DECISIONS MADE

Leaning against the balcony's railing Rei was unaware of the chill which settled against his skin as he looked out at the world around him. Returning to his room shortly after Sazuka's departure Rei has spend his time looking out into the night sky, finding some comfort in the familiar patterns that he found amongst the stars. Deep in thought as he went over the nights events Rei didn't hear the door opening as someone entered the room. However, the quiet thread of footsteps did catch his attention; thinking Kai had returned to their room Rei didn't bother to turn around. Realizing he would have to apologise to his garnet eyed friend for his previous actions Rei decided he'd wait for the teen to ready himself for bed before speaking to him. Looking down at his clasped hands Rei found his thoughts drifting towards a certain blader, despites her decision Rei knew he would accept it even if it did destroy apart of him.

"Rei."

Recognising the voice immediately Rei felt his heart halt for a moment as he realised who was behind him, unsure of what to do Rei remained where he was as he heard her approach.

Coming to a halt behind the one before her Sazuka could feel the uncertainty and fear which racked his very being; only now realising just how much the usually fearless Tiger had feared this chain of events. For the last few hours Sazuka had been pondering the information Rei had revealed to her, confused at first by what she had been told Sazuka had began to get her head around it. Thinking things over Sazuka had finally come to a decision and had spent the last half an hour seeking Rei out.

Moving to stand beside him Sazuka was surprised to see that Rei was reluctant to look at her; an air of nervous tension surrounding him as he acknowledged her presence. Taking note of the slight pallor that was present in Rei's skin Sazuka's concern was confirmed as she took hold of his icy hands.

"You'll catch a cold if you stay out here any longer."

"I hadn't really noticed."

"Then it's a good job I came along, after all what kind of mate would I be if I let you get ill."

Welcoming the warmth from the hands which held his Rei was grateful for Sazuka's presence, thinking she'd come to let him down Rei was startled by the statement she'd just made. Turing to look at the one beside him Rei was greeted by a gentle smile, having mere moments to gaze upon grey lit eyes Rei was taken back once again as Sazuka wrapped him in an embrace.

"There's a lot I don't understand and even more I need to learn, but I do know something I've never cared for anyone the way I care about you. I want to stand by you Rei; I don't know what it means to be bonded but I wanted to understand it."

Feeling the surprise Rei felt at her words Sazuka remained within their embrace for a moment longer before stepping back; looking into amber eyes Sazuka was glad to see the relief and happiness begin to return to them. Unable to prevent her smile Sazuka gave a gentle tug to Rei's hand as she turned to the room behind them.

Hardly able to believe what had just happened Rei was touched beyond words by Sazuka's willingness to accept what he'd told her, but more than that his heart was grateful not to lose the other part of his soul. Feeling the tug on his hand Rei watched as Sazuka walked ahead of him, about to follow Rei halted for a moment as he finally noticed something he hadn't took note of before. Usually bound by a length of ribbon Sazuka's ebony strands were free from their confines, a curtain of lose silk flowing down her back. Having never seen Sazuka's hair down before Rei found her even more breathe taking as she turned to look at him, the slight breeze blowing stray strands across her face.

Giving a quick smile to Rei's silent form Sazuka disappeared from view as she headed inside, grateful for the rooms warmth as she waited for her companion to join her. Deciding to make a start on her hair Sazuka had only just sat down before her task was halted as a weight settled it's self on the bed next to her.

"I've never seen you with your hair down before it suit's you."

Glad to sense the comfort and ease of mind radiating from her partner Sazuka gladly leaned into Rei's frame as he wrapped his arms around her. Held in his embrace Sazuka was surprised to realize that close contact with the Tiger made it almost impossible not to sense his emotions. Although a little scary Sazuka could only assume that the link she shared with Rei must be apart of the bonding ritual he told her about. Thinking about what Rei had told her Sazuka decided to question him about something that was bothering her.

"Rei what happens now? I know that you've marked me, but what now?"

"Traditionally if you accepted me as your mate you would mark me back; eventually we would go through the binding and become bonded. I know this is a lot to take in and I can understand if you'd want to wait…."

Finding himself silenced by a finger resting on his lips Rei could only look down into grey eyes as words left him. Smiling down at her Rei returned Sazuka's hug as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Distracted by the scent of vanilla which lingered in Sazuka's hair Rei was brought out of his wanderings by a sharp sudden pain to his neck. Pulling back Rei took note of Sazuka's sheepish expression before touching the side of his neck, feeling a sore spot Rei pulled his hand back to see traces of blood smeared across his fingertips.

"Sorry about that, guess I'm not equipped for biting."

"That all right, but I don't understand."

"You said I'm supposed to mark you back right; I always was one to follow tradition and besides this way I can make sure no one decides to get feisty with you."

Surprised by her reply Rei looked in amazement towards her before he began to laugh softly at her answer; hearing Sazuka join in his laughter it took a moment for them to compose themselves. Looking towards his companion Rei watched as Sazuka easily worked a brush through silken strands, caught up in the simple gesture Rei took a moment to realise that she was intending to wrap her hair up in its ribbon confines. Realizing he'd rather her leave it in its free state Rei gently placed his hand over hers halting her progress.

"Leave it down, for tonight at least."

Not expecting such a request it took a moment before Sazuka could nod her approval; allowing Rei to release the hold she had on the ebony strands Sazuka soon felt them fall back against her back. Turing to face the one behind her Sazuka was greeted with adoring amber eyes as she met Rei's gaze.

Pushing aside the veil of silk Rei couldn't believe that he was looking down at his mate; the idea really now confirming its self as he realized that the one before him would in time become bonded with him. Catching the lips before him in a gentle kiss the light caress only deepened as Sazuka yield to him, once again exploring familiar ground. Feeling hands gently run through the loose strands of hair at the base of his neck Rei couldn't contain the shiver he felt at the ghostly touch which ran across his neck. Feeling his composure weaken Rei gently lowered his companion down to the bed below them.

Breaking their kiss as the need for oxygen came upon them Rei found himself lost for words as he looked upon the one below him. Surrounding her like a dark halo Sazuka's ebony strands lay beneath her as she looked up towards him, her grey eyes shimmering with a hidden sparkle. Looking at the vision before him Rei knew that she was the most remarkable person he'd ever seen; picking up on the feelings of devotion that were coming from her Rei found himself thanking the heavens that he'd been blessed with such a mate.

"You really are something; I've met anyone like you."

Remaining silent Rei watched as Sazuka thought over his words; seeing her wonderings cease as a smile graced her face Rei found himself smiling back. Feeling a hand run through his bangs Rei leaned into the soothing touch however, the feel of his bangs falling against his face brought him out of his daze. Seeing his red bandanna resting in Sazuka's hand Rei looked questioningly at her before breaking out in a smile at her words.

"Neither have I, but I'm glad I did. You really are quite a character and I guess I'm one lucky girl."

Lying down on his side beside her Rei was lost for words as he gazed upon the one beside him. Feeling a hand entwine with his own Rei felt his breath catch as the swell of emotion it brought; hearing the slight gasp Sazuka gave Rei knew she felt the same. Having heard what the elders had to say about the bonding Rei didn't think there was much to it, but now that he was experiencing it he had to think otherwise. Although a little strange and overwhelming Rei couldn't explain why but he knew this was right, the ability to sense each other just seemed right.

Feeling a comforting presence nestle beside him Rei looked fondly at the one cuddled up beside him. Seeing the closed eyelids Rei could only smile as he realised Sazuka wasn't going anywhere; not that he was complaining. Careful not to wake him settling companion Rei managed to move himself around enough to sit up, removing his outer tunic Rei was thankful for the t-shirt he had decided to wear underneath.

Gathering the blanket from the bottom of the bed Rei quietly rearranged himself back down. Covering them both Rei gently gathered the slumbering girl to him, soon himself growing sleepy by the steady rhythm of her breathing. Feeling the days events running through his mind Rei took one last look at the one beside him before he to welcomed the slumber which overcame him.