A/N: Still on a roll, I guess. Not sure why I'm so inspired, but hey, it's all good! No recommendations this time around, sadly. I haven't had time to read anything new. At any rate, I hope you all enjoy! I had fun with it. I like a little fluff, don't you?


I. Meeting Again


The sound of a crackling fire and the smell of burnt wood roused Chihiro from her sleep. Her body felt drained to the very core. Her head was spinning on its own. Her strained muscles ached at the thought of moving.

Slowly she turned her head toward the flickering flames. It gave the finely decorated sitting area before the fireplace a warm yellow-orange glow. She was thankful for the fire and the thick blankets wrapped around her. Otherwise, she was sure she'd be chilled to the bone.

Memories came back to her in patches. Kisa. Water. Drowning. But big chunks were missing, like places and reasons. And, thinking on it, where was she now?

Moving her head again caused her neck to rebel. A small groan spilled from her lips as she turned her view to the opposite side of the room.

A man in a plain black kimono leaned against the archway leading to what Chihiro figured was the balcony. His arms where folded across his chest. His head and shoulder rested against the wall. The wind gently played with his dark hair.

Pale silver of the moon made his skin glow, clashing with the warm color of the room. In that light, his features were sharp, regal, almost delicate. She couldn't turn her attention from the commanding presence across the room even though she'd felt badly for staring so intently.

"You're awake." It wasn't a question.

Chihiro gasped as his quiet, yet compelling voice seemed to fill the room. He hadn't turned his attention from the night. How had he known that she was awake?

"Yes." It was hard to talk. Her throat ached, raw from what ever happened earlier.

He turned in her direction. Chihiro had to fight down a blush. The man was possibly the most beautiful male she'd ever seen. Her stomach jumped as he uncrossed his arms and walked toward the bed.

Pull yourself together, Chihiro, she chastised herself, he's just a guy. A gorgeous guy. Just try talking to him.

"Where am I?" She asked hoarsely.

He stared at her for a long moment. His lack of expression frightened and fascinated her.

"This is the Aburaya." He raised a brow at her confusion.

He took a seat on the bed not far from her. She drew the blanket closer to her neck. Only then did she realize that she wasn't wearing what she had on last. It made her nervous.

"How did I get here?"

There was a flash of something in his eyes. Anger? Worry? She couldn't tell since it was gone in an instant.

"I was hoping you could tell me."

She bit her lip, feeling sad that she couldn't give him any more information than that. It was a ridiculous notion, of course.

Her attention focused on his eyes. The flames made them blaze a golden green. She had a flash of the "incident." A breath caught in her throat.

"It's you."

He stiffened beside her. Though his flawless face didn't show it, his eyes held some sort of hope.

She decided it might be best to elaborate, "I…had a dream about you." She sat up as best she could until she rested on her elbows, swaying slightly in the process. "Are you…real?"

A small smile played on his lips as his eyes warmed. She felt relieved. Slowly, he raised a hand between them. Hesitantly, she put her weight on her right arm as she raised her left. She placed her finger tips on his palm. He was cool to the touch and oh-so-smooth.

He took her hand into his, cupping it with his free one.

"Yes." He said gently; his voice moved over her like a fine silk, "I am real." He let go of her hand, allowing her to place it on the bed, "My name is Haku."

Why did he sound hurt by mentioning his name? "I'm Chihiro."

He seemed to deflate. Chihiro blinked at him.

"What a pretty name." He murmured.

Chihiro's cheeks felt like they'd burn away. She looked down for a moment to collect herself. No one that attractive ever complimented her before.

"Thanks." Was the best she could manage.

He smiled an honest, heart-melting smile. Suddenly she felt lost. There was nothing but that soft look on his face.


II. Kohaku's Promise


She didn't know what she was doing to him--this stunning young woman in front of him. Her already rosy cheeks lit up in the dim light of the room. His eyes traced her face, from the glossy brown orbs in her eyes, down the sweetly round cheeks, to slightly parted pink, full lips. The smell of her…The sound of her heart pounding against her chest…He felt like he was drowning in his senses.

She's not your fate, Haku, he reminded himself, she's just a lost girl that wandered back here without memory. Help her find her way home again, and forget her.

He knew it wouldn't be that easy. He never forgot Chihiro the first time.

Haku had to collect himself. There were serious matters to attend to. Questions had to be answered.

"Let's see what we can find."

Using two fingers, he touched her forehead. Gently, he probed her mind. Together, they relived being pushed into the rushing, unfamiliar waters. He tried to get a feel of the body of water, but something clouded him. A grey mist surrounded the events leading to Chihiro's arrival.

Silently, he cursed to himself as he removed his hand. She stared at him with fear and confusion.

"H-how did you…?"

Again, he cursed himself. Children don't ask questions about these things. Once upon a time, Chihiro didn't question his telepathic abilities. Now that she was a woman, things were different. Innocence had been lost.

"I'll explain in due time. For now, you must rest."

He stood from the bed as Chihiro settled back into it. Her thick hair spread across the pillow, curling about her face. Haku swallowed hard.

"I'll have food brought to you."

Deciding that spending more time in the room with her wouldn't bring about anything good, he headed to the door. He dawdled, playing with the doorknob for a moment. Just smelling her scent and hearing her breath was enough to keep him there.

"Haku?"

He turned to her, perhaps a little too eagerly. "Yes?"

The pair stared at each other, unsure of what to say. Chihiro's question seemed lost to the night.

"Nevermind." She murmured.

Haku nodded. This time when he turned to the door, he walked out of it.

Part of him was thankful that she didn't remember him. But there was a iece of him, buried deep down, that ached. The brief time they'd had together long ago had touched him deeply. At least he could remember for the both of them.

He couldn't focus on that. He needed to figure out why her friend had tried to murder her. And why was her memory clouded? Someone was playing games on his friend and Kohaku didn't like it. Someone would pay.

I will keep you safe, Chihiro. I promise.


Inside the room, those words filled Chihiro's weary mind. They wrapped around her, warming her, comforting her. The feel of Haku lulled her. A slow smile spread on her lips. She had a lot of questions, but for now, she knew nothing more would happen…As long as there was Haku…