AN: Omg I am so sorry for the long break between chapters. This has turned into a ridiculously busy year for me. Once again, not giving up on this and we are nearing the end!

As our Nuriko chapters loom ahead I need to mention that I have done my utmost to treat Nuriko with love and care. He is one of my favorite characters and I use male pronouns as the anime used them, even though the manga uses female pronouns. Today Nuriko would likely identify as They, but this series was created in the 90's, and as such I try to stay true to the spirit of the show while acknowledging that the way I view and approach his character may not align with how other people view him. I feel like I do a fairly accurate and respectful job with his character but if you think I could have done something better please let me know. :) Same with any LGTBQ terms. I know various LGTQB people IRL but do not identity that way myself so I can only hope I do this well enough.

Art of Love

Red Courage

Chapter Twenty

Chiriko breathed deeply, willing his body to relax despite his raging hormones. Though he was physically spent and he'd given Miaka all his chi, the need to be inside her again was strong. The warmth of her skin and the smell of her hair enthralled him. The energy she'd absorbed from himself and the other Seishi called to him, making it hard to sleep.

Snuggling into her side, Chiriko made due by showering his Priestess with gentle kisses. Miaka rolled to face him with a giggle, kissing him deeply as he caressed her. His fingers twitched against her skin, fighting the urge to pin her down. Though she seemed to have enjoyed it in the midst of their love making, he wasn't sure about right now.

Surely, Suzaku wouldn't be upset if they just went another round or two? Chiriko huffed, pillowing his head against her chest to stare out the open window at the late afternoon sky. There was still so much time left in the day! He wished he could have courted Miaka properly before the ceremony. The way they'd done things seemed less than proper. He'd give anything to do it over.

Then again, he'd barely been able to string two words together around Miaka. There was no way he'd have been able to put the moves on her the way he wanted, even if the rest of the Seishi hadn't been there.

Darn it. He was going to have to thank Nuriko, wasn't he?

It was slightly embarrassing how easily he'd been fooled and subdued. Nuriko had sent the others out to his car, claiming he had to powder his nose. The second they were gone, the brute had pounced. Everything happened so fast, Chiriko didn't even have time to scream. Not that anyone would've heard him. Nuriko kept his hand firmly clamped over Chiriko's mouth, easily carrying him up the stairs and tying him to the chair in his room.

Chiriko had struggled valiantly against the fabric holding him in place, eyes wide. The gag ensured he couldn't even shout. What in the hell was Nuriko doing?

"Shh," Nuriko had placed a finger to his lips. "I'm trying to help you." He'd patted Chiriko gently on the head. "You'll thank me later, I promise." And then the bastard left! Well, after scribbling a few things on some Post It's that Chiriko couldn't see.

And damned if it wasn't true. At first, Chiriko hadn't known what to think when Miaka burst into the room wearing a sexy pair of glasses, her hair up as though she'd just finished scanning stacks of returns at the library. She was wearing the skirt and blouse she'd been in all day, but it was an outfit he'd seen her in at work before.

Immediately, Chiriko's heart had leaped, hammering away in his chest, causing blood to rush to his dick that much faster. Hopefully his pants were baggy enough she wouldn't notice. She looked so cute! Just like the first time he'd seen her. He slumped, suddenly recognizing Nuriko's handiwork. Miaka appeared just as clueless as he'd been a few moments before-Oh mercy of Suzaku, her boobs were in his face.

Chiriko nuzzled his face against Miaka's chest now as he mentally relived their earlier love-making session. Her bra had slipped back into place, covering the lovely peaks. In all his research, Chiriko had forgotten one very important aspect: How to remove one of those devilish contraptions.

Stealthily, he ran his hands over Miaka's back, finding the clasp. Ahh, it was a hidden hook like the one's on all his dress pants! Now that he wasn't lost in the throes of passion, it was simple to understand. Maybe next time.

Would there be a next time?

"Miaka."

"Hnn?" she responded, lazily running her hands through his hair again.

Chiriko turned to look up at her, his face framed by her breasts. Suzaku he loved them. He loved her. "What happens after the Ceremony?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, is this my last chance to hold you like this?" His grip tightened and he turned to kiss a breast gently.

Her widened in shock and Chiriko steeled himself for the rejection he knew was coming "Chiriko…" her voice trailed off hesitantly. He knew it. He'd seen her with the others, they all shared an unmistakable physical bond he would just never have with her.

"I thought you'd never ask," she finished.

Confusion, and then joy erupted in his belly. "Wait, what?" he asked, unable to believe what he'd heard. He had to be hearing things, right?

"I was trying to figure out how to bring it up," Miaka confessed. "The others and I, we've been talking…"

Chiriko listened intently as Miaka explained what she'd been discussing with everyone the past week. He couldn't believe his luck. The woman of his dreams wanted to be with him? Even though she had Tamahome, His Majesty, Tasuki, and Chichiri? "You didn't ask Mitsukake?"

"Not directly," she bit her lip in consternation. "You think I should have? I don't think he'd have said no."

"He won't." Chiriko confirmed. They may not have had a chance to talk much since they'd been awakened in this life, but without a doubt, Mitsukake would be on board. Chiriko had formed a close bond to the quiet older man, and had often seen the furtive glances Mitsukake threw at their Priestess. It was clear he had feelings for her—though he'd never acted on them. Just like Chiriko.

"Does this mean you…"

"Yes!" Chiriko blurted, rising to his elbows and dragging himself up Miaka's body. "A thousand times, yes!" He kissed her, practically smothering her with all the pent-up feelings he'd hidden since he was a boy and the ones stirring inside him now.

The rest of the afternoon was spent lazily in bed, talking quietly until hunger required them to leave. The two of them dressed, Miaka opting for a loose t-shirt and pair of joggers that Chiriko wanted to rip right off her. Without realizing it, Chiriko mimicked her choice, choosing a t-shirt and sweats, taking pride in the way his body filled both out. He caught Miaka checking him out and flexed dramatically, thrilled at the appreciative way her eyes traced the lines of his muscles.

There were plenty of leftovers in the refrigerator, which the two of them plated and ate in the living room. After a heated discussion, they settled in to watch a series of B-rated horror flicks. The special effects were so poorly done they were more humorous than anything.

The night wore on, ending with Miaka falling asleep in the crook of his arm on the couch. Chiriko smiled, kissing the top of her head and making himself comfortable, determined not to wake her. He made it through the rest of the movie they'd started and about twenty minutes of the next before his own eyes began to droop and he faded off into sleep with a smile on his face.

The Saturday morning dawn was just breaking when Nuriko and the other Seishi (minus Tamahome and Mitsukake) pulled up to the manor. After dinner, it hadn't been difficult for Nuriko to trick—err, convince— his brother warriors to return home with him for a few drinks.

Then, using the kind of persuasive power only Nuriko seemed to have, he talked them into helping him pack. Before ten o'clock, everything from self-care products and makeup to outfits and other essentials were all boxed and ready to be moved to the manor.

"I can't believe you talked us into this," Chichiri complained, hefting bags from the backseat and onto the driveway. The car was absolutely laden suite cases, bags, and boxes. All entirely necessary items according to Nuriko. Hotohori, of course, backed him up on the majority of the items, much to Chichiri and Tasuki's chagrin.

"What's in here, rocks?" Tasuki asked, shaking a suitcase curiously.

Nuriko glared, glad he'd made sure to properly wrap and package anything breakable himself. Unable to resist giving the bandit a hard time, he snarked, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

When Tasuki flushed and began to backpedal furiously, sputtering in a sudden loss for words. Nuriko laughed outright. "Relax, Tasuki. I wouldn't tell you anyway; a lady never reveals her secrets."

Red-faced and fuming, Tasuki declared in his typical brash good humor, "You ain't a lady!"

If it had been anyone else, Nuriko might've been truly affronted. However, he was used to Tasuki's sometimes thoughtless comments, especially when he was flustered. Or drunk. Feigning offense, Nuriko turned up his nose with a haughty, "How. Dare," flouncing up the steps in great dignity.

Entering the manor, Nuriko came to a sudden halt. Miaka and Chiriko were fast asleep on the couch in the living room. Miaka was snuggled into Chiriko's embrace, half draped over him as he stretched out awkwardly on the couch. The television was on, playing some sort of historical piece about pyramids.

Suzaku, tell me they didn't watch History Channel all night, Nuriko thought, eyeing them in a slight bout of jealousy. His plan must've worked, because Chiriko had never looked so comfortable around Miaka. His aura was depleted, and Miaka's was shining brighter than ever. Not to mention the horrifyingly dopey smile on Chiriko's face. Nuriko grinned; He definitely got laid.

Holding a finger to his lips, Nuriko directed the other Seishi towards his room with the luggage, not wanting to wake the young lovers earlier than necessary. Tasuki grumbled, but did as he was told. Chichiri picked up a couple of suitcases while Hotohori only carried a small bag in each hand. Sighing, Nuriko stacked the rest of the luggage precariously in his own arms, carting them up the stairs in one go.

Tasuki eyed him in open displeasure, scoffing, "What did you even need our help for?"

Nuriko didn't answer, instead setting everything down on the bed and taking a lap around the room. Now, where to put everything?

Hotohori and Chichiri quickly bid him goodbye, leaving to get cleaned up and start breakfast. Tasuki, however, stuck around and watched as Nuriko began to systematically unpack his belongings. He'd already folded all of his clothes, but many of them had shifted in transit and had to be refolded. He was very precise about all of it, ensuring every drawer was filled to capacity in a neat and orderly fashion with everything he loved. His mother would be proud.

Nuriko was just about to move onto his bathroom products when Tasuki picked the suitcase he'd been shaking earlier. Holding it to his ear, he frowned, asking, "Hey, what's that sound?"

"Hm?" Nuriko looked up just in time to see Tasuki pop the suitcase open in curiosity, revealing a large assortment of sex toys, including a large, pink, plastic dildo that had somehow been switched on—probably due to Tasuki's shaking earlier—and was buzzing merrily.

Tasuki stared, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, as the realistically shaped sex toy vibrated, slowly making its way across the top of the other toys. Finally gaining enough composure to speak, he looked up at Nuriko who stared back at him with flushed cheeks. "What the hell is this?"

Nuriko prided himself on having a high threshold for embarassment, but he hadn't counted on Tasuki deciding to randomly go through his things. Honestly, he should've hidden that suitcase the instant it got to the bedroom, but he'd forgotten all about it in throes of organizing his clothing. Now, he was going to have to explain the concept of sex toys to the last person he thought might understand.

Pushing down his embarassment, Nuriko reached over and grabbed the dildo, switching it off matter of factly. "This, is a dildo. It's a toy to help enhance the pleasure from sex for either someone alone or with a partner."

Surprisingly, Tasuki didn't freak out. Instead, he surveyed the rest of the suitcase with an expression somewhere between fascination and terror. "Why do you need so many?"

"They all do different things," Nuriko explained merrily. He'd packed a variety in order to keep things from getting boring, but most of the ones readily visible were pretty self-explanatory. "Do you want a demonstration?"

"Hell, no!" Tasuki blanched, jumping back a few feet as Nuriko brandished the dildo in his direction like a sword. "Get that thing away from me."

Nuriko laughed gaily, chasing Tasuki out if the room with it on a whim. Tasuki disappeared down the hallway and Nuriko was able to finish unpacking the rest of his things in peace. He was just smoothing out the rumpled comforter on his bed when Miaka appeared, hovering just outside the door.

"Can I come in?"

"Since when do you even ask?" Nuriko raised an eyebrow. The two of them were close enough that permission was generally already given for such basic things.

"Miaka, don't go in there!" Tasuki's yell was followed by the frantic thumping of feet as the former bandit rushed to defend Miaka's honor.

Sighing, Nuriko wrapped an arm around Miaka, easily pulling her inside just in time to slam the door in Tasuki's face. He locked the deadbolt firmly with a flick of his wrist and a smirk.

"Hey!" Tasuki hammered on the door, yelling. His chi flared angrily, pushing against the two of them even through the wall. The other Seishi's panic and jealousy was crystal clear.

"Man," Nuriko made a disgusted face. "I'm gonna have to get on Chichiri's ass about Chi proofing. And sound proofing. Will you listen to that? What a racket!"

Miaka covered her mouth to stifle her giggles as Tasuki's frantic yelling and volume increased, making him sound like the small angry squirrel he so frequently accused Chichiri of being. "Don't worry Miaka, I'll save you from that depraved maniac!"

Nuriko playfully rolled his eyes at Tasuki's accusations, making several rude gestures which caused Miaka laugh even harder. Suddenly, a wicked thought pranced through his head and before he knew it he was moaning throatily, "Nnnnnngh. Miakaaaaaaa."

Miaka's jaw dropped, a red flush rushing to her face. "What are you doing?" Her voice was tight, as though she was holding back her true reaction.

Holding a finger to his mouth in a shushing motion, Nuriko waved Miaka over, and then directed loudly, "Get on the bed." He purposely threw as much vibrato into his voice as he could muster, knowing the deeper tones would project more clearly through the wall and door for any listening ears.

"Why?" Miaka's eyes were round as saucers.

In a stage whisper, Nuriko commanded, "Just do it!" Poor thing. She had no idea what was going on. Why did she have to be so adorable? She was still in her t-shirt and sweats from the night before and though it was one of his favorite pastimes to dress her up, he thought she'd never been cuter.

Tasuki was still knocking incessantly at the door, his voice rising in pitch. "No, Miaka, not the bed! Anywhere but the bed! It's a trick! He's got ropes and shit!"

Nuriko balked. There hadn't been any ropes in the particular suitcase Tasuki had opened. How did he know? Was it that obvious? Did everyone just know he was the kinky one with weird sexual fetishes or was Tasuki just talking out of his ass because the toys had made him uncomfortable? Either way, it hadn't been something he wanted Miaka to learn about like this.

Instead of running, Miaka sat down on the bed nervously and Nuriko could practically read her thoughts. 'What's the plan, here?' Instantly, he calmed. The Suzaku Seishi and their Priestess may not have spent overly long together before now, but their bond was such that sometimes they just knew these things. And Miaka hadn't even flinched at Tasuki's comment.

She trusted him. The realization nearly brought tears to his eyes. He'd known she trusted him with her life, but to know that she also had the capacity to trust him with her body and possibly even her heart meant more to him than he could say. Especially when, with his literal god-given powers, he could snap her in half with barely any effort at all.

Nuriko's lips turned up in a smirk as he pitched his voice lower—his "man" voice, "Oh, Miaka, I can't hold back any longer. I want you. I NEED YOU." He jerked his chin towards the door and Tasuki's flailing chi signature.

Finally catching on, Miaka pressed a hand to her cheek and moaned dramatically as she threw herself back on the bed. The springs creaked and she purposely bounced up and down, adding to the illusion they were trying to create. "Nuriko! It's too soon! The others haven't even left yet. Tasuki's right outside!" She added a couple of breathy gasps that inadvertently sent a jolt straight to Nuriko's groin.

Gritting his teeth, Nuriko continued, lightly tapping the wall with a fist for emphasis—of course the entire wall shook and he flinched. Would he be able to control himself when the time came? It had been a topic he'd been avoiding having to think about, but tonight Miaka was his. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her.

His voice cracked, adding to the dramatics of his words. "I don't care. I've watched you with the others all week. If I don't have you now I'll just die." He shifted uncomfortably, realizing the statement wasn't altogether untrue. He couldn't let this little charade continue much longer or he might actually try to jump Miaka whether the rest of the Seishi were still here or not.

Being helpful, Miaka reached over and took the contents of one of his neatly folded drawers and flung articles of clothing, one by one, at the walls. Nuriko narrowed his eyes dangerously. He'd just put those away! Oh she was going to pay for that one. But it did add to the illusion they were ripping one another's clothes off. Then, adding some momentum to her previous bouncing, she caused the headboard to bang into the wall with a surprised yelp that made her freeze in place.

Nuriko saw the opportunity and grunted, "Take it!" punctuating his words with a rhythmic clapping of his hands. "Oh, yeah!" He was going to have to shove some pillows behind that headboard. Or nail it to the wall. Really, really firmly.

Miaka rolled herself side to side, panting heavily and moaning in perfect unison with Nuriko's claps. Very quickly the two of them built to a crescendo and then abruptly, they stopped, ending with a perfectly timed gasp.

Out in the hallway, Tasuki began yowling like a polecat. Snickering, Nuriko gestured to Miaka, "I think he's suffered enough, don't you?"

Miaka sat up, running a hand through her slightly mussed hair, her face slightly flushed from the exertion. "Agreed."

There was some muffled speaking out in the hallway, followed by a firm authoritative knock and Hotohori's voice. "Nuriko? I must insist that you open this door immediately."

For the first time in his life, Nuriko was less than pleased with Hotohori's presence. Sighing, he leaned over to Miaka and whispered, "Party pooper."

Crossing the room, Nuriko jerked open the door and stepped aside, allowing a still frantic Tasuki to come flying through the doorway with a shout of "I'll save you, Miakaaaaaa," only to land on his face.

Nuriko busted out laughing, hanging onto the doorknob for support as the bandit lay face down on the floor. Hotohori peered inside from the safety of the hallway, one eyebrow raised in curiosity after having glanced at Miaka and seeing she was fine.

Rising from the bed, Miaka shuffled over, looking down at Tasuki in concern. "Are you okay?"

The flame Seishi rolled over, angrily looking up at the both of them, his cheeks stained red. Realizing they hadn't been doing anything, Tasuki howled and jumped to his feet, "Nuriko! I'm gonna kill you!" Hotohori wisely stayed out in the hallway.

Nuriko blithely ignored him, knowing full well it was an empty threat. Physically, none of the other Seishi could touch Nuriko for strength and they all knew it. Tasuki scowled at him, wiping at his face with the back of his hand and settled for giving Nuriko a firm punch on the shoulder. "That wasn't funny, man."

"On the contrary, I think it was very funny." Nuriko crowed. "You ninny. You should know the two of us wouldn't chance ruining the ceremony like that." He and Hotohori shared a look, one they had many times in the past in regards to their hot-headed brother in arms.

"Shuddap." Tasuki turned to leave the room, edging by Hotohori without touching him. Before disappearing entirely he stopped to look over his shoulder. "By the way, Tamahome's here. The rest of us were just about to eat."

Hotohori nodded, his gaze lingering on Miaka to see her reaction. "Yes, come on down. There is more than enough for everyone!"

"Breakfast!" Miaka chirped, her eyes lighting up. Nuriko didn't miss the satisfied smile cross Hotohori's face as their Priestess reacted.

"You guys head on down, I need to finish unpacking real quick." Nuriko surveyed the state of his room disdainfully. How could one tiny woman make such a mess? He supposed it was his own fault. He shouldn't have encouraged her. Had she upended the entire drawer? Talk about overkill!

As Miaka left the room, Nuriko surreptitiously landed a slap on Miaka's ass, making her jump. When she looked back at him in surprise, he shrugged unrepentantly, his eyes following her closely as she made her way down the stairs with Hotohori.

The former Emperor wrapped an arm around Miaka's waist in escort and Nuriko felt his heart explode with joy when Miaka leaned into his embrace. His two favorite people were into one another and happy. He knew it was selfish, but Nuriko wanted nothing more than to experience being a part of that.

Tamahome.

The blood rushed from Miaka's face as her first Seishi and first love entered her field of vision. He was gorgeous, as always. Miaka felt a little frumpy after having slept on the couch the night before and not having had the chance to bathe just yet. She felt just a little naughty so brazenly walking among her Seishi after the wonderful noon romp with Chiriko yesterday. Hotohori's grip on her waist was light, but she could sense the slight air of possessiveness that ran through his fingertips and into her skin, sending her nerves alight.

Naughty was such a different feeling from dirty. She wasn't ashamed anymore. No. It was more like they all shared different parts of the same secret puzzle that when finally put together would make the universe whole at last.

It wasn't like they didn't know what she'd done. Unlike the first few times, Miaka was becoming used to the idea that the others knew she'd had sex and that she'd had sex with nearly all of them at this point. It was strangely… freeing.

"Miaka." Tamahome was speaking to her now. She shook her head to clear it of distracting thoughts as Hotohori gracefully passed her to the other man.

"Tamahome! Good morning," Miaka tittered, wrapping her arms around him.

Tamahome automatically caught her, staring down into her eyes in momentary surprise. He cast a glance around the room before returning his focus to her, winning a wide smile as she rested her chin against his chest to murmer, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too." There a was a moment of hesitation wherein Tamahome shifted uncomfortably. He seemed to struggle keeping his eyes on Miaka, instead stealing glances at his fellow warriors. Miaka followed his line of sight, noting none of the others were even paying attention to them. They were all more absorbed in holding side conversations and filling their plates, but were definitely within earshot.

"We have a lot to talk about," she whispered.

"Good things?" His hopeful grin sent Miaka's heart soaring. Despite his slight discomfiture, Tamahome's overall countenance had changed. He wasn't as standoffish.

She nodded. "All good."

His grin widened gratefully, the embarassment melting away like the last snows of winter. Miaka kissed him lightly and his arms slid around her fully in a long-awaited embrace. "I know I haven't been the most supportive through all of this and I wanted to say I'm sorry."

"Really?"

"Really." The nearly imperceptible clearing of a throat dragged Tamahome's gaze from hers and Miaka turned slightly.

Across the room, Nuriko stirred his drink innocently, but Miaka could make out the slight gleam of irritation in his eyes. He casually gripped the back of the next chair over, snapping it clean in half without any effort at all. While Nuriko blanched in horror, none of the other Seishi reacted at all.

Miaka's eyebrow twitched as she turned back to Tamahome. Thus far the Seishi had been trying to give each other space on their designated day to be with Miaka, with a few exceptions. She knew it was still early, but technically Tamahome was intruding on Nuriko's time—even if it was a conversation they'd desperately needed to have. "I'm glad to hear it. I look forward to having that talk tomorrow."

Tamahome sighed, giving her one last embrace before and relinquishing her. Miaka beamed back at him. It seemed everyone was finally on the same page.

To Be Continued…