An actual fanfic/writing post: Leather and Lace redux by KL
I've been working hard on refining my writing in this story; I think the changes I made to this chapter definitely improved it. I decided to post the revised version here to see if people would like to comment on if I'm right or delusional. =P
I'm working on a whole new prologue to chapter one as well, one that will hopefully make for a smoother, less hurried transition to Dante and Miaka's meeting. ^_^ (In other related news: I found out this weekend that Dante has his very own fangirls who love him over Tasuki.... *bemused grin*)
Leather and Lace
(All the usual fanfiction disclaimers apply)
Chapter Eleven
Miaka buried her face in her hands, humiliated by her inability to control her emotions. Dante’s drawing of her had been beautifully rendered, and his unexpected talent had amazed her. But the way he’d drawn her triggered strong feelings long buried, feelings about their joint past in the book. Coupled with the stress of being in a disintegrating romance and the emotional roller coaster ride she'd been on for the last twenty four hours, it was just too much.
She was far away from the only people she could talk to about this. At this point, there was no way she could introduce Taka and Dante, or tell Dante about that fantastic, heartbreaking voyage they had once taken together. Her instincts and past experience indicated that he wasn't ready to hear that story, and that any attempt she might make at telling it would meet with outright rejection. Even if he was open minded to the possibilities, there was a better than good chance that forcing any dormant memories to emerge could prove to be traumatic.
There were no memory stones this time, no easy solutions. She had no way of knowing what happened to Tasuki that had allowed him to appear in her world. Dante's recollections of his other life would have to surface on their own... providing they'd come back to him at all. If that were the case, it was pretty hard to conceive of building a relationship based on trust and honesty while knowing that she had to either hide or lie to him about a huge chunk of her past- of their past- not to mention making sure that Taka kept quiet about it as well.
Just the thought of it increased her frustration and the flow of her tears.
Then suddenly, she felt her seat belt being released. As Dante's strong arms enfolded her, she burrowed into them, the storm of her weeping intensifying out of relief that she hadn’t yet driven him away with her abrupt change of mood.
As the first muffled sob reached his ears, Dante’s head had turned with a snap.
The sight that had met his widened eyes confirmed his worst fear.
Miaka was crying, and it was his fault.
For what could have been mere seconds or ten minutes, he could only stare at his weeping companion, frozen in place by shock and dismay. Then finally, he regained enough presence of mind to reach out to her and gather her up in his arms. As she leaned in and snuggled against him, he tightened his hold, feeling a wave of protectiveness crash down and engulf him.
It hurt to see her hurting. He had to think of something, anything, that would ease her sorrow.
He quickly discarded the solution that instantly cropped up in his mind; using sexual means to distract and comfort her might work, but in the end would be only a temporary fix. He had to get her to talk, he had to understand what was going on in her head before he could work on solving the problem.
Unsure of the best approach in doing that, he began with a hesitant apology. "I'm really sorry, Miaka..."
"N-no. It's...it's n-not..."She gulped in a breath.
His heart ripped even more as he felt her struggling to subdue her sobs; in desperation, he decided to go with a straightforward plea. "Just tell me what I did! Whatever it was, I’ll make it up to you, I swear!"
"You h-haven't d-done anything wrong!" She choked out. "I- I’m just …b-being stupid…"
Dante gathered her even more tightly against him as her body shook with a fresh wave of emotion. His gut was being twisted into knots, and he silently cursed his lack of experience with situations like this one. His mother had been the one to dry his tears, not the other way around. Though he had five sisters, all of them had been more likely to chuck things at him when they were upset than to cry. Most of his past girlfriends had used crying as a means of manipulation, and the lone exception to that had only cried in front of him when she dumped him for her ex-husband.
Yeah, whenever it came to comforting any of the women in his life, he was pretty much clueless.
"Miaka...sweetheart... " His eyes stung with empathy. "Dammit!"
The break in his voice finally reached her.
"It's okay," she whispered, between sharp catches of breath, "I j-just...need you…to h-hold me right now."
Dante did as she asked, repeatedly stroking a hand down the curve of her spine while her sobs gradually faded. When she became silent and still, he took her face in his hands, tilting it upwards until she was peering back at him from between her tear-spiked lashes.
She sniffled, and then rubbed a finger under her nose, which had started to drip. "I bet I look awful."
"Ya look fine!" He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "’Fraid I don’t have a hanky-how about a couple of tissues?"
At her forlorn nod, he briefly leaned over her to open the glove box and grab a bunch of folded Kleenex. Miaka accepted them gratefully, and set about drying her eyes and nose under his compassionate gaze.
"Feel better now?" He tucked a swatch of hair behind her ear, his mouth tightening a fraction as he felt her tremble beneath his touch.
"Yes. Thank you…" She wadded up the used tissues and stared down at them. "I'm so sorry. You must think I’m a total crybaby."
"Just ‘cause I hate like hell t’see ya cry, doesn’t mean I think you’re a crybaby." He cupped her chin and lifted it until she was looking straight at him. His other hand fell to cover both of hers, which were still clutching the sodden Kleenex. "I wouldn’t be interested in a woman who never cried. Know what I mean?"
Miaka's gaze was tender as it rested upon him. "Yes." She affirmed. "I know exactly what you mean."
Her glowing expression threw Dante for a loop; he glanced away for a moment as heat crept into his cheeks. "Well, uh, I suppose it’d be stupid to ask how ya liked my picture now, huh?"
"I absolutely love it!" The warmth and enthusiasm in her voice deepened his blush. "You're a very talented sketch artist, Dante! It’s an amazing likeness! Even better than you realize..."
She hestitated, her voice trailing off, and then added, "If you like, I can show you something that might help you understand why seeing it affected me so deeply."
He was both pleased and intensely curious. "Sure, I'd like that."
He released her hands so she could pick up her handbag. Miaka flipped it open, and after a few seconds of rifling through its contents, withdrew two laminated photos. She gazed at them for a moment, indecision warring with determination in her expression, and then quickly held them out.
"Here. Look at these and tell me what you think."
Dante took the pictures. As soon as he looked down, his mouth dropped open. Holy shit! This is way beyond weird!
"I was fifteen when that was taken. It’s a school photo." She picked up his sketch and held it alongside. "Do you see what an astounding likeness this is? If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were using this picture for reference!"
"Yeah..." He glanced back and forth between the twin likenesses. "Yeah, it’s hard to believe..." How the hell did I get it so close? Why did I even see her that way in my mind?
"That photograph was taken after my last trip to China," Miaka went on. "It was a very special time in my life...a time when I believed that I could change the world, and all my dreams would finally become a reality." She wearily rubbed the back of a hand across her eyes. "I miss those days, and all of my dear friends. I wish I could find out what became of them."
The profound longing in her expression and voice made Dante’s heart sink. Bet she's thinkin' about my twin again. He pondered morosely. Hell, it’s bad enough that I look like the guy- why’d I have to go and remind her how much she misses him? I swear, this Tasuki guy is gonna be a bigger pain in th’ ass to me than Sukinami!
Not wanting his passenger to get any hints of the jealousy he was feeling, he averted his gaze and quickly flipped the second picture over the first. "Another nice pic! Is this gal a good friend of yours?"
Miaka smiled at the image of two laughing young women standing arm in arm. "Yes, that’s Yui. She’s been my best friend since we were four years old."
Dante studied the blonde’s face closely, wondering at the quick stab of animosity it had provoked upon first viewing. "Does she live in Tokyo?"
"Yes. We write, and I try to call her twice a month." Miaka replied. "I really wish I had a PC, international calls are shockingly expensive. I don’t have enough saved yet, though, and I don’t want to borrow one from-" She broke off before mentioning Taka’s name, thinking that their evening was starting badly enough without raising that particular subject. She would eventually have to find a resolution for her feelings, but for now she preferred to simply enjoy Dante’s company and let tomorrow take care of itself.
"No need t' get one just for that when you can use my computer anytime ya want!" He stated cheerfully. "My ISP plan gives me unlimited hours on the ‘Net, and it’d be no problem to find ya a free email provider."
She brightened. "That would be fantastic, but I don’t want it to be a bother..."
"I wouldn’t offer if it was!" He assured her warmly, then let out a surprised grunt as Miaka launched herself into his arms.
"Oh, thank you!" She exclaimed, and gave him a loud, smacking kiss on the cheek. "I’m so happy… I can’t wait to tell Yui!"
Dante laughed as he returned her hug. "Hey, don’t y’all get carried away! I’m expectin’ a few home cooked meals in exchange!"
She beamed at him as she returned to her side of the seat. "I was planning to do that for you anyway!"
He was more than pleased that he had restored her good spirits. Reaching out, he slowly wrapped a strand of auburn hair around his finger and tugged lightly on it. "Well now, Miss Miaka," he drawled, "if that’s the case...then maybe I should be askin’ ya for somethin’ else as payment!"
She colored prettily under his direct gaze. "All right, then. What else could I do for you?"
It was clear she was trying hard to make the question sound nonchalant, but the blush and breathy catch in her voice gave her away. Dante bared his fangs in a distinctly un-gentlemanly grin, unable to resist the chance to tease her a little more.
"Well, there is this one particular thing… but I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t go for it." His laughing eyes took note of her rapidly changing expression. "Yeah, that's what I thought. It’s best I not go there."
As Dante continued to eye her mischievously, Miaka took a steadying breath. If he thought her gauche and unadventurous, he was in for a surprise!
"No, go ahead and ask." She asserted. "If it's something that pleases you, I’ll be most happy to do it!"
She had the satisfaction of seeing his jaw drop just before he quickly recovered his poise.
"Ya know...it’s kinda dangerous to agree to somethin' when you don’t know what’s involved." He said, his expression and tone turning serious. "I’m kiddin', but ya still shouldn't be too trusting of me. Ya haven’t known me that long to know for sure what I’m gonna do or say."
Miaka found herself stifling a nervous giggle at remembering that Taka had expressed the same concerns as Dante just had. Both of them knew her well, with one distinct difference. With Taka, his concern had been voiced as a criticism. With Dante, concern was voiced to protect her.
"I do tend to go with what my heart says about someone more than my head." She admitted. "I'm impulsive, and I know I’ve been lucky that most of those impulses have worked out just fine." She smiled. "I do trust you, Dante, and I'm completely certain that you wouldn’t ask me for something I wasn't willing or able to give you. Am I wrong to think that?"
Dante sighed. Never had he felt more like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
"No, you’re not wrong." He confessed grudgingly. "I wouldn’t hurt ya for the world." Seeing her radiant smile and the warmth in her expressive eyes made him very glad he was listening to his instincts. He'd like nothing better than to follow up on her implicit suggestion, but he wouldn't. Whether or not she was a virgin, there was a very pure and innocent quality to her that he didn't want to see diminished by a thoughtless whim on his part.
However, he was only human. The smile she was giving him, coupled with her tear stained face and the alluring scent of her sexy little body, made it impossible for him to resist her entirely.
Her smile slowly faded as his head began to lower, degree by degree. When his mouth was hovering just above hers, he moved the hand toying with her hair to her face, gently tipping it to a more accommodating angle. Her lips parted invitingly under a single brush of his thumb, her eyelids lowered, and then…
...a loud, long rumble ripped into the silence.
The mood was broken. Miaka was blushing to the roots of her hair.
Dante’s soft laugh wafted across her lips before he backed away to grin down at her. "Guess I'll take a rain check - right now we need to get somethin' to eat!"
"Stupid, stupid stomach! I hate it when it does this!" She muttered in disgust, as it gave another noisy, embarrassing growl. "I’m sorry."
"No need to be sorry! I’m starvin’ too!"
Despite his cheerful reassurance, Dante eyed her soft, pink lips with a mix of regret and hunger, wondering why he persisted in tormenting himself in wanting a bird he didn't yet have in hand. His physical urges were getting harder to suppress with every kiss he gave Miaka, but suppress them he would until she spelled out exactly where things stood between her and Sukinami. And right now, as far as that subject went, there was no way he was going to ask her any loaded questions about his rival; not after the ups and downs she’d already been through tonight!
Suiting thought to action, he plucked the notepad out of her hand, tucked the photos into it, and then put it under his seat, all the while turning a deaf ear to her heated protest.
"I need to work on the second one a little more before I let ya see it." He said firmly, in reply to the glowering look she'd directed at him. "Right now a couple of bacon cheeseburgers are callin’ our names! It wouldn’t be polite to keep them waitin’ on us, now, would it?"
Miaka had to admit that he had a point- she was famished. Emotional stress had always made her extra hungry, and she was certain that ‘The Sonic’ would fulfill her needs in that particular regard. "No, I guess it wouldn’t." She agreed, tentatively returning his smile.
She slid back into place and fastened her seat belt. Dante followed suit, then started up the SUV. As he expertly maneuvered it out of the parking space, Miaka allowed her gaze to wander over his face and body. She was a bit confounded by his not wanting to show her the other drawing he'd done, but then again, she couldn’t blame him after she had blubbered all over the first one.
That sketch proves he has memories of me buried in his subconscious. It’s going to happen- he’s going to remember someday. If he senses our bond as warrior and priestess, that's the first step.
A sigh escaped her as she thought of what it might be like to deepen and expand that bond. Being with him would be wonderful...he’d be naughty and tease me unmercifully, but he'd also be loving and kind and very considerate of my feelings. I can't see any reason for Sandra to break up with him- but I’m awfully glad that she did!
As if sensing her thoughts were centered on him, Dante glanced her way... and promptly did a double take. "Uh-oh...I know that look, and it means trouble!"
"Not in the least," she replied in a demure tone. "I was only admiring the scenery."
Reaching out, she lightly stroked the curve of his bicep with a fingertip and smiled as she saw goose bumps appear. She felt bold, daring, and deliciously feminine all at once; something that hadn't occurred in the company of anyone else but him.
"You’re a lot like those mountains out there." She added softly. "Beautiful and strong."
They had come to a red light, and Dante wasted no time in taking the opportunity to grab hold of her hand, entwining their fingers as he had the previous day. Miaka watched with a thrill of anticipation as he lifted her knuckles to his mouth, and inhaled sharply as he brushed a kiss across them. Even the slightest touch of his lips was enough to ignite a conflagration of erotic feelings within her...
"Give me any more of that sweetness, " he said with a meaningful look, "and I can guarantee we’ll never get to the drive-in."
She pouted a bit. "May I have my hand back then?"
He grinned. "Nope! It’s mine now, an’ I’m keepin’ it." He kissed her knuckles once more, then dropped their joined hands to the seat space between them.
"Yes sir, Officer." She heaved an exaggerated sigh. "Whatever you say, Officer."
He laughed at her long-suffering tone, and out of shared joy in being together. "Now that’s what I like to hear!"
Even though it was past the suppertime rush, the Sonic’s parking lot was three quarters full. As Dante parked and switched off the engine, Miaka watched in amazement as a car hop on roller skates blithely sailed by the front of their vehicle while holding up a tray that was literally heaped with food.
"How can they keep their balance with so much to carry?" She wondered aloud.
"Lots and lots of practice." Dante answered, already engrossed in looking at the menu board posted next to the parking space. "I know I said bacon cheeseburgers, but if you’d rather have something else, go ahead."
"No, I want what you’re having," Miaka said promptly. Happiness welled within her in response to the pleasure in his expression.
"Okay! How do you want your cheeseburger done?"
"Medium well, please."
Dante rolled down his window and punched a button on the speaker attached to the menu. After a moment, a disembodied, chipper female voice welcomed them to The Sonic, happily informed them that she was a trainee named Brenda, and then offered to take their order.
"Okay, Brenda, we’ll have two double cheeseburger baskets- both medium well- two root beers, and a jumbo strawberry malt."
The voice cheerfully repeated the order, and asked if there was anything else.
"Yeah," Dante replied promptly. "Could I get the pickles on the side, no salt on the fries and an extra slice of bacon on the burgers?"
The voice repeated the order, sounding much less chipper.
"Oh, and could ya bring a bottle of Tabasco sauce too? Thanks."
Miaka poked his arm. "How about some onion rings?" Dante nodded, and added it to their order.
The voice repeated the list, this time in a rapid-fire monotone.
"That's good, but make the onion rings a family size, with extra seasoning, and change the malt to chocolate." Dante corrected. "And we’d like extra napkins, two spoons and no ice in the root beers, please."
The voice muttered something unintelligible, then quickly gave him his total and signed off without repeating the changes he had made. "Humph, that was quick!" Dante said with a smirk. "Not even so much as a ‘thank you for your order’."
Miaka smacked his arm lightly. "That poor girl! You are so bad!"
"Hey, it’s my duty as a regular to break in the rookies!" He chuckled. "Have to give the kid credit- she didn’t get flustered and there was no audible cussin’. I’ll give her a good tip, providin’ she doesn’t give me any attitude when she brings the food!"
"Mm, I bet it’s going to be wonderful- if the food tastes as good as it smells," Miaka said, as another waitress glided by them with a tray full of burger baskets.
"That reminds me…" Dante said abruptly. "How did things go with your boss?"
"Fine, I guess. " She replied. " Actually, I’m pretty certain someone told him about you and me, because after I returned from break, he didn't talk to me and gave me cold looks for the rest of the day."
Dante’s smile was tight. "Can't say I mind he's keeping his distance...but I don't like he's bein' unpleasant."
"I don’t care as long as he gets the message that I'm not interested."
"Hell's Bells, why would any woman be interested in a guy like that?"
"Believe me, Kevin has plenty of them trying to get his attention." Miaka shook her head. "Alan thinks he's after me because he likes the challenge of being the hunter instead of the hunted for a change."
"Who’s Alan?"
"A fellow chef-in-training and a good friend of mine." She explained, adding quickly at seeing Dante's forbidding look, "…who’s gay and totally in love with Kevin!"
"Well. That's good." He said, unsuccessfully trying to hide his relief. "At least ya don’t have to worry about him pawin’ ya."
"True. But I think I might have to keep an eye on him anyway! He happened to see you when you came into the Phoenix, and told me he thinks you’re-and I quote- ‘a delicious hunk of flame-haired man-meat’." She teased, breaking into laughter at her date's pole-axed expression. "He’s going to be pestering me unmercifully about us when he hears we’ve gone out, but at least he’s discreet and won’t gossip about it to the others."
"I don’t give a damn if he gossips." Dante replied seriously. "I’m just glad to hear you’re thinkin’ of me and you as an ‘us’."
Miaka’s smile slipped away. It was impossible to deny that she was thinking of them as a couple, even though she hadn’t broken things off with Taka. Still, given all the unknowns, she wasn’t quite ready to admit to the relationship. "And I’m glad you’re glad, " she murmured evasively.
His gaze sharpened. "You sure don’t sound it."
"That’s because of my hunger pangs." She fibbed. "And speaking of food…I was wondering why you ordered Tabasco sauce?"
Dante’s dour expression turned to one of reluctant amusement at the abrupt change of topic. "The sauce is to put on my burger."
She gasped in mock horror. "Let me get this straight- you’re going to smother the wonderful, rich flavor of American beef with Tabasco?"
"That’s right." He drawled.
"Why?"
"'Cause I like things to be hot."
His tone was light, but the look he gave her made her feel as if she were naked and lying beneath him. Miaka shifted restlessly; despite her best effort to remain composed, his teasing was turning her on, and she didn’t know quite what to do about it.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue again?" He asked playfully.
In response she stuck out the aforementioned tongue, and then gave silent thanks that she didn’t have to think of any further comebacks as an attractive young woman with a heavily loaded down tray appeared at Dante’s window. The name plate on her t-shirt announced that she was the trainee named Brenda, and at present, she was wearing an extremely disgruntled expression that spoke volumes of the trouble their order had given her.
All that changed, however, the moment the waitress bent down and got a good look at her annoying customer. Miaka watched with tolerant amusement as the girl did a double take and almost dropped the tray while trying to hook it on the edge of the window. As Dante made small talk with her, all traces of lingering temper vanished from her pretty face, and after handing him his change, she favored him with a smile worthy of a toothpaste commercial model.
"Did I get everything right for you, sir?"
Dante smiled. "You did a fine job, Miss Brenda. Sorry for givin’ ya a bad time with the order."
The girl’s face glowed with pleasure as he handed her a generous tip. "That’s okay! I thought it was funny."
Miaka gave a barely audible snort. What a crock. You were madder than hell about the order until you saw the cute, sexy guy that placed it!
The waitress put away the tip with painstaking care, then smoothed a strand of shining golden hair behind one delicate ear. The gesture was graceful, and emphasized her lovely bone structure. Ripe, full lips parted to give Dante a much more flirtatious smile. "Is there anything else you want, sir?"
The gleam of sexual interest in the waitress’ eyes was not lost on Miaka. Flickering jealousy burst into flames. Before Dante could answer the double edged question, she leaned over him and asked quickly, "Excuse me, but could we get some mayo?"
Brenda looked startled, then irritated, then pasted on a falsely polite smile. "Of course, ma’am. I’ll be right back." Casting a last, lingering look back at Dante as she turned, she began to skate away.
Miaka glanced at Dante as well, and was gratified to see he was looking directly at her instead of the shapely, swaying behind of the retreating waitress.
"I shoulda thought of the mayonnaise." He said apologetically.
"No, it was her bad." She replied with a shrug. "She forgot she had two customers in the car."
Dante looked troubled, but before he could reply to her comment the waitress had returned. Smiling coyly, she handed him a plastic squeeze bottle full of mayonnaise, along with a folded pink slip of paper. Dante was now fidgeting uncomfortably, and avoided the girl’s eyes as he thanked her. Brenda hovered around the vehicle for a moment, but when it become obvious she wasn’t going to get any more attention from her handsome patron, she left, looking very disappointed.
Too bad, Brenda. Go fish! Miaka thought snidely, as she took the bottle from Dante and applied its contents to her food. Out of the corner of her eye she watched him unfold the pink paper. A moment later he muttered something under his breath, crumpled the note into a tiny ball, and tossed it out the window.
She handed back the mayo, taking note of the dark flush on his cheekbones and the way he avoided her eyes as he took the bottle and set it on the tray. "Gave you her phone number, didn’t she?" She asked calmly, before taking a large bite of her burger. Closing her eyes briefly in pleasure, she savored the opulent flavor of top choice beef. Ah yes… Sonicburgers were fabulous.
"Yeah." He looked disgusted. "Why would she think I wanted it?"
Miaka smiled inwardly. Dante was a supremely confident man, and yet he had no idea how much power he wielded over the opposite sex, or what some women might do in order to get the chance to be with him! "I think she liked the way you looked and decided to take a risk," she said, between small sips of root beer. "I can’t blame her, even though it was pretty tacky for her to do it in front of me."
He finally met her eyes, and smiled a little. "Now, if it had been you givin’ me your phone number, I woulda kept it!"
"I thank you, kind sir." She grinned at him and held out the huge container full of onion rings, thinking it was more than time to get their minds off the unfortunate episode. "Here, you better have one of these before I make them all disappear." Her eyes shone with humor as she hooked one of the golden rings with her forefinger and dangled it in front of his face. "You’ve eaten with me twice, so you know I’m not bluffing!"
He laughed as he slid the offering off her finger. "Yeah, really! Good thing I got the family size!"
A few satisfying, stomach-filling minutes later, Dante held out the enormous chocolate malt that Miaka had insisted they share, even though he told her that he had gotten it just for her. "Want the last of this?"
She eyed the cup for a moment, sorely tempted, but then shook her head. The waistband of her shorts had begun to cut into her abdomen, and she still had some root beer to finish. "No, really…you go ahead." She sighed. "Everything was soooo delicious, but how do you stay in such great shape, eating like this?"
"Extra workouts, mostly." He said modestly, then downed the malt and lowered the cup.
Miaka laughed at the chocolate foam left on his upper lip.
"What’s so funny?"
"You look like a poster boy from those ‘got milk?’ ads," she teased. "Lick your mouth and you’ll be full."
He laughed. "Yes ma’am!"
As the tip of his tongue emerged to collect the chocolate residue, she swallowed reflexively and averted her head to hide any evidence of a different kind of hunger that might be showing in her face.
"How’s that?" Dante asked, after wiping the rest of his mouth with a napkin.
She glanced at his lips, then away. Feeling unaccountably shy and nervous, she began to pick up the wrappers lying around them as an excuse for continuing to avoid his eyes. "Fine. You...you got it all."
Dante allowed himself a small, pleased smile. It was extremely satisfying to see how much of an effect he could have on Miaka. He had only gotten a glimpse of her inner fire the other night, but that glimpse was enough to get his blood boiling every time he thought of it - which was often, God help him. If only he could say to hell with his principles, or least find out if she had dumped Sukinami yet! It was driving him crazy to know that the man had the right to be intimate with her…to see her naked… to enter her body…
He scowled, as a very familiar, all-consuming power began to build within him. Along with it, rose a strange urge to focus it solely on a hapless Sukinami- a pleasant notion he immediately let go of as Miaka spoke to him in a worried tone.
"Dante? Are you all right?"
"Yeah." He lied. "It’s just a bit of brain freeze from the malt."
She looked sympathetic. "Ooh, those hurt!"
"No biggie, it’ll be gone in a minute." He rubbed his forehead, mentally squashing his unexplainable impulse to toast his rival to a crisp. When the desire for violence had passed, he stopped rubbing and unobtrusively checked his watch. Good, there was still plenty of time left before he’d have to say goodnight to Miaka and leave her at her door. Problem was, he couldn’t think of anything from them to do out in public that wouldn’t carry a risk of running into one of his co-workers.
Dammit, I’m gonna have to hurry up and figure out a way to tell her the truth …I can’t expect her to hide out in my car or my house all the time. Ah, the hell with it! I’m gonna ask what she wants to do, and if we run into someone from work, so be it. I'll deal with it then.
"Say, Miaka...I was just thinkin'." He began. "It's still early enough to go hang out someplace else for a while, if you'd want to do that. Would ya?"
She nodded shyly, and then gave him a suggestion that made him doubly glad he had asked. "I was thinking a walk in the park near my building would be nice. It’s got some really nice trails, and a great view of the mountain sunsets."
Problem solved. They weren’t very likely to run into any of his buddies in a park, but if they did, it would soon be dark enough for Miaka to be almost unrecognizable.
"All right, let’s go!" He said cheerfully, and reached out to flick the call light indicating their tray needed to be picked up.
To their mutual relief, a middle aged waitress passing by stopped to get it. Her motherly smile and cheerful ‘thanks a lot, you kids have a nice night‘ was like a balm to Miaka, smoothing over the fallout from Brenda’s unfriendly attitude. Hope we don’t get Brenda next time. She thought. That is, if there is a next time. After everything that’s happened, maybe he’ll decide I have too much emotional baggage and unload me for good.
Dante started the engine, and then turned to give her a sober look. "Hey, it just occurred to me…I hope ya don’t go walking in that park by yourself! Even during the day it can be dangerous- some of those trails are in pretty secluded areas."
"I know that, and I don’t go alone," she said warmly, liking that he was concerned. "I bring Mizu! He loves to go for walks on a leash!"
"That big ball of fluff? Are ya kiddin’ me?"
"Trust me, Mizu is tougher than he looks." Miaka asserted. "I have no doubts that he could take down a human assailant. He’s very strong, has killer claws and most importantly, is very protective of me."
"I have heard that cats can be way more vicious than dogs when they’re threatened." Dante admitted. "So….as pretty as he is, the boy’s got some major ‘tude goin’ on, huh?"
"For certain!" Miaka declared smugly. "Just be very, very glad that my Mizu likes you so much."
After a quick stop at a convenience store, where they both used the restrooms and Dante insisted on picking up a big bottle of mineral water, they continued on to the park. The sun was barely hovering over the top of Pikes Peak by the time they pulled into the small, deserted gravel parking lot set next to the start of the trails.
Miaka smiled and thanked him as Dante came around to help her out of their vehicle.
"So which trail should we take?" He asked, after locking and shutting her door.
"Let’s head toward the mountains, so we can see the sunset." She slipped a hand into his. "Come on, or we’ll miss it."
They strolled up and down the rolling trail she had chosen for a few minutes, chatting along the way, and then paused at the pinnacle of a hill to watch the red ball of fire sinking below the tops of the majestic stone monoliths called the Rockies.
Miaka sighed. "The sunsets here are the best."
"Yeah, I think so too." Dante said happily.
They shared a smile, and then continued walking into the lengthening shadows. Soon the glow of the electric lanterns dotting the trail here and there became noticeable, and the air began to cool off. The voices of chirping birds gave way to the sounds of chirping crickets and the gargling croaks of bog toads.
As a black shadow swooped across the path in front of them, Miaka flinched and giggled. "That poor bird better get back to its nest before it gets too dark, or he’ll end up hitting a tree."
Dante laughed. "That wasn’t a bird, it was a bat."
She tensed. "A-a bat?"
Sensing her fear, he let go her hand and wrapped a protective arm about her shoulders. "No reason to be scared!" He said bracingly. "I won’t let the little buggers get near ya!"
"I know they have a built in sonar, but…" Miaka shuddered, trying to force the vision of being attacked from her mind by telling herself she was being silly, that there were no ninjas from Kutou stalking her path in this world, and that Dante would think her a coward. "I’m okay, now, thanks."
She put a little distance between their bodies but Dante didn’t drop his arm. "Oh look," he said casually. "There’s another one."
"Where?" She squeaked, scuttling over to him once more and burrowing back into his side.
A pause. "Mm, it’s gone now. Better stay close, just in case."
"O-okay."
If she had looked up at that moment, Miaka would have seen the gleam from her companion’s very satisfied smile. As it was, she kept her head down and thought back to the night that Tasuki and Hotohori had defended her during an attack from a vicious horde of vampire bats. Would Dante ever remember that time, and that he’d endangered his previous life defending her from that attack? Would he ever reprimand her as sternly as Tasuki had done the next morning for leaving him behind in the first place?
A small smile curled her mouth. From what she’d seen so far, Dante would definitely yell at her. He was his own man, but when it came to being extremely protective and forthright, he and Tasuki were one and the same.
In spite of the fright she’d had, she insisted on walking the trail for another twenty minutes before consenting to sit down. As they meandered to a carved stone picnic table that was a short distance off the path, she was doubly glad to have Dante’s arm about her. They were on top of another small hill, in a more open area, and the breeze had dropped several degrees in temperature. No complaints passed her lips, however, for she would have let herself turn into a block of ice rather than cut short one minute of her precious, romantic time with the man at her side.
Dante straddled one of the benches, sat down, and then held out an arm in invitation. "Plant that cute lil’ butt of yours right here." He said, patting the space in the vee between his thighs.
Miaka did as he directed, facing away from him, and leaning back as Dante wrapped his arms around her. She sighed with pleasure as the enveloping warmth of his body heated her chilled skin. "Mm, you’re nice and warm."
His chest rose and fell in a sigh, and his warm breath stirred her hair as he spoke. "You feel nice too."
The tone of his voice and the little squeeze he gave her went straight to her heart. Happiness bubbled within her. "Dante."
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for not giving up on me."
He smiled against her hair. "You’re welcome."
Both of them looked up at the Rockies, whose night -blackened crests loomed against a sky liberally dotted with stars. The hush of tranquility fell between them as they gazed at the heavens, each of them thinking about their place in the universe.
Finally, Dante broke the silence.
"Miaka, could I get your opinion on something? Something kinda...personal?"
"Of course."
"Do you think it’s possible for a person to have lived more than one life?"
Though she was startled, she didn’t hesitate in answering. "Absolutely. How about you?"
"Yeah, I think I do." He said quietly. "It's not part of my religion-I was raised as a Protestant- but my mama’s been a believer in it for as long as I can remember."
I must tread carefully. Miaka thought. I have no idea where this may be leading.
"It's a fascinating question to consider." She replied, trying to keep her tone light. "Have you had the feeling you might have had a past life?" When the muscles in his arms grew taut about her in response, she said quickly, "don't answer that if it makes you feel uncomfortable to do so."
"I don't, and that's the thing." Dante admitted. "When we’re together, I feel as if I did…and that’s not meant as a line! What I mean is, it usually takes me a while to warm up to people...but from the moment we met I felt like I'd already known ya for a long time! I can’t explain feeling this comfortable around someone I 've known for only two days except to think that I might have known ya from somewhere else...like in another life." His chuckle was subdued. "The only other person I ever felt that kind of instant recognition with is Craig. "
Though his words filled her with an almost unbearable hope, she chose the safer tack in asking, "So what does Craig think about it?"
"Dunno. We’ve never talked about it. He's not into religious theories and New Age type stuff."
"Well, after seeing you two in action, I would be willing to bet that you and Craig were best friends in every life you’ve had."
"Yeah, really!" Dante's laugh was full of affection. "We've had each other's backs since we were old enough to talk. In our neighborhood, we were the ones who wanted to play pirates and kung fu when everybody else wanted to be sports or super heroes." He shook his head, grinning. "When we got older, we actually got serious about it. We studied in five different martial arts disciplines, and I’m pretty good at all of ‘em. But unless Craig feels like gettin' his ass kicked or I join a tournament, I don't get to use what I've learned very much." Another chuckle. "I'm thinkin' that if I did know ya in a past life, you were probably scared off by my brawlin' and badass reputation."
Taken aback, Miaka swallowed a hysterical laugh. "I highly doubt that." She managed. "Being rough around the edges doesn't mean you can't be a very good person."
"Yeah, I suppose. Anyway, this is kind of stupid, huh, talking about reincarnation when I don't have a clue as to how it could happen?" Dante asked ruefully.
She abruptly swiveled in his arms, wanting and intending to tell him face to face that she completely understood and even shared the feelings he had. But the opportunity was taken away just as soon as she had turned her head. Taking advantage of the close proximity of their lips, Dante's mouth claimed hers with tender authority.
Everything she'd been about to say receded rapidly to the back of her mind. When the kiss deepened, she moaned, winding her arms tightly around his neck as he moved to pull her more fully into his lap.
Neither of them noticed the slight-statured old woman that had suddenly appeared and was hovering several feet above the picnic table.
Will wonders never cease! The elder thought, gazing at the tableau below her with an expression of mild surprise. Flame Boy took my advice. At this rate, the revivification process will be completed in time to produce tne shinzaho and keep the evil one's plans at bay.
With stern features relaxed into an unusually indulgent expression, the apparition watched the embracing couple for a moment longer. Then, gathering her long pink shawl about her slight shoulders, she tactfully vanished into the night.
As soon as Taka Sukinami had gained entrance to the inner sanctum of Thornton Investments headquarters, he was waved to a leather wing-backed chair placed in the center of an office he estimated had two times the square footage of his first apartment. Floor to ceiling windows lined one wall; heavy bookshelves, filled with books and artifacts from around the world stood against another. Beneath it all lay a tiled floor of fine Italian marble, and an illuminated conglomeration of crystal that formed a pyramid provided the crowning touch from above.
In the middle of all this corporate splendor sat fifty year old Victor Thornton, an imposing presence in his own right with his lion’s mane of white hair, sensually hooded violet eyes, and an Armani-clad body of a man half his age. He was also the founder and CEO of Thornton Investments, as the thick brass plate placed on his desk proclaimed.
Taka had just told him everything he had observed about the appearance of the mysterious files, and now awaited the head executive’s judgment. Thornton smiled as his report concluded, showing perfect rows of professionally whitened teeth in a bronzed, ageless face that bore no scars of the cosmetic surgeries so common for men of his age and financial stature. Taka suspected the man wore his hair in a tightly pulled back pony tail just to emphasize that fact. It was no secret to his employees that Victor Thornton prided himself on being the epitome of eternal youth.
"First let me say how much I appreciate you bringing this to my attention right away." Thornton said, in a crushed velvet voice. "I’ve already looked into it, and it’s all a misunderstanding. Those files were supposed to be entered into the archive database for recently deceased clients. My assistant must have mixed them up with the active accounts I did assign you. I’ll personally take care of deleting them, first thing tomorrow morning."
Taka smiled broadly as the burden of responsibility -and proof- dropped from his shoulders. "That’s a big relief, sir. There’s a lot of classified information in my client files that would be paradise for an identity thief or a potential embezzler. That’s why I thought I should go right to you."
"I appreciate that, son. I wish more of my employees had your sense of integrity and loyalty."
"Thank you sir."
"How’s that lovely and charming lady of yours fairing these days?"
"Miaka’s fine, sir. I was with her earlier tonight."
"You left that gorgeous little girl to come here and talk to me? Didn’t she mind?" The teeth flashed again. "Hell, don’t you mind? I sure would!"
Taka forced a laugh. "It's all right, sir." He said, carefully concealing his doubts on that matter. "Company security deemed that it was of the utmost importance that I see you. Miaka understands that obligation."
"You have a tremendous amount of tact, my boy! I'm sure that things didn't go as smoothly as that!"
"No, it was fine. She had made some plans with a friend, so it all worked out for the best."
"I see." Thorton leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. "Don’t worry. She might be a bit unhappy with you now, but once you’ve become the youngest Vice-President of operations this company has ever hired, and you give her that huge society wedding every woman wants, she’ll realize it was worth waiting for you. Which reminds me…"
Taka shifted, and then sat up straighter in his chair under the older man’s intent gaze. Though benevolent, the look Thorton was giving him made it clear that whatever was to come next would be important in advancing his career.
"…may I tap into your free time to entertain some top priority clients for me this weekend? I was going to meet them myself, but unbeknownst to me, my wife booked a weekend getaway package to New York."
Slightly thin lips twisted in a wry expression. "Part of being in a romantic partnership is knowing when to give in and cater to your partner…and she was most insistent I do so. However, these clients are very illustrious members of a family well known in the diamond business, and I can’t just ask them to reschedule their trip. I’m trusting you to take care of them properly, even more so, now, since you showed such loyalty and dedication to the Thornton Investments group tonight."
Taka looked down at his martini that Thornton had stirred up for him upon his arrival. There was no question in his mind that this was the break he’d been looking for; everyone he had talked to about the CEO said that if the old man liked you, he’d ask a personal favor, and if you performed it to his exacting standards, it meant instant promotion. With that sort of promotion, he could afford to take Miaka back for a visit to Japan, or to fly their families to Colorado, or…to finally get married. Put in that perspective, postponing the overnight trip to what he considered a tourist trap town didn’t seem so bad. He looked up.
"You can count on me, sir, I’ll be happy to take care of them for you."
"Excellent! My secretary will make all the arrangements for you." Looking very pleased, Thornton rose from his chair and came around the huge mahogany desk. "There's no doubt in my mind that you're ready for this, my boy! I'll look forward to hearing how it went!"
Taka got to his feet, and the older man clapped a paternal hand on his shoulders as they walked to the door. Once there, he paused, looking thoughtful. "In fact, I think we should celebrate your success over lunch at the Phoenix Grill next Wednesday. I'm told the place has excellent food and drink, plus it will give you the chance to say hello to your lady at work. How does that sound?"
Taka smiled. "It sounds great, sir! I appreciate your confidence in me."
Thorton made a dismissive gesture. "No need for thanks. You've earned it."
The two men shook hands, and then Taka left. When the door had closed behind his employee, Thornton stared pensively at it for a moment before returning to his desk. Once he had reseated himself, he opened a hidden drawer and reached in with both hands. When they emerged, they were cradling a clear crystal sphere, which began to pulse with light as he spoke to it.
"Did you get all of that, Master?"
"Yes..." a hoarse voice hissed. "Sukinami trusts and is loyal to you. You have done very well, Victor. "
"Thank you. Is there anything else you require?"
"Not at the moment. Proceed with the plan as we discussed."
Thornton bowed his head. "As you wish, Master."
To be continued….
I'm working on a whole new prologue to chapter one as well, one that will hopefully make for a smoother, less hurried transition to Dante and Miaka's meeting. ^_^ (In other related news: I found out this weekend that Dante has his very own fangirls who love him over Tasuki.... *bemused grin*)
Leather and Lace
(All the usual fanfiction disclaimers apply)
Chapter Eleven
Miaka buried her face in her hands, humiliated by her inability to control her emotions. Dante’s drawing of her had been beautifully rendered, and his unexpected talent had amazed her. But the way he’d drawn her triggered strong feelings long buried, feelings about their joint past in the book. Coupled with the stress of being in a disintegrating romance and the emotional roller coaster ride she'd been on for the last twenty four hours, it was just too much.
She was far away from the only people she could talk to about this. At this point, there was no way she could introduce Taka and Dante, or tell Dante about that fantastic, heartbreaking voyage they had once taken together. Her instincts and past experience indicated that he wasn't ready to hear that story, and that any attempt she might make at telling it would meet with outright rejection. Even if he was open minded to the possibilities, there was a better than good chance that forcing any dormant memories to emerge could prove to be traumatic.
There were no memory stones this time, no easy solutions. She had no way of knowing what happened to Tasuki that had allowed him to appear in her world. Dante's recollections of his other life would have to surface on their own... providing they'd come back to him at all. If that were the case, it was pretty hard to conceive of building a relationship based on trust and honesty while knowing that she had to either hide or lie to him about a huge chunk of her past- of their past- not to mention making sure that Taka kept quiet about it as well.
Just the thought of it increased her frustration and the flow of her tears.
Then suddenly, she felt her seat belt being released. As Dante's strong arms enfolded her, she burrowed into them, the storm of her weeping intensifying out of relief that she hadn’t yet driven him away with her abrupt change of mood.
As the first muffled sob reached his ears, Dante’s head had turned with a snap.
The sight that had met his widened eyes confirmed his worst fear.
Miaka was crying, and it was his fault.
For what could have been mere seconds or ten minutes, he could only stare at his weeping companion, frozen in place by shock and dismay. Then finally, he regained enough presence of mind to reach out to her and gather her up in his arms. As she leaned in and snuggled against him, he tightened his hold, feeling a wave of protectiveness crash down and engulf him.
It hurt to see her hurting. He had to think of something, anything, that would ease her sorrow.
He quickly discarded the solution that instantly cropped up in his mind; using sexual means to distract and comfort her might work, but in the end would be only a temporary fix. He had to get her to talk, he had to understand what was going on in her head before he could work on solving the problem.
Unsure of the best approach in doing that, he began with a hesitant apology. "I'm really sorry, Miaka..."
"N-no. It's...it's n-not..."She gulped in a breath.
His heart ripped even more as he felt her struggling to subdue her sobs; in desperation, he decided to go with a straightforward plea. "Just tell me what I did! Whatever it was, I’ll make it up to you, I swear!"
"You h-haven't d-done anything wrong!" She choked out. "I- I’m just …b-being stupid…"
Dante gathered her even more tightly against him as her body shook with a fresh wave of emotion. His gut was being twisted into knots, and he silently cursed his lack of experience with situations like this one. His mother had been the one to dry his tears, not the other way around. Though he had five sisters, all of them had been more likely to chuck things at him when they were upset than to cry. Most of his past girlfriends had used crying as a means of manipulation, and the lone exception to that had only cried in front of him when she dumped him for her ex-husband.
Yeah, whenever it came to comforting any of the women in his life, he was pretty much clueless.
"Miaka...sweetheart... " His eyes stung with empathy. "Dammit!"
The break in his voice finally reached her.
"It's okay," she whispered, between sharp catches of breath, "I j-just...need you…to h-hold me right now."
Dante did as she asked, repeatedly stroking a hand down the curve of her spine while her sobs gradually faded. When she became silent and still, he took her face in his hands, tilting it upwards until she was peering back at him from between her tear-spiked lashes.
She sniffled, and then rubbed a finger under her nose, which had started to drip. "I bet I look awful."
"Ya look fine!" He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "’Fraid I don’t have a hanky-how about a couple of tissues?"
At her forlorn nod, he briefly leaned over her to open the glove box and grab a bunch of folded Kleenex. Miaka accepted them gratefully, and set about drying her eyes and nose under his compassionate gaze.
"Feel better now?" He tucked a swatch of hair behind her ear, his mouth tightening a fraction as he felt her tremble beneath his touch.
"Yes. Thank you…" She wadded up the used tissues and stared down at them. "I'm so sorry. You must think I’m a total crybaby."
"Just ‘cause I hate like hell t’see ya cry, doesn’t mean I think you’re a crybaby." He cupped her chin and lifted it until she was looking straight at him. His other hand fell to cover both of hers, which were still clutching the sodden Kleenex. "I wouldn’t be interested in a woman who never cried. Know what I mean?"
Miaka's gaze was tender as it rested upon him. "Yes." She affirmed. "I know exactly what you mean."
Her glowing expression threw Dante for a loop; he glanced away for a moment as heat crept into his cheeks. "Well, uh, I suppose it’d be stupid to ask how ya liked my picture now, huh?"
"I absolutely love it!" The warmth and enthusiasm in her voice deepened his blush. "You're a very talented sketch artist, Dante! It’s an amazing likeness! Even better than you realize..."
She hestitated, her voice trailing off, and then added, "If you like, I can show you something that might help you understand why seeing it affected me so deeply."
He was both pleased and intensely curious. "Sure, I'd like that."
He released her hands so she could pick up her handbag. Miaka flipped it open, and after a few seconds of rifling through its contents, withdrew two laminated photos. She gazed at them for a moment, indecision warring with determination in her expression, and then quickly held them out.
"Here. Look at these and tell me what you think."
Dante took the pictures. As soon as he looked down, his mouth dropped open. Holy shit! This is way beyond weird!
"I was fifteen when that was taken. It’s a school photo." She picked up his sketch and held it alongside. "Do you see what an astounding likeness this is? If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were using this picture for reference!"
"Yeah..." He glanced back and forth between the twin likenesses. "Yeah, it’s hard to believe..." How the hell did I get it so close? Why did I even see her that way in my mind?
"That photograph was taken after my last trip to China," Miaka went on. "It was a very special time in my life...a time when I believed that I could change the world, and all my dreams would finally become a reality." She wearily rubbed the back of a hand across her eyes. "I miss those days, and all of my dear friends. I wish I could find out what became of them."
The profound longing in her expression and voice made Dante’s heart sink. Bet she's thinkin' about my twin again. He pondered morosely. Hell, it’s bad enough that I look like the guy- why’d I have to go and remind her how much she misses him? I swear, this Tasuki guy is gonna be a bigger pain in th’ ass to me than Sukinami!
Not wanting his passenger to get any hints of the jealousy he was feeling, he averted his gaze and quickly flipped the second picture over the first. "Another nice pic! Is this gal a good friend of yours?"
Miaka smiled at the image of two laughing young women standing arm in arm. "Yes, that’s Yui. She’s been my best friend since we were four years old."
Dante studied the blonde’s face closely, wondering at the quick stab of animosity it had provoked upon first viewing. "Does she live in Tokyo?"
"Yes. We write, and I try to call her twice a month." Miaka replied. "I really wish I had a PC, international calls are shockingly expensive. I don’t have enough saved yet, though, and I don’t want to borrow one from-" She broke off before mentioning Taka’s name, thinking that their evening was starting badly enough without raising that particular subject. She would eventually have to find a resolution for her feelings, but for now she preferred to simply enjoy Dante’s company and let tomorrow take care of itself.
"No need t' get one just for that when you can use my computer anytime ya want!" He stated cheerfully. "My ISP plan gives me unlimited hours on the ‘Net, and it’d be no problem to find ya a free email provider."
She brightened. "That would be fantastic, but I don’t want it to be a bother..."
"I wouldn’t offer if it was!" He assured her warmly, then let out a surprised grunt as Miaka launched herself into his arms.
"Oh, thank you!" She exclaimed, and gave him a loud, smacking kiss on the cheek. "I’m so happy… I can’t wait to tell Yui!"
Dante laughed as he returned her hug. "Hey, don’t y’all get carried away! I’m expectin’ a few home cooked meals in exchange!"
She beamed at him as she returned to her side of the seat. "I was planning to do that for you anyway!"
He was more than pleased that he had restored her good spirits. Reaching out, he slowly wrapped a strand of auburn hair around his finger and tugged lightly on it. "Well now, Miss Miaka," he drawled, "if that’s the case...then maybe I should be askin’ ya for somethin’ else as payment!"
She colored prettily under his direct gaze. "All right, then. What else could I do for you?"
It was clear she was trying hard to make the question sound nonchalant, but the blush and breathy catch in her voice gave her away. Dante bared his fangs in a distinctly un-gentlemanly grin, unable to resist the chance to tease her a little more.
"Well, there is this one particular thing… but I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t go for it." His laughing eyes took note of her rapidly changing expression. "Yeah, that's what I thought. It’s best I not go there."
As Dante continued to eye her mischievously, Miaka took a steadying breath. If he thought her gauche and unadventurous, he was in for a surprise!
"No, go ahead and ask." She asserted. "If it's something that pleases you, I’ll be most happy to do it!"
She had the satisfaction of seeing his jaw drop just before he quickly recovered his poise.
"Ya know...it’s kinda dangerous to agree to somethin' when you don’t know what’s involved." He said, his expression and tone turning serious. "I’m kiddin', but ya still shouldn't be too trusting of me. Ya haven’t known me that long to know for sure what I’m gonna do or say."
Miaka found herself stifling a nervous giggle at remembering that Taka had expressed the same concerns as Dante just had. Both of them knew her well, with one distinct difference. With Taka, his concern had been voiced as a criticism. With Dante, concern was voiced to protect her.
"I do tend to go with what my heart says about someone more than my head." She admitted. "I'm impulsive, and I know I’ve been lucky that most of those impulses have worked out just fine." She smiled. "I do trust you, Dante, and I'm completely certain that you wouldn’t ask me for something I wasn't willing or able to give you. Am I wrong to think that?"
Dante sighed. Never had he felt more like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
"No, you’re not wrong." He confessed grudgingly. "I wouldn’t hurt ya for the world." Seeing her radiant smile and the warmth in her expressive eyes made him very glad he was listening to his instincts. He'd like nothing better than to follow up on her implicit suggestion, but he wouldn't. Whether or not she was a virgin, there was a very pure and innocent quality to her that he didn't want to see diminished by a thoughtless whim on his part.
However, he was only human. The smile she was giving him, coupled with her tear stained face and the alluring scent of her sexy little body, made it impossible for him to resist her entirely.
Her smile slowly faded as his head began to lower, degree by degree. When his mouth was hovering just above hers, he moved the hand toying with her hair to her face, gently tipping it to a more accommodating angle. Her lips parted invitingly under a single brush of his thumb, her eyelids lowered, and then…
...a loud, long rumble ripped into the silence.
The mood was broken. Miaka was blushing to the roots of her hair.
Dante’s soft laugh wafted across her lips before he backed away to grin down at her. "Guess I'll take a rain check - right now we need to get somethin' to eat!"
"Stupid, stupid stomach! I hate it when it does this!" She muttered in disgust, as it gave another noisy, embarrassing growl. "I’m sorry."
"No need to be sorry! I’m starvin’ too!"
Despite his cheerful reassurance, Dante eyed her soft, pink lips with a mix of regret and hunger, wondering why he persisted in tormenting himself in wanting a bird he didn't yet have in hand. His physical urges were getting harder to suppress with every kiss he gave Miaka, but suppress them he would until she spelled out exactly where things stood between her and Sukinami. And right now, as far as that subject went, there was no way he was going to ask her any loaded questions about his rival; not after the ups and downs she’d already been through tonight!
Suiting thought to action, he plucked the notepad out of her hand, tucked the photos into it, and then put it under his seat, all the while turning a deaf ear to her heated protest.
"I need to work on the second one a little more before I let ya see it." He said firmly, in reply to the glowering look she'd directed at him. "Right now a couple of bacon cheeseburgers are callin’ our names! It wouldn’t be polite to keep them waitin’ on us, now, would it?"
Miaka had to admit that he had a point- she was famished. Emotional stress had always made her extra hungry, and she was certain that ‘The Sonic’ would fulfill her needs in that particular regard. "No, I guess it wouldn’t." She agreed, tentatively returning his smile.
She slid back into place and fastened her seat belt. Dante followed suit, then started up the SUV. As he expertly maneuvered it out of the parking space, Miaka allowed her gaze to wander over his face and body. She was a bit confounded by his not wanting to show her the other drawing he'd done, but then again, she couldn’t blame him after she had blubbered all over the first one.
That sketch proves he has memories of me buried in his subconscious. It’s going to happen- he’s going to remember someday. If he senses our bond as warrior and priestess, that's the first step.
A sigh escaped her as she thought of what it might be like to deepen and expand that bond. Being with him would be wonderful...he’d be naughty and tease me unmercifully, but he'd also be loving and kind and very considerate of my feelings. I can't see any reason for Sandra to break up with him- but I’m awfully glad that she did!
As if sensing her thoughts were centered on him, Dante glanced her way... and promptly did a double take. "Uh-oh...I know that look, and it means trouble!"
"Not in the least," she replied in a demure tone. "I was only admiring the scenery."
Reaching out, she lightly stroked the curve of his bicep with a fingertip and smiled as she saw goose bumps appear. She felt bold, daring, and deliciously feminine all at once; something that hadn't occurred in the company of anyone else but him.
"You’re a lot like those mountains out there." She added softly. "Beautiful and strong."
They had come to a red light, and Dante wasted no time in taking the opportunity to grab hold of her hand, entwining their fingers as he had the previous day. Miaka watched with a thrill of anticipation as he lifted her knuckles to his mouth, and inhaled sharply as he brushed a kiss across them. Even the slightest touch of his lips was enough to ignite a conflagration of erotic feelings within her...
"Give me any more of that sweetness, " he said with a meaningful look, "and I can guarantee we’ll never get to the drive-in."
She pouted a bit. "May I have my hand back then?"
He grinned. "Nope! It’s mine now, an’ I’m keepin’ it." He kissed her knuckles once more, then dropped their joined hands to the seat space between them.
"Yes sir, Officer." She heaved an exaggerated sigh. "Whatever you say, Officer."
He laughed at her long-suffering tone, and out of shared joy in being together. "Now that’s what I like to hear!"
Even though it was past the suppertime rush, the Sonic’s parking lot was three quarters full. As Dante parked and switched off the engine, Miaka watched in amazement as a car hop on roller skates blithely sailed by the front of their vehicle while holding up a tray that was literally heaped with food.
"How can they keep their balance with so much to carry?" She wondered aloud.
"Lots and lots of practice." Dante answered, already engrossed in looking at the menu board posted next to the parking space. "I know I said bacon cheeseburgers, but if you’d rather have something else, go ahead."
"No, I want what you’re having," Miaka said promptly. Happiness welled within her in response to the pleasure in his expression.
"Okay! How do you want your cheeseburger done?"
"Medium well, please."
Dante rolled down his window and punched a button on the speaker attached to the menu. After a moment, a disembodied, chipper female voice welcomed them to The Sonic, happily informed them that she was a trainee named Brenda, and then offered to take their order.
"Okay, Brenda, we’ll have two double cheeseburger baskets- both medium well- two root beers, and a jumbo strawberry malt."
The voice cheerfully repeated the order, and asked if there was anything else.
"Yeah," Dante replied promptly. "Could I get the pickles on the side, no salt on the fries and an extra slice of bacon on the burgers?"
The voice repeated the order, sounding much less chipper.
"Oh, and could ya bring a bottle of Tabasco sauce too? Thanks."
Miaka poked his arm. "How about some onion rings?" Dante nodded, and added it to their order.
The voice repeated the list, this time in a rapid-fire monotone.
"That's good, but make the onion rings a family size, with extra seasoning, and change the malt to chocolate." Dante corrected. "And we’d like extra napkins, two spoons and no ice in the root beers, please."
The voice muttered something unintelligible, then quickly gave him his total and signed off without repeating the changes he had made. "Humph, that was quick!" Dante said with a smirk. "Not even so much as a ‘thank you for your order’."
Miaka smacked his arm lightly. "That poor girl! You are so bad!"
"Hey, it’s my duty as a regular to break in the rookies!" He chuckled. "Have to give the kid credit- she didn’t get flustered and there was no audible cussin’. I’ll give her a good tip, providin’ she doesn’t give me any attitude when she brings the food!"
"Mm, I bet it’s going to be wonderful- if the food tastes as good as it smells," Miaka said, as another waitress glided by them with a tray full of burger baskets.
"That reminds me…" Dante said abruptly. "How did things go with your boss?"
"Fine, I guess. " She replied. " Actually, I’m pretty certain someone told him about you and me, because after I returned from break, he didn't talk to me and gave me cold looks for the rest of the day."
Dante’s smile was tight. "Can't say I mind he's keeping his distance...but I don't like he's bein' unpleasant."
"I don’t care as long as he gets the message that I'm not interested."
"Hell's Bells, why would any woman be interested in a guy like that?"
"Believe me, Kevin has plenty of them trying to get his attention." Miaka shook her head. "Alan thinks he's after me because he likes the challenge of being the hunter instead of the hunted for a change."
"Who’s Alan?"
"A fellow chef-in-training and a good friend of mine." She explained, adding quickly at seeing Dante's forbidding look, "…who’s gay and totally in love with Kevin!"
"Well. That's good." He said, unsuccessfully trying to hide his relief. "At least ya don’t have to worry about him pawin’ ya."
"True. But I think I might have to keep an eye on him anyway! He happened to see you when you came into the Phoenix, and told me he thinks you’re-and I quote- ‘a delicious hunk of flame-haired man-meat’." She teased, breaking into laughter at her date's pole-axed expression. "He’s going to be pestering me unmercifully about us when he hears we’ve gone out, but at least he’s discreet and won’t gossip about it to the others."
"I don’t give a damn if he gossips." Dante replied seriously. "I’m just glad to hear you’re thinkin’ of me and you as an ‘us’."
Miaka’s smile slipped away. It was impossible to deny that she was thinking of them as a couple, even though she hadn’t broken things off with Taka. Still, given all the unknowns, she wasn’t quite ready to admit to the relationship. "And I’m glad you’re glad, " she murmured evasively.
His gaze sharpened. "You sure don’t sound it."
"That’s because of my hunger pangs." She fibbed. "And speaking of food…I was wondering why you ordered Tabasco sauce?"
Dante’s dour expression turned to one of reluctant amusement at the abrupt change of topic. "The sauce is to put on my burger."
She gasped in mock horror. "Let me get this straight- you’re going to smother the wonderful, rich flavor of American beef with Tabasco?"
"That’s right." He drawled.
"Why?"
"'Cause I like things to be hot."
His tone was light, but the look he gave her made her feel as if she were naked and lying beneath him. Miaka shifted restlessly; despite her best effort to remain composed, his teasing was turning her on, and she didn’t know quite what to do about it.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue again?" He asked playfully.
In response she stuck out the aforementioned tongue, and then gave silent thanks that she didn’t have to think of any further comebacks as an attractive young woman with a heavily loaded down tray appeared at Dante’s window. The name plate on her t-shirt announced that she was the trainee named Brenda, and at present, she was wearing an extremely disgruntled expression that spoke volumes of the trouble their order had given her.
All that changed, however, the moment the waitress bent down and got a good look at her annoying customer. Miaka watched with tolerant amusement as the girl did a double take and almost dropped the tray while trying to hook it on the edge of the window. As Dante made small talk with her, all traces of lingering temper vanished from her pretty face, and after handing him his change, she favored him with a smile worthy of a toothpaste commercial model.
"Did I get everything right for you, sir?"
Dante smiled. "You did a fine job, Miss Brenda. Sorry for givin’ ya a bad time with the order."
The girl’s face glowed with pleasure as he handed her a generous tip. "That’s okay! I thought it was funny."
Miaka gave a barely audible snort. What a crock. You were madder than hell about the order until you saw the cute, sexy guy that placed it!
The waitress put away the tip with painstaking care, then smoothed a strand of shining golden hair behind one delicate ear. The gesture was graceful, and emphasized her lovely bone structure. Ripe, full lips parted to give Dante a much more flirtatious smile. "Is there anything else you want, sir?"
The gleam of sexual interest in the waitress’ eyes was not lost on Miaka. Flickering jealousy burst into flames. Before Dante could answer the double edged question, she leaned over him and asked quickly, "Excuse me, but could we get some mayo?"
Brenda looked startled, then irritated, then pasted on a falsely polite smile. "Of course, ma’am. I’ll be right back." Casting a last, lingering look back at Dante as she turned, she began to skate away.
Miaka glanced at Dante as well, and was gratified to see he was looking directly at her instead of the shapely, swaying behind of the retreating waitress.
"I shoulda thought of the mayonnaise." He said apologetically.
"No, it was her bad." She replied with a shrug. "She forgot she had two customers in the car."
Dante looked troubled, but before he could reply to her comment the waitress had returned. Smiling coyly, she handed him a plastic squeeze bottle full of mayonnaise, along with a folded pink slip of paper. Dante was now fidgeting uncomfortably, and avoided the girl’s eyes as he thanked her. Brenda hovered around the vehicle for a moment, but when it become obvious she wasn’t going to get any more attention from her handsome patron, she left, looking very disappointed.
Too bad, Brenda. Go fish! Miaka thought snidely, as she took the bottle from Dante and applied its contents to her food. Out of the corner of her eye she watched him unfold the pink paper. A moment later he muttered something under his breath, crumpled the note into a tiny ball, and tossed it out the window.
She handed back the mayo, taking note of the dark flush on his cheekbones and the way he avoided her eyes as he took the bottle and set it on the tray. "Gave you her phone number, didn’t she?" She asked calmly, before taking a large bite of her burger. Closing her eyes briefly in pleasure, she savored the opulent flavor of top choice beef. Ah yes… Sonicburgers were fabulous.
"Yeah." He looked disgusted. "Why would she think I wanted it?"
Miaka smiled inwardly. Dante was a supremely confident man, and yet he had no idea how much power he wielded over the opposite sex, or what some women might do in order to get the chance to be with him! "I think she liked the way you looked and decided to take a risk," she said, between small sips of root beer. "I can’t blame her, even though it was pretty tacky for her to do it in front of me."
He finally met her eyes, and smiled a little. "Now, if it had been you givin’ me your phone number, I woulda kept it!"
"I thank you, kind sir." She grinned at him and held out the huge container full of onion rings, thinking it was more than time to get their minds off the unfortunate episode. "Here, you better have one of these before I make them all disappear." Her eyes shone with humor as she hooked one of the golden rings with her forefinger and dangled it in front of his face. "You’ve eaten with me twice, so you know I’m not bluffing!"
He laughed as he slid the offering off her finger. "Yeah, really! Good thing I got the family size!"
A few satisfying, stomach-filling minutes later, Dante held out the enormous chocolate malt that Miaka had insisted they share, even though he told her that he had gotten it just for her. "Want the last of this?"
She eyed the cup for a moment, sorely tempted, but then shook her head. The waistband of her shorts had begun to cut into her abdomen, and she still had some root beer to finish. "No, really…you go ahead." She sighed. "Everything was soooo delicious, but how do you stay in such great shape, eating like this?"
"Extra workouts, mostly." He said modestly, then downed the malt and lowered the cup.
Miaka laughed at the chocolate foam left on his upper lip.
"What’s so funny?"
"You look like a poster boy from those ‘got milk?’ ads," she teased. "Lick your mouth and you’ll be full."
He laughed. "Yes ma’am!"
As the tip of his tongue emerged to collect the chocolate residue, she swallowed reflexively and averted her head to hide any evidence of a different kind of hunger that might be showing in her face.
"How’s that?" Dante asked, after wiping the rest of his mouth with a napkin.
She glanced at his lips, then away. Feeling unaccountably shy and nervous, she began to pick up the wrappers lying around them as an excuse for continuing to avoid his eyes. "Fine. You...you got it all."
Dante allowed himself a small, pleased smile. It was extremely satisfying to see how much of an effect he could have on Miaka. He had only gotten a glimpse of her inner fire the other night, but that glimpse was enough to get his blood boiling every time he thought of it - which was often, God help him. If only he could say to hell with his principles, or least find out if she had dumped Sukinami yet! It was driving him crazy to know that the man had the right to be intimate with her…to see her naked… to enter her body…
He scowled, as a very familiar, all-consuming power began to build within him. Along with it, rose a strange urge to focus it solely on a hapless Sukinami- a pleasant notion he immediately let go of as Miaka spoke to him in a worried tone.
"Dante? Are you all right?"
"Yeah." He lied. "It’s just a bit of brain freeze from the malt."
She looked sympathetic. "Ooh, those hurt!"
"No biggie, it’ll be gone in a minute." He rubbed his forehead, mentally squashing his unexplainable impulse to toast his rival to a crisp. When the desire for violence had passed, he stopped rubbing and unobtrusively checked his watch. Good, there was still plenty of time left before he’d have to say goodnight to Miaka and leave her at her door. Problem was, he couldn’t think of anything from them to do out in public that wouldn’t carry a risk of running into one of his co-workers.
Dammit, I’m gonna have to hurry up and figure out a way to tell her the truth …I can’t expect her to hide out in my car or my house all the time. Ah, the hell with it! I’m gonna ask what she wants to do, and if we run into someone from work, so be it. I'll deal with it then.
"Say, Miaka...I was just thinkin'." He began. "It's still early enough to go hang out someplace else for a while, if you'd want to do that. Would ya?"
She nodded shyly, and then gave him a suggestion that made him doubly glad he had asked. "I was thinking a walk in the park near my building would be nice. It’s got some really nice trails, and a great view of the mountain sunsets."
Problem solved. They weren’t very likely to run into any of his buddies in a park, but if they did, it would soon be dark enough for Miaka to be almost unrecognizable.
"All right, let’s go!" He said cheerfully, and reached out to flick the call light indicating their tray needed to be picked up.
To their mutual relief, a middle aged waitress passing by stopped to get it. Her motherly smile and cheerful ‘thanks a lot, you kids have a nice night‘ was like a balm to Miaka, smoothing over the fallout from Brenda’s unfriendly attitude. Hope we don’t get Brenda next time. She thought. That is, if there is a next time. After everything that’s happened, maybe he’ll decide I have too much emotional baggage and unload me for good.
Dante started the engine, and then turned to give her a sober look. "Hey, it just occurred to me…I hope ya don’t go walking in that park by yourself! Even during the day it can be dangerous- some of those trails are in pretty secluded areas."
"I know that, and I don’t go alone," she said warmly, liking that he was concerned. "I bring Mizu! He loves to go for walks on a leash!"
"That big ball of fluff? Are ya kiddin’ me?"
"Trust me, Mizu is tougher than he looks." Miaka asserted. "I have no doubts that he could take down a human assailant. He’s very strong, has killer claws and most importantly, is very protective of me."
"I have heard that cats can be way more vicious than dogs when they’re threatened." Dante admitted. "So….as pretty as he is, the boy’s got some major ‘tude goin’ on, huh?"
"For certain!" Miaka declared smugly. "Just be very, very glad that my Mizu likes you so much."
After a quick stop at a convenience store, where they both used the restrooms and Dante insisted on picking up a big bottle of mineral water, they continued on to the park. The sun was barely hovering over the top of Pikes Peak by the time they pulled into the small, deserted gravel parking lot set next to the start of the trails.
Miaka smiled and thanked him as Dante came around to help her out of their vehicle.
"So which trail should we take?" He asked, after locking and shutting her door.
"Let’s head toward the mountains, so we can see the sunset." She slipped a hand into his. "Come on, or we’ll miss it."
They strolled up and down the rolling trail she had chosen for a few minutes, chatting along the way, and then paused at the pinnacle of a hill to watch the red ball of fire sinking below the tops of the majestic stone monoliths called the Rockies.
Miaka sighed. "The sunsets here are the best."
"Yeah, I think so too." Dante said happily.
They shared a smile, and then continued walking into the lengthening shadows. Soon the glow of the electric lanterns dotting the trail here and there became noticeable, and the air began to cool off. The voices of chirping birds gave way to the sounds of chirping crickets and the gargling croaks of bog toads.
As a black shadow swooped across the path in front of them, Miaka flinched and giggled. "That poor bird better get back to its nest before it gets too dark, or he’ll end up hitting a tree."
Dante laughed. "That wasn’t a bird, it was a bat."
She tensed. "A-a bat?"
Sensing her fear, he let go her hand and wrapped a protective arm about her shoulders. "No reason to be scared!" He said bracingly. "I won’t let the little buggers get near ya!"
"I know they have a built in sonar, but…" Miaka shuddered, trying to force the vision of being attacked from her mind by telling herself she was being silly, that there were no ninjas from Kutou stalking her path in this world, and that Dante would think her a coward. "I’m okay, now, thanks."
She put a little distance between their bodies but Dante didn’t drop his arm. "Oh look," he said casually. "There’s another one."
"Where?" She squeaked, scuttling over to him once more and burrowing back into his side.
A pause. "Mm, it’s gone now. Better stay close, just in case."
"O-okay."
If she had looked up at that moment, Miaka would have seen the gleam from her companion’s very satisfied smile. As it was, she kept her head down and thought back to the night that Tasuki and Hotohori had defended her during an attack from a vicious horde of vampire bats. Would Dante ever remember that time, and that he’d endangered his previous life defending her from that attack? Would he ever reprimand her as sternly as Tasuki had done the next morning for leaving him behind in the first place?
A small smile curled her mouth. From what she’d seen so far, Dante would definitely yell at her. He was his own man, but when it came to being extremely protective and forthright, he and Tasuki were one and the same.
In spite of the fright she’d had, she insisted on walking the trail for another twenty minutes before consenting to sit down. As they meandered to a carved stone picnic table that was a short distance off the path, she was doubly glad to have Dante’s arm about her. They were on top of another small hill, in a more open area, and the breeze had dropped several degrees in temperature. No complaints passed her lips, however, for she would have let herself turn into a block of ice rather than cut short one minute of her precious, romantic time with the man at her side.
Dante straddled one of the benches, sat down, and then held out an arm in invitation. "Plant that cute lil’ butt of yours right here." He said, patting the space in the vee between his thighs.
Miaka did as he directed, facing away from him, and leaning back as Dante wrapped his arms around her. She sighed with pleasure as the enveloping warmth of his body heated her chilled skin. "Mm, you’re nice and warm."
His chest rose and fell in a sigh, and his warm breath stirred her hair as he spoke. "You feel nice too."
The tone of his voice and the little squeeze he gave her went straight to her heart. Happiness bubbled within her. "Dante."
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for not giving up on me."
He smiled against her hair. "You’re welcome."
Both of them looked up at the Rockies, whose night -blackened crests loomed against a sky liberally dotted with stars. The hush of tranquility fell between them as they gazed at the heavens, each of them thinking about their place in the universe.
Finally, Dante broke the silence.
"Miaka, could I get your opinion on something? Something kinda...personal?"
"Of course."
"Do you think it’s possible for a person to have lived more than one life?"
Though she was startled, she didn’t hesitate in answering. "Absolutely. How about you?"
"Yeah, I think I do." He said quietly. "It's not part of my religion-I was raised as a Protestant- but my mama’s been a believer in it for as long as I can remember."
I must tread carefully. Miaka thought. I have no idea where this may be leading.
"It's a fascinating question to consider." She replied, trying to keep her tone light. "Have you had the feeling you might have had a past life?" When the muscles in his arms grew taut about her in response, she said quickly, "don't answer that if it makes you feel uncomfortable to do so."
"I don't, and that's the thing." Dante admitted. "When we’re together, I feel as if I did…and that’s not meant as a line! What I mean is, it usually takes me a while to warm up to people...but from the moment we met I felt like I'd already known ya for a long time! I can’t explain feeling this comfortable around someone I 've known for only two days except to think that I might have known ya from somewhere else...like in another life." His chuckle was subdued. "The only other person I ever felt that kind of instant recognition with is Craig. "
Though his words filled her with an almost unbearable hope, she chose the safer tack in asking, "So what does Craig think about it?"
"Dunno. We’ve never talked about it. He's not into religious theories and New Age type stuff."
"Well, after seeing you two in action, I would be willing to bet that you and Craig were best friends in every life you’ve had."
"Yeah, really!" Dante's laugh was full of affection. "We've had each other's backs since we were old enough to talk. In our neighborhood, we were the ones who wanted to play pirates and kung fu when everybody else wanted to be sports or super heroes." He shook his head, grinning. "When we got older, we actually got serious about it. We studied in five different martial arts disciplines, and I’m pretty good at all of ‘em. But unless Craig feels like gettin' his ass kicked or I join a tournament, I don't get to use what I've learned very much." Another chuckle. "I'm thinkin' that if I did know ya in a past life, you were probably scared off by my brawlin' and badass reputation."
Taken aback, Miaka swallowed a hysterical laugh. "I highly doubt that." She managed. "Being rough around the edges doesn't mean you can't be a very good person."
"Yeah, I suppose. Anyway, this is kind of stupid, huh, talking about reincarnation when I don't have a clue as to how it could happen?" Dante asked ruefully.
She abruptly swiveled in his arms, wanting and intending to tell him face to face that she completely understood and even shared the feelings he had. But the opportunity was taken away just as soon as she had turned her head. Taking advantage of the close proximity of their lips, Dante's mouth claimed hers with tender authority.
Everything she'd been about to say receded rapidly to the back of her mind. When the kiss deepened, she moaned, winding her arms tightly around his neck as he moved to pull her more fully into his lap.
Neither of them noticed the slight-statured old woman that had suddenly appeared and was hovering several feet above the picnic table.
Will wonders never cease! The elder thought, gazing at the tableau below her with an expression of mild surprise. Flame Boy took my advice. At this rate, the revivification process will be completed in time to produce tne shinzaho and keep the evil one's plans at bay.
With stern features relaxed into an unusually indulgent expression, the apparition watched the embracing couple for a moment longer. Then, gathering her long pink shawl about her slight shoulders, she tactfully vanished into the night.
As soon as Taka Sukinami had gained entrance to the inner sanctum of Thornton Investments headquarters, he was waved to a leather wing-backed chair placed in the center of an office he estimated had two times the square footage of his first apartment. Floor to ceiling windows lined one wall; heavy bookshelves, filled with books and artifacts from around the world stood against another. Beneath it all lay a tiled floor of fine Italian marble, and an illuminated conglomeration of crystal that formed a pyramid provided the crowning touch from above.
In the middle of all this corporate splendor sat fifty year old Victor Thornton, an imposing presence in his own right with his lion’s mane of white hair, sensually hooded violet eyes, and an Armani-clad body of a man half his age. He was also the founder and CEO of Thornton Investments, as the thick brass plate placed on his desk proclaimed.
Taka had just told him everything he had observed about the appearance of the mysterious files, and now awaited the head executive’s judgment. Thornton smiled as his report concluded, showing perfect rows of professionally whitened teeth in a bronzed, ageless face that bore no scars of the cosmetic surgeries so common for men of his age and financial stature. Taka suspected the man wore his hair in a tightly pulled back pony tail just to emphasize that fact. It was no secret to his employees that Victor Thornton prided himself on being the epitome of eternal youth.
"First let me say how much I appreciate you bringing this to my attention right away." Thornton said, in a crushed velvet voice. "I’ve already looked into it, and it’s all a misunderstanding. Those files were supposed to be entered into the archive database for recently deceased clients. My assistant must have mixed them up with the active accounts I did assign you. I’ll personally take care of deleting them, first thing tomorrow morning."
Taka smiled broadly as the burden of responsibility -and proof- dropped from his shoulders. "That’s a big relief, sir. There’s a lot of classified information in my client files that would be paradise for an identity thief or a potential embezzler. That’s why I thought I should go right to you."
"I appreciate that, son. I wish more of my employees had your sense of integrity and loyalty."
"Thank you sir."
"How’s that lovely and charming lady of yours fairing these days?"
"Miaka’s fine, sir. I was with her earlier tonight."
"You left that gorgeous little girl to come here and talk to me? Didn’t she mind?" The teeth flashed again. "Hell, don’t you mind? I sure would!"
Taka forced a laugh. "It's all right, sir." He said, carefully concealing his doubts on that matter. "Company security deemed that it was of the utmost importance that I see you. Miaka understands that obligation."
"You have a tremendous amount of tact, my boy! I'm sure that things didn't go as smoothly as that!"
"No, it was fine. She had made some plans with a friend, so it all worked out for the best."
"I see." Thorton leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. "Don’t worry. She might be a bit unhappy with you now, but once you’ve become the youngest Vice-President of operations this company has ever hired, and you give her that huge society wedding every woman wants, she’ll realize it was worth waiting for you. Which reminds me…"
Taka shifted, and then sat up straighter in his chair under the older man’s intent gaze. Though benevolent, the look Thorton was giving him made it clear that whatever was to come next would be important in advancing his career.
"…may I tap into your free time to entertain some top priority clients for me this weekend? I was going to meet them myself, but unbeknownst to me, my wife booked a weekend getaway package to New York."
Slightly thin lips twisted in a wry expression. "Part of being in a romantic partnership is knowing when to give in and cater to your partner…and she was most insistent I do so. However, these clients are very illustrious members of a family well known in the diamond business, and I can’t just ask them to reschedule their trip. I’m trusting you to take care of them properly, even more so, now, since you showed such loyalty and dedication to the Thornton Investments group tonight."
Taka looked down at his martini that Thornton had stirred up for him upon his arrival. There was no question in his mind that this was the break he’d been looking for; everyone he had talked to about the CEO said that if the old man liked you, he’d ask a personal favor, and if you performed it to his exacting standards, it meant instant promotion. With that sort of promotion, he could afford to take Miaka back for a visit to Japan, or to fly their families to Colorado, or…to finally get married. Put in that perspective, postponing the overnight trip to what he considered a tourist trap town didn’t seem so bad. He looked up.
"You can count on me, sir, I’ll be happy to take care of them for you."
"Excellent! My secretary will make all the arrangements for you." Looking very pleased, Thornton rose from his chair and came around the huge mahogany desk. "There's no doubt in my mind that you're ready for this, my boy! I'll look forward to hearing how it went!"
Taka got to his feet, and the older man clapped a paternal hand on his shoulders as they walked to the door. Once there, he paused, looking thoughtful. "In fact, I think we should celebrate your success over lunch at the Phoenix Grill next Wednesday. I'm told the place has excellent food and drink, plus it will give you the chance to say hello to your lady at work. How does that sound?"
Taka smiled. "It sounds great, sir! I appreciate your confidence in me."
Thorton made a dismissive gesture. "No need for thanks. You've earned it."
The two men shook hands, and then Taka left. When the door had closed behind his employee, Thornton stared pensively at it for a moment before returning to his desk. Once he had reseated himself, he opened a hidden drawer and reached in with both hands. When they emerged, they were cradling a clear crystal sphere, which began to pulse with light as he spoke to it.
"Did you get all of that, Master?"
"Yes..." a hoarse voice hissed. "Sukinami trusts and is loyal to you. You have done very well, Victor. "
"Thank you. Is there anything else you require?"
"Not at the moment. Proceed with the plan as we discussed."
Thornton bowed his head. "As you wish, Master."
To be continued….