Burned
Written by: KittyLynne
Legal disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Fushigi Yûgi or its characters; they belong to the immensely talented Yû Watase. I do claim the rights to the original elements of plot and characterization in this tale, as well as the narrative and dialogue. Reproduction of this story in any form without my written consent will be regarded as theft and plagiarism, and will be dealt with accordingly.
Author's notes: This is an edited version of my original fic (see author's notes at end of chapter.) R rated for sensuality, adult situations/conversation and cussing. Unspoken thoughts are in italics. Spoilers for TV series warning. Again, keep in mind that the events portrayed in the second OVA series haven't happened. Thanks to my hubby, a.k.a. The Bandit, for editing this chapter for me, and for his suggestion of a certain key phrase.
Chapter Two: A Touch of Fire
Miaka awakened to the light of a new day and the dewy caress of the morning breeze upon her skin. Yawning, she indulged in a luxurious full body stretch, then watched as the rays of the sun crept across her covers and banished the shadows around her.
As her surroundings were gradually revealed, languor fled and she sat upright with a gasp.
'It wasn't a dream! I'm back in Konan!'
Soft, rhythmic chanting came from the room just outside her screened in cocoon of blankets. She listened intently, and then smiled in recognition of the cadence and pitch of the voice; Chichiri reciting his morning prayers to Suzaku, a ritual he'd performed on the previous journeys they'd taken together. After the emotional and physical upheaval she'd experienced in the last twenty-four hours, it warmed and comforted her to hear him, although Tasuki probably would have some things to say about the early hour.
Tasuki. Was he awake?
Her gaze fixed on the screen that stood between her and the bandit seishi as she recalled past travels and the occasions where they'd shared one room quarters. On the nights she was too keyed up to drift off, she'd always enjoyed watching Tasuki sleep, her amusement derived from the uninhibited way he had of taking a bed, and how he looked so atypically sweet and angelic in slumber.
It had been a fun and innocent pastime, back then, but no longer. Her eyes were now opened to his potential as a man, and because of it, those same memories took on a deeper and sensual meaning.
She had longed for Tasuki's kiss last night. Disappointment over the interruption and thinking of what it would have been like brought a night filled with dreams that had gone far beyond fulfilling that simple wish. Her body thrummed with arousal as she recalled her fiery dream lover. All she had to do was close her eyes, and she could imagine herself touching him, kissing him, wrapping her legs around him as he made them one …
A deep breath was in order, and she took several as she struggled to control her response. The last thing she needed right now was to get swept up in the pursuit of another romantic fantasy-who knew better than she that living a dream wasn't possible outside of the book world? It was crazy. There was absolutely no future in letting herself fall for another of her seishi. It made no difference if Tasuki returned the sentiment in kind.
No matter how committed she was, no matter how much she wanted him, they would be forced to part and she would have to return to her world alone, just like it had happened with Tamahome.
And yet...after all that had happened, even knowing how much pain and heartache that disregarding the rules could and would bring, an incurably optimistic part of her was shouting that she wouldn't regret experiencing all the pleasures of loving a man like Tasuki. Whether it lasted a day or a lifetime, it could be an affair to remember, and better than anything she'd ever known.
'I can almost hear Keisuke while he's reading this- 'there she goes, falling for another one; the more things change, the more they stay the same!' But... it isn't going to be the same with Tasuki. How could it be? I may still be a virgin, but I'm not a star-struck teenager. My eyes are wide open.'
She had clung to the hope that Suzaku would end up granting her secret wish to stay in Konan. When it finally became clear that it wasn't to be, she had decided to make the most of every moment spent with her beloved. Looking back, there was no doubt that she had grown tremendously as a person in being with Tamahome. Her feelings had given her a positive focus during a troubled period in her life, had put her petty teenage problems in perspective and led her to see the big picture lying beyond her insular part of the world.
Those times spent with Tamahome had provided comfort and become treasured memories. Despite the frustration of not having a definitive ending to their courtship, she could honestly say she held no regrets about having fallen in love with him. Because of that wonderful experience, the same heart that had loved Tamahome had the strength and courage to encompass Tasuki and everything he had to offer, conventional wisdom and common sense be damned.
'Loving Tamahome helped me grow up. Loving Tasuki will help me become the woman I wish to be.'
She touched the back of her hand with fingertips, recalling the tender touch of the bandit seishi's lips and the intense way he'd looked at her. He was glad she was here, had initiated their almost-kiss, had looked thunderous at having it interrupted. But what did that mean? She was making the assumption that what he'd done and said last night was the start of something romantic, but maybe it was the result of nostalgia and a bit too much sake?
There was only one way to find out. It might be one of the unnecessary risks Keisuke had warned her against taking, but so be it. She'd been wrong about the kind of closure she needed. Being here wasn't only about finding out where Tamahome had gone, it was about finding a life and being given a chance to live it full out and with enjoyment.
That was something she hadn't been doing since she'd last been here, andit had worried Keisuke greatly.
It would be okay now. For better or worse, she was going to live for love.
'Brother dear, if you're reading this, please understand and forgive me for not being wise.'
As the chants of the monk faded to a murmured benediction, Miaka tossed aside her covers and scrambled out of bed to prepare for what she knew would be one of the most momentous days in her life.
Tasuki flopped onto his back and put an arm across his eyes to block out the light slanting across his pillow. It was an exercise in futility of course; sleeping was no longer an option now that he knew Miaka was awake and moving around.
He tried not to listen to the erotic sounds of her disrobing and dressing again, but it was to no avail. Almost immediately, memories of a scantily clad Miaka standing tall and proud in the Caverns of Genbu floated into his mind-the first time he'd gotten more than a partial glimpse of her beautiful breasts. They had been surprisingly full, with enticingly erect nipples that poked out beneath her silk undergarment. He'd saved her life then, burning and melting the ice serpents that were threatening to freeze the life out of her. He'd earned her heartfelt thanks and a smile that had done wonders for his morale, but after all was said and done, Little Ghost had still been the one who had gotten to grope her…
A sudden flash of color brought his reminiscing to an abrupt halt as his celestial mark blazed to life. Mouthing silent curses, the redheaded warrior quickly doused the light with a hand, and then flung himself over onto his stomach in hopes of suppressing the stirring in his loins. It didn't work; the ache was only increasing its demands to be assuaged. Relieving it himself wasn't an option with his priestess within reaching distance, which meant their was only one other possible option for dealing with his predicament.
Gritting his teeth, he replaced the sexy and sultry image of Miaka in clinging silk with one of a stark naked, loudly cackling Taiitsukun.
Yep, that did the trick. Now he could figure things out with some clarity.
He'd never thought he'd see Miaka again. He had needs, and had bedded women that were schooled in giving pleasure without strings of commitment. He enjoyed their company, treated them well, gave them pleasure in return. A couple of them might have liked to have had the chance to make a more lasting impression on his heart, but he wasn't interested.
Once, in a drunken, maudlin moment of philosophizing, Kouji had told him that there was a huge difference between fucking and making love, and when that difference become important, that would be the woman meant for him. Now he finally understood what his best friend had meant. The meaning of wanting Miaka was in an entirely different realm. What he felt for her ran so much deeper than the simple, primal urge to mate. Physical desire wasn't the source of the pleasure he took in having her near to him, in listening to her speak or watching her smile, or in doing things to please her.
Miaka was the only woman who could make him yearn for the chance to show her how much he cared. She was the first woman that made him want to put her feelings before his own, and to instill the desire to make her so happy she wouldn't be able to see any other guy. She was the first woman that he'd held back with, let go, trying to be content in the expectation that she'd be reunited with his good friend.
But she'd hadn't been. And now, he didn't give a damn about the possible consequences of telling her how he felt. Why the hell was that? What were these feelings all about?
He'd pondered those questions for a while, not caring a whit about sleep.
Sometime later in the night, he realized that the answer to all his questions was, 'because I'm in love with Miaka'.
After getting over the shock of being in love, he was presented with another conundrum; how and when he should let her know.
There was no if about telling her. It wasn't in his make up to be bashful or tongue-tied. But apparently love could make him fret about other stupid things like what words to use, at what time that they should be said, and whether the feelings would be requited or not.
Even if she'd made it obvious that she'd wanted a kiss last night, that was no guarantee she would accept anything along that line from him in the broad light of day. It could have been the booze. Or an emotional reaction from being reunited with an old friend.
Or maybe... he was a stand in for Tamahome?
The notion brought on a scowl.
He'd wanted to bring up Tamahome's absence right away, but for some reason, Chichiri had wanted him to keep quiet. He had humored the monk's signals last night, but today was another matter entirely.
Miaka couldn't expect that they wouldn't ask; Little Ghost was a friend and a comrade- in-arms. More than that, knowing she would have accepted his kiss gave him the right to inquire.
Whether Chichiri approved of it or not, he was going to find out what happened to Tama and what part he still played in Miaka's life. That she'd been permitted to come back to this world made reaching that objective all the more urgent. Past encounters had shown how she could be here and gone in a blink of an eye when her mission was finished, so he couldn't delay. Time was too damn precious for him to be subtle in pursuing the truth.
A soft, rhythmic stroking noise began on the other side of the wall; a pleasant and familiar sound that distracted him from his angst riddled thoughts. His expression lightened, and a smile curved his lips. Miaka was brushing her hair; fifty strokes on each side, if memory served. On their previous travels bunking out in the wilderness, he had secretly enjoyed watching her perform the feminine ritual. Her hair was a real pretty color, shiny and very soft looking. Beckoning to be touched...and stroked...and wound around his fingers as she arched in pleasure beneath him…
Tasuki buried his face in his futon to muffle the profanities that sprang to his lips.
He was hard once again, and a Taiitsukun scenario wasn't going to help him.
Nothing would quench his passion but Miaka herself, and he would have to do whatever it took to get her.
By the time Miaka emerged from behind her screen, Chichiri was in the process of folding up his prayer mat and setting it off to one side of the open window. She offered him a soft 'good morning', and he returned it with a smile, his lone eye sparkling with warmth and affection.
They made small talk, and the subject of the impending journey to Sairo was raised. Miaka was surprised to learn that her warriors were to make the trip on horseback. When she asked why that was, Chichiri heaved a sigh and informed her that it was because the Empress had thought it best for them not to use their seishi powers on a diplomatic visit, and that Tasuki had flatly refused to go by boat.
Miaka hid a smile. Apparently some things never changed, including Tasuki's inability to swim.
"I'm sure the Empress will change her mind about my transporting us when she hears that the Priestess of Suzaku has returned." Chichiri added. "I know she'll want to take any steps she can to insure your saf- "
He broke off as his priestess began to vehemently shake her head no. "What's wrong, no da?"
"Please don't tell her!" She entreated. "I'd prefer it if no one else who knows me finds out that I'm here."
The monk looked perplexed. "May I ask why, no da?"
There was as Miaka struggled with her answer.
"I don't want any fuss. " She finally replied. "I'm not here as a priestess this time. I came back to...to find-"
"Tamahome."
The name cut through the air like a thrown dagger.
Chichiri turned quickly as Tasuki emerged from behind the screen and stepped into the rays of light streaming through the open window. The gazes of the two men clashed, the monk's making it clear that he disapproved of the outburst.
Miaka stared at her fifth seishi, transfixed by how the sunlight caught the flames of his hair and bathed his naked torso in an erotic wash of gold. As he moved forward, her gaze was drawn to the sleep pants that rode low on his hips, taking notice of the way the fabric stretched taut over strong thighs and outlined the intriguing mound that pushed out the fabric at their apex. After a few stomach-fluttering seconds of speculation as to if he wore any kind of an undergarment, she quickly averted her eyes and stared at the floor.
Not that avoiding looking at Tasuki was going torestore her composure; quite the contrary, every nerve ending she possessed was honed to a razor sharp awareness of the man! His growl of voice sent thrills through her, his scent tantalized her, his movements beguiled her... and the thought of touching him was the most powerful stimulant of all.
He came to halt an arm's length away.
When he spoke her name, her gaze skittered back up to his face. Exotic eyes, glittering with emotion, held hers with unblinking intensity.
"So am I right? Are ya here because of Tamahome?"
Overwhelmed by his masculinity, she tried to form an answer.
Chichiri gave her a short reprieve.
"Tasuki, I don't think it's a good time to have this discussion." He said reprovingly.
"There's never gonna be a better time!" The redhead shot back. "We're still her guardians, ain't we? It's our duty to find out why she's here!"
"You could at least wait until after breakfast, no da!"
"Why should I give ya time to think up more reasons not t'talk about it?"
"That you know there's more than one should tell you something, na no da!"
Miaka cringed as her warriors squabbled. She wasn't keen to tackle the sore subject of Tamahome, but the last thing she wanted was to cause trouble between her friends!
"Please don't fight!" She cried out, instantly capturing her warriors' attention. Her eyes glistened with emotion. "Please don't."
"Miaka, you don't have to answer." Chichiri said, casting a digusted look at Tasuki, who stared back, lips set in a hard line.
"It's all right. I should have been straight with the two of you last night as to why I'm here." Her attempt at a smile fell short. "Tasuki is right. Tamahome is the reason for my return."
A deep silence followed her pronouncement.
"So where the hell is he?" Tasuki finally asked. "Why ain't he here with ya?"
"That is the question I've been asking since I went home last time!" She said bitterly. "Tamahome swore that he'd find a way back to me and my world. Nine years have gone by with no sign of him. I was thinking that maybe something happened to him here, that he'd..."
She faltered, unable to give voice to the thought.
"I haven't felt anything like when the others died." Tasuki said quickly. "Right, Chiri?"
Chichiri nodded. "I can't pinpoint Tamahome's life force, but I can sense that he exists, Miaka." He gazed at her with understanding. "I know that isn't going to be much comfort to you, the person who has been looking for him and waiting for so long."
"It is a comfort to know nothing terrible has happened, but wish that I knew what to do. Do I wait? Do I give up? I can't go back, I can't go forward, I can't do anything but wait and wonder." She squeezed her eyes shut to force back tears. "Even if the truth hurts, even if he's moved on or doesn't remember me at all, if I could find out where he is...I'd be able to come to terms with it and get on with my life."
Tasuki stood gazing at her, with forehead wrinkled and eyes dark with empathy.
"Why didn't ya say somethin' about this last night, Miaka? Didn't ya think we'd want t'help ya?"
"I thought it could wait for one more night." She said. "Being as happy as I was last night has been a rare occurence for me, and I didn't want to spoil it. Social gatherings in my world have become few and far between because it was impossible to avoid being paired up by the hosts without giving offense, much less trying to explain the reason why I wasn't interested in meeting anyone!" Her smile was mirthless. "Even if any of the men who showed an interest had been willing to settle for friendship to begin with, I would still have felt as if I were cheating! So why set them up for disappointment?"
"You haven't been socializing because of waiting for Tamahome, no da?" Chichiri asked with concern. During their past times together, Miaka had excelled in making new friends- it was very difficult to imagine her choosing to live a reclusive lifestyle. "Not even with the Priestess of Seiryu?"
"I used to go out with Yui and a couple of other girlfriends." She replied, turning to look at him. "But it's gotten more difficult the older we get. They're juggling families and careers, and they just don't have the time to go out on a regular basis. And to be perfectly honest…on the rare occasions we have gone out, I haven't enjoyed it. They love to talk about domestic things, their husbands and their babies, which tends to emphasize the fact that I'm still alone and still waiting." She bowed her head. "How pathetic and selfish am I, huh? I should be happy for them, and grateful that I had one great love in my life, but it seems that all I can think about is what I won't ever have. It's horrible-"
"It's not pathetic or selfish to want love, no da!" Chichiri exclaimed. "If he couldn't be with you, Miaka, there's no doubt in my mind that Tamahome would tell you to find happiness!"
"Damn straight!" Tasuki agreed. "He'd hate t'hear that you've been hidin' yourself away like some kinda hermit! It ain't healthy!"
Miaka folded her lips to keep them from trembling. The compassion and concern etched in her warriors' faces brought on a welling of emotion that threatened to dissolve the rest of her composure. Having their unconditional support and hearing their affirmation of her right to love whomever she chose meant more to her than words could convey.
"Thank you both," she murmured, bowing and wiping away a stray tear at the same time. "Thank you so much."
"No thanks are necessary! We're your friends, dammit! We want t'see ya happy!" Tasuki said gruffly.
"That's right." Chichiri stepped forward to give her a hug. "Your happiness is ours, no da."
"So will ya let us help ya now?" Tasuki folded his arms across his chest and stared at her.
"Yes." Miaka drew out of Chichiri's consoling embrace, suddenly feeling self conscious under the intensity of the bandit's gaze. "But you've already helped me, Tasuki."
He blinked. "Yeah? How's that?"
Her smile was tremulous. "Because you were here to catch me."
His smile was fierce. "That ain't nearly enough."
Chichiri looked from Tasuki to Miaka and back again. "You know, Miaka, I think we'll all feel better after some breakfast." As he spoke, the monk produced his mask with a wave of his hand and covered his face with the smiling disguise. "I'll go and put in an order to the kitchen, and have the staff bring the trays up to our room. It's best if you keep out of public gathering places like restaurants if you don't want the Empress to discover you're in Konan, no da."
Miaka glanced down at the pale yellow t-shirt dress that she'd slipped on because it was both comfortable and becoming. By modern standards it was quite modest, but in this day and age where women were kept covered from head to foot, the style was bound to raise some ancient Chinese eyebrows. "That's a very good idea. I'm not exactly dressed to fit in around here, am I?"
"So what's wrong with that?" Tasuki asked, as his gaze made a sweep of her body from head to toe. "You're a real knockout, Mi-chan!"
His admiration was unabashed, and would be something to savor when she was alone with her thoughts. Right now, it was bringing on another blush. "Th-Thank you. You're very nice to say that."
He shook his head, half-smiling. "Did ya hear that Chiri? Tellin' the truth means I'm nice!"
Chichiri stared at him in mild astonishment, then replied, "I agree that she looks great the way she is, but she's going to have to dress like the locals if she doesn't want to attract a lot of undue attention, no da." Running a quick, assessing gaze over his priestess, he added courteously, "if you'll permit me the liberty, Miaka, I'll be happy to go and find some clothing for you after I've ordered us some breakfast from room service, of course."
"I'd like that." She agreed, looking rueful. "I'm sorry for the trouble. I'm afraid I don't have any currency you can use... "
"It's no trouble." The monk assured her firmly. "I have more than enough, and we're staying very close to the merchant district, no da."
"A kick-ass idea, Chiri! Me an' Mi-chan will hang out here until ya get back!"
Tasuki sidled over to give his friend a wince inducing slap on the back. Though the warrior mage remained straight-faced, inwardly he was chuckling. It couldn't have been more obvious that Tasuki wanted to get Miaka to himself, a fact that was being underscored by his stuffing the shakajou into the monk's arms while nudging him none too gently towards the exit.
And so it was, after a quick exchange of goodbyes with Miaka and a wild snatch for his discarded footwear, that Chichiri found himself deposited out in the hallway with Tasuki's loud and cheery farewell echoing in his ears. He grinned under his mask as the door to the room was hurriedly closed, and then crouched to slip on his shoes.
When he had finished adjusting the ties to his satisifaction, he stood and eyed the thick wooden panel in contemplative silence.
Nothing had changed from the previous night. Something extraordinary was brewing between his two dearest friends, and the proof was in the drastic elevation of their life forces. That surge confirmed without a doubt that feelings of an intensely romantic nature were present, running deep, hot, and so strong that Chichiri feared he'd have to lower his own chi just to maintain a safe psychic balance in the room.
Upon further contemplation, maybe that wouldn't be necessary. It was quite possible the problem might be resolved in his absence. Tasuki and Miaka getting together physically could be an very effective outlet for draining pent up chi as well as a means for building it up- or so he'd been told.
All right, it was time to stop thinking that way, or he'd have a problem of his own on his hands.
Hot-faced and flustered, the monk hurried off to take care of his errands.
After Chichiri had left, a curtain of silence descended in his wake. Outside the window, Miaka could hear the distant, clamoring strains of an ancient city coming to life, but took little interest in it. As far as she was concerned, her world had narrowed to a single room and the one man standing in it.
Tasuki was staring at her with an expression that suggested that he was trying to read her thoughts.
"Is anything wrong?" She finally asked, when the silence had stretched to a breaking point. "You're really quiet."
He blinked, then smiled. "I was just thinkin'."
"About what?"
"You an' me... an' Tamahome."
"Oh."
A sense of expectancy quivered in the air, as if something was waiting for the right words to release it. This was the opportunity she'd been seeking, but now that it was upon her, she couldn't think of an appropriate response to his admission.
She fiddled with an errant strand of hair, and then tucked it behind her ear, conscious that wolf-like eyes were closely following every movement she made.
The awkward moment lengthened.
Her companion scratched the back of his head, dragged a hand through his bangs, opened his mouth, hesitated, and then blurted, "I was just wonderin' what you're plannin' to do if we don't find Tama? Would ya have to go home?"
It was a fair question, she supposed. Too bad she didn't have a definitive answer.
"If there's no sign of him, I'll just have to accept it." A sigh punctuated the statement. "I...suppose I'd have to go home. I have to face facts. I'm not getting any younger, and I'd really like a family of my own. I'd have to start dating again."
"Eh?" Tasuki's brow creased. "What's this...'dating'?"
"It's a courtship ritual in my world." She explained, smiling in spite of a growing dismay that he didn't appear to be into her. If he was, shouldn't he be talking her into staying instead of asking pointless questions? "When two people like each other and want to see if they're suited as a couple, they go out on dates. It often involves them going to places where they can have fun while getting acquainted…usually someplace where they can eat, drink and talk."
The bandit's engaging grin appeared in full force. "Ya mean, just like what you an' me had goin' last night!"
Confounded by the observation, Miaka gaped at him. "Um… I don't know if that really qualifies as a date…"
"Whaddaya mean?" Tasuki demanded, looking indignant. "We were spendin' time talkin' an' gettin' acquainted, weren't we?"
Excitement fluttered in her chest. "Well, yes..."
"An' weren't we eatin' an' drinkin' an' havin' some fun?"
"We were." She conceded.
"An' if Chichiri hadn't blundered in, I woulda kissed ya…" Expressive eyebrows arched at her loud intake of breath. "What? Isn't smoochin' a part of gettin' to know someone better too?"
Once again, she was floundering for an answer.
"S-sometimes it is, but as you pointed out, both of us had been drinking and-"
She broke off, flustered by the sight of her seishi steadily closing the distance between them. The entire situation was like a wild carnival ride spiraling out of control. She had no idea of what would happen next, or what she should do about it, or if she really wanted to stop it anyway.
Tasuki, on the other hand, seemed to know exactly where all of it was leading; a reversal of roles that she would have found pretty funny if she hadn't been so nervous.
"Don't gimme any 'we had too much t'drink' crap!" He growled. "I knew damn well what I was doin', an' so did you!"
Miaka lifted her chin. This was not the ideal way to lead up to her confessing her love to him, but then again, nothing about her situation was ideal. "What about all the times you told me you couldn't stand women?" She challenged.
"It don't matter how many times I said it."
"Yes it does! I'm a woman!"
"What if ya knew that you've always been the exception?" He shot back.
She stared at him, taken off guard once again. "I...I have?"
"Yeah! An' do ya know why?"
"Because I'm the Priestess of Suzaku?" She guessed.
He smirked. "Wrong."
"Because I'm like a sister?"
"Hell no!"
"Because we got to be good friends?"
"That ain't it either."
He had come to a halt, but was standing so close to her that she had to tip her head back to look into his face.
"No more guesses?" He asked huskily.
"Not a one." She murmured, feeling her limbs going weak with anticipation. "You...you're going to have to tell me."
The muscles in his throat worked as he swallowed, and his chest rose and fell with a deep breath before he answered.
"Because you're th' woman I fell in love with."
Simple words, plainly spoken.
Life's blood.
Miaka's heart beats thundered in her ears, and she couldn't have moved to save her life. She was conscious that her mouth had opened to tell him how she felt, but emotion clogged her throat and the words wouldn't come.
"Too soon, huh?" He said, clearly misunderstanding the reason for her silence. "I figured that, but I don't see any point in lyin' when it's how I feel, and considerin' what almost happened last night." He shrugged and half smiled. "Don't worry about it. No matter how you're feelin' about me, I'm still gonna love and protect ya! But still, if I don't have a chance in hell of ever bein' with ya... I'd rather ya just say so right now."
Miaka gazed at him with a full heart. It wasn't too soon to stop feeling guilty. It was time she stopped cutting herself off from love and started a new chapter in the story that had begun in the National Library. If doing that meant having to cram a lifetime of love into a few days, then so be it; she'd live every one of those days to their fullest. Tamahome would have been the first one to say 'please be happy'. Just as she would have done for him...
"No, it's not too soon." She stated softly. "It's been almost ten years. As a girl, I loved Tamahome, and I'll cherish those memories forever. But what happened last night finally helped me see that hanging on to the past is keeping me from making new memories as a woman."
Tasuki's smile was a match for the sunshine pouring into the room. "You wanna make them with me?"
"Yes." Her tone was firm, and her eyes took on the gleam of determination. "I'm not afraid to say that I love you, Tasuki. Even if that love isn't enough to keep us together in the end, I don't care! I'm not going to play it safe or run away from what I feel! Making and having a memory of love is better than locking yourself away, even if it means getting hurt!"
Sun browned hands lifted to cup her face. "It's not gonna turn out like that for us!" He vowed. "I won't let it!"
The Priestess of Suzaku looked up at her warrior with an expression full of tender anguish. "You have the strongest will of anyone I've known. But even you can't guarantee that we will have a different outcome than those who've gone before."
Amber eyes blazed as they stared into hers.
"Just watch me!" He said.
Everything about the bandit seishi radiated a powerful conviction, and simply looking at him made it very easy for Miaka to discard fear and denial. She believed in Tasuki, trusted that he would do everything in his power to keep his word. If anyone could make the impossible come true, he would be the one.
His hands found her waist, then slid around to the small of her back to pull her closer. In return, her hands came up to rest upon the twin curves of his pectorals, looking ivory pale against his tanned flesh. He felt warm and wonderful, so delightfully smooth and hard. She adored the way his nipples responded to her touch, poking gently against her palms. She rubbed them lightly, and felt a thrill go through her at the low sound of pleasure he made. It had been such a long time since she'd felt so in tune with another person...she could sense his excitement rising in tandem with hers, feel the heat of it rolling off his body, smell the intoxicating scent of it. His breathing was as rapid and shallow as hers, and his heart hammered away with hard, quick strokes beneath her fingers, perfectly in time with her own.
"Hey, Odango." He said teasingly.
She smiled into his eyes. "Hey, Fang Boy."
He grinned and moved closer.
"It's time for the kissin' part now." He murmured. The simmering ardor in his tone wooed her while his eyes beguiled her with sensual promises.
She whispered affirmation, and then closed her eyes in blissful anticipation.
A hand glided up her back to grasp the mass of hair at the nape of her neck, and gently tugged on it to tilt her face upwards. And then his mouth claimed hers, blotting out everything save for the sweet, sweet taste of desire.
Tasuki knew he'd found heaven as soon as his lips touched Miaka's. She was everything to him; his world, his purpose, and his reason for being. He had known that, but this new, intensely physical connection with her made him feel it with a passion that shook him to the core of his being.
His enraptured senses reveled in her. Strands of auburn hair tickled his arm and teased his fingers. He drew in a breath and her subtle perfume wrapped around him, mixed with her womanly scent. She smelled like honeysuckle, felt as supple as silk. Her mouth was incredible; lush, moist and welcoming, and tasted far better than the finest sake he'd ever consumed. Her hands fluttered over his chest, arousing him with light- as-a-butterfly caresses. In response, his own hand made a gentle fist in her hair, holding her head captive as his mouth moved over hers with increasing fervor. He had intended to give her a kiss that would make her forget about everything except him, but instead he found that he was the one who was in danger of losing all reason!
A kiss alone couldn't convey the depth of his feelings for the Priestess of Suzaku.
Crimson flashed as his kanji symbol came to pulsating life. Impatient to get a fuller taste of her, he nudged her lips with his, and felt a thrill of satisfaction when they submitted to the silent demand. As they parted, he quickly slipped his tongue into her mouth to seduce hers with swirling, silken caresses. She was shy at first, content to follow his lead. Then, gradually, she began to assert herself. Her mouth opened a bit wider, her tongue swipes grew a bit bolder. Her hands drifted to his sides, then around to his back where they hovered just above the swell of his buttocks, not daring to venture lower.
Tasuki smiled to himself. That hesitation was a testament to her innocence, and he wouldn't have had it any other way. It thrilled and humbled him beyond all reason that Miaka had chosen him to love, and to be the one to show her all the delights of physical love. He couldn't wait to get started.
She murmured a protest when he broke off the kiss, but then sighed in delight as he nuzzled, nipped and kissed his way down the length of her throat. The hand on her back slipped to her side, and then roamed slowly up to a spot just under her breast and down again; the other left her hair, mimicking the actions of the first. He both heard and felt her sharp intake of air as his hands stroked her, and felt a warm surge of encouragement when she expelled a breath in a quiet moan.
Acting on instinct as to what might please her, he brushed his parted lips gently along the curve of her collarbone, while moving his thumbs in a languorous, back and forth motion along the undersides of her breasts. He could feel the outline of the contraption she called a bra, and knew a moment's frustration. Why couldn't she wear an undergarment he knew how to remove? Ah well, a small inconvenience like an uncooperative chest harness wasn't going to discourage him. So what if her breasts were covered? Hell, for what he had in mind, they wouldn't even be needed!
Nevertheless, they were much too full and tempting for him to completely ignore. His hands slid up to pay homage to the soft mounds, eliciting a low, sexy whimper that sent a fresh rush of blood to his sex. Ignoring the demands of his own flesh, he ran his tongue tip up and over the tendons at the base of her neck, then lightly nipped at them with his fangs as he continued to palm the sweet curves of her breasts. A louder moan resonated beneath his lips, and he smiled against her skin. Surprising, how gratifying it was to set his own urges aside in favor of satisfying Miaka's.
And now, with the thought of satisfying her in his mind, he would kneel to his lovely Priestess and worship her lovely body with his mouth and hands and tongue. It would leave him aching to have more of her, but that didn't matter. It was the perfect solution to the time constraint under which Chichiri's impending return had placed them- and besides, he'd already made the decision that this time would be all about Miaka. After enduring nine years of loneliness and heartache, this woman deserved all of the happiness and pleasure he could possibly give to her!
He quickly debated whether to take her back to the futon, then rejected the idea. His loins were throbbing with the savage urge to fill and possess, and having her in that position would make it too easy for him to succumb to his desires. That delight would wait for another time when they wouldn't have to rush through the preliminaries to the act of love. Though he'd never been with a virgin before, he knew that a woman's first time could be heaven or hell...and damn it, he was going to give Miaka heaven, no matter how long it took! If it meant suffering from a perpetual hard on for a while, so be it.
Miaka watched from beneath half- lowered eyelids as her warrior dropped to his knees in front of her, then caught her breath as his caressing hands found the backs of her thighs. "Tasuki…wha...what are you doing?"
He looked up at her, eyes smoldering beneath soot colored lashes. "Don't know a proper name for it, so I'll just call it…'sharin' Miaka's peach'."
Before she could utter a single word of protest, he reached for the hem of her dress and pulled the material up around her waist, exposing creamy skin and shimmering pink silk panties to his burning gaze. She gasped, and then hurried to cover the telltale damp spot that had formed between her legs, but Tasuki waylaid her hand and pulled it away.
"There isn't any reason to hide from me, Mi-chan!"
She stared at him as her face grew hot from mortification. "Why?" She whispered. "Why do you want to look at that?"
"I like seein' you this way." He replied in a gentler tone. "Knowin' that I can excite ya gets me even more so." He glanced down at himself, then back at her. "An' if ya don't believe that… take a look for yourself."
Miaka glanced down as frank curiosity overcame timidity. Undeniable proof of her seishi's words was straining against the cloth that presently confined it. Forgetting her self-consciousness for the moment, she stared at it, wondering what the impressive ridge would look like when uncovered.
Her seishi remained motionless, letting her look.
"Just like you are th' way you are because of me, I'm this way because of you." He said, when her eyes finally met his. "There's no need t'be shy about it when we're together, because it's the way things are supposed t'be! Understand?"
She found she could smile as embarrassment faded. With her free hand, she smoothed back the swatch of bangs that had fallen over one of his eyes.
"I understand." She said softly.
"And?"
"And I promise I won't try to hide how I feel about you any longer."
"Good girl. Now, would ya let me do somethin' for ya? Somethin' t'make ya forget your troubles an' feel good?"
Miaka gazed down at her warrior, visually drinking in his strong, masculine beauty while she considered her answer. Allowing herself to be intimate with Tasuki was a thought that both excited and scared her. She'd been dreaming of a moment like this for years, all the while thinking that it would happen with Tamahome and wrapped within in the bonds of matrimony. After all she'd gone through in waiting for that moment, letting go of her old way of thinking wasn't easy.
However, after years of regret, the fear of missing out on the chance to be loved by the incredible man now kneeling before her was far stronger.
Her choice was clear.
"All right, Tasuki." She said in a half-whisper. "But only if it's something you want to do."
"There ain't no 'if' about it for me." He responded huskily. "I wanna do this."
Fiery devotion blazed in his eyes as he brought the hand he held captive to his lips. Turning it over, he pressed a kiss into her palm before lowering it carefully to her side.
Then he turned his full attention to the pursuit of her happiness.
Miaka allowed her head to fall back against the wall as new, incredible sensations rippled through her body. The fire that Tasuki had kindled within her was building to a white-hot intensity- a blaze that was fueled by far more than physical needs. His extraordinary selflessness had overcome all of the formidable defenses she had built against loving someone new… and in return, his love had filled the huge void in her heart. No one else had ever made her feel this good or this wanted. His kisses and caresses consumed her, bound her tightly to him in heart, body and soul.
Just the mere thought of that bond was bringing her close to the pinnacle.
Muscles tightened, and multiple sensations coalesced into a single ball of need. Her heartbeats thundered and her head restlessly turned from side to side against the wall while the fragrance of her desire grew even stronger. Tasuki's hands were back on her hips, pinning them securely in place as his mouth took intimate possession of her once again. Rendered helpless under his sensual onslaught, she moaned his name, bucking and straining against his firm grasp as his facile tongue and lips coaxed and tugged her towards ecstasy.
There was no turning back, no escape from the inevitable. Nothing existed for her except the feel of a warm, wet mouth and calloused hands, and the unbearable tension spiraling within her loins.
She stiffened, then arched towards fullfillment. She was an ignited fuse…burning hot… ready to explode…
At the climax of sensation, she tipped her head back to release a throttled cry. Pure and unfettered pleasure spilled from her like lava and she surrendered to its throbbing flow with abandon, riding the blissful wave as far as she could. In the back of her fevered mind she knew Tasuki was riding the crest right along with her, holding her fast, loving her with his mouth, determinedly prolonging her enjoyment in every way he knew how.
When intense sensation had abated to pulsing aftershocks, she sagged back against the wall, for the moment reduced to a weak-kneed mass of satiated flesh. Basking in the aftermath of spent passion, she could barely stir as her lover continued to tenderly nuzzle her. Only when his mouth and hands stilled and then began to withdraw from her did she revive enough to murmur a heartfelt objection.
They were only parted for the time it took the bandit seishi to get to his feet.
Their gazes locked, eyes silently reaffirming their newly discovered love as Tasuki drew her into the circle of his arms. Tipping her face up with a hand, he bent his head to administer a slow and open-mouthed kiss that made her feel as if they were melting into one being. Miaka released her hold on the rolled up dress to wind her arms around his neck. The scent and taste of her was on his lips and tongue, but she didn't mind. How could she mind a little thing like that when he had just given her the most intense pleasure she'd ever felt?
When their mouths parted, she swayed a bit, still wobbly from the effects of what had been done for her. The bandit seishi's encircling arms steadied her, and then tightened possessively as he regarded her with blatant satisfaction.
"You're lookin' a bit limp, Odango." He teased, with a wicked grin. "Better grab on t' me until ya get your legs back!"
She obeyed with a tiny giggle, which promptly changed to an exclamation of dismay as she felt a hardness pressing into the lower part of her belly. "Tasuki! You're still- you need-I want to-"
The seishi of fire stopped her sputtering with a gentle hand over her mouth. "Better not, Chiri will be back soon. I'll be happy if ya say I made it good for ya."
Her eyes misted at the tenderness glowing in his. "It was so good. The best. But-"
Her protest was stifled by a kiss that had her holding on to him for dear life.
"You haven't had the best I got yet." Tasuki promised, as the kiss finally ended. His grin was wide and wicked, as he added, "Consider that a fair warnin'."
When a parcel-laden Chichiri finally returned to the room almost an hour after he had left it, he made sure to knock politely. Relief filled him when an immediate summons came from within and he entered the room to find Miaka and a fully dressed Tasuki chatting happily as they dug into the delicious looking breakfast that had been delivered in his absence.
At first glance the scene seemed completely innocent, but the monk didn't put much stock in first impressions. A second look produced some interesting details; Miaka's hair now tumbled wildly about her face, her dress had acquired some very interesting wrinkles, and only a totally blind man could miss how brightly the Priestess' green eyes shone every time she looked at Tasuki. In return, the bandit seishi was looking at Miaka as if he'd rather be eating her than the food she insisted on serving him. The chi levels swirling around him only added to the mystery; Tasuki's was wildly jagged and elevated, but Miaka's had subsided to a tranquil, smooth pulse.
Chichiri found himself pondering the situation as he set down his shakajou and bundles. Something had to have happened to Miaka to effect such a change…but if the two of them had done anything shouldn't both of them be relaxed? What could have gone on that would have produced such an unbalanced effect?
The answer that occurred to him brought on a such strong reaction in his own body that he was forced to sit down, cover his lap with a breakfast plate, and start piling food on it with a haste unbecoming to a disciplined monk. Luckily for him, Tasuki and Miaka were too wrapped up in conversation to notice.
It was really none of his business, and besides that, his personal vow of penitence included forsaking carnal knowledge of women. Merely thinking about sex could end up leading him into trouble; therefore it would be the best thing for all of them if he kept his insatiable curiosity in check...
To be continued!
A bit of fic history: This story wasn't intended for posting on this site, but after a plagiarist cut and pasted/posted it here, I decided to put it up in an edited form. I want to express my thanks to all of you who reviewed after chapter one and asked for more- I'm so happy to know that you liked it. That being said, I have to confess that I don't know if I'll be able to post any more of it here. Editing this story down to an acceptable rating without losing 'the mood' presents a stiff challenge…:turns beet red and grins:
Guess I'll wait and see if the response is favorable to having 'censored' chapters and then decide if it's worth editing the rest in a like manner.
Again, thank you so much to all who have taken the time to read and review this story.
Best wishes,
KittyLynne