Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Legend ~ Book One: Girl of Legend ❯ Ten: The Royal Matchmaker ( Chapter 10 )

   I must have a death wish.

   KC stood before the door of Nuriko's chambers and tried to remember why she'd come. Oh. Right. That whole making-Nuriko-not-hate-her idea. She sighed and wished she'd worn armor, or at least something a bit more protective than the towel wrapped around her hair and the soft robe belted snugly at her waist. Maybe she should have waited until morning to confront her newest Seishi, with the fortification of breakfast, and possibly Tamahome, to back her up. On the other hand, she reasoned, it was probably better to resolve their misunderstandings as soon as possible, before she lost her nerve completely.

   The fact that she'd started to lose it anyway, now that she was actually there, was beside the point. Where has my sanity fled to, I wonder? She wished heartily to go look for it, but as she'd already knocked, it was a little too late to turn tail and run now.

   Her ears picked up telltale signs of movement from inside the room; hurried footsteps, a muffled thud followed immediately by a sharp yelp, and then Nuriko's slightly pained, "Enter!"

   Opening the door cautiously, KC peered around it into the room and found the woman lounging like a big, purple cat on a silk-cushioned chaise. "Ummm … are you okay? I heard some noises…"

   Nuriko's brief expression of surprise quickly gave way to irritation. "What do you want?" she sniffed.

   "It's nice to see you, too. Mind if I sit down? Oh, why thank you." KC plopped unceremoniously into a chair. "So, what was all the noise about? Are you, like, hiding a lover under your bed or something?"

   Nuriko turned bright red and stood up. "I was only changing," she huffed. "It's nothing!" Nevermind that her "nothing" seemed to be the cause of a distinctive limp. "Was there something in particular that you wanted, or did you just come here to annoy me?" She hobbled to her vanity and picked up an ivory comb, ran it brusquely through her silken hair.

   "Yes." KC got down to business. "I came to assure you absatively, posolutely, one-hundred percent that I do not have any plans or desire to seduce His Majesty away from you." Not that she could if she tried. The very idea was kind of laughable, actually.

   Nuriko paused in her frantic hair-combing to eye her.

   As she wasn't attempting to gouge out KC's eyeballs with said comb, she took it as a sign to continue. "Hotohori is my Seishi and my friend, and that's as far as it goes between us. I mean, I've only known him for like three days, and besides, you said it yourself. Why in the world would a guy like that ever go for a girl like me? I'm not empress material at all. And I'm not ready to get married to anyone at the moment."

   Nuriko frowned. "Then why was His Majesty embracing you in such a manner in your room earlier?" she accused.

   KC felt herself blush at that particular memory. She felt warm inside just thinking about it. But now was hardly the time to dwell on such pleasant memories, she reminded herself as she took note of the thunderous expression directed her way. "Er, well, Hotohori's really an affectionate sort of person." She squirmed a bit in her seat. "So, I guess it's only natural he's relieved that the single hope of saving his empire is … you know … not dead and all. Hey, I bet if it'd been his puppy caught under that mess, he'd have reacted the exact same way, right?"

   "His Majesty doesn't have a puppy."

   KC's eyebrow twitched. "Um, I think you kinda missed the point with that one."

   Nuriko sniffed and went back to combing her hair.

   "Look, I'm a victim, too, ya know!" KC clenched her fists as her grasp on her temper began to slip. "I don't know how to convince you I'm telling the truth. I'm sorry you got taken out of the harem and all but how is that my fault? Do you think I want to be here? I just want to go home right now and hang out with my best friends and hug my mom, but until I get this whole summoning thing over with I'm stuck here. It'd make life a lot easier if you'd cooperate. I mean, think about it, will you? Hello, logic? The sooner I can summon Suzaku, the sooner I'll be out of your hair, and the sooner you can go back to wooing Hotohori without any worry of interference on my part, 'cause I'll be back home where I belong. That should make both of us happy. Everyone wins!"

   "Very well." Nuriko finally put down the comb and turned to face her, a crafty gleam in her eyes. "If you truly mean what you say, then prove it to me," she challenged.

   KC's brow furrowed. "Okaaaay… And I do that … how?"

   Her smile was bright but held a sharp edge. "Since you claim you have no designs on His Majesty, then it really shouldn't bother you to help my case along." She examined her manicured nails with utmost innocence. "The emperor seems to hold you in high esteem. Surely if you drop a few hints here and there, let him know how I feel and how I'd make a wonderful match for him as his empress, he'd start to seriously consider my potential."

   KC's jaw dropped. "You want me to set you up? When did I become the royal matchmaker?" she exclaimed, indignant.

   Nuriko glared. "Do you want my help with the summoning or not?" she growled.

   KC considered pointing out that there really wasn't a matter of choice on Nuriko's agreement. No more than she'd had one when she agreed to be the Priestess. If one Seishi was missing, the entire effort of the summoning would be useless. Hotohori would certainly be displeased if his empire crumbled to ruin because Nuriko refused to cooperate, which certainly wouldn't win her any points.

   Still, if it meant being able to live peacefully with the high-strung woman, KC supposed one little favor couldn't hurt. Even though the idea of telling Hotohori about Nuriko's feelings didn't sit quite right. That, she thought, or the fried pork she'd eaten for dinner was backing up on her.

   "Are you sure it wouldn't be better for you to tell him these things yourself?" she asked hopefully. "I mean, I'm sure a love confession would mean so much more to him if he heard it straight from the horse's mouth and all."

   Nuriko actually seemed to consider that for a second. "Well, maybe I—Hey." Her eyes abruptly narrowed. "Who're you calling a horse?"

   KC nearly fell off her chair. "Idiot…"

~*~*~*~*~

   "Are you sure I can't go and change first? It's not exactly proper to appear before the emperor wearing nothing but a bathrobe!" KC hissed, dragging her feet as Nuriko determinedly pushed her down the hall.

   "Strange, I thought he already saw a lot more than just your robe."

   Nuriko smirked as KC blanched, then turned bright red. "Does the whole palace know about that?" she hissed.

   "This place is a cesspool of gossip and slander, and word travels fast. Better get used to it." Nuriko gave her arm a condescending pat. "And there's his door. Now go for it!" She gave the Priestess a final shove that sent her careening down the hall before disappearing around the corner again. "Come straight back and tell me what he said!" she called gaily over her shoulder.

   KC muttered a few unsavory comments under her breath as she straightened herself and knocked on the door. She was surprised to find it unguarded for a change, but it certainly helped her out. No need to contend with nosy guards, at least. This was going to be humiliating enough.

   "Please enter."

   Taking a breath, KC pushed open the door and stepped into his chambers, surprised to find them empty. "Uh … Hotohori?"

   "KC?" Hotohori's surprised voice drifted from the immense bed, and she stepped timidly forward until she spotted him sitting on its edge, half-hidden by the gauzy drapes. He was gowned in a deep crimson robe, and he looked delighted to see her. "KC, what a pleasant surprise. Please, come in. Make yourself comfortable. May I get you anything? Would you like some tea?"

   "Oh, no, I'm fine. I just, uh, wanted to talk to you about something." Her courage yet again started to fail her; even the thought of Nuriko's reaction should she fail her quest couldn't muster it. "But I can see you're busy so I'll be glad to come back later!" She half-turned, ready to flee back to her own chamber and lock herself inside. Not that Nuriko couldn't just break down the door to get to her…

   "I am never too busy to speak with you." Hotohori graced her with a heart-melting smile before his expression became more serious. His "emperor face", as KC privately termed it. He gestured for her to sit.

   She glanced around, found nothing suitable to sit on within the immediate vicinity aside from the bed itself, and promptly decided it would be much more comfortable to stand. She worried a lip for a moment and pondered on how to broach the subject of Nuriko's feelings. How would Brady handle something like this, she wondered. Or Kimiko, for that matter? Neither of them was prone to beating around the bush. Especially when it came to guys, Brady was always embarrassingly direct.

   "Um, I was just wondering if there's … anybody that you … liked," she finally ventured, after a few awkward moments. She felt silly, like a twelve-year-old attempting to confess to a first crush who was still in the girls-have-cooties stage. His astonished glance didn't help, and she felt herself blush. "Uh, I'm not trying to be nosy or anything," she hastily added. "It's just that I know somebody who really likes you and … um … she wished for me to speak with you on her behalf."

   At his questioning, strangely hopeful look, she continued, "This person… Well, it's Nuriko."

   To her surprise, his face darkened slightly, a hint of disappointment flashing through those remarkable eyes so quickly that she might have imagined it. "She really, really likes you," she pressed on, just trying to get this most embarrassing conversation over with. "She would like it if you'd consider her to become, well, your empress, I guess."

   Hotohori continued his silent scrutiny and she shifted, self-conscious. Why didn't he say anything? Or maybe he felt just as awkward as she did? He didn't seem like the awkward type, but she'd clearly caught him off-guard. "Ah, I guess she should've told you all this herself, but believe it or not, she's kinda shy." She offered a timid smile. "I, uh, thought I'd try and help her out, give you a heads-up about her feelings since you're looking to get married soon and all. I mean, that's what I heard, anyway."

   Hotohori's expression finally softened into a gentle smile. "What of you?" he asked, completely ignoring her question. "Do you have someone you deeply care for in your own world?"

   KC blinked several times, lips parted in a surprised O. She had not expected him to turn tables on her! "I—Well, no, not really," she stammered, wondering how he had managed to shift the subject so skillfully.

   "Not even Tamahome?" Hotohori ventured after a moment. "The two of you seem to get along … admirably."

   "Tamahome?" KC sputtered around a laugh. "No, no, no! It's not like that between Tama and me! He's more like the big brother I never knew I wanted. We're just buddies, that's all."

   "I see." Was it her imagination, or did Hotohori sound surprisingly relieved? "And what of me?" he asked. "Do you see me as an elder brother, as well?"

   KC pursed her lips, not quite sure how to reply. She supposed the manner in which she treated Hotohori and Tamahome were quite different. She bantered back and forth with Tama the same way she did with Brady and Kimiko. But she'd never dare treat Hotohori so disrespectfully. Even if he wasn't an emperor, he was still the sort of person who commanded respect with his mere presence. It was in the way he spoke, the way he moved. Proud, regal, the sort of man that people naturally held in high esteem. He was a natural-born leader, and he made people subconsciously want to treat him like one.

   "I really like you…" She paused, trying to make sense of her thoughts. "But I guess I don't see you the same way as I do him, either."

   "And why is that?" he asked softly. "Is it because of my position?"

   "That's part of it," she admitted, "but it's more that, well, you just make me want to treat you like somebody important." She scratched her head. "It's hard to explain. I guess … maybe… Tamahome is like a puppy. It's okay to romp around and play with a puppy, right?"

   "I see." Hotohori's response was very dry, and KC's lips quirked at his tone. "So, Tamahome is a puppy. And I am not?" His eyes crinkled to show his amusement.

   "No. You're more like … a wolf," she said, encouraged by his response.

   His brow furrowed. "A wolf. Do you fear wolves?"

   "No! Wolves are amazing animals," she replied. "They're regal and beautiful and elegant. A lot like you. But you can't really play with a wolf. You've gotta show a proper amount of respect. It's better to admire them from a distance."

   Hotohori made a noncommittal sound in his throat as he studied her. He didn't look particularly flattered, and she frowned. "I guess maybe that wasn't the best comparison," she sighed, hunching her shoulders.

   "No, I understand." His voice was very soft. "You mean that you hold me on a level above yourself, and see me as one not meant to be treated as an equal, a comrade. To you, I am an emperor. Not a man."

   KC felt horrible. Her analogy had backfired terribly, it seemed. "I'm sorry. Please don't misunderstand. It isn't that I don't see you as a man. Honestly, sometimes I see you as too much of one aaaand that really wasn't something you needed to know." She awkwardly cleared her throat, tried to ignore the dark flush burning in her cheeks as she lowered her gaze. Thereby missing the sudden, sharpened interest in his. "Since we met, you've been nothing but kind to me, and you're not stuck-up or cruel like someone else in your position might be," she fumbled on. "I can tell you care about the people who depend on you. You don't abuse your power, and you're humble in spite of it." Not counting his little vanity complex, of course... "You're an amazing person and I think it's an … an honor to have a friend like you."

   In the following silence, she chanced a glance at him, wondering if she'd said a little too much. Hotohori's eyes were fixed firmly on her, his gaze so intense that she felt herself blushing all over again. This conversation had gotten way off track, and she sought to right it again before things got any weirder. "So, um, you didn't actually tell me if you had anyone you cared for or not," she stammered. "I promised to give Nuriko details when I go back. Girl talk. You know." She shrugged and felt like an idiot. She'd never intended to say so much of how she felt, especially since she didn't fully understand it all herself. But Nuriko was still waiting for her and if she didn't return soon, the woman would probably go on a rampage.

   "Yes," Hotohori finally replied. His voice was very soft, a deep, velvet purr. "There is, in fact, somebody I care for a great deal. Someone that I've loved for a very long time."

   "Oh. R-really?" KC chose to ignore the strange, faint disappointment she felt in favor of the much stronger panic his words induced. She hadn't considered what she'd say if Hotohori was, in fact, already involved with someone. Poor Nuriko, she thought. She'll be crushed when I tell her. And one could only hope she wouldn't express such disappointment by using KC's body as a punching bag. "So, is it someone in your harem?" she asked. Best to give the purple-haired Seishi another target to focus her ire on. Just in case.

   Hotohori laughed softly. "Ever since I was a boy and I discovered my destiny to serve as a Suzaku Seishi, I have held the dream of one ideal woman in my mind." His hand reached to touch his throat where his symbol lay hidden, then moved to cover his heart. "She would be someone who would look at me and see not an emperor, but a man who possesses a heart that longs to love, and to be loved for who I am and not merely what I would become."

   His gaze rose to lock with KC's, and her heart started to pound hard and rapidly in her chest at the many emotions she found glowing within the golden depths. "It has always been my dream that the Priestess of Suzaku would end my loneliness." His voice was no more than a whisper, but she could hear every word, even over the pounding in her ears. She vaguely felt him take her hand in a gentle grip and tug her forward until he could grasp both of her arms and lower her onto the mattress.

   She blinked, coming out of her stupor to find herself on her back on the bed. The emperor hovered over her, hands warm and gentle on her face. His eyes were deep, enigmatic pools of emotion, and she felt herself falling into them, softly drowning in their unceasing warmth. "H-Hotohori?" she breathed, wondering if she hadn't passed out somewhere again.

   "KC, surely you must realize that you are the one I have dreamed of for so long," he murmured. His hair slid over his shoulder as he tilted his head. Silken locks ghosted softly across her face in a wash of sweet fragrance. "You are everything I prayed you might be. Your warmth and humor, your kindness. Your compassion for the plight of my empire. You are my ideal woman. The one I hold closest to my soul."

   Her eyes widened at this confession and she struggled to think of some reply, some protest. She opened her mouth but his thumb caressed sweetly over her lips and drove all coherent thought right out of her head. All she could do was lay there as his face drew closer. His eyes slipped closed and in another moment, the very real, very solid pressure of his soft mouth came to rest tenderly against her own.