LIN

They accepted Goshiro's invitation and acted like nothing was wrong. Had they been back at the Onsen Lin might've been able to forget for a moment that anything was wrong. But something was wrong. Someone was missing. They all knew it. And they all were waiting for that someone to return home. So Lin made the best of it. At least her feet were finally warm.

Only mortal fire could roast your toes this well.

Stretching out her legs she put her feet as close as she dared.

Lin jumped when the flames popped or snapped.

Suzume laughed at her every time she did.

Amano could be charming when he needed to be and they winnowed away the time like old friends, boring Kai to distraction until the boy fell asleep with his cheek pillowed on his sketch book. The old priest drifted off as well, listing against his arm rest until he all but disappeared into the sagging mountain of blue cloth. It was hard to stay mad at someone when they were spinning yarns about the goings on of town, especially when it took your mind off of things. Human gossip was ridiculously normal: quarrels; trysts; cheats; and children. There was a lot of nonsense to catch up on.

It was close to dawn by the time Amano finally apologized.

The broken nosed human finally let a long stretch of silence fill the room to the rafters like smoke. By this time Lin had forgiven him, especially after seeing him last night. There was no way she could hold it against him, not after seeing the way he stared at the picture of his dead wife.

"M'sorry," he began in a thick voice while once again refusing to look at her, "I shouldn't've left. Turns out I'm a coward after all."

"You're not a coward," Lin snorted and it was the truth. No one who could face what the human had could be called a coward, "But Maboru is a better cook."

Amano smirked ruefully, "Who'd y'think taught me how t'cook?"

Here he paused to nudge Keiichi upright. The young priest had quickly drunk himself into a stupor and now sat listing just like his grandfather. There was still seaweed in the poor thing's hair. Lin resisted the urge to go over and pick it out. She was sure he did not want to wake up to her standing over him. Lin had already groomed Suzume, adding the twigs and leaves to the fire. Amano's hazel eyes glinted silver in the warm light as he studied the young priest with a sober frown.

"Wanna tell me what happened? Keii's been pried wide open like a clam. Up t'now he's one of t'blindest people this town can boast."

"That is an apt description," Suzume agreed quietly, "Although according to his deity he has been given a gift."

He snorted. "Not much of a gift if y'ask me…"

Amano's brows drew together and his face tightened until the burn scars at his neck pulled. Reaching into the pocket of his leather jacket he began fiddling with the metal lighter he kept there, flicking it open and closed with his burned hand.

"Was she there?"

"Yeah," Lin nodded hesitantly, "They both were."

Amano tossed his head, staring at the ceiling and blinking rapidly to keep the sheen in his eyes at bay.

"Why her?! Why now after all she's been through!?"

Lin appealed to Suzume silently for guidance only to discover the fox was looking away struggling similarly. It made her remember that Manami would've become Suzume's caretaker had she lived. They must've been close. This was going to be a hard conversation for both of them so Lin whispered hurriedly over the crackle of the fire.

"Look. Kiri should've died after Reika ripped the Forgotten out of her. She did die but not for long. Manami's the one that brought Kiri back, okay? But after that she stayed because O-Inari-sama told her to. Kiri's no good at magic but because of what happened she's really good at… um… housing other things. It's the only way Manami can stick around."

"Why?" Amano demanded in a hoarse voice full of pain.

"She says it's to protect us."

Grimly Suzume nosed back to the conversation.

"Protect us from what?"

"I don't know," Lin muttered in exasperation.

"Spiders…" Keiichi mumbled, obviously dreaming badly, "So many spiders…"

Amano nudged the young priest until he lapsed into silence, slowly overturning until he sprawled onto the floor to snore. As he did something small and metal fell from the front of his kimono. Lin and Suzume both cringed from the sight of the mirror even as Amano missed it entirely. Shooting a searching glance at his son, the broken nosed man turned back turned back to the conversation with a grim expression.

"Does Kiri know about all this?"

"Kind of," Lin admitted uncertainly, glancing again at the mirror.

Seeing the thing made her skin crawl.

"I think she's been putting it together for a while. That's why she's been acting so strange. I think that's why she's been avoiding you, not because she's mad or upset about all the rest of it."

Amano seemed incredibly relieved but his moment of elation was short.

"I think I've seen it… I thought maybe it was jus' a kami that'd taken a liking t'Kai. Sometimes at night I'd seen a shadow in t'hallway. I didnt want t'freak Kiri out so I didn' say anythin' but I got t'impression it was watchin' me."

Amano took a deep shuddering breath as if had galvanizing himself.

"Look. My wife is dead. Whatever that thing is it's something else. It's not my Manami. All I want is to be with Kiri. I just want to raise my kid and live as normal a life I can in this place. That's all I want."

"I hear you Tetsuo," Suzume cut in quietly, "I will pray that your wish be granted."

Keiichi woke with a strangled gasped, giving them all a terrible fright as he sat bolt upright with the mirror grasped in his hands.

"Kiki-chan!"

The pet name for his twin flew from his lips as he dropped the circle of silver and scrambled to gain his feet. Amano was already upright; roughly hauling the young priest to a stand; holding him up as Keiichi whirled and stumbled for the sliding screens. The humans ripped them open, startling Kai and Goshiro awake as the frozen air flooded in from outside. Dawn thawed the horizon though no warmth was left in the world. It threw pale threads of light on the small figure standing barefoot in the garden. Kiri was standing there as if somehow lost. Amano jumped down from windows and ran. Lin had to crane her necks to see around Suzume as he stood beside her.

"Babe! Oh, gods, babe, are you okay!?"

As Amano put his hands on her shoulders he flinched and yanked them back.

"H-holy shit! You're freezing!"

Lifting her eyes Kiri stared at him blankly. Grasping the hem of Suzume's kimono Lin wilted in relief as she caught sight of the shrine maiden's brown eye. The human wore the same far away haunted expression Keiichi'd been wearing earlier. At once she was quaking from head to two.

"I… I think I saw Hidé…"

Kiri's knees folded. Lin scrambled to her feet reaching thoughtlessly. It was an automatic reaction and Suzume had to hold her back otherwise Lin would've been out into the garden in seconds. But Amano already had Kiri, hoisting her up, turning away. The girl was a thin smudge of black, white, and red in his arms.

"W-where're you t-takin' her!?" Keiichi shouted from the sill.

"Away from here!" Amano barked back angrily, "Let's go, Kai!"

At once Kai was scrambling to get his things, spilling his pencils all over the floor. But the boy came up short, hesitating fearfully as Keiichi scrambled out of the window.

"No! Please don't take her!"

The young priest landed hard in the bushes, fighting to free his heavy robes from the branches. He limped out into the garden reaching pleadingly. Amano rounded on him glaring viciously while still holding the unconscious woman closely.

"Oh, now you want her! You threw her out, remember?! Your own sister! You have no idea what she's been through! If you weren't a priest I'd break your fuckin' face for t'shit you've pulled!"

Lin was pretty sure that had he not been holding Kiri Amano would've punched the young priest right in the face. Keiichi threw up his hands in supplication, shrinking from Amano as if anticipating violence. Kiri's brother was taller and heavier but he was a scholar not a brawler. He was a priest after all and probably couldn't defend himself worth a damned. As Lin took a step forward to intervene Suzume held her back. Mildly the fox watched the quarreling humans as if unconcerned.

"Let them sort this out for themselves, beloved."

Clutching his sketchbook like a shield Kai hovered on the sill before appealing back to them with a worry pinched face.

"Is Kiri okay?"

"She is only sleeping." Suzume assured him.

The lines on Kai's faced deepened.

"Dad's not really gonna hit Keiichi-san is he?"

Goshiro's lips drew into a thin line as he leaned forward struggling to see into the garden. Sleep must've done the old priest some good because the sharp edge was back in his colorless eyes.

"Not so long as he's carrying Kiri, I think. Come sit by me, my boy. Do not worry. The kami-sama will not let anything unfortunate happen."

Kai didn't look convinced as Lin snorted.

"What if I think Keiichi deserves a crack in the face?"

The corners of Goshiro's mouth quirked ever so slightly.

"Who am I to question the will of the Gods?"

Lin looked back into the garden as again the priest got in Amano's way.

"You're right!" Keiichi cried aloud, "You're right and I will let you pummel me bloody here and now to make amends!"

Something about the word brought Amano to stillness as more and more light climbed into the sky above them. It lit up Keiichi's face revealing his sincerity as he reached with shaking hands to remove his glasses before gesturing at his pale eyes.

"Look at me, Tetsuo. So much has changed. You know that. I know you can see it. I… I see that she's going to need us both in the time to come. Both of us, Tetsuo. So please don't take her away just now. I need her as much as she needs me."

Again Keiichi crept forward with outstretched arms. Gritting his teeth as if it hurt him physically, Amano gave Kiri over to her brother. The moment she was in his arms Keiichi sagged as his legs shook.

"Oh, she's heavy! Quick, take her back! Take her back! I'm going to drop her!"

"Damn it, Keii!" Amano half caught Kiri, "You're useless!"

He straightened, heading for the house with the red faced priest in his wake.

"Kai, get the front door!"

"Got it!" The boy shouted back; on his feet and sprinting down the hall.

As they went Suzume's attention fell on the circle of silver Keiichi left behind. The fox's gold eyes turned to sharp points of fire as the dawn light filled its surface. While he stared in fascination fox colors crept into his robe and his fingers twitched. A shadow passed over the old priest's serene expression as he watched Suzume from the corners of his eyes. He tossed the corner of his indigo robe over the mirror hiding it from sight. Lin looked back and forth between them not knowing what the hell was going on.

"Do not be tempted, my old friend." Goshiro counseled quietly.

Blinking the fox made an irritated moue and smoothed his kimono unnecessarily.

"You need not worry, priest. I am learning not to meddle in that which is hers."

"How very wise of you, Suzume-sama."

Goshiro smiled roguishly and his eyes disappeared into wrinkles. Suzume glared at the old man before tossing a hand towards the main shrine.

"Do you know what that was all about?"

"No. Unfortunately I do not. O-Sengen-sama no longer speaks to me."

Here the old human sighed heavily as he collected the mirror into his hands.

"She grows further from us until sometimes I worry if she hears us at all."

Suzume frowned, fretting again with his sleeves.

"I hear you, priest, even if she does not."

The old human smiled gratefully only to pause. Something moved on the silver surface of the disk. Goshiro saw whatever it was and the old priest shook ever so slightly as his eyes widened. But he marshaled through, accepting whatever it was as he bowed his bald head to he study the mirror's reflection.

"I worry for you, my old friend. I worry who will hear you when we are gone."

At first Suzume frowned, obviously confused. Slowly all the color bleached from him as he stood perfectly still. White from head to toe save the glowing gold of his irises, the fox shook slightly as from the corners of his eyes he studied the old man with dawning understanding.

Whatever it was that he saw must've frightened him to the core.

Turning on his heel the fox fled.

Baffled, Lin was hard pressed to keep up as she burst out into the blinding dawn.

HAKU

A knock sounded on the front door.

Jolting awake, this time Haku did not knock his head on the ceiling.

He was asleep on the floor.

Sunlight was streaming through the drawn blinds.

On his feet so swift a wind hit the room he cast about thinking he would be hard pressed to herd Gods into closets only to find his was apartment empty. Dumbfounded, he stared. Aki was gone and so were the blood stained sheet. The dishes from the meal he had served were missing. The divot he had put into the wall with his back was whole. Rushing to the bath he found it no longer stank of kappa. Wheeling around he even found a new bulb in the bare wire hanging from the ceiling.

It was as if they had never been in his home at all.

Again the knock came and he hurried to open the door only to find Shouta and Kenka standing outside. They wore respectively vibrant blue and orange so bright he blinked and stared at them uncomprehendingly.

"Dude," Kenka's face fell, "Are you okay?!"

"No," Haku breathed tremulously while forcing a smile, "I am not."

At once Kenka seized his elbow and ushered him inside. Gladly Haku followed, thankful to let someone else hold him up as at the moment as his knees were close to buckling. Shouta appeared at his other elbow in a panic.

"Oh-my-God, you're shaking!"

Haku hardly remembered sitting on the edge of his bed as Shouta went to the kitchen and Kenka to the bathroom. Haku was so very grateful for their company. Suddenly the room seemed dark and small in the absence of the Gods. Cabinets opened and closed followed shortly by the refrigerator.

"What the hell, Kou!?" Shouta huffed, "All you have in your fridge is a cup!"

The kitchen sink swished on as Kenka returned wordlessly holding out his damp handkerchief. It reminded Haku he had no linens either.

"Thank you, Kenka-san."

Haku accepted it with both hands as if it were a great gift. In truth the kindness was. He felt better after wiping his face and neck. The tall human planted a hand on the steeply sloped roof, leaning over him frowning as Shouta brought a glass of water. The tiny male put it in Haku's hands as he sat beside him with companionable closeness.

"Dude, what happened?"

Haku fought to answer. His throat threatened to close on the words.

"I had a difficult night… A friend died."

"Oh-my-God, I'm so sorry!" Shouta hushed, "Were you close?"

After last night he had no anger left. Slowly instead he filled with such grief, growing heavier and heavier until he was quite sure he could not stand. Because he would never again fall asleep to Chouchin's rosy pink light nor be greeted by the soft solid bump of her brittle paper body.

"Yes," Haku took a short shuddering breath as he bent over the glass, "She was the first friend I made upon arriving in Tokyo."

Suddenly he could not bear to remain in the gloomy empty room a moment longer.

"Apologies but I cannot stay here. I need to leave."

He stood abruptly and hit his head on the sloped ceiling, spilling his glass of water all over himself. Forced back to a rude seat Haku clutched his head and struggled through the flash of intense pain. Kenka and Shouta both cringed in sympathetic unison, exchanging meaningful glances over his head.

"Dude, let's go back to our place, okay?"

"Yeah, your stuff's still there anyways. I totally forgot t'bring it."

"I do not wish to impose," Haku whispered hoarsely.

"Are you kidding me? C'mon."

Already Kenka had his arm again, gently pulling him away from the ceiling.

"Um, Kenny? Don't you think he should change first?"

"I have nothing to change into except the costume you loaned me," Haku admitted hoarsely.

Again the pair exchanged a quiet worried glance over his head.

"What about your coat?"

"I burned it."

The glance again between then came again but longer this time.

"Um… Okay… Kaonashi it is."

Blindly Haku found his way to the bath and changed into the black robes, jamming his toes into the pair of shoes he had stolen from Chihiro's father. Shouta clicked off the light as they left, closing the door on the melancholy dark at his back.

xXx

The second shower revived him.

The soap, however, smelled strongly of masculine perfumes.

He much preferred flowery powdery smells like the soaps in Chihiro used.

At least he no longer smelled of smoke and spider blood.

The bathroom of Shouta and Kenka's apartment was almost the size of his apartment and also doubled as a place for laundry. The little male had scurried about gathering up the piles of clothes he swore profusely were clean. The room was tiled in drab beige the humans had tried to liven up with strange decorations Haku could not begin to fathom. He did not understand the grimacing faces cast in brightly colored plastics nor did he recognize the smoke spewing volcanic mountain on the shower curtain. Around its feet humans rode waves while perched atop planks of pointed wood. Even the mat on the floor was bizarre, shaped like a strange spiky fruit he had never before seen.

Hawaii: it announced brazenly. Haku had never heard of the place.

Through the thick cloud of steam Haku found the terry cloth robe Kenka had left for him. It was brilliantly orange like so many of the human's things, soft and smelling strongly of soap. Tying it tightly around his waist Haku bent and wiped the condensation from tiny window over the machines intended for washing. Through its weeping eye and between the buildings he caught a glimpse of the flat green surface of Lake Shinobazu. Beyond it was the swelling hill of Ueno Park.

Shyly emerging into the narrow hall, Haku felt terribly exposed. He had forgotten to ask for his clothes before going in to shower. Strange that Shouta had not offered. The rest of the apartment was as a clean and cheery to match its keepers. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers announced the many framed black and white posters of a pair of dancers. Haku knew not who they were though they looked joyful enough. In the closest photo the human male and female were caught mid-air. The woman's flouncy dress billowed at the hem like a flower and the man laughed explosively. Whatever wall space not occupied by the posters was filled with photo after photo of Kenka and Shouta. No single portrait could be found. Where there was one there was the other. The chronology of their years together was cataloged on the wall in their ever persistent smiles.

Ahead of him in the living room atop a violently orange rug blue pile of cushions ringed a low legged table strategically placed before a flat screen television set of massive proportions. To his left was the hall leading to the dark single bedroom. To his right was a kitchen barely large enough to simultaneously accommodate both males. Beyond the narrow counter partitioning the living room from the kitchen they orbited each other with stunning efficiency, never once in each other's way. Shouta ducked under Kenka's arm to stir the bubbling sauce as Kenka filled a pot in the sink only to hoist it high over the little male's head, depositing it on the stove. As if clairvoyant he turned to sample the spoon Shouta held out, nodding wordlessly before planting a kiss atop the little human's head.

Such delicious savory smells wafted his way Haku could not help but approach. Seating himself on one of the stools cozied to the bar he quietly watched until Shouta glanced at him and jolted back into Kenka.

"Holy shit, Kou!" Shouta put a hand on his chest and wilted, "You've got some crazy ninja skills to sneak up on me in a bright orange robe!"

"Apologies, uh… Might I please have my clothes?"

"Sure thing," Shouta's eyes suddenly glinted mischievously as he leaned over the bar on his elbows, "After I give you a hair cut."

"Only if you want one," Kenka added mildly as he chopped tartly smelling herbs.

The little human flashed a sullen moue over his shoulder.

"I never said he had to have one, did I?"

At once Haku grasped his bangs with both fists in utter exasperation.

"You would cut this? Please cut this!"

"Ha!" Shouta rubbed his palms together chuckling exuberantly, "Honey, I'll cut the whole thing! It's not doing anything but hiding that gorgeous face!"

Haku blinked lifting his hands to the top of his head.

"Shorter? I have never had it shorter…"

Shouta came around the bar and tugged him to his feet, scooting the stool out into the middle of the room before seating him again. Then he circled round and round all the while frowning appraisingly. Haku held perfectly still, not sure what to make of the little human's behavior.

"Yup. Shorter. No more bangs. That way you'll stop hiding behind them,"

Shouta nodded emphatically as he ducked into the bathroom, calling back over his shoulder.

"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. Who d'you think does Kenka's hair?"

At the stove the tall human struck a charming pose, pointing at his well coiffed spiky head before giving Haku a thumbs-up. He laughed and nodded approvingly.

"Chihiro will be pleased."

"Oh?" Kenka inquired lightly, trying not to appear too terribly curious as he stirred the herbs into the sauce, "By the way, Chihiro called. She's going to come by and pick you up later."

Elation could have lifted Haku straight into the air. Although just as suddenly uncertainty rooted him in place. Haku fidgeted on the stool, making it rock to the side jarringly as he worked up the courage to ask.

"Will Michio be accompanying us?"

Shouta sprinted from the bathroom, getting right in Haku's face as he clutched a pair of strange scissors, a comb, and a folded straight razor. Blinking rapidly, Haku leaned away from the sharp implements and the human's intense scrutiny, making his seat teeter dangerously.

"Who's Michio?" Shouta demanded in a low voice as if it was a secret.

"C-Chihiro's best friend."

"She introduced you to her BFF!" Shouta cheered explosively, dropping the cutting implements onto the bar as he snatched up his phone, once again running down the hall half-shouting, "I have to call Fuu right now! Don't move! I'll be right back."

Flabbergasted, Haku flinched as something cold touched his arm. Kenka was leaning across the bar offering a cold can of beer.

"Here. Drink it quick before he comes back," Kenka hushed, "Sho'll throw a fit if he sees us drinking beer when we're gonna eat pasta."

As the tall human half downed his Haku took a hurried sip, frowning at the bitterness of the brew before appealing to Kenka.

"Is it important? To be introduced to a bee, uh, eff, eff?"

"Yup," Kenka was grinning, "It means she's serious. Then again, I think she's always been serious about you."

Haku flushed, hastily searching for some kind of reply.

"Is that so?"

Kenka snorted, lifting his brows to give him a pointed stare Haku immediately shrank from. Suddenly the human was swirling his can and playing with the rainbow colored beads on his necklace as a slow conflicted frown pulled his lips into a thin line. Again Haku could feel the question coming. Trepidation hummed on his skin like a cold burn. All he could do was cringe and wait until finally the human spoke.

"Dude, I can't help but ask 'cause you seriously lit into Jae when he was giving you a hard time about Chihiro. If I didn't know any better I'd say you've been in love with her for a long time. I don't wanna get up in your business 'cause I know what its like to have secrets you'd rather not tell. But it's not just you. Both of you are something else! You get together and it's like boom! The earth shakes! What's up with that?"

At once Haku found himself shaking. He should not speak of it. He knew he should not speak of it! But suddenly it was all he longed to do. Of all the harried humans he now called friends Kenka was by far the calmest. He had shown himself to be extremely tactful and Haku enjoyed his company immensely. Loosing Chouchin had stripped Haku to the bone, leaving him brittle and grieved. Loneliness was bitter consolation that only added to his sorrow. It left him wanting to be known, if only in part.

Haku bowed his head, whispering, "I… I know not where to begin."

Kenka glanced at the hall to make sure Shouta was not listening. Chatty voice filtered distantly, punctuated by a high twittering laugh. Then the tall human leaned closer pillowing his elbows on the bar as he set his beer aside.

"You're from Kumomi, right?" Kenka offered quietly.

Haku hesitated, realizing what he was about to do, but continuing all the same.

"Yes."

Kenka blinked rapidly, "Didn't Chihiro used t'live there?"

"Yes."

The human was frowning now as slowly understanding soaked through him.

"Did you know her? Back before the accident?"

Haku cringed as truth slipped out of him as they always did: against his will.

"Yes."

"H-holy shit!"

At once Kenka straightened as his serious brown eyes went so wide Haku could not meet them. The human's voice was such a stunned hush Haku hardly heard him.

"You followed her here, didn't you? She doesn't remember you at all, does she?"

Closing his eyes Haku shook his head.

"No. She does not. Not even now."

There. It was done. There was no going back now.

Kenka grappled with all of this, searching the kitchen as if it held something he could offer in remedy of the situation. There was nothing.

"D-Dude," Kenka was whispering, gripping the edge of the counter as he suddenly appealed to him with earnest eyes, "You have to tell her!"

Haku's frazzled patience snapped.

"Tell me then, since you are so sure, how does one begin a conversation such as that!? She left us because she could not bear to see what she could not remember! How can I bring that upon her again!? No! There are things I would leave behind just as she has. Though we have begun anew my love remains unchanged. It is unending! It will endure from this life into our next for even there we will find each other and begin anew!"

Kenka shrank from his harsh tone but was too caught up in the pouring words to notice. The human was awestruck, gaping uselessly while searching to explain the obvious disquiet stretched across his tanned pinched features.

"Dude, what about this life? What happens when she asks where you're from? What happens when she wants to meet your family? You can't just lie…"

"I have never lied to her!" Haku cut in furiously.

Then he flinched as anger fled him; because it was a lie. He had lied to Chihiro. He had told her his name was Kou when it was not. Immediately Haku lapsed into stunned silence as Kenka began again his gentle counsel.

"Sometimes secrets are the same as lies, Kou. I'm just saying 'cause I know you love her. I know you're probably afraid to loose her again. Eventually, maybe when you two are a little more settled, you're gonna have to tell her because lies can break even the strongest relationships."

Haku remember how Chihiro had lied to him, remembered how it had nearly driven him from her. Close to tears Haku bowed his head over his beer can, clutching it until the can clinked and flexed. In a hurried rush he let out his thoughts, desperate to share them lest they gather inside him, pooling and swelling until he burst!

"You are right, Kenka-san. I know you are right but all this happened so quickly! I did not mean for this. I went outside and suddenly she was before me and in such a state. What was I to do? Then Fuu and Jae appeared. She followed and I was so overjoyed to see her. Then I followed her for I could not bear to see her go…!"

Haku jolted as he crushed the can in his hands. It crumpled like paper, spraying him with bitter beer.

Startled to his feet Haku was across the room with his back to the wall long before the can hit the ground. It was crumpled like a piece of paper clearly baring the imprint of his hand. Haku moved so quickly he inspired wind in his wake. Even more startled Kenka knocked back against the refrigerator as the gust hit the kitchen. Jars clattered and quaked as the gale circled back only to dissipate at Haku's feet because Kenka was absolutely white. Shaking visibly, the male's wide brown eyes found him with far more intensity than the awed gaze he had turned upon him in Haku's apartment. Fuu had stared similarly when Haku caught Kenka as the human passed out in the kitchen. Both looked with untouched mortal eyes, but still, those eyes saw clearly.

"A-apologies," Haku stammered, already hurrying with affected slowness to the bathroom, "I will get a towel."

Once inside Haku shut the door, sinking to his knees with his face in his hands. He cringed with fright for he knew what the human had seen. For all intensive purposes he had disappeared, moving so quickly he could not be seen only to reappear. There was no way to explain what had happened. He almost ran right there and then. But he had no clothes nor did he have any place to go beside Chihiro's. It would not due to turn up on her doorstep in an orange bathroom stinking of beer.

Shouta came scooting down the hall.

"Where'd Kou go?"

"He spilled his beer and went to clean up. Poor guy's still kinda shaky."

Haku silently praised Kenka's tact, taken aback by the human's shrewd silence. But there was no time to fret over the consequences of the truths he had both avertedly and inadvertently revealed. Shouta was knocking on the door calling to him now and not bothered by the mess he had made.

"Hurry up, Kou. I've got just enough time to cut your hair before lunch is ready."

Haku was at the sink making loud splashing sounds as he foundered lamely.

"Yes, Shouta."

Sweet and blithe as always, the little male continued insinuatingly.

"Oh, and I put some clothes by the door. Don't argue, kay?"

"Y-yes, Shouta…?"

At once Haku was concerned for obviously these were not to be his clothes.

"You don't have to wear them if you don't want to, kay Kou?"

As if coming to his rescue Kenka refuted his partner. Pans clattered as at once they were arguing quietly, oblivious to the fact he could hear every word.

"Why d'you always ruin my fun!?" Shouta hissed beneath his breath.

"He's not a doll!"

"I know! I know! Just let me make him pretty! Please? I wanna see the look on Chihiro's face when she sees how hot Kou really is."

Kenka was terribly exasperated.

"She already knows, Shouta."

"No she doesn't!"

Shouta refuted stalwartly as he suddenly paused as if unsure of what he was saying. Haku held his breath as he listened over the sound of rushing water.

"I spent most of Friday night with the two of them. It's totally weird, Kenny! She see's him but doesn't! It's like she's looking right through him without realizing it, like he's a ghost or somethin'! Dunno what she's seeing but it's not Kou! She's missing what's right in front of her face!"

Kenka was silent a moment, then spoke with terrible seriousness.

"Only if he want's to, okay?"

"Oh, he want's to. Trust me. I'm gonna make him impossible to ignore."

Suddenly Shouta was chuckling beneath his breath.

The sound was actually quiet frightening.

CHIHIRO

It was hard not to look at every plate glass window she passed.

Oh, God… Was this skirt too short?

It probably made her look like she was trying way too hard.

Glancing at the store front window she cringed at the sight of her knees.

She wilted and admitted she was going to freeze her butt off.

Argh! Why'd she let Michi talk her into this outfit and the make-up too!? It was more diner and drinks than a walk in the park. At least she'd managed to dress it down with a purple wool coat, brown leggings, and a striped scarf and hat. There was a huge ridiculous flower on the hat. She'd spent the whole taxi ride over trying to pull the damned thing off without ruining the hat. It was a no-go and the offending blossom remained firmly perched on the side of her brow making her long to take it off.

But with every step she took her heart beat faster and faster in her chest.

Who knew finding an apartment complex could send chills up her spine?

Fidgeting with her shell necklace, she walked right past the door the first time down the hall, circling back to it and feeling like an idiot. Holding her breath she knocked on the door and froze in her boots as a guy who could've been a Vanity Fair model opened it.

"S-Sorry!" She squeaked and shrank behind her purse, "W-wrong door!"

Model guy frowned uncertainly and blushed as he dropped his chin shyly.

"Do I look so different then?"

Chihiro's mouth fell open and she almost dropped her bag.

"Kou!"

He flashed a sheepish smile, motioning to his immaculately styled locks.

"Shouta cut my hair."

It was short! Really short but not too short; layered a bit and textured with some product that made it super shiny. It perfectly framed his gorgeous face making his green eyes dazzlingly bright beneath his chiseled brows. Heat roasted Chihiro cheeks because he was wearing a pair of dark wash jeans that made his legs miles long and a warm purple sweater half zipped to reveal the brown pin-stripe shirt layered beneath. Brown belt, brown shoes; she was still gaping, trying to take it all in.

"You look beautiful, Chihiro," his eyes crinkled up ever so slightly as he nodded at the silly flower on her hat, "That is a very pretty flower."

Suddenly she couldn't think of a damned thing to say. He was gorgeous before but there was no hiding it now, especially as his shy smile transformed, turning warm with open affection as he looked her right in the eye.

"Okay, I can't take it, you two are too cute!" Shouta burst out of the hallway and skidded to a halt on the linoleum floor as he waved her inside, "Get in here!"

Chihiro was extremely conscious of Kou's closeness as he closed the door behind her. He almost put his hand on her back as he welcomed her inside. But then she was too busy hugging Shouta and then Kenka as he emerged from the hall as well.

"So?" Shouta yanked poor Kou down by the arm to preen his hair, "What do you think?"

"Sho…!" Kenka hissed under his breath giving him a pointed look.

"I love it," she effused, grinning from ear to ear as Kou turned bright red.

"In truth I feel terribly exposed," he admitted quietly as he ducked his chin, "My neck is quite cold."

It took all of Chihiro's self control not to lift his chin and kiss him right there.

"That's what scarfs are for."

Shouta winked as he stood on tip toe to wind a green cable knit around Kou's neck before holding up a navy peacoat. With a mild expression Kou let the tiny fellow dress him as Chihiro barely restrained a giggle. Kenka rolled his eyes with a long suffering expression, which did nothing to help her keep a straight face.

"We still on for dance studio tomorrow night?" Shouta tossed over his shoulder as Kenka dragged him away before he could button Kou's coat.

"Uh, sure." Chihiro beamed, "What time?"

"Come by at 6:00," Kenka added while nodding at the door and silently urging them to go, "We should be warmed up by then."

"I shall see you in the morning."

Kou caught himself mid-bow as Shouta shook his head furtively. Instead he managed a shy wave instead, earning an approving wink. Apparently the boys were giving him lessons in how to be cool. Gods, her cheeks hurt form smiling, this was too much. Her insides swam giddily as Kou opened the door and held out his arm.

"Shall we go, Chihiro?"

"Sure!"

Oh, God; that sounded way too eager... Before she could wilt in mortification he whisked her out the door. She did manage to flash an elated grin over her shoulder only to find both Kenka and Shouta waving all kinds of encouragement. Chihiro held her cool until they paused in front of the elevator, loosing a giggle and grinning up at him as he nervously glanced down the hall.

"We should make haste before Shouta gives chases with his scissors."

As he looked back she resisted the urge to grab him by the front of his coat.

"This is too great!" Her hands were already hovering, "Can I touch?"

He bowed his head and she ran her fingers lightly across the short spikes. It was still soft and whispered deliciously beneath her palms. Chihiro was so distracted by his new haircut that she didn't realize he had leaned in to kiss her until his mouth tipped up to hers. He almost picked her up as she fell against him. Fireworks, confetti, train whistles, and a bicycle bell all simultaneously sounded inside her head. Right around his neck and into the short fringe of his hair her hands went. Her skin burned every place it touched his as she forgot about the park and everything else except his lips on hers.

"Apologies," he hushed with a grin as they finally surfaced for air, "I missed you terribly, Chihiro."

"Me too," she returned while tipping her head back and inviting more.

The elevator dinged and they jolted apart, adjusting their clothes as a white-haired gran emerged and shuffled down the hall pulling a cart full of gigantic daikon radishes. Chihiro giggled gleefully as the old woman cast many a suspicious backward glance. Seizing Kou's arm she dragged him into the elevator car and pulled him back into range by the lapels of his coat. He complied without hesitation.

They emerged on the bottom floor more than disheveled

Arm and arm downstairs and pushed out into the blistering cold.