AN: Happy Yule! All hail the return of the sun! And lets hope the next year is much better. It's looking like I might actually finish this fic, so that's definitely a plus!
RMichelle: So glad you like it!
Guest: Merry Christmas! (ya filthy animal) Sorry. I just watched Home Alone. Your little song got stuck in my head so I had to finish this chapter. Lol.
ThatPageantGirl: Ah, yes. What might those boys be coordinating? This fic is so long already, I'm definitely leaving some stuff out. I imagine they've had some entertaining conversations after leaving the house. If anyone wants to write those, please DM me so I can read them!
Kilataia: Thank you! I think Miaka and Mitsukake will get there. I wanted to explore the idea of sex between friends being a thing. I am definitely a lot like Miaka in that I need to love someone before the sex happens, but I know that's not true for everyone. And I thought perhaps loving someone as a friend counts. 😊
Scarlet Rook is an amazing beta reader/editor and basically my real life inspiration for Nuriko's dialogue. Love her!
Art of Love
Red Courage
Chapter Eighteen
Mitsukake thought he could make it back to the bed after they'd both finished.
He was wrong.
His legs buckled and he crashed to his knees, still holding Miaka and bringing her with him. He panted heavily, leaning his head against the door, every muscle in his body twitching. Miaka laughed when Mitsukake gave up and fell backwards to sprawl onto the cool wooden floor with her clasped to his chest.
"Sorry." He readjusted, nestling Miaka against his side and closing his eyes for the moment. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head he basked in the warmth that emanated from her, the energy flowing out from her in waves.
Miaka, for her part, snuggled against his chest, a hand pressed over his heart as she breathed out a low, "Wow."
Mitsukake flinched as another aftershock rocked him. He felt like he'd done ab day every day for a week. "You can say that again."
"Wow," she repeated, this time a little louder. He chuckled, glad to have the compliment, but even more-so to know that Miaka was finally coming into her own and enjoying her body. A moment later, she added, "That was different."
"How so?" Mitsukake turned his head to look down at her curiously.
Staring up at him, her green eyes serious, Miaka said, "I think I'm getting better at channeling my chi. I could feel it more acutely. I think I even saw it a few times."
A wide smile overtook his face. As a healer, he'd always channeled his chi through his hands. Physically seeing or manipulating the subtle energies around one's body was actually quite advanced. "That's amazing." He rubbed a hand over her back, pressing another kiss to the top of her head.
They fell silent for another few moments, Mitsukake watching the embers of the incense winking out around them when Miaka asked softly, "Was… was it good for you?"
"Of course it was," he laughed in surprise. "You nearly killed me. That's why we're still on the floor. Why do you ask?"
Miaka shrugged, occupying herself with stroking the soft hair on his chest. "This is all still new to me. I never thought you saw me as anything but a little kid you had to take care of."
Mitsukake snorted. "As I said before, I see you as all woman."
"But you never acted on any of it?" Miaka sounded almost offended and Mitsukake had to bite his tongue to keep himself from laughing outright.
Instead, he smiled at her. "When we first met, you were just fifteen and I was twenty-two. Seven years may sound like a lot, but in Konan that sort of age difference wasn't a big deal. I certainly noticed you." He tapped her nose playfully. "But just because you find someone attractive doesn't mean you have to act on it. Besides, it wouldn't have been right for me to do so. Not when you and Tamahome were in a relationship and his Majesty was heartsick over you. I wasn't over Shouka yet, either."
Miaka nodded in understanding. "That's probably for the best. Suzaku knows at least one of us had to keep a cool head during everything that was going on. Taitsukun even said as much."
"She did, didn't she." He remembered the Creator's insistence that the Seishi and Priestess were not to have any sort of physical relationship. "Things have certainly changed," he sighed. "But I would like to believe that it is for the better."
Even in the dark, Miaka's smile was brilliant. "I think so too." She sighed happily, resting her head against him again. A moment later, she added cheekily, "You know, at some point, we've gotta get back to the bed."
For the first time in four days, Miaka woke up alone. She vaguely remembered Mitsukake getting up while it was still dark, returning smelling of soap to brush a soft kiss across her forehead before heading out. She'd fallen back to sleep almost immediately. Now, the sun streamed through the window, dowsing the bed in bright sunlight and casting her in an almost otherworldly brightness.
In keeping with what was becoming a routine, Miaka got herself cleaned up and then performed the ritual cleansing bath. It was quickly becoming a way for her to relax and allow herself to mentally adjust to all the changes happening.
Dressed in a flouncy, rose colored, knee-length skirt and simple white blouse, Miaka descended the stairs quickly in her bare feet. Her loose hair bounced around her shoulders as she entered the kitchen, trying not to let the drool pooling in her mouth spill onto the floor at the heady scent of food that filled the entire first floor. "What's all this?"
Miaka gaped at the various types of crepes and filling options, fresh cut fruit, and flaky pastries glistening with sweet smelling glazes arranged in excess. "No one told me we were having brunch!" she exclaimed, reaching for a pastry.
"It was last minute." Hotohori intercepted her, lacing their fingers together and turning her into his embrace with a twirl. His breath tickled her cheek as he held her from behind, his warmth and aura surrounding her lovingly while Miaka stared longingly at the tempting line of food that was now just out of reach.
"Miaka!" She turned her head to see Tasuki also eyeing the food from across the room, his hand slightly red. "What the heck is brunch?"
"It's a late breakfast-early lunch," she explained. "Brunch."
"Ahhhhh. A play on words!" Chichiri piped up. He'd been semi-hidden in the corner and Miaka hadn't seen him, but she didn't even flinch. She'd sensed he was there, and by now she was getting used to the way the monk popped up when one least expected it.
Tasuki rolled his eyes. "I get it. I get it. Clever."
Miaka grinned at his reaction. It was clear his own attempts to sneak some food early had backfired and he was just salty. "I thought the idea was to try and keep the number of people in the manor to a minimum? At least until it's time to have the wishes granted?"
Hotohori straightened to rest his chin on her head, his arms still looped around her waist in a loose circle, effectively keeping her from demolishing half of what was available as he directed her towards the table with the other Seishi. "Well, that was the plan. Nuriko called me last night while Tasuki, Chichiri, and I were out. He thought it might be fun to get everyone together for a meal or two before everything is finalized."
Tasuki yawned, still pouting. "Yeah, he said it would 'build rapport' or sumthin'."
Chichiri snickered, quickly schooling his face back into his usual mask when Tasuki glared at him. "I think it's a great idea. If we're all going to be living on Mount Taikyouko, then we should get used to it sooner rather than later."
"What did Tamahome think?" Miaka tilted her head back to look up at Hotohori worriedly.
Hotohori released Miaka's waist, his hands sliding up to rest at her shoulders as he explained, "Tamahome was against it at first, but, as you know, Nuriko can be quite persuasive." The Emperor-turned-singer smiled and dropped a chaste kiss on her forehead, gently urging her into a surprised Tasuki's lap.
There was a split second where the movement put Miaka off balance, but Tasuki instinctively grabbed onto and supported her before she even had time to panic. Now, sitting comfortably in his lap—far away from any of the food—Miaka realized she'd been duped. Tasuki grumbled as though he'd been saddled with a great burden, but his aura told another story, flaring in sudden excitement as his arms wrapped around her firmly and possessively.
"Gotcha," Tasuki whispered in her ear playfully. His accent was thicker than usual and it sent chills up her spine. Especially with him pressed up against her like they'd been just the other night.
Across the table, Chichiri eyed them in amusement, his own aura practically glowing with contentment. His gaze met Miaka's purposefully as he took a sip of his tea and her heart leapt. He was surely able to read her reaction, because his lips curved into a satisfied smile against the rim of his cup.
Get used to it, indeed.
The three of them made small talk while Hotohori finished arranging the last of the food. Finally, the doorbell rang.
Hotohori glanced over his shoulder, elbow deep in sudsy water. "Chichiri, would you get that?"
"Of course, Your Majesty." He stood, offering his hand to Miaka. "Miaka, will you join me?"
Miaka blinked, feeling Tasuki's grip tighten fractionally. Chichiri's expression never changed, his hand extended for what felt like a long moment but was in reality a couple of seconds before Tasuki nudged her forward.
Grasping Chichiri's hand, Miaka let the monk pull her to her feet and lead her out of the kitchen. Her skin tingled where Chichiri touched her and she couldn't help but wrap her arms around him in a hug for a few seconds when they rounded the corner. Chichiri chuckled softly and held her tightly, releasing her when the doorbell chimed a second time.
"How am I ever going to have time for all of you?" Miaka murmured softly as they parted.
Chichiri's lips quirked in a half smile as he brushed her bangs back from her face. "I know it's overwhelming right now, no da. But we'll manage."
They made it to the door before it rang a third time, yanking it open to reveal Tamahome, holding a canvas case of glass bottles in one hand. Miaka had been expecting him, but nevertheless froze upon actually seeing him.
They hadn't seen each other or even spoken since that last night at Miaka's apartment, and Miaka was unprepared for the flood of emotions that washed over her upon seeing her first Seishi and love. She had so much she wanted to say!
But all she managed was a shy, "Hey."
"Hey," Tamahome replied, "How have you been?" His amethyst-colored eyes sparkled with his own unspoken emotions. Or at least, that's what Miaka hoped.
"Good. Good." Brushing her hair back over her ear, Miaka was suddenly very aware of Chichiri just behind her. By the flicker of Tamahome's eyes to a spot just beyond her shoulder, she could tell he was as well. "You?"
He shrugged, shaking his head humbly. "Tying up some loose ends at work. Just in case, you know?" Tamahome lifted a drink case of champagne. "His Highness asked me to pick this up."
Miaka moved aside to let Tamahome in, her nerves causing her to babble. "That's probably smart. I should've done something like that. I think Mitsukake's note only covers me for a little over a week."
Tamahome blinked in surprise. "You're still planning on working afterwards?"
"I thought I'd at least try." Miaka looked down. Did he not think she was capable of doing both? Tamahome and the other reincarnated Seishi were all planning on keeping their jobs, why shouldn't she? "I love my job at the library!"
There was a screech of tires as an engine cut out. "Miaka! Miaka-koo-koo-ka-ka!" Nuriko belted out in a sing-songy voice as he slammed the door of his bright yellow convertible, raising his sunglasses in surprise. "Is that you Tama-kins?"
Irritated, Tamahome grumped, "Who else would it be?"
Nuriko flicked his sunglasses back into place with a huff. "Well, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today." His eyes widened as he caught sight of the champagne in Tamahome's grasp. "What are we waiting for? Let's get this party started!"
"How did all of you get a Friday morning off?" Miaka marveled. Poor Mitsukake had left early that morning for work, but it seemed like everyone else had managed to be here.
"I work for myself. I can do what I want." Nuriko kissed her cheek and then pinched it before moving on to Tamahome and Chichiri.
"I moved a few things around. No big deal. I might work late tonight though." Tamahome managed to dodge Nuriko's lips but the purple-haired Seishi got away with one of the champagne bottles in the process. Chichiri accepted his fate, rubbing his cheek after Nuriko pranced into the kitchen.
The doorbell rang again.
"That must be Chiriko! Miaka will you get that?" Nuriko stuck his head back through the doorway. "Tama-kins, bring those here please!"
Tamahome sighed, catching Miaka's eye in amusement before heading into the kitchen. "This could get interesting."
Unable to help herself, Miaka giggled, "I hope it does."
Chiriko stood shyly on the step, an overnight bag slung over his shoulder as he gazed up at the manor in awe. The very picture of wide-eyed innocence.
Realizing he'd been caught staring, Chiriko flushed, his voice cracking slightly. "Miaka!"
"Chiriko!" Miaka leaned forward to hug him, throwing her arms around his neck in excitement. "You're here!"
Chiriko stiffened at the contact and Miaka pulled back, frowning. Was he that repulsed by her touch? Chiriko patted her back awkwardly and stepped away, the bag at his shoulder sliding to hang awkwardly at his elbow as he folded his arms.
"Oh here, let me help you with that." Miaka offered.
Chiriko practically jumped away from her, his grip on the bag tightening. "No! I'm fine. I got it. Where is everyone else?" He peered past her into the manor, several loose hairs framing his face.
Miaka blinked slowly. His shyness was a stark difference from the rest of her Seishi. "Uh, they all went into the kitchen. You wanna join them?"
"Yes," Chiriko answered immediately. He coughed as he stepped inside, looking around nervously as though trying to memorize the layout. "You go. I'll, meet you in a minute."
"Okay." Miaka tried to suppress the hurt in her voice as she left him alone. Chiriko was always so sweet with her in the past. Things had been a little awkward since they'd found him, but she'd expected things to get better, not worse! Maybe he just needed some time to warm up to her again. After all, tonight was his turn.
Maybe he was just nervous.
When Miaka entered the kitchen to find everyone chatting amicably, Nuriko immediately glommed onto her, cheerily pressing a mimosa into her hands. "Drink up, girly girl! We've got some celebrating to do!"
Miaka thanked Nuriko, downing the fruity drink in no time at all. Most of the others were still only halfway finished with their own.
Noticing her empty glass, Nuriko replaced it with a full one. "Have another!"
Grinning, Miaka clinked her glass against Nuriko's. She would sip this one more slowly.
A moment later, Chiriko finally entered the kitchen. Nuriko furnished the last Seishi with his own drink, encouraging him to fill a plate with food.
Miaka was so happy to see almost all of her Seishi back together again, she forgot to get herself a plate of food. When she did finally remember, she was preoccupied with watching the guys catch up, basking in the happy glow of togetherness.
So preoccupied, she finished her second mimosa.
"And another!" A third mimosa magically appeared in her hand.
Miaka was about to take a sip, when Hotohori's firm hand stopped her. "Let's not overdo it before noon, shall we?" He gave Nuriko a pointed look, managing to wrestle the drink from Miaka's grasp without much trouble.
Resting his chin on Miaka's shoulder, Nuriko pouted, "Party pooper."
Hotohori raised an eyebrow, daintily sipping the mimosa he'd taken. "Guilty."
"On second thought…" Nuriko purred, his voice pitched low enough only Miaka could hear him. "This could work out."
"Don't let His Majesty fool you. The man can hold his liquor," Tasuki warned, reloading his plate with finger foods. "I learned from experience."
"Hmmm." Nuriko elbowed Miaka playfully. "Maybe I'll have to make him a Nuriko special one of these days."
"Whatssat?" Tasuki asked.
"Maybe I'll make you one too," Nuriko smirked. "It's great for lowering a person's inhibitions. The more the merrier, after all."
Miaka laughed as Tasuki sputtered. It was great having them all together again. She'd missed the camaraderie and closeness more than she'd realized. To think that soon it would be like this all the time!
There were several more minutes of small talk, when Tamahome asked, "So what's the plan anyway, guys? What officially happens after the ritual? Should we pack all our things? Does anybody know?"
Silence. The Seishi all looked at each other, each hoping one of the others either had the answer, or the guts to ask another question, or make a suggestion. When no one else spoke, Nuriko piped up, "Well, I vote for chi proofing. So far, we've been trying to give everyone a night of privacy, but that's not going to work forever."
"What do you mean?" Miaka popped a piece of fruit into her mouth.
Nuriko slapped a hand to his face and sighed. "I mean that when you and His Highness were making out the other night, I could feel both of your arousal!"
Both Miaka and Hotohori reddened at being called out like that, glancing at each other and at the rest of the Seishi nervously. Nuriko shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I dealt with it just fine. But my point is that we have to think about that kind of thing happening on the daily! Especially when some of these guys are freakin' horndogs…" He gestured at Tasuki and Tamahome.
"Horndog, huh? Oh that's real nice." Tamahome crossed his arms defensively and glared.
"It's true!" Nuriko protested. "Even back in Konan, you had a hard on for Miaka at least ninety percent of the time."
"I did not!"
"You did so!"
Tamahome cleared his throat. "Well even if you are right—which you're not! I'm not the only one. His Highness and even you are just as guilty as I am."
Nuriko laughed. "You're right. Once I realized I had feelings for Miaka, I finally understood why you and His Highness were always making such a fuss!" He grinned. "Having a dick is hard. Pun intended."
"Oh geez." Tamahome rolled his eyes. "If we're gonna be stuck together for eternity I need you to have better material than that."
"And what do you mean having a dick is hard? Why are you talking about it like it's a new thing? You were born that way!" Tasuki growled.
"True," Nuriko's voice took on a haughty tone, "but unlike most of you, I'm not necessarily attracted to a person because of how they look or what's in their pants. I'm attracted to them because of who they are and how they make me feel."
"Yes, yes, Nuriko. We get it. You're gay."
Nuriko hummed thoughtfully, his words slurring just the tiniest bit. "I'm more what you might call Gender Fluid. Pansexual. I'm comfortable as both a man and as a woman, although now I seem to lean slightly more masculine than I used to be. I much prefer to top." He winked at Hotohori. "But, I can't say I couldn't be convinced to bottom from time to time."
Hotohori took a deep drink of the mimosa, a red stain crawling up his neck and across his face as Miaka snorted into her food. Several feet away, Tamahome abruptly fell into a coughing fit. Tasuki slapped him on the back in concern while Chichiri looked on.
Throughout all of this, Chiriko remained very quiet. He watched the older and more boisterous Seishi with an amused grin but did not join in. Wishing to include him, Miaka leaned over and whispered, "How is your studying going?"
Immediately, Chiriko's face reddened and his entire body went stiff again as he stammered, "Uh, I, oh, er…." He glanced up at her, but was unable to maintain eye contact, his gaze shifting to the open bag seated next to him where Miaka could just make out the title of the Kama Sutra.
Embarrassed at her unintentionally forward question, Miaka added, "I meant for your exams."
Chiriko visibly relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief. "OH." He laughed, scratching his head nervously with a hand. "It's fine."
A pair of hands landed on Miaka's shoulders and gave a friendly squeeze. "Miaka!"
Tilting her head back, Miaka looked up into Chichiri's pleasant face. "Yes?"
"Would you join me and Tamahome for a moment?" Chichiri gave her another squeeze. With it came a pulse of his chi that flowed from her shoulders to her toes and Miaka couldn't help but agree. She stood, allowing Chichiri to usher her across the room where Tamahome was still recovering from his near-death experience.
Chiriko watched Chichiri lead Miaka away and sighed heavily, burying his head in his hands. He'd blown it. Again.
Why was talking to Miaka so hard?
His mind threw him back to a few months ago in the library. He'd been a new student in Tokyo Universities Law Program joining his first study group in the library. He'd loved her the first time he'd seen her idly scanning returns at her desk.
At the time, he hadn't understood that the deep and instant attraction he held for her was, at least partly, due to a contract he'd made in a past life. All he knew was that every time she was in the room he couldn't concentrate. She consumed his thoughts in a way no girl had ever done before.
It wasn't long before his friends realized his feelings and started hassling him, but it was months before he worked up the courage to talk to her.
His plan had been perfect. Return a book. Strategically brush the pretty girl's hand. Start a conversation. Ask her out!
And his plan had worked perfectly. Up to a point. What he hadn't counted on was the sudden rush of memories that assaulted him the moment their hands touched.
Watching over her as best he could despite his small size and dizzying intellect while his fellow warriors saved her life time after time, winning her affection and respect. Knowing he would never have a chance because of his age and small stature. And the searing pain of stabbing himself in the gut.
"Are you okay?"
The rush of memories had caused him to double over in surprise and pain, bracing himself on the desk with a hand. He looked up to see the object of his affection staring at him in concern, her hand on his.
The reaction to her touch was immediate and embarrassing beyond measure. His blood rushed to his cheeks, heating them like a furnace, only to drain from his face and settle below his belt.
"F-f-f-fine." He managed to force the word out, his eyes wide as he took in the face of the woman he'd secretly loved in his past life. The woman he'd promised to sleep with to summon a god. Somehow, even with the majority of his blood rushing to his other head, he had enough brain power to realize she didn't recognize him.
And why would she? He'd been thirteen the last time they'd seen each other. Now he was twenty-two. He stammered for a few seconds more before ripping his hand from hers and high tailing it as far away as he could get.
Which, considering he had a raging boner, was only about two stacks down and one over.
Luckily, she hadn't followed him.
The next couple of weeks had been rife with Chiriko being unable to even so much as approach Miaka when she was at work. How could he even begin to explain the situation to her? "Hi, Miaka, remember me? I was a thirteen-year-old boy the last time you saw me, wanna bang for the greater glory of Suzaku?" Instead, he lurked in the stacks, watching her from afar much to the amusement of his study buddies.
And now, now she finally knew who he was. She knew about the ceremony. She knew and she wasn't running away from him in disgust. He still had a chance—if he didn't manage to fuck it up!
"If I may be of some assistance?" Nuriko's voice jolted Chiriko out of his reverie. The cross-dresser was watching him intently, swirling his drink thoughtfully. "You look like you could use it."
Chiriko downed the rest of his drink quickly, relishing the slight burn of alcohol and hoping the forthcoming buzz would help him get through the next couple of hours. He held out his empty glass. "Can I have another?"
Nuriko quickly mixed Chiriko another drink—the young genius noted that this one was mostly champagne with only a splash of juice. As he handed Chiriko the glass, Nuriko noticed the open bag and its contents. "And what's this?" He reached over to grab the book, raising an eyebrow in interest as he inspected the book. "You tabbed the Kama Sutra?"
Slapping a hand over his face, Chiriko dared to peek at Nuriko between two fingers. "I did." Green for the easy positions, yellow for the more difficult ones, and red for advanced.
Nuriko chuckled softly as he flipped through the contents quickly. "Wow. Do you know the penalties for damaging a library book? Miaka's going to have to fine you pretty heavily."
"Yeah, if the kid gets lucky maybe she'll just take it out of his skin." Tasuki wriggled his eyebrows, wandering over to gaze down at the book with wide eyes.
The blood was rushing to his face again. Laughing nervously, Chiriko ran a hand over his hair, smoothing the fly away hairs that seemed determined to make him look younger than he really was.
Nuriko stared at him hard for a moment before breaking into a lascivious grin. "Chiriko… do you have a librarian kink?" When Chiriko made no attempt to dispute this, Nuriko chuckled. "Now I know why you had so much trouble talking to her for two weeks."
"I was doing research!" Chiriko exclaimed defensively.
"Research!" Nuriko chortled, closing the Kama Sutra and shoving it back in Chiriko's bag. "I admire your zeal, kid, but this book isn't exactly for beginners…"
Chiriko hung his head in shame and helplessness. He'd already admitted he was a virgin. How else was he supposed to learn? He'd always been awkward with girls and now… now he only wanted Miaka. Unfortunately, he had absolutely no idea how to please her. "Will you shut up and help me?"
The desperation in his voice cut through the remainder of Nuriko's mirth. "Of course." The purple-haired Seishi wrapped a friendly arm around Chiriko and grabbed his backpack with the other. "Tasuki. Keep Miaka and the others in here, will you?"
The two Seishi exited the kitchen, making their way to a small alcove off the living room. Nuriko gently flexed his arm around Chiriko's shoulders, allowing the younger man to feel his bone crushing power as they settled into their seats.
"Now Chiriko, I know you're a smart guy, but you don't know a thing about a woman's body." Chiriko sighed, but didn't argue as Nuriko continued, "Let me help you out. There are seven major erogenous zones." Grabbing a notebook from Chiriko's bag and flipping to a blank page, Nuriko quickly rendered a crude drawing of the female form, numbering areas one through seven. "Memorize these!" Nuriko demanded, handing it to Chiriko.
Chiriko took the proffered scrap and studied it with interest—keeping half an eye on the door to the kitchen. Nuriko wasn't a half bad artist. He recognized most of the zones from his studies of course. But now Chiriko's fingers itched to pull out the copy of the Kama Sutra and cross reference the information Nuriko had just given him.
"One…. Two…. Three…." He murmured as he absently traced the sketch with a finger, imagining that it was Miaka he was touching.
"No no no noooooo." Nuriko snatched the sketch away with a shake of his head. "You can't be all methodical like that!" He scolded. "That's boring!"
"So I should just go straight for seven?"
"Nooooo." Nuriko wailed, setting the notebook down again with an angry flourish.
"Well then what?" Chiriko slapped the table in frustration.
Taking a moment to compose himself, Nuriko drained the rest of his own drink. "Mix it up a bit!" He said, setting his glass aside. "Girls enjoy foreplay, but you've got to keep it interesting!"
"How?" Chiriko knew he looked and sounded desperate. And he was. Knowing that he was number five on the list of seven was nerve wracking. What if Miaka didn't think he was any good? What if he couldn't make her orgasm? Especially after Taitsukun had described what was necessary for the ceremony. He'd be humiliated if he came and Miaka didn't… not to mention ruin the ceremony.
"Here." Nuriko grabbed Chiriko's hand and directed it over the sketch. "Think of it like… you're an archaeologist. You can't pull a treasure out of the ground, because you might break it. So instead, you've got to work around the periphery, going from the outside in."
"Like this?"
"Yeah. That's right." Nuriko leaned in, resting his weight on Chiriko's shoulder as the younger Seishi brushed his fingers along the highlighted areas of the sketch. "Ears are good, so's the neck…" Chiriko shivered as Nuriko's breath skated along his cheek. "Then work your way in and down the body. That's right. Now. Most guys will hit one, two, three, and then go to seven and set up camp."
"And that's bad?"
"You wanna mix it up. Keep her guessing." Nuriko was still leaning close to him as Chiriko followed his direction. "Now, you could start out with a little one, ah two. A one, two, three." He paused thoughtfully. "A three. A five. A four. A three, two. A two."
His breath hitched and Chiriko thought the other Seishi seemed warmer all of a sudden. "A two, four, six. A two, four, six." Nuriko's voice was definitely a little huskier. "Four. Two. Two. Four, Seven. Five, Seven. Six, Seven." Chiriko held his breath as Nuriko lost himself in the lesson, his voice pitching higher with each iteration. "Seven. Seven. Seven. Seven. Seven. Seven. Seven. Seven. Seven. SEVEN." Nuriko pulled back, relaxing as he repeated one last time in a breathy gasp, "Seven!"
Chiriko thought maybe he should've been weirded out by this interaction, but instead he was just trying to absorb it all in the hopes that he could make Miaka even half as happy as Nuriko looked right now. Nuriko opened his eyes and pulled at his shirt. "Whoo. Sorry, Chiriko. Got a little caught up there thinking about tomorrow."
Cheeks flushed from their close contact, Chiriko nodded. "Nah. It's cool." He looked back down at his notes. "I appreciate your help. I'd hate to disappoint Miaka or ruin the ceremony."
"Not a problem." Nuriko stood, smoothing out his clothes as he prepared to head back into the kitchen. "But uh, if you're afraid of coming before she does, my suggestion to you is to rub one out a few times today before the ceremony." He winked. "I promise, you'll last longer."
Chiriko scoffed. "I'm twenty-two, ya know." He was definitely afraid of that, but he wasn't so sure Nuriko's advice would help him out. Though he'd died young and violently as a Seishi, and as such never gone through puberty, he thought perhaps he was making up for it now. How many times a day was it normal to masturbate anyway?
"Well then, you shouldn't have any problems bringing Miaka to seventh-heaven." Nuriko teased, waggling his eyebrows obnoxiously as he stood and made his way back towards the kitchen.
AN: This chapter of Art of Love brought to you by Friends—the episode where Monica teaches Chandler the importance of erogenous zones. Since the magic number was seven, I felt like I had to incorporate the conversation in this fic, partially paraphrased. Somehow Nuriko as Monica and Chiriko as Chandler works pretty well. Please review! I do so love reviews.