Chapter 1: Acceptance

A/N: My first AGK fanfic. So go easy on me. Characters might be a little OOC.

In north's most cold climate resided Partas clan or tribe. Partas clan's members were known for their proficient skills in hunting. Be it a weak or be it an ultra class danger beast, it was like hunting a rat using their mechanism enhanced from years of experience.

They were professionals in hunting danger beasts. They occasionally helped other tribes in their hunting but they always kept the large share for themselves and when someone asked their leader that why they always had large share as a hunting reward, then the leader used to say ''This is their punishment for being weak''.

The Partas clan leader was six feet tall and a bulky man living with the creed ''The strong survive and the weak die''. The whole tribe also believed in this creed.

The leader 'Acdease' had a daughter 'Esdeath'. She was ten years old with blue hair and blue eyes, standing 4'8'' of height.

She loved her father and lived with the same motto as her father. Esdeath like her father was a strong girl and her father taught her every aspect of hunting. She was very beautiful and much more powerful than any girl or boy of her age. She was so strong that she had defeated all other tribe members, her father was the only one remaining undefeated in a spar.

Every tribe members respected her prowess. And at such a little age she was offered by many marriage proposals from tribe families. She was also offered several dates proposals. But she rejected every offer. Why? Because she never liked or felt any interest in these kinds of sappy matters like love and marriage and now for a while she was leading hunting teams.

But beside all these, Partas clan loved their members and was also known for their friendship. If they make someone their friend, they would do anything for them, for better reasons of course.

Acdease had such a friend named Jims. Jims and Acdease was in same phase of life.

Once during hunting escapades when Acdease was left alone facing an ultra Class danger beast, Jims had saved his life. And in gratitude Acdease offered his friendship to Jims, and he accepted.

After that they became good friends. Jims often used to visit Partas Tribe with his wife 'Suufy' and his seven years old son 'Tatsumi'.

It was a common knowledge for everyone that they were friend and why?

Whenever they visit Partas clan, they always planned to stay at least three to four days. Jims and his wife Suufy always liked clan's culture and there way of living. But their philosophy of 'strong survive and weak die' didn't sit well with Suufy.

Jims and Suufy were best sword wielders and creator of strong and reliable swords. Jims also used to supply swords and weapons to Partas clan and they were all of best quality.

Tatsumi was also tracked on his father's path. He started to learn swordsmanship at the age of five. He also started to help his father in his work.

Acdease and Jims Together were a force to fear. Their two man team was famous all over the north and the rumors were also spreading in empire.

Esdeath, despite not one for sappy things took a liking to Tasumi when he first visited her clan with his father. And over time they became best friends and also became attached to emotional levels. She knew he was weak than her and she was amazed at herself that she took a liking to such a weak person but whenever they spar she could see the potential and determination to become more powerful and these attributes just drew her towards Tatsumi more. She didn't know what these feeling were because whenever she looked at Tatsumi she began to heat up. Her face flushed and her heartbeat became fast. Some time she felt frustrated because of these feelings because she couldn't understand these symptoms in her bodies. Sometimes she even felt disgusted with herself for feeling like this.

So it was one of those times when Tatsumi was in the clan on a visit with his family and she was annoyed from herself with these feelings. So she was outside of her house. His father, Tatsumi and his family were having dinner inside.

There was a five meter high and one meter wide boundary wall surrounding the clan grounds. And she was sitting on the boundary's top indulging in the thoughts of her feelings about Tatsumi.

One hour has already been passed; she was still sitting there hugging her knees in cold climate. On Times like these you can see her with emotions of a girl of her age.

She sensed someone came and sat beside her. She turned her head and saw that the person was Tatsumi's mother Suufy.

''What are you doing here in cold my dear'' Suufy asked with a smile adorning her pale face.

Esdeath didn't have a mother so whenever Suufy behaved like that she felt a foreign feeling of having a mother come to surface. But Suufy always treated her like a daughter. And Esdeath just let herself indulged in these amazing feeling of having a mother.

''Nothing just thinking'' Esdeath replied with a smile of her own.

''Hmmm...Well you know it's not good for a girl of your age to think so hard. It's bad for your health'' Suufy said in a motherly tone that just make Esdeath emotionally more vulnerable to the woman?

''No one ever told me that thinking hard could be harmful'' Esdeath said a little unsure of the fact.

''My dear Esdy, not only thinking hard but thinking hard for a long time is harmful to kids of your age'' Suufy said in same loving tone.

Esdeath blushed on being called Esdy. It was the nickname Tatsumi had given her and in return she gave him his nickname Sumi. So his mother also picked the nickname Esdy.

''So leave the thinking on us elders and tell me what were you thinking'' Suufy asked in her same soft voice which she always used with Tatsumi.

Esdeath blushed again but she never hesitated for anything. So she told Suufy her problem.

''I... I...Was thinking...of t...Tatsumi'' Esdeath said but she stuttered first time in her life.

Suufy raised an eyebrow in confusion but she wasn't totally unaware of Tatsumi and Esdeath's friendship but she felt it better to let Esdeath explain.

''Tatsumi, and what were you thinking about Tatsumi'' Suufy asked with a smile.

Esdeath blushed again and tried to hide his face in her soft fur jacket. ''I...don't know what I should do'' Esdeath said her voice muffled in the thick woolen scarf she was wearing.

''About what'' Suufy inquired again but she didn't get any response.

Suufy wrapped her arm around Esdeath's shoulder and pulled her, shoulder to shoulder. Esdeath stiffened for a second but then relaxed and wrapped her arms around Suufy's waist.

''Esdeath, you know, Tatsumi is my son and I love him unconditionally. And you are like a daughter to me, I don't know what you think of me but as I want to see Tatsumi happy, I would also like to see you happy as well. Even if you are not my daughter...you are my daughter from now on'' Suufy said as much softly as she could say.

Esdeath felt something wet on her cheeks. She tried to wipe it but it came again. What was it? Was she crying...no that's impossible she never cried before? But why did now. Was it because of this warm feeling she felt when this woman called her, her daughter? Was it because this love and caring aura this woman was emitting.

Esdeath tightened her hold more and buried her head in her 'mother's chest and the feeling she was holding back for ten years just came out in once in form of unwanted tears. The feelings she had seen on girls' faces of her tribe when their mother embraced their daughters.

But she always ignored those feeling in cover of her power. She always believed that these feelings just made a human weak. But she was feeling so weak herself against this woman's motherly aura. Why was she unable to resist it?

''Wh...Why can't I r..res...resist this f..feeling. Why I am feeling like melting in this embrace. Why am I feeling so warm when snow is falling on us so hard? Why am I feeling like...safe while I don't fear to anyone? Why?

Esdeath calmed down after several minutes. Suufy just tightened her hold on Esdeath.

''This feeling, I am emitting and you are feeling is the most powerful feeling in the world. Even gods are helpless against this feeling. The most harshest and cruel human are nothing against these feeling.

Esdeath even if your creed is 'strong survives and weak dies', then don't ever forget that these strong people are born from the weak. Its strong's duty to protect weak because if we have someone or something to protect then no one can stop you from attaining the peak of the strongest. And Esdeath whatever you do, don't ever forget this feeling and even if you don't like it, at least respect these feelings'' Suufy said to Esdeath pouring her motherly feelings.

Esdeath loose the hug a little and looked at Suufy and nodded in understanding. Then after staring at her face for several second Esdeath looked down again and asked '' C...can I c...ca...Call you…'' Esdeath asked hesitating.

Suufy understood from her motherly instinct what Esdeath meant. She nodded with a smile and '' yeah you can call me but not with tears, with a smile on my daughter's beautiful face'' Suufy said wiping the tears on Esdeath's face with her index finger.

Esdeath nodded and smiled and tried to say what she wanted to say for so long, ''M...mo...mom''.

Suufy hugged Esdeath again tightly and said ''Yes, my daughter, Esdy''.

''Mom...mom...mom...mom...'' Esdeath just couldn't hold it in herself and cried the word in Suufy's breasts again and again.

They stayed like that for several minutes and Esdeath felt content in her mother's arms.

They didn't notice but two male figures were watching the whole scene with their eyes and they could listen them too.

These were acdease and Jims. Acdease had some tears in his eyes and Jims was trying to comfort him.

''I n..never even imagined that Esdeath needed a mother's love so much. I always thought that she doesn't care about these kinds of things and I often felt worry for my daughter that would she ever fell love or not. I...am really thankful of you and Suufy'' acdease said.

Jims put a hand on Acdeas's shoulder and said ''well she has a mother now and you don't need to say thanks for this. It's our duty as your friend. So don't worry and lets listen what your daughter's thoughts are about Tatsumi. Acdeas nodded and they both listened.

Esdeath was sitting in Suufy's lap. Her head was resting on her breasts. Suufy was drawing small circles on Esdeath's back to calm her down. After several minutes Esdeath calmed down then Suufy asked ''So now… what were you thinking about my Tatsumi, dear Esdy. Won't you tell me now'' Suufy asked her chin resting on Esdeath's head.

Esdeath nodded and started to tell Suufy everything she felt for Tatsumi.

''I...I don't know, this is first time I have ever felt like this. I had gotten several marriage and dating proposals but these things never mattered to me. I rejected every one of the proposals. But when I first saw Tatsumi, I don't know what happened. My body suddenly felt warm, my heart beat became fast and now every time when I see him the same things happen every time I see Tatsumi. I know he is weak but then why I always feel like a weird sensation in my stomach, I feel like my mind goes into frenzy. When Tatsumi is in front of me I don't see anything but Tatsumi. I feel like I want to protect him from the world. I want to hold him, I want to treasure him, I...I just want to possess him so he could only think of me. And whenever we spar I just can't hold myself from seeing the potential he has for becoming a strong man. And when he calls me Esdy, I feel like just eat him...ah...Sorry that came out wrong. I didn't mean it like that. I want to tease him. I just want to have him in my arms forever. I...I think I am going crazy.

I am going crazy, right'' Esdeath stopped her ranting about Tatsumi and looked at Suufy.

Suufy just couldn't believe her ears; this girl was so madly in love with her little Tatsumi. She giggled when Esdeath said that she wants to eat him and then apologized. Really... She was looking so cute at the moment that Suufy couldn't hold herself saying next words '' Esdeath, You are looking so cute, now I want to eat you''.

''Eh...'' Esdeath was baffled for a second and then said.

''M...mom, just tell me what's wrong with me'' Esdeath said with a pouting and red face.

Jims and Acdease were also baffled from Esdeath's rant and chuckled after hearing Suufy.

Suufy then said ''My dear daughter Esdy, you are in love with Tatsumi...madly''.

Esdeath's eyes widened.

''L…Love, but I didn't love anyone and how can I fall in love with Tatsumi without knowing myself'' Esdeath wondered loudly.

Suufy chuckled and said ''Esdy, I will ask you some questions and answer them honestly''.

Esdeath nodded.

''Do you want to see Tatsumi when he isn't with you'' Suufy said.

''Yes'' Esdeath said,

''Do you always worry about you when he isn't around you''.

''Yes''

And my third question's answer you have already given that you want to protect him from the world. Well...there are questions but you have already answered them'' Suufy said.

'' Then'' Esdeath asked.

''Well my dear, love is not something you do, it just happens. No one has any control on it. And if someone denies it then they only fool themselves.

Two things affection and care sneaks in your heart and make home there then slowly-slowly they convert into love for the person you care and have affection.

This feeling you have for Tatsumi is as stronger as the earlier emotions you were feeling when you called me mom. One for your family and other for your lover, these two feeling are the powers, even gods fears them. So you love Tatsumi'' Suufy said finishing.

Esdeath was silent for several seconds then suddenly said ''I love Tatsumi...I love Tatsumi'' she said a little louder and happier tone. She stood up and as she was about to go Suufy stopped her.

''Where are you going'' suufy asked.

''I am going to tell Tatsumi, I can't wait to tell him'' Esdeath said ecstatically.

''Esdy, Tatsumi is sleeping, and if you wake him up he still would be in a daze and sleepy. And when you will confess to him he won't be able to grasp it completely and if he said something unintentionally then you will feel bad. So wait till morning. We are going to stay umm...Three more days, so you can tell him with full preparation'' Suufy said to Esdeath.

Esdeath pondered on it a little and nodded.

''And you will have all the time to do...things like...hugging...cuddling...kissing and...'' suffy was stopped by a hand to her mouth.

Esdeath was getting redder and redder with each words and finally she put a hand to Suufy's mouth.

''Moooomm'' Esdeath whined.

''You are looking so cute I wanna-'' Suufy tried to say but Esdeath cut her.

''Not...happening, you are not going to eat me...'' Esdeath smirked and finished ''I am going to eat you'' saying that Esdeath pounced on Suufy and buried her face in her breasts. They fell to the ground and looked at each other and started to laugh loudly.

Acdease couldn't hold himself any longer, he jumped to the boundary and as he landed there Esdeath stood up in alarm and took a fight stance but when she looked at the person she relaxed and said ''father what you are doing here'' Esdeath asked to acdease.

Acdease just hugged his daughter and said in a cracking voice''Sorry Esdeath, I didn't realize that you needed a mother's affection too beside a fathers'''.

Esdeath just smiled warmly and patted her father's back and said, ''Dont worry dad even if i needed a mother, you were there for me, doing everything to make me happy and i am really greatful for that''.

Acdease's eyes welled up hearing his daughter's words. ''I didn't know you have grown up'' Acdease said hugging his daughter tighter.

Suufy and Jims smiled seeing father and daughter.

''Well we should go in, the storm is getting worse'' Jims said and everyone nodded.

Jims and his wife Suufy and his son Tatsumi were sleeping in one room and Acdease and Esdeath was sleeping in their own separate rooms. It was almost midnight and the weather was on its worst state.

Next day, everyone was sitting on the table having breakfast. Esdeath was happier than ever and the happiness could be seen clearly on her face. Tatsumi wondered what happened to her. He also noticed that everyone was smiling and he felt a little creepy feeling.

''So Esdeath how was your sleep'' Suufy asked with her cheerful expression.

Esdeath looked at her, ''The best sleep I ever got'' she replied mirroring Suufy's expressions.

The foreboding feeling in Tatsumi's heart was getting stronger now. His mother asked Esdeadth but not him. It never happened before.

Suufy noticed it, ''And what about you Tatsumi'' she asked him.

''Good'' He simply said.

''What about you mom'' Esdeath asked Suufy.

''Oh, I slept well dear'' Suufy replied.

''Mom' Esdeath called my mom...'mom'' Tatsumi thought.

'No this wasn't good, if she becomes my mother's daughter then...then we would be siblings and my love for her...will be pointless' he thought with a grimace and stood up and went out. Everyone wondered what his problem was, but Suufy somewhat understood his problem but not the real problem.

Suufy stood up, ''Don't worry let me handle him''. Everyone nodded and she went out.

Tatsumi was sitting at a boulder lying to the side of the house. Despite the worse weather at night it was clear and nice in the morning just a little chilly with sunlight. Sunlight was peeking from the clouds and giving a shining appearance to the green grass spreading throughout the earth.

Tatsumi felt someone wrapped their arms around him and he could never mistake the warmth he felt from it. But he didn't say anything.

His mom rubbed her cheek to him affectionately. ''Aw...my little Tatsumi is mad at me'' she cooed in his ear.

Tatsumi stood up, ''Mom why was Esdeath calling you m...mom'' he asked with a cracking voice and a pouting face.

His mom stifled a giggle, ''And what's the problem in Esdeath calling me mom'' She asked.

''Mom if...if she calls you 'mom' then...then we would be like siblings and...and I d...don't want that because I love her'' he said with a cracking and stuttering and as the last words came out of his mouth he covered his mouth with both of his hands. His eyes were wide and he turned to the side so that his mom couldn't see his face.

This time his mom chuckled. She came closer to him and looked in his eyes, "so my little Tatsumi loves Esdeath, huh" she said amusedly.

''Tatsumi, tell me if Esdeath becomes my daughter-in-law then what would she call me'' Suufy asked her son.

Tatsumi put a finger under his chin, ''If she becomes your daughter-in-law then she will call you ...'' he looked at his mother wide eyes ''Mom, she will call you mom'' he said finishing his earlier sentence and now a bright and cheerful expression appeared on his face.

He hugged his mother wrapping his arms around her neck. ''I was worrying for nothing'' he said.

Unknown to mother-son duo, Esdeath was listening their conversation from a distance and hearing them she couldn't stop her face glowing with the smile.

It was the evening time that day, Jims and Acdease and some of Acdease's tribe members were going on a hunt. So Esdeath, Tatsumi and Suufy were alone at the home.

It was seven PM. After having dinner Tatsumi, Esdeath and Suufy were sitting near the little fire in the house.

''Mom your food was delicious'' Esdeath said.

''Oh, really, thank you'' Suufy said and looked at Tatsumi who was checking his sword, ''What about you Tatsumi dear'' she asked to Tatsumi.

''It was delicious as Esdy said'' Tatsumi replied smiling.

After fifteen minutes Suufy noticed that Esdeath and Tatsumi wanted to talk to each other but hesitating because of her. So she stood up and said ''Okay, you guys chat, I am retiring for the night'' she said winking to both of them which made them blush.

Now they were left alone. Esdeath stood up and went to sit closer to Tatsumi. She sat near him and hugged his arm and put the side of her head to his shoulder and closed her eyes.

Tatsumi also smiled and put his head above her's.

''Tatsumi, I love you'' she said abruptly which shocked Tatsumi to the core and his body stiffened. Esdeath noticed it and separated themselves and looked at him, ''What happened, don't you feel the same'' she asked a little down from his reaction.

''N...No it's not like that. I love you too but why do you love me'' He asked to her after all he was weak comparing to her.

''What do you mean'' she asked.

''I mean I am weak, comparing to me and according to your creed you shouldn't love me weak'' He told her.

She sighed, ''Tatsumi, you are right you are weak but I don't see the weak you, I see the Tatsumi who has much more potential than anyone else. And even if you are weak, I want to protect you, you I feel worried whenever you are away from me. And if you are weak then I will make you stronger.

Though you are with you parents but still I can't help it. I feel lonely and ...bored when you are not beside me and whenever you are beside me my heart beats so fast that it feels like it want to burst out of my chest and want to go to you.

First when I came to know that weird things were happening to me whenever you are around me, I felt worried...worried that something is happening to me. And I was so frustrated that it was effecting my daily life and Yesterday I talked to your mother and you know what she said'' Esdeath said and asked him.

''What'' he asked surprised that his mother talked to her about it.

''She said that the symptoms I have, shows clearly that I love you and when I said that I never loved anyone, she said; you don't love anyone, it just happens. It sneaks in our hearts in disguise of care and friendship to each other then slowly-slowly these feelings of care and friendship becomes so deep that it comes to its original form called love. So I...I don't know how it happened, it just happened and I guess I can ignore our rule once for you if it bothers you that much'' Esdeath said. She also didn't want to believe it initially but talking to Suufy gave her courage to accept these feelings.

Tatsumi couldn't help himself and hugged her tightly and she too returned the hug. ''I love you Esdeath'' Tatsumi said with pinkish cheeks.

And hearing it from his mouth made Esdeath blush and she buried her nose in his hairs inhaling his scent. She sighed in contentment. She could stay like that forever. Then her smile lessened, ''You will go back to your own village day after tomorrow, what will I do then'' She said with sadness of separation.

''Don't worry I will come soon'' he said to sooth her because he knew how crazy she was. And what she could do if her mind went south.

''You will have to, if you didn't come to me soon then I will go and drag you here to stay with me forever tied by a rope'' she said in her soft but laced with a threat voice.

''Y...yeah I will come, don't worry'' He said immediately before she could decide anything.

They stayed in the hug for some minutes and after a while fell asleep like that.

Suufy was listening them and she smiled cheerfully. She came to them and covered them with a warm duvet and went to wait for her husband and friend to return from hunt.

Tatsumi woke up feeling good. He noticed that he was in a cage of someone's arms. He also noticed that they were covered by a duvet. He looked at the person beside him who was sleeping like never before.

He tried to wake her up, ''Esdeath'', ''Hmm...'' She voiced with a smile on her face but didn't wake up. He sighed and again tried to wake her up but no response.

He then decided to wake himself up and go out and as he was about to leave Esdeath caught his wrist and yanked him in the covers and caged him in her arms again. He sighed and gave up.

''Lets sleep some more'' Esdeath mumbled in his sleep.

After 5minutes he got an idea and smirked. This will work definitely.

''Hey Esdeath'' Tatsumi called.

''What'' Esdeath said which showed that she was awake?

''Let's go on a date'' Tatsumi said and as the words came out of his mouth Esdeath's eyes flew open.

''Did I heard right'' Esdeath asked to confirm what he just said.

''Yeah'' He said.

Esdeath immediately stood up, '' I am going to get ready'' she said and went to get ready.

''Wow, so fast, I will have to think many ways similar to that'' he said and also got up.

''Okay, so where should we go'' Tatsumi asked.

''Hmm...Okay there's a place I would like to show you'' Esdeath said and they both walked to the exit of the tribe walls.

After coming some meters away from the tribe walls they reached to a cliff which has a single cherry blossom tree which could be seen from the tribe walls.

They reached the cliff. The tree has pink petals and some leaves were on the ground coloring it a mixture of pink and white.

Tatsumi saw this and he was amazed from the sheer beauty of the tree. ''W...wow this is so beautiful'' Tatsumi said and went under the tree, a mixture of happiness and excited expression on his face.

''Isn't it'' Esdeath said smiling.

She grabbed his wrist and took him to the edge of the cliff and the sight again left him wide eyed and speechless. It was because of the sight he saw from the snow covered cliff, large grassy fields and trees which has snow gathered on them and a river flowing between the fields bisecting them. Many different kind of animals quenching their thirst for water from the river.

And the snow which was gathered on the trees was shining in the sunlight.

''Just a few days ago this sight was just a waste of time for me; it held no value for me. I never like this sight before but after I met you, this very sight which was useless for me became the peace of my mind when you were not with me'' She said and looked at Tatsumi and continued, ''This beauty of nature, this unrivaled and heavenly beauty became my friend when you were not with me'' She said it all with a serene expression mixed with a small smile.

''Then I should be thankful of this beauty to provide you company in my absence'' Tatsumi said with a smile.

Esdeath chuckled and put her arms around his neck, though she was longer than him.

''When you are with me I feel complete'' Esdeath said and touched his forehead to her.

''You know how old this tree is'' Esdeath asked.

''No'' he said.

She took him under the tree again, ''This tree is several hundred years old, my father told me, it always stays like this in every season, it never wavers'' She told him.

"Its age is really unbelievable'' He said.

''I actually started to come here when I met you. Dad told me it's a valuable tree for our tribe and our ancestors are buried under this tree'' she said.

''Wow, I feel honored to visit here'' Tatsumi said with a smile. Esdeath chuckled.

''Well let's eat'' she said and they ate their food.

After having their food Esdeath thought to play something.

''Hey Tatsumi lets play snow ball fight'' Esdeath said and before Tatsumi could understand a large snow ball hit him on the face. He fell backward and his head buried in the ground.

He freed his head from the ground and glared at Esdeath and another ball hit him on the chest. He fell back again. Annoyed from her he got up immediately and gathering the snow made a snow ball and threw it on Esdeath who dodged it. He threw another, she dodged again.

Esdeath chuckled at his frustrated expression. Suddenly Tatsumi stopped throwing snowballs and looked behind Esdeath, ''Mom'' he said and surprise Esdeath turned to see his mom but there was no one then a snow ball hit her in the head and she stumbled several feet forward.

Tatsumi laughed at her hard and suddenly he stopped laughing when he noticed Esdeath running towards him with a huge snowball, ''Oh no no no...'' He muttered and before he could run Esdeath threw the ball on Tatsumi and he buried down in the snow, only head was out. Esdeath came near his head and sat down near his head.

''Dirty tricks, Tatsumi. I didn't know you have become so clever'' she said poking his cheek with her index finger.

''You need to be punished for playing dirty and this is your punishment'' she said and stood up and started to walk away.

''H...Hey Esdeath, don't leave me here alone'' he yelled in desperation and tried to free himself but failed. He threw a glare at Esdeath.

''Well, I am not leaving you, so don't worry about that'' she said and several feet distance away from his head sat down on one knee and gathered some snow and made a ...head, Tatsumi noticed.

''What are you doing'' He asked.

She grinned at him, '' I am making your head...I mean your face'' she said cheerfully. He sweat dropped.

''You know I have many paintings of you at home. When you are not with me I often draw your face'' she said with a smile, ''I will show you when we get back home'' she said.

Tatsumi sweat dropped again, ''I am not interested in seeing my face in your drawing, I already know how your drawing is'' he muttered. ''Huh, did you say something Tatsumi'' she asked like she didn't know anything.

''Nothing'' he said.

''Just wait few more minutes and it will be complete'' she said and concentrated on making his head.

After one minute a shiver ran through his body, ''Esdeath, I am freezing now'' he said, ''Wait a minute'' Esdeath said not even looking at him.

''Esdeath my body is going numb, get me out from here'' he yelled.

''Just a-'' she got cut, ''Enough, are you freeing me or not'' he yelled frustrated from her ignorance of him.

She sighed and looked at him, he was surely has a pink face. Then a worry washed over her that she overdid it. She went to him and pulled him out from the snow and cleaned his cloths of any snow. His cloths were damp and he was shivering. He sat down and hugged his knees to his chest to stay a little warm.

Esdeath went in to a panic mode and went closer t him. ''Tatsumi, are you okay, I am sorry'' she said but he didn't answer.

''Oh, Tatsumi you are freezing'' she said and Tatsumi mentally cursed her for not listening him earlier.

''Tatsumi remove your cloths, these are wet'' she said but he didn't do anything.

She herself removed his shirt and pants and put them to the side to get dry in sun light.

She covered his body in her warm furry coat and hugged him to her body tightly to give him the needed warmth. After half hour Tatsumi stopped shivering, ''You will kill me someday, you know'' he said and he knew what was going to happen now.

Esdeath's eyes welled up, ''I...I am sorry, please forgive me'' she said and a tear trickled down her cheek.

He knew it will happen, ''Only if you promise me something'' he said.

''Anything'' she replied.

''Okay, promise me that you won't do something like this again'' he said,

''I promise'' she said immediately.

''Okay then I forgive you'' He said and kissed her on the cheek and Esdeath hugged him tighter...tighter.

''Ugh...Esdeath you are suffocating me'' he croaked out.

''S...sorry'' she said again and loose her hold a little.

They sat there like that for all the time reminiscing on the events which happened after they met.

''Tatsumi, you remember the time when I wanted to check my new move on you and you hide behind your mother's legs. Hehehe…, how funny it was and when you peaked out from behind mom's legs you were looking so cute that I fell in love with you more at that time'' she said smiling.

''Sh...Shut up, I wasn't hiding behind her, she came in front of me suddenly'' he replied embrassingly.

''Whatever, but I also remember the time when I was hurt and you took care of me for three day straight. I was sure at that time that I love you, just didn't want to admit it'' She said.

''Yeah, you really made me worried at that time, I prayed to god every moment to make to well again'' He said smiling.

''Really'' she asked.

''Don't you believe me'' he said.

''No, I believe you'' she said and cupped her cheek, ''I believe you more than myself'' she said, ''And I believe in you more than myself too'' he said.

Their faces started to lean closer, ''I have started to feel like you are my second half, I can't live without you'' Esdeath said. They could feel each other's breath on their lips.

''I love you, Esdeath'' Tatsumi said, ''And I love you too Tatsumi, I will love you for all eternity'' she said and their lips touched for their first kiss. They closed their eyes and felt the moment. Esdeath embraced him tighter and Tatsumi also hugged her tighter.

Their lips kept touching; both can feel their emotions and love for each other from the kiss. Then after one minute they broke apart and panted a little.

''It was my first kiss'' Tatsumi said.

''Mine too and I want you to take my everything first'' she said and leaned again for another kiss but Tatsumi stopped her.

''Esdeath, aren't we much younger for that we should wait till we get young, okay'' he said and Esdeath pouted. Tatsumi chuckled, ''You know you look cutest when you pout like that'' Tatsumi said pecking her on the cheek. She smiled and kissed him again on the lips.

''Well we should return its past afternoon and I think your cloths are dry too'' Esdeath suggested and Tatsumi nodded.

''And I am sorry for that'' Esdeath said looking down again.

Tatsumi wore his cloths and came close to her and pecked her on the lips, ''I have forgiven you already so don't worry about that'' he said and she hugged him to her breasts which was already b-cups.

They made their way back to the tribe holding hands.

Esdeath looked at the sky, 'I am happy, this love is weird but I am happy more than ever so I will accept it with open arms' she thought and continued their path back to tribe.

They entered the tribe boundary and went to her home straight. They entered her home.

''Okay I am going to change my cloths'' Tatsumi said.

''I am going to talk to father'' she said and Tatsumi went to change their cloths and Esdeath went to her father.

Tatsumi went in the room he was staying with his parents. His mother was there.

''Oh you returned, how was your date'' Suufy asked with a cheerful look on her face.

Tatasumi became red, ''M...Mom, what are you talking about'' he said trying to evade the topic. Suufy chuckled, ''What, I am your mother you know. I know everything my baby is doing'' she said.

Tatsumi took out a White shirt and dressed. His mom came from behind and wrapped her arms around him. Tatsumi sighed, ''It was good mom. At one point Esdeath would have ruined it because of how she is but it all went well'' he said turning to face her.

''I am happy for you'' she said smiling.

''I am too'' he said and wrapped his arms around her.

''But we are going back tomorrow morning'' he said in a muffling voice due to his face buried in her neck.

Suufy put a hand on Tatsumi's head and caressed his hairs, ''Dont worry we will come again soon for visit'' Suufy said enveloping her son to her warm embrace.

''Hey father I am back from my date with Tatsumi'' Esdeath said cheerfully.

Acdease smiled and gave a hug to his daughter and continued his work of sharpening his tools.

''How was it'' He asked.

''It was awesome'' she said cheerfully.

His father chuckled. He knew Tatsumi was weak at the moment but he also knew that as he will grow up he will be stronger like his father. That's why he didn't have any problem with Esdeath and Tatsumi going out.

''But they are going back tomorrow'' she said with a sad expression on her face.

Acdease stopped his work and came to his daughter's side and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

''Esdeath, don't worry they will come again soon.'' Acdeace said to comfort his daughter.

''But I get restless when I don't see him. How would I live till then'' she said in a downed voice.

Acdease smiled and squeezed her shoulder, ''You know Esdeath when your mother fell ill, I got worried and as time passed her condition got worse. One day she called me closer to her and held my hand in her hands and said, ''Honey, I am sorry but you will have to raise Esdeath alone''.

''I said, no what are you saying, you can't go. Our daughter needs her mother and I need you more than anything Tears welled up in my eyes, I said how I would live without you. I can't live without you'' Acdease remembered every word his wife said and he told Esdeath every word exactely.

''And you know what she said'' Acdease asked and Esdeath said ''What''.

''She said, Honey I love you and I can't express how sorrowful I am feeling right now for leaving you both alone but remember that wherever I will be after life, I always will be watching over you. I will always be missing you. I live in your heart and will always live there, so only my body is going away, m...m...my love I...is always with y...you'' Acdease has tears streaming down his face when he finished. Esdeath hugged his father. After he calmed down he said, ''So don't worry if Tatsumi is going away for now he will return to you and his love will always be with you, he will always be in your heart''.

Esdeath then asked, ''Father was mother weak, so she died''. It surprised Acdease. He sighed and broke the hug to look at Esdeath.

''Esdeath, our creed is 'Weak dies and strong survives'. But what is strong. Tell me Esdeath who is stronger, a person who can break mountains but afraid of getting hurt or a person who can't break the mountain but he doesn't care of getting hurt in trying to break it'' He asked.

Esdeath thought for a minute then said, ''The one who can't break the mountain but still tries it''.

Acdease smiled, ''Then tell me would you call your mother weak who loved us deeply and even after knowing that she can't defeat the illness she fought with her illness to get better so that she could stay with us longer'' Acdease asked.

Esdeath again thought for a minute then closed her eyes, ''No, I wouldn't call her weak'' she said opening her eyes.

Acdease also smiled from her answer and hugged her again. They both sighed.

''Don't worry, he will return again to you'' Acdease said and Esdeath nodded.

In the night when everyone was sleeping, Esdeath got out of her bed and went to Tatsumi's room and slid under the covers and hugged him burying his face in her breasts. She sighed contently and slept.

In the morning when Jims and Suufy woke up they saw Tatsumi and Esdeath cuddling under the covers and decided to let them stay in the bed and they went out to prepare for their departure.

Tatsumi woke up 5 minutes after his parents and tried to stretch his hands upward but found himself in the confines of sleeping beauty with blue head.

He sighed, he could tell what would have happened so didn't ask Esdeath but tried to wake her up.

''Esdeath'' he said and Esdeath just purred in her sleep. She looked cute at that moment, pouting in her sleep.

He leaned to kiss her cheek but Esdeath turned her head and caught his lips in a deep kiss.

Though, they were only seven and ten. Esdeath wanted more before they separate again. She pushed her tongue in Tatsumi's mouth and licked all of his mouth's insides and sucked on his tongue.

Tatsumi's eyes widened, this was a different sensation than simple kiss and he liked it so he also inserted his tongue in her mouth and sucked and licked her tongue and mouth's insides.

After one minute of sucking and licking they broke the kiss.

''I wanted to do this before you leave'' she said blushing, Tatsumi was blushing as well.

He smiled and hugged her tightly. ''Don't worry I will return as soon as I can'' he said and they both came out of the room.

Tataumi's family was ready to leave to their own village. They were at the tribe gates.

Acdease and Jims shake hands and exchange hugs. Suufy and Esdeath also hugged each other.

Esdeath looked at Tatsumi, ''Just one thing to say, come back soon or else I will come there'' she said and Tatsumi nodded.

''See you again my friend'' Jims said and turned to leave but as he walked two steps they heard a large explosion. Jims and his family turned back and watched that the houses were on fire and some of them were down to smithereens from the explosion.

Everyone has wide eyed, Esdeath, Acdease, Tatsumi, Jims and his wife Suufy.

''What the...hell'' They all thought.

A/N: Well how is it? Tell me in your reviews.

Chapter 2: Separation