Tears ran continuously down Miaka�s cheeks and soaked into her pillow. Her eyes were misted over with fresh tears and a few strands of hair were matted to he wet face. A small hiccup escaped from her throat. She bit down on her lip, trying not to cry out. It was useless, because a strangled cry was heard seconds later, followed by sobs.
�Nuriko...�
~*^-^*~
�Damn!�
Tasuki angrily punched the wall with his fist. He kept it there for a few seconds, before slowly removing it. He fought down tears and turned his gaze to the floor.
�Tasuki, calm down, no da.�
�Bull shit. I�m going to my room.�
He ignored the sympathetic looks sent his way as he turned and left, leaving the bar. As he passed the closed doors in the hallway, he heard a faint sobbing sound and stopped. It came from a door adjacent to his. He hesitated before walking over and pressing his ear to the door.
�Miaka? Can I come in?�
�Go away.�
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Miaka never acted like this, and with good reason. Nuriko was gone. He sighed and tried the door knob, surprised to find it open.
�Miaka?�
He poked his head in, letting his eyes adjust to the lack of light. He scanned the room and found what he was looking for on the bed. He felt a stab in his heart as he shut the door quietly behind him and approached the bed.
�Mi-chan...�
He hesitated and sat on the edge of the bed. The figure under the blanket shifted slightly, but said nothing. He placed a hand on what he hoped was her back and rubbed it gently.
�It�s hard. I know it is. But we hafta move on, for Nuriko. He wouldn�t want to see ya� like this.�
�I don�t care.�
Her voice was hoarse and scratchy, telling Tasuki she had been crying for a while. Sighing in frustration, he yanked back the covers.
�Miaka! Stop it! We ain�t gonna get the shinzaho if you act like this!�
Miaka whimpered and shrunk away, curling into a ball. Tasuki�s eyes softened and he scooted over. After debating silently, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and brought her against him. She remained silent.
�We can�t let Nuriko die in vain. Please, you have to pull yourself together. We�re gonna go look for the shinzaho tomorrow, and we need you to come.�
�...I understand. I�m just being a baby.�
She sniffled and pulled him closer to her. His eyes widened but he said nothing.
�You�re not being a baby, Mi-chan. You�re acting like someone who just lost a friend.�
He gently rubbed her back. She nodded slightly and sniffled.
�Arigatou, Tasuki.�
�Fer what?�
�For understanding.� She looked up at him and smiled through tears. A lopsided grin covered his face as he gently wiped away her tears.
�Don�t cry. It doesn�t suit ya�.�
She nodded and sniffled as he stood.
�I�m gonna get goin� now. Tama should be comin� up soon.�
�Night Tasuki, arigatou.�
�Night, Mi-chan.�
He turned and left, silently closing the door behind him. He felt a strange pang in his chest as he walked away from the room and to his own.
�Tasuki? What were you doing in Miaka�s room?�
Tasuki turned to see Tamahome walking down the hall with a tray of food. He gave a weak smile.
�Just helpin� cheer her up a bit.�
�Oh...how is she?�
He shrugged.
�Tama...take good care of her.�
�...Y-yeah...I will.�
He turned and went into Miaka�s room, shutting the door behind him. Tasuki sighed and opened the door to his room. He kicked off his boots and flopped down on the bed.
�You never know when someone will come and take her from ya� Tama.�
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