AAN: This story takes place after the final episode of the second season, after they beat Mu the first time (since most people didn't see season 3). I don't own monster rancher or any of its characters.

Phoenix Rekindled
It begins again!

It had been 4 years since Mu had been defeated. Holly deeply missed both the monsters and Genki. She had spent her time helping the monsters of her village, who were revived by the phoenix, rebuild. Once she finished she decided to set out and find the others. She had thought the monsters would return on their own; but they had not. As so donned her travelers vest once again she began to ponder some things. * I wonder if Genki went back to his world. It only makes sense considering he wasn't from here. The others haven't returned… it probably means they are mystery disks… but how do I find them with out a magic stone… * Holly set out with all the supplies she would need, she carried the backpack Genki had left behind with his skates still attached. She silently hoped she would find him again as well. In the years that had passed Holly had learned to skate using his old skates. Though she was nowhere near his skill level, she could at least keep up with him now. She knew it would be a long journey and could only help that one of her friends would be there to help her. Months pasted and finally she stumbled upon a magic stone, when she did she immediately found a mystery disk near by, and set out to unlock it. As the disk spun on the platform she prayed it would be one of her friends.

A world away Genki was once again playing his favorite game, monster rancher. Only this was not the original one he started with, nor was it the 200x game that had sent him to the monster world the first time. No, this was the brand new 500x game that he had waited for 6 hours in line to get. Genki had tried repeatedly to go back to that world he loved so much but the portal never opened. By this time he had grown and was starting to become leaner than he was as a youth. Genki knew he must look atleast somewhat attractive because of the attention he got at school, but like most boys he would rather play video games then go on a date at this point. Oh he had dated, several times actually but he never liked any of the girls enough to stay with them. He had decided today was a great day to play his favorite game. But this time when the game booted up it was different. Instead of a start up screen he saw Holly walking alone, brief moments showed the work she did with her old friends at her village. Now it showed her trying to unlock a disc she had found, he knew instantly what to do. Unlock a disc with her and pray it would lead him back to her world. He knew doing so would require timing but he trusted he would do so again. The screen began to glow and he instantly grabbed his new backpack with skates attached and his shoes and got ready to return to the world he loved most.

She stared as the gate opened in an abnormal fashion and silently prayed it would be because of Genki. We the dust settled she could make out a figure, that managed to land on its feet as it dropped to the ground with a thud. The figure stood and Holly realized it was a person not a monster. Genki looked around to see Holly by the unlocking switch and smiled. He hadn't changed much but enough in the few years they had been apart that she might not recognize him. Holly looked him over noting the new backpack and skates, his grin and eyes alone told her who he was. She noticed he had grown and was taller then before, also he seemed to have filled out a little instead of being lanky like he was as a kid. He walked over to her with a smile.

"It's been awhile huh Holly?" She had changed some but not as much as he had, though he noted she had gown as bit as well and had filled out in all the right areas giving her the womanly curves of an adult.

"Yes, it has… I'm glad you're back." Giving into an impulse she walked over and hugged him, he returned the embrace though surprised by the act.

"I'm glad to be back, I tried to come back before but it didn't work. Apparently you have to unlock a disc on this side when I unlock one on my side to open the gate between our worlds."

"Wow… really? But I thought you had no monsters in your world…."

"I don't but I do have the game… in it you unlock and raise a monster."

"Oh I see… that's how you won the championship… strange I never asked you before about that…"

"Well we did get interrupted by some very upset black dinos'…." They both laughed at that memory and then blushed realizing they were still embracing. Holly let go of him and took a step back.

"Well I can use your help this time too."

"I know you can… and that's why I'm here. Lets find the others Holly… together I know we can." She nodded.

"Its great to not be alone anymore." He grinned making her laugh, "Come on… I have a camp site near by." He was tempted to say 'I know' but decided to not confuse her with such knowledge. He silently followed her back, part of him wondering where the others had ended up and if they were mystery discs or not. He smiled seeing the simple campsite. Holly starting a fire to warm the soup she had made earlier, figuring he was hungry. Genki sat down and readily accepted the bowl of reheated soup. After a few bites he smiled to her.

"Your even better a cook then I remember. Refining your already great skills are you?" Holly blushed at the compliment and smiled in return.

"I guess you could say that. I wanted to be able to make more things then just basic stews and soups."

"Well you have out done yourself this time in my opinion." He returned to eating with that compliment hanging in the air. Holly though grateful for the appreciation felt slightly uncomfortable since she wasn't used to such comments. After he finished and cleaned his bowl, he sat down to speak with her. "I know you're looking for the others but has any other trouble popped up since I left?"

"Some has yes, but its been minor so far," She pulled up her bag and pulled out a black disc with Mu's crest on it. "I found this a few weeks ago, some of the baddies have been chasing me for it. So far I have alluded them but I was wondering for how long I could do so." He nodded though surprised by the discs existence. It just meant their friends were still alive as well since both Mu and the Phoenix were connected somehow.

"Atleast we know the others are around, we just have to find them."

"Yes, but there is something else…. I can hear my fathers voice coming from this disc…." Genki seemed lost for words a moment.

"Is there a way to free him with out releasing Mu?"

"I'm not sure at this point…"

"I wonder if Monol would know? He seemed to know a lot the last time we needed information."

"He may but locating him is not very easy."

"True, don't worry Holly we'll find a way to set your father free again. I know it." She smiled to him enjoying his enthusiasm and bright spirit.

"Thank you Genki." She knew he would make the journey a lot easier to bear. "We should get some rest." He knew she was right but he was used to staying up late now.

"Alright." He pulled out his own sleeping bag he'd brought and got ready to settle down.

"I see you came prepared this time," she giggled at him.

"Yeah well I didn't expect to be sucked into this world last time you know. I figured I should being my own things when I came back." He rubbed the back of his head and grinned. She smiled enjoying having him back, it reminded her of fond memories with him and that others. She prepared herself and both lay down to get some rest.

Months passed as they traveled together. They had found odd jobs from time to time to help them with financial needs as they searched. Holly insisted they keep moving, the magic stone continued to lead them in one direction. Genki had made sure Holly searched for the phoenix's soul instead of just for their friends, figuring they would have better luck that way. They bumped into several mystery discs and unlocked them. But none of them were the correct ones. One night Genki noted Holly seemed depressed and he knew exactly why. She deeply missed the others; he had figured that out soon enough. He came up beside her as she cooked and sat down. She seemed in deep thought and didn't pay any attention to him. He sighed and moved his arm around her shoulders. Startled by the sudden contact she looked over at him.

"I know something's wrong Holly, would you like to talk about it?" his voice soft, his eyes conveying that he would listen. She watched him for a moment more before turning back to her stew.

"It's just… it's been over three months and we haven't found any of them… I miss them so much…"

"I know Holly, I miss them too but you must be patient. We will find them in time I'm sure. For now all we can do is keep searching. Besides they were shot around the world… who knows what continent they landed on." Holly still seemed upset despite his words. His hand gently rubbed her shoulder in an affectionate manner. Holly looked back at him unsure of what to make of his affections. He just smiled, "I will be here with you, you know that. You are not alone in this." She nodded,

"I know you are with me Genki… I'm sorry I just…"

"I know you want the others back. So do I, don't worry we will find them."

"Genki… why are you so affectionate lately?" she noted he was blushing a little.

"You don't like it?"

"I never said that; I am just curious is all."

"Well… I… look I really like you and I don't like seeing you sad… so I'm trying to cheer you up alright?" Holly looked at him a moment with a look of perplexity.

"Genki… do you like me as more then a friend or as just a friend?" Genki's blush grew worse now,

"As… more then a friend." Holly understood now. He had always seemed to have a crush on her when he was younger, not that she didn't have one on him, but she never thought he would try to do anything about it. Deciding to show him rather then say it she leaned against him a bit resting her head on his shoulder, before replying.

"Good" to which Genki felt relief. She smiled, enjoying his companionship. Several younger suitors had eyed Holly by now but none had ever been genuine about their feelings with her. She wouldn't give her hand in marriage to someone who didn't love her or that she didn't love. Genki on the other hand was always genuine and if he asked her she would gladly marry him.

"You feel any better Holly?" he felt her nod,

"Yeah, much better." Holly moved to grab a bowl now, filling it with stew she handed it to him, soon after she got her self a bowl. Both enjoyed their meal in comforting silence, neither minding the stillness between them. Once finished Genki washed the dishes and then came to sit next to Holly. He did something she never expected him to do; he pulled her into his arms and kissed his forehead whispering, "I will always be here for you." A blush covered her face as she stared up at him. Though blushing himself he just smiled to her. After a few minutes she leaned against him whispering,

"Thank you" before relaxing with him. The two seemed to have broken through the barrier that had kept them as only friends. Genki knew Holly probably had not dated much before this so he wondered how she would react if he asked to be with her as a boyfriend or perhaps more at some point. For now he figured he would take it slow and see how she reacted to things. That night they both slept very well, happy to be with each other.

As the month progressed they grew closer talking more then they had previously. Holly found out about his family and learned that his father had left and his mother was struggling to keep up with things. Genki learned a great deal about her family life before those terrible days of Mu's attack. Something he knew little of before. On this night Genki knew he would ask her the important question on his mind. * Man I hope she is ready for this. I don't want to scare her. * He settled down beside her as she cooked dinner that night. She knew by how he was acting that he had something to talk to her about.

"What is it Genki?" her voice came softly to his ears.

"I was wondering… would you mind if we were girlfriend and boyfriend? I'm not sure of the process here but in my world we go to that soon after dating." He could tell she was thinking but also surprised, by the look he got from her.

"Sure Genki I don't see anything wrong with that. I didn't know we were officially dating but if you consider our time together that important, then I have no reason to say other wise." He reached over giving her a one armed hug; she heard his voice in her ear,

"Thank you, I am glad you feel the same way." He held her for a few minutes then let her go knowing she needed to tend to the soup she had cooking.

After they had eaten Genki decided to talk to her about something else on his mind. He knew he might be pushing it with this question but he wanted to ask anyway. Holly noted his thoughtful expression and knew he had something on his mind.

"What's on your mind Genki?"

"Well I had another question for you, I'm just not sure how to phrase it." Her smile quelled his fears for the moment.

"Well ask when you are ready." She leaned against him, feeling his arm come around her. A feeling of safety and comfort washing over her,

"Well… I really enjoy being next to you Holly. I always feel so calm. I was wondering if you would mind if I slept next to you." * please don't take it the wrong way… * she looked up at him startled by the question and noticed he was tense.

* Well he did say sleep next to and not sleep with me… perhaps he just wants the companionship * "Genki… you're not trying to bed me are you?" she saw panic in his eyes,

"No no, I wasn't even thinking of that. Holly I would never ask to bed you… that's something you have to decide. I just wanted to sleep next to you, not only to feel calm and comforted on my side but to provide comfort to you as well."

"Genki… it's not really appropriate for us to do that…"

"I know… but I was hoping you trusted me enough that we could… its fine if you don't want to."

"I do trust you, but that's looked down upon in this world. Genki… do you intend to marry me?" He blinked at her being thrown off base by the question. He knew well he was old enough to marry in this world, but hadn't thought much of it. His feelings had always been rather innocent when it came to her. Though he did want to spend the rest of his life with her, marriage had yet to cross his mind.

"If you want that, then in time yes;" He saw excitement in her eyes "isn't that what everyone is aiming towards when they start dating?" though he hadn't thought about marriage the simple statement was true even for him.

"I guess you are right about that… it is the goal in mind most of the time."

"So why did you ask about that right now?" he seemed genuinely confused.

"Well… I was just thinking if you intended to marry me… I might be able to sleep next to you if…we were…"

"We were what?"

"Promised to each other…." Her voice grew soft but he heard it. Both of their faces turned bright red, neither one sure they wanted to speak about this any further.

"You mean you want to be engaged?" a genuine confusion filled his voice.

"Well that would work but that's not what I meant. What I mean is a promise between us. We can symbolize it with an item but it's not required. This isn't a permanent thing though; engagement is usually the next step. But it can be broken… children often make promises to one another here, when they think they have found the one they want to be with but aren't old enough to marry." Her face ablaze with embarrassment she looked to him to see his reaction to her request.

"You mean kind of like an arranged marriage…. Only we are the ones doing the arranging?"

"Yeah that's fairly close," Deciding to leave it at that she awaited his answer.

"Holly I'd gladly promise that… and when we are ready… I'll take it further" they both grew red; she knew exactly what he meant.

"Alright, then…" Holly looked to him nervously before speaking, "Genki, I promise to be loyal to you and to save myself for you. And in the future, if we both wish it, I promise to be your betrothed." He nodded; unsure of what he was supposed to do he just went with his gut instinct to answer her loyalty with his own.

"And I Holly promise to be just as loyal to you, waiting for you and for the day that we may become betrothed to one another, if we so wish it." He sent up a silent prayer that he had responded correctly. Her eyes confirmed that he had, within the next few seconds he found himself in an embrace with her. A smile graced his lips as he pulled her closer to him, his voice a whisper in her ear. "Holly, I hope that I can always make you happy and that you will feel loved being with me." A soft gasp came to his ear.

"Genki I'm sure you will make me happy. You already seem to with out my asking." She stood bringing him with her, "we should get some rest, but I will allow you to sleep next to me because of the promise you made." He met her smile with one of his own and followed her to where their sleeping bags lay. Combining the two together they lay down next to each other. His hand caressing over her cheek in affection then coming to rest on her back, her arms wrapped around him.

"Good night Holly" his lips lightly touched her forehead. Her eyes wavered with warmth for a moment.

"Good night Genki" she settled down and tried to sleep, not used to having someone with her. She soon found him to be asleep and drifted off as well.

The next few months proved challenging for the couple, they ran very short on money and had to find quick jobs to tide them over delaying their quest. Genki even took an offer to fight in a fighting ring. Holly protested this but he promised he would be fine, with a sigh she accepted it. Genki went to the fighting ring and managed to win with out much injury. Accepting the prize money Genki immediately headed out of the stadium planning on getting back to Holly. Along the way though he was stopped by a beautiful seductress.

"Hey there handsome, how about I make your night even more enjoyable?"

"No thanks, I'm not interested." He tried to push past her only to have her take his hand.

"Aww come on; why not enjoy yourself while you can." She placed his hand on her impressive and scantily clad bust, "I will make all your fantasies come true." Came a hot whisper in his ear. He had to admit to himself that her advances were making him hard on for her but his heart scolded his body. Jerking his hand away he pushed her back again.

"I said no. You don't want me you want my money! I will have nothing to do with a prostitute like you." He turned and walked out, making sure to stay away from the others. She stared at him, amazed that he didn't respond like the other men.

When he returned to Holly he was still somewhat aroused he knew if he didn't handle it then Holly would notice.

"Holly I'm back." she looked up from the map with a smile.

"I'm glad you are in one piece still." He plopped down the large bag of gold in front of her. "Wow… you won then huh?" he smiled and nodded. "Did you run into any trouble…"

"Yeah but I handled it."

"I didn't think those men would enjoy being beaten by you."

"Actually the trouble didn't come from them… it came from a woman trying to tempt me to bed with her on the way out. I think she was a prostitute or something… she was eyeing the gold." He noticed the change in Holly's demeanor, "don't worry, I sent her packing. The way she acted disgusted me." He pulled her into his arms, "I would never betray you; I love you for your heart Holly… and her heart was too corrupted for my tastes." She nodded understanding and feeling much better.

"Genki… did she arouse you?" she heard a soft sigh,

"Yes… I can't help what my body does… even if it made me mad. I will handle it before we go to bed don't worry. A nice cool dip should do it, I needed to take a bath anyway."

"Thank you Genki."

"For what?"

"For being honest with me… you could have lied…"

"I have no reason to lie to you." Holly rested her head against his chest, soon her face flushed and she pulled back.

"I should get some dinner ready… why don't you go take your bath." Genki gave a nod his face also red with embarrassment. He soon left to do just that and to deal with his problem from earlier. Holly had indeed noticed his problem but had decided to not say anything about it.

By the time Genki returned she had dinner going and was relaxing by the fire. The gold safely stored away from prying eyes. Genki sat down next to her feeling refreshed from his cool dip. He noticed she seemed to be blushing again and wondered what she was thinking about.

"The food will be ready shortly."

"Yeah I kind of figured. Its smells delicious."

"Thank you Genki." He smiled to her noting her blush had gotten worse.

"Holly, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine…" he pulled her close resting his head against hers. * She's not running a fever… then I guess she must be thinking some embarrassing thoughts… *

"What's on your mind?" he felt Holly tense slightly next to him and wondered if she would tell him at all.

"I was just thinking about how I felt in you arms…" it wasn't a lie she had been thinking about that, though it was about what she felt before his cool dip.

"You felt my arousal didn't you?" Genki wasn't a fool and knew very well she had noticed it. A simple embrace would not turn her face red.

"Yes" her voice very softly came to his ears; he could hear her utter embarrassment.

"Holly… I'm sorry if it bothered you to feel it… I tried to calm down best I could…" she looked up at him surprised.

"Its fine Genki… something's can't be controlled very well. It did bother me to some degree…. but it wasn't anything major." Part of her wondered if she could arouse him as quickly as that woman had. * Bad Holly… why are you thinking such things…. *

"Holly… what… were you thinking about? You said how you felt… did you feel scared or uncomfortable?" she looked at him again seeing sincerity in his eyes. He indeed longed to help her.

"I was scared a little yeah… I haven't really been with a man before…" she saw him nod, "but… I was wondering if you would find me that appealing…when the time came…" Genki looked puzzled now, it was obvious he hadn't understood her meaning there. Holly subconsciously had played with her tunic, pulling it away from her less then impressive bust. It was then Genki understood.

"Holly… I love you and I find myself attracted to you because of your modesty. You are beautiful, and I know when the time comes I will definitely show you just how much I love how you look."

"But Genki… I'm not as large as…"

"You don't have to be… bigger is not always better."

"I guess you are right…"

"I know I am." He pulled her close holding her in a comforting manner. He never thought she would have such self-confidence problems when it came to her looks. All this time he thought she was comfortable with her body. * I guess she has been comparing herself to other more buxom women… and it didn't help traveling with a pixie type either I'm sure. * He released her soon so she could tend to the food, he didn't want it to burn. He noticed she was still blushing but she was no longer tense.

"Food's ready now." She handed him a bowl thinking to herself * he says size doesn't matter but I wonder how big he is…. Ugh there I go again letting my mind wonder to the gutter…. * he heard her sigh heavily and wondered what was going on. He gratefully to the bowl whispering,

"Thanks Holly." Before he began to eat. She joined him eating her meal in silence as she tried to rein in her thoughts to more wholesome topics but her curiosity still remained.

* Why do I want to know anyway? Its not like it matters right now… and when it does matter I can just see for myself…. *

"Holly is something wrong?" his voice held concern as it came to her attention that he was watching her. Her face turned red again, embarrassed that she had even been thinking such thoughts around him.

"No nothings wrong… just frustrated with myself is all."

"What are you frustrated about…?"

"Lately my mind likes to wonder to unwholesome things… it's annoying. I'm sure it'll pass in time." Genki raised a brow, he had never known the girl to say anything unwholesome and her thinking such thoughts had never crossed his mind.

* Though I suppose it makes sense considering we all go though a point as teens where our hormones get the best of us. Wonder what the topic was?… *

"Yeah I'm sure it'll pass, probably just your hormones since you haven't been in a serious relationship like this before. I can't say I'm immune to such thoughts either, so I guess we both get to work through some things huh?" he laughed lightly before giving her a one armed hug.

"Yeah I guess so." She gave him a weary smile and returned to her food hoping to keep her thoughts on the right things for a while. Genki knew better then to think Holly wasn't bothered by her thoughts wondering so much. He knew she was uncomfortable with thinking about perverted things and had always gotten after the monsters for doing so. Though he himself had rarely done anything perverted, he knew she would have been after him as well if he had. A part of him still wondered about the topic of her thoughts but he shrugged it off as he finished with his meal.

"I'll do the dishes, its only fair." She smiled to him now and handed him the bowl she had been using and the cooking pot. He walked off to the river to clean them up, when he returned he saw Holly had removed her traveling vest and had a towel in hand. "Off for a bath of your own?" she nodded,

"Yeah, I figured it'd be a good night for one since its still warm out."

"Alright, be careful the water in this river moves fairly fast."

"I will." She walked off to take her bath leaving him alone at the camp.

They had decided to keep Mu's mystery disk hidden from view within his backpack. They knew if monsters knew of the disk they would be attacked more often. Luckily the baddies weren't good a coordinating their gathered intelligence or attacks. Unfortunately for them some of the black dinos had caught up with them. A cry echoed through the forest as Genki had tried to settle down for the night and read. He was on his feet and running as fast as he could. What greeted him when the forest ended was the sight of Holly being pushed under water by the black dino captain. Genki was instantly in motion, he used his dagger that he had won as part of his prize and began striking down those dinos in his way. He quickly killed the commanding dino, which sent the others running. He pulled Holy from the water and carried her to the soft grass. Laying her down he checked for a pulse and breath, he didn't find either. He felt a wave of panic hit him but he calmed himself and started performing CPR, having been trained in it back in his own world. Soon Holly began to cough up the water she had inhaled, he helped her sit up. After her lungs were clear though she passed out, he felt her shiver knowing the water had been chilly. He grabbed the near by towel and helped her dry off, it was then his face changed colors as he realized her shirt was wide open and that she had removed her pants. Most women in this world didn't wear bras, meaning he had a great view of her chest. Controlling himself best he could, he removed his shirt then removed hers and replaced it with his dry one. He looked around for her pants only to find them in the water, somehow having gotten lost in the scuffle. He picked them up then picked up the rest of her clothing and Holly, and walked back to camp. Once there he placed her under the two blankets, then moved to hang up her clothes to dry. Stoking the fire he tried to calm himself down.

* Man… now I'm hard on again… and after I had just managed to get rid of it too. Guess Holly's more attractive to me… didn't take as long as it did with that prostitute. I wonder if Holly will be happy or upset about that? * He couldn't be sure but he knew she would notice his erection if he didn't find a way to get rid of it soon. When he heard her cough violently again and saw her shiver though, he no longer cared whether she knew of it. He moved under the blankets with her letting her lean against him for warmth and to help her breath. After an hours time Holly woke still somewhat cold but more then happy to see Genki. She clung to him still fearing the touch of the dino captain. Genki held her close stroking her back gently. When she calmed down again she noticed she was wearing his shirt and no pants. A blush lit her face as she looked up at Genki,

"Genki you… you saw my chest didn't you?" memories of what had happened flooded back to her. She knew her shirt had been open and she knew she had taken her pants off before being ambushed. She also remembered the sneer she received from the captain and the lustful touches he gave her body before trying to kill her. Tears came to her eyes as she remembered these things. But Genki thought she was crying because he saw her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you Holly, I wasn't trying to look at your chest honest. I was only trying to help you." He couldn't deny that he had liked the brief sight of her chest though. He still felt bad for making her cry; that was until Holly shook her head.

"No Genki… its not you seeing me that bothers me… that captain he… he touched me before he dunked me underwater." Holly looked up into his brown orbs seeing shock and anger in them.

"He touched you? You mean he grabbed your chest?"

"Yes… and he touch me… there as well." She was blushing again despite her tears. Genki held her close, comforting her the best he could. He was glad he had killed the captain now but he wondered how this would affect Holly in the long run. * Why would that captain do such a thing? I thought monsters didn't stoop to such levels… I guess I was wrong. *

"Holly I'm sorry you went through that. I wish I had been faster…"

"No, you couldn't have known."

"Will you be alright? I'm sure what he did… makes you feel violated and scared. I want to help you through it but if it will only hurt you I won't." he saw a look of surprise mixed in her fearful eyes.

"Genki… I want you he to help me…. I trust you. I do feel afraid, very violated and humiliated. But I know you are understanding and think no less of me."

"Why would I think less of you? You had no control over that and besides I know it hurt you."

"Some men would…"

"I am not like most men on that Holly." She shifted slightly trying to get comfortable next to him. It was then she felt something press against her thigh. A blush covered his face as he watched her, hoping it wouldn't scare her. He shifted moving his erection away from her. But he knew she had noticed it. He felt awkward just then, like he was next to a stranger and not his best friend and girlfriend. He summoned up his courage though and spoke to her anyway. "I'm sorry Holly, I didn't…"

"Genki… are you aroused because you saw my chest?" her voice very soft and embarrassed. He hoped he wouldn't make her feel anymore humiliated with his answer.

"Yes… I didn't have time in between to handle it… I'm sorry…I never expected that glance I did get to make me aroused so fast."

"You desire my body that much?" he wasn't sure he wanted to answer her, knowing she could get angry or feel hurt. "Genki?"

"Apart of me does, yes. I would never ask you to fulfill that part though… not before marriage anyway. But I will say I desire you a lot… I got hard on much faster around you then that prostitute." He held his breath praying she took that as a compliment and didn't fear him. He knew she could go either way with that, and she might just think he was perverted.

"You got aroused faster? I'm more attractive to you then she was?…"

"Yes you are Holly, you're beautiful."

"Then you liked what you saw?" her voice unreadable.

"I can't say I didn't like seeing your chest, I wasn't trying to stare or anything. All I knew was I had to get you into dry clothes and back to where there were blankets. You were very cold after I did CPR on you."

"CPR?"

"Yeah… Holly when I pulled you out of the water you weren't breathing… and I couldn't find a pulse. CPR is a technique I learned in my world. It helped me restart your heart and get you breathing again." He saw her eyes widen as she stared at him in disbelief.

"I died then?…" her voice quivering,

"Yeah you did for a moment. I brought you back only because I was there right as it happened. If it had been more then a couple of minutes I don't think I could have gotten you back. As it was I was lucky to be able to restart your heart. CPR doesn't always work."

"Genki… thank you for saving me. I owe you my life."

"Holly you don't owe me anything. Your love is more then enough." She held on to him sobbing into his chest now. He wondered if people in this world knew anything about CPR or that ones heart could be restarted.

"Genki… you said you liked what you saw… I could let you see it again. I atleast owe you that much." * why did I just offer him that? Do I want to bed him or something? * She hadn't realized she would say such a thing until now. * I guess my mind had been perverted some how. Maybe by all the hormones… but now it comes down to whether Genki accepts such an offer. *

"Hey I told you, you don't owe me anything. Besides I don't think either of us are ready to go that far yet Holly… we haven't even kissed." Holly's eyes widened with the realization that it was true, they had not kissed at all yet. * Thank you Genki for not accepting… maybe I should kiss him though… he is right we haven't done that and I could show appreciation that way. *

"We haven't, have we? Well maybe I should fix that." With out warning she leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss. His eyes went wide for a moment, but then he relaxed letting his eyes close. She felt his hand come to her jaw holding her there as he returns the kiss. After a few minutes their lips parted but still lingered close to one another. Their breath mingling as they both fought to find words to speak to the other. Both failing in that regard; Genki decided to close the distance again, kissing her firmly this time. His firm but gentle approach earning him a soft gasp and a return kiss from Holly. Their kissing became more heated, long hidden passion breaking the surface. The need for air was all that could stop the kiss, both panting but still they remained close. Genki moaned out slightly as Holly shifted and brushed against him. He knew he would have to deal with his desire or risk things going too far too fast. Even though he had little desire to leave her side he pulled back a bit, whispering softly in her ear.

"I need to take care of this… I don't want things to get out of hand." She looked into his eyes seeing his deep desire for her but also seeing his love. She could only nod her understanding as he left. * Wow he really does desire me… I never though anyone would find me that attractive * her face still lit with a blush she pulled the blanket closer as she shivered. The night's temperature had slowly dropped, she had no idea what time it was but she knew it was late. She could see her clothes still dripping as the fire slowly dried them back out. * Atleast I know Genki isn't interested in bedding me right now… I still can't believe I offered him that… my mind seems to be wondering more and more lately… I just hope we don't end up doing something we'll regret. * Genki returned seemingly sated and ready to get some sleep. He lay down next to her again letting her use him for comfort. She noticed he wore no shirt, a blush retuning to her features as she remember that she was wearing his shirt. He gave her a quizzical look but said nothing, his body shivering when her hand caress his chest. He was lean and his muscle showed a little. He knew by the look in her eyes she enjoyed the sight of his upper body.

* I'm sure she'd like to see the rest too… dang it why are my thoughts perverted again… * he decided to rest thinking maybe it was cause he was tired. Smiling to her he pulled her close, making sure she knew she was safe.

"Good night Holly, try and get some rest ok?"

"Good night Genki, I will try."

AAN: hey guys hoped you liked the first chapter, this was goign to be a oneshot but i decided to put up what i had since i got writers block. enjoy and please R&R.