A/N: Hello my fellow Hak x Yona shippers. I'm working on making regular updates, but with my schedule, we'll see how that goes. Things are shaping up nicely for everyone's favorite pair ;) Hope you enjoy, and happy reading :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Akatsuki no Yona.
CHAPTER 2
"...And to the left, beyond the botanical garden, we have the hot springs. There is a common seating area where you can enjoy the view." their soft spoken guide, Kita, said. "Upon your request, the evening meal will be brought out, so please take your time."
Amidst the beautiful scenery were seven sagging bellies - eight including Ao - touring the expanse of their temporary lodging. Full of food, fatigue and deep appreciation, they marveled at the sights before them.
"Wow, so pretty..." Yona said, taking in her surroundings. "Hak, everything is so beautiful. I can't wait to get settled in."
Hak nodded his agreement, enjoying the serene ambiance.
"Kita my dear, the baths wouldn't happen to be mixed now, would they?" Jae-ha asked, hoping for miracles.
"Hahaha. I'm afraid not, sir." she chuckled, bursting his bubble. "The baths are gender specific and differ in layout. The ladies from earlier are here attend to you, though. They will be stationed on the engawa, whenever you may need them."
"I see. Sounds good to me. A hot bath, hot food and pretty girls. What more can a guy ask for, eh Hak?" the Green Dragon laughed, elbowing Hak while doing so.
"Throw in some sake and you'll be gone for the night...ya perv." Yun said dryly, as Hak roughly elbowed him back.
"I'm with you on the sake." Hak finally responded. "Sake and a sunset to end off the evening. It would be nice."
"Me too! Me too!" Yona said excitedly. "Count me in!"
"Princess! Would you be okay drinking such strong things?" Kija quickly piped in, to which Yona heartily laughed.
"Hahaha! She'll be fine, Hakuryuu. The Little Miss here, is safe with us."
"Yea, no need to worry Kija. Besides, the last time everyone was drinking together, two drinks from Jae-ha had put you down for the night." Yun added.
The White Dragon laughed, reliving the memory.
"Point noted. Well. Let's make the most of this evening, shall we?"
"That's the spirit, Kija. To the hot spring!" Jae-ha cheered.
"To the hot spring!" Zeno cheered along with them.
Kita laughed at their easy going spirit.
"Before you head to the hot spring, shouldn't I show you where you'll be staying?"
"Heh heh heh. You have a point there." came Kija's sheepish response.
"The rooms are over this way." Kita said, veering to the path on the right, walking up the steps.
"...Smooth move, White Snake." Hak whispered in the White Dragon's ear, as he walked past him. "Real smooth."
"Huh?! What?!" poor Kija babbled at Hak's retreating back.
Mumbling a threat he wouldn't actually carry out, he brought up the rear as the group ascended the stairs.
"To the left, down the corridor is the room where the males will stay, and to the other end, on the right side, is the room where Lady Yona will be staying. Both rooms are equipped with an indoor bath and a small porch overlooking the hillside." Kita said, as she opened the sliding doors for their resting quarters.
"Do enjoy your stay, and if ever you are in need of anything, please do not hesitate to ask us. We are here to take care of you, as best as we can."
Kita went over the rest of the formalities before bowing respectfully, and taking her leave.
After briefly unpacking and gathering their bath essentials, they leisurely strolled the path to the hot springs, sifting into pairs as they did so.
"Disappointed you won't be seeing Yona dear, dripping and radiant as she comes out of the bath?" Jae-ha teased Hak, silently inviting a beating.
"You really love receiving my fist, don't you?" was Hak's reply, locking him in a breath stealing headlock.
"Oh Hak." Jae-ha said, choking on his words. "When will you ever be true to yourself? When will you let her know how you feel? You say I'm a masochist, but so are you."
"...I'll take that as a yes, that you love a good beating." he replied, releasing him, fixing his eyes on the path in front of them.
Jae-ha let out a sound between a cough and a sigh. He put a hand on his shoulder, and spoke in more serious a tone.
"How long do you intend on keeping up this facade? For how long do you plan to go on this way? You know and I know, you can't continue on like this. When do you plan to let her know how you really feel?"
They stopped then, as Hak turned to face his friend.
"It's not that simple, though I wish it was...The Princess and I...have a special friendship. How could I let my words affect what we have? Why should I risk everything that we have...for something...that may never be? ... A dream..."
As he trailed off in a whisper, despondence settled in Hak's countenance, crestfallen as he lamented over what could never be.
"...Seems like you're sure of exactly what will happen...or maybe it's the unknown that troubles you even more... What makes you so sure that she won't look your way? Why do you doubt she'll respond to your heart?"
"And what makes you so sure that she will?"
Jae-ha sighed - what more could he do?
"Hak, my friend, you are like a brother to me. I won't force you to act or to believe the words I say...despite sometimes I desire it more than anything. Watching you squirm can be riveting at times." a chuckle slipped past him, before he went on to say, "You'll never know what could be, if you don't even try...you might be surprised to see what awaits you on the other side."
Hak stood there for a moment, mulling over his words, eyes reflecting the turmoil that brewed within.
Could he bare his soul to the Princess?
Would she actually see the real him?
"Hey! What's taking you guys so long?! Come on! Hurry up! Let's go already!" Yun called out to the duo, waving his arms in the distance, as the rest of the group stood alongside him, waiting.
"You heard the man, Hak. Let's not keep them waiting." Jae-ha said as he resumed his stride.
Slowly Hak trailed, still lost in his thoughts. He gazed at Yona's face as she laughed and smiled with her band of friends.
To receive her love would be fulfillment itself...
On the other hand, to lose her...how could he cope?
He loved her for so long, she was his life...
Exhaling deeply, he hastened his gait. Doing away with his brooding, he fell in sync with their step.
She was here, she was safe and most of all, she was with him.
Hak, be grateful for your blessings, and don't ask for more...
These fleeting thoughts chastised him, as he made his best efforts to lose himself in the moment.
