AN: Happy Thanksgiving! Alas, this is another non-sex chapter because plot/set up/emotional needs of the characters. Enjoy and be advised that I am hard at work on chapter 17. Where Miaka will be uh…"appropriately stuffed".
I'll see myself out now after that awful joke. YOU CAN"T KILL ME OR YOU GET NO MORE CHAPTERS! Ha.
In all seriousness though, I would like to give thanks for everyone who is following this fic and enjoying it.
Art of Love
Chapter 16
Red Courage
Miaka lay still beneath Tasuki for several moments, enjoying the closeness and tenderness of the moment. She'd expected Tasuki to be a most passionate lover. Rough even. Instead, Tasuki had been gentle and attentive to the point of driving her a bit crazy. The difference between what she'd expected and what had actually happened was so strong Miaka thought perhaps she'd dreamed it all. Just another one of her wildly vivid dreams about her Seishi.
Except for the fact she felt so very warm and relaxed. Her dreams had never left her like that.
"Tasuki?"
"Hmm?" came the groggy response.
"Are you alive?"
There was a grunt of sorts and then some movement. Miaka shivered as their sweat slicked skin separated, the cool air chilling the space between them as Tasuki rolled to the side, eyes still closed, and raised his arms lazily above his head.
Miaka grabbed the sheet and rolled towards Tasuki, snuggling close to him. Tasuki cracked an eye and smirked, thinking she was seeking him out for warmth. Instead, Miaka cupped the back of his head and pulled herself close, her mouth sealing over his in a long and languorous kiss that made Tasuki's eyes roll back in his head for a moment.
When the kiss finally ended, Miaka only pulled back a few millimeters, searching Tasuki's face. She could feel his lips brush hers as he spoke, "Mi-chan?"
"That was amazing, Tasuki," she whispered, kissing him again and pressing her body to his. She was exhausted. While their position had allowed for a different type of intimacy than she'd shared with her other two Seishi, she'd missed being able to see her lover and kiss them easily. She intended to make up for it now.
"But the ceremony is over." He blinked at her in surprise. "Ain't there a rule against us doing it again?"
Miaka purred. "Unfortunately, yes." She looked at him with heavy lidded eyes. "But there's no rule against us kissing." She ran her tongue along his lip and then nibbled it gently. "And I for one, would like to kiss you much, much more." She pulled back a little. "As long as it's okay with you."
A low growl sounded in Tasuki's throat, his expression like that of a little boy who'd just gotten everything he wanted for Christmas. "You bet it's okay." He encircled her in his muscular arms, pulling her against him heavily as they kissed again. Miaka could feel the fine tremors still wracking his body as he struggled for the right words. "I know I said I didn't like the idea of this ceremony, and I still don't… I don't think it's fair to you. But I'm real glad I got this chance to be with ya, even if it's the only one I ever get."
His words gave her hope. "Me too. But it doesn't have to be."
His brow furrowed. "Doesn't have to be?"
Shyness threatened to overtake Miaka once again but she pushed it down. She had to learn to ask for the things she wanted. "Once we complete the ceremony… we're all going to be living together on Mount Taikyouko, right?"
"Right."
"And we'll be immortal, right?"
Confusion was apparent on his face. "Yeah, so? You'll get to be with Tamahome forever."
The sound of her first loves' name made her shrink back in guilt. "Yes, but—"
"But what?"
"He's not the only one I want to be with."
Tasuki blinked. "What?"
"I want to be with you too, Tasuki." Miaka held her breath, waiting to see what the hot-headed bandit's reaction to that statement might be.
"Me?" For his part, Tasuki looked like someone had asked him a particularly difficult math equation and he was trying to figure out which formula he needed to solve it. "And Tamahome?" His voice had lost its usual exuberance.
"Yes. And Chichiri. And Hotohori." Miaka bit her lip, watching him closely as he processed the additional information.
He blinked. "Anyone else?" His tone was flat.
"I haven't asked yet," she answered truthfully. "I know this sounds crazy, but these last few weeks with all of you has taught me that there's more than one type of love. And even more ways to show it." Miaka took a breath. "All my life I'd been raised to believe certain things about love. Mainly that it's one woman, one man and the idea that True Love conquers everything." She paused, trying to choose her words carefully.
"But being with all of you has taught me that everything I thought I knew was wrong. Or at the very least flawed. Nuriko says he loves Hotohori as a woman and they're both men. Well. Physically at least. I love Tamahome… but I love the rest of you too. Perhaps not all in quite the same romantic fashion, but every single one of them is as true a love as I've ever known. Love transcends gender, age, and it certainly can't be constrained by something like quantity." Earnestly, Miaka cupped Tasuki's face. "I love you. So much. And I just hope you have it in you to someday feel the same way about me."
"Miaka… I don't know what ta say. I've been in love with ya for a long time. Since before I even knew what I was feeling." He shook his head. "What yer sayin'… I don't know how I feel about it right now. The part of me that thought we'd never get to do this again is in wholehearted agreement. But… I can't help but feel I'd be takin' advantage of ya somehow."
"And the other part?"
"Still doesn't want to share ya with anyone." He admitted. "I gotta say though. Now that I've had a taste, I don't think I have it in me to refuse—even for the sake of my pride."
"So you'll think about it?"
"Ain't nothin' ta think about, Mi-chan. I'm yours. Have been for a long time."
"Oh, Tasuki!" Overcome by emotion, Miaka kissed Tasuki again. And again. Eventually, the two of them drifted off to sleep wrapped in each other's arms.
The next morning, Tasuki slept late. Miaka, on the other hand, woke ridiculously early and passed the time by watching him sleep. She smiled as he, predictably, flung himself across the bed the way he used to on their travels, leaving her only a small amount of space on the very edge. Somehow, even with his mouth wide open, she still thought he was adorable.
Then came the snoring.
The sound startled her at first, so loud she thought perhaps there was a large animal snarling somewhere nearby. Once she realized the sound was, in fact, coming from her Seishi, Miaka relaxed. For a moment. When it became apparent the sound was not going to stop for some time, Miaka sighed heavily and rolled away to use the restroom. Maybe by the time she got back he would be done. Or the sounds of her moving around would 'accidentally' wake him up.
No such luck.
Miaka tapped a foot on the floor in annoyance. She'd really wanted to be here with Tasuki in the morning when he woke up the way she had with Chichiri and Hotohori. The morning after had been a different sort of intimacy she longed to share with all of her Seishi at one time or another. Tasuki let out another massive snore and kicked a leg—right where Miaka had been sleeping. She winced, glad she hadn't stuck around for that.
Someday. But today was not that day.
A glance at the clock showed it was already nearly 8:30 am. Chichiri would have been up for hours already and Hotohori was usually up already as well. No doubt she'd missed breakfast. Miaka bit her lip. Should she try to wake him up or not? What was the morning after protocol for something like this? Would he be offended if she left? She had no idea how late he was going to sleep after he'd given her so much of his energy the night before. He'd consistently been the last one awake no matter what and hadn't exactly been a morning person on their travels in the book.
Another great snore made her decision for her. Miaka silently collected her clothes and slipped out the door, padding down the hallway to her own room. Once there, she showered quickly and then indulged in the required cleansing ritual bath. As she relaxed, the energy she'd collected thus far from her Seishi sung within her veins, racing throughout her body in memory of each man.
Miaka shivered, despite the heat of the bathwater. Each of them had been so different. In many ways, they couldn't be compared. They were all passionate in their own unique way. However, Miaka couldn't help trying… hoping to glean some sort of better understanding of herself and her feelings.
All three of them were in love with her. They'd said as much and she felt the same way about them. They'd all been concerned with her comfort and making sure she felt good and Miaka couldn't be more grateful. She'd been so terrified of her body and the idea of sex, she hadn't even tried to do much for any of them. Luckily, her Seishi had been more than willing to use their knowledge to help her figure it out. Each new experience allowed her to become more in tune with her body and how it functioned, as well as what she liked and wanted from a lover.
The intensity of their feelings for her had certainly not been the least of it. Chichiri and she had developed an intense sexual tension since his arrival, despite their age difference. And she and Hotohori had always had a close connection. Tasuki and she had never been truly sexual with each other before his return to her world, but their connection and emotions couldn't be denied either. The addition of their spiritual energies interacting during everything was a special sort of icing on the cake that was difficult to describe.
Bringing her knees to her chest, Miaka pondered her feelings on the rest of her Seishi. She and Nuriko had managed to cross that precarious line from friends to more and she was looking forward to spending a night with her male best friend and exploring what more they could be. Tamahome…Miaka sighed. She hadn't heard from him since that night in her apartment and she worried that with his having to wait until last that he might be far too anxious to…
She shook her head. She and Tamahome would be fine. He loved her and she loved him. That thought alone eased her fears. Their connection was so strong he'd followed her out of a magical book.
Love was what Suzaku stood for after all. If she and her Seishi had love, they would succeed at anything.
Except… Mitsukake was next in line, if Miaka remembered correctly. The big Seishi had been the last to be found and Miaka had spent the least amount of time with him both in the book world and in this one. Miaka blew frustrated bubbles into the water.
The ceremony simply called for the Priestess and the Seishi to engage in the act of sex with one another. It had said nothing about needing an emotional connection or even having to like the other person.
She certainly loved Mitsukake as a friend. And she definitely found him attractive.
But was that enough?
When Miaka arrived downstairs, she found Hotohori buried in a pile of paperwork at the coffee table in the living room. He didn't notice her at first, staring intently at the papers as though they'd offended him in some way. He was dressed in a red button down and dark gray dress slacks, his hair loose about his shoulders and a pair of glasses perched precariously on his nose.
Miaka watched him curiously for a moment and then cleared her throat. Hotohori jumped, quickly whipping the glasses off and running a hand through his hair. "Good morning." He flashed a smile that made Miaka go weak in the knees.
"I didn't know you wore glasses." Miaka smiled sweetly as Hotohori colored slightly at her observation.
"Just for reading," He insisted, placing them firmly in a leather glasses case on the table. "And then only for fine print."
Miaka tried not to laugh. It was kind of cute how embarrassed he was that she had discovered he was in any way short of perfection. "Oh really?" Miaka bent to pick up the glasses, playfully trying them on and posing. "Too bad. I think they're kind of sexy."
Hotohori laughed softly at her antics. "I must say, I think they look much better on you."
Grinning at the compliment, Miaka placed the glasses back in their case and glanced around. "Where's Chichiri?"
"Outside." Hotohori waved in the direction of the backyard. "He should be back before too long. Did you need him for something?"
"No, I was just curious. Tasuki hasn't gotten up yet, so I thought I'd see what you two were up to." Miaka leaned over the papers. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing interesting. Just contracts and other assorted busywork my agent sent me." Hotohori rolled his eyes. "Unfortunately, I'll have to leave early today in order to take care of some of this. I'm going to take Tasuki and Chichiri with me."
"How come?" Miaka frowned. Wouldn't that mean she'd be all alone in the house? While she might appreciate some of the alone time, it seemed odd that her Seishi would plan to leave her in the middle of this new summoning ceremony.
Hotohori's lips quirked in a smile, his eyes liquid pools of honey. "Mitsukake requested it. As a personal favor."
"A favor?" Miaka blinked in confusion. What kind of a favor?
"Yes. A favor." Hotohori's eyes threatened to drown her. The doorbell rang then and Hotohori checked his watch. "It's a bit early. I wonder who that could be?"
"I'll get it." Miaka spun on her heel, heading quickly towards the door. Who on earth would be visiting them at this hour? It was barely nine-thirty!
"Keisuke?" Miaka blinked owlishly at her brother. Even though the Yuuki family wasn't known for holding onto grudges she certainly hadn't expected to see him so soon. "What are you doing here?"
Keisuke's cheeks colored and he pointedly looked away as he mumbled, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Apparently, his shoes were fascinating. "Uh, can I come in?"
"Of course, come on in." Miaka stepped back, only realizing Hotohori had followed her when she bumped into him. Hoping to make up, Miaka shooed Hotohori back, ushering her brother inside.
Keisuke moved slowly, more of a shuffle than anything else. As if he wasn't really sure he wanted to be there. Once inside, he looked around, still anywhere except Miaka, but was visibly impressed. "Nice place." He finally deigned to look Miaka in the eye, his gaze flicking back to Hotohori momentarily. "You're looking well." He seemed unable to keep some of his previous snideness out of his voice.
"Thanks." Miaka tried to put some extra cheer into her voice in an attempt to offset her brother's sour mood. She glanced over her shoulder at her Seishi. "Do you think you can give us a minute, Hotohori?"
Hotohori frowned in concern, but nodded and quickly left the foyer. "I'll be out back with Chichiri if you need me."
Seeing that Keisuke was still in awe of the manor, Miaka let him look. After a moment she couldn't stand the awkward silence anymore. "Hotohori's been kind enough to offer it up as the location for the permanent gate."
"You mean once you complete the ritual," Keisuke deadpanned.
"Uhm, yeah." Miaka bristled at his tone. She knew getting defensive wasn't exactly helpful, but she couldn't let Keisuke get away with being disrespectful to her Seishi—or to her. Squaring her shoulders, Miaka steeled herself and said, "If you're going to be a jerk about it, Keisuke, you can just leave."
Keisuke's frame went rigid. Miaka couldn't see his face but she took his silence as acceptance of her terms. Heaving a sigh, Miaka's voice softened, "What are you doing here?" He clearly wasn't ready to be having this conversation with her. And Miaka couldn't fault him for that. She imagined if the roles were reversed she wouldn't be excited to talk about her older brother's sex life either.
Keisuke looked pained. "I-I came to apologize."
"Really?" Miaka crossed her arms. "Because you still don't seem that cool with it."
Keisuke exploded, throwing his hands up as he paced back and forth angrily. "Cool with it!? Miaka, how am I supposed to be cool with something like this?" He trailed off, jaw working as he visibly bit his tongue.
Miaka's heart sank. Maybe this wouldn't be the day she made up with her brother. "Well then why'd you come?"
There was silence again as Keisuke weighed his options. Finally, he muttered, "Yui threatened me."
Choking back laughter, Miaka shook her head. Keisuke had always had a soft spot for Yui. It seemed even now, the other girl held enough sway over her brother to make him do something he really didn't want to. "I'm sorry. I told her not to get involved."
"It's okay." Keisuke let his head droop, hands still jammed in his pockets. "I've been thinking about it. Trying to wrap my head around everything. The truth is…" He trailed off for a moment as though searching for the right words. "I was surprised, and reacted poorly."
Now he took his time with his words, slowly metering them out as though he were reading a book on tape. "I know that none of your Seishi would ever hurt you. I do. Their sole purpose in life is to serve and protect you." He looked away, his cheeks reddening as he forced out the next words. "Sexual escapades aside, I can rest assured knowing my little sister is going to be the most well cared for woman in the universe." He glanced around at the high ceilings. "I mean obviously."
Miaka flushed. "Thanks Keisuke. That means a lot."
He grinned at her. "Not to mention you're going to be the Divine Protector. It's not like you still need me to take care of you. But… you're still my little sister and until now it's been my job to protect you." His smile faltered and he looked down. "I guess there's a part of me that is a little jealous that you don't need me anymore."
Try as she might, Miaka could not control the tears that stung her eyes. "Keisuke… No matter how old I get or where I am, you'll always be my big brother." With those words, she flung herself at Keisuke to wrap her brother in a tight hug. "I'll always need you."
Miaka felt Keisuke smile against her hair as he hugged her back. "And I'll always need you."
The siblings held onto each other for a moment, basking in their renewed connection. Ever since their father had left, the two had been close, trying to provide each other the love and support of their absent parent. Keisuke had always idolized her Seishi—especially Tamahome, and he'd imagined the two of them as the ultimate fairy-tale couple. Miaka couldn't exactly blame him for being upset with her for flipping the script on him.
"Will it make you feel better if I let you give all of them the shovel talk?" She asked seriously.
Keisuke snorted as he pulled back. "What shovel talk?"
"You know. The one where you posture and threaten their lives if they ever hurt me?" Miaka's eyes glowed with humor. "Isn't that what it's called? Because you'll beat them with the shovel you'll use to dig their graves?"
Keisuke blinked at her for a moment and then doubled over in laughter that lasted a good minute. "Oh that talk." He managed after he'd calmed down a bit. "I do believe it's my brotherly right to threaten their lives at least once. Unfortunately, all of them being who they are, I doubt they'll take me seriously."
There was a hushed beeping and Keisuke checked his watch. "Sorry, Miaka, but I've got to run. I'm really glad we were able to talk though. I hate fighting with you."
"Me too." Miaka hugged him again as he headed out the door. He had only stepped off the porch when Miaka called out, "Keisuke, have you heard from Tamahome?"
Keisuke stopped, looking over his shoulder and shaking his head. "Just glimpses as he comes and goes from his apartment."
"Oh." Miaka said quietly. The two of them had seemed pretty chummy before. Maybe Tamahome was embarrassed about being the one to spill the beans about the ceremony to Keisuke in the first place. Surely he wasn't avoiding her, avoiding her. It had been his idea to give her space after all. Maybe it had been some kind of bizarre test and she'd managed to fail without even knowing what the rules were? "Well, if you see him, can you tell him to call me? I miss him."
"Sure thing."
"Don't be a stranger, okay?" Miaka insisted. Just because things were changing in her life didn't mean their bond as siblings had to be negatively affected.
Keisuke nodded, glancing back at the manor. "I'll call first." With that, Keisuke waved and hurried out to his car.
Miaka watched him back out the drive and sighed as she finally shut the door. "Probably a good idea."
And just like that, the doubts started to creep in again. How was she ever going to juggle seven men? She was just fooling herself. This was a bad idea from the start. Her chest tightened with every new horrible thought.
"You're still worried about Tama?" Tasuki's sleep roughened voice startled Miaka, making her jump. The flame-haired Seishi was just descending the stairs and Miaka realized he'd probably heard at least a little bit of her conversation with Keisuke. The way the house was built, sound tended to carry from the main floor.
"Is it obvious?" Miaka pulled a face. She hated looking weak in front of her Seishi. Especially about things like this.
Tasuki's smile was lop-sided, showing one pointed fang. "Just a little."
Miaka shook her head. "Sorry you had to walk in on that. I didn't know Keisuke was planning on dropping by." She paused. "And I'm sorry I didn't wait for you to wake up."
Tasuki laughed. "I'd have loved to wake up next to you, Mi-chan, but I sleep late on a good day. And Chichiri tells me I snore like a bear. I don't blame ya for not waitin' on me." He leaned close, his breath ghosting her ear. "Not to mention I had ta recover. If last night is any indication, I'd say my waking up early with you is gonna be a rare occurrence."
Miaka flushed, not sure if he was complimenting her or himself with that statement. "Tasuki."
He ignored her as he sauntered towards the kitchen, tossing a parting shot over his shoulder. "Just you wait though. After the ceremony's over, there ain't no rules."
Tamahome groaned, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes, reminding himself not to gouge them out as he stared at his calendar. It was only day four.
He couldn't do this. He was going to go insane.
His office was a fair distance from the manor. A fact which was quickly turning into a double-edged sword for Tamahome. It meant that he was too far away to just up and try to visit Miaka during the week of the ceremony. But it also meant that he couldn't sense what was going on with Miaka and the other Seishi unless they directly called out to him.
Tamahome knew in his heart this was a good thing. Something he'd even thought of himself. He didn't want Miaka to become overwhelmed while trying to acclimate to a new home. He'd had the privilege of being there for her the first time her life had been upended, and now it was his brother Seishis' turn.
He just hated that he couldn't be with her every minute of every day. It reminded him of his time in Kutou, when he'd been isolated as a prisoner of war and at Nakago's mercy. Luckily, in this world he needn't worry about Kutou assassins, bandits, or Shikonki demons trying to kill his beloved before he could see her again. She was surrounded by people the both of them loved dearly and he knew there was no safer place for her to be.
But he still couldn't wait until it was finally his turn. Trying to focus on work had been hell. Every time he tried to do a calculation his mind would wander, and at this point in the week his co-workers were beginning to wonder what was wrong with him. He was usually so efficient!
The images haunted his dreams.
First, he'd imagined Chichiri, the oldest of them all, taking perverse advantage of their innocent Priestess. Tamahome had burst into the manor, preparing to defend Miaka, only to discover that she had unresolved daddy issues and Chichiri was more than willing to play into them.
Then, he'd imagined Hotohori sweeping Miaka off her feet and Miaka telling him that she wanted to marry him and bear his children instead of Tamahome's. This had been accompanied by Hotohori sitting on his throne, Miaka in his lap, and Tamahome being thrown in the dungeons and scheduled for execution.
After that, he'd seen Tasuki and Miaka having the most passionate animalistic sex he'd ever seen—while he was forced to watch.
And tonight… tonight was Mitsukake's turn. In Tamahome's mind, the physician whipped out a cartoonishly large dick that made Miaka swoon. Tamahome broke into a cold sweat. After a night with that, would he ever be able to satisfy Miaka?
No matter how hard he tried to focus on the numbers, Tamahome continued to see flashes of Miaka in intimate situations with one or more of his brother Seishi. Situations that, try as he might to deny it, turned him on.
Tamahome closed his eyes, imagining Hotohori thrusting madly into Miaka while Nuriko drove into the former Emperor from behind. That image faded, being replaced by Chichiri and Tasuki double teaming Miaka to the point where she passed out. And finally, Tamahome walking in on an orgy wherein the other Seishi all seemed to melt into Miaka and one another in a mass of sensuous limbs. Hands and mouths played against any available bare skin in between moans and gasps of pleasure.
He shook his head to clear it of the images, but it was too late. His pants strained against his hardness, making it even harder to concentrate. Tamahome scooted closer to his computer in an attempt to hide it, glancing around to make sure he wasn't arousing any sort of suspicion.
Stop it. Why is that type of shit turning me on? Tamahome wondered. He was already worried enough that he would lose Miaka. Why did his mind insist on torturing him like this? He didn't want to see that!
The images resurfaced and Tamahome groaned as someone in the pile of bodies orgasmed loudly, followed shortly by another. Chiriko raised his head, releasing someone's dick with a loud pop. "What are you waiting for Tama-chan? Join us."
Join them? Why would his subconscious be asking him to do something like that.
Unless…
"Come on." Chiriko waved him on.
I'm not afraid of losing Miaka. I'm afraid of being left out. That revelation about his own feelings was like lancing a wound and Tamahome felt the pressure that had been building in his chest lessen. I'm afraid I won't be good enough.
It's okay if she has feelings for one or more of the other Seishi because that's who Miaka is. Even if it wasn't strictly romantic love for all of them, Tamahome knew without a doubt that Miaka did love each and every one of them with all her heart.
And Tamahome was going to do his best to learn from her.
True to his word, Hotohori collected Chichiri and Tasuki shortly before noon. They'd barely been gone ten minutes when the doorbell rang again. Miaka hurried to answer it, automatically looking up as she expected to see Mitsukake on the other side.
And saw no one.
Confused, Miaka lowered her gaze to see Nuriko standing on the doorstep with an amused look in his magenta colored eyes. He was dressed semi-casually in a tight yellow t-shirt and some houndstooth pants and a beret. "Nuriko? What are you doing here?"
"Well, good morning to you too!" Nuriko huffed. "Aren't you going to let me in?"
"Uh, yeah. Sorry." Miaka stood back and allowed Nuriko inside, realizing that the man had an inordinate amount of baggage with him. "Are you moving in?"
"Technically, yes. Eventually. But not today. This is all for you, darling!" Nuriko grabbed another pile of bags and deposited them on the floor of the foyer, kicking the door shut with his heel.
"For me? What for?" Miaka was genuinely confused. "I thought today was Mitsukake's day? Did I get the schedule mixed up?"
Nuriko giggled, a sound that still managed to send chills up Miaka's spine. It always made her wonder what tricks the Seishi had up his sleeve. "No, no. You're right. Today is Mitsukake's day."
Slightly nervous, Miaka asked, "Then what are you doing here?"
Rummaging through the various bags he'd brought, Nuriko explained, "He wanted to be here earlier but couldn't get away until this evening. To make up for it, he asked me to help him out." He emerged from one bag with a wicked grin. "I'm here to help you get ready!"
Wide eyed, Miaka took a step back. "Ready for what? Isn't it a little early for that? I mean, if Mitsukake isn't coming over until later…"
Nuriko sighed, eyeing her plain ensemble with poorly disguised distaste. "This is gonna take a while." He reached for her and Miaka didn't even try to run, quietly submitting to her third Seishi's will.
The next thing Miaka knew it, she was seated on the couch and wrapped in a new fluffy bathrobe while Nuriko furiously exfoliated her hands and buffed her nails. Miaka wasn't sure what half of the tools he was using did, but she let Nuriko have his way, enjoying his over the top pampering. She was fascinated with the way his perfectly manicured hands managed to be both feminine and masculine at once as he firmly but gently turned her nail-bitten hands into works of art.
"Do you know what Mitsukake has planned at all?" Miaka asked.
Nuriko tsked. "You know I can't tell you. That would ruin the surprise."
Miaka pouted. She'd hoped Nuriko would give her some clue as to what to expect. She'd spent the morning worrying about how to even approach Mitsukake because of their previously limited interactions and now the big man was throwing a wrench into her plans. "Not even a little clue?"
"Not a one." Nuriko patted her hand firmly, admiring the shiny French tips he'd just finished. "Now for the toes."
"Toes?" Miaka shifted her feet away from Nuriko. "Do we have to? It's really too much. It's not necessary."
Nuriko shot her a glare that could melt glaciers. "Mitsukake asked me for a favor and I intend to deliver. Now give me your feet!"
Stubbornly, Miaka tucked her feet up under herself. "No!"
"Miaka," Nuriko growled, reaching for her. "This is non-negotiable!"
Instinctively, Miaka flailed, trying to get away, but she was no match for Nuriko's super-strength. Her shriek echoed throughout the Manor as Nuriko effortlessly pinned her to the couch as Miaka tried to push him away with her right foot planted squarely in his chest. Miaka laughed at the ridiculous picture they made as Nuriko leaned over her irately, Miaka's wrists pinned above her head in one of his hands and her left foot in the other.
The usually chatty Seishi fell silent as he hovered over her and Miaka realized her robe had fallen open, exposing more of her chest than was decent. Above her, Nuriko visibly swallowed, his arms trembling and his breathing more rapid than it had been a moment ago. He couldn't possibly have exerted himself that much, could he?
"Are you okay?" Miaka breathed, unsure of what exactly to do in this sudden awkward position. She and Nuriko had just recently breeched the line from friend to more than friends… but he'd been acting so much like one of her girlfriends she hadn't given any thought at all as to how this might go wrong. And apparently, neither had he.
Eyes darkening with desire, Nuriko released her ankle to slide his hand down her calf, resting her extended leg upon his shoulder. The foot Miaka had planted against his chest made little difference as he leaned closer to her, her leg sliding naturally out of the way to cradle his form against hers. Her robe had ridden up and Miaka could feel Nuriko's quickly hardening bulge pressing firmly against her center. His aura throbbed, sending a jolt through her that made her gasp.
"We can't." Miaka whispered, struggling fruitlessly against his hands.
Nuriko closed his eyes, his face drifting closer to hers. "Just one kiss."
Miaka closed her own eyes, humming in pleasure as his lips descended upon hers. The hand on her leg continued its journey, coming to land surely at her hip and pulling her against him. Miaka's other leg wrapped around his waist, encouraging the contact as Nuriko's tongue darted past her defenses.
One kiss turned into two, and then three. Nuriko matched Miaka's hum with one of his own, slanting his mouth across hers in passion. His body practically vibrated against hers as he pressed closer. Miaka flinched as the muscles in her leg strained, trying to pull her hands free so she could push him away.
But they wouldn't move. Nuriko wasn't even holding onto her that hard.
The next chance she got, Miaka took Nuriko's lip between her teeth and pulled. Luckily, the action had the desired effect. Nuriko jerked backwards in surprise.
"Ow! Miaka!" Nuriko opened his eyes halfway. "That hurt!" He lowered his head again, this time taking her bottom lip between his teeth. "You're a naughty girl."
"Sorry," she gasped, turning her head away. "Can you get up please? My leg hurts."
Nuriko blinked slowly, the haze of desire lifting from his face. When her words registered, he jumped back, immediately releasing her hands as though he'd been burned. "I'm sorry, Miaka. I guess I got a little carried away."
Sitting up, Miaka rubbed her leg, resting it trustingly across her Seishi's lap. "No worries. I did too. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I should just try and get myself ready."
"Absolutely not." Nuriko's voice cracked. "I made Mitsukake a promise and I intend to keep it. Besides, if I let you try to do this yourself, you'll end up a hot mess." He stood and Miaka got a surprise eyeful of his reaction. "Just give me a few minutes."
Miaka wanted to be offended, but she knew it was a true statement. Nuriko had brought the equivalent of a beauty arsenal with him, including several outfits complete with accessories and sewing supplies. There was no way she could sort through everything without him. She nodded and stood as well, heading to the kitchen for a glass of water.
By the time they returned to the living room, they'd both calmed down considerably. Miaka sat back down and offered Nuriko her feet without a fuss. Nuriko ignored her feet, opening a packet and slathering her face with a green goop that smelled strongly of tea tree oil.
"There." He said in satisfaction. "Now you look too goofy to be sexy."
Miaka laughed, settling back as he polished her toes to a shine in record time. She found herself unable to look away from Nuriko as he placed the finishing touches on her nails, blowing gently on them to help them set. His jaw was tight and he was quieter than usual. His aura couldn't lie quite as easily though and Miaka was glad she'd already bathed that morning. Otherwise Nuriko might've insisted on scrubbing her from head to toe. And that would've ended horribly.
After Miaka had been prepped to Nuriko's standards, he finally began the process of deciding which outfit she would be wearing. Once that was over, he styled her hair and did her makeup, finally returning to the carefree friend that Miaka knew and loved.
"I do think I've outdone myself this time, Miaka." He praised himself in high falsetto. "Mitsukake's gonna flip!"
"Do you think so?" Miaka turned slightly from side to side, viewing herself in the floor length mirror in the hallway. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, the strategically tousled curls framing her lightly made up face. Nuriko had use minimal makeup, saying it emphasized her natural beauty.
"I know so." He grasped her shoulders and turned her around so he could check her out. She was wearing a classic little black dress made of crushed velvet. The halter top accented the lines of her neck and shoulders. The waist cinched in, the skirt flaring out at her hips in an almost 50's American style and ending just above her knees. A pair of kitten heels with open-toed shoes revealed her lovingly polished toes.
"Thank you, Nuriko." Miaka gushed. "I really appreciate this, and I know Mitsukake will too."
"Not a problem." Nuriko's cheeks turned pink as he began to pack. "I'm just glad I could spend some extra time with you."
"No really. It's very kind of you to dress me up when you're not even the one who gets to enjoy it." Miaka bit her lip. "Maybe sometime you can dress me up and take me out yourself."
Pausing in his packing, Nuriko's eye's held a sudden mischievous look. "Promise?"
Holding out her pinkie finger, Miaka repeated firmly, "Promise."
Nuriko looped his pinkie in hers, bringing her hand gently to his lips to press a kiss to their linked digits. "Remember you said that, 'cuz I'm gonna hold you to it."
To Be Continued…
AN: Oh don't worry everyone. All of the Seishi will get a 'Do Over' at some point. Basically this fic is an excuse for me to write random one shot love scenes whenever I feel like it. I need to think of a name for this fic-verse because after it's done I would love to be able to read anything ya'll's minds have come up with in the interim as long as you give me credit and let me know it exists!
Tamahome's inner mind theater brought to you by "Everyone wants a threesome or Moresome" and FOMO.
ThatPageantGirl asked a pressing question so I'll answer it here and try to work it in at some point. Tasuki was the only one who overheard Yui and Miaka's conversation and he's a Man's Man and all that, which includes not ratting on your buddies. So no one but Tasuki and the girls know about the fact that his overzealous excitement caused any problems. Scarlet Rook pointed out in an edit that you're always sorest TWO days after the gym so Miaka's muscle pain might actually be Chichiri's fault. Tee hee. The world may never know. :3
I think we can all agree, Miaka is going to have abs of STEEL after a point.