A/N: I live! Please enjoy my latest installment! And I would enjoy it if you were to review! ……...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
After riding quietly for hours on end, Miaka decided to break the silence, "Tasuki?" startled out of his Miaka induced reverie, he looked down at the face of his newfound lover,
"Yes my sweet?" he replied sweetly with a small grin, earning a laugh from Miaka. Her laugh, so sweet and melodious to his ears, and to think that he could be the man to earn that laugh from her, the one and only in her life, but it was short-lived for his brain had managed to remind him that they were going back to her world to see Taka, stupid idiot! To let a beautiful woman, so pure and precious like Miaka, to fall out of his grasp, he disgusts me, thought Tasuki bitterly,
"Earth to my Tasu-chan! Come in!" Miaka rapped his head lightly, earning an irate but loving glare from Tasuki, "you zoned out there, watcha thinking bout huh? Me I hope!" Miaka continued amiably, beaming at him brightly,
"What if it isn't? What if it's about somebody else? What are you gonna do about it?" Tasuki teased and Miaka slapped him on his arm playfully,
"Fine, enough of this, I'm serious now!" Miaka huffed, "Tasuki? Remember when we were at that lake, when, you know, said you loved me," her voice trailed off at the end, unsure whether to continue or not, get it out Yuuki! It's now or never! Taking a deep breath Miaka continued, "You said that you tattooed the name of the woman you wanted to marry on your arm, and you said that it was my name, did I hear you right? Do you really, really want to be with me?" Miaka was glad that she got it out in the open, but scared too, she was rushing everything, what if it was a water-induced hallucination that made Tasuki admit that? A million what ifs flew through her mind in a fraction of a second, not realizing that Tasuki stopped the horse and carried her off to a sheltered glade, where he gently sat down, Miaka still in his arms,
"Little baka," he said, before holding her so close that even the smallest beam of light couldn't pass through. At that moment time stood still for Miaka, her world had narrowed to the bandit's lowering head and the steady thump of his beating heart. The kiss was long, passionate, sensual, and above all, possessive. When he broke apart Miaka kept her arms around his neck, refusing to let go, another what if raced through her head, "of course it's you I want to be with, you're the only woman for me, if you're thinking that I was hallucinating when I admitted my love, I wasn't, don't you ever forget that okay?" the bandit kissed her forehead and ruffled her hair affectionately.
Miaka nodded and smiled, still refusing to let go. Of course, Tasuki had no choice but to carry her. As they rode their way towards the palace, another thought plagued her mind, if he said that the name was the name of the person he wanted to marry, and it was my name, does that mean I'm getting married? But he hasn't proposed yet, or maybe he thinks that what he admitted to me was already a proposal! Oh my, I'm confused! Miaka thought a lot about it, not noticing that the bandit was also in deep thought,
Suzaku, I shouldn't have told her I wanted to marry her! Now, she's expecting a proposal, I think, maybe she doesn't notice! Yeah, that's it, that's why she hasn't mentioned anything, or maybe she knows but doesn't want to say anything! Suzaku help me! Tasuki tightened his hold on the horse's reigns and it broke into a steady canter. Hours later, they found themselves in the courtyard of Konan palace, Nuriko ran down the steps and enveloped Miaka in a gigantic hug while Chichiri popped himself behind Tasuki,
"Greetings, no da!" exclaimed the monk, smiling at how he made Tasuki jump ten feet in the air, "hello, Miaka, no da! Um, Nuriko, Miaka's turning blue, no da," true to his words, Miaka was blue tinged and gasping for air,
"Nu-ri-ko..." gasped Miaka,
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I forget my strength sometimes," Nuriko giggled and immediately let a gasping priestess go, "where's our hot-headed bandit now?" Nuriko asked gleefully. Looking around, he found Tasuki sprawled face down on the ground,
"Chiri! How many times have I told you not to do that? Come here you monk!" shouted Tasuki, while chasing a chibi Chichiri around the courtyard,
"Oh boy, here we go again, it took us hours to get them under control last time; guard, get me some rope please," Nuriko said to the guard nearby, Miaka though, knew what to do, and it didn't require any rope,
"It's okay Nuriko, no rope is necessary, I'll handle this," Nuriko looked puzzled, "oh, Tasu-chan!" Miaka called to Tasuki, immediately, he stopped chasing Chichiri and came towards Miaka, "see Nuriko, told you!" Miaka grinned from ear to ear,
"Uh-oh, I know what this means, Chiri! Get your chibi butt over here!" cried Nuriko, Chichiri turned normal and strode towards Nuriko, watching the exchange between bandit and priestess. Tasuki had his arms wrapped around Miaka's waist from behind and she was twirling a lock of his hair between her fingers, they were both smiling, their eyes alight with newfound love. Chichiri cleared his throat, breaking the two apart, their cheeks stained with blushes, "Aww... isn't that sweet! I think I know what happened, eh Chiri?" Nuriko nudged Chichiri with his elbow,
"Yes, from the very romantic exchange plus the blushes, I think it all adds up to Tasuki admitting his love for Miaka!" Chichiri tapped the ground with his shakojou triumphantly, "You know what Nuriko? I hear wedding bells!"
"Hey! I thought I was supposed to say that! Oh, never mind, is it true Miaka? Tasuki?" Nuriko asked impatiently, eyes wide and bright. Miaka looked up at Tasuki and found him blushing furiously with a small fanged grin,
"I can't tell my brother warriors a lie, it's true," Tasuki admitted proudly. Chichiri and Nuriko looked at each other and nodded,
"Well then, if that's the case, Chiri, I'll take the bandit, you take Miaka," Chichiri nodded and turned chibi again, this time jumping into Miaka's arms, earning a low growl and irate glare from the hot-headed bandit,
"You better not try anything funny monkie! Or you'll be asking for it!" he shot over his shoulder as Nuriko dragged him out of the courtyard and into Konan's busy streets.
Nuriko and Tasuki
"I can't believe you told her! Oh my God! This is so exciting!" babbled Nuriko for the umpteenth time,
"Nuriko, I'm leaving," stated Tasuki firmly but quietly,
"You're what?! You're leaving? Where? Why? Oh, so now that you have a lovely lady by your side you just want to let everything you cried over dissipate? You prayed for her every single night since she left and I've seen you cry at night too! Or is it cause you can't handle commitment? Or-" Nuriko was cut off by a sharp rap on his head by a very irate bandit,
"I'm leaving with Miaka back to her world, Nuriko," explained the bandit, "Stop overreacting, I would never leave Miaka, that would make her cry, I hate it when she cries, Obake-chan always made her cry, I don't know why he did it though," Tasuki said to no one in particular,
"You're leaving with Miaka? But why? She just got here!" Nuriko said, upset,
"Dunno, looks like Suzaku knows about my feelings for her and brought Miaka here so her broken heart would be mended, and now that she's fine, I suppose it's time for her to go back, she said that she wanted me to go with her, and Suzaku gave me a thumbs up so I'm going." Replied the red-head nonchalantly, he turned his head as something glinted in the sunlight, finding the source, he found that it was a small cart, selling jewellery, necklaces and bracelets and rings, and all sorts of other trinkets,
"Hey, Nuriko, think Miaka will like that?" Tasuki asked as he pointed to a necklace. It was a single clear, pink crystal with amethyst tints on it, strung on a fine silver chain,
"Yeah, I suppose, it's really pretty though," agreed Nuriko, "stay here while I work my magic," that was the last thing he said as he sauntered off towards the cart.
Miaka and Chichiri
Chichiri led Miaka to the throne room where Chiriko and Mitsukake were in an animated discussion, with Hotohori sitting on his throne, surrounded by advisors,
"Miaka! You're back!" exclaimed Hotohori, giving Miaka a small hug, "and in one piece, Tasuki did a good job this time, no bruises or cuts, yes, you're all in one piece!" he continued after his quick assessment, "speaking of the bandit, where is he?" This time, Chichiri took the liberty of answering,
"He's out with Nuriko, in town," answered the mage, then a whisper, "he did it," Hotohori's eyes widened and his lips formed an 'o' of comprehension,
"Well congratulations Miaka! I hope that you'll be wed here in the palatial grounds, and then the whole of Konan would be more than happy to celebrate with you! Come let us make preparations!" Miaka managed to grab one of Hotohori's sleeves,
"Hotohori, you don't have to make preparations, I'm leaving, soon," Miaka stated firmly,
"Leaving? But why?" queried the emperor. Chiriko and Mitsukake who overheard the conversation came immediately,
"Why are you leaving so soon Miaka? We're really happy that you're back and Tasuki's never been happier!" cried an upset Chiriko. Miaka smiled gently at the little boy by her side, she decided to tell everything that happened to her and Tasuki on their trip. When she finished explaining all the details she sighed heavily as if a big burden has been lifted off her shoulders,
"So, I hope you guys would understand, and one more thing, I'm bringing Tasuki with me," Miaka bowed her head, she suddenly felt guilty, everyone was quiet till Hotohori spoke,
"Well then, I wish you both happiness, too bad though, now I won't be able to keep an eye on you two," Hotohori grinned slyly,
"Well now, you don't think that Suzaku won't let you communicate with each other now do you?" Taiitsukun suddenly appeared, her face hovering inches above the stunned emperor's, "good to see you again Miaka, now, we have to prepare for your departure as soon as possible, Nyan-Nyan will be here to prepare everything, Chichiri, I hope that you will help?" the monk nodded curtly and followed a small girl that popped out of a pink crystal-like orb, "now, if you would excuse me and Miaka, I need to speak with her, privately," the old witch emphasized the last word. After the room's occupants left, a thick veil of silence befell the priestess and witch,
"What do you want to speak with me about?" asked Miaka, when the silence became unbearable,
"I want you to see something, this I'm sure will hurt you, so be strong," Miaka was startled, what could she be talking about? A mirror appeared in front of Miaka and she took it gently in her hands and an image formed. Her lip trembled and tears welled up in her eyes, her hands began shaking uncontrollably and a painful lump formed in her throat. It was Taka, he lay, pale and almost lifeless, surrounded by life support machines the only signs that he was still living was the shallow rise and fall of his chest and the constant beep of the heart monitor. Was this Taka? Was this what happened to him when she left? Was it this that had made her insides feel like it was being torn to shreds the other day? Was she actually feeling Taka's life force drain away? She looked up at the old witch's stern face,
"He is dying, out of guilt and regret, he tried to find an easy way out, plus Suzaku didn't make it any easier for him either," she replied, but Miaka's ears were deaf to it all, "You have to go back, he may want to die, but he won't let himself do it till he sees you again, you could feel his pain too remember? It was that time on the mountain; he was reaching out to you,"
"I-I understand, I'll be leaving tonight," she stated, the old witch nodded slowly and for once, gave Miaka a comforting smile,
"Here, these mirrors will be your form of contact when you return, one will be kept here and you and our little hot-headed bandit boy will keep the other," Miaka gaped at her, how did she know? "I created this world, I see all," that was the last thing she said before disappearing and Tasuki came crashing into the room, demanding to see Miaka.
...
Beep… Beep… Beep…
That was the only sound that filled the quiet hospital room. Other than the occasional rustle or creak of the sofa on which Yui slept on and the quiet breathing of a sleeping Tetsuya.
She sighed once more and turned on her side for the umpteenth time. Sure she hated Taka for pulling a stunt like that on Miaka, but he was a good person deep down and nobody deserves to die this horrible a death.
She turned the other way and closed her eyes, attempting to fall asleep.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
"Tasuki we're going back tonight." Said Miaka a matter of factly, twirling the crystal necklace Tasuki got for her. His happy expression darkened.
"What? So soon? Is something wrong?" he replied, a tinge of upset lacing his words.
"Yes, something is horribly wrong and-" Miaka was cut off from her words as the vision of Taka, sick and pale flitted through her mind, tears stinging her eyes, "-and I just have to go back, I have to go, please understand." She added, her voice a soft whisper as a tear slipped down her cheek.
"It's Taka isn't it?" He spoke acidly, "He hurt you Miaka, why do you care so much about him? Why?"
"Because what we had was special!" She snapped, turning around to face the ex-bandit, "He loved me and now he's dying! It's the least I could do okay? Just understand Tasuki, it's not that I don't love you anymore, I still do, with all my heart, just please understand that I have to do this." She regretted the words that came out of her mouth as she saw the stricken look on his face, "Tasuki, I'm sorry." She reached out a hand to touch his face and he gently refused, turning around and walking the opposite way.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
A/N: Well now, ain't that an interesting turn of events? Haha. I live! Please review!
KittyLynne: Again I am so utterly sorry for using dialogue and situations that rightfully belong to you! Thanks for letting me use 'em!
Thanks to Chichiri's Angel for her ideas! Too bad I couldn't incorporate them here! Thanks anyway!
And thanks to all for reading! 16385 hits! Woohoo! And during the times when I'm not writing, I read fics and am happy to see new writers and new fics! But I have to admit that Febrerocher's Welcome To My Life is the bomb! Haha. I'm not exactly promoting, but it is different and very funny compared to all the college fics out there! Kudos to her! And check it out too, if you like my fic, hers is 10 times better!
R&R!