"Holy...I'm full. I couldn't eat another morsel. You girls are great cooks!", Chris said, holding his stomach.


Celine smiled. "I'm glad you liked it, Chris." She leaned against him next to the camp fire.


Claude chimed in. "Yes, it was fantastic. Thanks, girls." Rena smiled, and Celine's smile grew greated.


"Chisato-dear, the boys are talking to you", Celine said across the blaze.


"....what.? Ohh...::awwwwn::, thank you, lads. I'm sorry, just a bit tired."  The sleeplessness of the night before was getting to her.


"Well, I don't know about you, but I plan to do a little exploring this morning", Claude said excitedly. "Anyone coming with?"


Rena looked up at him. "Of course, Claude. I'll go where you go."


"::ssnnnnn:: ::fwweeeeehhh::"
"::ssnnnnn:: ::fwweeeeehhhggg::"
"::ssnnnnnee:: ::fwweeeeehhhzzz::"


They all looked over at Ashton, who had fallen asleep at his seat. They then all looked at Chisato, who was also on the edge of snoozing.


"I think they need some time alone...", Celine whispered. Chris nodded.
Celine and Chris got up and began to walk the path down the mountain. Claude stood and extended his hand for Rena, who accepted it. They walked quickly to catch up with the royal couple. Chisato watched them go. They're...all so happy..., she thought to herself.


"Ashton", she whispered.


Ashton didn't respond. Gyoro did, looking up groggily. He and Urunun didn't get any sleep either, having been connected to the unsleeping Ashton. As a result, they were all tired. Chisato put a hand to Gyoros face, comforting him back to sleep.


Chisato carefully reclined the seat they were sitting in to lean back. Ashton was now lying down now, his back to Chisato. She pondered for a minute, then moved closer to him. They were almost touching when Chisato decided not to risk waking the dragons. A few short seconds later, she was asleep.


----------------------------------------------------------------


"Awrrrk."


Ashton's eyes slowly opened to the midday sun. Must be noon, Gyoro's hungry. Ashton yawned and streched, inches away from hitting the sleeping Chisato in the face. He turned to get up and froze. He obviously didn't notice her there before.


He looked at her closely, she was still asleep. It had been a long night before, so it wasn't much of a suprise. Hell, he'd still be sleeping if there wasn't two eating factories on his shoulders. She seemed happy, as if she was having a great dream. He envied her.


He decided to go to the mess to see if there was any breakfest left for the two to eat. He started to get up, then froze.


Her leg was entwined around his. Okay...now it's time to panic. Ashton wasn't the best in handing issues with women, and he was fairly sure Chisato hadn't meant to put her leg there. If she wakes up in this position, what if she takes it the wrong way?


The only problem was, there was not really a way he could get out unless he tried to move her legs too, and there was no way he'd touch her legs. How would she interpret that? Eesh, why does it have to happen to me? Gyoro, why did you wake me up?


"...Ashton."


Ashton started a cold sweat. He slowly turned around to face her. Her eyes were still shut.


"...As...". Her body moved, uncurling herself from his leg. Ashton smiled, despite the situation. He moved to get out from the chair, until two small hands were around him from behind.


Well, this isn't good, thought Ashton.


"Arrrwwaaak!!", said Gyoro. This isn't going to turn out good in the end. He was going to wake her up, and whatever they'd had, she was going to forget about him and leave for good.


"...Gyoro...shh...", he said, pleadingly.


Gyoro, surprised, shut his mouth. Ashton was thankful, but he still needed to get out. He tried to get out, but her hands still gripped at his torso. Gahhh, thought Ashton, what am I going to do? Just then, out of nowhere, Urunun woke up and reached below the chair to one of the supports. He effortlessly pulled it out, and the chair crashed to the ground, with 4 people in tow.


A little shocked, Ashton looked behind to see if Chisato was alright. Her eyes were open, that was for certain.


"Ashton..."


"I'm sorry, Chisato! Are you hurt?"


"I...don't think so, only my leg..."


She tried to stand, then cried out and fell to the ground hard.


"Chisato!!" He ran to her. "Let me help you back to the tent."


She steadily stood up and took small steps, leaning against Ashton the whole time. She wondered when/if she would ever tell Ashton that she'd been awake since Gyoro first squawked.


~