Burned

Burned
Written by: KittyLynne

Legal disclaimer: I am making no money in writing and posting this fanfiction. I don't own the rights to Fushigi Yûgi or its characters; they belong to the immensely talented Yû Watase. I do claim the rights to the original elements of plot and characterization in this tale, as well as the narrative and dialogue. Reproduction of this story in any form without my written consent will be regarded as theft and plagiarism, and will be dealt with accordingly.

Japanese words to know:

Odango: Chinese dumpling, also a slang term that refers to the twin bun hairstyle that Miaka wore during most of her time in the Universe of the Four Gods book.
Kuso: 'shit'

Author's notes: This is an edited version of my original fic (see author's notes at end of chapter.) R rated for sensuality, adult situations/conversation and cussing. Unspoken thoughts are in italics. Spoilers for TV series warning. Again, keep in mind that the events portrayed in the second OVA series haven't happened. Thanks to my hubby, a.k.a. The Bandit, for editing this chapter for me, and for his suggestion of a certain key phrase. ^_~


Chapter Two: A Touch of Fire


Miaka awoke to the dawning light of a new day and the dewy caress of a morning breeze upon her heated skin. Yawning widely, she indulged in a luxurious stretch, then watched in sleepy-eyed wonder as the light of the rising sun crept across her covers and banished the shadows around her.

As her surroundings were gradually revealed, languor fled and she bolted upright.

It wasn't a dream! I'm back in Konan!

A soft, rhythmic chanting had begun somewhere outside her cocoon of blankets. The Priestess listened intently and then smiled in recognition of the cadence and pitch of the voice. After the emotional and physical upheaval she'd experienced in the last twenty-four hours, it warmed and comforted her to hear Chichiri reciting his morning prayers to Suzaku, a ritual he'd performed on the previous journeys they'd taken together.

So Chiri-kun was awake. But what of Tasuki?

Miaka stared at the screen that stood between her and the bandit seishi, remembering all of their past journeys and the occasions where they'd been forced to share quarters. Out of all of her warriors, she'd secretly enjoyed watching Tasuki sleep the most- in part because of the uninhibited way he took over a bed, but mostly because he looked so atypically sweet and angelic in slumber. It had been a fun and innocent pastime to watch him, back when she hadn't seen him as the man he truly was. Now that she did, those memories took on deeper meaning and an overtly sensual hue.

Last night she had longed for Tasuki to kiss her. Her acute disappointment that he hadn't had brought on a restless night, filled with dreams of him that had gone far beyond fulfilling that simple wish. Her body still thrummed with remembered arousal as it recalled the sensations her fiery dream lover had invoked. Even when awake, she could still imagine herself touching him, kissing him, wrapping her legs around him as he made them one …

Sucking in a deep breath, she struggled for control. The last thing she needed now was to get swept up in the pursuit of another unattainable fantasy-after all, who knew better than she that living a dream wasn't possible, even in the book world? She expelled the breath in a shuddering sigh. Once bitten, twice shy, wasn't that how the old saying went? How could she even think of going down that dead end road a second time?

It was crazy. There was absolutely no future in loving one of her seishi. It would make no difference if he returned the sentiment. Even if they coupled, it was inevitable that they would be forced to part, and she would have to return to her world, alone, just like it had happened with Tamahome.

Yes, it was crazy. And yet…even after all that had happened, even knowing how much pain and heartache that disregarding the rules would bring, an incurably optimistic stubborness was rising to the surface, shouting that love was always worth the risk, that she was strong enough to overcome the hurt, and that she wouldn't regret taking a chance if it meant experiencing all the pleasures of loving a man like Tasuki.

Just the thought of doing so brought a smile to her face.

I know Keisuke will have a fit if I do this. I can almost hear him- 'there she goes again; the more things change, the more they stay the same!' Thing is, it isn't going to be the same with Tasuki. How could it be? He's not Tamahome, and I'm not a star-struck teenager in the throes of first love...

During their precious times together in the book, she had clung to hope and Tamahome with the thought that if their relationship was meant to be, Suzaku would end up granting her secret wish to stay in Konan, and if it wasn't, at least she would have made the most of every moment spent with her beloved.

Looking back on those times, there was no doubt that she had grown tremendously as a person in being with Tamahome. Her feelings for him had given her a positive focus during a troubled period in her life, had forced her to see the big picture lying beyond her own insular world, and had put her petty teenage problems in perspective. Although it had hurt her deeply to let him go, the times she had spent with him had been worth every painful moment spent apart. Those times together had comforted her and become treasured memories. She could honestly say she held no regrets about having fallen in love with him and that she was grateful for having had the experience.

Loving Tamahome helped me to grow up...so maybe loving Tasuki will help me become the woman I wish to be...

As she hugged her drawn-up knees to her chest, Miaka finally admitted the truth to herself. The simple fact was that her heart had always ruled her head, and would continue to do so. The same heart that had loved Tamahome was now yearning for Tasuki and all he had to offer, conventional wisdom and common sense be damned. The only unknown she faced now was whether or not he felt the same, or if what he had done and said last night was only the result of fond nostalgia and too much sake.

Unaware she was doing so, she touched the back of her hand, recalling the tender touch of Tasuki's lips and the intense way he'd looked at her. He had initiated their almost kiss, had seemed in perfect control of his actions…but what had it all meant?

There was only one way to find out for sure; she had to confront Tasuki and confess her feelings for him. Although Keisuke had warned her to avoid taking unnecessary chances, this was different. This was about life and being able to live it full out- something she hadn't been able to do for many years.

Brother dear, please forgive me...but I'll always choose to take risks for love.

As the chants of the seishi monk faded to a murmured benediction, Miaka tossed aside her covers and scrambled out of bed to prepare for what she knew would be one of the most momentous days in her life.

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Tasuki flopped onto his back and put an arm across his eyes to block out the light slanting across his pillow. It was an exercise in futility of course; sleeping was no longer an option now that he knew Miaka was awake and moving around.

He tried not to listen to the erotic sounds of her disrobing and dressing again, but it was to no avail. Almost immediately, memories of a scantily clad Miaka standing tall and proud in the Caverns of Genbu floated into his mind-the first time he'd gotten more than a partial glimpse of her beautiful breasts. They had been surprisingly full, with enticingly erect nipples that poked out beneath her silk undergarment. He'd saved her life then, burning and melting the ice serpents that were threatening to freeze the life out of her. He'd earned her heartfelt thanks and a smile that had done wonders for his morale, but after all was said and done, Little Ghost had still been the one who had gotten to grope her…

A sudden flash of color brought his reminiscing to an abrupt halt as his celestial mark blazed to life. Mouthing silent curses, the redheaded warrior quickly doused the light with a hand, and then flung himself over onto his stomach in hopes of suppressing the stirring in his loins. It didn't work; the ache was only increasing its demands to be assuaged. Relieving it himself wasn't an option with Miaka and Chichiri around, which meant their was only one other possible option for dealing with it.

Gritting his teeth, he replaced the sexy and sultry image of Miaka with one of a stark naked, loudly cackling Taiits-kun.

Ah yes, instant deflation. Good. With his rebellious body back under control, he could return to thoughts of Miaka.

She was special. He'd wanted other women before- and had had his share- but with this woman, the meaning of 'want' was entirely different. Once, in a half-drunken, maudlin moment of philosophizing, Kouji had told him that there was a huge difference between fucking a woman and making love to her. Now he finally understood what his best friend had meant. What he felt for Miaka definitely ran deeper than the simple, primal urge to mate. Physical desire wasn't the source of the pleasure he took in having her near to him, in listening to her speak or watching her smile, or in his doing things to impress or please her.

For the very first time in his life, he wanted to make a woman happy in every way possible. For the first time in his life, he yearned for the chance to show a woman how much he cared for her. For the first time, he didn't give a damn about the possible consequences of doing so.

Why the hell was that? What were these strange, exhilarating feelings all about, anyway?

He'd pondered those questions well into the wee hours of the morning, and finally came to the world shaking realization that it was because he'd fallen in love with Miaka. After getting over the shock of the discovery, he was presented with another conundrum; how and when to tell her. It definitely wasn't in his make up to be bashful and tongue-tied, but apparently love could make him worry about stupid little things like what words to use, how to say them, and at what time that they should be said. It also made him fret over whether the feelings would be requited or not. True, last night she'd made it obvious that she'd wanted a kiss, but that was no guarantee she would be willing to accept anything from him in the broad light of day. It could have been the booze talking. It could have simply been an emotional reaction from being reunited with her old friends again. Hell, for all he knew, he might have been only a stand in for Tamahome!

Tasuki scowled. For some unknown reason, Chichiri had wanted the subject of Tamahome left alone. Last night he had humored his friend's whim, but today was another matter entirely. Whether the monk approved of it or not, he was going to find out how and where Tama fit into Miaka's life. Not knowing if or when her stay in this world would end made reaching that objective all the more urgent. Time was too short and too damn precious for him to be subtle in pursuing the truth.

A soft, rhythmic stroking noise began on the other side of the wall, providing a pleasant distraction from his angst riddled thoughts. The bandit seishi's face softened and a smile curved his lips as he put a name to the sound. Miaka was brushing her hair; fifty strokes on each side, if memory served. On their previous travels, he had secretly enjoyed watching her do her hair. It was a beautiful color, so shiny and soft, made for a man to wind around his fingers…and to bury his face in, as she writhed in pleasure beneath him…

Kuso! He was hard as a damn rock once again, and this time conjuring a Taiits-kun scenario wouldn't help. He'd had enough of letting Miaka go, be it in his fantasies or in reality. He wanted her for keeps, in his bed, his heart and his life...and come hell or high water, he was going to do something about it!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By the time Miaka emerged from behind her screen, Chichiri was in the process of folding up his prayer mat and setting it off to one side of the open window. She offered him a soft 'good morning', and he returned it with a smile, his lone eye sparkling with warmth and deep affection.

They made small talk, and eventually the subject of the impending journey to Sairo was raised. Miaka was surprised to learn that her warriors were to make the trip on horseback. When she asked why that was, Chichiri heaved a sigh and informed her that it was because the Empress had thought it best for them not to use their seishi powers on a diplomatic visit, and that Tasuki had flatly refused to go by boat.

Miaka hid a smile. Apparently some things never changed, including Tasuki's inability to swim.

"I'm sure the Empress will change her mind about my transporting us when she hears that the Priestess of Suzaku has returned." Chichiri added. "I know she'll want to take any steps she can to insure your saf- "

He broke off as his priestess began to vehemently shake her head no. "What's wrong, no da?"

"Please don't tell her!" She entreated. "I'd prefer it if no one else knows that I'm here."

The monk looked perplexed. "May I ask why, no da?"

There was an awkward pause as Miaka considered her answer. "It wouldn't be right to have any fuss made over me, " she finally replied, "when my reason for returning was -"

"Tamahome."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


The name cut through the air like a thrown dagger.

Chichiri turned quickly as Tasuki emerged from behind the screen and stepped into the rays of light streaming through the open window. The gazes of the two men clashed, the monk's making it clear that he disapproved of the outburst.

What Miaka had been about to say was lost as she stared at her fifth seishi, utterly transfixed by how the sunshine turned his hair into a halo of fire and bathed his naked torso in an erotic wash of gold. When he moved forward, her gaze was drawn to the sleep pants that rode low on his hips, taking notice of the way the fabric stretched taut over strong thighs and outlined the intriguing mound swaying between them. After a few stomach-fluttering seconds of speculation as to if he wore any kind of an undergarment, she quickly averted her eyes and stared at the floor.

Not that avoiding looking at Tasuki was going to help restore her composure; quite the contrary, every nerve ending she possessed was honed to a razor sharp awareness of the man! The sound of his voice sent thrills through her, his scent tantalized her, his movements beguiled her... and the thought of touching him was the most powerful stimulant of all.

He came to halt an arm's length away. When he spoke her name, her gaze skittered back up to his face. Exotic eyes, glittering with emotion, held hers with unblinking intensity. "Miaka? Am I right?"

"Uh…" Overwhelmed by the force of his sensuality, she struggled for an answer.

"Tasuki, I don't think it's a very good time to have this discussion." Chichiri said reprovingly.

"There's never gonna be a better time!" The redhead shot back. "We're still her guardians, ain't we? It's our duty to find out why she's here!"

"You could wait until after breakfast, no da!"

"If I did, you'd just come up with a bunch more reasons not t'talk about it!"

Miaka cringed internally as her warriors continued to squabble. Though it was true that she wasn't keen to tackle the sore subject of Tamahome, the last thing she wanted was to cause trouble between her friends! "Stop! It's okay!" She exclaimed, drawing both men's attention at once. "Please...don't fight! It's my fault, I should have been straight with the two of you last night as to why I'm here." Her eyes glistened with emotion. "You're right, Tasuki. I came back because of Tamahome."

A deep silence followed her pronouncement.

"So what's goin' on? Where th' hell is he?" Tasuki finally inquired, looking as if he dreaded the answer.

Miaka's laugh was short. "Those are the same questions I've been asking!" She said bitterly. "The last time we parted, Tamahome swore that he'd find a way back to me and my world. Nine years have gone by now...and there's been no sign of him. I...I don't want to give up, but it's getting to be too much! I can't go back, I can't go forward, I can't do anything but wait and wonder!" She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing back a sudden rush of tears. "Even if the truth hurts, it's better than not knowing! If I can find out exactly what happened...I'll be able to come to terms with it and get on with my life."

Tasuki blew out a long, quiet breath. "Why didn't ya say somethin' about this last night, Mi-chan?" He asked tautly. "Didn't ya think we'd understand? Didn't ya think we'd want t'help ya?"

"It wasn't that." She replied, blushing guiltily. "You see, I've stopped going to parties and social gatherings in my world because of the single men that attend them. As an unattached female, it was impossible to avoid being paired up by the hostess without giving offense, much less trying to explain why I wasn't interested in meeting anyone! I tried just being friends with them, but it never worked. Even if any the men I met had been willing to settle for a platonic relationship, I probably would still have felt as if I were cheating on Tamahome." She paused. "Last night, I didn't worry about any of that! All I thought about was how wonderful it was to be with my dearest friends once again! Being with the two of you made me the happiest I'd been in years, and I guess I didn't want to spoil that feeling by thinking of being without Tamahome..."

Tasuki's eyes went wide, but he remained silent.

"You haven't been socializing in your world because of Tamahome, no da?" Chichiri asked with concern. During their past times together, Miaka had excelled in making new friends- it was very difficult to imagine her choosing to live a reclusive lifestyle. "Not even with the Priestess of Seiryu?"

"I used to go out with Yui and a couple of other girlfriends, but it's gotten more difficult the older we get." Miaka replied softly. "They're all juggling families and careers, and they just don't have the time to go out on a regular basis. And to be perfectly honest…on the rare occasions we have gone out, I haven't had much fun. They love to talk about domestic things, their husbands and their babies, which tends to emphasize the fact that I'm still alone and still waiting." She bowed her head. "I should be grateful that I had such a great love in my life, but lately it seems that all I can think about is what I don't have, and if Tamahome was the only one meant for me. It's horribly selfish of me-"

"It's not selfish to love someone, no da!" Chichiri stated firmly. "Adn I think- no, I'm sure Tamahome would want you to live your life to its fullest potential, even if it can't be with him!"

"Damn straight!" Tasuki agreed. "He'd hate that you're hidin' yourself away like some kinda hermit! It ain't healthy!"

Miaka looked up to meet her warriors' compassionate gazes. A wave of emotion welled inside of her, threatening to dissolve her composure. It was tremendously heartening to have that affirmation; to see that their loyalty to her was as unconditional and steadfast as ever.

"Thank you both for understanding," she murmured, bowing and wiping away telltale tears at the same time. "Thank you so much."

"Ya don't hafta thank us!" The bandit seishi declared gruffly. "We're your friends, dammit! We want t'see ya happy!"

"That's right, no da." Chichiri agreed, stepping forward to envelop her in a warm hug.

Tasuki glared at his brother seishi and then looked away, unwilling to say anything that would deprive their priestess of the comfort she needed.

After releasing her, the monk produced his mask with a wave of his fingers. "I think you'll feel better after you eat, Miaka." He declared cheerfully, covering his face with the smiling disguise. "I'll go and put in an order for breakfast, and have the staff bring the trays up to our room. It's best if you keep out of public gathering places like restaurants if you don't want the Empress to discover you're in Konan, no da."

She glanced down at the pale yellow t-shirt dress that she'd slipped on because it was both comfortable and becoming. By modern standards it was quite modest, but in this day and age where women were kept covered from head to foot, the style was bound to raise some ancient Chinese eyebrows. "That's a good idea. I'm not exactly dressed to fit in around here, am I?"

"So what's wrong with that?" Tasuki asked, as his gaze made a sweep of her body from head to toe. "Ya look great, Mi-chan!"

"Th-Thanks," she stammered, after a short pause of surprise. "You're very kind to say that."

"It ain't bein' kind." The bandit seishi said, now looking directly at her. "I'm just tellin' th' truth."

Once again, the unabashed admiration shining in his eyes threw Miaka for a loop. Not knowing what else to do, she smiled and shyly looked away.

There was an awkward silence, and then Chichiri spoke.

"I agree with you, Tasuki, but unfortunately she's going to have to dress like the locals if she doesn't want to attract undue attention, no da." He said calmly. Running a quick, assessing gaze over his priestess, he added courteously, "Miaka, if you'll permit me the liberty, I'll go and purchase some suitable garmets for you at the market after I've ordered us some breakfast from room service."

"Thank you, Chiri, that would be fine." She agreed, trying not to blush at the realization that she would be left alone with Tasuki. "How long will you be gone?"

"All in all, it'll be about an hour." The monk estimated.

Miaka nodded, then looked askance at Tasuki, who had sidled over to give his friend a wince inducing slap on the back.

"That's a kick-ass idea, Chiri! Me an' Mi-chan will hang out here until ya get back!"

Though the warrior mage remained straight-faced, inwardly he was chuckling. It couldn't have been more obvious that Tasuki wanted to get Miaka to himself, a fact that was being underscored by the redhead retrieving and stuffing the shakajou into the monk's arms while nudging him none too gently towards the exit.

And so it was, after a quick exchange of goodbyes with Miaka and a wild snatch for his discarded footwear, that Chichiri found himself deposited out in the hallway with Tasuki's loud and cheery farewell echoing in his ears. He grinned under his mask as the door to the room was hurriedly closed, and then crouched to slip on his shoes.

When he had finished adjusting the ties to his satisifaction, he stood and eyed the thick wooden panel in contemplative silence.

Nothing had changed from the previous night. Something extraordinary was brewing between his two dearest friends, and the proof was in the drastic elevation of their life forces. That surge confirmed without a doubt that feelings of an intensely romantic nature were present, running deep, hot, and so strong that Chichiri feared he'd have to lower his own chi just to maintain a safe psychic balance in the room.

Then again, maybe it wouldn't be necessary. It was quite possible the problem might be resolved in his absence by Tasuki and Miaka getting together physically. Sexual intercourse could be a very effective outlet for draining pent up chi as well as a means for building it up- or so he'd been told. He'd always wondered if it were true…

All right, it was time to stop thinking that way, or he'd have a big problem of his own on his hands.

Blushing furiously, the monk hurried off to take care of his errands.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


When Chichiri had left, a curtain of silence descended in his wake. Outside the window Miaka could hear the distant, clamoring strains of an ancient city coming to life, but took little interest in it. As far as she was concerned, her world had narrowed to a single room and one man.

Tasuki was staring at her with an expression that suggested that he was trying to read her thoughts.

"Is anything wrong?" She finally asked, when the silence had stretched to a breaking point.

He blinked, then smiled. "Nah. I was just thinkin'."

"About what?" She asked.

"About you an' me... an' Tamahome."

A sense of expectancy quivered between them. It was as if something was waiting for the right words to release it, but for the life of her Miaka couldn't think of what an appropriate response would be. She fiddled with and then tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear, conscious that wolf-like eyes were closely following every movement she made.

The awkward moment lengthened. Her companion scratched the back of his head, dragged a hand through his bangs, opened his mouth, hesitated, and then blurted, "I was just wonderin' what you're plannin' to do if we can't find Tama?"

It was a fair question, she supposed. Too bad she didn't have a definitive answer for it. "If it turns out there's no way of finding out what happened to him, I'll just accept it and go back to my world." A barely audible sigh punctuated her statement. "I'd really like a family of my own someday, and I'm not getting any younger. Eventually, I suppose I'd have to start dating again."

"Eh?" Tasuki's brow creased. "What's this...'dating'?"

"Oh, sorry. It's just a term for what passes for a courtship ritual in my world." Miaka explained, smiling in spite of her angst. "When two people like each other and want to see if they're suited as a couple, they go out on dates. It often involves them going to places where they can have fun while getting acquainted…usually someplace where they can eat, drink and talk."

"Ah, I get it!" The bandit's engaging grin appeared in full force. "Ya mean, just like what you an' me had goin' last night!"

Confounded by the observation, Miaka gaped at him. "Um… I don't know if that really qualifies as a date…"

"Whaddaya mean?" Tasuki demanded, looking indignant. "We were spendin' time talkin' an' gettin' reacquainted, weren't we?"

"Well, yes..."

"An' weren't we eatin' an' drinkin' an' havin' some fun?"

"We were." She conceded.

"An' if Chichiri hadn't blundered in, I woulda kissed ya…" Thin, expressive eyebrows arched at her startled intake of breath. "What? Isn't smoochin' a part of gettin' to know someone better too?"

Once again, Miaka found herself floundering for an answer. "S-sometimes it is, but as you pointed out, both of us had been drinking and-"

She broke off, flustered by the sight of her seishi steadily closing the small distance between them. What had happened here? The entire situation was spiraling out of her control and she had no idea of what would happen next, or what she should do about it! Tasuki, on the other hand, seemed to know exactly where all of it was leading; a reversal of roles that she would have found pretty funny if she hadn't been so nervous.

"Don't gimme any of that 'it only happened 'cause we drank too much' crap!" He stated roughly. "I knew damn well what I was doin', an' so did you!"

Miaka was battling an urge to step backwards. "So what else am I supposed to think after all of the times you told me you hate women?" She shot back.

The bandit seishi chuckled. "How many times I said it don't matter, 'cause you've always been the exception, Mi-chan."

"I...I have?" She stared at him, astounded that he'd admitted such a thing, and not daring to wonder why he would.

"Hell yeah! An' what happened last night helped me figure out why that's so."

He had stopped moving, but was standing so close to her that she had to tip her head back to look into his face. The expression she saw there had her her tummy turning somersaults. "Why?" She murmured compulsively, feeling her limbs going weak with anticipation as she asked the question. "Why have I been the 'exception'?"

Tasuki hesitated, looking unusually nervous, his throat working as he swallowed. His chest rose and fell with a deep breath.

"Because I'm in love with ya."

Simple words, plainly spoken. Life's blood.

Miaka's heart beats thundered in her ears. In that moment, lighting could have struck her and she couldn't have been more shocked. Though she had been prepared to confess her love to him, she hadn't truly dared to consider that Tasuki would admit to having those same kind of feelings- and never would she have dreamed that hearing him say the words would make her life seem whole and right again!

Her mouth opened. She had to tell him how she felt, but emotion had clogged her throat and the words wouldn't come.

"It's all right- ya don't have to say it back." He said gruffly, clearly misunderstanding the reason for her silence. "I know ya probably aren't ready t' hear that from someone else until you find out about Tama…but I thought I should be honest about it after what almost happened between us last night." Bittersweet sincerity glinted in his eyes. "I want ya to know that no matter how you're feelin' about me, I will always love and protect ya! But still, if I don't have a chance in hell of bein' with ya... I'd rather ya just say so right now."

Miaka wet lips that had gone dry. The moment of truth had come. It was time to stop feeling guilty, time to stop cutting herself off from love. Old habits died hard, but for Tasuki, she'd willingly start a new chapter in the story that had begun in the National Library. If doing that meant having to cram a lifetime of love into a few days, then so be it; she'd live every one of those days to their fullest.

What Chichiri had said was right; if he couldn't be with her himself, Tamahome would have been the first one to say 'please be happy'. Just as she would have for him...

"As a girl, I loved Tamahome. I know I will always cherish the memory of that feeling." She said slowly. "Now, as a woman... I know that I love you, Tasuki."

His face came alight, more than a match for the sunshine pouring into the room. "Ya do?"

"Yes!" Her tone was firm, and her eyes took on a hard gleam of defiance. "I also know that saying 'I love you' won't keep us together in the end, but I don't care! I'm not going to run away from my feelings and I'm tired of playing it safe! If there's one thing I learned from being with Tamahome, it's that having memories of loving and being loved is better than not having had it at all!"

Sun browned hands lifted to cup her face. "It won't turn out like that for us! I'm gonna make sure of it!"

"Tasuki..." The Priestess of Suzaku looked up at her warrior with an expression full of tender anguish. "Even you can't guarantee that kind of an outcome."

Amber eyes blazed as they stared into hers. "Oh yeah? Just watch me!"

Everything about the bandit seishi radiated a powerful conviction, and simply looking at him made it very easy for Miaka to discard fear and denial. She believed in Tasuki, trusted that he would do everything in his power to keep his word. If anyone could make the impossible come true, he would be the one.

She yielded happily to his touch as his hands found her waist, then slid around to the small of her back to pull her closer. In return, her hands came up to rest upon the twin curves of his pectorals, looking ivory pale against his tanned flesh. He felt warm and wonderful, so delightfully smooth and hard, and she adored the way his pebble sized nipples responded to her touch by poking into her palms. She rubbed them lightly, and felt a thrill go through her at the low sound of pleasure he made. It had been such a long time since she'd felt this in tune with another person...she could sense his excitement rising in tandem with hers, feel the heat of it rolling off his body, smell the intoxicating scent of it. His breathing was as rapid and shallow as hers, and his heart hammered away with hard, quick strokes beneath her fingers, perfectly in time with her own.

"Hey there, Odango." He whispered teasingly.

She smiled up at him, feeling pleasantly flushed and feverish. "Hey there, Fang Boy."

He grinned and moved even closer, bringing his mouth within a finger's length of hers. "Time for the kissin' part now," he murmured. "Is that okay?"

The simmering ardor in his tone wooed her while his eyes beguiled her with sensual promises. Miaka whispered her affirmation, and then closed her eyes in blissful anticipation as one of Tasuki's hands glided up her back to grasp the mass of hair at the nape of her neck. He gently tugged on it to tilt her face upwards…and then his mouth claimed hers, blotting out everything save for the sweet, sweet taste of desire.

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Tasuki knew he'd found heaven the moment his lips touched Miaka's.

He had intended to give her the kind of kiss that would make her forget about everything except him, but instead he found that he was the one who was in danger of losing his head! She was his world, his purpose, and his reason for being. He had always known that, but this new, intensely physical connection with her made him feel it with a passion that shook him to the core of his being. A kiss alone couldn't convey the depth of his feelings for the Priestess of Suzaku.

His enraptured senses took note of everything about her. Strands of auburn hair tickled his arm and teased his fingers. He drew in a breath and a subtle perfume wrapped around him, mixed with her own womanly scent. She smelled like honeysuckle, felt as supple as silk. Her mouth was incredible; lush, moist and welcoming, and tasted far better than the finest sake he'd ever consumed. Her hands fluttered over his chest, arousing him with light- as-a-butterfly caresses. In response, his own hand made a gentle fist in her hair, holding her head captive as his mouth moved over hers with increasing fervor.

Crimson flashed as his kanji symbol came to pulsating life, one more sign of the powerful feelings he held for Miaka. Impatient to get a fuller taste of her, he nudged her lips with his, and felt a thrill of satisfaction when they submitted to the silent demand. As they parted, he quickly slipped his tongue into her mouth to seduce hers with swirling, silken caresses. She was shy at first, content to follow his lead. Then, gradually, she began to assert herself. Her mouth opened wider, her tongue swipes grew bolder. Her hands drifted to his sides, then around to his back where they hovered just above the swell of his buttocks, not daring to venture lower.

Tasuki smiled to himself. That hesitation was a testament to her innocence, and he wouldn't have had it any other way. It thrilled and humbled him beyond all reason that Miaka had chosen him to love, and to be the one to show her all the delights of physical love.

He couldn't wait to get started.

She murmured a protest when he broke off the kiss, but then sighed in delight as he nuzzled, nipped and kissed his way down the length of her throat. The hand on her back slipped to her side, and then roamed slowly up to a spot just under her breast and down again; the other left her hair, mimicking the actions of the first. He both heard and felt her sharp intake of air as his hands stroked her, and felt a warm surge of encouragement when she expelled a breath in a quiet moan.

Acting on instinct as to what might please her, he brushed his parted lips gently along the curve of her collarbone, while moving his thumbs in a languorous, back and forth motion along the undersides of her breasts. He could feel the outline of the contraption she called a bra, and knew a moment's frustration. Why couldn't she wear an undergarment he knew how to remove? Ah well, a small inconvenience like an uncooperative chest harness wasn't going to discourage him. So what if her breasts were covered? Hell, for what he had in mind, they wouldn't even be needed!

Nevertheless, they were much too full and tempting for him to completely ignore. His hands slid up to pay homage to the soft mounds, eliciting a low, sexy whimper that sent a fresh rush of blood to his sex. Ignoring the demands of his own flesh, he ran his tongue tip up and over the tendons at the base of her neck, then lightly nipped at them with his fangs as he palmed the sweet curves of flesh. A louder moan resonated beneath his lips, and he smiled against her skin. Surprising, how gratifying it was to set his own urges aside in favor of satisfying Miaka's.

And now, with the thought of satisfying her in his mind...he would kneel to his lovely Priestess and worship her lovely body with his mouth and hands and tongue. It would leave him aching to have more, but that didn't matter. It was the perfect solution to the time constraint under which Chichiri's impending return had placed them- and besides, he'd already made the decision that this time would be all about Miaka. Hell, after enduring nine years of loneliness and heartache, the woman deserved all of the happiness and pleasure he could possibly give to her!

He quickly debated whether to take her back to his futon, then rejected the idea. His loins were throbbing with the savage urge to fill and possess, and having her in that position would make it too easy for him to succumb to his desire. That delight would wait for another time when they wouldn't have to rush through the preliminaries to the act of love. Though he'd never been with a virgin before, he knew that a woman's first time could be heaven or hell...and damn it, he was going to give Miaka heaven, no matter how long it took! If it meant suffering from a perpetual hard on for a while, so be it.

Miaka watched from beneath half- lowered eyelids as her warrior dropped to his knees in front of her, then caught her breath as his hands found the backs of her thighs. "Tasuki…wha...what are you doing?"

He looked up at her, eyes smoldering beneath soot colored lashes. "Don't know a proper name for it," he replied with candor. "I'll call it…'divin' for Miaka's peach'."

Before she could utter a single word of protest, he reached for the hem of her dress and pulled the material up around her waist, exposing creamy skin and shimmering pink silk panties to his burning gaze. She gasped, and then hurried to cover the telltale damp spot that had formed between her legs, but Tasuki waylaid her hand and pulled it away.

"That ain't a reason to hide from me, Mi-chan!"

She stared at him as her face grew hot from mortification. "Why?" She whispered.

"Because I like seein' you that way." He replied, in a gentler tone. "Knowin' that I can excite ya gets me even more so." He glanced down at himself, then back at her. "An' if ya don't believe that… take a look for yourself."

Miaka glanced down as frank curiosity overcame timidity. To her amazement, undeniable proof of her seishi's words was straining against the cloth that presently confined it. Forgetting her self-consciousness for the moment, she stared at it, wondering what the impressive ridge would look like when uncovered.

Her seishi remained motionless, letting her look.

"Just like you are th' way you are because of me, I'm this way because of you." He said, when her eyes finally met his. "There's no need t'be shy about it when we're together, because it's the way things are supposed t'be! Understand?"

She found she could smile as embarrassment faded. With her free hand, she smoothed back the swatch of bangs that had fallen over one of his eyes. "I understand...and I will try not to hide how I feel about you from now on."

"Good girl." Tasuki said softly. "Now, would ya let me do somethin' for ya? Somethin' t'make ya forget an' feel good?"

Miaka gazed down at her warrior, visually drinking in his strong, masculine beauty while she considered her answer. Allowing herself to be intimate with Tasuki was a thought that both excited and scared her. She'd been dreaming of a moment like this for years, all the while thinking that it would happen with Tamahome and wrapped within in the bonds of matrimony. After all she'd gone through in waiting for that moment, letting go of her old way of thinking wasn't easy.

However, the fear of missing out on the chance to be loved by the incredible man kneeling before her was far stronger.

Her choice was clear.

"All right, Tasuki." She said in a half-whisper. "But only if it's something you want to do."

"There ain't no 'if' about it for me, Mi-chan." He responded huskily. "I wanna do this."

Fiery devotion blazed in his eyes as he brought the hand he held captive to his lips. Turning it over, he pressed a kiss into her palm before lowering it carefully to her side.

Then he turned his full attention to the pursuit of her happiness.


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Moments later found Miaka leaning back against the wall for support, her dress tucked up behind her to keep it out of the way. Her panties were gone, tossed somewhere behind Tasuki after he'd removed them inch by tantalizing inch. At present, he was blowing, nuzzling, and kissing his way across her lower belly, while his hands squeezed and caressed the mounds of her bare buttocks. It was so glorious...she loved the feeling of his hot breath on her skin, loved the leashed strength of his hands, loved that he was taking things slow for her sake.

Her fingertips swept along the arch of his deltoids, then moved up to his hair, delving into the thick mane in bliss as he nuzzled the triangle of curls above the juncture of her legs. When one of his hands moved to caress the inside of her thigh, her fingers curled into fists in his hair. When his hand slid upwards and his blunt fingertips delicately stroked around her outer folds, liquid heat spilled from her core. She couldn't stifle the sounds that poured from her lips, couldn't help throwing her head back and thrusting her hips at him. She craved his touch, ached to be taken by him.

Her hands clutched him by his head and shoulders, wordlessly conveying her need as she tried to direct him to the knot of arousal tightening within her. Tasuki resisted her efforts, and she let out a groan of frustration. His teasing had her teetering on a finely honed edge. She was ready…no, she was more than ready for him.

"Ohhh… please…" She wiggled beneath his touches, eyes wild with need, begging him for something she did not quite understand. "Tasuki, please…"

"I know, baby, I know." He murmured soothingly. "Just relax … I'm gonna take care of ya."

Miaka shifted in agitation as one of his hands moved to nudge her thighs further apart, and a loud, frantic moan poured from her lips her as she felt him stroking her slick folds with his thumb. Her hips jerked convulsively as he passed over a particularly sensitive area. Tasuki paused in his attentions to glance up at her, smiled in satisfaction at what he saw, and then resumed kissing and nibbling his way up to the place where his thumb was working sexual magic.

At the first touch of his tongue tip upon her sex, she cried out and arched her back, causing her dress to slip free and down over the bandit seishi's head. A muffled laugh vibrated against her sensitive flesh as she hastily yanked the material back up to her waist, and she looked down to see her lover surveying her with a wolfish smile.

"Felt that good, did it?"

Still trying to catch her breath, she could only manage a vigorous nod.

Amber eyes narrowed seductively. "Want some more?"

She gave another quick jerk of the head.

"That's good." He growled. "I’m gonna give ya all ya can handle!"

The words drew her in like a moth to a flame. A soft, strangled sound escaped her as strong hands clamped onto her hips, keeping her securely anchored as his head nudged her thighs apart and then dove between her spread legs.

His eager mouth wasted no time in locating the same bundle of nerves he'd found before. Miaka whimpered and twisted the material in her hands as she felt firm lips rubbing the stiff little nub, then gave a choked cry as his tongue emerged to tenderly lap at it. Spirals of intense pleasure spread from her belly to the hardened tips of her breasts. Her hips undulated against his restraining hands, desperately seeking deeper contact.

Her eyes closed, then flew open again to drink in the erotic sight of the fiery head bobbing between her parted thighs. Her heart was pounding as hard as if she were running in a race, and her left knee had started to quiver uncontrollably, threatening to give way and send her tumbling down upon his head and back. The worry that it might was detracting from her enjoyment but she didn't know what to do about it.

Amazingly, Tasuki had sensed her dilemma. Without so much as a single break in the arousing rhythm he'd set for her, he lifted her left leg and draped it over him so that it was supported by his shoulder and back. It wasn't long before she realized that her new position also gave him better access to her nether region, and that Tasuki intended to take full advantage of the situation. The pulsing light from his celestial birthmark bathed her inner thighs in a rosy red glow as he moved his hand to her center. Gently, tenderly, he ran one finger along her outer folds then dipped into her arousal slicked cleft. A second finger joined the first, and he began moving them in tandem as his tongue began to lash her with increased vigor.

Miaka allowed her head to fall back against the wall, caught up in the rising swell of new and incredible sensations. The fire that had kindled within her was building to a white-hot heat- a blaze that was fueled by far more than physical needs. Tasuki's extraordinary selflessness had overcome all of the formidable defenses she had built against loving someone new… and in return, his love had filled the huge void in her heart. No one else had ever made her feel this good or this wanted. His kisses and caresses consumed her as no one else’s had, binding her tightly to him in heart, body and soul.

The mere thought of that bond was bringing her to the pinnacle. Muscles tightened, and multiple sensations coalesced into a single ball of need. Her heartbeats thundered and her head restlessly turned from side to side against the wall while the fragrance of her desire grew even stronger. Tasuki's hands were back on her hips, pinning them securely in place as his mouth took intimate possession of her once again. Rendered helpless under his relentess, sensual onslaught, she moaned his name, bucking and straining against his firm grasp as his facile tongue and lips coaxed and tugged her towards ecstasy.

There was no turning back, no escape from the inevitable. Nothing existed for her except the feel of a warm, wet mouth and calloused hands, and the unbearable tension spiraling within her loins. She stiffened, then arched towards fulfillment. She was an ignited fuse…burning hot…ready to explode…

When the climax of sensation came, she tipped her head back to release a throttled cry of joy. Pute and unfettered pleasure spilled from her like lava and she surrendered to its throbbing flow with abandon, riding the blissful wave as far as she could. In the back of her fevered mind she knew Tasuki was riding the crest right along with her, holding her fast, loving her with his mouth, determinedly prolonging her enjoyment in every way he knew how.

As intense sensation abated to softly pulsing aftershocks, she sagged back against the wall, for the moment reduced to a weak-kneed mass of satiated flesh. Basking in the aftermath of spent passion, she could barely stir as her lover continued to tenderly nuzzle her. Only when his mouth and hands stilled and then began to withdraw from her did she revive enough to murmur a heartfelt objection.

Mercifully, they were only parted for the time it took the bandit seishi to get to his feet.

Their gazes locked, eyes silently reaffirming their newly discovered love as Tasuki drew her into the circle of his arms. Tipping her face up with a hand, he bent his head to administer a slow and open-mouthed kiss that made her feel as if they were melting into one being. Miaka released her hold on the rolled up dress to wind her arms around his neck. The scent and taste of her was on his lips and tongue, but she didn't mind. How could she mind a little thing like that when he had just made her happier than she'd been for years?

When their mouths parted, she swayed a bit, still wobbly from the effects of what had been done for her. The bandit seishi's encircling arms steadied her, and then tightened possessively as he regarded her with blatant and very masculine satisfaction.

"You're lookin' a bit limp there, Odango." He teased wickedly. "Ya better hang on t' me until ya get your legs back!"

She obeyed with a tiny giggle, which promptly changed to an exclamation of dismay as she felt hardened flesh pressing into the lower part of her belly. "Tasuki, forgive me! I haven't done anything to make you happy!"

To her astonishment, the seishi of fire simply smiled and shook his head. "There's nothin' to forgive. This time was all for you, an' I'm happy with that."

Her eyes misted at the tenderness glowing in his. "But it's not fair-"

Her protest was stifled with a masterful kiss and a softly growled promise.

"There ain't no need to look sad, Mi-chan. This was just the beginnin'."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________


When a parcel-laden Chichiri finally returned to the room almost an hour after he had left it, he made sure to knock politely. Relief filled him when an immediate summons came from within, and he entered the room to find Miaka and a fully dressed Tasuki chatting happily as they dug into the delicious looking breakfast that had been delivered in his absence.

At first glance the scene seemed completely innocent, but the monk didn't put much stock in first impressions. A second look produced some interesting details; Miaka's hair now tumbled wildly about her face, her dress had acquired some very interesting wrinkles, and only a totally blind man could miss how brightly the Priestess' green eyes shone every time she looked at Tasuki. In return, the bandit seishi was looking at Miaka as if he'd rather be eating her than the food she insisted on serving him. The chi levels swirling around him only added to the mystery; Tasuki's was wildly jagged and elevated, but Miaka's had subsided to a tranquil, smooth pulse.

Chichiri found himself pondering the situation as he set down his shakajou and bundles. Something had to have happened to Miaka to effect such a change…but if the two of them had done anything shouldn't both of them be relaxed? What could have gone on that would have produced such an unbalanced effect?

The answer that occurred to him brought on such a strong reaction in his own body that he was forced to sit down, cover his lap with a breakfast plate, and start piling food on it with a haste unbecoming to a disciplined monk. Luckily for him, Tasuki and Miaka were too wrapped up in conversation to notice.

I must stop obsessing about it. He told himself sternly. It was really none of his business, and besides that, his personal vow of penitence included forsaking carnal knowledge of women. Merely thinking about sex could end up leading him into trouble; therefore it would be the best thing for all of them if he kept his insatiable curiosity in check...

To be continued!

Again, thank you so much to all who have taken the time to read and review this story!

Best wishes,
KittyLynne