Miaka and Nuriko were sat around the table quietly; plates, cutlery was already placed down. Yui had insisted that Miaka was her guest and was to simply relax and enjoy herself. However the tension in the room was difficult to ignore; especially since Miaka hadn't been in other people's company for a while.

Miaka sat quietly her hands tightened on her lap; she was happy to see Nuriko but was slightly flustered after that hickey. She was able to cover it up with her hair but she hoped Taka wouldn't see it.

She wasn't ashamed of it; more like she was happy to have it. However if she did Taka might do something reckless or scary; after all he was rather twitchy and suspicious about a lot of things.

"So Miaka do you have a job?" Nuriko asked curiously. She would have guessed Miaka to be a teacher or a Nursery carer. She was so kind that it only seemed natural that she would take such a career.

Miaka bowed her head quietly; she had been a stay at home lover for as long as she could recall. Taka insisted she keep the house clean and simply be there for her when she got home; in the beginning it was good now she was bored of it.

"No not really; Taka is the breadwinner. I take care of the household needs and make sure things stay cared for" she said hesitantly her tone hinting shame. She wanted so badly to become a nursery carer but didn't; every time she thought about it Taka got mad or tore up her job offer letters.

A look of anger spread across Nuriko's face. So not only was Taka neglecting her; he was trying to control her life. From what she was hearing Taka was quite abusive to Miaka emotionally and she didn't like it.

"Well I say you should go for it" Nuriko said firmly her tone hiding rage. Nobody should tell their partner what was best for them; advice or support was one thing but manipulation and blackmail was out of order.

Miaka gasped; it was the first time she had ever heard such words in a while. It made a warm feeling of joy fill her insides. She smiled fondly at Nuriko; she had missed her so much.

Yui came through with a giant bowl of rice "Hey guys the rice is done; I'll just bring through the curry and wine. Then we can all dig in" she said cheerfully. When she saw Nuriko's expression she knew something was wrong.

"Hey Yui?" Nuriko said quickly her tone firm. If Taka wouldn't let Miaka work; she would get Yui to apply her for the job in the sly. She wasn't going to let Miaka waste her talents for the sake of a guy who wanted to control her.

The blonde looked at her "Hmm?" Yui replied curiously placing down the bowl. She hoped everything was going ok; however from the kitchen she could tell there was tension. However she hoped it was nothing too serious; things had been going so well earlier.

"Can you apply Miaka for a nursery job in the city; I know it's a pain in the ass but it seems Taka is not playing fair" Nuriko explained hinting that something was wrong. She couldn't say it outright here or Yui would lose it in front of Miaka; the last thing she needed was to be interrogated.

Yui raised an eyebrow; so there was more going on with Taka that she didn't know about. She had been worried something else was going on that Miaka wasn't telling her. Since when did her childhood best friend stop telling her things?

"Sure; do you mind telling me in the kitchen? I need someone to bring through the wine" Yui asked casually. They could talk more in the kitchen without Miaka becoming suspicious that they were going to bother her.

Nuriko nodded and got up; she patted Miaka's head reassuringly before leaving. The last thing she wanted was for Miaka to be troubled or sad. She heard the brunette gasp gently as she did; but not in a bad way.

In Kitchen

"WHAT?!" Yui cried angrily clenching her fists. How dare that conceited dickhead say such a thing? Miaka needed to break up with him and fast; he was turning damn near abusive.

"I thought that too; it seems Taka wants to control her to be submissive. No job, stay at home all day and wait for him. I can't believe how awful he's become since his days in the book" Nuriko said coldly her eyes hinting anger.

Yui gave Nuriko a sympathetic look; she couldn't imagine how the seishi must have felt seeing her priestess like this. It must have been breaking her heart to know how neglected and abused she was. Watching the one you love suffer at the hands of another was something no person could stand; it tore you up inside.

"Nuriko; I have faith that I can get you two together. As Miaka's best friend it's my job to ensure her happiness" Yui stated solemnly. She had been supportive in the past of their relationship; now he had blown it and she wasn't going to let it continue further. The way things were going Miaka was slowly falling into depression; and it hurt her deeply.

Nuriko gazed at Yui gratefully; she didn't know what she would do without her. She could see why Miaka loved her as such a friend. She was kind, supportive and protective; it was very admirable.

Yui smiled and picked up 3 glasses and 2 bottles of white wine. She planned on having Miaka stay the night; no way in hell was she letting her go back home. If she did; she would be alone and crying again. "It's been a while since I've seen Miaka; It'd be bad if she left early" Yui said deviously her eyes glinting.

Nuriko blinked then smirked; Yui was an underrated genius. And the image of seeing Miaka's sleeping face made her warm inside. Cuddling up to her as she slept made her inner fan girl scream. However she wasn't the type of take advantage of others; she would simply lay beside her to make sure she didn't hurt herself as she slept.

A short time later

Miaka, Yui and Nuriko sat around the table with rice, wine and chicken curry. It smelled heavenly and Miaka couldn't wait to dig in. Nowadays she barely had time to cook anything other than an instant meal; as anything else got wasted.

"This is so good Yui-chan; it's so full of flavour and spice" Miaka sighed pleasantly. The spice wasn't overpowering and slightly sweet. The chicken was so tender and the rice was so fluffy.

Yui smiled kindly "Thanks Miaka; coming from you that's a compliment" she said fondly. She recalled in high school how Miaka went through food faster than a bulldozer; nowadays she barely ate anything.

She poured the wine glasses full and handed them around the table. She wanted Miaka to enjoy herself after what must have been a very long time.

Miaka hesitated when she was given the wine; it had been a while since she always stayed home and couldn't buy it without Taka knowing. However it would be nice to relax and enjoy herself for once.

"You ok Miaka?" Nuriko asked worriedly. She had a feeling Miaka would hesitate around the wine; but she wanted her to enjoy herself.

Miaka blinked and smiled awkwardly "Sorry; it's just been a while. I don't usually drink as I'm busy" she half lied.

Nuriko pouted; god Taka was such a tight ass. She bet he went out drinking with work friends and never told her either.

"Well you can now; you're celebrating with friends. After all we're catching up and you're reuniting with Nuriko" Yui said quickly.

She had seen the joy, love and sadness when Miaka had seen Nuriko. She could only imagine how happy she had been to see her fallen warrior again. She wanted Miaka to be happy; and she wasn't going to let Taka ruin her life anymore.

Miaka laughed shyly "You're right; sorry I'm not being much fun am I?" she apologized gently.

Yui frowned; why was Miaka apologizing for feeling awkward. She spent so much time alone of course it would; But she was glad to see her and she wanted to spend more time with her while she could "Miaka; stop being so silly. There's nothing wrong with being shy" she said firmly.

Miaka smiled warmly; she had missed her best friend so much. How had she been without her company for so long? Perhaps she should come over to Yui's more often when Taka wasn't around.