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 a week after Hatori walk's 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 Shigure's POV.

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Could you look me in the eye?

And tell me that you're happy now

Would you tell it to my face or have I been erased,

Are you happy now?

-Michelle Branch, "Are You Happy Now?"

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I'm not sure what inspired me to be out and about so late in the afternoon. Perhaps it was boredom. The other three occupants of my house wouldn't be home from school until late and I had already finished my latest manuscript for Mit-chan. And a week early I might add.

Perhaps it was my need for exercise.

Whatever the reason, I did not intend to end up walking through the downtown shopping district. It's not as crowded as I remember, but that could simply be the time of day. I don't come down here often, but it is fun to people watch from the old cafe just down the road. I've even managed to catch a few of my cousins unawares from that spot.

I did not intend to enter the small bookstore on the corner, either. It's a familiar place as I am one of their best customers. I'm also one of their best selling authors but I'm not about to brag. Well, all right. Maybe just a little.

As my body walks through the aisles of bookshelves, my eyes search the store for signs of life. I see something moving behind the counter and pause in my investigation. The figure is small, the hair dark ebony with a hint of red coloring. The skin is slightly browned with hours in the sun and the tune being hummed is not one I'm familiar with.

"Konnichiwa, Juri-chan."

Juri's blue eyes light up happily as she spots me by a table of books. "Ah, Sohma-sensei. Daijobu desu ka?"

I nod, smiling. "I'm doing well. And you? On summer break?"

"Hai!"

I frown playfully. Juri is a sweet girl and possibly more dense than dear Tohru-kun. "Certainly there are other things you could be doing on your break besides working."

She nods in response. "I'm saving for a trip this winter. My friends and I are going to Hong Kong for a week."

I raise an eyebrow. "So you're working to save money. That's very responsible of you, Juri-chan."

She bows. "Arigato."

"Ano...may I ask where Shiragi-san is today?"

"Ah, he and his wife are running errands today. Mayuko-sensei and I are watching the store."

I feel a very evil grin coming on. Fate has a way of doing odd things in my favor. I'd been meaning to talk to Mayuko for two weeks. After our last conversation I had come to a decision. Something that surprised even me.

"And where is Mayuko-san?" I ask, looking towards the backroom door.

"She's at lunch, but she should be back soon."

"Sou desu ka?"

"Hai. She said she'd be late getting back." Juri leans over the counter and smiles conspiratorially at me. "I think she has a date tonight."

"Sou desu ka."

Juri giggles like the high school girl she is and nods emphatically to prove her point. Stands up straight behind the counter and winks at me before going back to work. "Hai."

I'm hoping -- PRAYING -- to whatever gods are present that the utter shock does not show on my face. There's a small pang of hurt that stings at my heart, but should I really be shocked? My eyes stare blankly at the girl behind the counter as my mind goes into overdrive.

A date? Mayuko? That is definitely...different. I had no idea she was interested in someone. Of course, she probably wouldn't mention it to me even if she were inclined. We're not that close. Never have been really.

We had our shot...or rather, I had my shot with Mayuko two years ago. She had been Kana's best friend, and Kana just happened to be engaged to Ha-san. I asked her out knowing full well that she was crushing on Ha-san pretty hard, but she's loyal to a fault and she refused to even think about hurting Kana's feelings.

If it were me, I'd have had no qualms over it. I seem to be able to hurt people without trying these days, even when I'm attempting to be helpful. But it wasn't me, and her loyalty is part of what drew me to her in the first place.

I am a dog after all.

My eyes finally blink as I hear Juri ask, "Ano, Sohma-sensei, were you looking for a particular book today? I don't have any on hold for you."

I force my best smile to the front and wave a hand at her, more to distract myself than her. "I just came in to look, Juri-chan. Is there anything interesting coming out soon?"

She hands me a laminated sheet of paper with a list of new releases coming into the store over the next three weeks. Shiragi-san would never allow me to look at the list, but Juri either doesn't mind, or she has no idea how much trouble she'd be in if her boss found out.

Turning away from the counter, I scan the list with mute interest. My thoughts, though, wonder on a journey all their own. Back to the days were Mayuko and I used to date.

Ah, those were the days.

It had never been anything serious. We were both lonely so it seemed like a good deal. And it kept her close to Kana and Ha-san. We went on double dates and we even had a few moments all to ourselves. Some good, others not so good, but we had each other just the same. Our relationship was simply a matter of convenience for us both.

Don't get me wrong, I was certainly attracted to her physically. She was beautiful, intelligent and didn't put up with anyone's crap, including mine. She's still that way, I might add. And she's still loyal to Kana. Nothing in her has changed.

But something in me has.

I didn't realize it until two weeks ago when I came into the shop.

To be more precise, I didn't realize that I had a crush on Mayuko until I spotted her behind the counter waiting on a customer when I came into the bookstore.

Can you imagine? Me? Have a crush?

I've never had one before and the feelings it invokes in me is quite new and unfamiliar. Even in high school I don't think I've felt anything like this. I feel giddy, almost to the point of laughter. I feel lighter in my step, not exactly bouncy but there is a definitive note of happiness. My thoughts of late have been centered around her and she even helped me to complete my manuscript. Oh if she only knew.

And that's why I'm here I suppose. Subconsciously I think of her, ne? This must've been my chance to ask her out again.

Note the use of past tense. Must have been. Was.

Laying the laminated sheet on teh counter I walk towards the door with deliberate slowness. I'm hoping that Mayuko will come in as I'm going out, but that is not what Fate has planned. Stupid Fate.

"Arigato, Juri-chan. I'll be back in next week to place an order."

"Have a wonderful afternoon, Sohma-san," Juri calls, waving good-bye.

Wonderful, huh?

I suppose I should be grateful. I mean, why would she bother to give me another chance anyway? I practically dumped her like a dead weight after Ha-san erased Kana's memories. Of course, it was better that way for the both of us. She was suspicious of Kana's memory loss and I was too scared to repeat Ha-san's mistake.

Did I just say scared?

That would imply that I had feelings for her all along.

Shit!

I make my way to the cafe at the end of the street and order myself a large coffee, black, lots of sugar. I'm disturbed by the fact that Mayuko has a date now, and I'm more than curious with who. Juri didn't mention that. Sipping my coffee and reading the evening paper on the table, I leave myself to wonder who it could be.

Oooo...maybe she's dating one of her students. How racy!

Or maybe it's a refined, older gentlemen. How up-scale!

Or maybe...just maybe, she made up the story she told Juri just to get attention. How...unlike her.

My thoughts toil in my head, the caffeine slowly kicking in. I have three -- no, four -- more cups of coffee before I realize that it's getting late. I stop a nearby pedestrian to ask for the time.

"It's ten minute to six."

"Arigato."

I should head home. Perhaps the walk will clear my head. Still I am curious. Mayuko's date will be picking her up shortly, no doubt. Perhaps if I strolled by the bookstore I'd catch a glimpse of her suitor.

As I make my way to the street corner I notice a dark blue car drive past. It looks awfully familiar although I can not place it at first. I follow the car up the street until it stops along the curb. A well dressed young man climbs out of the drivers seat. His dark hair is combed neatly so that his eyes are covered by his bangs. He even looks both ways before crossing the street.

Kami! Was that--? Am I seeing things?!

I hurry across the street, walking unusually fast. I'm about a block away when my suspicions are confirmed. As the young man opens the door to the bookstore, I realize, with a distinct feeling of anger and hurt in the pit of my stomach, that he...it...is Ha-san.

Either he's very late for picking up a book.

Or he's picking up Mayuko.

I'm not sure I'm thrilled with either one of those options at the moment.

~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.