Rurijou sat in Sakura's chambers quietly. Her heart was full of pain, anger and self hatred. She had committed a cruel act with Prince Oura of which she could never forgive herself.

He had been so passionate and intense with her that she had cried out an awful lot. There was no doubt that Kohaku and Hayate would not of heard them which made her feel worse.

It was clear that she felt a fondness for Enju because he was her master but due to his neglect and harsh treatment she had abandoned him and her love had turned to hatred.

But in Hayate's case it was different and much more complicated. Hayate had visited her when she was lonely while she was absorbing water. They had laughed together, shared secrets and grown fond of each other. His kindness, thoughtfulness, understanding nature and sacrificial nature had made her look at him differently.

She cupped her hands over her face in shame and began to sob quietly. She hated herself for hurting Hayate like this. If only she could disappear and prevent any more suffering to others.

"We need to talk" A familiar voice said from behind her.

Rurijou froze mid sob and went quiet. She knew who it belonged to without having to say it.

"Stay away from me Hayate! I don't deserve you; Not after what I've done!" Rurijou snapped bitterly. The more he was around her the worse she felt; she had betrayed him and that could not be undone.

Hayate sighed heavily an intense hint of sadness and guilt in his voice. He knew she was hurting but so was he; she had been touched by his best friend and he had always wanted to be her first.

Slowly he approached Rurijou his heart aching and his hands trembling. This was so hard for him after all that had happened. And yet somehow he didn't blame Oura or Rurijou; he blamed Enju.

Enju had not appreciated Rurijou when she was around, neglected her of any needs or desires. He had abused her physically and emotionally making her blame herself for not being the ideal woman.

"Don't blame yourself!" Hayate yelled bitterly wrapping his arms around a shocked Rurijou. He held her tightly breathing in her sweet scent and subtle warmth. She may have been a doll but she had warmth radiating from her soul and carried various scents to blend in as a disguise.

Rurijou was taken by surprise at his affection and was torn between feeling worse and yet comforted by his actions. Her heart was so full of mixed emotions she couldn't think straight.

"But I slept with your BEST FRIEND! I betrayed you and hurt you so deeply. I'm the worst person in the world and I don't deserve your love!" Rurijou sniffed tearfully fighting tears.

Hayate grasped her chin with his hand and turned her head towards him. He kissed her passionately and deeply. He didn't care if anyone saw them; he wanted to reassure and reveal the frustration, jealousy and passion for her.

Rurijou accepted his kiss; closing her eyes and clutching his left arm. She didn't care if Enju didn't want her anymore, she didn't care about what anyone else thought. All she needed was Hayate beside her and everything would be ok.

A gentle breeze blew into the room and blew pink petals onto the floor around them. Rurijou's hair gently blew in the breeze and carrying a few of her tears.

after

Rurijou walked along the balcony quietly a small blush and shy smile on her face. Hayate's reassurance gave her hope for their future and relationship.

"Good morning Princess" a kind voice said from behind her.

She turned around curiously and was shocked to see Fujimurasaki standing behind her. She had heard he was the next emperor and Oura's uncle. This worried her as she knew he wasn't quite over Sakura yet.

"Good morning your highness" Rurijou said nervously. She wished she could disappear or hide from sight.

Fujimurasaki stared at her thoughtfully; she seemed different but he couldn't pinpoint how. He took a deep breath "Princess?" he asked curiously.

"Yes?" Rurijou squeaked nervously. She didn't want to offend the next emperor and yet she didn't want to give away herself either.

"Have you done something different with your hair? It seems shorter and lighter" Fujimurasaki asked curiously. The Princess had light chestnut brown hair which reached her ankles. Now her hair appeared to be a neon light pink and shorter.

Rurijou froze and began to tremble. She had created a camouflage so she appeared to look like Sakura; but it seemed the Togu had seen through it. She swallowed nervously "I decided to cut it; Its usual length was so annoying so I made it a little easier to deal with" Rurijou lied.

Fujimurasaki smiled "I see that does make sense. However I preferred it as it was but I must say it does look cute on you" He said kindly.

Rurijou sighed a breath of relief hopefully she would be safe; but she was very wrong.

"So How did you change the colour?" Fujimurasaki asked curiously. He had heard of demons naturally having brightly coloured hair; but the princess was half human; so she could only change her hair colour via dye.

"I asked one of my servants to buy me some dye; so I used it to alter my hair colour to look more mature" Rurijou lied. Her heart was racing and sweat was running down her temple and back. She wished he would just leave already.

"I see you've grown closer with Hayate. You two are always together; I suppose I always thought Kohaku and Asagiri were your friends" He chuckled to himself.

Rurijou's eyes snapped wide open; He had seen them together? But in what way? While they were kissing or while they were talking? What if he told the servants or even the EMPEROR?!

Fujimurasaki smiled "I see. Well I'm sorry I kept you for so long; enjoy your day princess" he said politely and walked away but not before bowing slightly.

He walked past her slowly brushing against her body gently. He wanted to feel the princess so much; but could only have these few moments with her. However he couldn't deny she had been acting...odd recently. And how she was able to be affectionate with EVERY man she met except him hurt him deeply; it seemed she could be loving but not towards him.

Later

Rurijou hid in the garden quietly. Fujimurasaki's suspicions worried her; if she was found out she would most likely be killed or even tortured.

Aoba and the others would be branded traitors for harbouring her and most likely be killed or even de-classed by their country.

She fell to her knee's fearfully and cupped her hands over her ears. She clenched her hands into fists and began to sob quietly. "Hayate...please help me...Hayate!" she sobbed desperately.

"Rurijou are you ok?" Aoba asked worriedly approaching her. He had caught a glimpse of her from the balcony; then upon seeing her collapse had worried that she needed more energy.

"Your uncle..."she whispered quietly.

"What happened?" Aoba asked worriedly. She was trembling all over and her eyes were filled with fear and distraught.

"Your uncle! He's seen me and Hayate together!" she cried desperately.

Aoba's eyes widened in shock and he grabbed her by the shoulders impatiently. "WHAT did he see? What were you doing?!" he demanded crossly.

"I don't know! He wasn't exact on the details. That means he could have seen ANYTHING!" Rurijou explained fearfully tears welling up.

Aoba became worried; if his uncle told the emperor what he had seen he would question Hayate. Unless Hayate told the truth (which of course he wouldn't); Rurijou would be captured, tortured for information and then killed. Himself and all the others would be branded traitors and no longer seen as highly by other royalty or aristocrats. Most likely the moon beings would be killed without hesitation including Sakura.

What a predicament they were in; how could such a small thing become such a HUGE problem.

Rurijou grabbed Aoba by the leg clinging to his hakama pants. Her eyes were streaming with tears and she looked almost manic with fear. As if she thought he would beat her then and there.

I'M SORRY! I'M REALLY SORRY YOUR HIGHNESS. PLEASE DONT ABANDON ME!" Rurijou wept loudly. She knew she was troublesome and caused problems but she couldn't return to that miserable life where she was ignored and abused by her master 24/7.

Aoba was stunned by her behaviour change. He was concerned and frustrated about the situation; but in no way was he that angry he would consider taking it out on Rurijou let alone throwing her away. His eyes then snapped open; Enju was never ashamed to physically, emotionally or mentally abuse Rurijou; so she had developed a problem of which she feared being unwanted by others.

He knelt down in front of her and placed his hands on her shoulders "I'm not going anywhere Rurijou; its ok now please stop crying" Aoba cooed gently stroking her hair.

"Y...You promise?" Rurijou sniffed tearfully. Her eyes were red and her cheeks had a semi blush on them from all the crying. She looked so adorable that Aoba couldn't help but become aroused.

Aoba smiled "yeah I promise" he said softly. Rurijou was a delicate fragile person; he had to treat her with care because she was so easily broken by all of Enju's damage.

Rurijou leapt into his arms and clung to him tightly and sobbed even harder. He was so kind to her and forgave her for any mistake she made. She didn't deserve his kindness and yet she appreciated him so much. Despite deeply loving Hayate without question; there was no mistake she was falling for Prince Aoba.