Disclaimer: I don't own Spirited Away or any of it's characters.
Chapter 18: Kohaku's Birthday
Chihiro awoke early the next morning to a hand resting on her shoulder a voice said, "meet me in the garden in ten minutes." When Chihiro turned around no one was there, but it was only slightly obvious who had said that, Kohaku.
Chihiro got up and pulled her shirt over her head, even though it was about 9 am, it was way to early to even think about being awake. Chihiro tiptoed out of the room and down the hall. She went out of the normal door this time and stopped on the bridge. She was a couple minutes early so she took her time to look at the blue water beneath her.
Chihiro turned and walked the rest of the way across the bridge and into the garden, she was right on time. Kohaku was waiting for her (a guy who is fashionably early....wow (a/n: sorry all guys who read this and are always on time I happen to not actually know any who are on time or early)).
"I wanted to talk to you Chihiro," Kohaku said slowly.
Chihiro got worried, "Why...what has happened?"
Kohaku laughed, "Oh nothing, really, I just wanted to talk to you alone."
"Oh," Chihiro smiled.
"I got you something, a birthday present, sorry it's two months late."
"You didn't have to get me anything Kohaku, saving my life twice was good enough."
"Well actually you saved my life, then I saved yours. The time with Saki you saved your own life. Don't argue with me over this Chihiro." Kohaku placed a decorative comb in Chihiro's hands. Chihiro looked at it, the comb was silver with small pink cherry blossoms and the name Chihiro carved on it.
"Oh it's so beautiful, Thank you Kohaku!" Chihiro gave him a hug. "I've been wondering a few things Kohaku. 1. How does the train get back to the beginning if it never goes back? 2. Where do you sleep? And 3. When is your birthday?"
Kohaku laughed, "Recently the train was created to make a complete circle, though I don't know how it did get back before. One floor below Yu-Baaba the fifth door to the right of the elevator that goes up to Yu-Baaba's, I don't share with anyone I don't think anyone would want me to anyways. And actually my birthday is today April 12th."
"Really I can't believe you would give me a birthday present on your birthday, well now I must get you a present." Chihiro said, she hugged Kohaku again, "Happy Birthday!" Chihiro gave Kohaku a kiss and turned to leave.
Kohaku was surprised but happy at the same time, he tried to pull her back but she had walked to far. He did want to chase after her, so he turned and flew off to Zeniiba's for business.
Chihiro ran down into the boiler room she knew what she could give Kohaku she had made a paper weight of a dragon out of clay at school, and it was still in her backpack she just hoped it wasn't broken. Chihiro walked into the boiler room everyone was asleep.
"Pssst... Susuwatari wake up I need my backpack real quickly," whispered Chihiro into the Susuwatari hole. No one woke up. Chihiro took off her shoes and placed them loudly by the hole. The Susuwatari came out to retrieve the shoes. "Thank you and can I quickly have my backpack please?"
The Susuwatari quickly returned with the backpack. Chihiro looked for the paper weight it was at the bottom of the bag, thankfully undamaged. She also took out a permanent marker a pen and piece of paper. On the bottom of the paper weight she wroteHappy 13th Birthday Kohaku Love, Chihiro and on the paper she wrote I wanted you to have your birthday present on your birthday, and I didn't know if I would see you again today. So Happy Birthday! Love, Chihiro.
Chihiro gave back the bag to the Susuwatari and said, "Thank you." Chihiro took the piece of paper and paper weight, and walked out of the boiler room. Chihiro walked the path to Yu-Baaba's but stopped one floor below.
"1....2....3....4....5" Chihiro counted, "This should be it." Chihiro knocked on the door, and waited a minute, there was no answer. Chihiro slowly opened the door and looked in there was no one there. Chihiro could tell that it was Kohaku's room, his sleeping roll was still on the floor along with one of Kohaku's shirts. It was obviously his room. Chihiro quickly walked in and placed the note and paper weight on the pillow. She walked out of the room, closed the door, and walked back to the Woman's sleeping quarters to catch another hour or so of sleep. As she walked she thought Why did I do that? Why could I not wait till I saw him again? Why...... Chihiro's thoughts were filled with why and she didn't know any of the answers.
Chihiro woke up to the soft pitter patter of rain, She smiled and thought Raki. The rest of the night was normal, Mishu-Kapi and Chihiro had to tend to the Radish spirit. The night was slow and uneventful, Chihiro never saw Kohaku, and was beginning to think that it was a good thing that she left a present for Kohaku in his room.
The next night was just as normal. Chihiro woke up with everyone else rolled up the sleeping stuff and cleaned the floors. Chihiro thought The excitement in this place is gone with no threats, and no Rin around to talk to.
Aniyaku was just to announce what everyone was working on that day, when Kohaku walked in. "Sen!" Kohaku said in a not so bitter tone, "Yu-Baaba wants to see you."
Chihiro thought maybe I was wrong, maybe this place will still be exciting. Everyone was grumbling, but this time not for fear that Kohaku would do something terrible to Chihiro. Everyone had watched the fight, and those who didn't heard the important highlights, Of when Chihiro almost died and who was crying over her body. What was only a thought when Kohaku and Chihiro arrived holding hands at Chihiro's final test and how they left the same way, was completely confirmed. Everyone had figured because of Kohaku, Chihiro was getting out of work. Chihiro knew what they were thinking but little did she know that they were correct.
Chihiro didn't hold Kohaku's hand, and he never reached for hers as they walked to Yu-Baaba's. Kohaku didn't knock on the door he just walked right in and Chihiro followed.
"Ah... yes Sen..... and Haku of course. I've been looking over your contract and it seems that you are entitled to one day off a year, and only one. And since you went to my sisters one day and were unconscious for two weeks. That means you roughly owe me fifteen years without a day off. With the exception of course of the previously arranged temporary release on your eighteenth birthday. Now is that ok? I'm warning you though if you say no then it wont change a thing." Said Yu-Baaba.
"No, that is perfectly fine I don't mind at all," Chihiro replied.
"Now on to other matters since my sister wants you to see her for awhile, She seemed to like you enough that I think you can successfully get a job done, and at Haku's request (which is only being taken into account because it was his birthday yesterday) You, and Shu will go to Zeniiba's and ask her to find us a new supplier of wood to fix previous damages to the bath house. Sadly our supplier, isn't supplying anymore(raised prices, Yu-Baaba wants good cheap wood), Ok?"
Chihiro nodded, "Yes."
(A/N: thought this pacific part might seems pointless and completely un Yu- Baaba/following in the story line it is only a means to remove Kohaku and Chihiro as well as Mishu-Kapi (who might tell Chihiro) from Aburaya, this will be made more apparent later.)
Chihiro and Kohaku walked back down to retrieve Mishu-Kapi. Chihiro went to the tub where Mishu-Kapi was sweeping and told him that they had a special task that night. While Kohaku talked to Chihiyaku say that both Sen and Shu had a special job assigned to them by Yu-Baaba.
As the three walked outside Chihiro explained their wood ordering/visiting assignment and that Kohaku was only the ride. Chihiro received a nasty look from Kohaku for that comment.
It didn't take to long for the three to reach Swamp Bottom, with a greeting from a rejoicing walking lamp (not to many visitors to a place called Swamp Bottom though everyone knows that Zeniiba was a very nice lady)
"Granny! Kaonashi!" yelled Chihiro as they approached the house.
Zeniiba walked outside and watched as Chihiro, Kohaku, and Mishu-Kapi walked up the path. "Hello, hello how are you?" Zeniiba asked.
"Good Granny, we are all good." Replied Chihiro.
"Yes I can see that," Zeniiba was looking at Kohaku who the last time had looked different and was violent towards Chihiro. "Well now Mishu-Kapi you come in the house and tell me this business your on. I think Chihiro and Kohaku need to talk,"
Mishu-Kapi looked confused and wasn't quite sure why he had to do the business, but he followed Zeniiba into the house.
"Thank you for the present," said Kohaku
"No problem it was your birthday, I'm sorry about that commit earlier," replied Chihiro.
"Don't worry about it, only a joke right. I am more then a ride."
"Oh yes of course you are, your much more." Chihiro and Kohaku sat down in the yard and looked at the stars and waning moon. When Mishu-Kapi came out of the house successful in finding a new wood supplier, the three bid farewell to Zeniiba (Kaonashi was away that night). They flew back to Aburaya just as the sun came up.
Author's Note: If you don't like this chapter let me explain: 1 Chihiro's birthday is Feb 17 and Kohaku's is April 12 2 Being only 11 Chihiro doesn't actually say 'I love you' to Kohaku, but the kiss (not to much more then a peck) shows she really does love him 3 Yu-Baaba is up to something 4 Things are quiet at Aburaya, safely allowing me to skip a few years (5 years 10 months and 4 days to be exact) These four reasons are why this chapter were written, plus to cause I'm the author and wanted to write it. ( And this author note was written so I could explain and so if you previously didn't know I like to be very precise in time.
~ Na
Chapter 18: Kohaku's Birthday
Chihiro awoke early the next morning to a hand resting on her shoulder a voice said, "meet me in the garden in ten minutes." When Chihiro turned around no one was there, but it was only slightly obvious who had said that, Kohaku.
Chihiro got up and pulled her shirt over her head, even though it was about 9 am, it was way to early to even think about being awake. Chihiro tiptoed out of the room and down the hall. She went out of the normal door this time and stopped on the bridge. She was a couple minutes early so she took her time to look at the blue water beneath her.
Chihiro turned and walked the rest of the way across the bridge and into the garden, she was right on time. Kohaku was waiting for her (a guy who is fashionably early....wow (a/n: sorry all guys who read this and are always on time I happen to not actually know any who are on time or early)).
"I wanted to talk to you Chihiro," Kohaku said slowly.
Chihiro got worried, "Why...what has happened?"
Kohaku laughed, "Oh nothing, really, I just wanted to talk to you alone."
"Oh," Chihiro smiled.
"I got you something, a birthday present, sorry it's two months late."
"You didn't have to get me anything Kohaku, saving my life twice was good enough."
"Well actually you saved my life, then I saved yours. The time with Saki you saved your own life. Don't argue with me over this Chihiro." Kohaku placed a decorative comb in Chihiro's hands. Chihiro looked at it, the comb was silver with small pink cherry blossoms and the name Chihiro carved on it.
"Oh it's so beautiful, Thank you Kohaku!" Chihiro gave him a hug. "I've been wondering a few things Kohaku. 1. How does the train get back to the beginning if it never goes back? 2. Where do you sleep? And 3. When is your birthday?"
Kohaku laughed, "Recently the train was created to make a complete circle, though I don't know how it did get back before. One floor below Yu-Baaba the fifth door to the right of the elevator that goes up to Yu-Baaba's, I don't share with anyone I don't think anyone would want me to anyways. And actually my birthday is today April 12th."
"Really I can't believe you would give me a birthday present on your birthday, well now I must get you a present." Chihiro said, she hugged Kohaku again, "Happy Birthday!" Chihiro gave Kohaku a kiss and turned to leave.
Kohaku was surprised but happy at the same time, he tried to pull her back but she had walked to far. He did want to chase after her, so he turned and flew off to Zeniiba's for business.
Chihiro ran down into the boiler room she knew what she could give Kohaku she had made a paper weight of a dragon out of clay at school, and it was still in her backpack she just hoped it wasn't broken. Chihiro walked into the boiler room everyone was asleep.
"Pssst... Susuwatari wake up I need my backpack real quickly," whispered Chihiro into the Susuwatari hole. No one woke up. Chihiro took off her shoes and placed them loudly by the hole. The Susuwatari came out to retrieve the shoes. "Thank you and can I quickly have my backpack please?"
The Susuwatari quickly returned with the backpack. Chihiro looked for the paper weight it was at the bottom of the bag, thankfully undamaged. She also took out a permanent marker a pen and piece of paper. On the bottom of the paper weight she wroteHappy 13th Birthday Kohaku Love, Chihiro and on the paper she wrote I wanted you to have your birthday present on your birthday, and I didn't know if I would see you again today. So Happy Birthday! Love, Chihiro.
Chihiro gave back the bag to the Susuwatari and said, "Thank you." Chihiro took the piece of paper and paper weight, and walked out of the boiler room. Chihiro walked the path to Yu-Baaba's but stopped one floor below.
"1....2....3....4....5" Chihiro counted, "This should be it." Chihiro knocked on the door, and waited a minute, there was no answer. Chihiro slowly opened the door and looked in there was no one there. Chihiro could tell that it was Kohaku's room, his sleeping roll was still on the floor along with one of Kohaku's shirts. It was obviously his room. Chihiro quickly walked in and placed the note and paper weight on the pillow. She walked out of the room, closed the door, and walked back to the Woman's sleeping quarters to catch another hour or so of sleep. As she walked she thought Why did I do that? Why could I not wait till I saw him again? Why...... Chihiro's thoughts were filled with why and she didn't know any of the answers.
Chihiro woke up to the soft pitter patter of rain, She smiled and thought Raki. The rest of the night was normal, Mishu-Kapi and Chihiro had to tend to the Radish spirit. The night was slow and uneventful, Chihiro never saw Kohaku, and was beginning to think that it was a good thing that she left a present for Kohaku in his room.
The next night was just as normal. Chihiro woke up with everyone else rolled up the sleeping stuff and cleaned the floors. Chihiro thought The excitement in this place is gone with no threats, and no Rin around to talk to.
Aniyaku was just to announce what everyone was working on that day, when Kohaku walked in. "Sen!" Kohaku said in a not so bitter tone, "Yu-Baaba wants to see you."
Chihiro thought maybe I was wrong, maybe this place will still be exciting. Everyone was grumbling, but this time not for fear that Kohaku would do something terrible to Chihiro. Everyone had watched the fight, and those who didn't heard the important highlights, Of when Chihiro almost died and who was crying over her body. What was only a thought when Kohaku and Chihiro arrived holding hands at Chihiro's final test and how they left the same way, was completely confirmed. Everyone had figured because of Kohaku, Chihiro was getting out of work. Chihiro knew what they were thinking but little did she know that they were correct.
Chihiro didn't hold Kohaku's hand, and he never reached for hers as they walked to Yu-Baaba's. Kohaku didn't knock on the door he just walked right in and Chihiro followed.
"Ah... yes Sen..... and Haku of course. I've been looking over your contract and it seems that you are entitled to one day off a year, and only one. And since you went to my sisters one day and were unconscious for two weeks. That means you roughly owe me fifteen years without a day off. With the exception of course of the previously arranged temporary release on your eighteenth birthday. Now is that ok? I'm warning you though if you say no then it wont change a thing." Said Yu-Baaba.
"No, that is perfectly fine I don't mind at all," Chihiro replied.
"Now on to other matters since my sister wants you to see her for awhile, She seemed to like you enough that I think you can successfully get a job done, and at Haku's request (which is only being taken into account because it was his birthday yesterday) You, and Shu will go to Zeniiba's and ask her to find us a new supplier of wood to fix previous damages to the bath house. Sadly our supplier, isn't supplying anymore(raised prices, Yu-Baaba wants good cheap wood), Ok?"
Chihiro nodded, "Yes."
(A/N: thought this pacific part might seems pointless and completely un Yu- Baaba/following in the story line it is only a means to remove Kohaku and Chihiro as well as Mishu-Kapi (who might tell Chihiro) from Aburaya, this will be made more apparent later.)
Chihiro and Kohaku walked back down to retrieve Mishu-Kapi. Chihiro went to the tub where Mishu-Kapi was sweeping and told him that they had a special task that night. While Kohaku talked to Chihiyaku say that both Sen and Shu had a special job assigned to them by Yu-Baaba.
As the three walked outside Chihiro explained their wood ordering/visiting assignment and that Kohaku was only the ride. Chihiro received a nasty look from Kohaku for that comment.
It didn't take to long for the three to reach Swamp Bottom, with a greeting from a rejoicing walking lamp (not to many visitors to a place called Swamp Bottom though everyone knows that Zeniiba was a very nice lady)
"Granny! Kaonashi!" yelled Chihiro as they approached the house.
Zeniiba walked outside and watched as Chihiro, Kohaku, and Mishu-Kapi walked up the path. "Hello, hello how are you?" Zeniiba asked.
"Good Granny, we are all good." Replied Chihiro.
"Yes I can see that," Zeniiba was looking at Kohaku who the last time had looked different and was violent towards Chihiro. "Well now Mishu-Kapi you come in the house and tell me this business your on. I think Chihiro and Kohaku need to talk,"
Mishu-Kapi looked confused and wasn't quite sure why he had to do the business, but he followed Zeniiba into the house.
"Thank you for the present," said Kohaku
"No problem it was your birthday, I'm sorry about that commit earlier," replied Chihiro.
"Don't worry about it, only a joke right. I am more then a ride."
"Oh yes of course you are, your much more." Chihiro and Kohaku sat down in the yard and looked at the stars and waning moon. When Mishu-Kapi came out of the house successful in finding a new wood supplier, the three bid farewell to Zeniiba (Kaonashi was away that night). They flew back to Aburaya just as the sun came up.
Author's Note: If you don't like this chapter let me explain: 1 Chihiro's birthday is Feb 17 and Kohaku's is April 12 2 Being only 11 Chihiro doesn't actually say 'I love you' to Kohaku, but the kiss (not to much more then a peck) shows she really does love him 3 Yu-Baaba is up to something 4 Things are quiet at Aburaya, safely allowing me to skip a few years (5 years 10 months and 4 days to be exact) These four reasons are why this chapter were written, plus to cause I'm the author and wanted to write it. ( And this author note was written so I could explain and so if you previously didn't know I like to be very precise in time.
~ Na
