A/N: I wanted to get something posted, and this just kinda... popped out, so enjoy! Just a little prologue from the time when Chihiro was a teenager and mistreated by her parents.
This is hopeless. . . . How am I ever going to get out? See him again? It's your fault you're in this mess, I told myself. If it wasn't for you blabbing, none of this would've happened. I was ten! How was I supposed to know any better?
The only consolation was that solitary confinement meant I didn't have to deal with anyone else. So I was free to dream as much as I liked. . . .
"Haku!" I cried, running forward and throwing myself into his arms.
"Chihiro!" Haku hugged me tightly.
"Why haven't you come yet?" I asked, looking up at him. He looked different. His green hair and deep green eyes remained the same, but he'd matured. He was my age.
Pain flitted across his face before smoothing out. "I've been trying," he said quietly. "But they won't let me."
"Why not?"
"I don't know."
"You're older than I remember," I observed.
Haku smiled and explained, "That's because I want to grow up with you. That way, when we see each other again, you won't be so much older than me. Besides, I want to be taller than you."
I laughed. "You're always gonna be taller than me, huh?"
"Always." Then seriously, "I'll come back for you. I promise. I wouldn't leave you in there."
"I know you wouldn't," I said with complete faith.
"I love you, Chihiro," Haku whispered.
"I love you, Haku," I told him softly.
He kissed my forehead gently, then his image melted away on an imaginary wind.
"I'll see you soon. . . ," his voice breathed.
When I woke up, I knew nothing but that a smile was on my lips, and I felt lighter than before.
Far away, bloody and wrapped in chains, Haku smiled. "Don't worry, Chihiro," he rasped. "I may be stopped now, but nothing will ever get in the way of us." He didn't know what the dream was, either, but that it left more strength in his limbs.
A/N: And you better bloody review, otherwise I will... do something to Haku! And actually make him bleed instead of pour ketchup on him like in the movies! Please review? I'll love you forever and ever and ever!