Author's Note: Once again, it's taken an eon for me to update. I know I've said it before, but I'm totally stuck on this fic. I started it two years ago when I liked this pairing, and I'm not a fan of it anymore. So, I will do my best to finish it, but the ending will probably be sort of rushed. I apologize in advance. R.A.

Disclaimer: The writing's mine; the characters aren't.

Review Thanks:

LiL Dj BuNNie: Well, I'm glad you checked back on it. Though, for future reference: this fic won't be dead until I say it is/or I end it/I don't update for over a year….sadly, I've had a monstrous case of writers block for this fic, plus I've had almost no time to write….so, updates will probably continue to be sporadic. Sorry….

Alex White: Whee! A fresh face!! I'm glad you like it….but be ready for a long wait Sorries.

InuFY-Fan: I'm glad you like it! As you will soon find out (if you haven't already) I am not usual very prompt on updates….this fic has been giving me some major writer's block….

Chaotic Demon: :3

Chapter 10: Operation: Matchmaker, Take 2

Last time on SI:

"Ah yes, I can certainly see what kept Hotohori /so/ enthralled. That blank stare is positively /adorable/," the seishi teased.

Houki glared at him, "You big bully!"

Nuriko laughed and help up his hands, "Kidding, kidding! But seriously, I think you've caught the dear emperor's fancy. I haven't seen that look on his face since he first saw Miaka." He winked, "Lucky for us, Hotohori is a firm believer in love at first sight. He's about as romantic as they come and he always goes with his instinct. Judging by the dinner invite, I'd say he /really/ likes you."

Houki blushed. "You think so?"

The seishi smiled, "I do indeed. Come on, let's go back—you need to start getting ready!"

On with the show! :

Meanwhile

Miaka skipped down the hall, humming to herself. She was intent on finding Tamahome, hopefully minus Keichi, so she could talk to him—after a quick snack break, that is.

With a piece of pie in one hand and a chicken drumstick in the other, the Suzaku no Miko continued on her mission.

Five minutes later, Miaka stopped in front of Tamahome's door, wiping the last remnants of her snack off onto her skirt. Then, she knocked on the door.

Tamahome answered, and Miaka was happy to note that Keichi was /not/ present. Her ex-lover looked like he was still feeling the affects of his mad drinking spree a bit, though.

Miaka grinned, "Hey, Tama! What's up?"

Said seishi blinked and grunted, "Must you talk so loud?"

"Ah, Tamahome, you really shouldn't drink so much. It's not good for you!"

Tamahome rolled his eyes, "Thanks for that bit of advice. So, what brings you here?"

"Weeeell, it just so happens that I need to talk to you. You wanna go for a walk?" She looked at him hopefully. "It'll help your head."

"Fine, fine," he sighed, "Let's go." He pulled the door shut behind him.

Tamahome rubbed his temples and grumbled, "Can't you walk quieter, Miaka?"

Miaka face-faulted, "Tama-chan….you are such a weird drunk!"

"Yeah, yeah….so what did you want to talk about?"

"Well, I was just wondering how you are…."

Tamahome frowned, "What do you mean? I'm drunk, not dying."

"Don't be dumb, Tama-kun. You know that's not what I meant," said Miaka. "I mean, how are you taking me and Nuriko being together. But more importantly, what's up with you and that Keiichi chick?" She grinned.

"Um….well, I guess I was shocked at first….understandably. But after thinking about it and venting to Keiichi, it doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would. I mean, I guess it was inevitable. Something had to give with all the pressure and stress, and that was it. As for Keiichi…." He blushed, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Miaka face-faulted, "You are such a horrible liar, Tamahome." She smiled, "But if you'll excuse an ex-girlfriend being nosy, I think you two would be perfect together."

Tamahome blushed even more. "Miaka, subtlety is definitely /not/ your strong point, huh?"

"Nope!" She kitty-grinned, "Why bother? You would figure it out even if I didn't say it, so I may as well just say it."

The seishi sighed and patted her on the head, "It's ok. I know you mean well, and you're probably right anyway."

Miaka stuck her tongue out at him, "I know I am, so hop to it, Tama-kun!"

"Boy are you pushy…."

"Yeah, yeah. Just think about it."

"I will….if you'll let me go throw up now…."

Miaka looked at Tamahome and noticed he was a little green. "Um, EW! Go ahead. I'll see you at dinner."

Tamahome waved, keeping one hand over his mouth as he sped of to up-chuck in private.

Author's Note: Well, I finally finished a chapter!!! It only took….over 6 months But, hopefully only one more chapter. Thank you if you still wait for chapters (and sorry I'm a slowpoke ) R.A.