I've just realised this story has been going on for over a year. I think that means I ought to wrap it up sometime in the near future. -Sheepish grin-

Hope you enjoy the chapter!

She had been so close. So darned close.

But he was still too cold. It was ridiculous to think that he would have changed just because she had finally accepted her own feelings. That was just stupid of her.

And yet, no matter how she wanted to, she couldn't blame it on him. It wasn't his fault that he didn't love her. It wasn't his fault he was so cold. What had he said to her? Monsters of necessity? Yes, that was it. Hayabusa hadn't become who and what he was because he had wanted to, surely. No doubt it was another of these 'monsters of necessity'. Things that had to happen, whether they were wanted or not.

Before he could speak, she walked off, hoping he wouldn't mention anything. Unfortunately for her, the one time she didn't want his concern was the one time he gave it.

"Are you alright, Kasumi?"

"Yes, yes. Come on. We can't stay here all day, you said so yourself. Did you not?"

Eyes of jade had, by this stage, thawed enough to give her a rare and genuinely concerned expression. "Are you sure?"

She brushed the tears off her cheeks with an almost angry gesture. "Of course I'm fine, Hayabusa-san. Now let's go." She turned around, getting ready to leave.

"Kasumi…"

The almost pleading tone, so uncharacteristic of the Hayabusa she knew, persuaded her to turn around. "What is it, Hayabusa-san?"

He seemed uncomfortable. More specifically, out of his comfort zone. Noticeably.

"I know that you probably wouldn't wish to confide in me, but… if you ever need anybody to talk to, I promise you that I will… I will be there to listen."

She hesitated. Granted, she believed him. Well and truly. Hayabusa never had been one to break promises, and she had no doubt that he would keep this one.

There was just one slight thing.

"Hayabusa-san, don't get me wrong. I really appreciate it. However, I doubt you'll want to know what's bothering me most right now. Thanks anyway."

Slightest shadowing of confusion. "I'm sorry, Kasumi; I don't understand."

"I'm falling in love with you."

The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, less emotional then she would have expected. In fact, the only emotion they seemed to hold was sheer neutrality, which mentally surprised her.

Had the situation been less serious, she would have laughed out loud at Hayabusa's shock.

"So, yes. Hence why I didn't want to tell you. Anyway. We have a whole hoard of assassins waiting for us, so why don't we head off now?"

Before he could say anything, which, judging by his expression, he was about to; she collected her things and walked off, sticks and bracken snapping underneath her tread.