AN: Excuse me for my last chapter, since I know the writing was below average (especially for me). Unfortunately, I had no word processor. Yeah, I know it sucks but that's life. People seem to expect a lot from me. I have mixed feelings on it. I like the burden but people tend to push and shove instead of just going with the flow.

Some of my CCS reviewers are like that and that's why I'm reluctant to update (in fear of getting yelled at because of no updates). So, I'll finish this and begin my two new fics as well as finish my two old ones. ((sighs)) Not to mention my new RyoSaku fics are kinda so-so. They've got me at a writer's block, which is rarely a problem for me (usually it's just because I'm too lazy to write). I hope muses help me soon!

Disclaimer: All rights reserved.

Part 2

Once again, daylight broke the continuation of the dream that had taken over his thoughts. However, he was not dissatisfied like before. Actually, he was quite pleased to be honest. He had met with the girl he thought he'd never see again and had taken something with him, despite it being intangible, as well as a memory that had decided to stay with him. For some reason, sleep sounded good again but she had faded away, just as he had soon after, so getting to sleep would be no easy task.

However, a day of work might change that.

As he got ready before breakfast, words spoken between him and his family were kept to a minimum. Never had that been a problem, though, so he continued on his way to work. His friends had met him halfway as the always had, while Momo and Eiji were still on his case. This made him want to sleep even more desperately, but he couldn't rush the day, even if part of him wanted to leave this mess behind.

Thankfully, today would be very easy considering their master had taken ill due to staying outside too long. Without his guidance, the three of them were commanded to do remedial chores for his family. One day off was always welcomed, despite the condition of their teacher, and tasks were given out. Momo was sent outback to cut the firewood and build a fire for lunch. Eiji was cleaning around the house, happily bouncing around like he was known for. He never protested to being inside on a chilly day like this. As for Ryoma, he was lucky enough to have a job that required very little effort. He went into the back forest, only a few yards away, and gathered firewood, which was something he could easily do with his eyes closed.

He had a lot of time though, considering Momo would have to build a fire inside after cutting all of the wood. It was a mediocre task, so he found no rush in his work. So, being the ever tired man that he was, Ryoma knew he would find himself somewhere to sleep. It was something he had always been fond of doing. After all, it wouldn't kill anyone if he was a little late, now would it?

Walking along, Ryoma trotted down the path but was beginning to go astray. He was never the type to stick to someone else's rules. He was known for making up his own. It wasn't that he minded other people's laws, but instead had a natural way of doing things himself. Not to mention that sticking to the path was just too easy for Momo and Eiji to follow. They'd find him too quickly if he had stayed on the dirt road.

So he treaded past trees and bushes, his eyes now used to the dark. Passing over tree roots and any large stones, Ryoma walked quickly to find a place to nap. Traveling for several minutes, he was still searching through the thicket of foliage. He kept walking and wondering to himself if he would lose his way in the forest. It would really depend on how far he went and how much time he had before anyone would find him. Just to make sure he looked like he was doing his job, he picked up any stray branches and pieces of wood, to place by him if they found where he was napping.

In his trek, he soon came across a small pond with little to no light escaping onto the water. The branches of the trees robbed the light of its right of way. Instead, it brushed against the surface, clear water reflecting back at him slightly. There was a small edging around the tiny lake, the grass still dew-covered and cool to the touch. He regarded the place with a slow turn of his head, looking for any flaws there might have been. When he found nothing, he trotted to a tree that was resting against the water's edge, a few feet away from where the water met land. Putting his head down onto his arm, Ryoma placed the firewood at his side before his eyes blocked away what little sunlight that shone through the branches.

Curiosity, supposedly, killed the cat, right? However, Sakuno was somewhat irritated at the weight on her home, which was an extension of herself that remained rooted to the ground. She couldn't just brush it off or ignore it, due to the fact that if the traveler was alone, someone was bound to find him. They could appear at any random time, which meant her home might be in danger if they decided to cut it down! A wood nymph couldn't survive without its essence, its vitality, which was hidden in the lithe form of a tree, hers barely more than a sapling.

She emerged from the other side of the medium-sized tree, but made no move toward the newcomer. She steadied her breath instead, taking large amounts in, hoping to contain her loud heart's drumming. She tiptoed lightly, passing over the slight bumps in the ground with the grace that any woodland creature had. She long hair fell across her shoulders as she pushed herself off her tree slightly and tried to look at the stranger out of the corner of her eye. However, her view was still obscured by her long, dark locks and her somewhat useless braid that refused to stay behind her ear.

With a small sigh, she pushed her hair behind the shell of her ear and perched down low, knowing that the other was on the ground. She wasn't sure whether or not he was still awake, as she made small hops towards him in her squatting state. However, still being the ever clumsy girl she was, she tripped over a root that stuck out higher than she had guessed and fell to her knees. She had been so close to him that, when she finally caught herself, her hair had escaped its barrier of her ears and backside, deciding to tickle the newcomer with its ends.

Sakuno blushed deeply, mortified to think that this mortal might be awake, due to her graceless moment. Really, a nymph was supposed to be nimble and tricky, quiet, in an almost flirty way, but she had lacked all of these things. No, she just decided she'd let out all of her secrets by letting a mortal catch a glimpse of her in a vulnerable state. Her eyes, which had been clenched closed, were almost too afraid to look onto the face of the mysterious newcomer. However, she gave into her curiosity once more, and opened chocolate eyes to a new face.

She couldn't contain her surprise.

Below her, with the same lulling beauty, was the young man that had graced her thoughts not too long ago. The same man whose golden eyes touched her soul and whose smile lifted her own in return. It was the same one, but in their realities instead of dreams. Without thinking, to reassure herself, she held out a hand and brushed Ryoma's forehead, careful to make sure he stayed asleep. So he was real...

"Hmm..." came a small noise, and Sakuno recoiled, as if he had burned her. Part of her was tempted to wake him and draw his eyes to hers, like they once had only a few hours ago. Her fondness was evident as she smiled sadly once more. She would not wake him, or else he might ask something she might not be able to answer. It was best if he didn't know of their brief meeting, or she might not be able to stop herself from wanting more than just a shadow of himself. She couldn't let that happen.

With a sigh, she made a move to get off her knees and turn. However, as she turned away, a grip clenched her wrist lightly. She caught herself from falling, this time out of shock. He wasn't touching her! He just couldn't! He couldn't know she was there, in the same area or time. If he did...

"Sakuno," came his response and she wanted to run. He wasn't supposed to know about her and her home. There was no way that she could let a human know where she lived. If her sacred place was ever lost, then she would be too. Her soul was bound to this bark and, at the chance that a human stumbled upon it and her, the results may be fatal, even if she did trust this human.

"Please let go," she answered, trying to keep her voice steady. The stumbling of words was something she didn't want to give him. The thought of actually submitting to the soft tone he had was tempting, practically screaming at her. However, composure was everything when dealing with the unknown.

"I finally meet you and you're so cold. I'm a little hurt," he said, that same smirk on his face. She didn't need to turn and see it. She could hear it in that tone, which he often used to tease her. Oh, she wished she could just ignore his bout of playfulness, but her heart kept telling her to smile and argue with him. He insisted on spending their time as a game, but she couldn't. Her boundaries had already been overstepped a long time ago.

"You're trespassing," she explained, closing her eyes tightly as she strained against his wrist, "This is ground made for beings that are beyond your control. So please, leave and don't remember what you've seen. I know I'm already in trouble for speaking to a mortal, but you deserve to be saved from the wrath of the others. I can only tell you to escape, for they aren't here to catch you. They are in slumber but will not hesitate to strike you down if they find out you know of our resting place."

"And what about you?" he said, glaring at her escaping form, but he tightened his hold, "Do you want me to leave? We finally meet but now you tell me to run and don't come back. Aren't I entitled to anything?"

"Your life is what you deserve. If you leave, it can be spared. Please go, before the others toy with you when they return."

"I won't," Ryoma said stubbornly, "There have been legends of mortals meeting humans, such as the one with the celestial maiden, who had her robes stolen and stayed with the man who took them. Why must I leave once I've finally caught you?"

"I'm not an animal," she hissed, finally turning around to see his eyes, sparkling at her with mock mirth, "nor am I a celestial being. Just because you've trapped me doesn't mean I can stay. Also, she had to stay because her garments were stolen while she bathed, therefore she couldn't return to heaven."

"Aah. It's too bad I couldn't have stumbled upon you that way..." Ryoma said thoughtfully, letting the possessive look in his eyes light up, causing Sakuno to blush at his boldness. Really, now, she should have been able to predict that. She wasn't a child, nor an adult, but she knew that every male, at their right of age, thought of such things. However, he spoke as if trying to seduce her into his whims. Feeling her blood reach her cheeks, she knew he was doing a good job.

Damn him.

"You're disgusting, Ryoma," she said with a glare, but he smiled with an almost humble look in his eye. He was a man of sixteen years. He should be looking for a wife, so why couldn't he hint at the fact? Dear Lord, he was turning into his father. He hit himself mentally, reminding his inner voice to pipe down on all of the things that his old man usually spit out. He didn't need the implications.

"No. I'm actually a lot nicer than most human males. But I can't really compare since you haven't met any other ones," he said, standing up and pulling her to meet him. She glared, but made no retort. There was none she could make. She couldn't compare him with any other because there were no others.

"I still say you should leave. Please," she said earnestly, meeting his gold eyes again and once again, she lost her train of thought. He shouldn't be allowed to do this to her. She had certainly met other males, of her own species of course. They were romantic beauties and highly acclaimed for their almost effeminate features. Tall, slender, and gentle, she had not been able to resist them either when they came up to her and struck up a conversation.

But, she noted somewhat pleasantly, they lacked the fair looks Ryoma had. Lightly tanned skin showed he worked, the color a contrast to the usual cream skin of most elves. Sharp features were common, but his had a more boyish curve, making him look innocent when he certainly was not. And, of course, the eyes that could break into anyone's mind and stay there. His expressive orbs were so different from the lightless, gray ones that most males had, which signified detachment. It was this quality that Sakuno loved in Ryoma. The fact that she was allowed to see what was going through him from time-to-time. It made him more desirable that way.

"Are you really that fascinated that you can't take your eyes off me?" Ryoma said in his usual drawl, pleased with the blush that derived from it. She had taken in his features so long and hard that he was actually watching her do so. He really had no shame, did he? Then again, she was the one who just ogled so she didn't score much higher in that range.

"Ryoma..." she said, almost pleading but she couldn't ask him again. He wrapped her in his spell again and tucked her safely into his embrace. She didn't even notice when he had reached out, but the gesture wasn't unwanted. Instead, she curved her head into his neck and inhaled the scent that touched her nose. She was so caught in her daze that she almost missed a tingling in the back of her mind and a warning hit full force. With a start, her eyes widened and she pushed him away, frantically looking around.

"What is it?" he asked, confused with her sudden rejection but she shook her head as she picked up his firewood that had rested nearby, long forgotten suring their meeting. She placed it in his arms hastily and turned him around, pushing against his back to leave.

"They've awakened!" she whispered, as the ringing in her head began to sound a little louder, "You must leave. They can't find you! Please, you have to go-"

Soft lips met hers shamelessly, even as the firewood separated any other contact. She wanted to return it full-heartedly, but the knowledge of their awakening was still very present. Instead, she allowed him to dominate her a little longer as he parted her lips and tasted her fully for the first time. The exploration was cautious and quick, but still left her breathless as he smiled mischievously again. Then he took off running, never looking back, even as her knees gave way and she clutched her heart in a mix of astonishment and relief.

That night, they didn't meet again nor many nights later. Instead, Ryoma was caught looking for a ghost woman from his dreams, which irritated him and had earned more teasing from his so-called friends. Really, if this was how they treated him, then he needed new ones. But he didn't spend much time contemplating those thoughts because he was either working, sleeping, or trying to concentrate on the girl that had once visited him.

This was what he never understood about men in love. They changed drastically, becoming new people who were downright opposite of what they once were. She had left him in a semi-changed state, which was subtlely noticeable to those who knew him well enough. He needed to get her out of his system, but it was as if she wasn't allowed near him, like she was being blocked off. His connection had been severed and he couldn't help but fell a little lost.

That is, until he realized she was closer than he thought.

"Oi, brat!" called Nanjirou, a 'monk' of some kind, as he waited on the stairs for Ryoma. He yelled for his son, who groggily woke up to his annoying old man. "We have someone we need you to meet. Your mother said so!"

"Fine, old man. Hold on a second," he said, sitting up reluctantly and mentally cursing who had made him wake up. He had been hoping, again, that she would meet him in his dreams. You'd think after two months that he'd stop wishing. However, Ryoma was a tenacious one and had hardly allowed himself to settle for mediocre. So, he went to sleep each night with faint hope that the little nymph would be there.

No such luck, though.

Standing up wobbily, the green-haired man slipped on a shirt and some pants before trudging down the stairs with heavy footfalls. He didn't look up into the doorway, where his mother and cousin talked with someone at the door. His father stood next to him, a ridiculous smile on his lips. He eyed his son, who looked as if was going to fall sleep standing up. Huffing, the older man poked his teenaged son in the ribs, causing a uncharacteristic yelp to rise into his throat before he thoroughly squished it.

"Stop it, oyaji. We have a guest," Ryoma said in defense, stepping a good three side-shuffles from the strange male who claimed to be his father. There was still some doubt in Ryoma, though.

"How would you know? You haven't even managed to look up from the ground. I mean, a pretty, young girl is near the door and you don't even have the decency to look," he countered, crossing his arms over his chest, as if he was authoritive.

"You don't even look up from women's busts when they talk, so how would you know?" Ryoma mumbled, still partially asleep but in control enough to dodge the tackle his old man attempted. Before he could attack again, Rinko and Nanako turned toward the two men of the house. Their eyes narrowed at the childish display that Nanjirou had tried, which earned him an earful from his wife. Ryoma stood off to the side, watching with pleased eyes.

"Now, Ryoma," Nanako said, smiling sweetly at her cousin, "We've decided to get some help around the temple, remember?" A nod from Ryoma. "So we hired a young girl to help out there as well as around the house. She'll be a live-in as well."

"With that old man around? You sure about that?" he asked, now awake enough to put a complete sentence together. He was skeptical about the idea of a woman he didn't know walking around, but didn't protest. They did need help, since everyone was usually too busy to.

"We're sure. Besides, she's too young anyway," she giggled, as she followed her aunt and uncle into the kitchen. She was going to start breakfast and listen to her relatives argue about the way to treat a sixteen-year-old boy in front of company. Something interesting was bound to ensue. As they left, Ryoma's eyes followed before going to the figure at the door.

He was sure his eyes had gotten larger.

"It's good to see you again, Ryoma-kun," came the shy response, but she smiled and he could have sworn that the earth moved for a second. That, or he was getting cornier by the minute, and I'm pretty sure we all know which one it is.

"Sa-Sakuno? Why are-no... How?-" Ryoma questioned, his ability to think straight going downhill as she chuckled at his nervousness. Seeing the great Echizen Ryoma trip over himself to try and talk to someone was really quite amusing, though she shouldn't have thought so. Instead, she decided that he needed to know the truth about what happened.

"Ryoma," she stated as she walked towards him, "After you left, they found out about you. The... tainted, for lack of a better word, presence of a human is hard to get rid of. They also knew I was linked to you, somehow, because they could sense your presence through me, in me. They threatened me for information but I couldn't have told them much if I tried. So, I told them nothing and they gave me an ultimatum. I was either to surrender your head, or give up my own.

"I didn't want you to get hurt, and never would I give them anything that might let them find you. I was given one week, but my decision was final. I had decided that I wanted to give your life for mine. It's selfish, really, I know, but if I continued for eternity, knowing I caused your death, I'd have been little more than a shell of what I am. I'm not that self-righteous, but it's true.

"But, my Obaa-chan helped sway them. She said that I could give up my immortality. That, living as a human was a life far more painful than death. Having to work and make a living was much more difficult than merely fading away because humans may die painful deaths, if they're not careful. She persuaded them to make me give up all the ties that ensure me as beyond natural and I conceded. Now, I don't have to be without you, Ryoma."

She met his eyes with hopeful acceptance, but stopped when she saw his cold glare. His hands clenched to his sides and his eyes were now shut, a slight look of pain on his face. He seemed to be shaking, but she wasn't sure from what. He just stood there, as if he were frozen in place. Sakuno took a step backward, afraid she would anger him further if she stayed in his presence. She was even more startled when a hand grabbed her shoulder roughly and pulled her.

Right into his embrace.

"It took you too long to get here. What kept you?"

With a smile, she pulled away so she could see his face and replied, "I wanted to make sure this was truly our reality," before their world washed away when their lips met again.

Owari

AN: I can't stop writing fluff endings! Why? ((bangs head against wall)) But I'm done! Yay! This was so long. I'm glad I finished though. One less thing in the way of updating my other ficcies. Please read and review. I know this story was a little confusing and rushed but I updated! That has got to mean something, especially coming from me. ((grins))

Oh yeah. I lack muses. Anyone have any requests for a few fics. I don't mind doing a few one-shots if anyone's interested in giving me a plot bunny. Also, no sequel for this fic. I have a feeling I'll lose interest... again.

Well, till next time!

Much love