs! Pretty chic!"
"Oh yeah, Kanami, it's all the better to draw extra attention to my crotch, right?" Misaki was laying on the sarcasm thick, trying to talk herself out of secretly agreeing with her friend at how attractive she felt in the dress.
"I am never going to forgive myself if it turns out to be a creep magnet of a dress." She thought to herself.
Kanami had won many battles concerning her fashion sense that day. Misaki recalled that moment as she assessed Kanami's up-do skill in the mirror.
"Kanami, I got to hand it to you. You do amazing hair."
The sexy former astronomics director laughed, "Well, I know what I can do if I ever need a back-up plan for my career!"
Misaki's hair was organized chaotically on the top of her head, with a mess of tendrils falling gently all over, that Kanami had taken her curling iron to. Her neck was exposed, yet it flirted through the wispy curls thinly veiling it.
"Found it!" Kanami declared as she held up the little vile, dabbing it at her wrists. Misaki decided to the same and, with a smirk, put on a quick final spray of the perfume she knew would drive Li a little crazy. She adjusted the straps of her sling back black heels. Why do I ever bother wearing shoes like these?
They turned to head out the door and caught Michio gawking at them. Kanami waved with a wink and blew him a kiss. He instantly panicked and turned and hustled in the other direction, suddenly a deep shade of pink.
Misaki just shook her head as she opened the lobby door and held it for her friend.
O.o ^_^ o.O ^_^ O.o ^_^ o.O
Hei stepped out of the shower and wrapped the towel around his waist. The buzz had worn off and he spent some time sitting in his dimly lit apartment, letting some relaxing jazz piano play on the college radio station as he pondered his feelings for Misaki. He recalled the first time he laid eyes on her and recognized her…
Hei was in the hotel with the caterers laying out fresh fruit and cheese platters and he had turned to place an empty tray on the cart when the door opened and there walked in the lady of the hour, Alice Wang with…
The cop? She's friends with Qing Long Tang's daughter?
He paused a moment, suddenly wanting to etch her into his memory, from the little buns on top of her head, to the dainty feet at the end of those amazingly long, slender legs. He watched her as she awkwardly made her way around the room.
Doesn't she usually wear glasses? She looks so much better without them…
Hei's thoughts were interrupted by the loud growl from his stomach, causing Misaki to look his way and catch his eyes for a fleeting and embarrassing moment. The catering manager quickly came over and he got shooed out back to wash dishes with Saito, who he had a sneaking suspicion was, an undercover cop.
Still relaxing to the jazz hour on the radio, he stretched out on his futon, still in his towel, with the open windows ushering in the sounds of Matsuyama rush hour.
Saito was so right. She's scary when she wants to be…but so am I.
Hei smiled to himself, he knew there were so many reasons to put the chase behind him. He now understood, and believed her, that, especially since she figured out who he was, it was all a misunderstanding on his part.
I can't believe she was right under my nose.
Hei recalled the instantaneous differences between Misaki's interactions with Li, and with the Black Reaper. He could never bring himself to harm her. He had always known instinctually that she was a genuinely good person. They both wanted justice, but at the time she didn't know how over her head she had been. Until that talk they had over the hibachi dinner. He couldn't believe how much he alluded to, essentially admitting to understanding the inner workings of warring organizations, and to knowing what it was like to be a pawn. They shared that and it scared him.
But it didn't keep me from saving her life.
He recalled that moment that he looked over the rubble of the Saturn system to find Horai with Misaki in his grasp. It made his blood boil more so than usual and he simply reacted.
I can't believe she called out my name. It felt so strange to have someone like her know who I am. Kami, how badly I wanted to turn around and take her with me. But it just couldn't have happened. But now…
He got up and went back into the bathroom, feeling a little antsy. He decided to shave the little bit of scruff that had formed since the night before.
Amber made me feel like this, back then…I loved her then. Before she betrayed me…or so I had thought.
Hei exhaled as he shaved quickly. There was something different about these emotions he had now. He still found his mind over-thinking this instinctive trust. He knew it was just the ingrained paranoia…or was that even the real issue? There was something else and he was having a hard time putting a finger on it. Until suddenly he pictured Misaki getting on that plane back to Tokyo on Sunday, and his heart began to ache.
Will I…miss her?
He shook his head of the thought, but it continued to linger as his mind raced with what-ifs. Could we ever actually be together? I know she wants to keep fighting for our cause. I don't know if I can…can I?
He splashed a little aftershave on and dropped the towel in exchange for his boxers, and draped his towel over the shower door.
I haven't even used my power in nearly three years; I can't let myself get put back on the map again. Not without good reason.
He looked back at his sullen face in the mirror, and touched his cheek as he thought of Misaki hand there instead of his. When she smiled at him, all his worries dissipated. He felt like Li when he was with her, not Hei, the wanted criminal contractor.
Misaki knows who I am, and she is not afraid. She really has some courage. Or maybe she's just as stubborn as I think she is. But…she really does want…me…
A shiver ran up his spine as he entered his room to finish changing. A flash of warm naked flesh crossed his mind as he looked at his bed. It had been nearly ten years since he and Amber had last been together. He was only in his late teens then. I have really got to calm down. I'm letting my mind get ahead of me.
But there was something almost taboo about them wanting to be with each other. The cop and the criminal, the human and the contractor…intense and serious, emotional and stifled…it made so much sense to him. It lighted a primal urge within him to want to turn the chase onto her. But every time emotions came into play, he choked. His chest felt tight with words bubbling up from his subconscious that he refused to make real by saying them aloud.
He finished dressing, putting on his short-sleeved light gray dress shirt, his charcoal slacks and the matching jacket that he hadn't donned the night before. Knowing Daisuke, he would very well be taking them somewhere exclusive that required a jacket. He went to his dresser and grabbed a wad of cash. Misaki better let me be a gracious date tonight.
He chuckled lightly to himself knowing she'd probably put up a fight. As he envisioned her politely stubborn reaction he could wipe the satisfied smile off his face, until he looked up into the mirror and caught his reflection. His face froze into a look of bewilderment. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen his own smile. He knew it was all because of her.
I couldn't be…could I?
He slipped on his black dress shoes and walked out the door, locking it behind him.
O.o ^_^ o.O ^_^ O.o ^_^ o.O
It was just before eight when Kanami and Misaki arrived at the Brewpub. Misaki scanned the room and saw Li sitting at the bar, his back to them as he chatted with the bartender. She knew that dark shaggy head of hair anywhere, considering how many times she'd seen the back of his head. Misaki took the lead and headed over to him.
Li heard the confident stride of a woman in heels approaching and knew it was her. He smiled to himself and turned to greet them. But the words caught in his throat as Misaki stood before him. His mouth hung slightly agape, stunned speechless. Misaki blushed and giggled, knowing she had just figuratively 'shocked' the Black Reaper himself completely speechless. I guess this dress was a good choice after all…
Li stood and before even recognized Kanami's presence he kissed Misaki on the cheek and spoke softly into her ear, "You, Misaki Kirihara, are more beautiful than the night sky."
Misaki's knees nearly gave out from underneath her at his words, but he steadied her in his arms. She smiled and said softly as for Kanami not to hear, "And you take my breath away." She giggled again as a thought came to her, "And knock me off me feet, apparently."
He chuckled and looked over her shoulder to see Kanami with a sly grin on her face and a raised brow. She must know something. She's giving me that look. "Konbanwa, Kanami-san. Glad to see you standing steadily on two feet this evening."
Kanami laughed, "Yeah, well tonight I'll eat a solid dinner and pace myself. I do intend on not getting carried home tonight."
The three of them laughed recalling Kanami's early retirement the night before.
"So Li…where is this friend of yours? Is he still working?"
Li shrugged. "I'm not sure, but he told us to meet him here for-"
"Li-san! Kirihara-san! Sorry for the delay!"
Kanami caught his eye. Daisuke seemed about thirty-five, his hair was thick and currently a bit spiky. As Misaki had accurately assessed, he was about the same stature as Li, only a little broader. Definitely attractive!
Kanami leaned over to Misaki, "Good choice! He's already making a good impression."
Misaki smiled as Kanami winked at her.
Daisuke approached the three of them, his eyes finding Kanami and widening ever so slightly, with just a hint of a sparkle. "And this…must be the lovely and intelligent scientist I have heard about!"
He took her hand genteelly and bowed slightly, introducing himself. "Daisuke Minakuchi."
"Kanami Ishizaki," she stated bowing with a smile in return, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Ah, but the pleasure is all mine, Ishizaki-san."
Kanami blushed as Daisuke offer his arm. "Shall we go over to the Amber Room to our table?"
They nodded and followed Daisuke towards the back of the restaurant. Li gave Misaki a knowing side glance, "This ought to be an interesting evening. I can tell he approves, and he doesn't approve of just anyone. We're eating in the Amber Room. You see, there are three rooms in the restaurant: The Black Room which is the main room with the bar; The Red Room is for Private Functions, or Black Room overflow if there's no party that night, which is rare…then there's the Amber Room. It's VIP. The more distinguished patrons eat in there, as well as the owners/managers and their family and friends."
"That's right," Misaki recalled, "you've worked here before."
Li nodded, "This is a treat, because the service is immaculate, and we have a more extensive menu that is only available to Amber Room guests. Don't be surprised if Daisuke goes a little crazy showing off his beers and cuisine. He's just really proud of the family business and their success."
They walked through a set of Shoji doors into a lavish room decked out in golds and browns. The server shut the doors behind them and led them to the table in the far corner. It was a big comfy horseshoe-shaped booth in soft brown leather. That would comfortably seat six adults. Li and Daisuke stood on opposite sides of the booth, allowing the ladies to slide in first and sit next to each other and their respective dates.
Before sitting Daisuke excused himself, "Please allow me a moment to say hello to some old acquaintances before we begin dinner." He went over to a large booth that was occupied across the room to speak with them briefly; and after sharing a few laughs, promptly excused himself from their company.
A young lady in black pants and white dress shirt approached them, "Konbanwa, Minakuchi-san."
"Everyone, this is Rieko-san. These lovely ladies are Ishizaki-san and Kirihara-san, and of course you remember my friend Li-san who has helped me out here on occasion."
"Of course, it is my pleasure to serve you," she replied with a bow.
"Four sets of flights, please, Rieko-san, and four tai-meshi to start," he ordered.
"Hai!" With that the waitress was off.
"Tai-meshi, eh?" Kanami asked. "I know that some of the best sashimi is from this area. Fresh Uwajima fish! Oishii!"
"I see you have some culinary prowess, Ishizaki-san."
Daisuke and Kanami quickly entered a lengthy conversation about Japanese gourmet cuisine and dining.
While they were distracted, Misaki turned to Li and smiled, "That's a good sign. They both see to be the chatty type, so I'm sure they won't run out of things to talk about."
Li hummed in agreement, "And that'll give us some more of our own time."
He leaned in as if he was going to whisper something to her, and brushed past her ear to place a kiss on her neck, just past her ear at her hairline. Misaki's eyes rolled into the back of her head as her eyelids suddenly felt incredibly heavy. How does he know to push that button?
Hei breathed in that lovely scent as his lips connected with her skin for those brief seconds. Pulling away he took a moment to just look into her eyes that were dark with passion. Softly his fingers traced her lips, and for the second time felt he had words on the tip of his tongue for the woman before him. There was an unknown fear with its hand holding his tongue. But now was not the time for intimate words anyway. Hei smiled at her with a promise in his eyes of things to come.
