Leather and Lace
By Maidens of Konan
We don't own Fushigi Yûgi, the Sonic Drive-In, or the city of Colorado Springs. Dante, the plot, and any other original characterizations and concepts not in the original series are the intellectual property of the author. Please do not use these ideas or characters without written permission, or the nefarious 'Shin' will be clamming up your sorry person.
Chapter warnings: cuss words and adult topics of conversation.
Chapter Eleven
Miaka buried her face in her hands, humiliated by her inability to control her emotions. Dante's drawing of her had been beautifully rendered, and his unexpected talent had amazed her. But the way he'd drawn her triggered strong feelings long buried, feelings about their joint past in the book. Coupled with the stress of being in a disintegrating romance and the emotional roller coaster ride she'd been on for the last twenty four hours, it was just too much.
She was far away from the only people she could talk to about this. At this point, there was no way she could introduce Taka and Dante, or tell Dante about that fantastic, heartbreaking voyage they had once taken together. Her instincts and past experience indicated that he wasn't ready to hear that story, and that any attempt she might make at telling it would meet with outright rejection. Even if he was open minded to the possibilities, there was a better than good chance that forcing any dormant memories to emerge could prove to be traumatic.
There were no memory stones this time, no easy solutions. She had no way of knowing what happened to Tasuki that had allowed him to appear in her world. Dante's recollections of his other life would have to surface on their own... providing they'd come back to him at all. If that were the case, it was pretty hard to conceive of building a relationship based on trust and honesty while knowing that she had to either hide or lie to him about a huge chunk of her past- of their past- not to mention making sure that Taka kept quiet about it as well.
Just the thought of it increased her frustration and the flow of her tears.
As a muffled sob reached his ears, Dante's head turned with a snap.
Miaka was crying.
He had made her cry.
For what could have been seconds or minutes, he could only stare at his weeping companion, frozen in place by shock and dismay while thoughts spun in his mind like a smoothie in a blender.
Was she sick? Having second thoughts about their date? Had his drawing been insulting to her in some way?
The sight of her shaking shoulders finally galvanized him into action. He unfastened her seat belt and gathered her within the circle of his arms, feeling a wave of protectiveness crash down and engulf him as the storm of her weeping increased in intensity.
It hurt to see her hurting. He had to think of something, anything, that would ease her sorrow.
The solution that instantly cropped up in his mind was quickly discarded; using sexual means to comfort her might work, but in the end would be only a temporary fix. He had to get her to talk, he had to understand what was going on in her head before he could work on solving the problem.
The best way to begin to find that out, he decided, was with an apology.
"Miaka, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
"N-no! It's...it's n-not..."
His heart sank as he felt her struggling to subdue her sobs; in desperation, he decided to go with a straightforward plea. "Just tell me where I went wrong! I'll make it up to you, I swear!"
"You h-haven't d-done anything wrong! I- I'm just …b-being stupid…"
Dante gathered her even more tightly against him as her body shook with a fresh wave of emotion. His gut was being twisted into knots, and he silently cursed his lack of experience with situations like this one. His mother had been the one to dry his tears, not the other way around. Of his five sisters, all of them had been more likely to yell and chuck things at him when they were upset than to cry. A few girlfriends had used crying as a means of manipulation, and the rest were too tough to cry. The lone exception to that had only cried in front of him when she had dumped him for her ex-husband.
He had comforted strangers, victims of crime, those who were physically hurt. But when it came to his personal life and women, he was pretty much clueless.
"Miaka, sweetheart..." His eyes were stinging with empathy. "Dammit! Tell me how to help!"
"You are." She whispered, between catches of breath, "I j-just...need you…to h-hold me."
He did as she asked, repeatedly stroking a hand down the curve of her spine, never ceasing the motion as she gradually calmed. When she had become silent and still, he took her face in his hands, tilting it upwards until she was peering back at him from between her tear-spiked lashes. "Feel better?"
"Yes." She sniffled, and rubbed a finger under her nose, which had started to drip. "I bet I look awful."
"Ya look fine!" He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "'Fraid I don't have a hanky though-how about a couple of tissues?"
At her forlorn nod, he briefly leaned over her to open the glove box and grab a bunch of folded Kleenex. She accepted them gratefully, and set about drying her eyes and nose under his compassionate gaze.
He tucked a swatch of hair behind her ear, his mouth tightening a fraction as he felt her tremble beneath his touch. "You ready to tell me about it now?"
She stared down at the used tissues she'd crumpled between her hands. "I'm so sorry. You deserve better company than a total crybaby."
"Hey now." He cupped her chin and lifted it until she was looking straight at him while his other hand fell to cover both of hers, still clutching the sodden Kleenex. "I think I'm pretty damn lucky to be in your company. And just 'cause I hate like hell t'see ya cry, doesn't mean you're a crybaby! To be honest, I wouldn't be interested in a woman who didn't cry. Know what I mean?"
Miaka nodded slowly. "Yes, I do. I know exactly what you mean."
Though it bore traces of tears, her face was suddenly aglow with happiness.
Gazing at her, Dante wondered how he'd managed to say exactly the right thing and why it had such impact when he'd simply told her the bare truth. He'd clearly hit a home run. Her expression was...incredible. Whatever she was thinking at that moment , he hoped it had everything to do with him. "Well, gee, uh, I suppose it'd be stupid to ask how ya liked my drawing of you now, huh?"
"No, it isn't! I absolutely love it!" The enthusiasm in her voice deepened his blush. "You're so talented, it's an amazing likeness! Far better than you even realize..." She hestitated, her voice trailing off, and then added, "If you like, I can show you something that might help you understand why I reacted like that."
He was intensely curious. "Yeah. I'd like to know."
He released her hands so she could pick up her handbag. She flipped it open, and after a few seconds of rifling through its contents, withdrew two laminated photos. She gazed at them for a moment, indecision warring with determination in her expression before quickly holding them out to him.
"Take a look at these and tell me what you think."
Dante took the pictures from her, taking care to hold them by the edges. As soon as he looked down at them, his mouth fell open.
Holy shit! This is way beyond weird!
"I was fifteen when that was taken. It's a school photo." She picked up his sketch and held it alongside. "Do you see what an astounding likeness this is? If I didn't know better, I'd say you were using this picture for reference!"
"Yeah..." He glanced back and forth between the twin likenesses. "Yeah, it's hard to believe..." How the hell did I get so close? Why did I even see her that way in my mind?
"That photograph was taken after my final trip to China," Miaka went on. "A very special time in my life...a time when I believed that I could change the world, and all my dreams would finally become a reality." She wearily rubbed the back of a hand across her eyes. "I miss all of my dear friends there. I wish I could find out what became of them."
The profound longing in her expression and voice made Dante's heart sink. She's thinkin' about my twin again. He pondered morosely. Why'd I have to go and remind her of how much she misses him? I swear, this Tasuki guy is gonna be a bigger pain in th' ass to me than Sukinami!
Not wanting his passenger to get any hints of the jealousy he was feeling, he averted his gaze and quickly flipped the second picture over the first. "Nice pic! Is this gal a good friend of yours?"
Miaka smiled at the image of two laughing young women standing arm in arm. "Yes, that's Yui. She's been my best friend since we were four years old."
Dante studied the blonde's face closely, wondering at the quick stab of animosity it had provoked in him upon first viewing it. "Does she live in Tokyo?"
"Yes. We text and write, and try to call each other twice a month." Miaka replied. "I really wish I had a way to send email other than going to the library. Texts are so limited, and international calls are shockingly expensive. I've been saving for a laptop and internet service, because I don't want to-" She stopped there, thinking that their evening was starting badly enough without raising that particular subject. She would have to bring about a resolution to her situation with Taka, but until that time came, she preferred to enjoy Dante's company and to let tomorrow take care of itself.
"No need t' get service just for email when you can use mine!" He stated cheerfully. "I have WiFi and unlimited hours on the 'net. It'd be no problem to find ya a free email provider."
"Really?" She squeaked. "Oh, that would be fantastic! But you'd have to let me pay something. And I don't want it to become a bother-"
"I wouldn't offer if I thought it would!" He assured her. "And forget about the money. If you feel you have to do something, you can cook for-"
He broke off on a surprised grunt as Miaka launched herself into his arms.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't wait to tell Yui!"
Dante laughed and returned her hug. "You're welcome. But don't forget I'm expectin' a few home cooked meals in exchange!"
She beamed at him as she returned to her side of the seat. "I was planning to do that for you anyway!"
He reached out to finger a strand of her hair that had escaped from her pony tail. "Were you now? Maybe I should be askin' ya for somethin' else then."
"All right. What else would you want?"
She was trying hard to make the question sound nonchalant, but the blush and breathy catch in her voice gave her away.
Dante bared his fangs in a distinctly un-gentlemanly grin, unable to resist the chance to tease her a little more. "Lots of things, actually. But there is this one particular thing…" He paused, his laughing eyes taking note of her startled expression. "Nah, never mind. It's better if I don't go there."
Miaka took a deep breath before responding. If Dante thought her completely unadventurous, he was in for a surprise!
"If it's something that pleases you, I'll be most happy to do it!" She asserted. "What did you have in mind?"
She had the satisfaction of seeing his jaw drop before he recovered his poise.
"I do appreciate that." He said, his expression turning serious. "But it's dangerous to agree to somethin' when you don't know what's involved. Y'all haven't known me long enough to know for sure what I'm gonna do or say."
She found herself stifling a nervous giggle, thinking that just a few minutes ago. Taka had expressed the same concerns as Dante. Both of them wanted to protect her, but there was a difference. Taka's words carried impatience and criticism. Dante's words were spoken with concern wrapped in warmth.
"It's true that I have the habit of going with what my heart says about someone." She admitted. "I'm impulsive, and I know I've been very lucky that most of those impulses have worked out." She smiled. " I do trust you, Dante. I'm completely certain that you wouldn't ask me for something I wasn't willing or able to give you. Am I wrong to think that?"
Dante sighed. Never had he felt more like a wolf in sheep's clothing. He'd like nothing better than to follow up on her implicit suggestion, but he wouldn't. Whether or not she was a virgin, there was a very pure and innocent quality to her that he didn't want to see diminished by a thoughtless whim on his part.
"No, you're not wrong." He said, almost grudgingly. "I want ya to be happy. I wouldn't hurt ya for the world."
She brought out his noble side, no question about it. But he was only human. The smile she was giving him, when coupled with her sweet tear-stained face and the alluring scent of her body, made it impossible for him to resist kissing her.
Her smile slipped away and her eyes grew heavy lidded as his head began to lower. His mouth was now hovering just above hers. He moved the hand toying with her hair to her face, gently tipping it to a more accommodating angle. Her lips parted invitingly under a single brush of his thumb, her eyelids closed, and then…
...a loud, gurgling rumble ripped into the silence.
The mood was broken.
Miaka was blushing to the roots of her hair.
His quiet chuckle wafted across her lips before he backed away to grin down at her.
"Okay, let's take a rain check. We need to get you somethin' to eat!"
"Stupid, stupid stomach!" She muttered in disgust, as it gave another noisy, embarrassing growl. "I'm sorry, I hate it when it does this!"
She was so cute and looked so mortified, he couldn't give her a bad time."No need to be sorry! I'm hungry too!"
It wasn't a fib- he really was hungry. Hungry for her, that is. Which meant it was a fortuitous interruption. This was supposed to be a low stress date to counter last evening's disastrous ending, not a seduction.
Why he persisted in making things difficult for himself wasn't a mystery- he wanted Miaka like he'd never wanted anyone else. But he could handle that, being hot and bothered, as long as he knew there was a time coming where he wouldn't have to stop. He'd think of it like being on a diet- no need to give up everything, just had to exercise moderation. If the urge to go all the way was getting more intense with every kiss, then he'd just have to suppress until he knew exactly how and where things stood between Miaka and Sukinami.
But now wasn't the time for bringing up that subject. The fact that he was here with her and she had been willing to send Sukinami packing to make it so would suffice for now. There was no way he was going to ask Miaka any loaded questions after the ups and downs she'd already been through this day.
It was time for him to show her some old fashioned, just-for-the-hell-of-it fun.
Suiting thought to action, Dante plucked the notepad out of her hand, tucked the photos into it, and then put it under his seat, all the while turning a deaf ear to her protests.
"I need to work on the second one a little more before I let ya see it." He told her firmly. "A couple of bacon cheeseburgers are callin' our names! It wouldn't be polite to keep them waitin' on us, now, would it?"
She had to admit he had a point. She was famished. Emotional stress had always made her extra hungry, and she was certain that 'The Sonic' would fulfill her needs in that particular regard.
"No, it wouldn't." She agreed, returning his smile. "Let's go."
She slid back into place and fastened her seat belt. Dante followed suit, then started up the SUV. As he expertly maneuvered it out of the parking space, Miaka allowed her gaze to wander over his face and body. She was a bit confounded by his not wanting to show her the other drawing he'd done, but then again, she couldn't blame him after she had blubbered all over the first one.
That sketch proves he has memories of me buried in his subconscious. It's going to happen- he's going to remember someday. If he senses our bond as warrior and priestess, that's the first step.
A sigh escaped her as she thought of what it might be like to deepen that bond beyond the purely spiritual. Everything in her was telling her that it would be wonderful.
He's going to tease me and be wicked. He'll be funny, loving and considerate of my feelings. And very honest-I will always know exactly where I stand with him. And as a lover, he'll be...oh Suzaku, I can't imagine anyone being better. I don't understand why Sandra would have wanted to break up with him, but I'm so awfully glad that she did!
She made a happy sound, and Dante sent an inquiring glance her way.
"Uh-oh." He said, after doing a double take. "I know that look. It means trouble for my peace of mind!"
"Not in the least." She replied demurely. "I was only admiring the scenery."
"No you weren't! You were looking at..." He paused. "Ah."
Her smile widened to a grin. He wasn't looking at her now, but she could tell he was blushing.
Reaching out, she lightly stroked the curve of his bicep with one fingertip, and was pleased to see goose bumps appear. She felt bold, daring, and deliciously feminine all at once; something that hadn't occurred anywhere but in the company of this man.
"You're a lot like those mountains out there, you know." She said softly. "Beautiful and steadfast and strong."
They had come to a red light. Dante wasted no time in taking the opportunity to grab hold of her hand, entwining their fingers as he had the previous day. She watched with a thrill of anticipation as he lifted her knuckles to his mouth, and inhaled sharply as he brushed a kiss across them; the lightest touch of his lips was enough to ignite a conflagration of feelings.
"Give me any more of that sweetness and I guarantee we'll never make it to the drive-in." He said, with a meaningful look.
She blinked, pretending innocence. "Are you saying you don't like compliments?"
"No, what I'm sayin' is that your tummy is still rumbling, so it's best if you behave yourself so it gets somethin' to eat!"
She wanted to, but something about his smile told her she didn't dare push him any further.
"Oh all right." She pouted. "May I have my hand back?"
He laughed at her. "Not a chance! It's mine now, possession is nine tenths of the law!" He kissed her knuckles once more, then dropped their joined hands to the seat space between them. "So let that be a lesson to ya."
"Yes, Officer." She heaved an exaggerated sigh. "Whatever you say, Officer."
He laughed again at her long-suffering tone. "Now that's what I like to hear!"
Even though it was past the suppertime rush, the Sonic's parking lot was three quarters full. As Dante parked and switched off the engine, Miaka watched in amazement as a car hop on roller skates blithely sailed by the front of their vehicle while holding up a tray that was literally heaped with food.
"How can they keep their balance with so much to carry?" She wondered aloud.
"Lots and lots of practice." Dante answered, already engrossed in looking at the menu board posted next to the parking space. "I know I said bacon cheeseburgers, but if you'd rather have something else, go ahead."
"I want to order what you're having," She said promptly.
This pleased Dante, and he favored her with a smile that made her go warm with happiness. "Great! How do you like your cheeseburger done?"
"Medium well, please."
Dante rolled down his window and punched a button on the speaker attached to the menu. After a moment, a disembodied, chipper female voice welcomed them to The Sonic, happily informed them that she was a trainee named Brenda, and then offered to take their order.
"Okay, Brenda, we'll have two double cheeseburger baskets- both medium well- two root beers, and a jumbo strawberry malt."
The voice cheerfully repeated the order, and asked if there was anything else.
"Yeah," Dante replied promptly. "Could I get the pickles on the side, no salt on the fries and an extra slice of bacon on the burgers?"
The voice repeated the order, sounding much less chipper.
"Oh, and could ya bring out a bottle of Tabasco sauce too? Thanks."
Miaka poked his arm. "How about some onion rings?" Dante nodded, and added it to their order.
The voice repeated the list, this time in a rapid-fire monotone.
"That's good, but make the onion rings a family size, with extra seasoning, and change the malt to chocolate." Dante corrected. "And we'd like extra napkins, two spoons and no ice in the root beers, please."
The voice muttered something unintelligible, then quickly gave him his total and signed off without repeating the changes he had made. "Humph, that was quick!" Dante said with a smirk. "Not even so much as a 'thank you for your order'."
Miaka smacked his arm lightly. "That poor girl! You are so bad!"
"Hey, it's my duty as a regular to break in the rookies!" He chuckled. "Have to give the kid credit- she didn't get flustered and there was no audible cussin'. I'll give her a good tip, providin' she doesn't give me any attitude when she brings the food!"
"Mm, I bet it's going to be wonderful, if the food tastes as good as it smells," Miaka said, as another waitress glided by them with a tray full of burger baskets.
"That reminds me." Dante said abruptly. "How did things go with your boss when you got back?"
"Fine, I guess." She shrugged. "I'm certain someone told him about you coming to see me, because after I returned from break, he glared, barked out a couple of orders, and then didn't talk to me for the rest of the day."
Dante's smile was tight. "Good. He's keeping his distance."
"Yes. I think he got the message that I'm not interested."
"Why would any woman be interested in that lech?"
"Believe me, Kevin has plenty of them trying to get his attention." Miaka sighed. "Alan thinks he likes being the hunter instead of the hunted for a change."
"Hm. Maybe." Dante inspected his nails. "So who's Alan?"
Miaka smiled, thinking of her friend. "A fellow chef-in-training and a good friend of mine." She said, then added quickly at seeing Dante's frown, "…who's gay and totally in love with Kevin!"
"Really? That's great!" Dante was unapologetically cheerful at hearing the news. "At least ya don't have to worry about him pawin' ya."
"True. " She agreed. "But I think I still might need to keep an eye on him, since he just happened to inform me that you're-and I quote- 'a delicious hunk of flame-haired man-meat'."
"A-what?"
Miaka laughed at his pole-axed expression. "That means he approves of you. He's all for us, and he' ll be pestering me for details when he hears we went out. As much as he gives me a bad time, he's a dear. I know he won't gossip about us to the others."
"I don't give a damn if he gossips." Dante replied seriously. "I'm just glad to hear you're thinkin' of me and you as an 'us'."
Miaka's smile slipped.
It was impossible to deny that she was thinking of them as a couple. But she hadn't broken things off with Taka, which meant she wasn't quite ready to make the relationship official.
"I'm glad you're glad, " she murmured evasively.
His gaze sharpened. "You don't sound so sure about that."
"It's because of my hunger pangs." She fibbed. "By the way, why on earth did you order Tabasco sauce?"
His dour expression turned to amusement. "It's to put on my burger."
She gasped in mock horror. "You're going to smother the wonderful, rich flavor of American angus beef with Tabasco?"
"You bet I am." He drawled. "I like it as hot as I can make it."
Her face was what felt hot. She couldn't protest, because she enjoyed his teasing too much. It turned her on. She didn't know quite what to do about it.
She shifted, feeling a surge of restless desire that stirred up butterflies in her tummy, then arrowed down to pool in a very private area.
"Cat got your tongue?" He asked playfully.
Her response was to stick out the tongue at him, as she gave silent thanks that she wouldn't have to think of a comeback. "The food's here," she said, as an attractive young woman with a heavily loaded tray appeared at Dante's window.
She looked to be in her late teens. The name plate on her t-shirt announced that she was the trainee named Brenda, and at present, she was wearing an extremely disgruntled expression that spoke volumes of the trouble their order had given her.
All that changed, however, the moment the young woman bent down and got a good look at her annoying customer. Miaka watched with tolerant amusement as the girl did a double take and almost dropped the tray while trying to hook it on the edge of the window. As Dante made small talk, all traces of lingering temper vanished from her pretty face, and after handing him his change, she favored him with a smile worthy of a toothpaste commercial model.
"Did I get everything right for you, sir?"
Dante smiled. "You did a fine job, Miss Brenda. Sorry for givin' ya a bad time with the order."
The girl's face glowed with pleasure as he handed her a generous tip. "That's okay! I actually thought it was funny."
Miaka gave a barely audible snort. You actually were as mad as hell about the order until you saw the cute, sexy guy that placed it!
The waitress put away the tip with painstaking care, then smoothed a strand of shining golden hair behind one delicate ear. The gesture was graceful, and emphasized her lovely bone structure. Ripe, full lips parted to give Dante a much more flirtatious smile. "Is there anything else you needed, sir?"
The gleam of sexual interest in the waitress' eyes was not lost on Miaka. Flickering jealousy burst into flames. Before Dante could answer the double edged question, she leaned over him and asked, "Excuse me, but could we get some mayo?"
Brenda looked startled, then irritated, then quickly pasted on a falsely polite expression. "Of course, ma'am. I'll be right back."
Casting a last lingering look back at Dante as she turned, she began to skate away.
Miaka glanced at Dante as well, and was gratified to see he was looking directly at her instead of the shapely, swaying behind of the retreating waitress.
"Sorry. I shoulda asked you what you wanted." He said apologetically.
"No, that was her job." She replied. "She must have forgotten she had two customers in the car."
Dante looked troubled, but before he could reply to her comment the waitress had returned. Smiling coyly, she handed him a plastic squeeze bottle full of mayonnaise, along with a folded pink slip of paper. Dante was fidgeting, and avoided the girl's eyes as he thanked her. Brenda hovered for a minute, but when it become obvious her handsome patron wasn't going to acknowledge her or her written offering, she skated back to her station looking very disappointed.
You're out of luck, Brenda. Go fish! Miaka thought snidely, as she took the bottle from Dante and applied its contents to her food.
Out of the corner of her eye she watched him unfold the pink paper. A moment later he muttered something under his breath, crumpled the note and tossed it into one of the empty baskets.
She handed him the mayo, taking note of the dark flush on his cheekbones and the way he avoided her eyes as he took the bottle and set it on the tray.
"Gave you her phone number, didn't she?" She asked calmly, before taking a large bite of her burger. Closing her eyes briefly in pleasure, she savored the opulent flavor of top choice beef. Ah yes… Sonicburgers were fabulous.
He looked embarrassed and disgusted. "She saw I had a date! Why would she think I wanted it?"
Miaka smiled inwardly. Dante was a supremely confident man, and yet he had no inkling of his masculine beauty or the power it held over the opposite sex.
"I think she liked the way you looked and decided to take a risk," she said, between small sips of root beer. "She's young and brash and you're not wearing a wedding ring. I can't blame her for trying, even though it was pretty rude of her to do it in front of me."
"Well, I'm not interested." Dante met her eyes and smiled a little. "Now if it had been you, I woulda asked for it!"
She grinned at him and held out the huge container full of onion rings, thinking it was more than time to get their minds off the unfortunate episode. "Here, you better have one of these before I make them all disappear." Her eyes shone with humor as she hooked one of the golden rings with her forefinger and dangled it in front of his face. "You've eaten with me twice, so you know I'm not bluffing!"
He laughed as he slid the offering off her finger. "Yeah, really! Good thing I got the family size!"
A few satisfying, stomach-filling minutes later, Dante held out the enormous chocolate malt that Miaka had insisted they share, even though he told her that he had gotten it just for her. "Want the last of this?"
She eyed the cup for a moment, sorely tempted, but then shook her head. The waistband of her shorts had begun to cut into her abdomen, and she still had some root beer to finish. "No, really…you go ahead." She sighed. "Everything was soooo delicious, but how do you stay in such great shape, eating like this?"
"Extra workouts, mostly." He said modestly, then downed the malt.
When he lowered the cup, there was chocolate foam left on his upper lip. Miaka giggled.
"What's so funny?"
"You look like a poster boy from those 'got milk?' ads." She teased. "Here."
He refused the napkin she held out. "Can't let it go to waste."
As the tip of his tongue emerged to collect the chocolate residue, Miaka averted her head to hide her face.
"How's that?" He asked, after taking and wiping any residual stickiness from his mouth with the napkin. "All gone?"
She glanced at his lips, then away. "Yes. You...you got it all."
Feeling inexplicably shy, she began to pick up the wrappers lying around them as an excuse for avoiding his eyes.
Dante allowed himself a smile of satisfaction. The visible effect he was having on Miaka was only fair, considering what she had been doing to him since they'd met. Getting a taste of her inner fire the other night set his blood boiling every time he thought of it - which was often, God help him.
Sukinami was a lucky dog. He believed her about the shower, yet hated the thought of the man having a key to her place, having the right to see her naked and trying to be intimate with her without guilt…
He scowled. The inner surge of power he'd been experiencing was starting to build again, along with the desire to focus its potentially destructive power on a certain Japanese businessman. A pleasant notion, but he immediately let go of it as Miaka's voice penetrated his emotion based fog.
"Dante! Are you all right?"
She looked worried.
"Hell yeah. Never been better." He said, wondering if that were true.
"Are you sure? Your eyes were closed and you were grimacing..."
"Yeah, I'm sure. It's just some brain freeze from the malt." He lied.
She looked sympathetic. "Ooh, those hurt! Do you want me to rub your forehead?"
"Thanks, but it's already going away." He touched his forehead, mentally squashing his unexplainable impulse to toast his rival to a crisp while he unobtrusively checked his watch. Good. There was still plenty of time left before decorum dictated that he'd have to say goodnight to Miaka and leave her at her door. He just needed to think of anything to do out in public that wouldn't carry a risk of them running into the boyfriend...or one of his co-workers.
One more thing to worry about, and a major pain in the ass. But he had to be cautious about dates until he'd worked out that particular wrinkle.
"I was just thinkin' that it's still early." He began. "If you're not in a hurry to get home, we could hang out someplace else for a while."
"I'm not in a hurry." She said shyly, and then gave him a suggestion that made him doubly glad he had asked. "There's the park near my building. It's got some really nice walking trails, and a great view of the sunset."
Problem solved. They weren't very likely to run into any of his buddies in a park, but if they did, it would soon be dark enough for Miaka to be almost unrecognizable.
"All right, let's go!" He said, and reached out to flick the call light indicating their tray needed to be picked up.
To their mutual relief, a middle aged waitress passing by stopped to get the tray. Her motherly smile and cheerful 'thanks a lot, you kids have a nice night' was like a balm, smoothing over the fallout from Brenda's unfriendly attitude.
Hope we don't get Brenda the next time we come here. Miaka thought. That is, if there is a next time. After everything that's happened tonight, he might decide I have too much emotional baggage and unload me for good.
Dante started the engine, and then turned to give her a sober look. "Hey, it just occurred to me…I hope ya don't go walking in that park by yourself at night! Even during the day it can be dangerous- some of those trails are in pretty secluded areas."
"There's no reason to worry, I don't go alone." She said, liking that he was concerned. "Mizu loves to go for walks on a leash!"
"That big ball of fluff is your protection?" Scoffed Dante. "Are ya kiddin' me?"
"Better not say that in front of him! Mizu is a lot stronger than he looks." She asserted. "I have no doubts that he could take down a human assailant. He has sharp teeth, killer claws and most importantly, is very protective of me."
"I have heard that cats can be way more vicious than dogs when they're threatened." Dante admitted. "So as pretty as he is, the boy's got some major 'tude goin' on, huh?"
"For certain!" She declared smugly. "Just be very, very glad that my Mizu likes you so much."
After a quick stop at a convenience store, where they both used the restrooms and Dante insisted on picking up a big bottle of mineral water, they continued on to the park. The sun was barely hovering over the top of Pikes Peak by the time they pulled into the small, deserted gravel parking lot set next to the start of the trails.
Miaka smiled and thanked him as Dante came around to help her out of their vehicle.
"So which trail should we take?" He asked, after locking and shutting her door.
She slipped a hand into his. "Let's head up that hill toward the mountains so we can see the sunset."
"Sounds great to me."
Hand in hand, they strolled up and down the rolling trail she had chosen for a few minutes, chatting along the way. At the pinnacle of the hil, they paused to watch the red ball of fire slowly sinking behind the majestic topline of the Rocky Mountain range.
Miaka sighed. "I have to say that the sunsets here are some of the best in the world."
"I think so too." Dante said.
They shared a smile, and then continued walking into the lengthening shadows. The glow of the electric lanterns dotting the trail here and there had become noticeable, and the air had begun to cool. The lonesome call of a mockingbird gave warning that night was about to fall, as did the increased sounds of chirping crickets and the gargling croaks of bog toads.
As a black shadow swooped across the path in front of them, Miaka flinched and giggled.
"Mou, Dante! That poor bird better get back to its nest before it gets dark or he'll end up hitting a tree."
"No worries. It'll be fine."
"You sound very sure. Do you do a lot of birdwatching?" She teased.
He smirked. "Enough to know that it wasn't a bird."
"What was it then?"
"A bat."
Her smile froze.
"There are bats in this park?" She asked weakly. "I didn't realize. I've never walked here at sundown."
He glanced down, and at seeing her expression, let go her hand to wrap a protective arm about her shoulders.
"Don't worry about it." He said bracingly. "They won't go after you or get in your hair."
"I know they have a built in sonar...but... " She shuddered. "They're so silent. They come swooping out of nowhere. It makes me jumpy."
His arm tightened. "If you don't like them, I won't let 'em near ya."
His reassuring presence and words helped force the visions of being attacked from her mind. She was being silly, of course. There were no Kutou ninjas with trained killer bats stalking her path in this world. Dante would protect her, but the last thing she wanted was for him to think her a coward. "No, it's all right. It startled me, that's all. I just have to get used to them and I'll be fine."
She put more distance between their bodies to emphasize that she was fine.
"Oh look," Dante said casually. "There's another one."
She squeaked. "Where?" Not waiting for an answer, she scuttled over and burrowed back into his side.
"Mm, it's gone now. Better stay close, just in case."
"O-okay."
If she had looked up at that moment, Miaka would have seen the gleam from her companion's very satisfied smile. As it was, she kept her head down and thought back to the night that Tasuki and Hotohori had defended her during an attack from a vicious horde of vampire bats. Would Dante ever remember that time, and that he'd endangered his previous life defending her from that attack? Would he ever reprimand her as sternly as Tasuki had done the next morning for leaving him behind in the first place?
A small smile came to her mouth as she answered the question.
From what she'd seen so far, Dante would definitely yell at her. He was his own man, but when it came to being extremely protective and forthright, he and Tasuki were one and the same.
In spite of the fright she'd had, she was happy to walk along the trail for another twenty minutes before consenting to Dante's suggestion that they sit. As they meandered to a carved stone picnic table that was a short distance off the path, she was doubly glad to have his arm about her. They were on top of another small hill, in a more open area, and the breeze had dropped several degrees in temperature. No complaints would pass her lips, though, for she would rather turn into a block of ice than cut short one minute of this precious time with the man at her side.
Dante straddled one of the benches, sat down, and then held out an arm. "Plant that cute lil' butt of yours right here." He said, patting the space in the vee between his thighs.
Miaka did as he directed, facing away from him and leaning back as Dante wrapped his arms around her. She sighed with pleasure as his body sheltered her from the breeze and heated her chilled skin. "Mm, you feel nice and warm."
His chest rose and fell in a sigh, and his warm breath stirred her hair as he spoke. "You feel nice too."
The tone of his voice and the little squeeze he gave her went straight to her heart, and happiness bubbled within her.
"Dante?"
"Yeah?"
"I want to thank you."
"Okay. For what?"
"For tonight. And for... not giving up on me."
He smiled against her hair. "You're welcome."
Both of them looked up at the Rockies, whose night -blackened crests loomed against a sky liberally dotted with stars. The hush of tranquility fell between them as they gazed at the heavens, each of them thinking about their place in the universe.
After several minutes of contemplation, Dante broke the silence. "Miaka, could I get your opinion on something kinda personal?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"We haven't discussed religious upbringings, and I'm not wanting to go there at the moment. All I was wondering was... if you think it's truly possible for a person to have lived more than one life?"
Though she was startled, she didn't hesitate in answering. "Absolutely. How about you?"
"I think I do." He said quietly. "It's not an official part of my religion-I was raised as a Protestant- but my mama's talked about her belief in it for as long as I can remember."
I must tread carefully. Miaka thought. I have no idea where this may be leading. "It's a fascinating question to consider." She replied, trying to keep her tone light. "Have you had the feeling you might have had a past life?" When the muscles in his arms grew taut about her in response, she said quickly, "don't answer that if it makes you feel uncomfortable to do so."
"It's okay...I'm just not sure how to answer." Dante admitted. "When we're together, I feel as if I may have. From the moment you rolled down your car window and looked up at me, I felt like we'd already met! I can't explain feeling this comfortable around someone I 've known for only two days except to think that I might have known ya in another life." His chuckle was subdued. "The only other person I've had that feeling with was Bennett. In a different kinda way, of course."
His words filled with almost unbearable hope, but she chose the safer tack in asking, "What does Craig think about reincarnation?"
"Dunno. We've never really talked about it."
"Maybe you should." She suggested gently. "After seeing you two in action, I would be willing to bet that you and Craig were best friends in any life you've had."
Dante's laugh held affection. "In our neighborhood, we were kind of the misfits, the ones who wanted to be kung fu fighters and pirates and soldiers when everybody else wanted to be super heroes and cowboys." He chuckled, obviously relishing his memories. "We've had each other's backs since kindergarten. When we got older, we actually got serious about it and studied in five different martial arts disciplines. But unless Craig feels like gettin' his ass kicked or I have the time to join a tournament, I don't get to practice what I've learned much." Another chuckle. "And now I'm thinkin' that if I did know ya in a past life, you were probably scared off by my brawlin' badass reputation."
Miaka swallowed a hysterical laugh. "I like to think that I would have given you a chance. Being rough around the edges doesn't mean you can't be a very good person."
"I suppose. Anyway, this is kind of stupid, huh, talking about reincarnation when I don't have a clue as to how it could happen?" Dante asked ruefully.
She abruptly swiveled in his arms, wanting and intending to tell him face to face that she completely understood and even shared the feelings he had. But the opportunity was taken away just as soon as she had turned her head. Taking advantage of the close proximity of their lips, Dante's mouth claimed hers with tender authority, and everything she'd been about to say receded rapidly to the back of her mind.
When the kiss deepened, she moaned, winding her arms tightly around his neck as he moved to pull her more fully into his lap.
Neither of them noticed the slight-statured old woman hovering in mid air a short distance away.
Will wonders never cease! The elder thought, gazing at the tableau below her with an expression of mild surprise. Flame Boy actually took my advice. At this rate, the revivification process will be completed in time to produce tne shinzaho and keep the evil one's plans at bay.
With her stern features relaxed into an unusually indulgent expression, the apparition watched the embracing couple for a moment longer. Then, gathering her long pink shawl about her slight shoulders, she tactfully faded into the night.
As soon as Taka Sukinami had gained entrance to the inner sanctum of Thornton Investments headquarters, he was waved to a leather wing-backed chair placed in the center of an office he estimated had two times the square footage of his first apartment. Floor to ceiling windows lined one wall; heavy bookshelves, filled with books and artifacts from around the world stood against another. Beneath it all lay a tiled floor of fine Italian marble, and an illuminated conglomeration of crystal that formed a pyramid provided the crowning touch from above.
In the middle of all this corporate splendor sat fifty year old Victor Thornton, an imposing presence in his own right with his lion's mane of white hair, sensually hooded violet eyes, and an Armani-clad body of a man half his age. He was also the founder and CEO of Thornton Investments, as the thick brass plate placed on his desk proclaimed.
Taka had just told him everything he had observed about the appearance of the mysterious files, and now awaited the head executive's judgment. Thornton smiled as his report concluded, showing perfect rows of professionally whitened teeth in a bronzed, ageless face that bore no scars of the cosmetic surgeries so common for men of his age and financial stature. Taka suspected the man wore his hair in a tightly pulled back pony tail just to emphasize that fact. It was no secret to his employees that Victor Thornton prided himself on being the epitome of eternal youth.
"First let me say how much I appreciate you bringing this to my attention right away." Thornton said, in a crushed velvet voice. "I've already looked into it, and it's all a misunderstanding. Those files were supposed to be entered into the archive database for inactive and deceased clients. My assistant must have mixed them up with the active accounts I did assign you. I'll personally take care of deleting them, first thing tomorrow morning."
Taka smiled broadly as the burden of responsibility –and proof- dropped from his shoulders. "That's a big relief, sir. There's a lot of classified information in my client files that would be paradise for an identity thief or a potential embezzler. That's why I thought I should go right to you."
"I appreciate that, son. I wish more of my employees had your sense of integrity and loyalty."
"Thank you sir."
"How's that lovely and charming lady of yours?"
"Miaka's doing fine, sir, thank you for asking."
"What is she doing tonight?"
"I'm not sure, but most likely going out to eat. I was with her when you called."
"You broke a date with that gorgeous little girl?" The teeth flashed again. "Good God, man, I appreciate your dedication, but giving up your evening with a lovely lady to come here? If you'd told me to go jump in the lake, I wouldn't have blamed you a bit!"
Taka forced a laugh. "It's all right, sir. I was the one who asked to see you. Company and client security is of the utmost importance, and Miaka was very supportive. She understands and appreciates that I take my obligations seriously."
"You have a tremendous amount of tact, my boy! I'm sure that things didn't go as smoothly as that!"
"No, honestly, it was fine. She had made some plans for the evening that I didn't know about, so it all worked out for the best."
"I'm glad to hear it." Thorton leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. "But if you don't mind, I'd like to give you some advice. Man to man, as it were."
Taka blinked. He was feeling a bit uneasy, but the last thing he wanted to do was offend.
"No, of course I don't mind." He said. "I'd appreciate anything you'd want to share with me."
"Then here it is: beware of complacency, it's a relationship killer. Compliant behavior doesn't mean she's in agreement with the way you're doing things. That she let you break a date without any kind of fuss is a matter of concern."
Taka grimaced. He was definitely uncomfortable with the personal tack the conversation had taken, but he did appreciate Thornton's understanding of the situation.
"I know." He said. "And I've definitely been making that mistake-of being too complacent, I mean. I told her that when I left her, and that I'll be correcting it as soon as possible."
"Good man." Thornton stated approvingly. "Just like your clients, she deserves your full attention when you're with her. Woo her when you're together, and let her know she's on your mind when you're not."
"Yes sir. I will."
"Don't look so downcast. She'll be a bit unhappy with how much you're apart now, but if you go the extra mile to pay her extra attention, you'll get through this rough patch. I know you, Sukinami, and there's no doubt in my mind that you're on track to becoming the youngest Vice-President of operations this company has ever hired. Once you're there, and you're able to give her that huge wedding every woman wants, she'll realize the sacrifices were worth it. Which reminds me…"
Taka sat up straighter in his chair. Though benevolent, the look Thornton was giving him made it clear that whatever was to come next would be vitally important in advancing his career.
"As long as you're here, may I tap into your free time to request that you sentertain some top priority clients for me this weekend? I had planned on going to meet them myself, but unbeknownst to me, my wife booked a weekend getaway package to New York." Slightly thin lips twisted in a wry expression. "As you will see, I walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Part of being in a romantic partnership is knowing when to cater to your partner…and she was most insistent I do so."
Taka nodded.
"However, it does put me in a bit of a bind. These clients are very...special. Illustrious members of a family well known in the diamond business, and I can't just ask them to reschedule their trip. I'm trusting you to take care of them properly, since you showed such loyalty and dedication to the Thornton Investments group tonight."
Taka looked down at the martini that Thornton had stirred up for him upon his arrival. There was no question in his mind that this was the break he'd been looking for; everyone he had talked to about the CEO said that if the old man liked you, he'd ask a personal favor, and if you performed it to his exacting standards, it meant instant promotion. With that sort of promotion, he could afford to take Miaka back for a visit to Japan, or to fly their families to Colorado, or…to finally get married. Put in that perspective, postponing the overnight trip to what he considered a tourist trap town didn't seem so bad. He looked up.
"You can count on me, sir, I'll be happy to take care of them for you."
"Excellent! My secretary will make all the arrangements for you." Looking very pleased, Thornton rose from his chair and came around the huge mahogany desk. "There's no doubt in my mind that you're ready for this, my boy! I'll look forward to hearing how it went!"
Taka got to his feet, and the older man clapped a paternal hand on his shoulders as they walked to the door. Once there, he paused, looking thoughtful. "In fact, I think we should celebrate your success over lunch at the Phoenix Grill next Wednesday. I'm told the place has excellent food and drink, plus it will give you the chance to say hello to your lady at work. How does that sound?"
Taka smiled. "It sounds great, sir! I appreciate your confidence in me."
Thorton made a dismissive gesture. "No need for thanks. You've earned it."
The two men shook hands, and then Taka left.
When the door had closed behind his employee, Thornton stared pensively at it for a moment before returning to his desk. Once he had reseated himself, he opened a hidden drawer and reached in with both hands. When they emerged, they were cradling a clear crystal sphere, which began to pulse with light as he spoke to it.
"Did you hear all of that?"
"Yes..." a oily voice hissed. "Sukinami trusts and is loyal to you. You have implemented the first steps to my resurrection without fault. Considering your lowly standing in the beginning, you have greatly exceeded my expectations, Victor."
"Thank you." Thornton said. "I hope you will remember me as kindly once you're cursed with a fragile and aging human body."
The voice sounded amused. "It is not a curse to experience finite life. It is an enlightening experience."
"Is there anything else you require at the moment?"
"Not at the moment. Proceed with the plan as we discussed."
Thornton bowed his head. "As you wish, Master Miboshi."
To be continued….
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