Sorrowful Seraphim: This chapter should be interesting. I wasn't exactly sure how to continue after that lemon, but I think this qualifies.

Disclaimer: Do not own it, get over it.

Warnings: HaoxYoh fluff


I drearily opened my eyes, trying to understand why I felt so warm and also why my body felt strangely free. That was when last night's 'activities' came back to me.

I was naked, lying in Hao's arms. What the hell was I thinking! How was I ever going to explain this to my friends? That is, if I ever saw my friends again.

I was also finding it hard to believe I'd had sex with my brother. It all seemed a little farfetched to me, kind of like a dream, yet I knew it was real. And the fact that I'd submitted to Hao made me just as guilty he was.

My feelings began to change, but it wasn't for the worse. It was almost as if I felt happy I'd betrayed my friends. I asked myself the same question. What had Hao done to me?

I felt that it I didn't turn back now, I would never be able to go back. But I found I didn't want to leave Hao's warm arms, that I didn't regret what I'd done with him. Perhaps, it was already too late. Just maybe I was already corrupt beyond saving.

The thought didn't hit me with full intensity. I found myself already accepting the fact I was with Hao now. And I wasn't going back.

I tightened my hold on Hao and snuggled harder into his shoulder. I could feel his senses beginning to arouse. I really had changed, sensing so many new things. It wasn't until then I remembered the bought I had with hearing Hao's thoughts. Could I really read minds? I guessed I'd find out soon.

Hao shifted and I moved so as we'd be facing one another. He opened his eyes and I smiled at him. He looked at me questioningly but smiled back. I leaned forward and we caught each others lips in quick kiss.

I could no longer help myself. I was far too drawn into him now for anyone to pull me out of it. He ran his fingers through my hair and watched gleefully as I leaned into the action.

"Good morning, otouto." He sat up, and I followed suit, not caring whether or not the blankets kept my body hidden from him. "How did you sleep?" He looked at me expectedly.

"I slept better than I ever have before, onii-chan." I kissed him again, and he embraced me, nuzzling my neck affectionately. We slipped out of bed, but didn't get dressed. I looked at Hao, unsure of what he was getting at.

"Well, if you didn't notice, we kind of made a mess last night." I blushed, realizing he was right. "I think it would be wise if we took shower and stuck these sheets in the wash. What do you think?" I simply nodded in agreement as he sauntered gracefully to his closet and pulled out two matching robes.

He handed me a gold robe with black lining, while he slipped on the opposite, a black robe with gold lining. I noticed both robes had "Hao" embroidered into the back, but didn't really care. It felt nice being acknowledged as someone close to him.

As we were walking down the hall, Hao stopped by a small room, which I guessed to be utility and came out a few seconds later, now lacking the soiled sheets. We continued to another room, one which I had never been into, and Hao opened the door to reveal that it was the master bathroom.

The room was beautiful, and I could tell it was for Hao's personal use only. The room was a creamy white color, trimmed and accented with gold. Hao closed and locked the door behind us, and while I stood in awe of the beautiful architecture, walked over to a large shower tiled in gold and traditional Japanese art and turned the knobs.

He waited, adjusting the hot and cold controls every few seconds, attempting to get the temperature just right. When he seemed satisfied, he stood up, beckoning me over.

"Just hang your robe on one of those hangers." I looked to where his gaze directed me and saw five perfectly positioned, gold coat hangers, which Hao promptly placed his robe on, and waited for me to comply.

"You seem a bit shy this morning, Yoh. Is everything alright?" I hope I'm not pushing him too far too soon. I wouldn't want to harm him, he's much too important.

I was slightly disturbed at hearing Hao's thoughts ring throughout my head, but I nodded all the same. He gazed at me, a concerned look grazing his stare.

"I'm okay, onii-chan. I'm just not used to being this close to you." I felt my face become warm, and I turned my eyes downward as I placed my robe next to Hao's. When I looked up again, he was staring at me uncomfortably. "Daijobu, Hao?" He smiled at me, a warm comforting smile.

At the same time he stepped into the shower and motioned for me to follow. I slowly stepped into the steaming chamber and closed my eyes as the hot water rushed over my body, cleansing it, revitalizing it.

I felt Hao snake his arms possessively around me from the back, and leaned back into his chest. He sighed, and whispered dutifully into my ear.

"I'm fine, Yoh. You shouldn't ever worry about me. It'll only bring you grief." I was surprised at his words, not fully understanding what he meant by them.

"But if I don't worry about you, then how can I love you." He quickly spun my slick body around, bringing us face to face. His eyes were wide but softened as he began to caress my cheek.

"You love me?" I nodded and he smiled sadly. "Well, I mean, I've only had you for one night Yoh, how can you love me?" I delivered a wide grin to him.

"That's easy, onii-chan. It's just the kind of person I am. If someone cares about me even the slightest bit, I care about them with all I have." He embraced me, pulling my head into his shoulder as I hugged him back. I wasn't sure how long we stayed that way, but I do know it was one of the most peaceful moments of my life.

Suddenly he released me and picked up a bottle of sweet smelling shampoo, squeezing a reasonable amount out, which I noticed would be too little for his pile of dark auburn locks, and smearing it onto his hands.

I wondered for a moment what he was doing, and then I found out. Unannounced, he began gently lathering the shampoo into my hair. I became tense, but soon relaxed and enjoyed the pleasurable massage my scalp was getting.

:""""""Hao's POV"""""":

After I'd finished washing his hair, we completed our little ritual and stepped out of the shower. He'd opted to wash my hair in return, but I told him it takes a considerable amount of skill and time to wash my bundle of silky brown.

He'd chuckled at that and watched intently as I rinsed my locks clean, saying he was learning how it was done and would do it for me next time.

I slipped my robe back on and stepped to the sink as I toweled my hair. His was almost completely dry, seeing as it was far shorter than mine. I looked at him, probing his mind for any sign of discontent.

"I can feel that, onii-chan." I was a bit startled at his prospect. New powers seemed to be seeping out him every hour. I was very pleased to say the least.

I was most interested at the moment about his reishi. If he had true reishi, he would be able to achieve great advantages over his enemies. He could know their every move, and find their greatest weakness, as I had done many times.

I gazed at him thoughtfully as we walked back to my room. I'd mentally signaled Opacho to throw his clothes away. He would be getting some new clothes to fit his new self. It was out with old Yoh and in with the new. And this Yoh would be much better.

As I closed the door behind us, he noticed his missing garments. He looked at me, but I merely smiled and motioned to my closet. He looked back at me with a questioning gaze and gave him a permissive smile.

When I opened the closer door, he stared at my collection in complete awe. I had to admit, my clothes were indeed stunning.

"Go ahead, wear anything you like. Most of it I've never even worn." He picked out a pair of slate colored pants and a simple black tee shirt, and I looked him over. The clothes were a near perfect match for his old ones, but the simple change in color had done wonders for his demeanor. I grinned at him as I pulleda pair ofbaggy black pants over my hips and clipped the buckle on the belt. It wasn't the usual, nor did I wear anything to cover my torso, but I wasn't going out today, and after all, it wasMY home.

The only other thing I wore was a simple tan twine necklace with three rough but appealing "O" shaped stonesembedded into it. I wore quite often when I was home. It kind of made me feel… as if I had a better life.

We finally managed to venture into the kitchen, only to find Opacho ready and waiting with a hearty morning meal set upon the table.

I watched him as he ate, enjoying every new taste that entered his mouth. When we were finished I took his hand and walked him to the veranda, overlooking a quite gorgeous lake. He was in awe. I sat him down respectively in a chair beside me as we gazed out at the acquiescent waters.

"So, otouto," He shifted his eyes towards me, "I was planning on doing a little experiment." I felt him become slightly apprehensive, but paid it no mind. "I was thinking instead of starting training immediately, why don't we see what other powers develop on their own for a few days." His tension quickly abated, and he nodded. It looks as if the Shaman Kingdom would rise sooner than I'd originally predicted.


Sorrowful Seraphim: DUN DUN DUN! Oh no, the hero of the story is turning evil! Oh well, I know the chapter didn't have much action, I promise more in the next! Please REVIEW me!