A/N: This takes place between the series and the OVAs. I wondered how Tasuki and Chichiri just happened to be around when Miaka and Taka appeared. So, here's part of my answer. Written for the 30 Kisses community on livejournal. Tasuki's POV.

"The Promise"

I was still holding Chichiri's crumpled letter in my hand when I told Kouji that I would have to leave again.

Kouji looked like I'd punched him in the stomach.

He swallowed and turned his back to me. "When will you be back?"

"I don't know. Chichiri just knows that we'll be needed. Maybe Suzaku gave Taiitsu-kun a heads up. I don't know." I paused, trying to think of the right thing to say. "If there was anyone else who could go –"

"I understand, Gen-chan."

I turned away from him. This wasn't fucking fair. I had promised him, promised Reikaku, that I wouldn't leave again. I punched the wall, barely cracking the concrete.

Kouji grabbed my wrist and twisted my arm away from my body. I cried out more in surprise than pain.

"Don't do that," Kouji growled in a low voice. "You'll need that hand for whatever job Suzaku's got for you. You're not gonna screw this up."

"No, I'm screwing this up instead. I promised I wouldn't leave."

Kouji released my wrist. "Genrou, a bunch of bandits don't mean shit when compared to a sacred mission. Just get out of here."

Tears stung behind my eyes as he headed for the door.

He paused and turned back around, taking my hand and pressing my bruised knuckles to his mouth. "Reikaku will still be here when you get back."