(Disclaimers...okay I really think we have established that I don't own this)

CHAPTER 4: MIYABI

Taro said he wants me to talk to him if I'm suffering… In the short moment that his eyes had locked with mine he looked so serious… is it at all possible that he…?

I shook my head to dispose of the ridiculous thought process I was having.

(No! I'm getting ahead of myself! But still, it's not like the chances are zero, right?)

I play back the memory of Taro's sweet smile in my mind, when all of a sudden Miyabi's face pops up in front of me effectively obliterating my daydream.

"What do you want?" I say thru gritted teeth.

"Your mind is wandering."

His narrowed eyes made him appear angrier than he really needed to be and to be quite honest I had no patience for this right now.

"Is that all?"

Miyabi's eyes remained narrowed as his lips tugged his mouth into a smirk, "And here I thought your stupid face couldn't possibly look dumber."

"Ugh! Would you just leave me alone…!"

"I'm back."

That voice had me suddenly glancing around the room, my heart pounding. And then I saw them.

From over Miyabi's shoulder I could see Taro, just returning from a meeting.

I sighed again but this time I felt at peace. Perhaps it's because I'm used to being around all these weirdos; a kitsune, a kappa, hebi; but lately, seeing Taro's face has brings me so much comfort.

"That guy again?"

"What about him?" was all I could think to say.

His eyes narrow again and flick back to mine, "It seems as though you've been watching him a lot more lately."

"Give me a break!"

"Our faces aren't even fit for comparison. I am far and away the winner. There's also a world of difference in ability between myself and a human."

(How about people skills? You have none to speak of!) I wanted to scream at him.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"I think you know… But the point is, I fail to find a single area where I am inferior to that man."

(Well, for starters, your outrageously bogus personality!)

But in the end I keep my mouth shut to avoid hearing any further snarkiness he may have left.

Miyabi suddenly appears concerned as he looks away, "Well, whatever. I still sense that 'he' is here. There is no guarantee that this location is still safe for you."

This catches me completely off guard and not because the Snake demon might be here, but from the genuine worry for MY safety spilling from his words.

I don't know why but I found myself trying to reassure him that I'd be okay and not just so he's leave me alone, "But you're here, so I really don't think he would show his face with you to contend with."

However, this seemed to only anger him, "Did you already forget what happened?"

I recall the incident with the snake.

(Whaaaat? A snake in the library…? No… that wouldn't happen…)

However, it then occurred to me, that the snake demon may have a human form just like Miyabi and those other weirdos.

"Are you even listening?"

I'm pulled once again from my ridiculous thoughts to find Miyabi's face inches from mine.

I jump back and trip over a book and would have fallen if he hadn't grabbed my arm to help steady me.

Miyabi gives a heavy sigh, "Anyway, we can't be too careful."

He releases my arm and looks away.

"R-right…"

"Besides, this building is complex, which makes it more difficult to keep tabs on you."

Miyabi's expression becomes indecipherable, "If something were to happen, I don't know that I'd be able to come running like I did the other day."

And with that, he returns to his usual shelf.

(So in other words, if the building was less complex he'd be able to sense where I am and find me?!)

Maybe that's why I have been getting the feeling that I'm being watched in every room…but then again, he did just say that the building's complexity makes it harder for him to do so. But then if it's not him then why do I get the feeling that I'm-

"Hey, Snow. Did you say you needed this book?"

I just about jump out of my skin and the sound of Ikumi's soft voice.

I casually turn around praying I don't look as startled as I feel.

"Thanks! I'll return it to storage when I've finished."

Ikumi smiles though seems unsure about something but then, "Okay. Thanks."

(I should be safe here at work. I mean, with Miyabi here, and Ikumi and Taro here with me nearly the entire shift. But I feel like I'm becoming as paranoid as Miyabi what with how I'm reacting to every noise. As long as I remain within someone's sight I will be just fine.)

I finish with the project I needed the book for and head down to storage to return it.

I glance over the shelves in search of its rightful location.

"Ah, here we go."

"Emma? What a coincidence."

This time I really did shriek.

"Taro!"

My was thudding a bruise into my chest from the scare of his sudden appearance.

It's weird though, lately I've had a lot more run-ins with taro than I used to. I realize how that sounds we do after all work in the same building but the truth is he never used to give me the time of day.

Taro was apparently thinking the same thing, "You and I have had much more time to talk lately."

"Wow! I guess it's true what they say about great minds."

Taro's expression suddenly shifted to a darker seriousness, "Well…at the risk of saying the wrong thing, would you like to have a nice, long talk sometime?"

At first, I couldn't believe what I'd just heard, "What?"

"After work. Perhaps over dinner?"

(He's asking me on a date?!)

"I must be hallucinating…" I mumbled to myself.

Taro seemed annoyed with himself and gave a heavy sigh before quickly adding, "You know, never mind. You do, after all have a fiancé, so I won't insist. I don't know what I was thinking, I'm sorry."

So, I did the stupid thing and jumped at the chance, "No, it's fine! I can get around the minuscule obstacle."

His eyes went very wide, "You'll what?"

"N-nothing!"

If I know Miyabi, he would do almost anything to put a stop to this precious moment if he found out. He must never know!

Sure, he's unbelievably sexy, but he's a complete jackass!

I always dreamed of marrying a nice guy like Taro and have a happy life…

I once again lose myself in another daydream as I gaze into his eyes.

Upon returning home I rush into my room feeling on the verge of overwhelming panicked joy.

(I can hardly believe this is actually happening! Oh crap! What should I wear?!)

I begin to slip into a frenzy trying to find the perfect outfit.

(Taro said we'd be going to a museum, then have dinner on the top floor of a luxury hotel, so…)

"Nope, too casual, too mature…I must have something that's somewhere in between."

"What're you doing?"

I flinch and stifling yet another shriek. However I refused to look him on the eye out of fear that he would discover my plan if I did.

"I'm just deciding what I'll wear to work tomorrow!"

I inwardly groaned and wanted to kick myself for having just delivered the least convincing lie ever!

The I finally did look at him, "More importantly, this is my room… At least knock, will you?!"

"Why do I need to announce myself to enter my wife's room?"

I didn't hesitate, "Because I'm NOT your wife!"

Miyabi's lips curved into a sinister smile, "That only a matter of time."

(I never win whenever I talk back to this jerk!)

Not wanting to accidentally let something slip that would cause him to ruin my date, I decided to leave it at that.

The obnoxiously whiney voice that always let me know the kappa was nearby suddenly flooded the hallway outside my door.

"Masterrrr! Oh, Master, where are youuu?"

I pleaded with my eyes for Miyabi to stay quiet, but of course, this was too much to hope for.

He smirked at me then turned to the door, "In here, Hikobei."

The door to my room quickly slid open and in popped the peeping kappa.

"Ah, there you are! You sure are difficult to locate in this wretched place."

I could feel a bubble anger welling up inside me, "This is exactly why I do not like people barging into my room without asking!"

"Butt out, human! I'm here to talk to master."

"What?! Butt out?! Listen here you kappa brat!"

But of course he was paying zero attention to me…again.

"Master, I returned to the village for the first time in a long while, and there…"

(I feel like this is going to take a long time…I need a drink.)

In the kitchen I open the cabinet door and spot a jar of honey.

Maybe some tea with honey will help calm my nerves.

Then it dawned on me.

(Wait. Honey?)

"That gives me an idea…"

I return to my room, where Miyabi and Hikobei are still talking.

"Hey, Hikobei. You ever have this?"

The kappa turns to me a look of disgust in his eyes, "Are you honestly interrupting my conversation with Master-" He trails off mid insult as he finally notices the plate I brought back with me, "…What is that?"

I smile, feeling I may have finally won him over, "Cucumber dipped in honey! I hear that it tastes like honeydew melon."

Hikobei blinks at me skeptically, "What? That's ridiculous. I've never…"

And yet the kappa nabs the honey dipped vegetable and takes a bite.

His eyes immediately widen with pure joy.

"Well? Does it truly taste like melon?"

His eyes if possible widen further, "I-it's so good! I think I'm going to become addicted!"

"It's that good, huh?"

Miyabi sighed and then smirked at his friend, "Kappa are so simple."

"But it's really good! Master, would you like a taste?!"

Miyabi glanced the plate in disgust, "I don't want it."

I chuckled to myself.

(Well, Hikobei seems happy…I wonder if it really tastes like melon? As long as he likes it.)

I'll bring you some every once in a while, okay?"

"Really?! You…you're good, even though you're human…"

"In exchange you could try being a little nicer to me, and stop calling me human."

"Ugh…"

The kappa glared at me but said nothing. Wow, he must really love honey-dipped cucumber.

At last, the day of my date with Taro has arrived.

(Miyabi hasn't caught on. Everything's going well…it will be fine. No one will know!)

"I'm really more of a book person, so it's nice to get out and see some art once in a while."

Taro chuckled softly, "I agree."

I, myself didn't know much about art but he really didn't need to know that. However, I did my best to keep the conversation alive, "So, what kind of paintings do you like? Do you have a favorite artist, or…"

Taro surprised me by saying, "I don't really know much about paintings, but I do love works like this."

Scratch that, it shocked me that he would choose a painting of a nude woman. I suddenly found myself thinking of Miyabi's tasteless personality.

Granted, the painting had a mysterious atmosphere about it.

(Wait? Did he just say that he knows nothing about paintings?! But he's the one who chose to go to a museum of art!)

"Anyway, there's something I like more that paintings."

"And what would that be?"

For a moment he just gazed into my eyes before saying, "Come a little closer."

Taking me, yet again, by surprise, he puts his hands around my waist and draws me close.

My heart thumps loudly in my chest.

(WHAT?! Is this really happening?!)

I was beginning to find all of this very hard to believe.

"There aren't that many people here."

I hadn't noticed but he was right.

"Huh. I guess they're just not that crowded tonight."

Now that he mentions it, it was practically just the two of us.

"Incidentally," he continues, wearing something a bit different may have been better."

I looked down at myself unsure of what he meant.

"Really? So, this is no good? I just figured, we were going to a museum, so…"

"It's a little more modest than you need to be at your age."

This was a side of him that I've never seen…I wasn't sure I liked it.

"Well, how would you like me to dress, then?"

Taro glanced around at the few people who were here.

"Hmm…that's one's not too bad."

He points to a girl who walks by.

"Let me get this straight…you would like for me to dress like a hooker?"

I meant it to sound teasing though I'm fairly sure I sounded shocked instead.

My thoughts wandered back to the painting of the mysterious nude woman. I had no idea Taro was so…sensual.

"Well, are you ready to eat?"

I blink at him, his words not quite registering at first, "Oh, yeah! Didn't you say there were restaurants nearby?"

"Actually, I was thinking we'd mix things up."

"Mix things up? Color me intrigued."

Okay, when he said mix things up I hadn't thought he meant fancy sushi.

But then again, I've never eaten anywhere this expensive.

(I guess Taro likes sushi. Well, I suppose sushi works for dinner too.)

"Hmm, where to start…Do you know what you're getting?"

He doesn't even hesitate, "Inari sushi."

"Um…? What?"

"I like Inari sushi. Nothing tastes better."

"I-Inari… Really…?"

I suddenly had a bad feeling…

He orders the Inari sushi and start to chew down.

A laugh escapes my lips, "You're like a fox."

At first, he gapes at me as though I had just insulted him.

"…What?"

"No, I mean…. They say that foxes love Inari sushi."

His previous look of shock melts into a kind smile, "Oh, right… I suppose they do."

(A fox…. Reminds me of someone. Stop it, Emma! You are on your long-awaited date with Taro. Who cares about Miyabi?! The two of them are completely different! They're nothing alike!)

In the end, however, we ate only Inari sushi until it was time to go home.

After dinner, I walked along the deserted nighttime streets with Taro at my side.

"There's no one else out tonight."

Taro nodded then gave me one of his beautiful smiles, "True, but it is late."

(Well here I am, am I made it the whole night without Miyabi catching on where I was… It just feels so damn good to be free of him even if just for a few hours. And walking together with Taro like this, it's like a dream come true.)

"So, how's work? Do you like it?"

I don't hesitate for even a second, "Of course! Thanks to you being there…"

He blinks seeming startled by my quick reply, "Won't you're fiancé be mad if you say things like that?"

(Oh hell…well, here's my chance to clear that up…!)

"Um, Taro?"

"Hm?"

"I've tried to say this about a dozen times, but…"

(Here goes…)

"Nothing's going on between me and Miyabi! The person I like is…"

I start, but as Taro fixes his eyes on me I find my words forgotten. He brushes his hand against my cheek.

(Wait! So…he feels the same…?)

I'm nervous, but I close my eyes without thinking, when…

"Ow!"

I feel my cheek being pinched causing my eyes to fly open.

"You really are an idiot."

For a moment I feel stung by his words but then I get a sinking feeling, "I've heard that before…"

A loud boom erupts around me and Taro vanishes into smoke. And when the smoke finally clears the person I see is…

"What the Hell, Miyabi?!"

He appeared to be very annoyed, not at all amused, "What were you saying?"

I was angry too, angry enough to spit!

"Excuse me?!"

"You were about to say something to a man by the name of Taro?"

Miyabi says this with a twisted look in his eyes.

(Oh my god! I almost confessed my feelings to – to Miyabi!)

Something else occurred to me, "Wait, oh dear God! How long was it you?!"

His current expression of anger was instantly replaced with a smug smile, "From the very start."

"From the beginning?!" I shrieked at him.

(I can't believe he fooled me like that! I feel like such a gullible moron!)

I turned on him eyes narrowed to slits, "Why?! Why the hell would you do this to me?!"

"To get in your way, of course," was his simple minded response.

"But how? I was so sure you hadn't found out!"

(As if, you moron! Your life was completely transparent.)

Clearly even my own conscience thought I was dumb.

Miyabi's eyes narrowed again, "You can't hide things from me. Haven't you learned that by now?" He tilted his head slightly to the right, "Besides, you're an easy human to read. Did you really believe I wouldn't be able to see it on your face?"

"Say what now?"

His smirk widened, "You've been acting weirdly happy over the last few days. Which, for you, is not normal. Also, you were daydreaming, blushing…need I go on?"

When I said nothing he just gave an irritated sigh, though he seemed bizarrely amused, "What would be strange is if I didn't figure it out."

Finally I snapped, "Ugh! What the hell is wrong with you?! Why did you have to ruin this night?! Why does it matter if I go on a date?!"

Miyabi simply said, "You're going to be my bride, that's why?"

"For the last time! I am not marrying you! But even if I was, you're the one who said we could be married without loving each other!"

For some reason the jerk was shocked by this, "You're saying I should allow infidelity?"

"Of course not, but…!"

I trail off as something dawns on me, "Where is Taro?! You had better not be holding him prisoner!"

"Do you really think I would do something so crass? It's taken care of. I had a leaf take your form. So don't worry."

I suddenly wanted to vomit…again.

"I can not believe this! You're such a jerk! You really are just a small-minded pervert!"

Miyabi just tilts his head as his smug smile grows even more so.

"Hmph. You really think I'm the bad guy here?"

"What?!"

I turn around. His expression is angry again for some reason, "What was with that face you were making?"

"What are you babbling about now," I snap back.

Miyabi looks, if possible, even angrier, "You never look like that when you're with me. Your cheeks flushed smiling happy. You'll show that side of yourself to another man but not to me…I hate that."

"And why on earth would I show you?!"

Miyabi looks away, "Whose fiancé are you. Need I remind you that you're mine?"

"No! I'll say it a million time if I have to, I am not-"

"Why do you always defy me?"

His eyes flick back to mine, "What's so great about that human? Can you honestly say he has anything that I don't?"

I was growing very tired of this and just wanted it over, at least for tonight, "It's not like that…"

(Was Miyabi seriously mad…? But he was the one that said that we needn't love each other, that he could never feel that way for a human. And besides…)

"You're you..."

His eyes widen a fraction, "What does that mean?"

I smiled and then looked up to the night sky, "There's no point in comparing yourself to others. I mean, there are so many things that only you can do. Like… Taro never be able to save me when I'm in danger. And…"

I start to feel awkward and murmur the words. Miyabi opens his eyes wide like he's taken by a surprise attack.

"…Miyabi?"

He quickly averts his eyes, "…Stupid."

"Wha-"

(Is he blushing…?)

"So I'm me. You think I needed you to tell me that? I don't need you to tell me the obvious. Like how I'm better than that guy."

"I didn't say you were better! Ugh, this isn't really the point I'm trying to make…"

However, his angry expression from a moment earlier had completely transformed…it would seem that Miyabi was capable of feeling something other than lust…

"Miyabi? Are you blushing?"

His eyes flick back to mine and he suddenly appears frustrated again, "Don't be stupid. What's there for me to blush about?"

(It's strange, but I don't get him at all…Aww hell, what am I saying? Of course I don't, he's an Ayakashi.)

"What are you just standing there with that dumb look on your face for? Pick up the pace."

I walk faster to catch up with him, and together walk the remainder of the way home.

TO BE CONTINUED...