Disclaimer: I do not own Fushigi Yuugi and its characters. The Japanese Manga series was written and illustrated by none other than Yuu Watase

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Chapter 9

12:50pm

Miaka finally found street parking that would fit her BMW 540i near the Third Street Promenade. Stepping out of the car, she self consciously pulled down her short sleeved leopard print tunic top over her black studded mesh leggings. She had left her russet hair loose, with its loose waves framing her face and light make up. She bent down to brush off some invisible dirt off her black leather wedge booties as she tried to calm down. Straightening up, she took a deep breath, put on her brown cat eye sunglasses, she started walking slowly towards their meeting place.

She was a little apprehensive about meeting Hotohori's reborn. It pained her that he didn't remember her and she so wanted to remind him of who he was and who she was. But she knew it was wrong to do that. She
Mentally reminded herself to school her emotions and keep them in check. She did not want to scare him. She knew in time his memories will come back. Right now she has to remember that he is just Rafael

As Miaka neared the Armani Exchange store, she saw him standing like a model posing for a photo shoot. At six feet tall he was not easy to miss. The man exuded a certain elegance that made people turn and look at him no matter how casual he dressed and looked.

Miaka smiled at the memory of Rafael... Hotohori in the book when they were about to travel to Mt. Daichi-San. One if the ministers had mentioned that no matter how casual his majesty's garments were, his elegance cannot be hidden.

You speak the truth, so I shall not consider it flattery. She remembered him saying. Now Miaka wondered if Hotohori's narcissism had carried over to Rafael. After all it would not be like him without that ridiculously adorable trait.

Rafael's eyes narrowed thru the crowd when he felt her. He didn't see her first but felt her approach as if she had some sort of homing device or radar that alerted him of her presence. It sent a shiver down his spine. In spite of the onslaught of feelings that coursed thru him like lava and his heart doing another Cirque du Soleil show in his chest, outwardly he remained calm and collected.

Within a minute, Miaka's petite frame stood in front of him. Smiling as she placed her glasses on top of her head, she asked him "Have you been waiting long?"

"No, not at all." He replied smoothly with a gentle smile on his lips.

"I guess we need proper introduction" Miaka said "my name is Miaka Yuuki." As she held out her hand.

"My name is Rafael Shu." Rafael said. Conveniently leaving out the title "doctor" for once, he wanted to be a regular guy for the woman in front of him.

When he took her hand, a jolt of electricity coursed thru him like he was stricken by lightning. He saw a vision of a younger Miaka, her hair in two buns tied with ribbons and a brown school uniform and he saw a younger man much like himself wearing crimson and gold robes worthy of royalty standing on a dais where an ornate throne was.

This young lady will obtain the power of Suzaku. The Priestess of Suzaku...

Miaka saw the spark of recognition in his eyes but as quickly as it came it was gone. "Ahem" clearing her throat. And that seemed to have woken him up from his revelry.

"Maybe I can have my hand back" Miaka teased as she indicated her hand which he still held.

"Oh, my apologies." Rafael said softly as he leaned down to kiss the back of her hand before letting go.

The touch of his lips on her skin sent a trail of fire throughout Miaka. She took a deep breath to calm herself and asked "Rafael, is there anywhere you want to go?" Surprised she sounded normal.

"Not really. If you want, we can just walk around." Rafael said. As they started walking.

"Have you eaten lunch?" Miaka asked casually as she silently prayed for her stomach not to embarrass her.

"I'm not really hungry, but if you're are, we can go and have a late lunch. My treat." Rafael replied.

"You don't have to" Miaka started to say.

"I insist" Rafael said as he gently steered her towards Trastavere Italian Ristorante.

Miaka gasped when she saw where he was taking her. Rafael chuckled and assured her "don't worry about it. I did say it's my treat."Noting her discomfort, Rafael added "if you don't mind, I'll order for you." Taking her elbow gently as a server took them to a secluded corner of the restaurant.

"Whoa! That was fast." Miaka commented after they were seated.

"Oh, they know me." Rafael said. Not expounding on the fact that the owner is a close friend of the family.

"I guess you eat here a lot" Miaka said assuming that is why they got seated quickly.

Rafael didn't bother to correct her. He didn't want to make her more uncomfortable than she already is. The truth is that he has not been in that restaurant in years, but that didn't matter when you know the boss. He liked the fact that he was being treated like a normal man. The woman seated in front of him didn't care and didn't know the trust fund, stocks and degrees he has. But he knew he can't keep the truth from her forever. This train of thought got him wondering why oh why Miaka's acceptance of him mattered so much. Rafael decided to leave that thought for another day. Now, he's just going to enjoy her company.

A waiter came to take their order. Rafael then dictated two orders of Mediterranea salads, Rigatoni Vodka pasta and Italian soda. He would've ordered wine but remembered that they were both driving and that he wouldn't risk her safety.

When the food arrived Miaka's eyes were huge as saucers. "OMG! You're kidding me right?!" She exclaimed.

He smiled and just said "Bon appetit." His golden eyes warm

The waiter came back after a few minutes inquiring if they needed anything else. Looking at the russet haired woman seated in front of him, she shook her head no. Rafael then said "that would be all." The waiter gave a slight bow and took his leave.

Miaka tried her hardest to eat normal and not shovel food into her mouth. The food was heavenly. Rafael's choices were really good. "The food is good!" Miaka said "thank you" her hazel eyes shining.

"No problem. I was throwing it to chance since I really didn't know what you like." Rafael admitted. Entranced by her eyes and her smile.

"You did a great job in choosing" Miaka replied.

"I'm happy to hear that." He replied coolly even though he felt like jumping because he made her smile.

"Rafael, I was meaning to ask you something." Miaka started.

"Sure, ask away" He said.

"Well.. Uhmm.. I was wondering if you would want to come with me to practice at 530pm." She said adding quickly "you don't have to go if you don't want to." Averting her eyes.

"What practice is it?" He inquired. Wanting to find out more even though he already decided to go with her.

"Just band practice with my friends." She answered keeping her eyes lowered.

Checking his watch, he saw that it was nearing three in the afternoon.
"So how many friends are in your band?" He asked casually.

"Well there are six of us." Miaka answered "Yui, Ai, Felicity, Drew, AJ and yours truly"

"Well then, I guess I better bring something to make sure I'll be in your friends' good graces." Rafael said as he got the waiter's attention.

"You don't have to.." Miaka protested

"I insist." He said as he reached over for her hand and his golden eyes locked onto her hazel ones. Another vision passed thru Rafael's eyes. A vision of a younger Miaka in brown school girl clothes eating voraciously on an ornate table laden with different Chinese delicacies and fruits, surrounded by people that seem familiar to him and yet he couldn't figure out who they were.

He remembered something! Miaka thought as she watched his golden eyes change into a deep amber like he was deep in thought. Then as quickly as it came it was gone.

Closing his eyes, Rafael managed to gather himself before the waiter came, his hand still holding Miaka's hand, his thumb doing lazy circles on the back of her hand. When the waiter arrived he gave her hand a squeeze before letting go.

"How may I help you, Sir?" The waiter inquired

"Yes, I would like to order four Rustico sandwiches and four Delizioso sandwiches for pick up at 5pm." Rafael said looking at Miaka for a confirmation of the time. She nodded her head quietly.

"You really didn't need to do that." Miaka said quietly her eyes downcast.

Seeing her sad shredded Rafael's insides that he would have given anything to make her smile. He wanted to hold her tight in his arms and kiss away the sadness from her face.

"I'm sorry" Rafael said sincerely. "I just wanted to do this for you. I got ahead of myself. At least humor me this time. Please?"

Giving him a tentative smile, Miaka said "ok, apology accepted."

After Rafael paid the bill, he and Miaka started walking around the Promenade. As they walked they started talking about their interests to which Miaka revealed that she enjoyed shopping or window shopping, swimming, volleyball, rollerblading, singing and dancing and she found out the some of Rafael's hobbies were reminiscent of his former life like Fencing, Martial arts, chess and swimming.

Seeing her smile and talk animatedly made Rafael's heart somersault all over the place and it made him genuinely happy to see her smiling and laughing so carefree.

Several times they stopped at a store. With Miaka looking at certain clothes, shoes or accessories. It took all of Rafael's willpower not to pull out his credit card and purchase whatever she wanted or whatever she showed interest in. But somehow he knew it would upset her and that was that last thing he wanted to do. So he would just casually watch her and her endless facial expressions, answer her questions about how a certain outfit looked or exclaim about the price tag while silently noting what she liked but his expression never betrayed anything.

Checking his watch he saw that it was ten minutes before 5pm. Rafael suggested that they head back to the restaurant to pick up their order. Miaka nodded her head and smiled.

I wish I could always see her smile Rafael thought while they walked towards the restaurant. He took the bags with all the sandwiches and declined Miaka's offer to carry the other bag.

"So do you want to follow me or do you have any suggestions" Miaka asked.

"I think it would be best if I follow you with my car." Rafael answered smoothly even if deep inside he would rather drive her to the band practice. "Just show me where you're parked and I'll bring my car around."

Walking Miaka to her car, Rafael took note of the Blue BMW 540i and where she was parked. As he walked off to bring his own car to where she was parked, Miaka took several deep breaths attempting to calm herself down. It's just Hotohori.. or rather Rafael, my second seishi! There is nothing wrong with that! Stop reading too deeply into things Miaka thought to herself.

Rafael didn't want to leave her side. The moment he left, he immediately felt bereft of her presence, like a ship that had lost its anchor. He was at a loss regarding his feelings and emotions regarding the russet haired girl he left behind. When he got to his car. He placed the bags on the passengers seat, got in the car and drove of to where the woman who turned him over inside and out was parked. In five minutes he was parked the BMW Z4 behind her car and stepped out to let Miaka know he was back. Lightly tapping on her window. Miaka's eyes widened when she saw his car after she rolled the window down.

"Shall we go?" He said coolly. causing Miaka to snap back to reality.

"Y-yes of course. We're going to Drew's place because that's where everything is set up." Miaka replied "just follow me."

"I hope you don't mind me asking if I could have your number in case we get separated by traffic" Rafael explained.

"Of course" Miaka said as she quietly thought I was thinking he would want it for himself.

After exchanging numbers, they both got into their respective cars and drove off.

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A/N sorry! I've been feeling under the weather lately. That's why updates have been slow. Also I don't have my cousin to beta for me so pretty much I try to check my work before posting.

Please enjoy reading!