Always…
Chapter Four
Disclaimer: I do not own Fushigi Yuugi or any of its characters. ^_^
He was in what seemed to be a cave and it was raining. Miaka sat before him, her chin in his hand, their eyes gazing deeply into each other's. There was someone else there but he didn't know whom. It didn't matter though, all that matter was that if he moved just a few inches closer, his lips would be pressed against hers. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears, the intensity of it getting louder and louder…
Nick groaned and rolled over, cracking one eye to look at the alarm clock, only to remember that he had unplugged it the night before. Unwilling to admit that it was his thoughts of Miaka that kept him awake; he had blamed it on the red glow of the clock.
The pounding on the front door continued and he finally rolled out of bed.
"I'm coming!" He yelled rubbing his eyes. "Hold your horses!"
"And just where were you last night, mister?" His sister demanded, as he swung the door open.
"Huh? What time is it?"
"Eight o'clock."
"In the morning?"
"Yes, in the morning." Kat said imitating him. "You should really clean up around here." Picking her way around piles of clothes she made her way to the kitchen. As she put on a pot of coffee she glanced at her brother over her shoulder. "So where were you?"
"What are you talking about?" Taking a seat at the small table, Nick smothered a yawn.
"You were supposed to have dinner with Rick and me last night."
"Shit." He muttered finally remembering. "Sorry about that. I had a meeting with my new editor."
"New editor? What happened to Agnes?"
"She retired."
"Oh. So what's this new person like?"
Nick smiled, remembering the time he had spent with Miaka the night before. Never had he been as comfortable with any woman. It was if he had known her for years. Remembering their almost kiss, his smile widened. "She's nice. Easy to talk to and seems really excited to work with me."
"Is she pretty?" Kat grinned mischievously.
"I guess." He answered, trying to sound nonchalant, his smile fading. "She's my editor so it doesn't matter if she's Miss America or the wicked witch of the west. Her looks have nothing to do with it."
"Uh huh. I see."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh nothing." She said innocently, turning her back to pour the coffee she had just prepared.
"I mean it, Kat! Our relationship is strictly professional and I plan to keep it that way."
"If you say so." Handing him a full cup she sat across from him and blew into her own cup.
"Aren't you supposed to be at work?" He asked, trying to change the subject.
"Thanksgiving break started today." She replied frowning at him. "I was worried about you so I came to make sure you were ok. You couldn't even call me?"
"I'm really sorry. I completely forgot about it. I take it Rick was just heartbroken?"
"Actually he was pretty upset. He hasn't seen you in, what, three years? Really, Nick, it's not like he lives that far away. It wouldn't kill you to go visit him sometime."
"So he can whine about how I get paid to sit on my ass while he's out there slaving away day after day? No thank you."
Kat sighed and set down her coffee. Her brothers had never really got along and she didn't know why. They loved each other, that much she knew. One would gladly give up their lives for the other but they just couldn't seem to see eye to eye. The only thing they had in common was their love for her. "So what are you doing tomorrow? I bought these tickets to that new play that is showing but since Charles and I aren't talking I have no one to go with."
"I'd love to, Kat, but I have an all day appointment tomorrow. Don't know how long it's gonna take me."
"Really? What kind of appointment?"
Nick blushed and turned his eyes to the table. "Just something my editor wants me to do."
"Come on, tell me." Reaching across the table she nudged his arm until he met her gaze. "It can't be that bad."
"Wanna bet?" He sighed and shook his head. "She has this idea that if I do book signings and interviews, my book sales will increase."
"And?" She prompted when he hesitated.
"The only way I can do that and still keep Nicole Stacey alive is to pass myself off as a woman." He said hurriedly, his words running together.
"A woman?" Laughter pulled at the corners of her mouth and she coughed.
"Yeah." The color on his face deepened. "So all day tomorrow I'm going to be at some spa getting a makeover."
Finally unable to help herself, Kat laughed loudly. "And she actually thinks this is going to work?"
"Why wouldn't it? I already look like a woman."
His sister shook her head and her laughter faded. She looked at him objectively as she could, trying to see him not as her brother but as a man. She could admit that his facial features were delicate and his hands were long and graceful, but to her, that's where his femininity ended. His tousled hair, beautifully shaped brows, thickly lashed eyes and beauty mark may have been constant source of envy for the women he met, but the firm mouth, the hard, angular jaw and the strong curves of his neck proclaimed an undeniable masculinity. Sitting in the kitchen sans shirt, Nick was every inch a man. His body was that of a thoroughbred; lean and powerful, with beautifully defined pectorals and flanks.
She was surprised the women didn't swoon over him constantly.
Despite his good looks, he had always been teased. Never able to find a date in high school he had spent most of his time alone. Writing stories that would one day turn into best selling romance novels. His parents had always worried about his sexual preference, encouraging him to do what they believed to be male activities. Football, baseball, basketball-Nick had played them all to make his parents happy and because of the training involved, his musculature was toned and well defined. His masculinity had always been obvious to those who knew and loved him. Katherine's friend, Sarah, had always had a crush on her older brother but he had never noticed. Too caught up in proving himself, he had overlooked what was right in front of him.
Kat shook her head again and sighed. "I can't make you believe me, but I say that the pope looks more like a woman than you do."
Nick let escape a snort of laughter and shook his head. "You always did have a way with words."
"Well, you know what I mean. When are you going to get over this low self image of yours?"
He opened his mouth to answer when the phone rang. Relief washed through him. They had had this same conversation close to a thousand times with no results. He was thankful he did not have to sit through another lecture, no matter how much he adored his little sister.
"Yeah?" He said into the phone, propping the receiver on his shoulder.
"Nick? Hi, it's Miaka."
"Miaka?" Casting a quick glance at his sister he turned his back, unconsciously lowering his voice. A rush of pleasure traveled through his body, making him nervous yet excited. "What's up?"
"I know I told you to clear your schedule for tomorrow but it's going to have to be today."
"That's not a problem. What time?"
"Now? I'm really sorry for the short notice but they don't have another space open for another month."
Nick frowned slightly. "Just where are you taking me anyway?"
"You'll see." He could hear the smile in her voice and he couldn't help but return it. "Trust me, it won't be painful."
"Ok, I trust you but if it's even the smallest bit painful you have to go to dinner with me." Stunned at what had just come out of his mouth, Nick held his breath.
Miaka hesitated for a moment before answering. "O-Okay." She finally said. Calm down, Miaka. She told herself. Even if you do end up having to go out with him, it's not a date. Just dinner, that's all, just like last night. Her thoughts turned to the night before and way his arms had felt around her and she shook her head, quickly pushing them aside. "I'll pick you up in twenty minutes."
"Do you mind if I bring someone with me?"
Ignoring the shot of jealousy she felt Miaka forced cheerfulness she did not feel. "I don't mind. You might need the company. It's going to be a long day."
Hanging up the phone, she noticed her hands were shaking slightly. Why did the thought of Nick being with another woman cause this intense reaction? She had no right to him. None at all. She was engaged to a wonderful man.
So wonderful that he's giving you an ultimatum. The thought made her pause. Once it was out in the open she could not deny that what Tamahome had said to her was exactly that-an ultimatum. Either way she would lose something she loved. Tamahome or her career…there had been a time when the decision would have been easy. Tamahome was her whole world, wasn't he? Then why was the decision becoming more and more difficult to make?
Thirty minutes later, Nick and Kat stepped outside into the bright morning sunlight. Nick quickly put on his Ray Bans and grimaced.
"I hate mornings."
"You need to get out into the sunlight more. You're beginning to look like a vampire!" His sister teased, pulling her hair back into a barrette to keep the long tresses out of her face.
Tugging on a strand that escaped her attention he grinned. "You're one to talk. I thought Charles bought you a membership to that tanning salon."
Kat made a face as she dug her sunglasses out of her pocketbook. "Charles was always trying to change me one way or another. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of using the membership."
"What happened with you guys?"
"Oh look, that must be her." Avoiding her brother's questioning gaze, Kat headed towards the approaching car. "Shotgun." She grinned back over her shoulder, opening the passenger door.
"Brat." He muttered, taking a seat in the back.
His sister quickly turned in her seat, facing Miaka. "Hi! I'm Katherine, but you can call me Kat. You must be Nicky's new editor. My brother was his usual rude self and didn't tell me your name."
Miaka couldn't help but smile at the perky brunette sitting beside her and ignored the rush of relief she felt at hearing this stunning beauty was Nick's sister. "I'm Miaka Yuuki. It's nice to meet you."
"So where's this mystery destination we're headed to?" Kat asked as Miaka pulled the car into traffic.
"There's a new spa about twenty miles outside of town. Very serene. We're getting your brother a make over."
Fastening her seatbelt, Nick's sister glanced at the other woman from the corner of her eye. "You really think this whole woman thing is going to work?"
"It's amazing what a little makeup and the right clothes will do."
"Do I have any say so at all about what happens to me today?" Nick piped up from the backseat, feeling left out of the conversation.
"None at all." Miaka smiled at him in the rearview mirror, surprising him and herself when she winked playfully.
She felt heat suffuse her face when she noticed the small grin on Kat's face as she watched their little byplay. What is wrong with me, Miaka chided herself. One semi-argument with Tamahome and she was all but flirting with another man?
She decided in that moment to distance herself from Nick as best she could. She would not ruin everything she had worked so hard for, and for that which Nuriko had sacrificed himself. She felt tears stinging her eyes as the thought of her beloved friend lying in the snow came to the forefront of her mind and she looked at the image in the mirror once more, at the man who looked so much like him.
She had convinced herself that the resemblance was merely a coincidence. Surely, Suzaku would not be so cruel as to set Nuriko up for yet another disappointment when He knew that she could not love Nuriko the way he deserved, and when He knew that Tamahome was her destiny.
The remainder of the ride was done in silence. Each individual lost in their own thoughts.
Nick watched Miaka's profile as she drove something niggling at the back of his brain. Even after spending time with her he could not shake the feeling that he had seen her somewhere before. His eyes traveled over what he could see of her face and the curve of her neck. A sudden desire to press his lips against the hollow of her neck made him quickly avert his gaze, turning his attention hastily to the passing scenery.
"How long have you been engaged?" Kat's voice broke the silence making the driver and back seat passenger jump slightly.
"Oh! Um, three years now." Miaka answered taking her eyes off the road briefly to smile at the young girl.
"Have you set a date yet?"
"Not yet." Tamahome's proposal popped into her mind and she shook her head in denial. "There are still a few small details to be worked out before we decide on a date."
"Oh? What kind of details?"
"Kat!" Nick exclaimed, his face turning red.
"What? I'm only trying to start a conversation. It's not like the two of you are chatterboxes or anything."
"You're being rude!"
"I'm being curious and friendly." Turning her nose up at her fuming brother, Kat turned her attention back to Miaka. "How long have you and…Tamahome wasn't it? How long have you known each other?"
"Ten years. I met him when I was fifteen."
"Wow, that's a long time. And it's awfully young to meet the man you're going to marry."
Miaka sighed in relief as she saw the large building that was their destination come into view. "We're here!" She said, thankful she could end the current conversation.
The last thing she needed was someone pointing out all the doubts she was having. Especially the biggest doubt of all. How could she, at fifteen, know what love was? She had been so sure back then of what she wanted. Now that she and Tamahome had grown and matured, would their love stand the test of time?
Nick closed his eyes as his chair was turned to face the mirror, afraid to open them to see what damage had been done. The petite blonde had been working on him for well over an hour and he dreaded the result.
"Wow." He heard Miaka gasp and cracked one eye open.
"How does it look?"
"It…looks… great!"
Frowning as he saw the tears forming in her eyes, Nick squinted at his reflection. Quite honestly he didn't look that much different. The stylist had merely added hair extensions, and he was amazed that he could not tell where his hair ended and the artificial began. A long braid hung over his shoulder, reaching his waist before stopping. He had to admit the young woman had done a terrific job. So why was Miaka crying?
"What's wrong?" He asked softly.
Swiping at her tears quickly, Miaka shook her head. "Nothing! You look fantastic!" Throwing a quick smile at Kat she turned. "If you'll excuse me for just a minute." Limping into the next room she fell into one of the soft chairs in the waiting room.
Nuriko-he looked so very much like Nuriko. When would remembering him stop bringing that blinding pain in her heart? Get a grip, Miaka. She told herself, straightening her spine. You still have a lot to do today and it all involves Nick Casey, so get used to the way he looks! Nodding mentally she regained her feet, careful not to put too much weight on her injured ankle. She looked to the doorway to the room where the others were and hesitated, feeling she couldn't face him-not yet.
Over the next ten minutes she stood by her car, convincing herself to calm down. Even if Nick was Nuriko, it changed nothing. She was still his editor and the most they could have was a friendship such as they had those many years ago. A rush of warmth filled her as she remembered her friend and confidant and she smiled. Yes, it would be just as it was then. Then she remembered the night before. The desire she had to feel his lips against hers, the way it had felt to be in his arms. The feeling of belonging.
"Are you alright?" A female voice asked in concern, causing Miaka to jump violently, bringing a hand to her chest.
"Kat! You scared me."
"Sorry about that. I thought you heard me walk up. Nick was worried so I thought I'd come check on you. Everything ok?"
"Fine, fine. I just needed a little fresh air is all."
Kat looked at the older woman with a critical eye, searching for something in her eyes. Finally she nodded and smiled. "I think he's ready for the next step."
Grinning Miaka opened the trunk of the car and pulled out a large shopping bag. "Great! Hopefully everything I bought fits him."
Twenty minutes later Kat and Miaka stood outside the door of a small room designated as Nick's dressing room. "What the hell is some of this stuff?" He shouted through the door.
"Need some help?" His sister asked, starting to open the door.
"No! Just give me a few minutes." Standing with his hands on his slim hips, Nick surveyed the clothing laid out before him. He quickly discarded most of them from possibility and studied what was left over. Picking up a dark-colored fabric he stared at it thoughtfully. Glancing down at the padded bra Miaka had included he chuckled and shook his head. Dressing up like a woman was one thing but he'd be damned if he wore a bra. He tossed the garment aside and pulled his shirt over his head. Time to get this show on the road.
Miaka bit her thumb nervously, waiting for Nick to emerge from the small room. What in the world was taking him so long? She had spent hours at the department store early this morning agonizing on what to buy. She knew he would not want to wear anything too feminine but it had been a struggle to find something that looked as if a man could wear it. Finally she had decided on five outfits. Two were dresses and she knew he would instantly disregard these. Two were suits, complete with jacket and tie. The third was another she knew he would not choose, simply because it was pink.
Her heart skipped a beat as the door slowly opened to reveal Nick wearing one of the two suits. The suit disguised whatever figure he may have and it was impossible to tell if he was male or female. The black shoes he had chosen to wear were also perfect, Miaka had seen both men and women wear the same exact style. A hand came to her mouth as her eyes traveled the length of his body. Any doubts she had been entertaining that this was not her former seishi fled as her eyes met his. He winked and quickly struck a pose.
"Ta-da!" He exclaimed, his voice an octave higher than usual. Miaka and Kat both stared at him, unable to believe the drastic change that the clothes and slight alteration of his voice had done.
Miaka was the most stunned, staring at him, her mouth opening and closing with no sounds emerging. To have her suspicions about him being Nuriko was one thing, to be faced with the unquestionable fact was another. Her head suddenly felt lighter and her hand moved from her face to her forehead.
"Are you alright, Miaka?" Nick asked his smile fading quickly.
"F-Fine…" She whispered, and for the second time in two days, her world turned black.