Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Another idea that came to be out of Merrow's fanfic challenge, and oddly enough inspired by my previous story "Storm Warnings". Sadly I do not remember which chapter this follows, but it takes place about two weeks after Hatori walks into Mayuko's parents' book store. Kind of a triangle between Shigure, Mayuko and Hatori. I'd tell you the end result but that would be...well, telling. ^_~ Can two men really compete for the heart of one woman, especially when that woman's heart is already decided? Or is it? This part told from Mayuko's POV.

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Now, don't just walk away

Pretending everything's ok

And you don't care about me

And I know it's just no use

When all your lies become your truths and I don't care

-Michelle Branch, "Are You Happy Now?"

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My parents run a small book store on the edge of the shopping district downtown. Normally it's just the two of them and a part-time student from one of the local high-schools. Since my parents have nothing better to do, that's all that's needed. Occasionally I help out on the weekends or during one of those special occasions where they just need a day off. No big deal.

Or so I thought until HE walked in.

Sohma Hatori.

I was expecting him to show up. Mother had said he was in last week and ordered another book. He was becoming a regular like his cousin, Shigure. With any luck I wouldn't have to deal with him today too. Still, the door opens and there he is. Shimatta! I had hoped that he would arrive AFTER I left the store for lunch. What time was it anyway?

Damn! After one already?

"Konnichiwa."

He looks up at me, surprised. He shouldn't be. He knows my folks run this place. Perhaps he wasn't expecting me to be here. I am a teacher after all. His younger cousins are in my class. But it is summer break and I have nothing better to do besides scribble some lesson plans and look after the store.

A small smile forms on his lips. It looks a bit odd, yet good, on his face. He looks so much younger when he smiles. "Konnichiwa. Has...the book I ordered arrived?"

"Hai."

From behind the counter I turn to look at a four tiered shelf. There are only a handful of books that have been ordered or reserved, yet I take my time finding the one he ordered. As nervous as I am about him being here, I want him to stay longer.

When he showed up two weeks ago to pick up another book, I'd come to a realization. I'm still in love with him. Yes. Me, in love. My mother would be too thrilled and my students too shocked.

I've tried to deny it for too long. He was engaged to my best friend and my loyalty to her came first. Still, she's married now, and not to him. Perhaps that's a sign. Actually, the circumstances surrounding their breakup are still iffy to me, but Kana is happy now.

Is Hatori?

You know, if Shigure hadn't come in that day, I wouldn't have given my feelings towards Hatori a second thought. Two years is a long time to keep feelings buried. The month in which Shigure and I dated was relatively...well, weird. He only asked me because he was lonely. I agreed because I was lonely too.

The two of us got along well enough. And kami knows how much my mother likes him. I even gave falling for him some serious thought. He's charming if not obnoxious. Sweet, yet arrogant. I probably would've fallen for him if we'd dated longer.

But then Kana was in an accident that caused her to lose some of her memory.

She no longer remembered her relationship with Hatori.

I felt for my friend, but I mean. Damn. Hatori had to be hurting after that.

Strangely he never showed it.

Shigure and I broke up pretty much on that day. I felt a small twinge of pain, but at the time my focus was on Kana. I spared myself little time to mourn a relationship in which I had little or no chance of falling in love.

"Mayuko-san, I think it's the next one over."

"AH!"

I'm startled from my thoughts by Hatori. My hand jerks away from the book I had been reaching for and I cautiously pick up the one next to it. It is indeed the book he had ordered. I'm surprised when, instead of the medical title I expect, it's actually an Agatha Christie mystery novel. Hardcover with library binding. Very rare.

"I didn't realize you were a mystery buff," I comment quietly, turning around.

"It was recommended to me by a colleague."

Again I'm surprised. I did not expect him to be standing so close, on the other side of the counter. My eyes go wide and I feel my nerves suddenly kick in. My heart starts pounding and I nearly want to pound myself into the ground. I shouldn't be feeling like a school girl around him! I just shouldn't!

Please don't let me say something stupid.

"I pictured you as more of a Western or Action type." GAH! As if THAT didn't sound stupid. I just want to hide under the counter.

"Ah, well yes." Oh by the gods, is that a blush? He's blushing! Holy--! "I do like Westerns and Action/Adventure novels. But I do enjoy a good mystery once in a while."

"I'll have to remember that." EEP! Still acting stupid. Just ring up the book so the poor boy can leave, Mayuko.

His response stings a little, but it's an honest response from him. "I don't see why you'd have to remember that."

"Dad orders books based on what he thinks will sell." It's only part lie. Dad DOES only order those books he thinks will sell. Usually though, they're the books HE wants to read.

"Oh." The smile I'd seen before totally falls from his face. Now he looks distant and cold. But he's still quite handsome in a somber way. He looks down at the counter as I sit the book in front of him and start punching keys on the registers. "May I ask...have you...spoken to Kana recently?"

I stop myself from punching the wrong key just in time. Why was he asking that? Does he still...I mean, how can he still think...! Blinking I turn to look at him. "She called me about a week ago." I have to stop myself from adding 'Why'.

"How is she doing?"

"Very well." I say with a small smile, recalling our conversation. "She's working for a large practice now and seems to be enjoying it. The married life is agreeing with her quite well too." My smile disappears as his had earlier and I force myself to smile apologetically. "I'm sorry."

It's his turn to be surprised. "What for? I think it's great she's doing well."

I dare a glance at him. His smile is half forced, but the concern in his voice is genuine. "May I...ask you something, Hatori-san?"

He nods, confused. "Of course."

"How did you...I mean...." I bite my bottom lip, unsure how to ask such a sensitive question. "Are you...still in love with Kana?"

"H-hai."

His answer is filled with such passion and little hesitation that I'm taken aback. "Oh."

He looks deep in thought, then speaks quietly, "But I believe I will always love her. It's all I can do to make up for what happened to her."

I'm shocked. Really. "You mean her accident?"

He nods solemnly, his hands clutching at the edge of the counter.

My mouth opens and closes a few times before I manage to say, "That wasn't your fault."

He shakes his head.

"Really, that wasn't your fault. She doesn't blame you for it. No one does."

He says nothing in response. Apparently my last statement had been incorrect, although I think he may be the ONLY one who blames himself. I hear him sigh, placing a few yen on the counter to pay for the book, and I accept the money, also attempting to say something uplifting.

"It's good that you still care about her, but you really should move on." I want to kick myself as soon as the words leave my mouth. What the hell was I thinking?! When he says nothing in response, I go back to completing the sale. The registers rings back to me, the cash drawer opening.

"You may be right."

I pause, my heart stopping for a single instant before I place the money carefully in the drawer. My hands are starting to shake as my nerves begin to work themselves up into a fevered frenzy. I don't dare trust my voice, and I keep my eyes trained on the cash drawer, afraid to look at him.

"Are you...busy...this evening, Mayuko-san?"

By the gods! Is he asking me out?! On a date?!?

I hear something fall in the back of the store and realize the Juri has finally come out from the back room where she had been counting inventory. She blushes profusely, apologizing quickly as she gathers up the fallen books. Apologizing again, she carries them over to the bargain bin and meticulously places them where they should be.

I feel myself starting to smile, the overwhelming spell now broken. I manage eye contact with Hatori as I hand him his change. "I'm not busy tonight."

He takes his change with a shy sort of smile. "Do you mind...I mean...would you...like to have dinner?"

It's everything I have not to chuckle. He's cute when he's flustered, trying to maintain his professional demeanor and failing miserably. I manage a full blown, extremely giddy smile to hide my laughter.

"I'd love to."

He blinks owlishly. Shocked wouldn't be strong enough to describe his reaction. "Sh-should I pick you up here then, or...?"

I nod. "Here's fine. The store closes at six."

He blinks, still surprised, but he manages a nod. The genuine schoolboy-like smile on his face is well worth the small pang of guilt I feel. "I'll see you at six then."

He turns to leave but I stop him. "Hatori-san?"

"Hai?"

I have to hold in another chuckle. "Your book?"

"Ah." He looks down at the counter where he let the book lay. Taking a deep breath he leans forward for the book, snatching it quickly from the counter before he turns to leave again. With a small wave, he disappears through the doorway, the door closing behind him.

Suddenly my brain starts going into overdrive. 'Do you realize what you've just agreed to, baka! You're going out on a date with a man your best friend was engaged to!'

'Ah, but she's married to someone else now,' I reply. 'Besides, she doesn't even remember her relationship with Hatori.'

'That doesn't mean you're in the right, though.'

'That doesn't make me wrong, either. Really, don't we both deserve a night out. He gets out so rarely as it is, according to Shigure.'

'And you believe everything Shigure tells you?'

'Well, no, but--'

"Are you ready for lunch, Mayuko-san?"

I blink at Juri, unaware that she is finished with the books she had brought out. I take another look at the clock. It's after 1:30. My stomach answers for me though and I laugh. "Hai, and I might be a little late getting back."

"All right," the young girl responds.

The wheels in my head are turning again as I try to figure out what I'm going to where to dinner. He didn't mention a place. Should I dress fancy or casual? Did I have anything fancy? Crap! "If there are any problems, call my apartment. That's where I'll be."

"Enjoy your lunch, Mayuko-san."

Oh, don't worry Juri. I will.

~TO BE CONTINUED~

MUSIC DISCLAIMER:
Lyrics are from the song "Are you happy now?" from the album Hotel Paper by Michelle Branch. (c)2003 Maverick records.