She was brought back by voices arguing. First, all she could hear was murmurs. Then, the as one voice tried to speak over the other, their volume increased. She fought grogginess, but failed to win. After battling with her own brain, she decided to focus and tune in on whoever was disrupting her slumber.

"You almost killed her!" It was a girl's voice. Loud, shrilly, and panicked.

"No, Rin, it was Hebi!" The voice responding was a male. His voice was deep and calm, though it was shaking a bit.

"Hebi?!" The girl's voice heightened. "That's a lame excuse! And who's in charge of them, might I ask? Who thinks that Hebi can protect us?" Sarcasm and acid leaked pass the panic, and Chihiro flinched for whoever the girl was speaking to.

"It could!" He protected, but Chihiro can tell he didn't believe it himself.

"No it can't!" She was tired of using sarcasm, and trying to hurt him. "All he did was almost kill Chihiro!"

At the sound of her name, Chihiro sat up, and felt something silky slide off her. She looked down, and there was a silk blue kimono top that was probably covering her while she was sleeping so she doesn't catch a cold. It was big enough to go down to her calves. She looked back, and she saw a light pink pillow where her head was. She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to smooth it out. It was a habit. Her hair was always messy now that it's longer. Finally, she looked up.

She saw Rin, staring at her, first. Her face concerned. She had her arms crossed, and had an air of superiority, like she had just won the argument. Beside her was a boy of probably her age, perhaps older. He had messy dark green hair that went down to his neck. His eyes were also a shade of green, piercing through her own. His face was so beautiful- it would have been more handsome if his expression wasn't so hurt- and tense. He was also just wearing a pair of white pants.

Then, with a jolt, she realized it was Kohaku.

Kohaku, who was hurt because of Chihiro?

Did that mean he did care about her after all? Zeniba's words came back to her. Kohaku was in charge of the Bath House.. he didn't have time to visit her…

Chihiro then realized, with another thump in her heart, that Kohaku was shirtless. She's never actually seen him like this before. She's never really felt like this before, either. His hair was different, it was… hot. Chihiro never fully understood why people describe others as 'hot' before now. Him just standing there, looking like that makes her just wanted to go up to him, and touch him.. and kiss him, for the first time.



His body was nice and toned, and she could clearly see his six-pack. His arms were tense- actually, his whole body was tense. With that look, it was like he was waiting for Chihiro to say something.

But Chihiro couldn't say anything. Her throat was caught by Kohaku. Instead, she just made her lips form a smile.

Kohaku was confused at first. The hurt in his eyes did not leave, but it was just added with confusion. Chihiro wanted to go and hug him, to tell him it was okay. But she couldn't move. She wanted Kohaku to say something first.. just like Kohaku was wanting Chihiro to say something?

"Kohaku.." She said quietly, almost as if doubting he was really there. She didn't want him to disappear. She'd rather them not speak, and able to see the new him, than speak, and not see his at all.

"Chihiro." Kohaku replied, and Chihiro's heart swelled up twice its size. He sounded relieved and happy. The sound of his voice gave Chihiro the strength to stand up. She took a couple of steps towards him, but hesitated when she was an arm length away. What if he didn't want her back- if he was real after all?

But she didn't have the patience to wait and find out. She ran up to him, and attacked him with a hug. He staggered back, but regained his balance with a right foot back. Chihiro wrapped her arms around his neck, crying to his shoulder. She felt his arms around her waist, his head leaning against hers.

"Shh, it's okay, Chihiro. You're safe now. Calm down.." Kohaku gently rubbed her lower back, patting softly her upper back.

Safe? Of course she was safe! She was back with Kohaku! Safety was her least concern at the moment. She knew Kohaku can protect her, whatever was trying to hurt her.

But Kohaku kept on reassuring her that no one was going to hurt her. Well, of course no one would! Kohaku was here.. with her..

"Why do, hic, y-you keep on, hic, saying t-that?" Chihiro blubbered, looking up.

Looking confused again, Kohaku replied, "Aren't you afraid of it hurting you again?"

Chihiro shook her head. She let go of Kohaku, and wiped her tears with her sleeve."I'm with you. Hic. I know I'm safe when I'm with you.."

Kohaku smiled- just a tiny bit. "Then why were you crying, you silly girl?"

Chihiro could almost faint by how much care, and tenderness that was in his voice, and expression. One of his hands came up to brush her side bangs from her face. She looked down, blushing.



"I'm just happy.. that's all." Her eyes snapped right back up, unable to break contact with him for long.

Chihiro then saw something else in Kohaku's eyes. She couldn't recognize it. But her body responded. Her heart beat faster and louder- embarrassingly loud, Kohaku could probably hear it. Her body inched forward, her head tilted up and to her right. She had no idea why she was doing all that, but it felt right…

Her heart picked up its pace again when Kohaku leaned towards her, too. His head tilted down, and to his right. He closed his eyes, and kept on leaning towards her. As soon as Chihiro closed her eyes, too, she heard someone beside them.

"Aw, jeez, guys. Sorry. It's really sweet and all, but.. really. Not in front of me.."

Chihiro jumped back, away from Kohaku, and found Rin standing not far away from them, looking embarrassed. Chihiro was glad Rin wasn't looking at them, but was looking at the floor. Chihiro swallowed hard, unable to de-code was just happened.

"You may go, Rin." Kohaku said, with authority. Chihiro was surprised that Rin immediately straightened up, and left. She shot them one last look- both apologetic and thankful. Chihiro looked back at Kohaku, confused.

"Um, she can't leave until I command her to do so." Kohaku explained warily. "It's a part of the Bath House's enchantments. It was like this with Yubaaba.."

He shrugged, and Chihiro let it go. Disappointment washed through her. Their moment was over. And Chihiro was probably never going to have the chance again. With a heavy sigh, Chihiro looked away.

"Um," Kohaku brought her back, once again. "What are you going to do… now?"

His voice was uncertain, like he was afraid of her answer. She looked back, and replied, "I'm staying here, of course. Unless you don't want me to…" He was a busy man. He probably doesn't want another complication..

"No!" Kohaku protested quickly. "I want you to stay.."

Chihiro smiled again.

"Are you hungry? You better eat some food." Kohaku said, offering his hand to her. She took it, and with a big smile, went off to eat something with Kohaku.

—x—x—

What d'you think? Is it going where you want it to go?



So guys- should I make this fic M rated? It's your call. Should their relationship eventually go all the way? If so, should I make It M rated, or keep it T, and skip over the steamy bits?

Your call!