Disclaimer: I do not own Saiyuki Gaiden. This is purely for entertainment purposes.

Promise?

Tenpou sat at her desk trying to finish her report. Meanwhile, Goku was stacking books into a fort in front of her which made Kenren a little disappointed since he just cleaned up. He was at the windowsill watching the tiny being run from bookcase to incomplete fort and back.

She took a drag from her cigarette and looked back at her General. It was a habit she picked up hopefully making her appear more masculine. When she first started, she detested it but she got use to it. "Konzen should be coming back soon. The Kanon wanted him to run an errand for him." Tenpou turned back to her papers. "And, you don't have to help me with this report. You can leave if you want." It was as if she could read his mind.

"Can't I just enjoy the sakura blossoms outside your window?" he laughed taking a sip of sake.

Though, the floral scenery wasn't the only thing he was admiring. As of late, he couldn't help but stare at the crossdressing woman. Kenren found himself detesting her conversations with Konzen. He wanted to punch himself when jealousy filled his mind when Tenpou grabbed Goku's hand when they walked around Heaven. He found himself unconsciously brushing his shoulder against her small frame. He still couldn't get the image of cornering her out of his thoughts.

Goku popped up from behind a pile of book in front of Tenpou. "Ten-neechan, what do you like about Konzen?"

"Konzen?" Tenpou turned to the ceiling as if she could find her thoughts up there. "He's a very logical and knowledgeable man yet there is a bit of naivety in him."

"What?" His eyes widened like a deer in headlights. Goku didn't like the big words.

Tenpou laughed. "Sorry, Goku. Konzen is smart and I like the way he thinks even if he doesn't really understand the outside world. What do you like about Konzen?"

Goku smiled. "His hair is like the sun! And he takes care of me even though he has a grumpy face. He has a nice smile even though he frowns most of the time."

Kenren had to thank Goku's high level of cuteness. This was one of the major reasons Tenpou's femininity was becoming more prominent.

"Don't I take care of you?" She smiled at the boy. Tenpou pretended to be hurt at the same time.

"Uh-uh-uh- I like Ten-neechan too! I love the food you bring back for me and the food you make too!"

She chuckled. "Well, Goku, I love your innocence."

"My what?"

Kenren leaned into the conversation. "Oi, Goku! What about me?"

"You're fun to play with!" Goku smiled before returning back to his fort of books.

Kenren put his arm behind Tenpou leaning on her chair. As he did, he read her report so far. "Did you hear that? I'm 'fun to play with'."

"You wouldn't be hitting on your Marshall would you? That is homosexual activity."

"It wouldn't be if my Marshall is a woman."

"That is absurd."

Kenren looked at her. "Hey, can you do me a favor?"

Her attention moved from her report to the man leaning on her chair. He stared into her emerald eyes while hers into his crimson ones. There was a sudden urge between them. It was more noticeable to Kenren, but they wanted to lock lips then. But what was stopping them? It wasn't the child in the room. It was probably the fact that Tenpou wouldn't let emotions in the mix.

"Wear a dress for me one day. I want to see you as 100% woman."

She looked back at her report. Tenpou let out a sigh. "There should only be one way you should look at me. It is as your Marshall."

He knew it was stupid request but he had to make it. There were days when he felt that Tenpou forgot she was female. She most likely only remembered when he mentioned it in private or if their company would gossip about the goddesses and other female immortals.

He desired to see her in a more feminine persona. Kenren wanted to see Tenpou curl her long, black hair and walk around in a traditional Chinese dress. Even if that seemed very unlikely, it would be nice for that woman to take care of herself. He was tired of forcing her to take a shower so he wouldn't see the dandruff clad hair. It made him smile when he though of wrapping his arms around her waist. He wanted to hold her hand. He wanted to do things lovers did.

"Maybe someday."

Kenren smiled to himself. "You promise?"

He only got a nod from her, but that was enough.

A/N: Hello! Thank you for the time you took to read this! :) This is one more Tenpou chapter after this! Three more weeks until you all get to see the lovely and feminine Hakkai.