Dusk was falling.

And Chihiro woke with a start. Cushions cradled her body for a split second, until she rolled onto the carpeted floor. The pearl chained to her neck rapidly heated, and a wave of panic crashed through her chest. Footfall frantically sounded from somewhere to her right, dashing against wooden floorboards. Disoriented, she twisted herself around to see Haku standing in the doorframe, panting as if he had sprinted there. The frame of whatever she had been laying on was against her left shoulder, and she craned her neck to see that it was a couch. One that looked rather similar to the one she had in her living room. Smooth move, Chihiro, she thought to herself as she recognized where she was.

Rubbing her face sluggishly, she waved off her embarrassment, "What happened?"

In an instant, she felt a guiding hand clasp her shoulder, helping her into an upright position. The temperature of the pearl cooled gradually; panic turned to amusement, "You fell asleep on the couch while I was making breakfast."

Wait, breakfast?

"What time is it?", Chihiro's eyes snapped to the sliding glass door that lead to the garden outside. It wasn't light out anymore. Purplish grey covered the landscape with dark hues.

Haku chuckled, "Around six."

Chihiro smiled at him. His laugh was light and somewhat mysterious. It seemed to express a lot of different things all at once. She gazed at him, and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to truly look at him. To take in the sight of him and all that he was. Every contour of his face, of his skin, seemed vividly clear in the darkening twilight. She memorized each one, burning his face into her mind. In the human world, she had forgotten what he looked like, who he was. The only thing she had never truly forgotten was the way he made her feel. What time it was didn't matter anymore. All that mattered was him.

Crystalline, jade eyes beckon her closer. It was like a calm, gentle sort of hypnosis had suddenly washed over her, reintroducing her to the deep love she had for Haku. She had missed moments like these. They seemed few and far between. Fingertips tentatively touched her temple, brushing a few stray hairs back. Haku spoke softly, as if he were under the same spell, "Are you alright, Chihiro?"

She tried to snap herself out of her dreamy daze, but she couldn't quite conceal the wistfulness in her voice as she sighed, "I need to figure out a better sleep schedule."

He touched their foreheads together, his words barely above a whisper, "Yes…but are you feeling ok?"

"Of course. I'm with you, aren't I?" The corners of her mouth tugged upward. A surge of bubbling happiness was bounding through her veins. Rarely could they find the time to just enjoy each other. They finally had a moment to themselves.

Those alluring eyes sparkled, and Chihiro suddenly found herself cradled in Haku's arms. Again, she heard his unique laughter, "I thought I was the one who was supposed to sound sappy."

"Who told you that?" Chihiro snorted, surprised by his sudden embrace; his burst of emotion. He was usually stoic and indifferent. He hid himself from the world, but not from her. Not when they were alone, in their own world. Her heart crashed against her breastbone. He was choosing to share himself, with her of all people.

"Before you returned, Zeniba used tell me things about the human world, things about their culture, practices, beliefs, anything she could figure out when she started to use portals. Once, she told me about human relationships and how they were structured. I think she was just trying to get me to bring you back, if I'm honest…"

"Well, what did she say?"

"The man is supposed to woo the woman with words, or gestures, to catch her attention."

Chihiro felt herself pull back, feeling somewhat hurt, "So, you just say those things because of what she said?"

"No, Chihiro. I say them because my heart demands that I do."

"Haku…"

Arms enveloped her while his words delved into Chihiro's heart, "I think Zeniba didn't understand. The heart is a powerful thing that can drive anyone to the ends of the earth. It feels deeply, whether it belongs to a spirit or human. When you want to share an emotion that runs so deep with someone else, you can't help yourself. You start to use a language that love created."

Chihiro was close to tears, "I'm so lucky to be with you…to be a part of this…"

"I'm the lucky one."

"No…You make my heart so full…"

Haku paused, looking outside at the darkening clouds, "They're going to light the lamps soon."

"Oh, I almost forgot that you work…" Chihiro words hiccupped. She was having trouble coming to terms with him leaving.

"For now. Zeniba is a fast learner. Once she can manage the bathhouse by herself, she may let me take some nights off," He said hopefully, beginning to stand, as if it would somehow cheer her up.

He was nearly out of the room when Chihiro squeaked, "Do you really have to go?"

She almost let him walk through the entrance to the hallway. Almost.

Her voice was tiny and weak as she passively pleaded with him. She tried to conceal her desperation, but nevertheless, he heard it in her tone. He pushed his forearm against the doorframe, pausing in exasperation, "You know I don't want to."

"I know…I'm sorry…" Chihiro's chest heaved. It wasn't fair. That moment they shared was addictive; she wanted more.

"You can always come with me. What happened to selling your poems?"

"I'm not sure if I feel up to it tonight…"

"I understand. I just think a lot of spirits are staring to miss you."

"I miss them too. I just…"

Disheartened, she decided to plead with him one last time. She trotted towards him and pressed her face into his upper back, wrapping her arms around in as she whimpered pitifully, "Please stay…"

Haku faltered, then turned to embrace her with a small grin, "Zeniba will have to manage for the night."


A lighted match burned timidly between No Face's fingers. He was wary of the flame, expecting it to bite him if he looked away for a fraction of a second. Even though it was tiny, he knew the damage fire could do. He saw how ravenous it could become, consuming everything in its path. He was afraid and unsure if he was ready to use it.

Zeniba stood beside him with her fingers calmly clasped together. She didn't seem worried, so maybe it was ok. No Face looked to her for permission, or for anything really. She had been eerily quiet ever since he struck the match and lit it ablaze. They must have been standing there in silence for at least ten minutes.

The flame suddenly started to lower itself onto the wooden portion of the match. No Face started to panic, "Ah! Ahhh!"

Zeniba didn't say a word. She only smiled.

With a shaky flick of his fingers, he hesitantly tossed the match into the pile of wood and kindling the two of them had amassed. The frightened spirit flinched away, expecting some sort of explosion that never came. Slowly, the flames snaked their way round the large chunks of wood, making them crack with veins of amber-like gold. They melded together, creating a mass of fire that steadily grew into a healthy intensity. It was warm and comforting. That was what he wanted for his home. That coziness he couldn't quite find without Zeniba. Perhaps it was not just the fire that brought it.

No Face peered at Zeniba from the corner of his eye; her smile had only grown. She stepped towards the hearth and her polished nails sparkled with a bright violet hue. A puff of purple powder was thrown into the combustions and she clucked over her shoulder, "This shall seal the deal."

The young spirit tilted his head, a bit confused, until he remembered Zeniba's promise to make the fire a sort of portal to send letters. The bright oranges and yellows began to mix with the violet, producing a new, haunting light that filled the room. Dark shadows were cast, but No Face wasn't afraid. He himself was a type of shadow.

Zeniba turned and produced a small pouch from her dress pocket. As she handed it to No Face, she instructed, "This is the powder I used to charm the fire. When you make one at home and want to send me something, sprinkle this on it."

No Face's fingers still trembled as he took the sack. He wondered why.

The witch seemed to notice as well. She grasped his fingers, examining them, "Did you burn yourself?"

The spirit shook his head, "Ah."

Zeniba grinned again, "If you wait too long, you might get hurt."

The small chuckle did not escape his ears, and it made him feel a bit better, "Ah."

"That saying isn't just for lighting fires," Zeniba thoughtfully meandered back to her desk.

"Ah?"

She carefully sat down, stating matter-of-factly, "Sometimes waiting for things to happen is not the answer. Sometimes you have to go and make it happen."

No Face was not quite sure what she was alluding to, but he nodded his head anyways. He turned and sat in front of the fire he formed, fascinated by the dancing blaze. It became more than just a fire, it was a line of communication now. A way to stay connected with loved ones. Zeniba spoke once more, this time a little lower and to herself, "I wonder where Haku is."

"Ah," No Face suggested.

"Spy? You know I've been trying to be better about that, don't you?" Zeniba feigned her outrage rather dramatically, yet she continued to smile.

"Ahhhhh…" No Face would roll his eyes, if they could do that. He knew better.

"Want to see the new trick I've been working on?" She offered.

No Face immediately got up and shuffled to her desk. He missed seeing her magic. Her nails glittered back to life, this time a pale green as she traced a square into the mahogany desktop. The inside of the shape seemed to be fashioned from hazy mists and thick fogs until it cleared to show the image of two figures standing in a garden. It was familiar, and suddenly he recognized it, "Ah!"

"Yes, they're at Chihiro's house," Zeniba murmured, intently scrutinizing the situation.

They both watched as Haku clasped Chihiro's left hand, bringing it out to the side. Gently he brought the other to his shoulder. Zeniba's eyes widened in delight, "He's teaching her how to dance!"

Hearing Zeniba so excited, No Face squealed, "Ah!"

"This is so exciting! The spirits will be so impressed."

"Ah?" No Face questioned.

"I asked Haku the other night if he would dance with Chihiro for the Sun Festival."

"Ah," He understood a little more now, but he couldn't see why dancing would be all that impressive.

Zeniba continued to explain, "Haku and Chihiro have a special bond. This is the perfect way to showcase that. Everyone knows Haku hasn't danced in decades. If he is moved enough to dance with this girl, that truly means something. I'm hoping our important guests see that."

No Face tried not to blatantly show his confusion. Apparently Zeniba forget that she did not fill him in on the details of the festival.

They turned their attention back to the image, and Haku's hand came to rest on the small of Chihiro's back. Abruptly, the witch flicked her eyes up to No Face; a mischievous glint flashed about them, "The night is still young. And, you simply must find someone to dance with as well."

"Ah?"

"Maybe No Hands is still out. Why don't you go and introduce yourself? Maybe ask her to accompany you?"

No Face stared to ring his hands together nervously, "Ahhhh…"

"Oh, don't get shy now! You clearly took an interest to her."

"Ah."

"No Face…" Before she could continue, she had inhale through her nose and exhale through her mouth, "Remember what I said?"

He did, "Ah."

"Wait too long…"

No Face finished her sentence like a teenager that had been told an old proverb one too many times, "Ahhhhh…"

"Well then?" Zeniba gazed at him expectantly.

No Face didn't answer, he simply walked towards the office door with a determined set in his stride.

"That's my boy!" Zeniba shouted enthusiastically like the proud mother she was.

A small, annoyed sniffle sounded off to her side only a few seconds after the door was shut. There stood Yubaba, defiantly staring at her sister. The said sister stared back offering her a seat on the desk, "Would you like to watch too?"

The cat grudgingly obliged, springing onto the ledge of the table, just to the side of the image. The witch attempted to make small talk, "Have fun playing with Bo?"

A reply came faster than she thought it would.

Yes. He's asleep now. I must've tired him out.

There was a lighthearted air about her when she talked about her son. There always had been. Zeniba felt increasingly guilty as she focused her attention more on her sister. She couldn't talk to Bo anymore because of her new body. Only Zeniba had the power to read her. She was the only one who Yubaba could talk to. And it made her feel increasingly horrible by the second. It was really her fault that she ended up like this. Maybe there was another way to save Haku, something she overlooked. But, it was too late now. What was done was done. There was no changing it.

After a few minutes of stillness, Zeniba worked up the courage to speak, "Yubaba…"

Yes?

"I will get you back your body. I promise."

Yubaba looked at her sister, her eyes large. She seemed to look at her sister like she used to, seeing her, not looking through her or above her. Her iris burned, I know.

Zeniba felt her heart thud, she could feel her sister's trust.

Each of their words contained an apology, one that only sisters could feel. Zeniba cleared her throat, "Um, would you like to help me run the bathhouse tonight? I believe Haku is busy."

Is that a cry of help? Yubaba visibly relished the fact that her twin had asked her and not someone else as she teased her.

"Indeed," Zeniba sighed.

The cat seemed to smile smugly, stretching herself to the fullest extent, Then how am I to refuse? I'm too nice for my own good.

Her sister laughed, "If nice is what you want to call it."

And with that, they continued to watch the couple in the rising moonlight. They stood still, embraced in the same position they had been in when No Face was in the room. Zeniba thought her magic had somehow glitched, but then she realized they were talking to one another. Yubaba was intrigued.

Why aren't they moving?

Her sister retorted, "They're talking."

Well, what are they saying?

Zeniba chuckled, "I'm not going to go any closer."

Yubaba was becoming her irritated self once again, Why not?

"Because these moments are probably something only lovers should know."

Then, the image faded, and Yubaba walked alongside Zeniba as they went off to perform the nightly inspection.


The sky dimmed as night slowly took its place in the sky, covering it in tiny pale stars. The moon presided over them, delicately reigning over the tiny celestial bodies. Haku and Chihiro stood barefoot in the slightly dewed grass. He pressed her body close, securing her figure in his embrace. His hands held her firmly, and she knew that he was in control. All she had to do was follow his lead and trust in him. It was simple, right? She even remembered this kind of position from long ago. Once, her father had shown this to her in middle school. There was going to be a dance, and Chihiro had cried the night before, claiming she didn't know the first thing about dancing. Her dad scooped her up then and there and taught her the basic step to a waltz. It seemed like that was what Haku was going to do. However, this time, it was completely different.

Fingers pressed gently into the small of her back, and she couldn't help shivering. She wasn't dancing with her father anymore. This was Haku. There was something about this that was painfully intimate, and she desperately wanted to be closer, even though there was barely any room between them.

Wanting to maintain the peaceful atmosphere, Haku chose to whisper, "We'll start with something simple, so I can see how you move."

"Now it's a test?" Chihiro squeaked anxiously.

"It's not a hard one. Isn't this familiar to you?" His tone was still hushed, but his barely concealed chuckle projected his voice from a whisper to a low murmur.

Chihiro replied with a smile, soothed by his calm tone, "Yes…"

"I was hoping it would be," He returned her smile as he spoke.

She felt disarmed by the compassionate look on his face, and was compelled to admit, "That doesn't make me any less nervous."

His hand squeezed hers affectionately,"Just follow me. I can already tell you'll do just fine."

Chihiro giggled, "Now you're just being nice."

Lips pressed against her forehead, and heat flushed across her cheeks. They stayed there, tenderly tracing his words onto her skin, "I just know you'll catch on fast. Watch, then follow."

Without letting go of her, he stepped back with one foot, to the side with the other, then brought them together. He repeated the motion, but this time stepping forward instead. He then looked at his partner, "Are you ready to try that?"

"Um, sure," Chihiro nodded hesitantly. Haku strengthened his hold ever so slightly and gently guided her into the pattern. It was only three steps. This was doable.

She wanted to laugh at herself for being so nervous. This wasn't too bad. She thought for sure that toes would be stepped on and she would end up falling over at least once. But Haku was there, and she felt like she couldn't fall even if she wanted to. He held her steadfast, tenderly pushing and pulling her in the direction he wanted to go.

With most of the pressure off her shoulders, she let herself give into him, giving up whatever resistance she had left in her body. She was completely his tonight.

Haku felt her finally relax against him, "See? You're fine."

"Until it gets faster," Chihiro snickered. At least she wasn't afraid of making mistakes anymore. She just accepted that fact that Haku would be patient if she did.

"Let's test your theory then," He said as he whisked her away from the small piece of grass they had been dancing on. The pattern increased its pace, but it wasn't any more difficult. It was still the same thing, a three-beat step. If he moved back, she moved forward. If he moved forward, she moved back. It was simple enough. And, Chihiro felt like she was actually starting to have fun with it.

"I think you're ready for the next step," Haku stated.

"Alright, and that is?" Chihiro asked, not quite confident that she truly was.

Haku started to turn them both, spinning around swiftly. Chihiro was caught off guard and squealed like she did when Haku decided to drop out of the sky when they were flying. Even as he twirled them in and out of the garden's rose bushes, Chihiro managed to stay in sync with him. They glided around like revolving puzzle pieces. It baffled her. She never knew she could dance so well.

It wasn't until she caught a glimpse of the sparkle in Haku's eyes that she realized the pearl was searing her chest. Quickly, she focused on the warmth radiating from the gemstone. Was it this? If the pearl could connect their emotions, could it also connect more than that?

Something spectacular was coursing through her, like lighting striking through her heart and rebounding against the rest of her body. Another glance up at Haku made her weak. There was yearning in his gaze that made her freeze. They both staggered, nearly toppling into a rose bush, but Haku grounded himself, catching Chihiro as she tripped into his chest. He was panting hard, breathless as he asked, "What is it?"

"I think you know," The pearl was pulsing now, with something she couldn't fully identify. She was unacquainted with it, but whatever it was, it felt right.

"Chihiro-" Haku's reply was cut short as his partner ghosted her lips against his. This feeling scorching her insides possessed her, made her bold.

The dance, the garden, everything was forgotten. His fingers found their way into her brunette locks, hungrily pulling her into a deep kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, attempting to be impossibly closer. Her tongue dared to dart out of her mouth, slipping across his lower lip, earning her a hum of pleasure from her soulmate. His tongue met hers, passionately dancing around it, fanning the fire Chihiro felt in her heart. Only then did she recognize the feeling. Passion.

An image popped into her mind rather abruptly. She remembered whispering against the dragon's neck; he shivered in response. This stirred curiosity inside the girl as she pulled back from her love. Haku seemed saddened by the distance between them, but it lasted only for a moment. Lips connected to the nape of his neck, and his knees instantly buckled beneath him. The pearl practically jumped with electricity. Chihiro smiled against his flushed skin. She had found a sweet spot. Her teeth began to nibble lightly, slowly, up and down his neckline. He sank to the ground gradually, a soft groan escaping his throat as Chihiro came to lay on top of him.

It was a nice change of pace. Haku was usually so neutral, his emotions always in check. With her, in this moment, he let that all go. Chihiro loved that.

She wanted to hear him groan again. To hear and feel his pleasure. He deserved to be taken care of, to feel good. This was the least she could do.

She worked her way down to his collarbone, snaking her tongue across his ever-rising goosebumps. His breath caught again while he stuttered, "Chi…Chihiro…"

His whisper defogged her mind, and she found herself backing away slightly. What had gotten into her? This was too much. She frantically whispered, "I'm so sorry."

"No!" Haku grabbed her by the wrist before she could stand, effectively pulling her flush against his heated figure, "No sorry."

"I…but I am…" Chihiro felt her cheeks turn pick with embarrassment as she looked at Haku in the moonlight. He was such a beautiful and powerful spirit, and she, a little human girl, practically attacked him in her desire.

Haku eyes were glazed over slightly, still recovering from Chihiro's kisses, "Please…please don't be. It was…too good…I'm sorry."

She shook her head, "Why?"

Haku sighed, a hand coming up to touch her enflamed face, "I was afraid I wouldn't be able to…control myself…"

Chihiro paused, thinking only for a moment before she said, "Then don't."