Hours had passed since Hei had spoken with Amagiri, and yet their conversation couldn't be any more vivid in his mind. Hei didn't know for sure how many days they'd spent at Amagiri's camp, but he'd awoken earlier that day to the sight of Yin watching over him in his sleep. They had been on the run for almost a year now, and he's long since noticed that she was changing rapidly. Though he could tell that she was confused by all the strange and new emotions returning to her with seemingly no explanation -as was he- he was glad they were able to change together.

Somehow the anomalies that sprouted in them both had only managed to bring them closer. In all his life as a contractor, Hei could think of no one else he trusted and appreciated more than Yin. He had spent most of his life running from the emotions that he'd been taught to see as unnatural. Being with Yin, being able to let go of the myths and lies about who he was- it made him see how exhausted he was. It was he who wanted to help Yin; to show her how to grow- but at the same time, she managed to prove to him that there was strength in weakness. That he could rely on her, that partnership could be a means for survival -even for a contractor.

He and Yin were partners, and in time they had become friends.

That was all wasn't it?

Hei hated the fact the Amagiri's question still rested on his mind.

After Hei had awoken to Yin's embrace, Amagiri had interrupted them- wanting to speak to Hei; To study his intent. Though Hei almost found it hard to leave Yin's side, the need to keep her safe pulled him forward. Amagiri danced around the question for a moment, but in the end he had inquired, "Just what is that doll to you?"

Even now the memory burned through his mind. He tried to say something but the only thing he managed to utter was a stuttering gurgle of nothingness. He wanted to tell Amagiri that they were merely friends, -partners! But his mind shifted at the thought. He could no longer tell what 'partners' meant to him anymore. When he thought of Yin's lingering grasp on him that morning- a contact that he let remain for far longer than he normally would have- he had to wonder what the nature of their relationship had become. But in the end, he hadn't been able to answer. And that said enough.

Hei had little to nobody left in his life. He had lost all those he'd cared about, and was nearly out of reasons to keep going. Yin however, gave him purpose. With someone to protect, to chase away the loneliness that had been gnawing at him since Amber's "betrayal" and his sister's disappearance unbeknownst to him, he felt he could stick around a little while longer. But that wasn't all...

Hei had watched her develop into the person she now was- even before he had decided to run away together. He'd watched her struggle to find pleasure in the simple things, and at times he had seen her succeed. She confronted the sorrows of life -no matter how unpleasant- with all her heart. And though her doll's nature restricted her she handled her emotions far better than he had with his own. In a way, they had always supported each other.

He encouraged her with his understanding, and she inspired him by defying her very own nature, showing him that he could too.

But he couldn't love her! It was too impossible. And things were getting more complicated by the minute.

Hei sighed, remembering her odd mood swings and strange behavior. At times she'd say something odd and forget the entire conversation if he asked about it afterwards. It was like she was becoming someone entirely different. But, waking up to her- to the real Yin, he was utterly relieved. Though it made him wonder if he 'appreciated' Yin a lot more than he'd like to admit.

Hei felt a gentle pressure at the base of his hand and looked down the spot the tentative touch of Yin. His gaze crawled up her body, stopping at her striking red-violet eyes. He stared into them, feeling calm and sucked-in at the same time. Yin looked back at him through her blindness and began to pull away, seeing as she had his attention. Hei moved with her in an attempt to maintain contact, but nearly laughed at his own desperation. He wondered how such a simple touch could hold his attention so completely.

"What is it Hei?" She asked, her soft voice monotone voice holding a tinge of concern.

"I was just thinking," Hei replied. Yin stared up at him for a moment longer and he realized that she expected him to continue. He turned away sharply, his cheeks heating up. He couldn't tell Yin that he'd been thinking of her! "It's nothing," Hei reassured, -himself more than her.

Yin absent-mindedly rested her head on his shoulder, sighing softly. Hei had never heard her make a sound so sweet, -so relaxed. As her soft presence leaned against him, he was forced to think of all the times they'd embraced. Of all the fleeting touches that now left him lost.

He remembered placing his hand on hers after waking her from a nightmare. He hadn't even thought about what he was doing before he had her cradled in his arms. When he'd held her after rescuing her from a kidnapping, her pull had been so strong then. He wanted to act on something… another desire that he couldn't place.

Hei's gaze drifted out the window where Yin's eyes stared out blindly. A strong hand grasped her shoulder as Hei's mind wandered back to the dangerous power Yin's touch had inspired within his emotions this morning.

He didn't know why he couldn't stop thinking about it- but there was just something utterly gratifying in her tender touch. -In the obvious relief that washed over her upon his waking. He hadn't realized until now that he liked being worried over; being loved. As much he fought it, Hei could no longer deny his desire to kiss her. It had been lingering with him for a while now, sealed up tight by his confusion and repression.

Hei squeezed Yin's shoulder subconsciously as regret washed over him. Why did he pull her away? Yin's gentle touch slid up Hei's chest and he gasped as the sensation pulled him from his thoughts. Her hand crawled up his neck and Hei saw a twinkle of desperation in her eyes. -Just enough to match his own.

He slid his arms around her back and let her touch him. He quickly discovered the boundless joys Yin held within her touch. As she ran her fingers over his lips he realized something. Maybe Yin didn't feel the exact same way he did, but she felt something so utterly close. Once again, while she was trying to reach him, he was discovering the obvious. Though he felt silly about it now, a smile spread across his lips as he concluded that things were going to be alright. He could let this happen…

He pulled her closer as she kissed him.