A : I'm sooooo sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I went on vacation and then life happened. Again I am sorry I will try to make it up to you by posting another chapter shortly after this one.
"I know I won't sleep well." Haku allowed the wind to ruffle his hair and calm him. The wind always seemed to calm him no matter what had happened. It started after . . . "Chihiro." He whispered her name and chuckled. Ever since he had saved her the wind had been his friend. "There's something about you . . . something special."
Haku started to walk along the balcony with his hand tapping the rail every once in awhile. The tempo started to pick up and he found himself tapping out the melody of a heart filled song. He had loved it since he was young. That is until Ubaba got a hold of him. The slim memory just hit him.
It had been so long since she was here. He thought he had already gathered all of his memories. His laugh was gleeful and unrestrained. The thought of her with him, unlocking his true past made him so happy. He sobered and realized he was being watched.
Chihiro peeked around the corner and saw Haku laughing. She giggled for no apparent reason. Seeing him happy made her happy. She stiffened when he seemed to search for someone. Her eyes were wide as he walked toward the corner. He seemed to dismiss it and walked to the other end.
"You really shouldn't spy on people." He was behind her before she knew it. "You never know what might happen."
She smiled guiltily at him.
"I don't mind that you decided to spy on me this time." He put his finger on the tip of her nose and she crossed her eyes looking at it. This made him laugh.
"I like that sound."
"What?" he still chuckled as she stood on one foot and bent over slightly.
"You're laugh." He pulled his finger back and she fell hitting his chest. She looked up at him. "It's nice."
"It's nice, huh?"
She nodded in response.
"Well, how nice am I now?" He took a step back and started to tickle her.
She busted out laughing. "Stop!" Her hands batted at his. "Stop! We might wake someone up!"
He quickly silenced her by placing his lips against hers. Her eyes were wide for a moment then she closed them and wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms locked around her waist and held her close. The gentleness was equal to the strength.
She whispered against his lips. "We need to stop."
Haku knew she was right and pulled back. "Shall we continue this conversation another time? We both need to sleep."
"I doubt you will. You'll probably run off like you normally do. Where do you go anyway?"
He sucked in a breath. "We will talk about that at a later date."
"You promise?"
"I promise. Go to sleep."
"I'll go when you let go of me."
His arms loosened then finally he let her go. "Until tonight." He watched the way her hips swayed like a song ran through her head.
"Chihiro!" Lin raced to the huge tub and hung on the stall edge catching her breath. "There's a stink spirit that's coming! Ubaba wants you at the door!"
"Right!" She outran Lin be several yards and halted a few feet before the door and walked out with her sweetest smile. "Hello, Sir. How may I help you?"
The stink spirit handed her some glob and she led him to the bath.
Haku stood on the balcony and watched her smile. He set his chin in his hand and put his elbow on the rail. She smiled so sweetly and could stand the smell. Man, was she brave and tolerant!
"Here's your bath." She quickly filled the bath and it sloshed in. Chihiro immediately set up for more water. The stink spirit made a noise and she grabbed a scrubbing brush and started the water. She scrubbed vigorously, as the spirit became smaller and smaller. Eventually Chihiro stopped the water and handed a towel into all the steam. It cleared and a seemingly young woman stepped out.
"Thanks, Hon. I really needed that."
Ubaba was struck speechless at who it was. "Your, Emissary. It is a privilege to have a visit from you. You are only the greatest spirit in all the world."
"Oh, shut it, Ubaba. Flattery won't get you anywhere."
Chihiro looked puzzled.
"I rule everything and everyone. Except for a couple of people. Two of which are right here in this very bath house." She winked at Chihiro. "My name is Mai. I'm glad to finally meet you."
"You came to meet me?"
"That and I needed a bath. No offense but humans have a hard time keeping their world clean."
"I know."
"I'll be seeing you." She snapped and disappeared. "For the bath." Her voice called and a feather landed right in Chihiro's hands.
