Trials of the Heart

by Seshiri

Part 1 of Ch8 is up! I intend to finish this fic! This is the SEQUEL to Broken Promises! Seiryuu AND Suzaku seishi are reincarnated and have to go on a suicide mission fight a demon bent on taking over the world! Not like OVA R&R Please

6. Trials of the Heart Chapter 6

A/N: ^_^ Yes, you're reading correctly! CHAPTER SIX!!!! Finally! I know it took a long time-but don't hurt me *cringes* At least I eventually got it up, right?

Hmm sorry, this one isn't as lengthy as I'd like it to be . but it was stuck on my old crap computer for… about a year, so I didn't get to add anything. AND I had started on chapter 7, so I can't add anymore to this one, all I could do was edit it, and mess around with it ^_^ which is always fun. And then I figured I should get Ch 6 off the evil crap computer first, before I do Ch 7 ^_^; so that one's about 1/3 done… yeah.. anyway… forgive the characters in this if they seem a little evil... There's a little ragging on Miaka.. but she deserves it! I swear! Anyway *cough* have fun reading ^_^V

Chapter 6

Nanuri nestled her head against Nuriko's chest, taking quick breaths. "I can't believe it…" She said quietly. "Wait…" She looked up into Nuriko's eyes. "Hm?" "You mean.. that.. that if I hadn't done that experiment with Ashitare… given him my blood… none of this would have happened? To us at least?"

Nuriko sighed and placed a comforting hand on Nanuri's back. "Hai." Nanuri stared at nothing, shaking her head. "….." Seshiri sighed and grabbed a blanket resting on the armrest beside her. Miaka blinked before frowning.

"But I don't understand." "Nani?" Nuriko asked. "Why would Yokoshima want THEIR blood? No offense or anything!" She said with a nervous laugh. "But like. Doesn't he want me? Why didn't he just. You know get my blood?" Nuriko smiled slightly. "He did want your blood…." "But then why-" "I'll tell you."

~*~ Nuriko's Story Continued! ~*~

Nuriko looked around, doing his best to remain calm. He shot a nervous glance at Tasuki. "Tasuki." "Nani?" Tasuki looked up. "We're in the Monastery…" "Nani?" He asked with a puzzled look on his face. "The Monastery. Where they summoned Seiryuu… and-" "Where Seshiri died…" "Come on. We have to get out of here!" Nuriko said, starting forward.

Out of nowhere a herd of demons appeared, growling. Tasuki jumped back. "HOLY SHIT!" One of them stepped forward with a growl. "You are in OUR care until Yokoshima-sama returns.." "Hey! It can talk!" Tasuki said with a growl. The demon lunged for Tasuki, roaring. "AAAH HOLY SHIT!" Tasuki jumped back, trying to dodge the sharp claws coming at him.

Nuriko turned to the demons and glared. He got ready for attack as his bracelets began to work their magic. "Ok. I'm ready for you." He said in a quiet but forceful voice. The demons looked at each other and grinned before jumping at him.

"STOP!" Yokoshima roared, his voice filling the Monastery. The demons curled up into balls, whimpering as Yokoshima stepped around them. "Bakane! I told you not to harm them! That is MY job!" He turned to the demon that had attacked Tasuki first. "BAKA… I thought I told you to ready them in their chambers!" "G-g-g-gomen Yokoshima-sama! We just wanted to have a little fun!" "Fun?" Yokoshima growled. "H-h-h-hai!" He stuttered. "It will never happen again Yokoshima-sama!" "Make sure it doesn't.." Yokoshima turned to Tasuki and Nuriko. "Guards!" A group of demons stepped forward.

"Take them to their rooms." "Together?" One of them asked. "Of COURSE together! BAKA!" "Like. In the same room?" "NO! I mean take them to their rooms TOGETHER at the SAME TIME but put them in separate rooms!" "Oh… I don't get it…" "UGH!"

Tasuki snorted, trying not to laugh at the demon's failure to cooperate. Yokoshima whirled on him. "You had better watch your step…" Tasuki rolled his eyes as the demon's grabbed him and pulled him away. "HEY! Watch the clothes! Grrr…. Bitch, I'll roast you if you-" Tasuki yelled as his voice died away.

The other demons started for Nuriko, grabbing his arms. "NO!" Nuriko yelled, sending them flying with one punch. "Hmm… I forgot. Your Seishi power is strength. I better take you myself." He grinned and grabbed Nuriko's arm, dragging him away to his room.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Yokoshima threw Nuriko against the wall. Stepping forward he pulled out a pair of handcuffs that glowed green. Yokoshima turned to the small herd of demons that had followed him. "Now. Strap him down to the chair and the interrogation shall begin." Interrogation?!.. what are they going to do to me..? Nuriko watched helplessly as they sat him down in a chair, pulling it towards a large pole in the room. They took the glowing hand cuffs and put them behind the pole, snapping them to his wrists.

"Why?" Nuriko asked, watching Yokoshima. Yokoshima smiled and leaned towards Nuriko. "Why did you do this? Why did you get Seshiri and Nanuri's blood? Why not Miaka's?" Yokoshima sighed and turned his back to Nuriko. "That was my plan originally. I was going to have Ashitare pull MIAKA into the darkness, then I would activate the device I put inside him to force him to take her blood. After that I would make another Miaka, have Ashitare kidnap the real one, and put the other fake Miaka in her place. I was going to have the fake one try to kill you all in your sleep." "But?" Nuriko asked.

"But.. That baka mutt screwed up. He pulled Seshiri into the darkness. He told me later he was trying to 'apologize' or some shit like that. However all I saw was a person being pulled into the darkness. Thinking it was Miaka I activated the device. When Tasuki went to save her I knew I had made a mistake." Yokoshima rubbed his forehead and continued. "And then Nanuri came. She offered Ashitare her blood in that fatal experiment of hers. I decided that 2 were better than one so I-" Yokoshima stopped short. "Why am I telling you? You have no need to know!" Yokoshima whirled on Nuriko, leaning in close.

"No matter what my plan was." He sneered. "It changed." "Well I could see THAT.." Nuriko said. Yokoshima's eyes narrowed. "You had better be praying to Suzaku. And if you aren't. You should. Because you will never leave this place alive. You will never see Nanuri again. You will never see any of your old friends again. And I will make sure of that…" Nuriko glared at Yokoshima, spitting in his eyes. "AH!!" Yokoshima leaned back, rubbing his eyes. Chuckling, he shook his head. "Baka…" Yokoshima grinned down at Nuriko. "You shouldn't have done that.." He chided. Yokoshima's eyes wandered to Nuriko's hands, and saw the bracelets for the first time. He smirked.

"You don't need those bracelets, do you?" Yokoshima asked with a chuckle, stepping forward. Yokoshima reached for the bracelets greedily. "NO!" Nuriko yelled forcefully as a red light glowed around the bracelets, knocking Yokoshima back.

The demons huddled around each other whispering fearfully. Yokoshima stood up, staring in awe at the bracelets. "How did they-……" Yokoshima's eyes grew dark as he turned and walked to the door. "I am leaving. Watch him and wait for the doctor." With that he left, slamming the door behind him.

"Doctor?" Nuriko asked. The demons hissed back and forth with each other before one answered. "Hai. Yokoshima-sama is going to have a Doctor give you a truth serum, to make you tell the truth when he asks you questions!" "Oh.. When will this be?" The demon scrunched up it's face. "I don't know. Whenever it is done with your friend… so.. probably sometime this week…. Until then we will watch you and feed you." Nuriko looked down at the ground and sighed.

Is Yokoshima telling the truth? Am I really going to never see Nanuri-koi again?…. Of course it is. I didn't really think he'd let me leave alive did I?

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

How long have I been here? Nuriko asked himself. It seems like.. forever… He looked up at the demon's sprawled across the floor. I wonder how Tasuki is doing?… I wonder how Nanuri is doing… I hope- Nani? Nuriko looked up as the door opened and an aged demon stepped in. He carried a silver case. Setting it on the table he opened it. Smiling at Nuriko he said, "We are going to have some fun, ne?" Nuriko glared at him silently. "You certainly took your time getting to me."

The doctor shook his head, smiling as he pulled out a needle. "Perfect…" Nuriko stared at it. Oh Suzaku.. that thing has to be… 6 inches long!! The demon smirked and walked towards Nuriko. Nuriko fought, trying to get free. Dammit. Yokoshima gave me these hand cuffs on purpose! They're too strong for me!….

Nuriko was brought out of his thoughts as the needle punctured his arm. Nuriko bit back a yelp as he said. "Hey, aren't you gonna swab that with alcohol!?" The doctor looked at him blankly before continuing with the serum. Nuriko winced as the doctor pulled the needle out slowly. "Now." He said in a raspy voice.

Nuriko closed his eyes as the room slowly dulled, fuzzing out. The doctor grinned triumphantly, smacking Nuriko's cheek. Nuriko's eyes opened slowly. "Nani?" He said groggily. Why is it getting harder to talk…? He thought. "Now.. is it working?" "Hai." Nuriko answered.

The demons around them laughed quietly. "Why are they here?" Nuriko asked. "In case you try to escape, but I am going to be asking the questions here. "Oh." "Let's test this shall we? What is your name?" "Ryuuen Chou." "Good good good. What is your Seishi symbol?" "Yanagi." "And your Seishi name?" "Nuriko." "Good. Now. How much do you know about Yokoshima?" "T-that he's a bastard who's gonna pay…" "He is?" "Yes." "Who's going to make him pay?" "I am." "Do you know where Yui is?" "….." The doctor was becoming impatient. "DO YOU KNOW WHERE YUI IS!?" Nuriko only looked up at him with a glazed look on his face.

"REKKA SHINEN!" Flames filled the room, roasting the demons. Their shrieks pierced the darkness, but Nuriko was unharmed. "Tasuki?" "NURIKO!" Tasuki shouted, jumping into the room. "Are you ok?" "No. Do I LOOK fucking ok!?" "…" Tasuki looked him up and down. "No you look like shit." "Thanks." Tasuki scanned the room, recognizing the doctors body. "Aha!" He sifted through the doctor's still burning coat, pulling out a blue like key. Without a word he went behind Nuriko and tapped the key to the cuffs, which instantly dispersed. "Ok, Nuriko, you gotta get out of here. The alarm has been raised, we should split up. I'll meet back with you In the town below." Without a word Tasuki bolted from the room.

Nuriko stood in the center of the room, gasping for air. And now to get the hell out of here! Nuriko walked to the door, poking his head out and looking around cautiously. Good. No one… But which way do I go..? Damn… Nuriko sighed. What is Tasuki DOING? How did he get free?

He turned and ran down the left corridor. I hope this leads to the way out!

~*~ End Nuriko's Story ~*~

"After that I wandered around until I got out." "But.. you didn't remeet with  Tasuki..?" Seshiri asked. Nuriko shook his head. "No.. Gomen Seshiri…" "And what happened after you got out?" Nanuri asked.

"I just. Left. I walked through the desert and came to Hokkan. And that's where I found you guys." Nuriko closed his eyes, hugging Nanuri. Seshiri sighed, looking over at Miaka and Tamahome. "So… Ashitare is the traitor?" Tamahome asked. "No." Nuriko said. "Yokoshima tricked Ashitare into thinking he was trying to help us." Miaka shivered and snuggled up to Tamahome. "That's.. SCARY…" Tamahome nodded and hugged Miaka closer.

"So.." Seshiri ventured. "You.. You don't even know if Tasuki is still alive…?" "I…. I don't know what happened to him after we were separated." "Oh." "Did you see Yui-chan?" Miaka asked. Nuriko shook his head. "I didn't see anyone." "Damn." Suboshi said between clenched teeth. Seshiri stood up. "I think I'm gonna go upstairs.." "Are you ok Seshi-chan?" Gurase asked, standing up. Seshiri smiled slightly. "Yeah. I'm ok."

Gurase shot Hotohori a glance. "I think I'll go up too-" "No it's ok, you can stay here." Seshiri said. "Where IS Ashitare anyway?" Seshiri stopped in her tracks at Kaeli's question. She turned around. "That's a good question.. I haven't seen much of him since the festival. Chichiri shrugged. "Who knows no da. But no da…. It would be a good idea to find him no da… Who knows what trouble he's got in no da!"

"It's ok." Nakago said. "He is in the room and has been there for the past few hours." "How do you know?" Tamahome asked. "I mean.. who knows where he is!" "I have been looking after Ashitare.. as much as it displeases me… I ordered him to stay in his room for fear that he would scare the inn residents. He would not dare disobey me."

Nanuri shivered at the thought of Ashitare and Nuriko hugged her. "It's ok. I'm sure he's just up in his room." "He is." Tomo said, looking at his shin. "He's right there asleep on the floor." Miboshi leaned in to look. "Yeah, the mutt's right there…"

"Didn't Taiitsukun-sama give Ashitare his new form so he would not frighten the civilians?" Chiriko asked. "Well YEAH but Ashitare still scares the hell outta me!" Amiboshi answered. "He's just. I don't know!" "The vibes from him are not exactly good." Mitsukake said reasonably.

"Good point." Amiboshi said, blinking. "So when is the baby due?" Nuriko asked. Mitsukake smiled. "Only a few weeks left." Nanuri opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off as the door blew open.

The group jumped as the cold air blew in. Seshiri gaped as Tasuki stumbled in, falling to the floor. "TASUKI!" Seshiri yelled, rushing over to him. "Seshiri." He said quietly. "Come on Mitsukake! He's almost frozen solid!" "I fucking HATE the snow…" Tasuki mumbled.

Mitsukake smiled, holding his hand over Tasuki. The healing light poured from his hand, enveloping Tasuki. "Much better!" He said, smirking. Tasuki sat up and looked around. "Miss me?" Seshiri grinned. "Baka." "Tasuki!" Nuriko said with a grin. "How did you get out?" Tasuki shuddered. "You don't wanna know." They stared at him. "Why didn't you meet me in the town?" Nuriko pressed. Tasuki sighed and rubbed his head, as if it hurt. "I got sidetracked." "Did you find Yui?" Miaka asked urgently. "No.. Gomen nasai Miaka-chan."

"But what happened no da?" Tasuki grinned. "Ok well what happened was that fuckin' Yokoshima guy caught me, and locked me back up." Tasuki's face paled a little but he continued on. "An then he left to get you, an those stupid demon's left with him… I spose in all the commotion they didn't realize they had ta handcuff me again with those glowy things."

Seshiri stared at him. "Seriously?" She asked. Nuriko frowned. "They didn't seem THAT stupid.." Tasuki snorted. "Are you kidding me?" Nuriko grinned. "Well you're right." "Anyway I got lost in that dammed desert but worked my way back here. I even saw you Nuriko!" "NANI?" Chibi-Nuriko asked. "Hai!" Chibi-Tasuki said with a smirk. "In that desert!" "Are you sure it wasn't a mirage?" Chibi-Nuriko asked, frowning. Chibi-Tasuki blinked. "Well I hadn't thought of that… But it LOOKED like you!"

Seshiri grinned and hugged Tasuki. "You're finally back! Nuriko told us everything that happened to him, so we know the whole story!" "Ya do huh? Well that's good." Tasuki yawned. "I'm tired…" Nuriko frowned. "Tasuki?" "Hm?" "Where's your tessen?" Tasuki glared at the floor.

"That bastard Yokoshima took it…. When he got me back the second time." "Nani?" Nuriko blinked. "Well didn't he take yer bracelets?" "No… Suzaku protected them." Tasuki's jaw dropped. "NANI?! THAT'S NO FAIR WHY THE HELL DIDN'T HE PROTECT MY TESSEN AN PROTECTED YER CRAPPY BRACELETS!?"

Tamahome laughed. "Eeheehee maybe it's because they're more important than your cheap tessen!" Chibi-Tasuki stood up and shook his fist at Tamahome. "Hey! My tessen is not fucking cheap! It's made of solid diamond!" Seshiri grinned. "ANYWAY." She said, changing the subject. Seshiri hugged Tasuki. "Tasuki!.. I missed you so much!"

Tasuki sighed. "Seshiri. When I was over there I thought I wouldn't make it out alive." Seshiri blinked. "And?" "Well.. Seshi-chan. You have to understand this was a life changing experience for me…" Seshiri gulped. "A-And?" "And.. well… I… I love Miaka." The whole room froze.

"Nani?" Seshiri asked, her heart quickened, she could feel it dropping into her stomach. "I.. I don't understand.." She said. "I don't understand it either Seshi-chan…" Tasuki said, looking down. "But I realize now.. the only woman I've ever loved. The only woman I could ever love.. is Miaka…" Seshiri took a step back and crumpled to the floor, staring at nothing. After all that… After all that…. He doesn't even love me?

The whole room was silent, watching Tasuki as he sighed and stood up. "Miaka." He said softly. He stepped towards her, pushing Tamahome out of the way gently. Tamahome stared at Tasuki. Tasuki looked down at Miaka. "Miaka." He said again. "Ai shiteru Miaka…" "Nani?" Miaka asked. Tasuki put his hands on her shoulders. "Miaka. We're meant to be together. When I was away I realized that." Miaka stared at him and shook her head slightly. "N-no.. I love Tamahome!" "No Miaka! Don't you understand?" Miaka bit her lip. "I.. Tasuki…" She said quietly, looking down.

Tasuki smiled slightly. "You see? You care for me too. Deep down, you desire me just as much as I want you." Tamahome glared at Tasuki. "Tasuki.." He said in a warning tone. "Shut up obake-chan this doesn't concern you." "Yes it does! You're-you're.. you've got my bride in your hands!" Tasuki rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Miaka.

"Tasuki.." She said quietly, looking up into his eyes. He looked at her, smiling. "Miaka…" Tasuki put his hands around her waist, kissing her.

What..? Is this some sort of joke? He can't possibly be serious….. I mean.. how.. why… what..? Seshiri turned around to look at Tasuki and Miaka, still embracing. Tamahome clenched his fists and glared at them.

"Miaka." He said dangerously. "What do you think you're doing?" Miaka looked over at Tamahome apologetically. "He… He's right Tamahome… I really do love him. I've always loved him deep down. I just. Never realized it." Tamahome stared at her. "N-nani? But-… I'm in love with you! I thought you were in love with me! I crossed worlds for you!.. more than once!"

Miaka looked down, still in Tasuki's arms. "I… I.." She said quietly. "Gomen nasai, Tamahome…." Tamahome stared at her, shaking his head. "No!" He shouted. "I promised you, Miaka, that I would make you the happiest bride in the world, and for a while I thought I had!.. Miaka… how could you do this to me? After all we've been through?"

Seshiri just stared at them, silently. This can't be real. It can't be! It's gotta be a nightmare…… I thought. How could he…? why did..? Gurase rushed over to Seshiri's side quickly. "Seshiri.." She whispered solemnly. Seshiri looked at Gurase. "This.. this isn't really happening is it? This is.. this is just a trick right?" Seshiri stood up with Gurase's help. She forced a laugh. "Tasuki, it's ok. You can stop playing around now… Tasuki.. Tasuki PLEASE stop!.. I get it, I get the joke. Please.. Tasuki.."

Tasuki refused to meet Seshiri's gaze, only looking down at his own two feet. Seshiri stared at him, waiting for an answer. "Is that it then?" Tasuki looked up at her with pain filled eyes. "Gomen nasai.." He whispered. Seshiri blinked before turning her back to him. "I'll be in my room.." She said before turning around and going upstairs.

Gurase and Nanuri shot each other a look before saying in union "We should go up and talk to her." They raced upstairs, Soi following slowly behind.

Seshiri looked up as Gurase and Nanuri entered. "Hi." Gurase said, taking a seat next to Seshiri on the cot. "Hi." She answered. Nanuri leaned back against the wall. "All guys are assholes." She announced. Seshiri smiled slightly. "Yeah…" She looked around. "I could REALLY use a pint of ice cream…" Nanuri gasped. "It comes in PINTS?" Seshiri grinned sadly at the Pippin line.

Gurase laughed, shaking her head. "Whatever, whatever." Seshiri frowned. "I just don't get him… He's not serious RIGHT?" "I'm afraid he is!" Soi said, standing in the door. Shutting it behind her she walked in and sat in a chair. "He LOOKED pretty serious anyway. Besides what kind of JERK would play a trick like THIS?" Seshiri looked at the floor. "Good point.." She sighed.

"I just don't GET it…" She continued. "He.. He said he loved me! And I believed him! I thought I was the person he loved. Not a crush, not some little fling. But love. True love. The kind Nuriko and Nanuri have! The kind Gurase and Hotohori have! The kind we all thought Miaka and Tamahome had."

Nanuri sighed. "Well. There are some assholes in this world-.." She frowned. "And the other one.. that will just use a girl until they've had enough." Seshiri continued to watch the floor. "I just don't understand! I thought he cared about me more than THAT.." "We all did." Soi said.

Gurase watched Seshiri closely. "You know Seshi-chan. You can cry if you want to…" Seshiri looked over at her friend. "I dunno.. I feel like crying.. but. I can't! I dunno, it's hard to explain. It's just like. There are no tears left to cry over Tasuki, I've used up all my tears on him."

Nanuri smiled slightly. "Well that's good I guess. Cuz if this ever happened to me I'd be bawling like the crybaby I am!" Seshiri grinned. "Yeah." "It IS too bad they don't have ice cream in this world…" Gurase said, looking around. They all looked up at the knock on the door. "Who iiis iiit?" Nanuri called. "It's just Kaeli!" "AND Tomo!" "Yeah and Tomo!" "Come on in!" Seshiri called. Kaeli grinned, opening the door a crack. "Hellooo." She said, stepping in. Tomo followed closely behind her.

"So how are you all doing?" Tomo asked, looking around. "We have dubbed that all guys are assholes." Gurase said. "And that they should all burn in hell." Seshiri finished.

"Hey!" Tomo said indignantly. "I'M a guy TOO!" Soi snorted. "Well you don't count.." "Who here thinks Miaka is a selfish brat who wants all the bishies to herself?" Nanuri said, raising her hand. Everyone in the room raised their hand. "Wait." Tomo said. They all looked at him blankly. "She wants ME?" Chibi-Tomo asked frantically. "BAKAAAA!" Chibi-Gurase shouted, whapping him. "OW…" SD Tomo twitched on the floor. "Once again, you don't count." Soi said. Tomo muttered, sitting down on the floor.

Seshiri giggled, watching the two. "ANYWAY." Kaeli said with a grin. "ALL guys are jerks…" They turned to Tomo, waiting for a response. He just looked up at them blankly. "Nani? Kakakaka…" Kaeli rolled her eyes. "Omg." Gurase said. "Did you know, once there was a guy who found a genie, but the genie only did one wish-"

"Why?" Seshiri interrupted. "Well I don't KNOW but-" "Was it because he was too worn out?" "Well I don't really KNOW-" "Or was he just a different kind than the three wish genie?" "I DUNNO! Don't ask me!" Gurase cleared her throat. "Anyway. A man asked the genie if he could be the smartest person alive. The genie said yes, and the man was turned into a woman!"

Nanuri snorted. "That fits perfectly!" Seshiri frowned. "But Why-" They looked up at another knock on the door. "Who is it?" Soi asked. "Miaka!" Miaka said happily. Seshiri rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Er.. don't come in!" Soi said. "Yeah!" Nanuri seconded. "Why not? You're all having a girl party and I wanna come in!…" PARTY?!... How could Miaka do this? She was one of my best friends.. And Tasuki.. I.. loved.. him.. I gave him my heart.. and he used it for a while… and now he says he loves Miaka instead? Gurase looked around. "Because um. Because we don't want you in here! That's why!" She shouted through the door.

They heard Miaka stomp away and grinned at each other. "Anyway-" Tomo began when yet another knock interrupted them. "WHO IS IT?!" Nanuri yelled. "Amiboshi!" They looked over at Seshiri who frowned before shaking her head. "DON'T COME IN!" "Um. Ok. Just tell Seshiri that I wanna talk to her later!" Amiboshi walked away.

They all turned to Seshiri. "WHAAT?" She asked. "He's just a little prick that wont leave me alone!" "Suuuuuuuure." Nanuri said with a grin. "SHADDUP!" Seshiri yelled, throwing a pillow at Nanuri. "ANYWAY!" Tomo yelled, getting their attention. "If not all guys, then just Tasuki is an ass." They blinked. "Well… DUH." Kaeli said with a grin. They're great friends…. Seshiri thought sadly as they all tackled Kaeli, whapping her with pillows. I know they're joking around to make me feel better about all this…

"Taiitsukun was right." Seshiri muttered. "Nani?" Soi asked, turning to her. "Sunkake-baba?" Nanuri asked innocently. Seshiri snorted. "Hai, Taiitsukun-sama. She told me not to waste my time with guys. And that it all led to trouble in the end." Seshiri sighed. "Of course like the idiot I was I fell for one." "Hey you aren't an idiot!" Gurase said, patting Seshiri's back. "We have ALL fallen for guys at one point or another."

Tomo nodded. "Yeah. This jerk is just ONE of them. Don't condemn the whole male race just because this one screwed up!" Seshiri nodded and smiled. "Arigatou Tomo." "It's dinner.." Nanuri remarked. "How can you tell?" "Believe me, a pregnant woman KNOWS when it's dinner time." Gurase snorted. "Ok come on everyone! Coming Seshiri?" Everyone stood up and headed over to the door. "Hm…" Seshiri thought. "I'm not very hungry. Besides I don't think I could face that jackass again anyway."

Gurase frowned. "Need company?" "No." Seshiri laughed. "I wouldn't dream of depriving you from your Hotohori!" Gurase grinned and shuffled the others out. "Ja ne Seshiri! Feel free to come down when ya feel like it!" SD Nanuri popped her head back in. "AND DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID!" Seshiri grinned. "Don't worry, I wont! Not in this lifetime!"

Gurase pushed Nanuri out before closing the door behind her.

Seshiri sighed, laying down on her back. Finally alone. It was nice having company. And sympathy for once. But I don't understand any of this. This is even worse than Tasuki dying. I almost wish he HAD died. Then I wouldn't have to watch him and Miaka be love birds….. Poor Tamahome.. I feel for him. Heh. He knows exactly what I'm going through. If not more so because he and Miaka were married…. Seshiri's eyes teared up. To think I almost married Tasuki!

Would he have cheated on me if we had gotten married? Or would he have called the whole thing off? Or would he still be in love with me? Seshiri wiped away the tears that began to run down her cheeks. Gah. I guess I do have a few tears left for him…. She rolled over onto her stomach, burying her face in her sleeves.

What happened? Am I not good enough for him or what? What made him change his mind? Can I change it back? She sighed. I don't think so. He's always been a stubborn ass when it comes to his opinions… I mean- Seshiri looked up quickly as her door crept open.

Amiboshi stepped into her room quietly. "Gomen nasai Seshiri-sama." He said. "I should have knocked first." "Yeah! You should have!" Seshiri sat up angrily. "What's the big idea coming into my room like this?" "I'm sorry." He said, looking down. "You should be!" "I am sorry for coming into your room, and I'm sorry about Tasuki." Seshiri sighed. Heh he looks like a lost puppy dog. Poor naïve Amiboshi…

"I don't want your pity." She said coldly. Amiboshi looked up at her with a smile, stepping closer. "I don't want to give you my pity." He said quietly. Seshiri frowned at him. "I just don't understand you.." She said exasperated.

"You don't have to." He said with another step. "Stay where you are Amiboshi." Seshiri said, glaring at him warningly. Amiboshi stopped in his tracks. "Ok." He said with a shrug, sitting down on the floor.

Seshiri watched him quietly, almost daring him to take another step. What is he doing here? If he was just here to give me pity he would have left already….. Seshiri blinked. "I don't want to give you my pity…" Amiboshi's voice rang in her head. Seshiri shook her head quickly before looking down at him.

Amiboshi was watching her with a content smile on his face. No one's looked at me like that for a while….. She thought to herself. "Seshiri." Amiboshi said quietly. "What?" Seshiri snapped.

Seshiri's heart softened for a moment as Amiboshi's face fell. "Gomen nasai Amiboshi. I didn't mean to snap at you like that…" He smiled again. "Hey it's no problem. I know you're probably hurting right now. Aaand I'm probably not gonna be helping at all."

Seshiri grinned. "Hey don't worry, hardly anyone can cheer me up right now." He smiled. "Seshi-chan." "Nani?" Seshiri gulped and watched him nervously. "We all know that now Tasuki loves Miaka." "Oh REALLY I hadn't noticed!" Seshiri said bitterly with a roll of her eyes. Seshiri frowned for a moment before muttering "….. Gomen.."

He grinned, encouraged by her apology. "As I was saying. Tasuki loves Miaka. And now you're probably going through a hell a lot of stuff. Wondering what went wrong. Wondering if it was your fault. Even volunteering to change yourself so you would fit Tasuki's new preferences."

Seshiri blinked. He's RIGHT… I COULD change for Tasuki.. I could change and maybe I could make him love me again? Amiboshi seemed to know what Seshiri was thinking, and interrupted her thoughts.

"But don't." "Nani? Why shouldn't I?" Seshiri continued on. "I mean he doesn't love me, I'm apparently not good enough for him like this!" Seshiri ignored the lump in her throat. "I mean I'm not good enough for anyone like this. Especially not Tasuki. Do you think he could love me if I was more like Miaka?" Seshiri's eyes watered and tears ran down her face. "I don't get it.." She cried quietly.

"What's wrong with me?" She sobbed. "Did I do anything wrong?" Amiboshi got up quickly and sat beside Seshiri on the bed. "It's ok Seshiri.." He said quietly. He hesitated before putting his arm around her shoulders. "Nothing is wrong with you. If Tasuki doesn't love you for you, then he's dumber than we all thought. And heaven forbid you become another Miaka! The world can only handle one!"

Seshiri laughed slightly. "But Seshiri, seriously. Don't try to change yourself. You are just fine the way you are." Seshiri shook her had. "I don't think so. I'm not fine the way I am. If I was then.. then Tasuki would still love me."

"Seshiri." Amiboshi said quietly. "I think you are fine the way you are. And I wouldn't change you at all." Seshiri looked at him, trembling. "I don't know Amiboshi… I'm just so confused…" "Seshiri." Amiboshi said warmly. "If you weren't fine the way you are, you wouldn't have as many friends as you do. If you weren't fine the way you are, I wouldn't be here trying to cheer you up." Seshiri ignored the tears running down her face, and just watched Amiboshi.

"Seshiri. Don't change yourself for Tasuki.. He isn't worth it. If he's too blind to see how wonderful you truly are, then he isn't good enough for you." Amiboshi smiled. "You are a wonderful, caring person. You're a funny, loveable, nice, brave, strong, and willful person." He grinned down at her. "You have a personality that can cheer someone up if they're at a funeral. Not one person you know would change you one bit. All of your friends love you, and don't want anything to happen to you."

Seshiri shook her head, looking down at the floor. "Just.. Just stop saying things to try and cheer me up Amiboshi.. it's not helping…" "Seshiri… I.. I'm not just saying these things to cheer you up.."

Seshiri looked up at him quickly. Amiboshi turned to look Seshiri in the eye. "I meant every word of what I said." Seshiri answered with a tremble on her voice. "I'm not sure I understand.." He smiled sadly. "Seshiri I mean everything I say to you…. Especially… especially… that all your friends love you… and don't want anything to happen to you..." Seshiri frowned, searching his eyes. "I.. I still don't-" Seshiri stopped as Amiboshi took her face in his hands, wiping away the remaining tears. He smiled at her before kissing her softly.

Amiboshi… You really care for me don't you?… More than Tasuki does… Seshiri ignored Amiboshi's chi entering her, and relaxed. Amiboshi pulled back slowly, smiling at her "Seshiri…" He said softly, brushing a stand of hair out of her face. "Ai shiteru Seshiri." He put a finger to her lips as she opened her mouth to speak.

"Shh. Don't say anything. I, I know you don't love me… and I don't want you to say you do either, because you wont mean it… And I don't mean to…. To.. seem to be taking advantage of you, when you've just been hurt. And I know that you can't lend your heart out again easily…. I just want you to know that…. That I do have feelings for you. And that I have for a while now…"

"When…?" Seshiri asked quietly. He grinned. "I had a small crush on you during the whole ice cream thing. After that my feelings grew stronger. But.. But I didn't want to say anything. Because I knew you were with Tasuki. And that you could never, and would never chose me over him. And I was ok with that. As long as you were happy, I was happy. But then from that trick of Yokoshima's, it seemed as though Tasuki had died. Even through that, I knew I had no chance, but I didn't want you to hurt. Again I didn't really say much, except when I mentioned I wanted you to forget about him." He sighed before continuing.

"I was afraid of rejection. And now…. And now I guess I finally worked up every ounce of courage I had… And expressed my love for you.." Seshiri hugged Amiboshi tightly, startling him. "Amiboshi…" Seshiri whispered, crying onto his shirt. Amiboshi put his arms around Seshiri, holding her tightly. "It's ok Seshiri…. It's ok…"

SD Nanuri threw open the door. "AHA! I KNEW IT!" She shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Amiboshi. "When you weren't at dinner I KNEW something was going on!!!" SD Nanuri turned and shouted out the door. "THE LITTLE RAT'S IN HERE MAKING MOVE ON SESHI-CHAN!" Soi, Kaeli, Tomo, and Gurase Chibis charged up the stairs. "Amiboshi!" SD Gurase growled, putting on a helmet. "THIS MEANS WAR!" She shouted.

"CHAAAARRRRGE!" SD Nanuri yelled, pointing at the two. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH" SD Amiboshi yelled as they leapt at him. "NO GUYS!" SD Seshiri yelled frantically. "ITS O-" She stopped as she was pushed over onto the bed. "We'll teach YOU to make the move on Seshi-chan when she's sleeping!!!!!!!!!!!!" SD Nanuri yelled, holding SD Amiboshi in a headlock. "AAAAAAAH" SD Amiboshi gurgled, flailing around. "OK YOU GUYS GRAB HIS ARMS AND LEGS! AND THEN LET GURASE USE HIM AS A TRAMPOLINE!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" SD Amiboshi screamed as Soi, Tomo, Nanuri, and Kaeli grabbed onto his arms and legs, stretching him out. SD Gurase was about to jump off the bed onto him when SD Seshiri yelled. "STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!"

They all froze. "Nani?" Nanuri asked, dropping Amiboshi, motioning for the others to do the same. Amiboshi sat on the floor, rubbing his head. "Ow…" "Don't hurt Amiboshi!" Seshiri said, walking over to him. "But why NOT?" Gurase whined. "Didn't you see him?" Nanuri said. "He was making a move on you while you were asleep!"

"I was NOT sleeping!" Seshiri said, sweat dropping. Soi frowned. "But that means you were awake…" Tomo laughed. "Kakakaka. That means she was letting him feel her up! Kakakaka!" "BAKAAA!" SD Seshiri yelled, whapping Tomo. "He was NOT feeling me up!" "We were just HUGGING!" SD Amiboshi said.

SD Nanuri glared at him. "Suuuuure.." "Well at least they didn't say they were just talking.." Gurase said. SD Nanuri muttered. "Come on!" Soi said, dragging them away. "Let's leave them alone." She winked at Seshiri before closing the door.

Seshiri laughed and sat back down on the bed. "What interesting friends I have!" She said with a sweat drop. Amiboshi grinned, standing up. "They're not THAT bad.." He blinked, sitting down next to her. "As long as they're not trying to maim/kill me.." Seshiri laughed again before grinning over at him. Amiboshi smiled quietly at Seshiri.

I could really fall in love with a guy like Amiboshi… He's sweet, warm, loving, funny, and not to mention honest.. Why didn't I notice before?... Tasuki.. I should just give up on Tasuki now. He doesn't care for me at all. That's what Miaka's for. Seshiri was brought out of her thoughts as Amiboshi said something. "Hm?" She asked. "I said, I think I should be going now." "No!" Seshiri said quickly. Tasuki might as well hate me.. after all we've been though.. I just.. want a little love.. I want to be held again… That's all.

"Please.. Don't go.." She added. Amiboshi frowned slightly. "I.. I don't want you to.. Not yet.. I'm afraid this isn't real. And that tomorrow morning everything will be the same as it was before. Maybe you wont even love me…" He smiled at her. "Seshiri. If everything were the same as it was before… Before Tasuki was taken.. I'll still care for you."

Seshiri sighed. "Please Amiboshi…" Amiboshi frowned. "Seshiri. I can't. I don't… I don't want you to love me, just because I love you… And that's probably what's happening…. If you do come to love me.. I want you to love me for me.. not just because I love you.."

Seshiri grinned at him. "When did you get to be so sweet and noble??" Amiboshi laughed. "Baka." He said, patting her head. "I've always been like this, I've just never said any of this stuff before." Seshiri sighed. "Okay Amiboshi. I wont love you just because you love me." She grinned. "BUT… If I do start to love you, it's just because you're being so nice and sweet."

He hugged her tightly. "Good." "Now." Seshiri turned to the door. "Nanuri! You can stop listening through the keyhole now!" Nanuri shouted. "I AM NOT LISTENING THROUGH THE KEYHOLE!…….. DAMMIT!…" Nanuri opened the door grumbling. "So are you and Ami going together now? Great speech by the way, Amiboshi."

Amiboshi blushed, grinning. "Well." Seshiri said. "I don't think we're a couple. Nooo we're not a couple!" "Why not? Didn't like the speech?" Nanuri asked.

Seshiri rolled her eyes. "No baka. It's just that I don't wanna love Amiboshi just cuz he loves me, and he doesn't want that either! And I only want to be with him if I really DO have REAL feelings for him.."

Nanuri blinked. "Do you KNOW how fricking confusing that is?" Amiboshi crossed his eyes. "Yeah it's confusing. But I understand it! And it's right." Amiboshi laughed, uncrossing his eyes. Nanuri stared at him. "Seshi-chan.. you got one weeeeeird boyfriend.." "He's NOT my boyfriend!" "Yet." Amiboshi added. "Yeah." Seshiri grinned. "Yet."

"Oh come off it you guys are OBVIOUSLY gonna become a couple, why not just become one NOW!" "Because!.." Amiboshi said. "I don't want her to love me just cuz I love her! We already went through this!"

"But… she OBVIOUSLY likes you enough already! Since Tasuki doesn't like her and all… And it's NOT just because you like her. I mean look at her!" SD Amiboshi turned to Seshiri, and just looked at her. Chibi-Seshiri blushed. "Oh everything is just so OBVIOUS isn't it! Go awaaaayyy!"

"Aw. Ok." Amiboshi said, standing up. "Not YOU baka!" SD Seshiri said, grabbing the back of his shirt and pulling him back down. "AAH!!.. Oh hehe." "YOU go!" Seshiri said. "You're ruining our moment!" Nanuri grumbled. "See she wouldn't kick me out if she didn't REALLY like you.." "Nanuriiii.." Seshiri said in a warning tone.

"Fine I'm getting I'm getting!" Nanuri said, rushing out the door and closing it behind her. "AND NO LISTENING THROUGH KEYHOLES!" SD Amiboshi and Seshiri said together. "I'M NOT!" Nanuri yelled through the keyhole before stomping away.

Amiboshi grinned at Seshiri. "Do you really think things will work out between us?... I don't want to sound hopeful but… Since Tasuki doesn't love you…?" Seshiri smiled shyly. "Well I have to admit I wasn't exactly fair to you. I only had eyes for Tasuki, so I pretty much ignored all of the other guys, especially the Seiryuu seishi. I never took the time to get to know you. And I hardly ever talked to you. And. Now I'm really regretting that… Maybe if I had known from the beginning, I wouldn't have cared half as much when Tasuki was lost.." Gods… I'm acting so shallow. How can I do this to Tasuki?!... Wait what the hell am I saying. HE is the one that hates ME…. But.. AGH. Her heart ached terribly, Tasuki…Why did you DO this to me?

"So is that a yes or no?" He asked, scrunching up his face. Seshiri giggled slightly. "It's a yes, baka." Amiboshi grinned, hugging her. "That's good.."

Seshiri closed her eyes, hugging him back. It's true.. I am falling for him.. but is it just because I know he loves me? Or.. or something more… I could always learn to love him.. but.. but what if he hurts me. Just like Tasuki did. If he does I don't think I'd be able to handle that kind of pain.

She nestled closer to him, closing her eyes tighter.

~*~ Memories ~*~

~ "Tasuki-san! What do you think you're doing in my room!?" She backed up, tripping over herself, sending the food flying overhead. "Ah! Sorry Seshi-chan! I was just coming into check on you! And then you weren't in here!" Seshiri stared up at Tasuki, "And what gave you the idea you could just barge into my room when I wasn't there?" Tasuki quirked an eyebrow at her. "I just said, I came in to check on you and you weren't there!" ~

~ "I've never seen a heart cloud before" He grinned. "I haven't either." He said, turning to face her. ~

~ "So how long do you think he will take sneaking up?" Chibi-Seshiri grinned. "Until he believes that something has gone on between us!" Chibi-Tasuki looked down shaking his head. "Somethin' tells me he's gonna be really disappointed!" Seshiri sighed slightly. Nodding she looked back down at the flower in her hand. Tasuki quickly looked up at her when he heard her sigh. Under his breath he muttered, "He's not the only one who's gonna be disappointed…"~

~ "Uh…" He said, running his hand through his hair. "Even though I say… That I don't really. I mean.." He sighed and started over. "You know how I say that you an me, we're just friends… I just… wanted you to know that. Um.. well. I.. I kinda, sorta, almost, halfway, like you… a lot. I would actually… um… go as far to say… that… I.. uh… that I love you…"~

~*~ End Memories ~*~

Seshiri's eyes flew open as a jumble of memories ran through her head. She pushed Amiboshi back slowly, looking down. Amiboshi looked down at her quietly. "What wrong?" He asked, brushing her hair out of her face with the back of his hand. "Nothing.. it's just.. it's just too soon…" She said softly before looking up at him. Damn it.. Tasuki.. why can't I just give you up and love Amiboshi?

Amiboshi half smiled. "Hey, it's ok." He hugged briefly her before standing up. "If you're not ready, that's fine. I don't want you to do anything you don't want to." Seshiri grinned. "Thanks Amiboshi." Amiboshi stepped over to the door. "Ja ne Seshiri." "Ja ne." With that he stepped out, closing the door softly behind him.

Seshiri sighed, throwing herself back onto her bed and looking up at the ceiling. Daaaamn… I sure have a lot to think about.. and I only have a few seconds before my roomies come. I just hope Miaka isn't one of them.. Seshiri yawned. I can't believe this. Tasuki doesn't like me. Amiboshi likes me. What's stopping me from going with him? Seshiri shivered as a chill ran down her spine. The logical thing to do is leave Tasuki in the dust and get Amiboshi while I still can… but why in the HELL am I not doing that?

Gah this is so confusing… Amiboshi loves me…. Tasuki loves Miaka.. Tamahome. Who knows.. And yet I am still clinging to the happy memories of Tasuki.. Gah.. I hate this.. AUGH.. I'm so shallow… Damn it… I thought I was a better person than this. I'm so ashamed of myself…

Why in the hell do guys have to be such JERKS??? This is ALL Yokoshima's fault! If he hadn't taken Tasuki and Nuriko away, I wouldn't be stuck with Amiboshi.. but that's not a bad thing.. Amiboshi is a nice sweet guy. I COULD love him. But.. It just seems weird. Me and Amiboshi… I'd never get used to the idea… it's like.. Tasuki and me were sposed to be together. But Yokoshima changed all that…

Seshiri frowned. Yokoshima changed all that…. Could he have.. brainwashed Tasuki?… Naw. Heh Tasuki'd never let that happen to him…. I mean.. he'd murder Yokoshima.. but I mean what if he did? Tasuki would have had those hand cuffs off if he was brainwashed… but no what am I saying?! I'm just making up a reason for Tasuki to still be in love with me.

Seshiri looked up as Tomo, and Soi walked in. "Gurase and Nanuri AND Kaeli are staying with their lovers." Soi said, sitting down on her bed. Seshiri snorted. "These walls better be sound proof!" Tomo laughed. "Kakakakaka." Seshiri frowned. "What about Miaka? That means she's in here too right?" "Well." Soi said, glancing at Tomo.

"Miaka.. Miaka is staying with Tasuki tonight." Seshiri's face paled to white and heart plunged into her stomach. "Oh." She gulped. Tomo frowned. "Gomen Seshiri." Seshiri forced a smile. "Hey. It's not your fault she's a dirty whore! I just feel sorry for Tamahome." She added a fake bounce to her voice, trying to sound happy.

Soi and Tomo shot each other a glance. "Well g'night Seshiri.. 'Night Tomo." Soi said, turning out her light. "'Night!" Tomo said, turning his out. Seshiri flicked hers off, pulling the covers over her. "Night…."

Well.. I guess that's it then…. Tasuki certainly didn't stop to think before rooming with Miaka… why should I stop and think before falling for Amiboshi? Doesn't Tasuki feel ANYTHING for me? Seshiri sighed. I guess not…..

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri sighed as she saddled up her horse, doing her best to ignore Tasuki and Miaka. She looked over at Amiboshi as he saddled up his horse. He's not such a bad person… But.. I can't help but think. Would he leave me just like Tasuki did..? Amiboshi looked up at Seshiri, sensing that her eyes were on him. He gave her a goofy grin before adjusting the reigns on his horse.

Seshiri blushed, smiling, and put her pack onto the horse. No, not Amiboshi, he's to sweet to do something like that… "OK GUYS!" Kaeli yelled from the front of the group. "We're heading out!" But that's what I thought about Tasuki… I thought Tasuki loved me and he probably never did! After all that stuff we went though. His death. My attempted suicides. MY death. His fake death. HOW can all of that be for nothing?

Seshiri got onto her horse and looked over at Nanuri. "But Nuriko!!" She whined. "I don't see WHY we can't SHARE a horse!" Nuriko laughed. "Because, Nuri-koi, you're PREGNANT.. and we both wont FIT on the same horse!" Nanuri grumbled down to her belly. "You BETTER be worth it kid!"

Seshiri snorted before looking over at Hotohori and Gurase, sharing a saddle. Seshiri grinned as Gurase leaned back and snuggled against him. Hotohori leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Oi!" Seshiri called, moving her horse up next to them. "If you guys don't stop kissing you're gonna loose sight of the trail and wander off!" Gurase giggled. "No. We just need to look for the only big pregnant woman!" "Shhh.." Hotohori shushed.

"If Nanuri hears you say that she'll hurt you!" Gurase shook her head. "No, she's WAY too big now.." Seshiri snorted. "Damn straight." "So wait why aren't you sharing a saddle with Amiboshi? I thought you guys were like.. together n stuff." Seshiri shook her head. "No! I don't THINK so anyway… it's just a little too soon.. ya know?" Gurase nodded.

"I mean I do like him and everything, he's a great guy but I dunno. I'm not ready yet." "Well duh it's like the day after the asshole got rid of you!" Seshiri nodded, glaring over at Tasuki and Miaka, sharing a saddle. Hotohori shook his head. "I don't understand this. Tasuki always seemed completely infatuated with you!" Seshiri laughed dryly. "Apparently that's not so."  Why am I hesitating to be with Amiboshi!?..... Tasuki isn't waiting to be with Miaka.

Hotohori frowned. "But seriously. When I had to share a room with him he wouldn't shut up! I had to threaten him!" Seshiri shrugged. "Oh well. I guess he just likes Miaka more." Hotohori sighed. "I just don't understand it…" Gurase nodded. "I don't understand it either." Seshiri sighed. "Well then that makes three of us."

"Seshiri!" Suboshi called. Seshiri turned around. "Oh boy…" Slowing her horse so he could catch up she frowned. "Nani? Something wrong?" "No. I just want to know. Are you really going out with my brother?!?!" "No! I don't THINK so anyway! I know he likes me, and I like him, but it's too soon." She jerked her head over to Tasuki and Miaka.

"Ah. Ok. Well." Suboshi frowned at her. "You had better be nice to my aniki.." Seshiri grinned. "I wouldn't dream of doing anything bad to Amiboshi, don't worry." Suboshi looked at her suspiciously. "Well you better not do anything.." She grinned. "I said, don't worry." Suboshi muttered but turned his horse around back to the Seiryuu group. ….I really shouldn't be getting Amiboshi involved… What if I'm just doing this for revenge on Tasuki?

Amiboshi trotted his horse over to Seshiri. "Oookay WHAT did my brother say?" She giggled. "Nothing much. Just a threat that if I didn't treat you right…" Amiboshi rolled his eyes. "Joy." "Hey." Seshiri looked Amiboshi up and down. "Do you still play the flute?"

"Of COURSE I still play the flute! That's my weapon if you remember!" Seshiri blinked. ...What a sad weapon hehehe... "Well I wasn't the one in the Suzaku temple! I was the person you pushed over while you escaped." Amiboshi grinned. "Yeah, sorry about that." "No worries!" Seshiri answered with a sincere grin.

Amiboshi pulled out his flute. "Here she is!" "Mind if I..?" "No, go ahead!" Amiboshi handed her the flute, grinning. Seshiri held the reigns in one hand, examining the flute. "It's beautiful!" "Oh really? How much do you know about flutes!" Seshiri blushed. "Well not a lot! But it IS gorgeous!" He smiled. "Yeah… Try it!" "Try it?" SD Seshiri asked, staring down at the flute.

Chibi-Amiboshi laughed. "I mean you can try and play it!" "Are you sure?" SD Seshiri asked, looking at the flute uncertainly. "I mean I might BREAK it.. and then Suboshi would kill me!" Chibi-Amiboshi laughed, "Baka! He wont, I wont let him!" SD Seshiri blushed, bringing the flute to her lips and blowing softly. A single note rang out and all eyes turned to stare at her and the flute. "What??" SD Seshiri asked. "Never heard a flute before?!!?"

Nanuri snorted. "I've never heard YOU play a flute before!" "Ah SHADDUP!" SD Seshiri said, muttering as everyone turned their attention back to the road. Chibi-Amiboshi took the flute from her. "Hey Seshi-chan! You're a natural!" SD Seshiri stared at him. "Really!?" "Yeah! Usually it takes people ages just to get a single note!"

SD Seshiri giggled. "GO ME!" Amiboshi put his reigns down, taking the flute in both hands and putting it to his lips. Seshiri smiled at him as he began to play, far more experienced than her in that area.

Seshiri tore her eyes off him, turning back to the road. Amiboshi IS a really nice guy! Suboshi on the other hand.. hehe.. Hmm.. I could get used to listening to that flute! It's so soothing…. Seshiri sighed. He's so DIFFERENT from Tasuki! Tasuki is a rude, sake guzzling, outspoken bandit. And Amiboshi is a soft, kind, polite, flute playing sweetheart!! Geez. How in the HELL could I be attracted to BOTH I mean they're completely different! I guess that means I have a wide taste in guys! She chuckled to herself. But… She sadly looked over at Tasuki and Miaka talking with large grins on their faces. I miss him.

"Gah, it's getting hot now." Seshiri said, unbuttoning her winter jacket. "I didn't think we'd leave the snow that quickly!" Amiboshi put the flute away with a laugh. "But Seshiri! It's been a few hours at LEAST!" "A FEW HOURS!?!?" "Yeah! You were so wrapped up in your thoughts you didn't even notice!" "And you were playing that whole time!?"

Amiboshi grinned. "No, I stopped for half an hour a while back and decided to play some more!" Seshiri blinked. "Woah. I guess I'm really out of it!" She grinned.

Seshiri stared up ahead at Gurase and Hotohori, kissing. "Geez.." Amiboshi said, turning his eyes to them. "How do they DO that? I mean. She's like all twisted around in the saddle.. that can't be comfortable…." Seshiri said in awe.

"Kaeli!" Gurase said between kisses. "Do you think we could rest for a while?" She said, kissing Hotohori again. Amiboshi gagged. "Get a room!" He said quietly. Hotohori hugged Gurase tightly as Kaeli turned back to them. "Er.. Yeah.. Sure I guess!" She stopped her and Chichiri's horse, jumping off. "Ok guys! 15 minute break!" "WOOHOO!" Seshiri said. "Finally!"

She jumped off her horse and pulled off her winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. "Whew.." She said exhausted. "It's still fricking hot in this fricking winter skirt thing! Gah!" Seshiri sat down, grumbling. Amiboshi just laughed at her as he took off his own winter coat.

Seshiri looked over at where Gurase and Hotohori were kissing again. "Damn. Have they ever heard of a little thing called SELF CONTROL?!" Amiboshi snorted. "Apparently not."

Amiboshi grabbed Seshiri's hand. "Come on!" He said, pulling her to her feet and walking with her to the shade of a tree. "Shade equals cool!" Seshiri grinned and sat down with her back up against the tree. Seshiri bit back a laugh as she watched Gurase and Hotohori. "Daaang. Getting a little passionate are we?" Amiboshi sat down next to Seshiri and watched them.

Gurase was in Hotohori's arms with her hands resting on his shoulders. His arms were around her waist, hugging her closer as they kissed. Seshiri rolled her eyes and turned to Amiboshi. "Gah, just don't watch them, it's easier." Amiboshi nodded and turned his gaze to Seshiri.

Amiboshi smiled at Seshiri contently, just watching her. Seshiri blushed and scooted closer to him. Amiboshi blinked at her before putting his arm around her shoulders. Seshiri smiled at him before closing her eyes.

"Hey aniki!" Suboshi said, walking over. He pushed his way between the two, sitting down. "Suboshi!" Amiboshi protested. "What are you doing?" Suboshi looked at them both innocently. "Sitting of course!" He chuckled. "I would have thought that was obvious aniki!"

Amiboshi frowned and sweat dropped. "Can't you sit somewhere ELSE?" Suboshi frowned. "But why?" Amiboshi muttered and rolled his eyes up to the sky. "Never mind… just never mind." Kaeli called over to Seshiri. "Oi Seshiri! If you wanna change out of that skirt you should come down to the pond with the rest of the girls!"

"Hell yeah!" Seshiri said, jumping up. "Ja ne Ami-chan!.. Ja ne Suboshi." She ran to her pack and pulled out pants and a shirt. At least I don't have to wear that blasted kimono anymore! Girls aren't FORCED to wear dresses and stuff like that anymore! Which is a good thing… I got more strange looks in that kimono than I would in these clothes.. I guess times in here really HAVE changed. She followed Kaeli to the pond where the other girls were.

Seshiri tore off her boots and heavy socks, dipping her feet in the cold water. She sighed with relief. "Much better.." She pulled off her fur lined shirt, slipping on the loose baggy one. "Even better!" She looked over at Gurase. "Hey Gurase! What's it like to have Hotohori's tongue in your mouth?" She joked.

Gurase finished putting her hair up before kicking water in Seshiri's direction. "Baka!" Seshiri laughed as she slipped off the heavy skirt and pulled on the pants. "This.. is.. a.. LOT.. better than that STUPID skirt! Gurase! WHY did I let you buy me all that stuff? And where's Nanuri?" "One, would you have rather frozen to death," Gurase answered as she walked over. "And two, she was smart and dressed cool in her mommy clothes…" Gurase giggled.

Seshiri frowned. "Damn. I forgot my shoes!" Soi grinned and walked over. "Well I'm SURE Amiboshi would just LOVE to carry you over to your horse so your precious little feet wouldn't get hurt!"

Seshiri grabbed her boot, filling it with water and swiftly emptying it on Soi. "AAAAH!" SD Soi screamed, running away. "BAKA!" SD Seshiri shouted, chasing after her with the boot. SD Gurase quickly grabbed Seshiri's other boot, filling it with water.

SD Seshiri cornered Chibi-Soi, holding the boot threateningly. SD Soi gasped. "GOMEN SESHI-CHAN!" SD Seshiri cackled evilly, but was cut off as SD Gurase poured the water in the other boot onto SD Seshiri's head.

SD Seshiri whirled around. "BAKA! YOU'RE GONNA GET IT!" She chased after SD Gurase with the boot, laughing. SD Gurase screamed with a laugh as SD Seshiri emptied the water down her back and ran to refill the boot.

The others had already changed and just watched the antics of the three. SD Soi jeered at Seshiri. "Oooo I bet Amiboshi will enjoy your wet WHITE shirt!" SD Seshiri rounded on Soi with her newly filled boot. "I thought you learned the first time! BAKA!"

Hotohori burst in on the scene, sword in hand. "What's wrong? I thought I heard Gurase scream and I came…" His voice trailed off as he saw SD Soi, cowering as SD Seshiri held her boot over her head, with SD Gurase behind her, soaking wet.

Amiboshi was the next to wander in on the scene. "Oi, Hotohori is everything all… right.." He stopped talking, staring at the three. Kaeli, Tomo, and Miaka stood up. "Break's over!" Kaeli called as she walked back to where the others were. Miaka smiled and walked up over to where her and Tasuki's horse was.

Hotohori walked down to where Gurase, Soi, and Seshiri were still standing. "Er… You heard Kaeli! Let's go!" Soi said, pushing through the bushes and racing up to the horses.

"Ehehe.." Seshiri grabbed her winter clothes, trudging up the hill, Amiboshi behind her, leaving Hotohori and Gurase alone.

Amiboshi stared down at Seshiri's bare feet. "Hey, Seshi-chan…" "Hm?" She turned to face him. He raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you have any shoes?" Seshiri giggled. "Well I forgot to grab some.."

"Hey! It's not funny! I mean there could be snakes around here…." Amiboshi looked around nervously. "I mean we're virtually on the edge of the desert!" "Oh, scared of snakes are we?" Seshiri teased, turning back to her horse and stuffing her clothes into her pack. She grabbed some shoes out and waved them in front of his face. "See, shoes, no problem!"

"Er.." Amiboshi blushed at her wet shirt and kept his eyes locked on her face. He cleared his throat. "Anyway, I better get um going now." Seshiri blinked and nodded before slipping on her shoes.

Gurase and Hotohori both came back up the hill, holding hands while kissing. Seshiri rolled her eyes before pulling herself up onto her horse. Daamn. No wonder they won the cutest couple award… At least Nuriko and Nanuri aren't kissing 24/7… Seshiri thought, turning to where Nuriko was getting onto his horse, which was stationed next to Nanuri's. I mean her stomach gets in the way of things, thank GOD, so they can't kiss…

"Ok guys! Let's go!" Kaeli said, urging her horse onward. Seshiri frowned, watching Tamahome as he stared at Miaka, whispering something to Tasuki. Seshiri rolled her eyes, kicking her horse forward. "Hey, Tamahome." She said. Tamahome tore his gaze from the couple, looking over at her. "Oh. Hi Seshi." With that he turned back to them.

"Hey!" Seshiri said, grabbing his sleeve and giving it a yank. "Tamahome! It's better just not watching…" Tamahome turned to frown at Seshiri. "I love Miaka." Was all he said. Seshiri sighed. "Now." Tamahome continued. "It's your fault all this happened to me. But I believe that Miaka will realize her mistake, and come back to me." "Excuse me…. Wait WHAT…" Seshiri glared at him. "You're blaming ME for your little whore of an ex?"

Tamahome's eyes narrowed. "Miaka is not a whore." "Oh yeah, married to you, and then the next night she finds someone better she sleeps with him. Yeah. Real unwhore like. And how the HELL is it my fault?!" "If YOU had kept your boyfriend happy, NONE of this would have happened."

Seshiri shook her head at him in disbelief. "Baka. I couldn't control Tasuki's hormones if I had all of Suzaku's powers. If he wasn't happy with me, that's his problem. You didn't see Miaka COMPLAINING during that kiss he gave her, did you?" But.. maybe he's right.. If I had been more loving to Tasuki.. Maybe..

"I don't even know why I'm talking to you." Tamahome said, spitting. Seshiri rolled her eyes. "Why should I even TRY to reason with you? You obviously are lost in your own little dream world…" Seshiri turned her horse around, trotting it back over to where Amiboshi was riding.

Amiboshi sighed and smiled slightly. "Talking about Miaka and Tasuki?" Seshiri nodded. "I was trying to comfort him there. But then he just blew up saying if I had kept Tasuki happy this wouldn't have happened…." Amiboshi frowned. "Well you know that's not true right?" Seshiri shook her head. "I don't know… I just…" She looked over at him. "I pictured Tasuki's coming a LOT different.."

He nodded with a sigh. "Yeah. We all did…"

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri stared at Tomo. "Where's Soi?" Tomo threw his sleeping back down in a huff. "Nakago-sama needed her." "Well she'll be back right?" Seshiri asked blankly. "No. I mean he needs her." Seshiri raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I heard you."

Tomo rolled his eyes, waving his hand over his face making his make up disappear. "Baka. It means she wont be with us tonight." Seshiri blinked. "Ah. Why?" Tomo clenched his teeth. "Because Nakago-sama needs her to raise his Chi." "How does she do that?" Seshiri asked, sitting down on her sleeping bag. Tomo frowned and sweat dropped. "Soi must perform certain favors to Nakago-sama to raise his Chi." "Oh…" Seshiri blinked. "Like… chores?" "NO BAKA! Nakago-sama fucks Soi to raise his Chi!"

Seshiri's eyes grew wide. "Serious?" "Hai." "Woah…" Tomo sat down in his nightclothes. "So THAT explains why you're so snippy about it." "NANI!?" Seshiri grinned, standing up. "I'm gonna go get a drink. Be right back!" Tomo grumbled, getting into his sleeping bag. Seshiri grinned and grabbed her water cask. She pushed the tent flap aside, walking over to the small spring, surrounded by bushes.

Seshiri pushed aside the bushes, stepping on a stick. "OW!" She yelled. "NANI?" A figured asked, jumping up and stepping back, falling into the spring. Seshiri squinted at the figure in the water and giggled. "Baka!" She grinned at Amiboshi. "What do you think you're doing in there?" "Well I WAS getting some water!" He looked around him, sprawled in the shallow water.

Seshiri rolled her eyes. "Trust a baka like you to mess up." She said teasingly. "Hey, I only fell in because you yelled!" He said, defending himself as he stood up.

"Why did you yell anyway?" He asked. "Because I stepped on a stick.." Seshiri said, looking down at her bare feet. "What did I tell you about bare feet? Baka, we're in the desert there are plenty of creepy crawlers who'd LOVE to take a nibble out of your foot.

Seshiri grinned. "Whatever." "What are YOU doing out here?" He asked, putting his hands on his hips. "I was getting some water TOO." "In your nightgown?" He asked with a laugh. "What??? I was about to get in my sleeping bag!" He grinned at her. "Well next time-…" Seshiri frowned. "What? Something wrong? What is it?" He stared down at her feet. "Seshiri…" "Hm?" The hair on the back of Seshiri's neck rose as she heard a small hiss. Amiboshi slowly held out his hand, watching the snake. "Come on, grab my hand." He jinxed it! I bet this thing wouldn't be here if he hadn't SAID it would!!!

Seshiri reached out, biting her lip to keep from screaming. Amiboshi grabbed her hand tightly. "Ok." He said quietly. "On the count of three I'm gonna pull you away from it. Got it?" Seshiri nodded. "One.. .Two.. Three!" Amiboshi jerked Seshiri away from the snake, pulling her into the water.

Amiboshi fell backwards, pulling Seshiri with him. The snake hissed defiantly before slithering back into the bushes. Seshiri stared at the snake, speechless. "Dear GOD that scared the HELL OUTTA ME!" She yelled before turning to face Amiboshi. Amiboshi stared at Seshiri, blushing. "Nani?" She asked. Seshiri's eyes grew wide as Amiboshi shifted under her. He cleared his throat saying, "Seshi-chan.. Er… Do you mind?" "G-G-GOMEN NASAI!" SD Seshiri yelled, jumping to her feet and falling backwards in the water.

Seshiri blushed furiously as Amiboshi sat up. "Arigatou." He said, feeling his head. "A-Arigatou gozaimasu.." Seshiri whispered. Amiboshi looked up at her. "Hm?" "For saving me from the snake." He smiled with a blush. "Hey, no problem. I WARNED you about them though! You shouldn't be out here without shoes!"

She smiled at him. "Yeah. I'll remember next time!" He grinned at her, standing up. "Well. Um… I should probably. Uh.. go now.." Seshiri nodded, watching him as he stepped past her. "Wait!" Seshiri said, jumping to her feet. "Yeah?" Amiboshi said eagerly, turning around. "I um.." Seshiri stepped closer to him until they were centimeters apart. "Thank you." She whispered again, looking into his eyes. He looked back into her eyes silently, smiling slightly.

Seshiri placed her hands lightly on his shoulders, leaning up and kissing him. Amiboshi closed his eyes, putting his hands on her waist. Seshiri pulled back, opening her eyes and looking back up at him. Amiboshi opened his own eyes and looked down at her seriously. Seshiri searched his eyes for a moment before stepping out of his reach. "Oyasumi Amiboshi." He smiled at her. "Oyasumi…" He turned around and ran back to his tent.

Seshiri sighed, filling her water cask and stepping out of the water, careful of the snake, and headed back to her own tent.

Seshiri frowned as she heard a giggle coming from behind a tall bush. Intrigued, Seshiri decided to go in and investigate. SD Seshiri hummed the Mission Impossible theme to herself, dropping to her stomach and crawling into the bush quietly.

Chibi-Seshiri blinked as she saw Gurase and Hotohori, standing VERY close together in the moonlight. NANI? What are THEY DOING?… hmm this should be interesting…

Hotohori wrapped his arms around Gurase with a grin. Gurase looked around them with a slight giggle. "Hey, we're finally alone!" Gurase whispered. Oooo go GURASE! You go girl!!! Hmm I should stay and watch! Hee this might be interesting….

"Finally." Hotohori answered. Gurase bit her lip seductively "So what are you waiting for?" SD Seshiri started. Woah holdup to I REALLY wanna see this!??!?!?? Well.. they wouldn't do it like THIS would they? I mean there isn't even a BED..

Hotohori frowned at the bushes where Seshiri was hiding. Oh gods don't let him see me!…"I don't know..." He turned back to her grinning. "Nothing" Whew… Seshiri sighed. Safe…

Gurase put her arms around his neck, leaning up to him. With a breathy whisper she uttered "Ai shiteru." SD Seshiri yawned. Boooring… Why can't something interesting happen? I'm just gonna go-….  Hotohori wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. "Ai shiteru." Seshiri forced back a sigh. I wish Tasuki and I were still like that…. What am I talking about? Tasuki doesn't care. Amiboshi cares.. He's the only one that cares. Hotohori closed his eyes and gently kissed her.

Seshiri giggled from the bushes behind them. Gurase pulled back and turned around. "Did you hear something?" OH SHIT! PLEASE DON'T SEE ME! IF I'M CAUGHT I'M AS GOOD AS DEAD!! Hotohori frowned slightly. "No.." Gurase laughed softly. "Oh, ok. I must be hearing things. I thought I heard someone laughing.." EEP…. Hotohori laughed at her. "Gurase-koi, you know what you need?" Gurase grinned up at him. "No, what?"

"You need a dance." He said, keeping one hand on her waist and holding the other up for her to take. She grinned, placing her small hand in his large one, keeping the other resting on his shoulder.

Seshiri sighed quietly in the bushes. Oh this is so ROMANTIC.... I should leave them alone now… She sighed. I can't help but be a little jealous of them both… Gurase rested her head against Hotohori's chest, sighing happily. SD Seshiri grinned and slipped soundlessly out of the bushes. Now why can't romantic stuff like that ever happen to ME!? She lifted the tent flap open, grumbling.

Tomo sat up and squinted at her. "What happened to you?! Why in the WORLD are you wet and dirty!?" Seshiri looked down at her mud stained night gown, sweat dropping. This is what I get for having fun and spying… "Just getting some water!" She replied, changing out of her dirty night gown. Tomo rolled his eyes.

"Whatever, kakakakaka… Good night Seshiri.." "Night Tomo!" Seshiri crawled into her sleeping bag, falling asleep.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri leaned forward in her saddle, half asleep. "When are we going to be in Sairou?" She asked for the thousandth time. "This afternoon." Amiboshi answered for the thousandth time. "And then how many days till we're at the monastery?" "Well if we leave tomorrow…. We should be there… the day after.." "Oh." Seshiri groaned, sitting up.

"We're all gonna die." She commented. "Hm?" Amiboshi asked, blinking. "We're all gonna die." Seshiri repeated, turning to him. Amiboshi sighed. "Try not to think about it.. If we do die we'll all be in the afterlife together!" Seshiri grumbled. "Yeah. Stuck with Taiitsukun-sama and Nyan-Nyan…" Amiboshi laughed. "Hey, it's not so bad!.." He paused to think. "Well it is pretty bad.. but it could be worse!" "Howso?" Amiboshi frowned. "Well… I don't really KNOW.. but I'm sure it could be worse!"

Seshiri laughed and took yet another sip of her sake. "Seshi-chan. Should you REALLY be drinking that stuff?" Amiboshi asked. "I mean.. you kinda need your head to be clear. And we have to ride first thing in the morning." Seshiri shrugged. "I wanna get my body used to sake!" She said with a giggle. SD Amiboshi sweat dropped. "Joy. You're already half drunk.."

"Am not!" Seshiri slurred. Amiboshi rolled his eyes, grabbing the bottle from her. "You are too." Seshiri rubbed her eyes, squinting into the desert. "…." "What is it?" "A giant orange soda…" Amiboshi frowned and looked over to where Seshiri was staring. "NANI?? I don't see anything!" "That's cuz yer blind.." She answered, slowing her horse down and starting for the direction of the orange soda. "Baka! Where are you going?" Amiboshi asked frantically.

"I'm going after the orange soda! DUH!" Amiboshi grabbed onto her reigns, pulling the horse back in line. "Baka, it's a mirage." "A what?" "A mirage." "Oh. But it looked so real!" "Well that's what mirages do… Remember, no such things as sodas in this world!" Chiriko walked his horse over cheerfully. "I could not help but overhear that Seshi-chan has mistaken a mirage for an orange soda." Amiboshi nodded.

"Seshiri." Chiriko said, tugging Seshiri's sleeve. "That orange soda is nothing but a figment of your imagination. If in fact you had parted from the group and directed your horse over to the mirage, it would have disappeared on contact." "EH?" Seshiri asked, staring at him blankly. "English please." "I am speaking in the English dialect.." Chiriko answered uncertainly. Amiboshi grinned. "It's too complicated for her, break it down so she can understand."

Chiriko frowned. "Ok.. um… You touch orange soda.. it go bye bye…" Amiboshi laughed, turning to Seshiri. "See?" Seshiri blinked. "Oh." She sighed. "Stupid mirage… How long until we're in Sairou again?" Amiboshi rolled his eyes, grinning.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri looked up at Chichiri's voice. "Hm?" She asked drowsily. "What is it?" "Sairou straight ahead no da! Finally no da!.." Seshiri looked up at the huge city. "Oh. Sairou." "A little out of it are we?" Gurase asked, looking over at Seshiri. Seshiri shrugged. "Yep." Gurase grinned over at Amiboshi. "Hey Ami-san, maybe you should wake her up a bit!" Seshiri sat up quickly. "EH?" Seshiri hiccuped as Amiboshi laughed. "Damn. Now I have the HI-hiccups…. I need a HIC-drink…" She grabbed another bottle of sake. Amiboshi stared. "How MANY do you HAVE?" He asked before taking that one from her too. "Seshi-chan, water helps.." Seshiri blinked and frowned. "Fine fine fine." She reached down and grabbed her water, taking a sip.

"Are they gone?" Amiboshi asked, leaning closer. "I think they a-HIC…. Nope…" Amiboshi laughed at her, rolling his eyes. "You know what you need-" "A DANCE! Hic…" SD Seshiri said, giggling. Gurase turned around quickly to face Seshiri. "What did you say?" SD Seshiri giggled. "Noooo-HIC-thiiiing…" Gurase frowned, thinking before turning back around.

Amiboshi raised an eyebrow. "Hey Seshi-chan." "Hm?" "A dance? What was that all about?" "Well." Seshiri lowered her voice, leaning over to Amiboshi. "After seeing you I was heading back to my tent and I stumbled in on Hotohori and Gurase dancing. And that's one of the things they said." "Hey!" He blinked. "Your hiccups are gone!" Seshiri frowned. "Stupid hiccups.."

Amiboshi snorted. "Oh god…" Seshiri laughed, "Anyway…" She yawned and closed her eyes. Amiboshi laughed. "I can tell you were up almost all night spying." "SHHH" Seshiri shushed as SD Gurase turned around. "IT WAS YOU!" She said, pointing an accusing finger." "NANI?" Seshiri held up her hands in defense. "I SO did not spy on you!"

"Oh YEAH? Well who did you spy on?" Seshiri frowned. "I.. was.. spying on…-" Seshiri stopped and looked around, over exaggeratedly. "Did you hear something?" She asked, with a false questioning voice. "BAKAAAAAA!" Chibi-Gurase shook her fist at her. "If I wasn't sitting in the same saddle as Hori-kun, and didn't wanna ruin it, I'd come and HURT YOU!"

Seshiri giggled. "Hey, I'm just playin!" "I know.." SD Gurase mumbled. "BUT DON'T SPY ON US ANYMORE.." SD Gurase paled. "Wait… how.. long.. did you stay?" SD Seshiri raised an eyebrow. "Hmmm… well I stayed REALLY long." Chibi-Gurase gulped. "And what did you see..?" SD Seshiri grinned evilly. "A lot." "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Hotohori intervened. "Hey, it's ok Gurase-chan.. she wouldn't tell anyone what she saw.. WOULD she?" He asked. SD Seshiri frowned. "No, never!" Chibi-Amiboshi blinked. "But Seshi-chan. You already told me!"

"Well not the WHOLE thing-" "You said you left after they started dancing!" Gurase paled even more. "Well.. ok yeah to tell the truth I left after you guys ball room danced.." Gurase sighed with relief. "Good…" "Wait.." SD Seshiri thought. "There was MORE dancing…?"

SD Hotohori blushed. "IIE! There was NO other dancing except the romantic ball room dancing.." "What's this about dancing?" Soi asked, riding up. SD Seshiri frowned. "Well Gurase and Hotohori ball room danced last night. But now they are leading us to believe there was MORE dancing involved…"

Soi grinned. "Oh REALLY, freak sort of dancing?" SD Gurase laughed nervously, while giving Seshiri a warning glare. "Oh our Seshi-chan and her amazing imagination AHAHA… AHAHAHA.." SD Seshiri grinned. "Anyway." "No no no, I wanna know what kind of dancing!" SD Soi stated. "Maybe I can give Gurase some tips!"

"She does NOT need tips." SD Hotohori said with a frown. SD Soi giggled. "Oh so you KNOW whether she's good or not? And apparently she's good!" She looked Hotohori over. "Very good." "SHADDUUUUUP!" SD Gurase yelled, bringing the rest of the group's attention to them.

SD Gurase stared blankly. "Er.. go back to your business now…" Nanuri and Nuriko directed their horses over. "WHAT are we talking about?" Nanuri asked.

Gurase sent Seshiri a pleading look. "Hey! Look! Sairou! We'll be there in like.. 5 minutes!" SD Seshiri shouted, pointing. "WOOHOO!" SD Nanuri cheered, "FINALLY!" Amiboshi blinked. "But Chichiri announced that like… 10 minutes ago! Didn't anyone hear??" They all stared at him blankly before shaking their heads.

SD Seshiri sweat dropped. "Hey, Ami! Why don't you play some music?" Amiboshi shrugged. "Sure, why not." He took out his flute and began to play.

Gurase grinned at Seshiri. "Thanks for the diversion!" She said quietly. "No problem!" SD Seshiri answered, giving her the thumbs up. "Just DON'T spy on me and Hori-kun again…" Hotohori nodded. "Yeah, what we do is our business." Gurase grinned up at him, kissing him. "Exactly." She said, turning back to Seshiri. "What he said."

Seshiri sighed. "Fine fine fine…" Seshiri looked up as they entered the city. Yay.. Sairou… She looked around at the tall buildings and crowds of people. HOLY.. is that a CAMEL? I didn't know they had those things here!!! She shook her head and looked around at the new surroundings. "Oki guys!" Kaeli shouted above the bustle. "I'm gonna ask around for an inn! You can just… mingle… Or whatever!"

Seshiri nodded, jumping off her horse. "Agh. I am sick and tired of riding this thing! I forgot how much it HURT to ride a horse!" Amiboshi laughed at her. "Oh well." He jumped off his own horse, grabbing him by the reigns. "Hey.." He asked. "What do we do with the horses?" He looked over to Kaeli. "OI KAELI! WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE HORSES?!?" Kaeli frowned. "Er… Chichiri and I will take them!"

Amiboshi smiled at Seshiri. "Here, I'll take your horse and mine over." Seshiri grinned at him. "Arigatou! I'll see ya later!!!" "No problem! See ya!" He answered, taking the reigns and walking both the horses over. "Hey Gura-…" Seshiri stopped, sweat dropping as she saw Gurase and Hotohori a little too busy to talk. "Fine then." She grumbled.

Nanuri fanned herself. "Oh it's so HOT.. I have to get inside…" Nuriko looked at her, worried. "Hey, Kaeli, Chichiri! Can Nuri and I come with you to find the Inn?" Chichiri nodded. "That's fine no da!" "But-" Kaeli interrupted. "Nuriko you gotta take a few horses too!" He grinned and nodded, taking a few of them from Kaeli.

Nanuri groaned. "What I would give for some air conditioning right now!"

Seshiri giggled, turning back to Gurase. "Heyyy Gurase! Let's go shoppiiing! I don't' know if I've ever seen the REAL Sairou!.... Only Tomo's!" She whined, pulling Gurase away from Hotohori. "Noooo!" Gurase said. "I'm BUSY.." She pried out of Seshiri's grasp, latching back onto Hotohori.

Seshiri frowned, before perking up. "But Hotohori can come too! I hear they have a great Victoria's Secret here!" Hotohori's eyes darted over to Seshiri at her exclimation. "WOW!" He turned back to Gurase. "Victoria's Secret! Let's go there!! Please?"

Gurase frowned. "Hun, this is Sairou we're talking about.. they don't even have PLUMBING.. AND WHEN DID YOU BECOME SUCH A HENTAI!?" Hotohori frowned. "Oh yeah. That's right! SESHIRI! Why are you trying to trick me like that?..And…Uh..Uh.. Gurase-koi I'm not hentai! I was just… nevermind…" SD Seshiri snapped her fingers. "Damn. Oh well. PLEASE Gurase? We need to shop for some Sairou clothes! And you know me, I'll end up with something completely hideous!"

Gurase sighed, looking into Hotohori's eyes. "She's right koi. She's fashion impaired." Hotohori hugged Gurase. "Yeah you guys can go shopping." He said with a smile. "But Hori-kun! YOU can come too!" "ME?!" He sweat dropped. "Hai! PLEASE?" He shrugged. "Sure, why not. I bet I'd look fabulous in some of these clothes." "YAY!" Gurase shouted, hugging him tightly.

"Oh boy." He said with a laugh. "Hori-kun… You'll let me buy stuff for you right?" Gurase said, pouting. "Of course. You have amazing fashion taste. He said, kissing her cheek. "But.. You know I'd look great in whatever was picked." Still vain and self centered… Seshiri grabbed Gurase's hand. "Let's go THIS way!" Gurase nodded. "Yeah! That way's a good way to go!" Gurase said, pulling Hotohori with them. "Hey Gurase!" Seshiri whispered. "I love your technique!!!! The pouting face really works! Do you mind if I use it some time?" Gurase giggled. "No problem, use away!" "WOOHOO!" SD Seshiri whispered loudly. "What are you two talking about over there?" Hotohori asked, leaning in.

"Nothiiing…" Gurase said playfully, poking his nose. "HEY!" Gurase said, looking at a shop behind Hotohori. "That looks like a great place for you AND Seshiri!" SD Hotohori looked around. "What? The TOY STORE?" "Noooo baka! The place next to it!" "Oh." He sweat dropped, embarrassed. "Well what are we waiting for?" Seshiri asked, dragging them both inside.

"Oooooh.." Seshiri stared at the racks, lining the walls. "Sairou is very much more evolved than the other places.." She commented. "This store has EVERYthing!" She said looking around. "Everything short of food." Gurase added. Seshiri snorted. "Hai. How would our dear Miaka survive?" Gurase bit back a laugh as Hotohori interrupted. "Hey, that's not the best thing to say. I mean she may.. not be.. the most faithful person in the world.. but she IS the Suzaku no miko, and demands our respect.." "Hotohori, do you KNOW how STUPID you sound saying that?" Seshiri said dryly.

Gurase sighed, looking back at the clothes. "Hey Gurase-koi, what's wrong?" "Nothing.." Gurase answered, without life in her voice. Hotohori frowned, stepping closer to her. "Are you mad at me?" "No." "Was it something I said?" He asked, putting his arms around her. Gurase shook her head quietly.

Seshiri put her head next to Hotohori. "She's jealous of you giving Miaka compliments that she doesn't deserve!" Hotohori blinked. "Oh is that it?" He asked, squeezing Gurase's waist. Gurase giggled, turning around. "Hey, you know that's where I'm ticklish!!! Stooop!" He grinned at her. "Gurase-koi, you don't need to feel jealous when I give Miaka a compliment. The only reason I give her such compliments is because she is the Suzaku no miko."

Gurase sighed. "I know.. it's just when you say stuff about her-" Hotohori cut her off with a kiss. "Shh." He said, drawing back. You are the only woman I love. Miaka is nothing but the Suzaku no miko to me."

Starry eyed Chibi-Seshiri watched. "AW THAT IS SOOOO KAWAII! GURASE! HOW IN THE WORLD CAN YOU STILL FEEL SAD AFTER THAT!??!?!" Gurase grinned. "You're right Hori-kun. I'm sorry for being such a baka." He grinned, hugging her before letting her go. "Hey. It's no trouble." "HEYYYYY" SD Seshiri whined. "Did we come out here for a love fest or to SHOP? I mean come on, tone it down guys! People are STARING.." She said, lowering her voice.

Gurase looked around, embarrassed, as strangers stared at her and Hotohori. Gurase cleared her throat. "Anyway, here, Hotohori you can try THESE on." She handed him some pants and a shirt. "And Seshiri would you prefer pants, or a skirt..?"

Hotohori took the clothes offered and walked away to the changing room. "Well." Seshiri frowned. "I am against skirts.. but in this weather? Hell yeah!" "Okay, I already found these." She handed Seshiri a skirt. "And this shirt that matches." Seshiri looked down at them.

"How did you find all this stuff already? I thought you were just talking with Hotohori like the whole time an giving HIM your full attention!" Gurase shrugged, grinning. "What can I say, it's a gift!" Seshiri shrugged, looking down at the skirt. "Er… are there any NON short short skirts?" "Nope." "Why don't we ask management..?" "Nope, there aren't.. TRUST me.." "How in the WORLD can you make out with Hotohori, pick out clothes for both of us, AND scan to see if there are any longer skirts?!" Gurase winked. "Trust me, it can be done!"

Seshiri shrugged. "Ok!" After that she walked into the changing room.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

"I AM NOT COMING OUT!" Seshiri yelled. "Come ooon Seshi-chan!" Gurase soothed. "We're all waiting! I mean it can't be THAT bad! I've never steered you wrong in clothes beFORE!" "I KNOW BUT THIS THING RIVALS THAT HANDKERCHIEF THAT MIAKA WEARS FOR A SKIRT!!!"

Gurase sighed, sweat dropping. "Seshiri-chan, there are NO skirts longer! Come ON!" "NO!" Seshiri shouted stubbornly. "Excuse me Hori-kun, I have to go drag her out.." Chibi-Gurase stated, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Be back soon!" With that SD Gurase dove into the changing room, grabbing Seshiri and dragging her out.

"SEE it's not THAT bad…" Gurase said, looking at the skirt. Seshiri grumbled, trying to go back into the changing room. Hotohori coughed. "Yeah, it's not THAT bad… My outfit does look better though." "SHADDUP HOTOHORI BEFORE I POUND YOU!" SD Seshiri yelled, shaking her fist at him. "Hey! Don't threaten Hotohori! He's just AGREEING with me that it's not bad! ISN'T THAT RIGHT HOTOHORI." She said, giving him a warning glance.

"Yeah.." He agreed, forcing back a fit of laughter. "I.. agree perfectly.." "Good see now let's buy this skirt AND that shirt and get out of here an find Kaeli." "You are gonna spend MONEY on this thing?!" "No, YOU are!" "ME? You're joking RIGHT!?"

Gurase rolled her eyes. "No I am not joking." "Come on Seshi." Hotohori said. "You'll make Soi jealous!" Seshiri glared at Hotohori. "Baka." She grumbled. "Besides." He added. "Amiboshi will love it…" Seshiri turned red. "So are we buying it or not?" Gurase asked impatiently. "Yeah.. I guess we could buy it.." Seshiri mumbled, heading back to the dressing room.

Gurase high fived Hotohori. "Great Amiboshi comment Hori-kun!" She said with a giggle. "Now, about YOUR clothes-"

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri frowned, looking at her old clothes in the new bag. Dammit! Thank god Sairou isn't windy… She thought to herself. "Gurase.. WHERE are we?" She asked, looking around. "This isn't he place we came from.." "I-I know exactly where we are!.." Gurase stuttered, looking around nervously. Hotohori frowned. "I don't know Gurase… This looks like the bad part of town." Gurase clung to Hotohori. "Y-Y-You really think so?" Seshiri rolled her eyes at the act.

I have to give it to her though, acting scared IS the best excuse for clinging… Hotohori patted Gurase's head. "Come on, let's turn around and try to work our way back to the shop. "Hey!" A gruff voice called out. "Where do you think YOU'RE goin?" A group of guys came out of the shadows. Seshiri rolled her eyes. "Oh PLEASE, we do NOT have the time for this! Just get out of our way!" "YEAH!" Gurase added. "You do NOT wanna mess with us."

The leader looked to either side. "Oh dear ladies you are mistaken." He laughed. "We DO wanna mess with you." Seshiri gagged. "Oh god that sounded SO fuckin' wrong it's not even FUNNY." Hotohori stepped in front of Gurase. "Back off while you still can." He said. "Now, if you turn around and leave now I am going to let you off easy." The leader threw back his head, laughing. "Oh hear that boys? HE'S gonna let US off easy!" The gang chuckled in response. "No." The leader growled, stepping forward. "We're gonna kill you, pretty boy, and then have some fun with your girls."

Seshiri's jaw dropped. "I am NOT his girl! That's GURASE'S job!" Gurase nodded. "YEAH! I am insulted that you trash think I couldn't do my job right alone!" The gang turned Chibi and sweat dropped. "NOW who's sounding wrong?!" The leader asked.

Gurase frowned, sweat dropping. "Just leave." She said, turning around. "Come on Seshi-chan, come on Hori-kun." "HEY!!!!" The leader shrieked. "YOU ARE NOT LEAVING HERE WITHOUT A FIGHT!!!!" Hotohori, Gurase, and Seshiri turned around and started walking. One of the gang members walked over to the boss cautiously. "Eh boss? I think they jes' did." "SHUT UP! NO ONE GETS AWAY FROM US THAT EASY!" He proclaimed, punching the gang member.

The gang leader started towards them, his gang following. Seshiri saw the gang gaining on them out of the corner of her eye. "Come ooon." She whispered, walking faster. "They're almost caught up with us!" "Dammit." Hotohori muttered. "We need to go into a shop." Gurase stated. "WHAT?" Seshiri asked. "NOW is NOT the time for shopping!" "NO baka! I mean if we go into a crowded shop they WONT follow us.."

"Oh." Seshiri blinked. "Ok!" Gurase grabbed Hotohori and Seshiri, pulling them into a shop. "See?" Gurase said as they entered. "Easy." Seshiri sighed. "Well they'll still be waiting for us out front.." Hotohori frowned. "She's right Gurase-kun, we have to face them sometime. Gurase frowned, walking over to the management. "Excuse me ma'am. Do you have a back door?" She asked. The lady answered startled. "Why yes. But why?" "ARIGATOU!" Gurase said quickly before, grabbing Hotohori and Seshiri and pulling them to the back. "What are you DOING?" Seshiri asked, completely clueless. "Did you hear?" Gurase asked. "We can just go out the BACK DOOR! Those guys will be waiting there FOREVER."

Hotohori grinned at Gurase. "Smart thinking Gurase-koi!" Gurase looked up at the sky and sighed. "Oh I know, it's just another one of my gifts." Hotohori closed the back door behind them and walked after Gurase and Seshiri. "But wait." Seshiri said, stopping. "How will we get back to the original street?" She asked. Gurase rolled her eyes. "Simple, we just go in the back door of another store a few buildings down, and go through the front door of that." "Oh." Seshiri said, blinking.

"Like this one for example." Gurase said, running over to a different door. "Tah dah." She said, opening it and stepping in. Seshiri sighed, shaking her head and following.

Once outside Seshiri glanced back at the original store, fighting back a laugh as she saw the gang still huddled out front. Baka! She commented to herself. But Gurase's quick thinking really got us out of that! Good job Gurase!.. hey, is that Amiboshi? Seshiri looked over at Amiboshi, looking down at the flutes in one of the booths. "HEY AMI-CHAN!" SD Seshiri called, waving her hands.

Chibi-Amiboshi turned around. "HEY SESHI-.." Chibi-Amiboshi stopped, eyes bugged out, when he saw Seshiri's new outfit. SD Hotohori laughed quietly, whispering to Seshiri. "See I told you he would like it!" "SHADDUP!" SD Seshiri hissed, whapping Hotohori on the head.

Chibi-Amiboshi took a step towards them. "SESHI-CHAN?! IS THAT YOU!?" SD Seshiri sweat dropped. "Oh come ON it doesn't make me look THAT different…" "Yeah it does!" Chibi-Amiboshi said, shuffling over. "I mean like. You always wore pants or the long kimono OR the long nightgown. And no one ever got to see.." Chibi-Amiboshi's voice trailed off as he realized Chibi-Hotohori and Chibi-Gurase were listening intently.

Chibi-Amiboshi cleared his throat. "I mean uh.." "No, no continue!" SD Gurase prodded. "It was just getting interesting!" "SHADDUP!" SD Seshiri said, whapping Gurase. "ANYWAY Amiboshi, have you seen Kaeli and them?" SD Amiboshi nodded. "Hai, the inn is right over there." He said, pointing. "Oki!" Gurase said, grabbing Hotohori's hand. "Come on! We gotta fill Nanuri in!" "On what?" SD Seshiri asked suspiciously. "The skirt, the eyes bulging, and the stupid gang!" "Gang?" SD Amiboshi asked. "Just listen to Gurase talking to Nanuri." SD Seshiri answered with a sweat drop.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Nanuri giggled from her seat on the bed in her and Nuriko's room. "Ok, tell me again!" Gurase laughed. "Ok and then so Seshiri sees Amiboshi, and she calls out to him, and He turned around and I swear his eyes get THIS big!" Gurase demonstrated by holding up her hands. "And he goes, 'SESHI-CHAN? IS THAT REALLY YOU?'" Nanuri collapsed in a fit of giggles. "Oh god that is TOO good!" She turned to Seshiri, sitting in the chair. "Hey I guess that skirt was a good idea!" Amiboshi, leaning in the door way turned red. "Can we PLEASE stop telling that story?" "No." Gurase answered. "No I don't think so." She added. "Amiboshi, you are NEVER gonna live that one down." Nanuri said with yet another giggle.

Amiboshi closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. "Gah, I figured that out already." "Come on Amiboshi, let's try and save ourselves while we still can." Seshiri said, standing up. "Ja ne." She said before dragging Amiboshi away from the room.

Amiboshi muttered. "My eyes did NOT bulge out THAT big…" Seshiri fought back a giggle. "Yes they did.." Amiboshi and Seshiri headed down the stairs towards the lounge. "They didn't!" He retorted. "Did so!" "Didn't!" "Did so!" "Didn't!" "Aw look at that!" Nuriko cooed. "They're even ARGUING like a couple!" Seshiri's eyes flew to Nuriko. "NANI?!" She asked loudly. Amiboshi cleared his throat, sweat dropping. "We aren't arguing like a couple!" Amiboshi laughed. "Actually that's what it sounded like!" "DIDN'T" "Yes it did!" "No it didn't!" "Yes it did!" "No it didn't!" "Aww and there they go AGAIN!" Soi said, cooing like Nuriko. "SOI SHADDUP!" Seshiri grumbled before walking to the bar. She sighed, sitting down with Amiboshi sitting on her right.

The group of Shichi Seishi followed, waiting for another show from the officially unofficial couple.

Seshiri ignored the drunk that sat down next to her. "Heyy" He slurred. "Ishn't this a great inn? I jesh come for tha' bar tho. Wha's a pretty gurl like you doin in a bar like THIS...." He commented. "Go away." Stupid drunk… It's probably better NOT to tell him I'm staying here. Seshiri said, turning to Amiboshi. "Hey, tha's not NICE!" He said gruffly, grabbing Seshiri's shoulder and forcing her to face him. "Now say yer sorry!" "Get out of my face." Seshiri growled. "While you still have one." "Hey! Tha's even LESS nice!" The drunk said indignantly. "Hey, leave her alone." Amiboshi said, looking past Seshiri at the drunk. "Fine, dun' need to be so fuckin MEAN tho haha.." Amiboshi whisked out his flute, putting it to his lips and playing softly. The drunk's eyes glazed over and he yawned, promptly falling asleep on the bar.

Seshiri blinked. "HEY that was kool!" Amiboshi rolled his eyes, turning to the bartender. "What's this drunk doing in here?" The bartender snorted, cleaning a few glasses. "This IS a bar. Not only an inn. Drunks CAN be found in bars… It's not the most amazing thing in the world." Amiboshi blinked. "Oh. Right."

Kaeli frowned. "Hey come on stop talking about bars and drunks!! We wanna see more kawaii arguing!!!!" "Yeah!" They seconded. Luckily for Seshiri and Amiboshi, Gurase came bounding down the stairs. "Hey guys!" "Where's Nanuri?" Nuriko asked. "Sitting in her room waiting to be pampered." Nuriko stood up to leave when Mitsukake stopped him. "Nuriko, about Nanuri. She wont be able to continue with us." "NANI?" Nuriko asked, jaw dropping. "She can't she is far too close to the date to go with us any further. And I of course have to stay along with her, in case of the baby." "But.. I have to stay too!"

"No." Miaka shook her head. "Nuriko! We NEED you! You can't stay here with Nanuri! What about the rest of us? What about me?" Nuriko bit his lip. "Gomen Miaka, but Nanuri comes first on my list of priorities." Mitsukake shook his head. "Gomen nasai Nuriko. I know you want to stay with her." "Want? I HAVE to stay with her… what if something goes wrong? What if she needs me?" Mitsukake shook his head. "With me there nothing will go wrong. I already talked it over with Nanuri, and she agrees that it will be best for you to go with the other Seishi."

Nuriko raised an eyebrow. "And she was completely sane, sober, and awake when she said this? Gomen everyone, I have to stay with her. I want to be there for the birth of my child. And.. And the chances of not coming back are too great… I don't want to leave my son fatherless and my wife widowed."

"I'm sorry…" Mitsukake said quietly, looking at the floor. Nuriko shook his head before turning around and heading upstairs. Seshiri sighed. "Well. That wasn't the happiest thing to sit through." Amiboshi nodded. Gurase sighed, walking over to Hotohori and hugging him.

"Hey!" A man burst through the doors to the bar. "Get me a sa-.. HEY IT'S YOU!" The gang leader shouted pointing an accusing finger at Seshiri. "I'D REMEMBER THAT SKIRT ANYWHERE!" "WILL EVERYONE JUST LEAVE THE %&*%&*)$% SKIRT ALONE?!"

"AND YOU!" He shouted, turning to Hotohori. "PRETTY BOY!" "Who are these people again?" Soi asked, glancing over to Gurase. "Oh! I remember you!" Gurase exclaimed. "You're the leader of the stupid gang!" The gang leader turned red. "The gang.. is not.. STUPID.." "Yes you are!" Hotohori said with a laugh. "You guys stood out of that store for HOURS!" "HOW DID YOU KNOW THA-.. I mean.. NO WE DIDN'T!" Kaeli snorted. "Not the brightest one in the bunch are you?" "Actually." Seshiri interrupted. "He's probably the smartest of them all.. sadly.."

Chiriko shook his head. "I was unaware that stupidity this great even existed." "Oh just imagine his little followers!" Gurase said, laughing. "Wait, that's not true!"
Seshiri interrupted. "You did know.." She gave Miaka a long glance. "OH…" Chiriko said, laughing slightly. "Perhaps." He said. Miaka frowned at them. "Suzaku, I DON'T understand why you're all being so mean to me…" The leader looked around blankly. "HEY we're talking about ME here!"

Seshiri rolled her eyes as Tasuki hugged Miaka protectively. "Hey Miaka-koi. Just ignore them." "Anyway.." Amiboshi said, coughing. Chichiri hugged Kaeli. "Gurase, HOW did you run into a gang leader so BAKA no da?" "Well whatever it was it was the opposite of luck." She said mumbling. "That's IT!" The leader gasped. "I am OUTTA here.." He said, stomping out of the room.

Amiboshi frowned. "WHAT was THAT?" "The stupid gang leader we were telling you about.." Seshiri said, giggling. They looked up as Nuriko entered the room. "Well.. Nanuri and I talked it over.. and I guess I am going with you guys…" Gurase's jaw dropped. "But I mean.. what if you DIE?" "That was my argument. But she said if I died she'd kill me.." They sweat dropped.

"So you're coming??" Seshiri asked. "Yeah. I guess I am.." Nuriko said dejectedly, sitting down at a table. "Weird. You'd think Nanuri wouldn't let you out of her sight.." Soi commented. "Yeah." Nuriko said with a false laugh. "But I just don't want to leave her when she needs me most…" "Oh she'll be FINE." Seshiri said. "I think.. I dunno she's never been pregnant before.." Hotohori smiled. "Well I should HOPE not."

Seshiri shuddered. "I'm glad I was never thrown into a situation like this.." She said, giving Tasuki a meaningful glance. "Anyway. I'm gonna go talk to Nanuri." Seshiri said, standing up. "Ja ne."

Seshiri walked up the stairs and opened the door quietly. "Hey." She said. "Hey." Nanuri answered. Seshiri walked in and sat down in the chair. "You ok?" Nanuri shrugged. "Nuriko says you want him to go with us." "No baka of COURSE I don't want him to go with you! Do you think I'm crazy?" "Nani? But he said YOU said-" "I know what I said. I don't MEAN it.. you think I could WANT him to leave me now?"

Seshiri blinked. "But then why did you tell him to go?" Nanuri sighed, folding her hands. "Well." She bit her lip. "You see, I want Nuriko to stay with me. I want him to be here while our son is born. I don't want him to go off and fight a demon and probably be KILLED…" "But then why-" "I'm GETTING there I'm GETTING there!" Nanuri said with a roll of her eyes. "I don't want him to go, he doesn't want to go, but he HAS to go.. his.. duty.." She shuddered at the word duty. "Is with the Suzaku no miko. And I know that and he knows that."

"And he IS the slave of duty…" Seshiri said solemnly. "But hell no! His duty is here with you and little Nuriko!" Nanuri smirked. "Little.. Nuriko..?" Seshiri nodded. "Hai.. Little Nuriko!.. what ARE you gonna name him ANYway?" Nanuri frowned. "I dunno.. we haven't really talked about it." "Well you should if he's gonna go off and fight Yokoshima." SD Nanuri whapped Seshiri. "STOP BEING SO DAMN MORBID!" "Oww.." Seshiri cowered.

"Fine fine fine!.. just don't HIT me again!.." She smirked. "Save your hitting for Nuriko!" "BAKA!" Nanuri yelled, whapping her again. Nanuri cleared her throat. "Anyway. Are you understanding me? I don't want him to go, he doesn't want to go, but he HAS to go." "Yeah yeah I get it.." Seshiri turned around. "I'm surprised Gurase hasn't come up to offer you comfort." Nanuri snorted. "She's probably 'talking' with Hotohori.." Seshiri choked. "ACTUALLY you're probably right!"

"Well. YEAH. I mean they got all their 'talking' abilities from Nuriko and me.." Seshiri snorted. "Oh yeah suuuuure whatever!" "No! I'm serious! Nuriko and me made this educational video and they bought one-" "TMI! TMI! TMI!" SD Seshiri shrieked, covering her ears. SD Nanuri giggled. "Baka I'm joking."

Gurase came to the door. "Helloo?" "Heyla!" Seshiri answered. "Done 'talking' with Hotohori?" Nanuri asked. SD Gurase's jaw dropped. "HOW in the world did you know we were 'talking'!??!?" Nanuri snorted. "Damn I shoulda bet money they were…" SD Gurase blinked. "You are making less and less sense every day… ANYWAY.." She sat down on the bed next to Nanuri.

"She doesn't want him to go but she's making him go.." Gurase repeated after they explained it to her. "You know Nanuri. You have the oddest way to reason.." "SHADDUP!" Nanuri grumbled, leaning back against the wall. "Gurase, hun, she DOESN'T reason! This is NANURI…" "Oh! Right!" "Hey! I take offense to that!" Nanuri protested. Seshiri grinned. "Well don't." Gurase frowned. "Hey. Since when do YOU say hun?" Nanuri laughed. "Dear, we've been saying these things for a while." "You so haven't!" "Yes we HAVE Gurase, hun, you just haven't seen it!" "We get it from YOU Guase, love." "STOP THAT!"

"Stop what darling?" Nanuri and Seshiri asked together. "THAAAAT! STOPPITTT!" SD Gurase shouted, covering her ears. SD Seshiri fell out of the chair laughing. "EEEHEEHEEE.. whew.." She lay on the floor fanning herself, trying not to laugh. "Whew ok we should stop tormenting her now." "Aw but it's FUN." Nanuri said with a grin.

"It's not fun!" Gurase said indignantly. "It is!" Gurase rolled her eyes, grumbling. Seshiri sighed. "So Nanuri are you gonna stay up here the whole time?" Nanuri nodded. "I don't think I could take another trip down those stairs." Seshiri agreed. "Yeah, you ARE getting fat, you'd probably fall over.." "SHADDUP I AM NOT GETTING FAT IT'S THE BABY AND YOU KNOW IT!" Seshiri laughed. "If I didn't know better I'd say it was TWINS!" Nanuri grumbled. "Whatever." "Oooooh." Gurase grinned. "I guess Nuriko will just have to bring you dinner AND breakfast in bed!"

Starry eyed Nanuri's jaw dropped. "Oooooh you're RIGHT… heehee…" Seshiri laughed. "Baka. Anyway. When's the baby due?" "Soon." Nanuri said. Seshiri frowned. "But if it's a while why is Mitsukake staying with you?" "Because baka there IS such thing as an early birth!" Nanuri answered. "So be prepared for a lot of false alarms." Nanuri said with a grin. Gurase frowned. "But Nanuri! We're leaving tomorrow!" Nanuri blinked. "Oh. Right." Nanuri sighed. "Stupid kid. I wish I could go with you guys."

Gurase patted Nanuri's shoulder. "Hey it's ok." "No dammit it's NOT ok! I mean what if you guys all lose? An you all get KILLED I mean what am I supposed to do? I've lost my love, my two clones, all my friends-… I mean I'll go on a rampage." Seshiri and Gurase shot each other a look. "Hey." Seshiri soothed. "Don't worry I mean. Sure you might go on a rampage of killing innocent little kids, but I mean you have to die SOMEtime right? And you'll come an visit us!" "Yeah!" Gurase added. "I mean, you can come have 'fun' in Taiitsukun's.. heaven.. place.."

"Besides." Nanuri added. "I'd be stuck here in this godforsaken hell hole without decent plumbing, air conditioning, OR heaters. I mean they don't even have PIZZA here." Seshiri groaned. "We noticed…" Nanuri frowned. "I mean if you die at least you'll get that in heaven!"

"Well yeah but I mean we'll also have sunkake-ba- I mean Taiitsukun-sama breathing down our necks!" Seshiri argued. Gurase nodded. "Yeah! I mean THAT is definitely no fun." "And don't think of going suicide on us! You gotta stay alive an raise your kid!"

Nanuri nodded. "Yeah.. STUPID KID…" She frowned. Gurase blinked. "Right then. You'll be up to see us off right?" "Of COURSE baka! You think I'd miss it!?" "But how will you get downstairs?" Seshiri asked. Nanuri frowned, thinking. "Well.. Nuriko could carry me down!" "But who would carry you back up?" Gurase asked. "Dammit Gurase why do you have to bring things like this to my attention.. dammit. Well you guys come visit me up here and that will be my farewell."

"NOW who's sounding morbid?" Seshiri asked with a grin. "Hey.." Gurase said quietly. "NANURI! We CAN'T die!" "Eh?" Nanuri asked, looking over at Gurase. "I mean. SOMEone has to win the cutest couple award!" Nanuri gasped. "You're RIGHT! But.. hey didn't you say you were gonna drop out?" Nanuri asked suspiciously. Gurase snorted. "I said no such thing!" "You did so!" Nanuri argued. "You said it a while ago before Nuriko came back! And I said I have no one to win with anyways!" Gurase looked around nervously. "Er.. no I didn't! stop saying such bs! You're delusional!"

"OMG I am SO not!" "ANYWAYS" Seshiri said, clearing her throat. "My stomach tells me it's dinner time, so let's go Gurase!" Gurase and Seshiri stood up. "Ja ne!" they said, heading for the door. "Ja ne." Nanuri answered. Gurase winked at Nanuri. "Nuriko will be up here shortly." "OOOooooooooooo.. Make sure he is!" Nanuri giggled.

Gurase closed the door and they both headed downstairs.