Author's Note: Thank you for your words of encouragement! Sorry that the second one shot has taken so long, my summer course for college just ended. Now this one shot has a good deal of manga Kakusei Loki…he wasn't as collected in the manga as he is in the anime.

NNN

One Shot: Kiss You in the Pouring Rain

The day had started out alright, the sun was shining and Yamino had a grand idea on how to get Loki-sama and his pink haired mortal companion out of the mansion for the day so he could get the spring cleaning done. Now not to say that he didn't enjoy their company, but he had to admit that it was hard to clean with the two sitting as permanent fixtures in the office.

"Loki-sama, Mayura-san," announced the cheerful butler opening the door of the office.

His father occupied a seat next to the girl, both looking intently at a piece of newspaper on the coffee table. Mayura had a crease in her brow and tapped her chin with a pencil. Kakusei Loki had a serious expression.

"Yamino-kun, what's a four letter word for someone that doesn't know when to leave?"

Yamino sighed, they had been reduced to the Sunday crossword puzzle, and how fitting that the answer or answers were currently occupying the sofa.

"That would be pest, Loki-sama." Stated the butler, pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose.

He let out another sigh, watching as his father and the mortal made gestures indicating "Of course!"

Yamino cleared his throat, it was then that he needed to make his move and put his plan into action.

"Loki-sama, Mayura-san, you should go here today," he eagerly advised, pulling out a brochure of a scenic trail and handing it to his father.

Loki took the brochure and opened it as Mayura leaned closer to look.

"Look at the beautiful flowers, Mayura-san," Yamino wasn't wasting any time…one thing he knew for sure, both his father and the mortal had short attention spans. "Wouldn't it be nice to have lunch in such a beautiful place?"

"Hai, it does look—

"And Loki-sama," Yamino quickly interjected, "could enjoy the view of the city from the top of the mountain," he informed with much enthusiasm.

"Hmmm…" pondered the matantei thoughtfully.

And to seal the deal…

"And rumor has it that hikers hear a mysterious woman who died on the mountain and some of them—

He needn't continue, even if he had been allowed to, because the mortal had stars in her eyes. The fushigi mystery illness was back and its symptoms were evident.

"Loki-kun, can we go? There's a fushigi mystery!"

Yamino had banked that his father wouldn't be able to deny a maiden's request.

"Hai, let's go, Mayura."

Praise the gods! They were finally leaving! Neither found it odd that Yamino had prepared two backpacks with lunch, water bottles and a first aid kit, (this was Mayura after all). Yamino waved, his dust cloth already in hand, "Take your time! Enjoy your day!"

NNN

It was unusually warm for a spring day. Loki wore a white buttoned shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and black pants, (considerably casual, given his normal attire). Mayura wore a tan skort, a pink top and sneakers…good fortune for Yamino that she was prepared for a hike.

Loki stood at the beginning of the trail looking at a map. "The trail is six miles and the picnic area is two miles from here."

He turned to find a vacant spot next to him, checking all possible directions before finding a bobbing pink pony tail already a good distance ahead. The fushigi mystery had taken a lead over his popularity with the mortal. He'd be sure to tease her later to get even.

NNN

Meanwhile, back at the mansion…

The one man wrecking—er—cleaning crew that is, was in full blast. He could be found happily whistling as he dusted the chandelier.

"Where's daddy?"

Yamino looked down from his ladder to find his Nii-san looking upward with a grumpy expression. "Loki-sama and Mayura-san are out on a hike."

"But it's going to rain," commented Fenrir, "And daddy hates rain."

"No Nii-san, the weather man stated that it was going to be perfectly sunny skies today."

Fenrir took a deep breath and sniffed the air, "If you want to wager a bet on that, I'll take it."

Yamino pondered this information with a thoughtful expression as he absently moved his dusting cloth over the chandelier. The faint sound of "puuuunnnnnyyyyyaaaannnn" went unnoticed as he failed to realize that his "cloth" was actually Ecchan.

NNN

Loki tried to act as though he didn't notice the girls as they came down the trail with their boyfriends. He tried to avoid eye contact all together, but a few he did need to speak to for they had fainted on the trail, and it would be rude not to excuse yourself as you step over someone. He really tried to ignore their boyfriends, who after being baffled by the swoons, launched some pretty good death glares his way. Oh what he had to do in the name of one Daidouji Mayura. He'd catch her up at the picnic area, that is, if she didn't forget food in the pursuit of a mystery.

NNN

Yamino sighed, hearing a great deal of pots and pans, his Nii-san's barking and an angry love goddess come tumbling down the stairs. Thankfully they had skidded to a stop before knocking Yamino off of the ladder. He could only imagine the added chaos had his father and Mayura been there.

NNN

Thankfully Mayura had remembered food! Somehow she had even managed to sit still long enough to enjoy it too. Now the mortal could be observant and it looked to her that perhaps Loki wasn't used to hiking, (not to say that she was an expert, however, tracking fushigi mysteries takes a good deal of walking). Finding a good spot wasn't very difficult, after all, Loki had managed to make every girl within a mile radius swoon and have to be carried back down the trail. They now had the entire picnic area to themselves…Mayura figured a little rest wouldn't hurt.

Loki, being a kami of mischief decided to take full advantage of this rest. Mayura wasn't given the opportunity to stand and run off on him again, not with his head currently occupying her lap, and his hand idly playing with the ends of her pony tail as they draped over her shoulder. Crimson met emerald orbs, a gentle breeze blew through the field, the wildflowers swaying in the process. The mortal smiled down at the kami, pushing back his bangs in the process and tapping his head playfully.

"Poor Loki-kun is all tired out."

"Hai, you have tired me out, Mayura. It's only fair that you let me rest my head in your lap for a while."

Her voice held a suspicious tone when she asked, "You won't quit until we reach the top, right Loki-kun?"

He watched as she arched an eyebrow with her inquiry. It would be fun to tease her, but no, he wouldn't deny her request. He might delay her a little more though to watch her cheeks puff out and enjoy as she tried to push him off her lap, but no…he wouldn't deny her…

NNN

Six miles in the sunshine is pretty nice…but when the sunshine suddenly disappeared behind a cloud, and then another, and then the sky darkened all together, well the outcome wasn't looking pretty good for our couple.

Mayura was feeling pretty disappointed that there hadn't been any fushigi mystery awaiting them at the top of the mountain. Yes the view was pretty nice and yes Loki had kept his promise, but no fushigi mystery is still a disappointment. They had decided to turn and head back down, just in case it might decide to rain…

NNN

Fenrir walked by his brother with a sandwich sticking out of his mouth…

"Mmph-hmpmh-mph…"

"What's that Nii-san?" questioned Yamino, currently washing the dining room walls.

Fenrir motioned toward the window before making his way to the living room. When Yamino turned his eyes widened.

"Oh dear…"

Never trust a weather man!

NNN

Mile six, no problem…cloudy but dry…

Mile five, annoying problem…damp and the dirt starting to get muddy…

Mile four and a half…Yamino didn't pack a poncho or an umbrella!

Loki had grabbed Mayura's hand quickly, as she managed to slide past him on the now slippery slope. His quick reflexes had kept her from falling completely downhill, as she had caught herself with her other hand to stay out of the mud. He pulled his companion to a stand.

"Careful, Mayura," he stated, steadying her and taking in her appearance. Her clothes were starting to get water logged, the ends of her pony tail dripping. He felt uncomfortable in his soggy clothes and the mile sign up ahead indicating four and a half more miles wasn't very reassuring.

"Arigato, Loki-kun," Mayura smiled, trying to keep a positive attitude, she knew how much Loki hated the rain, she shook her other hand and inspected the scrape.

Loki took hold of her hand, holding it palm up in his hand as he carefully brushed away the dirt and mud. Mayura watched his face as he studied her hand before turning it over and bringing the back of her hand to his lips. She blushed as he placed a gentle kiss on her hand and his lips lingered on her skin.

NNN

Fenrir was busy relaxing in the living room, sprawled out on the couch and watching TV. Obviously it is a tough life being a dog…

"You packed them an umbrella right?"

Yamino stopped scrubbing at the sound of his Nii-san's calls from the other room and mumbled a response.

"Well how about a pancho?"

Again Yamino mumbled…

Fenrir laughed, "Ha! Daddy's gonna be unhappy with you!"

As a rule, fire gods don't care much for water.

NNN

Oh how easy it would be to stay up on that mountain with Loki…if it weren't pouring buckets!

The trail was becoming more treacherous as the water built up and started running downhill. The kami of mischief looked miserable, the only saving grace was the mortal's hand in his and her frequent smile to reassure him that it wasn't that bad.

"Gomen, Loki-kun," apologized the pink haired girl. It wasn't like she could have controlled the weather, yet she did feel partially responsible for being still four miles away from civilization.

Loki gave a shrug, he'd weather the storm the best he could, "I wanted to come with Mayura, and at least I finally have you alone."

If she hadn't been so cold and uncomfortable she might have found it in herself to laugh or blush, but the heavy water ridden clothes on her body made it impossible to do either. Instead she squeezed his hand tighter.

NNN

"Yup I bet daddy's thinking about you right now," commented Fenrir, lazily watching television and eating a piece of pie.

Ecchan floated to the window and scowled, "Punyan…Loki-tama and Mayura-chan are going to be wet."

Yamino polished the silver, his head hung low…poor Loki-sama and Mayura-san…

NNN

Mile four was going rather quickly now as the ground had given way and the pair went skidding.

Mayura let out some cries of alarm and the kami managed a few curses, as they frantically worked to keep their hands linked, helping to keep the other upright as the ground moved beneath them. The mortal somehow managed to flail—er—slide to a tree and hang on for dear life, quickly pulling Loki in the process.

She let out a sigh of relief, "Yokatta…"

The kami had never been so thankful for trees, as he watched a great deal of dirt and loose rock go rolling past them. How long had it taken them to get this far? He was a kami, and even he didn't know! He could guarantee that attempting this descent in the dark wasn't going to be an easy feat.

When all seemed lost, his companion brought him back to reality.

"Loki-kun, is that smoke?"

He looked to where the mortal was pointing, and yes, it did appear to be smoke, and if there was smoke in this heavy rain then that meant shelter.

Mayura's mood was revived at the idea of shelter, especially when he confirmed that it was in deed smoke.

"Then what are we waiting for," announced the bubbly pink haired mortal, "Let's go!"

Loki, (although not as exuberant on the outside), didn't need any prompting, he grabbed hold of her hand and headed off the trail with his companion. It was muddy and the grass was tall, but at least it didn't seem to be on a slope, as they followed the sight of the smoke in the distance.

NNN

Loki's seat was unoccupied at the dinner table, leaving Yamino to wonder why he was forced to serve Thor dinner even though his father was stranded on a mountain in the rain.

"C'mon glasses, I'm hungry! Working three jobs has me starving!"

Yamino sighed, he really wanted to protest, but his Nii-san, currently occupying another chair and banging his paws on the table made it clear that he was alone in the "we're not eating without Loki-sama" protest.

"Just because daddy and his girlfriend are starving on a mountain doesn't mean that we have to! Besides, when the rain clears I'll need my strength to track daddy!"

His Nii-san could be so fickle…

NNN

The small shelter that they had been expecting turned out to be much more…

Mayura pushed the tall grass of the field away to reveal an old shrine in the distance. The couple stood, taking in their surroundings and discovered the source of the smoke was coming from the inner chambers of the shrine.

"Let's go pay them a visit. What do you say, Mayura?" questioned Loki, giving her hand a tug in the direction.

"Hai!" replied his companion, eager to get out of the rain, as they ran the distance to the steps of the shrine.

Their chests heaved from their exhaustion and the water soaked clothes on their bodies. Thankfully the steps of the temple were covered. It felt good to be out of the rain for a moment.

They needn't announce themselves as a presence made itself know,

"Good heavens, look at you two!"

Mayura straightened to take in the sight of a little old lady with silver hair in a bun, wearing a light blue kimono—the color matched her eyes.

"Gomen," began Mayura bowing in respect, "We—

"We got caught in the rain," interjected Loki, knowing that Mayura's bouts of respect were often time consuming and hoping to move things along, "We saw the smoke from your fire and were hoping for a place to stay."

The little old biddy took in the sight of the kami and smiled knowingly. "You're quite formal, young man," she politely stated, "of course I wouldn't keep you and this lovely girl outside in the rain."

Mayura lifted her head and smiled, happy to be getting out of the rain, and hopefully soon to be sitting next to a warm fire.

NNN

"More food!"

Yamino couldn't believe these two. Now they were having an eating contest, while Loki-sama and Mayura-san were still missing. It was now dark outside, and he could only imagine the kind of trouble his father and the mortal would attract.

NNN

The little old biddy had been more than hospitable. She had quickly hurried both of them inside and took in their sorry forms with a crinkle of her nose.

"Oh no, this won't do…you'll both be sick by morning," she commented, "Come along dearies, I've got clothing in the back, I'm certain something will fit."

Mayura tried to politely refuse, but it was half-heartedly, after all she was pretty cold. Loki merely followed behind the little old biddy. He didn't mind getting out of soggy clothing.

"Alright, you go down this wing young man. The second door on the left has a bath and there should be towels and clothing in the closet," informed the little old biddy with a smile, "Now, as for you, you come right along with me my dear and we'll get you warmed up too."

"Hai, arigato," replied Mayura, allowing herself to be led in the opposite direction.

NNN

More water, but the steam it created did feel nice to the kami. He took the towel to his hair and sighed, it was quite fortunate that Mayura had spotted the smoke through the woods.

NNN

Mayura was happy to soak in the bath. The warm water felt so good, she couldn't deny it. She wondered how Loki was making it, but at the moment she was content.

"Dearie, I'm going to make something for you and your companion to eat," came the old biddy's voice from the other side of the sliding door.

"Arigato!" happily replied the pink haired girl.

NNN

The kami walked down the hallway, wearing the black kimono that had been provided for him. He recalled wearing something similar in his child form, yet, was currently fixing the sleeves, and looking downward at the pants with some disapproval. His hair was still damp from the bath, and walking a little awkward in the white socks in his unusual attire. He turned the corner to find a fire in the fire place and his pink haired companion.

NNN

Mayura looked up with a smile as a laugh tried to escape, it was unlike Loki to wear Japanese clothing. She was used to seeing him in his suits, yet she had to admit that he looked quite good in this attire too…she wouldn't tell him that because it would just give him something to hold over her. Besides she hadn't come across a mirror after the little old biddy had provided her with a kimono and styled her hair, so she could only imagine what his reaction would be. Yet she didn't realize that she now had something to hold over him.

NNN

Loki stopped in the doorway and took in the sight of his mortal companion. She sat on a cushion in front of the fire place wearing a red kimono with small purple plum blossoms, and gold on the collar and at the ends of her sleeves. Her pink hair had been styled in a ponytail with a gold ribbon in the shape of a large bow. The kami was just collecting his thoughts on the mortal when the little old biddy's voice caught him off guard.

"Yes, I say, now that's one pretty girl you've got there," commented the little old biddy, as the kami gave a jump in response.

He swore he could hear her laughing from having caught him unaware.

"I've made some snacks. Here," she passed him a tray with a teapot, cups and buns on it, "Think you can manage to get them over there without spilling them?" She asked with a wink.

The kami couldn't believe he was being upped by an old mortal biddy. What was Midgard coming to?

He smiled politely, "I think I'll manage."

As he started into the room he thought he heard her snicker, a little old biddy snicker, which could never be good.

NNN

"Nii-san, what happened to you going out to find Loki-sama?" questioned Yamino with a look of disapproval.

The black pup lay on his back, his belly bulging, "Can't…move…"

Ecchan let out a Punyan in support of Yamino, "I'm sure Loki-tama and Mayura-chan are alright."

NNN

Loki currently occupied the cushion next to Mayura, a tea tray in between them, and the warm fire's glow to illuminate the space. Silence didn't suit them, so of course, they were bound to eventually laugh.

Mayura started, "Mou, Loki-kun…you look different."

He pulled at the sleeve awkwardly before rubbing the back of his head in defeat, "It can't be helped," he admitted, before regarding her, "You look different as well Mayu…"

Truth be told, she loved it when he shortened her name out of affection and gave him a warm smile in appreciation. She closed her eyes after feeling him lean in…

Yet what came next wasn't a kiss…

"Plenty of time for that later dearies!" announced the little old biddy, shoving a bun into the kami's mouth, "How are they?"

Mayura's reaction was a mix of confusion, hysterics, and awe. The kami's eyes were rather large, as he sat there munching on a bun, and the little old biddy gave him a thumbs up in approval. Hysteria won out, as the mortal had to turn from her companion to stifle her laughter, her shaking shoulders giving away her reaction.

That's alright, it was a pretty damn good bun in the kami's opinion…it'd have to be since it cost him a kiss from his favorite mortal. Yet, even the infamous playboy couldn't help but smile at the prying little old biddy.

NNN

It was late…Loki-sama and Mayura-san had either found a place to stay or had gotten lost on the mountain. Yamino sighed, his Nii-san was useless, currently sacked out on the couch…and Ecchan, good old Ecchan, had come to rest on his shoulder.

"Loki-tama and Mayura-chan will be back tomorrow, don't worry."

Yamino, admitting defeat, sadly closed the blinds in the living room…

NNN

It was an interesting dinner but it was an amusing one to say the least. It would have been rude not to share a meal with their hostess, and truth be told, the poor biddy was probably quite lonely living on a mountain in the middle of nowhere.

"Oh yes," informed the little old biddy in between bites of rice, "I've lived here my whole life, used to get many visitors to the shrine back in the day."

The kami sipped his tea, "Is there another trail leading to the shrine? If Mayura hadn't seen the smoke from the fire, we would never have known you were here."

"It's a steeper trek and few climb it nowadays, but when you leave tomorrow, if you go right around back of the shrine you'll find a small path," she replied.

"It must be hard to get supplies up this far on the mountain," commented Mayura before taking a bite of her bun.

"My grandson is a big help, he brings supplies once a month," explained the biddy, "But imagine my surprise to have two young visitors like yourselves today. Oh what good fortune. Gives a little old biddy like myself something to talk about; it's not every day that two young lovers come to see me."

Now the kami of mischief had to smirk, "Is that what we are?"

The little old biddy pointed her chops sticks in his direction, "You look at her as though she's some beautiful creature that's captivated your soul, and you," she turned her chopsticks and her attention toward the mortal, "look at him as though your world shines brighter because he's in it."

Both parties blinked at her words. The kami leaned back in silence, his companion looked at the fire for a moment before looking at one another.

"Can't fool an old biddy like me," she confirmed, "I know a good deal about love. I know when it's real, and looking at you two," she added with a foxy grin, "it's real."

Mayura felt like she was under the microscope, the biddy's foxy grin growing,

"So I take it, you're not the problem in this relationship," the biddy commented before turning her attention toward the kami, "Ah ha! You have commitment issues!" she declared, pointing an accusing finger at Loki.

The kami nearly choked on his tea, while his partner nearly fell over backwards in response. This causing the biddy to nod in affirmation, her arms now crossed as she mulled over the situation.

"I'm merely mentioning that you have this beautiful girl and you can't even tell her you love her."

"Uh—

She wasn't going to give him any time to interject, "She'll find another if you're not careful."

There was an obvious silence as the biddy observed their expressions. Mayura's mouth opened in a classic anime moment but nothing came out, and Loki was shell shocked. This little old biddy had entered the unspoken territory of their relationship.

"Now, let this old biddy see your palm dear," she was quick to change the subject, to let the kami stew on her words.

Mayura blinked as her left hand was seized and turned upward for the woman to inspect.

NNN

Yamino lay in bed, his new mail order catalogue in hand. He was trying awfully hard to forget about poor Loki-sama and Mayura-san. The circled items in the book weren't really taking his mind off of—wait?! Was that a portable rain station for climbing?! Where had his pen gotten to?

NNN

"Hmmm…let's see," commented the little old biddy, "Your heart line is long and curvy, and you express emotions and feelings without a thought."

The kami, having regained his composure, sipped his tea and eyed the interaction. The little old biddy, 'Hmmm'd' once more as she traced a line on Mayura's palm with her finger tip.

"Your head line is wavy and separated from the life line," she gave a fox grin, "You are enthusiastic about life and when you get an idea in your mind you tend to have a short attention span."

Mayura thought she heard her companion let out a chuckle; she decided to ignore it as best she could.

"Now your life line is…" her eyes narrowed for a moment as she traced the line and then looked puzzled.

"Is?" prompted Mayura, staring intently at her hand, not noticing that the kami had arched an eyebrow in response.

The biddy looked up and into the crimson orbs of the expecting girl. "It's shorter than it should be," absentmindedly remarked the biddy, tracing the line again with her finger tip. She checked the girl's other palm to be certain. "Your fate line meets your life line."

Without asking, the biddy quickly apprehended the kami's right hand and turned it palm up. Her brow creased and her eyes narrowed in contemplation. Both parties sat in silence, each with a hand seized as the biddy contemplated this information.

"Your lifeline doesn't end," she commented, "But your fate line and hers are practically the same."

Both parties leaned in to take a closer look upon her statement, "I've never seen this before. It's as though you were destined to be," she placed the mortal's hand into the kami's as she spoke, "Her fate rests in your hands."

Eyes widened in response, as the old biddy stood with a few creaky bones. She left the room mumbling, "Never in all my years have I seen such a thing. These old eyes have finally gotten the best of me."

NNN

They could hear the sound of dishes being washed down the hall. The little old biddy had left them with a good many things to ponder.

Looking at the kami with a sideways glance, the mortal tried to think of a way to break the silence. He was currently staring into the flames of the fire, and it was hard to read his thoughts.

NNN

What she had said was unsettling to the kami. He knew Mayura was mortal, but her lifeline was shorter than it should be, and her fate was somehow intertwined with his? His logical mind set to work; of course, Mayura's lifeline was short compared to his, her fate was probably intertwined with his based on his decision to stay on Midgard, nothing more. As for him not voicing his feelings, well he wasn't exactly good in relationships as his track record showed. Somehow with Mayura things were different, he hadn't used his normal tactics and he was content with their current status.

'The nerve that old biddy insinuating that Mayura should go off and pursue someone else…who? That baka Freyr? As though he would be good enough for her…'

NNN

Mayura sat quietly looking at nothing in particular; contrary to popular belief she was astute when it came to some things, especially when it concerned Loki. Even when he wouldn't talk to her, she could judge a sudden change in his mood. She absentmindedly traced the lines of her palm.

"Mou, Loki-kun," began the mortal girl at his side, looking straight ahead with a calm demeanor, "It's okay what she said."

Noting that she had gained his attention she continued. "Loki-kun can't stay with me forever."

His breath hitched at her words. Sometimes when it came to certain matters, he realized that Mayura suddenly possessed a different air.

"I've always understood that," she admitted with a halfhearted smile, "so I'm happy to be with Loki-kun in the here and now, so that one day when I'm old," she chuckled, "I can say," and she did so in her best little old biddy impersonation, "'When I was younger, my best friend was a kami.' Ne, can you imagine all the looks I'll get?" She paused for a moment at the idea, "And before that, I'd have to find someone crazy enough to believe me if they were ever going to marry—"

NNN

The little old biddy had slowly been washing the same plate for the last five minutes in thought.

"That sweet girl…it's as though the gods themselves severed her lifeline. I could see where it should have ended, but it was as though the line itself were erased."

NNN

His actions caught her off guard, finding herself in his embrace, his hand caressing the back of her head, her chin resting on his shoulder, as silence settled between them.

"I don't want that," was his whispered confession.

Mayura silently embraced him with a sadness accompanying her actions, "You truly are my best friend, Loki-kun," she murmured.

"I'm actually quite a selfish kami, Mayu," he admitted to the one who caused him such inner turmoil, "I don't wish to share you, even though I can't keep you, and if your fate's become intertwined with mine then it's due to my selfishness."

"Gomen, Loki-kun, if I had known you would feel so troubled, I would have never wished for you to stay."

The mortal felt him gently take hold of her shoulders to distance himself from her. Crimson orbs met emerald in a moment of silence.

"I could never have left knowing that you would be so listless. I chose this," his tone held sincerity as he regarded her, "I just didn't realize the feelings that would develop…"

The urge to take her face in his hands and kiss her finally won out. He broke the kiss for air, and felt her hand rest on the back of his, her face cupped in its palm, as if to savor the feeling. With his freehand he caressed the back of her head. The kami couldn't recall a relationship he had had in the past that rivaled the one he currently possessed with this mortal girl.

NNN

When the little old biddy returned, one could barely understand how she had managed to make it down the hallway and into the room. Her arms full of blankets that towered over her little biddy head.

"Here we go my dears, plenty of blankets for you to make your bed," was her muffled declaration.

The kami and mortal were quick to assist her with many thanks following. She was the perfect hostess, leaving a tray with a few buns and two glasses of water.

"Just in case you get hungry or thirsty in the middle of the night," she announced with a yawn, "It's time for this old biddy to get some rest. Goodnight my dears."

"Arigato for everything."

The kami agreed, "Yes, we appreciate your kindness."

She gave a wave with an accompanying yawn before heading down the hallway.

Before the kami had turned, his pink haired companion had already inspected the various blankets and was setting up shop in front of the fire place. He watched her lay out layer upon layer of blanket, lay down and sample, give a 'Hmmm' and add another layer, before he gave a chuckle.

"What are you doing, Mayura?"

She rolled her eyes, "Getting the bed ready of course. Unless you want to sleep directly on the floor, Loki-kun."

He politely waved his hand to dismiss the thought and watched quietly as she made the bed to her liking.

"All set!" she happily announced before lying down and occupying a spot on the large bed of blankets. "I'm so tired…I didn't realize it until now…"

The kami now occupied a spot next to his companion, "We did walk a long distance today," he reasoned before laying down on his back, his head lightly hitting the pillow. He soon felt a blanket being gently draped over him courtesy of the pink haired girl.

"Hai, but what good fortune it was to find this place," commented the tired mortal at his side.

"Yes, it was definitely good fortune."

"Good night, Loki-kun," she whispered, her eyelids obviously closed and inviting sleep.

"Good night, Mayu," he whispered in response.

NNN

The mortal girl sat up with a start, realizing that she had just awoken from a dream.

"Mayura?"

She turned her head to find the kami awake and sitting next to her. The fire's embers cast a faint glow over the area.

"Why are you crying?" he questioned, his hair mussed and rubbing an eye, resembling his childlike self.

She instinctively reached up to place her hand on her cheek and found moisture. Her processing seemed delayed, having awoken abruptly, pondering his question.

"My dream, it was quite sad," she murmured, her hair resting on her shoulders, having fallen out of the ribbon, "Gomen for waking you, Loki-kun."

She heard the kami give a sigh, before pulling her into his arms. Her back coming to rest against his torso, his arms encircling her shoulders.

"As though I would return to sleep without you," he sleepily commented, "Close your eyes, I'll keep the demons at bay."

She obliged him, yet her dream was unsettling. She was certain the girl had been her, but she looked different and why had the silver haired man with the two different colored eyes told her she could never return?

NNN

The pink haired girl bowed out of respect to her hostess.

"Arigato for having us last night."

"Oh, it was certainly a pleasure," replied the little old biddy, "Do drop in again."

As they walked down the path that would return them to the city, Mayura absentmindedly took hold of his hand. The Kami's fingers intertwined with the mortal, much like their fates.

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Long one! Please review!