I'm back with a much anticipated update!
Miaka and Taka have another fight and she bumps into Nuriko in town
Miaka sat quietly outside a coffee shop, staring into the same cup after what felt like forever. Though it had long since gone cold, somehow looking into it allowed her to think. Endless thoughts tumbling through her mind. She had always been the type of person to see the brighter side of everything. To never let her negativity get her down. But as of late, she seemed to have lost her shine and become more pessimistic.
She had become better at hiding her pain and forcing a smile. But now the cracks were starting to show, and her bitterness was beginning to slip through. Lashing out at Taka for being a crappy partner. Fed up with the fact their romance was over and that he failed to understand she didn't love him anymore, but more so at herself for being so weak.
She was sick of being miserable, sick of being lonely and sick of coming second. She couldn't even remember what it felt like to be loved, to be touched. To feel emotionally supported and feel physical attention. The more she was around him the emptier she felt, feeling like she was trapped in a cage and the key had been thrown away into the shadows.
She growled under her breath at the mental memory, god she wished this was all a dream. Taka was home, after finally having found some form of happiness in her life. She had been pulled back into her old life and had no idea of how to act. I mean their relationship had become very strained. She could never act the same way she once had around him. It was like living with a stranger who wore the face of the man she once loved. She could no longer look at him the same way she once had.
After spending endless days on her own, having nothing but loneliness and boredom. To have Taka throw himself back into her life like it was nothing was hard to adjust to. He had no idea of how much he had hurt her. Yet he showed up in her life after what felt like forever. Expecting everything to be as it was before. That she would rush into his arms and forgive him, smiling at him like she wasn't being torn apart inside.
"Miaka, where are you going? Don't you want to spend time with me? I finally got time off" Taka pestered worriedly. Why was she pushing him away like this, he didn't understand? He had hoped to take her to a nice tea shop or even on a shopping trip. To spoil her in whatever way possible. Since he had earned up enough money due to the long shifts he had been working. He could binge a little.
Miaka gritted her teeth and balled her hands into fists, so tight she swore she could feel her nails cutting into her skin. "I'm going out, I feel trapped in here. If I stay here any longer I feel like I'm going to go crazy" she snapped sharply. Having him here made her feel worse, knowing that if she got used to having him around. She would only feel the same pain when he left again.
She didn't want to delude herself that things would go back to the way they used to be. He would woo her, they would have fun, make love. Then she would wake up to a note, an empty bed and more excuses. He never even thought about what he had put her through. What she had suffered and endured because of him. How much his actions had affected her and how worried her friends were about her.
The fact she was becoming a shut in, lonely and a shell of her old self. How her smile was forced and how her strength was becoming harder to rely on. How she could feel herself falling apart inside. He couldn't see how much he had changed, how his old habits as Tamahome were causing their love to die. Their relationship to become strained and pushing away the person closest to him.
All of his memories of having an aunt and an uncle on a farm were lies, created by Suzaku. His real family, the one he had back in the book were dead. Killed by a Seiryu warrior out of bitter revenge. The hell they had faced in the book, what they had been put through due to the wicked plans of Nakago and how they had suffered endlessly at his hands.
She was all he had left, and he was causing a rift to grow between them. All he ever seemed to worry about was work, money, funds and supporting the house. Though part of her new he had a reason for this, she was sick of coming second to his job so much. She was sick of being around a man who looked like her first love. Sick of being in a relationship with a ghost.
Taka gave her a stunned look, having never heard her speak so coldly to him before. Miaka had never been short with him before. She was acting like a completely different person, it worried him. She stormed out of the front door and slammed it behind her. Leaving nothing but the empty apartment and echoing silence behind her. The impact of her words sinking deeper into Taka's heart.
Miaka sighed heavily under her breath wondering what she should do. Yui was at work and she couldn't call her now, she would never pull Yui away from work. But maybe she could drop by her house again later on. Yui had been her friend since they were children. Having faced many trials and tribulations together, yet despite all they had faced. They had managed to repair their bond and move on. Yui now being her anchor and rock to fall back on.
She could always visit her home and see Keisuke, though hopefully he and Mayu weren't up to mischief. One time she had walked in on them and that had been the most awkward thing ever. But Keisuke was her brother and even after all these years, he was still protective over her. Often going to him whenever she felt troubled or needed to reflect on her years in the book. How it had changed her into who she was now.
She was a different woman than she had been, no longer naïve to how cruel the world could be. Yet still managed to retain her optimism and strength, but she had to if she was ever going to get by. She couldn't go home, she didn't want to go home. She knew he would be there and she would just be met with more discomfort and tension. It was like she was talking to a complete stranger instead of her boyfriend.
Any love or affection she had once felt for him were long since gone. A few years ago, she felt nothing but adoration and love for Taka, now all she felt was distance, inconvenience and annoyance. Though she had once asked Suzaku to allow her to be in a relationship with Tamahome, now she wondered why she had ever made that wish. If she knew things would end up this way, she would have never asked for such a thing.
Her heart ached, and her head was a mess, she hadn't felt this confused and conflicted in a long time. Wondering why she had never realized that her feelings for Tamahome were probably just a girly crush and nothing more. If she knew she would come second to his career and income in the future she never would have asked him to live with her. She never would have even hoped of ever seeing him again. She would have given up and moved on.
God, she felt like a fool, a stupid fool who had blindly followed her puppy love and now it had come crashing down. Her foolish mistakes were now falling all around her, and she could do nothing but attempt to pick up the pieces."If only my warriors could see me now" she joked playfully. She had fallen hard since then, she wondered if they would even recognize her as the strong leader that she had once been to them.
A once strong woman who fought for an entire country, the people in it and her fellow warriors. Sacrificing everything, losing friend and suffering emotionally, physically and mentally to summon a beast god. Now she had fallen apart, her once true love had now become a stranger to her. She was lonely, longing for the old days. Her dreams of being a cute wife were now ashes to the wind and her wings had been clipped from her. Living in a cage of despair.
She was so lost in her own thoughts that she failed to notice someone approaching her. Having spotted her from far away and becoming troubled at seeing her sitting all alone and depressed. "Miaka?" a familiar voice asked curiously. What had Taka done this time, honestly what kind of man made their partner so depressed like this. He wasn't a child anymore and she wouldn't stand by and watch this happen.
Miaka stiffened and looked up in shock, her expression softening and joy filling her eyes. Never had she been so relieved to see someone in her entire life. The sunshine had finally appeared from behind the clouds."Nuriko" she replied happily. She couldn't put into words how happy she was to see her. It felt like forever since their reunion and she still had so much to say to her. They had so much to catch up on.
Nuriko stood there, wearing a white vest top, a short sleeved blue baggy blouse, blue baggy trousers, brown work boots, a blue cap atop her head, a pair of black leather boots in her pocket and a black bike helmet under her arm. She had a bit of a red face from the heat and looked a little tired and sweaty. Meaning she had been hard at work. But then her strength as a Suzaku warrior would come in handy for this sort of job.
Nuriko looked around, as usual Miaka was alone and there was no Taka in sight. Didn't he have a part time job as a waiter in a coffee shop. Then why was he nowhere in site or comforting his lover? Surely he would take some time off and at least get a cup of coffee with her and make small talk? His boss wasn't that tight-fisted were they?
Miaka saw Nuriko's confused expression and smiled sadly "Taka doesn't work here. We had a fight and I wanted some time alone. Not that our relationship is loving nowadays" she replied with a sarcastic tone. Back when he was first made a normal man by Suzaku, everything had been happy and wonderful. Now everything was bitter and miserable. Their old life seeming like a dream.
Nuriko gave a sympathetic and concerned expression. She had never seen Miaka look so depressed before. She couldn't leave her like this when she was feeling so crappy, it wouldn't be right. She checked her phone and sighed, she was due a break and working in the hot sun was rather exhausting. She had no more deliveries for now, so her boss would be ok with this. As long as she didn't slack off.
Nuriko then pulled up a chair and sat beside Miaka at the table, causing the brunette to become flustered by this. "Eh? But Noriko, don't you have work to do" she panicked nervously. She didn't want Nuriko to get into trouble because she felt bad for her. Though she was happy to see her old friend, she would not allow her problems to get in the way of others.
Nuriko blinked casually, a confused expression on her face. "Its my break, what? Want to keep moping all by yourself" she replied casually. Even if her boss told her to, she would never abandon Miaka when she was in need. She was her best friend and she would never ignore her pain, after all she had done and endured, Miaka deserved the world.
Miaka blushed, but a warm feeling spread inside of her chest. Nuriko had always been a loyal friend and could never abandon her when she was in need. For that she was forever grateful to her. Having her back in her life felt like sunshine had burst through the dark clouds. Losing her during their quest for the shinzaho had been a feeling she had never recovered from.
She shifted then sighed gently, placing her hands on the table slowly in front of her. She felt like she could tell Noriko everything without hesitation. Around her she felt more comfortable than she had in a long time. "Arigato Nuriko, I appreciate your company" she replied gratefully. It was great to have a close friend to vent to. Able to tell her the thing she had never been able to tell Tamahome in the past.
Nuriko softened, then reached out an un-gloved hand to take Miaka's hand in her own. she could see she was suffering and life was anything but easy for her. But she would always be there for her. To help lift her spirits. "Miaka, from the day I was born I was destined to protect you. Though you are no longer a priestess, I will always protect you. That much I can promise you" she replied warmly. She would chase away anything that conflicted her.
When she became a Suzaku warrior, she first taunted Miaka out of jealousy. But over time she came to respect her as a priestess and come to truly care about her. These feelings soon developed into love. Now being reborn as a woman, her feelings for Miaka remained the same. As her warrior, best friend and admirer, she would no longer let the darkness in Miaka's heart plague her.
Miaka's eyes lit up, her eyes shining with tears that wanted to fall. It had been so long since she had heard such words. The loyalty and honesty she could sense from Nuriko in that moment were too much. She smiled sadly, tears welling up and pouring down her face. Gripping Nuriko's hand tightly, unable to fully put into words how much hearing that meant to her. She was so happy she felt she could burst.
"Arigato, Nuriko. Arigato" she replied tearfully. God, she knew she looked like such a child right now. She hadn't cried this hard in a long time, but she couldn't hold back the feelings in her heart. She was so full of feelings and she couldn't contain them all, they just kept flowing out of her as her emotions continued to overflow in her heart.
Nuriko smiled fondly, then moved closer to Miaka. Allowing the brunette to rest her head on Nuriko's chest as she cried. Just like she had done when her spirit had come to help Miaka in the fight against Nakago. Miaka nuzzled her face against Nuriko, breathing in her familiar scent. Comforted by the gentle hand rubbing her back, knowing she would be ok. How long had it been since she had felt so safe?
Taka wondered down the street silently, unable to stop thinking about the fight he had earlier that day with Miaka. She had been so angry at him, but he didn't know why. He knew things hadn't been easy for her, but he was trying his best. He took all the hours he could get to make more money to support them. He had even considered taking her away so that they could have some time to really act like a couple again.
He hated being away from her and not being able to be romantic. But he knew sacrifices had to be made. He just wished that Miaka understood he was doing so for both their benefits. He hated thinking about her being all alone in their apartment waiting for him to come home. He wouldn't blame her for being cold and distant towards him, but he wanted to make that up to her.
"If she would just listen, then maybe we could talk about our problems. But she just keeps avoiding me. But I guess its my own fault" he thought to himself in shame. If he had been a better lover, then maybe Miaka wouldn't hate him. He sighed heavily and looked up, his body stiffening and his heart feeling as though it was being squeezed. This couldn't be, this had to be a dream, right? Or in this case a nightmare instead.
She wasn't that type of woman, was she? Is this why she was acting strange? Why she acted so cold towards him and why she had come home smelling like booze and looking a mess? Was this why she kept secrets? How long had they known one another. When had this "thing" they had started to blossom? God he felt sick inside just watching.
Miaka was sat at a table with a person he had never seen before. They were obviously a delivery worker but how did they know her? He had never seen them around before now. Miaka was pressed against them, her face in their chest while they held her close. He wondered what they were taking about and who the hell this person was, thinking they could get close to his woman.
He gripped his fists and his eyes darkened, he would not stand for this. He didn't care if she didn't want to be around him, but he would get answers to what the hell was going on here. He was a hardworking and dedicated lover, he would not stand for this sort of humiliation from the woman he loved with all of his heart.
Miaka pulled away from Noriko slowly, a fond look on her face. Wiping her eyes of the tears she had allowed to fall. Feeling relieved of the frustration she carried behind her fake smile. She knew she must have looked a state, but she didn't mind ugly crying in front of Nuriko. She had seen her at her best and her worst before after all.
Nuriko gave her a sympathetic smile, still holding her hand tightly. She looked like she needed to cry, so hopefully she felt better after having let out all of her emotions like that. "Are you feeling better?" she asked kindly. If she wanted another beverage or even a snack she would happily get her something. The poor girl could use it after all.
Miaka smiled gratefully, her eyes a little red and puffy from crying. "Hai, though I'm a little worn out now" she replied wearily. Her stomach was starting to rumble from hunger, something she hadn't felt so strongly since she was a teen. A hunger for something comforting and delicious, a bowl of ramen sounded good right about now.
Nuriko chuckled, but relieved that Miaka was feeling better. "I have to get back to work soon. But Yui and I would love it if you came around for dinner again. If you like we could even go out" she offered. She knew all sorts of places that would help cheer Miaka up, allowing her to distract herself from the misery of the life she lived now. She would do anything to bring back that smile she loved so much.
Miaka was about to open her mouth when she was pulled from her thoughts. "Miaka!" a stern tone said from nearby. She looked up slowly and stiffened, a look of shock on her face. What was he doing here? How did he find her? Why was it that whenever she wanted to be away from him he showed up? Why did he suddenly care so much about her life after being separated from her for so long.
Just when she had started to feel better, he had to show up and ruin everything. Being pulled back into the abyss of misery and loneliness. He just sucked the joy out of everything. Like a human leech, drawn to positive energy and feeling the need to ruin it by filling the light with negativity until all that was left was a negative void in it's place.
Nuriko stiffened, her violet pink eyes filling with a silent rage. This man had once been her best friend. Someone she had fought alongside and given up her feelings towards Miaka for, so they could be happy. This person was the cause of Miaka's sadness and suffering, the person who neglected her. The person who now controlled her life and treated her like a pet. God, she had a right mind to beat the shit out of him.
Miaka felt a shiver of fear run down her back, gripping Nuriko's hand tightly for support. "Taka… what are you doing here? Don't you have work?" she had made it clear she wanted to be alone for a while. She was still not over their fight and wanted to yell her lungs out at him. But the fierce glare in his eyes drained her of any courage she could muster.
Taka glared at her, how could she betray him like this. How could she lie to his face like this over and over?"Is this what you call getting some head-space. Is running around behind my back what you call being trapped? How could you Miaka?" he snapped. He never knew she was that type of woman, was her innocent and sweet personality he had once known all a mask?
Miaka felt her heart being shattered, that's right Taka still didn't remember. He didn't remember Nuriko or her duties as a priestess. He didn't know about the close friendship she and Noriko had. He reached out to grab Miaka before Nuriko slapped his hand away. Restraining most of his strength, but enough to hurt him. Part of her had wanted to break his hand before he could even touch Miaka.
She kept her head bowed, a silent rage filling her body. But she tried to remain calm for Miaka's sake as to not make a scene. Not to ruin the moment they had been having together. Not only was her temper just as bad as it had been in the book, but her strength was just as deadly. Along with her memories, she had asked to retain her powers when being reborn.
Taka backed off a little, stunned at the strength of this stranger. Who was this person and why did they seem strangely familiar? But what he did know was they had been making a move on Miaka. He had seen how intimate they had been with one another and he didn't appreciate someone else moving in on his turf. There was a code after all.
Nuriko stood up, causing Miaka to panic and stand up as a response. Not wanting them to fight or cause a scene. Things had been going so well and now everything had been going wrong. Her female form now more visible from the front, causing Taka to look surprised realizing that she was in fact a woman not a man. Able to see the thoughts rushing through his mind.
Nuriko took a deep breath and forced herself to wear a calm face. "My name is Nuriko Miyazaki. I'm an old friend of Miaka's from middle school, we reconnected through a mutual friend; Yui. We bumped into each other and decided to catch up" she lied. This was of course utter bullshit, but Taka would never know that due to his loss of memories. She met Miaka when she was 15 and served as her warrior loyally after many trials and tribulations.
She fell for Miaka but hid her feelings for the sake of her best friend's happiness with the girl she loved. She had died for the sake of summoning their guardian beast and had now been reborn as a woman. Since Taka was doing a shitty job of being a lover and respecting Miaka. She would happily steal Miaka back and get her second chance at love and making Miaka the happiest woman in the world.
Taka still looked confused but softened, if they were close friends then why hadn't Miaka said anything? He would have understood she had no need to hide such things from him. He knew how close Miaka and Yui were, if she had made a new female friend why hadn't she said anything about it instead of being so secretive and snappy with him?
She got up slowly "Well, I best be getting back to work" she replied. She couldn't stand being around Taka given the man he had now become. She shot a smile at Miaka "I'll call you later about dinner and that night out with Yui. Sayonara, Miaka" she replied politely. She then walked past Taka, but not before shooting him a fierce glare. She was disgusted with the man he had become. Suspecting his lover and controlling her entire life. How he had fallen.
Taka blinked in surprise, had that woman just glared at him? He had heard of female jealousy but the look she gave him had actually scared him. What the hell was even going on? He turned to Miaka who looked sad to see the woman go and gave him another cold blank stare. Why was it Miaka could open up to that woman and yet closed herself off from him?
Miaka sighed heavily, placing some money on the table. "I'm going home, I have to get ready for tonight. I left some curry and leftovers in the fridge for dinner" she replied bluntly. She hated how he had to spoil and ruin whatever fun moments she had with his presence. So he would have to enjoy a night alone, but then that would be nothing compared to the endless nights she had spent filled with loneliness.
Taka couldn't believe this, he had hoped to catch up with her and now she was leaving again? No matter how hard he tried she kept getting further and further out of his grasp. "What… I thought we could hang out? Why are you leaving again?" he asked in frustration. All of his plans were now falling apart in front of him like glass.
Miaka sighed, "How about because I don't love you anymore. How about because you're a control freak asshole who cares more about his job than me" she thought to herself. "You have work, don't you?" she replied coldly. She then walked off, brushing past him and heading back to the apartment. Leaving Taka stood in the street in shock. Knowing he had been in the wrong suspecting her. But even so, why was she treating him like a stranger?
"Why? Why Miaka, why are you pushing me away like this?"