Author's Note: Remeber: Chihiro and Haku are not married, just 'engaged.' This chapter once again doesn't add much to the story, but it does show the passage of time. Please read and review if you can find something to review about. I'll admit it myself, this chapter doesn't offer much. Bye!

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Morning After (stupid title, I know)

Chihiro woke the next morning, sleepy and warm. She felt Haku stir slightly. When he did, Chihiro felt the skin-to-skin contact of her thighs with his. She wondered why she felt that and looked down at herself and noticed something. She was completely naked. What the hell?, she thought. Then the past night's events came back to her and she blushed full-force. As she was remembering what had happened that night, Haku woke up. He stretched his arms and wrapped them around Chihiro's bare torso, making her give out a tiny squeak of embarrassment. She blushed even more. Haku saw this and smiled.

"Good morning," he purred. Chihiro froze. Haku noticed this and turned her over to face him. As Chihiro turned over, she gathered the covers to her chest, her silver ring flashing with her quick movements. Haku gazed into her beet-red face and chuckled softly, kissing the top of her head and catching her scent again. Immediately, he was filled with desire. However, he controlled himself; Chihiro didn't exactly seem to be ready yet. But within five minutes, Chihiro seemed to get over waking up bare as the day she was born, and Haku took her again.

They made their way down to breakfast, their needs fulfilled, and greeted everyone they met a smile. All the employees smiled back. They knew the reason behind their good moods; they couldn't help but hear their master and his madam last night.

After breakfast, Haku went to his office, needing to catch up on some paperwork, so Chihiro went off to find Lin. Haku now found it easier to let Chihiro out of his sight, since he knew that his ring would alert if she was in the slightest bit of danger.

"Lin!" said Chihiro as sha found her old friend.

"Hey, Sen," greeted Lin, tossing her cleaning rag back into the water bucket. "What are you up to?"

"Nothing," said Chihiro, "Haku had to sign some papers, so I'm on my own for now."

"Really," said Lin. "I would've thought that he wouldn't let you on your own, especially after last night."

"Lin!" cried Chihiro, mortified. How did she know? Lin could see this question written all over her friend's face.

"Everyone could hear you two," said Lin, answering the unasked question. Chihiro seemed to be blushing more today then she ever had as her face turned a shining red. I didn't realize we were so loud! Oh Kami, this is sooo embarrassing! Lin saw her discomfort and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry," she said. "You weren't any louder than anyone else." After Lin talked to her for a bit, Chihiro felt a little better. Wanting to take her mind off of…things, she pulled the stings on her pant legs and sleeves, and tied them when they were hiked up enough for her to move. They were the reason that she insisted Haku have all her clothes made like her old work clothes.

"What are you doing?" asked Lin, watching Chihiro.

"Helping you," said Chihiro as she climbed into the tub and grabbed a cloth.

"Sen, does Haku let you do this?"

"What Haku doesn't know won't hurt him. And beside, I have nothing better to do."

"I'm sure Haku could find something for you to do," teased Lin.

"Lin!" cried Chihiro. But Lin knew that she was allowed to continue her kidding.

Haku, meanwhile was in his office. However, he wasn't really working on papers. He was trying to plan the punishment for Chihiro's parents. While it was true that it had been many months ago, and Chihiro was with him and thriving, the fact still remained that they had done something unforgivable. He sat at his desk, plans in front of him, drawing a blank. He needed Zeniba's help with this. Yes, he had some magical abilities, but they paled in comparison with hers. She would be the real driving force behind the assault. After staring into space, trying desperately to grab an idea from thin air, he gave up, resigning himself to ask Zeniba later. He left his office and walked down the stairs, searching for Chihiro. His instincts were taking over again and he really hoped that she was nearby.

Chihiro had gone around to all the rooms with Lin, cleaning the baths. They had just finished the big tub and were going to grab some food when Haku found them.

"Chihiro," he said. "I need to see you." Chihiro said good-bye to Lin and followed Haku to an unoccupied room. "Where have you been?" Haku asked.

"I was helping Lin clean out the baths," said Chihiro, knowing what his response would be.

"Why?" asked Haku.

"Because I had nothing better to do. And besides Haku, I'm strong enough to take care of myself. I think I can handle it." Haku looked at her face and caved. He just couldn't say no to that determined look. "You're right," he said.

Chihiro smiled at Haku's admit of defeat. "So, what did you want to see me for?"

"For this," said Haku. He grabbed her and kissed her passionately. He waited for Chihiro's agreement, which she showed by throwing her arms around his neck and returning the kiss. They stayed in the room for almost a quarter of an hour before emerging, happy and quite content, to go to dinner.

Chihiro soon learned to accept this behavior from her amorous spirit. As the spring progressed, he needed her more and more often. It also became usual that during the weekends, they barely left the room, or each other's embrace.