Just a quick thank you to everyone who's reviewed so far, it really has helped motivate me to write faster! Well. That and the fact that I want to get to the good stuff. All this set up is driving me crazy!
Art of Love
Chapter Three
"Come on, Tamahome. You can't stay mad at me forever."
Aside from the slight tensing of his shoulders, Tamahome gave no sign that he'd even heard her.
Chichiri watched Miaka visibly deflate when Tamahome continued to ignore her, and his eye twitched in irritation with his brother Seishi for such childish behavior. It wasn't Miaka's fault that Suzaku had asked her to summon him again, and it certainly wasn't her fault that the ceremony required her to sacrifice her body, not to one, but seven different men!
Laying a gentle hand on her shoulder as they walked, pitching his voice in such a way that Tamahome—who insisted on walking at least ten feet in front of everyone else—was sure not to overhear, he tried to assuage her distress. "Don't worry, Miaka. Just give Tamahome some time. Until today, he'd always been the only man in your life. He's sure to feel a little upset about all of this. He'll come around eventually, no da."
After a moment, Miaka nodded, giving Chichiri a small smile of gratitude. The spring was back in her step now and Chichiri felt a flash of pride for having been the one to put it there.
He understood why Tamahome was upset. For years he'd been Miaka's one true love. Her agreeing to the ceremony so readily, even if it had been abundantly clear that she felt she had no other choice, had to feel tantamount to betrayal.
Chichiri sighed. Betrayal was a feeling he was all too familiar with.
Having an understanding of Tamahome's feelings didn't make it any less upsetting to see Miaka in pain when Tamahome shut her out. Silently, Chichiri resolved to have a conversation with his brother Seishi at first opportunity. Perhaps he'd be able to calm rough waters by helping him see that Miaka had made the only choice she could; it was either agree to do the ceremony or lose everyone—including Tamahome—forever.
His face was warming beneath his mask again. Out of habit, the monk immediately tried to banish the unchaste thoughts that had crept their way into his brain since he'd been told of the new summoning ceremony- although, with what Taiitsukun had instructed him to teach everyone, he supposed he wouldn't have to worry about harboring impure thoughts any longer.
When Miaka had first visited Konan and he'd rescued her and the others from Kutou assassins, he'd thought of her as cute; she was baby faced and had the boundless energy of youth that Chichiri had lost after he'd turned twenty. But she'd been so very immature that the idea of loving her the way Tamahome or Hotohori did had never even crossed his mind. He'd loved her as was proper for a Seishi to love his Priestess.
And then, all at once, during the final battle with Nakago, he'd seen what a strong, beautiful woman she'd become and his virtuous regard for his priestess had been forever altered.
Of course, shortly after his realization, the Seishi had all had to return to the Universe of the Four Gods and he'd thought he'd never see Miaka again. Besides that, she loved and had the love of Tamahome, and once his brother Seishi had figured out how to cross over, Chichiri knew he would have been nothing but happy for the two of them.
Being suddenly pulled off the side of the road through an inter-dimensional portal, leaving poor Tama-Neko to fend for himself on the outskirts of the Capital had been startling, but what had been more surprising was the intensity of his feelings in finding himself wrapped in Miaka's arms.
He hadn't been able to resist and had transformed back to his real size. Just so he could hold Miaka like a man. Just once.
Boy, had that been a mistake.
Several years had obviously passed in Miaka's world , because the girlish figure he remembered was no more. She had filled out in two very important areas, and now that he'd felt those delicious curves pressed against him he was having a very hard time forgetting about them!
That, and the fact that she was still a virgin.
He'd noticed the way Miaka tensed up when Tamahome and Tasuki were arguing and Tamahome had brought up the fact that for Suzaku's first summoning she'd been required to be a virgin. He'd almost asked her about it then, but decided it was inappropriate to ask in front of so many people. Especially when the topic was so sensitive; the concept of having sex for the first time was a momentous and heartfelt decision for most women, and he doubted Miaka would be any different. There was also the possibility that bringing up the subject would start an argument between some of the Seishi. He'd have to ask her about it later.
"Tamahome! Left!" Miaka hollered, rolling her eyes when he had to take several deliberate steps backwards in order to make the turn and not run into the middle of traffic. "We're almost there. Slow down a bit, please!" She added.
Chichiri hid a smile. There were disadvantages to always wanting to be first.
Taiitsukun had left them shortly after Miaka agreed to the terms of the second summoning and wishes, and now they were heading to Miaka's home. As they went, Chichiri noted that he and Tasuki seemed to draw quite a lot of attention and he knew that if they planned on walking about in the future that they were going to have to find new sets of clothes.
Miaka's world was quite amazing, now that Chichiri had time to get a proper look at it. The buildings were taller than any he'd ever seen and the motorized buggies—cars, Miaka had called them—were simply wondrous. From the corner of his eye, he could see Tasuki gawking at just about everything. Nuriko was having the best time explaining exactly what everything did. Chichiri couldn't be sure, but he suspected the other Seishi had to be making some things up.
"Of course, we'll have to figure out where you guys are going to stay." Miaka pondered aloud. "I suppose you can stay with me, but I've only got the one spare bedroom so one of you is going to have to sleep on the couch. And I'll have to ask Keisuke if he can bring the two of you some clothes." The Priestess turned to regard him with her clear green eyes and Chichiri felt his heart give a little jump. "Although I've gotta say I'm gonna miss the classic Konan looks!"
During the ride on the thing Miaka called an 'elevator,' Chichiri's stomach decided to stay behind on the bottom floor. He was surprised at himself—with all the teleporting he did on a regular basis you think he'd be used to things like that!
Tasuki did well, he'd stopped screaming at every little thing. Chichiri suspected it was partly because he was tired of Nuriko laughing at him and explaining everything, and partly because he was trying to look tough in front of Miaka.
Once the doors opened to the correct floor, Miaka led them down a long corridor with many doors. Chichiri took careful note so he'd be sure to remember where to go later. He'd done the same in the city, remembering landmarks at every turn in case he ever had need to navigate Miaka's world by himself.
"Home sweet home!" Miaka chirped, unlocking the door and swinging the door wide open to allow her Seishi entry.
Waiting for all the others to enter, Chichiri closed the door after himself and cast a simple protection spell over the entryway. Old habits die hard, and he was certainly taking no chances—especially not in his Priestess' home.
"Would you guys excuse me for a few minutes? I need to call Keisuke and make some plans." With that, Miaka disappeared into the next room. There was a series of clicks and then Chichiri could hear some muffled talking. Another one of this world's amazing inventions no doubt. He'd find out more about it later.
"Tamahome, do you think you could show me to this worlds equivalent of the latrines?" Chichiri asked. The other Seishi agreed easily and Chichiri followed him down the short hallway while Nuriko continued to explain several other modern devices to Tasuki in what Chichiri had learned was called 'the living room."
Once they were in 'the bathroom' Chichiri rounded on Tamahome— fixing the other man with a serious stare, he said, "Tamahome, what do you think you're doing?"
Tamahome paused in his demonstration of how the toilet worked. "I thought I was showing you the facilities… but I suppose that's not really what you wanted to talk to me about, is it?" Straightening, the navy haired Seishi crossed his arms, posture suddenly becoming tense.
"Correct."
Unimpressed, Tamahome lifted his chin. "Go on then. Yell at me."
"I'm not going to yell at you, Tamahome. What I am going to do is tell you that you're behaving like a total fool. More than anyone, I understand why you're upset about this entire course of events."
"Tch. How would you know anything about what I feel?" Tamahome hissed.
In response, Chichiri removed his mask, allowing his brother Seishi to get a good long look at the horrific scar covering his left eye before he spoke. "Tamahome, do you know how I got this scar? I told Miaka once, long ago."
Eyes wide, Tamahome shook his head, unable to look away from Chichiri's true face. "No. She never said anything to me about it."
Chichiri smiled, gratified at his Priestesses ability to keep a secret. "When I was eighteen, I was engaged to be married. We were deeply in love—or so I thought. One day I caught her and my best friend together and she told me she couldn't marry me." He watched Tamahome closely, pleased that the other Seishi was listening intently to his story.
Voice lowering, Chichiri continued, "I do have an understanding how you feel about this, Tamahome. Thinking of Miaka with some other guy, you feel betrayed. It's not fair. You might even want to hurt the rest of us."
"The idea had crossed my mind," Tamahome admitted, one hand clenching at his side as he ran the other through his hair in irritation. "I can't help how I feel, Chichiri."
"I know." "But I'm telling you that those feelings never lead anywhere that's positive. There was an uncomfortable pause during which Chichiri watched his friend and comrade carefully. What he was about to say could never be taken back, and he could only hope that hearing it would have the intended effect on Tamahome—helping to create a bond of understanding. However, Chichiri was painfully aware that it might well serve to alienate him from his fellow Seishi.
The first words were difficult, and Chichiri found he had to force them out. "After my fiancé dumped me, I didn't know what to do. Jealousy consumed me. How could they do that to me? I didn't think. I flew into a rage and attacked Hikou. I fought with my best friend, and… I killed him."
"You killed your best friend?" Gray-amethyst eyes were skeptical.
Chichiri nodded solemnly. "We were fighting on the bank of a flooded river. He fell in and I tried to save him, but a log shot out of the water and struck me in the face. In that instant I lost my eye and my best friend."
"Chichiri… I had no idea." Tamahome's eyes widened. "I'm sorry." For the moment his anger and frustration had dissipated, leaving behind the empathy and understanding that Chichiri had been searching for.
"It's not your fault, no da. It is my shame to bear." He gave Tamahome a pointed look. "My only hope is that I can stop history from repeating itself. I want you to know I understand your feelings, but I also that I will not tolerate any more foolishness from you." Anger flashed in his sorrel colored eye. "Can't you see the way you're acting is hurting Miaka?"
"Hurting Miaka?" Tamahome spat. "She's the one who's ripped out my heart and stepped on it."
"She did no such thing," Chichiri admonished. "Did it ever occur to you that Miaka is the one making a huge sacrifice here?"
"Some sacrifice," Tamahome muttered.
Chichiri struggled to keep his voice even. Why was Tamahome being so difficult? Had he been his hard-headed in his youth? Chichiri sent a silent apology to anyone who may have had to deal with him in his darkest days. Training with Taiitsukun for three years had certainly beaten the attitude out of him—but he didn't have three years to work with Tamahome! He needed Tamahome to understand and to do so quickly! "She is the one who has to give of herself for this summoning ceremony to work. Why is it so hard for you to understand that? Are you really that jealous?"
Tamahome's nostril's flared in rage, his eyes widening in sudden comprehension. "So you have a thing for her too, then?"
Chichiri reddened, finding that he could not deny it. This heart to heart talk was not going at all how he had planned, but he pressed on. "Suzaku chose well when he chose her. Miaka is the embodiment of love. One thing I've learned is that the quickest way to kill love is to behave with jealousy."
When Tamahome did not respond, Chichiri continued, "Do you know why, Tamahome? Because love isn't selfish. Miaka agreed to this in part so she wouldn't lose you. If she hadn't agreed, all of us, including you, would be separated from her forever."
"Isn't that a selfish reason in itself though?"
"Perhaps, but she's not doing it just to make herself happy. She's doing it for all of us." Chichiri smiled slightly. "Wanting to keep Miaka all to yourself is understandable, but that feeling is rooted in fear, not love. What are you so afraid of Tamahome? Miaka is always going to love you, even if she also loves the rest of us."
After a moment of heavy silence, Tamahome sighed, "I guess that's true. I still don't have to like it."
"But you understand you need to get over it, right?" Chichiri extended a hand and rested it on Tamahome's shoulder. "This is a big step for Miaka and this ceremony is too important to screw up. She's going to need your support more than ever."
When Miaka was finished phoning her brother and Yui, she stepped back into the living room to see Nuriko finishing explaining how the TV worked. "Keisuke, Yui, and Tetsuya will all be over as soon as they can."
She paused, noticing the absence of two of her Seishi. "Where's Tamahome and Chichiri?"
"Tama's showing Chichiri how the bathroom works." Nuriko answered with a wink. "We sure didn't have anything like these modern day conveniences back in Konan!"
"Ahhhh, some of it's overrated." Tasuki scoffed. "What do you get done all day if yer too busy playing with these damned electronical things?"
Miaka laughed at the perplexed expression on Tasuki's face. When Tamahome had initially followed her here, he'd been so amazed by everything in sight he'd seemed like a little kid. Trust Tasuki to be amazed, and still have the street sense to see the drawbacks. "Some people don't get anything done for that very reason." She admitted.
Tasuki nodded. "Figured. For me, I prefer the simple life back in Konan. No offense to your world, Mi-chan, but I'd much rather be focusin' on the things that matter to me."
He gave her a dashing, eye catching smile, his eyes dropping from hers to rove appreciatively over the rest of her. Miaka felt her heart leap, and then promptly fall on its face somewhere near her feet. When had Tasuki learned to flirt ? He'd always been a straightforward person—he'd never shown any inclination to tease her in this particular way before!
She glanced at Nuriko, in hopes of finding confirmation of what she was hearing. The former cross-dresser was absolutely no help—he seemed find the situation hilarious! When he finally stopped laughing, an amused smirk lingered on his beautiful face. "Usually I might be inclined to agree with Tasuki. Life was so much simpler in Konan. However, I am very fond of some of the toys I've picked up in this world." Eyes shining with wicked laughter, he lowered his voice to a conspiring whisper, "Maybe I'll get the chance to show them to you later, eh Miaka?"
A few years ago, what Nuriko was implying would have gone right over Miaka's head. Despite her inexperience, she had learned things, and now at least had some idea of what Nuriko was getting at. Instead of shrieking at him as she might have when she was younger, she was determined not to have either man think her a prude or a shrinking violet.
Shyly looking away, she twisting a lock of auburn hair about her finger. "That would be nice, as long as Tasuki can come see them too," she said, looking up at the last moment so she could see their reactions.
Nuriko gaped at her for a moment, his cheeks turning an interesting shade of red before it finally dawned on him that she was only playing. He dissolved into peals of laughter. "How about that, Tasuki? You, me, Miaka, and my box of goodies?" He slapped Tasuki on the back with gusto, sending the bandit to the ground for the second time that day.
"Damnit, Nuriko! Are ya tryin' ta kill me?" Tasuki howled as he straightened, rubbing the back of his head as he sidled closer to Miaka, well out of reach of the purple haired Seishi. Wrapping an arm around his priestess, he added, "Thanks Mi-chan, but I don't play well with others."
He growled playfully, gnashing his teeth by her ear. Miaka squeaked and pulled away, blushing furiously. Trying to maintain her bravado and cover up her embarrassment, she shot back, "In that case, maybe I'll just let you play by yourself!" She wasn't sure what to think of herself at the moment. She and Yui had told many a dirty joke to each other, but she'd never said anything of the sort in front of, much less to a man before. She had to admit she was having fun. It was much easier to joke about right now than to consider the reality of actually being alone with any of them, much less two of them at once.
Instead of being offended, Tasuki and Nuriko both laughed and Miaka joined in, glad that no one had thought to ask her the dreaded question as of yet. The idea of explaining to her Seishi that she was still a virgin was daunting. On the one hand she knew they'd understand, but from the sound of it, they all had at least some experience and it seemed, assumed she had some too.
She'd just let them think that for now.
Tamahome chose that moment to reappear from the hallway. For the first time since she'd agreed to Taiitsukun's request, he met her eyes and offered her a tiny quirk of his lips. Not quite a smile, but even that small gesture made Miaka's heart lift in hope.
Until he asked, "What's so funny?"
Nuriko and Tasuki wisely kept their mouths shut while Miaka desperately tried to come up with a plausible lie. Tamahome would definitely not take kindly to the idea of a threesome between herself and the other two Seishi. "I was just telling them how amazed you were by everything when you followed me here when Yui tried to separate us." She grinned up at him. "Tasuki and Chichiri never got to see much of Tokyo when they were here before because of the battle with Nakago. Nuriko's been filling Tasuki in on how things work here." She cast a worried glance down the hallway. "Do you think Chichiri's doing okay in there?"
"He's fine." Tamahome assured her. His voice sounded cheerful enough, but Miaka could see a muscle twitching in his jaw. A sign, she thought, that he was angry about something but trying to pretend he wasn't. "Did you get hold of Keisuke and the others?" He asked.
There was the distant sound of a flushing toilet and then the telltale trickle of a running faucet.
Miaka nodded. "Yes. They said they'll be here shortly."
Chichiri made his way back to the living room, his mask in place and as chipper as always. "Sorry I took so long, no da."
Tamahome cast the monk a reproachful look, but made no comment.
"Uh, guys," Miaka began, shifting her weight nervously as she tried to find the words she needed to say. "I'd appreciate it if we kept the details of the summoning ceremony just between us. I don't think my brother will take it well, and I don't want Yui or Tetsuya to worry."
"Yeah…" Nuriko made a face. "Yeah, I think that's a good idea. I'd probably freak out if Kourin was in this kind of situation."
The others all nodded in mute agreement. All of them had sisters and understood how, as much as Keisuke liked all of them, that he was likely to go ballistic if he knew the truth.
Chichiri spoke up. "I'd expect nothing less of a brother protecting his little sister's virtue."
"My sisters don't got any virtue left!" Tasuki snorted. His laughter was infectious enough that it got everyone, including the still dejected Tamahome, laughing too. At Miaka's scandalized expression he tried to compose himself and explain. "You don't understand, Miaka. My sisters… They're not like you—" Tasuki stopped in midsentence, amber eyes widening in sudden realization. "Mi-chan…?"
The room had suddenly become very quiet and Miaka's heart began to race as all eyes turned to her. Eyes wide, Miaka stared back at the four of them like a deer in the headlights.
"Miaka! Are you still—?"
Nuriko's question was cut off by the shrill chime of the doorbell. Miaka let out a sigh of relief, bolting across the living room with a clipped, "We'll talk about this later!" With that, she yanked open the door to reveal Yui, flanked by Tetsuya and Keisuke—all three of them wearing very startled expressions.
Forcing a smile, Miaka chirped, "Come on in!" And nearly dragged the three of them inside.
About twenty minutes later, Yui, Tetsuya, and Keisuke were seated on the couch as Miaka finished recounting the G-rated version of the day's events. Tamahome stood, occasionally pacing back and forth across the room, eventually driving Nuriko to yank the other man by the wrist to force him to sit still on the floor with him and Chichiri. Tasuki had made himself comfortable leaning against the half-wall separating the living room from the kitchen, watching everyone's reactions with interest.
"Another summoning, huh?" Tetsuya muttered, adjusting his sunglasses with two fingers. "Suzaku can't just find another Priestess?"
"Would you really want to put another unsuspecting girl through all that?" Miaka snapped, glancing meaningfully at Yui. "I know I can't let that happen."
Tetsuya blanched, lowering his eyes and looking quite abashed. He shot an apologetic look at Yui and Miaka. "Yeah. I think we can agree no one else needs to go through that."
Yui shook her head, hands curling into fists. "It's very noble of you to agree to take Taitsukun's place as the Divine Protector, but what about all of you? What about your lives?" Her blue eyes regarded Miaka with a hurt and seriousness that Miaka hadn't seen in a long time. "You're just going to abandon us?"
Miaka frowned, her brows knitting together. "I'm choosing to see this as a new opportunity. It may not be what I had planned, but I believe that the path I'm on is the right one." If Taiitsukun was correct and she and the others became semi-divine after everything was said and done, then it stood to reason that they would never want for much, if anything. "Taiitsukun told us that as long as someone is left behind to protect the Gate, we'll be allowed to come and go as we please." It was literally the best of both worlds. "She even said that as a former Priestess, Yui will be able to access the Gateway whenever she wants." Eyeing Tetsuya and her brother, Miaka added slyly, "And she'd even be able to bring guests."
That did it. Keisuke and Tetsuya looked as though Miaka had just told them they'd won the lottery. Miaka knew she hadn't exactly played fair, the boys had both lamented many a time that they wished they could've seen the Universe of the Four Gods for themselves, but she couldn't bring herself to feel too bad about it. Even Yui looked appeased at this new information, but her blue eyes drilled into Miaka with the intensity of someone who knows someone is keeping something from them.
"So theoretically, we could keep our day jobs," Mused Nuriko.
"That's what I understood," Chichiri agreed. "It wouldn't do for me and Tasuki to just drop out of existence. As emissaries of Konan, we've become pretty important."
"How is Konan?" Asked Nuriko. "How many years have passed?"
"Five years," Tasuki answered.
"That's the same as here." Miaka said. The realization gave her a start. Why hadn't more time elapsed in the book world? Before it had always seemed to pass faster there than in her world. Was it because of the Seishi being reborn in her world? Or some other reason?
Whatever it was, she was glad to hear that things were going well. Konan was being rebuilt at a steady pace under the leadership of Empress Houki and the Advisors.
After the conversation had reached a momentary lull, Yui asked, "Miaka, can I see you in private for a minute?" At Miaka's blank look she added, "It's about that thing you borrowed."
"Yeah, sure." Still puzzled, Miaka followed Yui down the hallway to her own bedroom, wracking her brain trying to remember what in the world she'd borrowed that would engender the need for privacy.
As soon as the bedroom door was closed, Yui rounded on Miaka with a fierceness she hadn't seen since the time Yui had tricked her in the Shrine of Seiryuu. "All right, Miaka. Spill it. You're hiding something and you're going to tell me what it is!"
Miaka was speechless for a good long moment. She should have seen this coming. Yui was too smart and had known her too long to not realize she was hiding something. How exactly did one explain that they had to have copious amounts of sex in order to summon a giant red chicken to save the world?
Somehow, Miaka managed to fill Yui in on the 'deleted scenes' of what she already knew without passing out. As she listened, Yui's eyes grew as wide as they could and when they couldn't get any bigger, her jaw began to drop as well.
When Miaka was finished, Yui stood in silence long enough that Miaka began to worry she'd blown a gasket. Finally, she'd recovered enough to choke out, "And you just agreed to this? Now I know why you were being so evasive."
"I had no choice!" Miaka huffed, her cheeks coloring again.
"Uh huh." Yui narrowed her eyes slyly as she teased. "I'm sure their collective good looks had absolutely nothing to do with it?"
"Yui!" Miaka gasped, trying to remain serious before dissolving into giggles. "Okay so that definitely doesn't hurt." Gaining control again she added, "And… it won't be so bad. I'll be with Tamahome and the rest of the people I love."
Face bright with interest, Yui asked, "Do you love the rest of them?"
Miaka's heart made its way to her throat as she considered Yui's question. "I… do." Her faced burned anew as she attempted to untangle her thoughts and explain the thing she'd been trying to figure out all day. "I don't know exactly when it started, but over the past five years my feelings for Tamahome and the others have…changed. I still love Tamahome, but I love everyone else too!" She admitted. "Each one of them is a part of me. Our connection runs deep...I'm only beginning to understand just how deeply."
"I see." Yui nodded her understanding, even though Miaka herself wasn't sure she understood what she'd just said. "How are you going to find the last three?"
"I'm not sure. Taiitsukun says the Seishi and Priestess call to each other." She pressed a hand to her mouth in thought. "Now that I have four of them with me, that connection and the call should be even stronger for finding the rest, don't you think?"
Yui shrugged. "I guess we'll see. What are you supposed to do with these four in the meantime?"
Miaka coughed and gestured for Yui to come closer, whispering, "Since Chichiri's had extensive spiritual training he's supposed to teach the rest of us the basics of Bou Chuu Jutsu so we can be ready for the ceremony."
"No way!" Yui squeaked, her hands flying up to cover her mouth in shock. "Really? Like Spiritual Sex-Ed?"
"Miaka!" There was a light tapping on her bedroom door before Nuriko stuck his head in. "Oh!" He eyed them with a mischievous grin. "What are you two girls yacking about, hmmm?"
Miaka and Yui shared a guilty look before chiming in unison. "Nothing! Just girl stuff."
Nuriko rolled his eyes and sighed, "Miaka, I dressed like a girl for eight whole years. I know what that means." He shot Yui a meaningful look as he entered the room and closed the door. "So you know everything, am I right?"
"Well. Yeah." The blonde admitted sheepishly.
"Thought so." He inclined his head to Yui, his voice taking on a more serious note. "Don't worry, Yui. We'll take good care of Miaka."
With a snort, Yui said, "I'm not worried about that, you've all more than proven your devotion. But I just don't know about this new summoning ceremony. What nut job came up with that?" She made a face, making it clear that she was not impressed with this new turn of events.
Nuriko shrugged. "Well, Suzaku is the god of love…" He let his words trail off, but winked roguishly at Miaka and waggled his eyebrows.
Miaka swatted her Seishi good-naturedly as she speculated, "Love is what brought Tamahome here originally. It's what brought all of you here now. It's the emotion that binds all of us together. If it's not powerful enough to grant wishes then I don't know what is."
"So…" Yui began. "Do you guys have to do it, like, one at a time or will you have to have an orgy or something?" She turned overly innocent blue eyes at Miaka, trying to keep a straight face and failing miserably.
Miaka sputtered. That was something she hadn't even thought about yet. Even if she had been kidding around with Nuriko and Tasuki she hadn't been seriously considering it! "This is embarrassing can we stop talking about it for now?" She pleaded. "Especially when my brother is in the next room?"
"All right," Yui relented. "But we'll continue this later!" Mimicking Nuriko's earlier eyebrow waggle she crooned, "I want to know allll the details!"
"Yui!" Miaka gasped, grabbing a pillow off the bed and chucking it at Yui's head.
The three of them finally rejoined the rest of the group who were currently discussing where Tasuki and Chichiri should stay.
"I have a spare bedroom." Keisuke offered. "We can't have any shenanigans going on now can we?"
Miaka stopped in her tracks, a bolt of icy fear racing up her spine. Did Keisuke know? Who in the world had been stupid enough to tell him? After a couple of heart pounding seconds, she realized her brother had only said it in jest, or he wouldn't have sounded so jovial.
"I have a spare room as well," Nuriko offered, "but my apartment's kind of a ways away."
"Thanks, but we'd really rather stay near Miaka." Tasuki crossed his arms, shifting away from the wall he'd been leaning against.
"Yeah I bet you would." Tamahome muttered, shooting Tasuki a dark look from his place on the floor.
"To protect her of course," Chichiri clarified.
Tamahome snorted, "Yeah? Who's gonna protect her from you?"
Holding up his hands in a gesture of peace, Keisuke interrupted before the two more volatile Seishi could get too riled up. "Tamahome! I'm sure she'll be fine. You guys traveled together all the time in the book. Why would this be any different?"
The pregnant silence that followed Keisuke's exclamation was the most uncomfortable thing Miaka could remember enduring for a good long while.
Please no one say anything. Please…
Thankfully, no one seemed inclined to spill the beans, including Tamahome. Grudgingly, he had to agree with Keisuke, crossing his arms and sulking in mute protest.
"Well, we'd love to stay, but before all of this happened we actually made plans to have dinner with my mother." Yui scrunched her face up in an apologetic grimace. "But we have plenty of time to help out tomorrow if you need us."
"Absolutely," Tetsuya agreed. "After all, I'm a romantic hero now too!"
Yui laughed and elbowed her boyfriend as Miaka showed them out. Leaning close to Miaka, the blonde whispered, "Keep me updated!"
Almost as soon as she'd closed the door behind Yui and Tetsuya, Tamahome stood, saying, "I have to leave too. I've got several reports for work due on Monday. If I don't get them done tonight there's no telling when I might get the opportunity. Especially now."
"It's okay, I understand," she said as she followed him just outside the door to the hallway, leaving the door open just a crack. "I'll be okay. I've got Chichiri and Tasuki with me."
"That's what I'm afraid of."
Miaka opened her mouth to protest, or reassure him, possibly both, but Tamahome continued, a fist clenching in desperation. "I know I shouldn't be jealous. But I can't help it. Our love conquered everything. I just can't believe that Suzaku would ask us to throw that all away to summon him again."
Miaka bit her lip. She knew Tamahome was upset and she wanted to reassure him, let him know she still loved him—but she also didn't want to encourage expressions of his jealousy when they both knew it was counterproductive to what had to be done. "Maybe he doesn't see it as throwing it away. Maybe Suzaku sees it as sharing. Creating something greater than just the two of us," she suggested.
His eyes bored into hers, a clash of amethyst and moss green. "I still don't like it."
"I know. After everything we've been through it feels like betrayal," she admitted. It was the very thought she'd been struggling with since she'd learned of the new summoning ceremony. A glance behind her told her that Keisuke was starting to pay a little too much attention despite having three other people to distract him. "We'll talk more later, ok?" She whispered, leaning close to Tamahome. "I don't want Keisuke to hear."
Tamahome blinked at her close proximity, his eyes suddenly focusing on her lips and hardening with resolve.
Before Miaka could protest or even register what was happening, Tamahome had grabbed her. One hand came up to press against the back of her head, while the other at her waist tugged her close to him. His eyes closed as he fiercely pressed his lips to hers, causing a surprised whimper to escape her before she melted into him like she'd done so many times before.
She'd almost forgotten what a good kisser he was.
Tamahome held her weight easily as her knees weakened and she felt herself sag against him. Pressing his advantage, he slanted his mouth over hers again and again until she opened for him and he swept his tongue into her mouth, intending to remind her of just how strong his feelings were.
Miaka kissed him back, her hands curling into the fabric of his sleeves as the hand at her waist splayed possessively against her back. His touch nearly sent her into a tailspin; he'd reawakened all the desire she'd felt as a teenager. If she allowed this to go on much longer she'd be lost—and she had the feeling that was exactly his plan.
After a moment, she tried to pull away but the hand at the back of her head tightened in her loose hair and his kisses became more demanding, as though he were trying to brand her once and for all. She struggled then, in earnest, and finally, Tamahome pulled back, resting his forehead against hers as they both caught their breath.
"I love you, Miaka." His eyes burned into hers.
Eyes and heart filling, Miaka sniffled, "I love you too."
With a sigh, Tamahome released her, the hand that had been at the back of her head trailed past her cheek, stopping momentarily to brush his thumb over her now swollen lips. "I'll see you tomorrow." He promised.
Miaka nodded, watching as he turned and walked away down the hall.
Just as she was turning to head back into the apartment, Nuriko opened the door.
"You've got things to do too?" Miaka guessed.
"Unfortunately." Nuriko's violet eyes roamed her face, darkening slightly when he caught sight of her lips.
Realizing what he was looking at, Miaka pursed her lips, suddenly unable to look her Seishi in the eye. "Well then I'll see you tomorrow." She tucked an errant strand of hair behind an ear. "I'll call you and we'll set up a time to meet and go over things with everyone."
She flinched when Nuriko leaned forward, his lips just brushing her ear. "Sounds good," he said, his breath tickling her cheek. The look on his face was similar to the time in Hokkan at the Genbu memorial, when he'd refused to tell her what he'd been thinking. He straightened then, pausing only to press a soft kiss to her forehead.
Somehow, the sweet gesture made her just as flustered as Tamahome's impassioned kisses had, and she found herself unable to look Nuriko in the eye for a long moment.
Chuckling softly, Nuriko ruffled her hair and disappeared down the hallway, sending her a last, heavy-lidded look over his shoulder before he got on the elevator.
Upon re-entering her apartment, Miaka found Keiksuke in the middle of tearing apart her kitchen. Pots, pans, and various food stuff littered the countertop and he'd managed to find the apron she never used as well as several cooking utensils she'd forgotten she even owned. "Miaka, where do you keep your—never mind. I found it." Her brother disappeared into the cabinets again as he continued his search.
"Keisuke what are you doing?" Miaka sighed, trying not to let him know how annoyed she was at the absolute devastation of her kitchen. She was still a terrible cook, but she liked to keep her kitchen clean!
"I thought I'd whip up some authentic Japanese cuisine for our two dimension hopping companions!" Keisuke grinned, turning on the stove with a somewhat manic gleam in his eye.
Oh boy.
Oh boy, was right.
Keisuke managed to turn out a delicious meal for the four of them in a very short amount of time. Miaka had to admit she was impressed, despite the fact he'd turned her kitchen into a complete war zone.
Tasuki and Chichiri ate everything they were offered with gusto, a fact which pleased Keisuke to no end. Miaka hid a smile behind her bowl of rice. Keisuke still treated her Seishi with the reverence one would hold for any legendary heroic character, and it amused Miaka greatly. He was like a little kid at Disneyland.
Thankfully, this time Keisuke cleaned up after himself, keeping up a flow of happy chatter as he worked. "I hope those clothes I brought will fit you two. If not, have Miaka let me know in the morning so I can try and get you something else." A slightly crazed look appeared in his eye as an idea hit him. "And if that doesn't work we can always go shopping!"
Miaka shook her head. Sometimes she wondered if her brother had missed his calling in life. Teaching Ancient Chinese studies was something he excelled at, but sometimes Miaka thought he might have done well as a fashion consultant or something. Maybe if he ever got tired of teaching he could get a job with Nuriko?
As Keisuke finished cleaning up, Miaka began to rummage through the hall closet until she'd unearthed a pile of extra blankets and pillows. She gave them a cursory sniff and was pleased to find they were still clean.
"What're those for, Mi-chan?" Tasuki asked as she set the pile gently on the couch.
"They're for whoever ends up sleeping on the couch." Miaka fluffed one of the pillows idly. "I've only got the one spare room and I figured you guys didn't really want to share a bed." She laughed softly, glancing up to see Tasuki giving her a heated stare as though to say there was one person he wouldn't mind sharing a bed with.
Tearing her gaze away, Miaka began making the couch up like her mother had taught her to do for guests: one sheet tucked over the couch and another spread out on top with a blanket and pillow. She could feel Tasuki and Chichiri's eyes on her as they watched her go through the motions and she couldn't help but feel self-conscious.
Clearing her throat nervously, Miaka turned to find that Keisuke had finished cleaning up and was preparing to leave. "Leaving so soon?" She asked, suddenly unsure if she really wanted to see her brother go. It was nearing nine at night, and he did have to get all the way back to his apartment…but suddenly the idea of being left alone in her apartment with Tasuki and Chichiri was seeming a lot more dangerous than she'd originally thought.
"Yeah, it's been a long day and if we're going to get an early start on things tomorrow I'm gonna need to make sure I'm well-rested!" He hugged her lightly and bid the two remaining Seishi goodbye.
"See you in the morning!" He chirped, exiting the apartment and closing the door behind him.
Miaka bolted the door after her brother left, turning to see the bandit and the monk watching her quietly from their seats.
Hand behind her head, she forced a laugh, "Well, Keisuke's right. It is getting pretty late. It's probably about time the rest of us turned in too!"
Tasuki and Chichiri shared a look, giving Miaka the distinct feeling that she was being plotted against.
"Miaka—" Chichiri began, intending to finally ascertain the answer to his question and removing his mask as though to signal his desire for a serious conversation.
His Priestess ignored him, instead bustling around to make sure that she'd procured enough blankets and pillows for the two of them. "Are you guys sure you'll be warm enough?" She asked, not really waiting for an answer before continuing to fiddle with the assorted blankets. "I can always get more blankets if you need them. My room's right at the end of the hall. Don't hesitate to ask if you want anything."
She chose that moment to look up and was instantly sorry she had. The unexpected heat in both her Seishi's gazes had her realizing the unintended implications of her words. Tasuki looked as though he'd be happy to take her up on that, but the presence of Chichiri was forcing him to hold his tongue.
Chichiri, on the other hand, seemed torn. His mask was still in hand, baring his usually unreadable face. His good eye swam with a multitude of emotions before he settled on protective concern. "Miaka, you know we have to talk about it sooner or later."
Trying her best to hide her anxiety, Miaka swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. Maybe he didn't know. Maybe she was giving him too much credit. "About?"
"About the fact that you're a virgin." Chichiri said frankly, managing somehow to maintain eye contact with her as he spoke.
Of course he knew.
Cheeks flaming, Miaka looked away, sticking her nose in the air. "I don't really see how that's any of your business."
Now it was Chichiri's turn to be embarrassed. "It matters, Miaka. None of us would ever do anything to hurt you, but things will be much easier if you feel like you can be honest with us. The first time can be really unnerving, right Tasuki?"
The ex-bandit looked startled at having been included, but he didn't shy away from the question. "Chiri's right, Mi-chan. My first time was in a brothel when I first joined up with the gang at Mount Reikaku. Wasn't exactly romantic or memorable." His amber eyes were somber. "We want ya to have a real good experience."
"Exactly." Chichiri's eye darkened with memory. "After Kouran and Hikou died, I had a few really bad years. I did a lot of things I'm not proud of. Things I look back on now with regret. I don't want that to happen to you Miaka. Are you still sure you want to do this?"
"So you really don't mind?" Miaka asked shyly. "Either of you?"
Tasuki shrugged, his expression bewildered. "Mind? Why in the hell would we mind?"
"Well," Miaka fiddled with the blankets again. "I'm not going to know what to do. It probably won't be very good for you guys. Especially since all of you seem to have some sort of experience. What if…what if I disappoint you?"
The blankets were taken from her gently and set aside as large hands covered her own. Shyly, she looked up to see Chichiri looking down at her with earnestness. "Nothing you do could ever disappoint me."
Not to be outdone, Tasuki piped up, "Me neither." He smiled at her in such a way that her toes curled reflexively. "In fact, I'm lookin' forward to teaching ya a few things, Mi-chan."
Miaka laughed, wiping away the tears that had formed in the corners of her eyes. "I'm so glad to see you two again." Without thinking, she flung herself into Chichiri's arms, pressing her face into his chest. She stayed there for a moment, relishing the feel of his warmth and his scent before pulling back to look into the monks face.
The strength of emotions she saw there surprised her. Perhaps because he always wore his mask, Chichiri always seemed reserved and at peace. Now that the mask was off—laying forgotten at their feet—Miaka was able to see the swirling desire that he normally kept under such tight control.
The idea that Chichiri might want her was oddly thrilling. "Good night, Chichiri." With a measured breath, Miaka disengaged herself from the monk entirely and turned to Tasuki.
This time, Miaka had no qualms about throwing herself into Tasuki's embrace. "Good night, Tasuki," she murmured, her words muffled against his chest as he held her to him.
Tasuki's arms tightened momentarily as he wished her good night. He didn't hold her for long though, practically shoving her towards the hallway and towards her bedroom. "Now git to bed."
When she glanced back at him, slightly hurt, she saw the naked lust on her Seishi's face and knew that he'd only done it to try and preserve her innocence.
With a nod to both Seishi, she turned and high-tailed it to her room and firmly shut the door, leaning against it theatrically for a moment.
Having the two of them stay with her was one of the absolute best, or one of the absolute worst ideas she'd ever had in her life.
What have I gotten myself into?
To be continued…
AN: Thanks to Kitty Lynne again for being the world's best beta. *stares hard at KL* Please share with me your word choice powers! Also thanks to her for giving me the courage to even write this. Otherwise I'd have probably skipped to all the fun parts and it would have never left my computer.
I am so glad to see other people enjoying this! Now my brain is trying to run away with me by planning an AU of the original series but with the same premise of requiring sexy-times to summon the gods. However I think that one might turn out fairly dark at times and I don't know if I want to write that kind of thing. Yet.
If any of you have any questions, feel free to ask them and I will do my best to answer them either in my notes or at the very least assure you it will be answered eventually in the fic itself.
See you for chapter 4!
Also: Can someone please control the Monk? Chichiri has managed to take over this chapter as well as most of the next. He is a devious, devious man and he must be stopped.