A/N: As the hours go by I'll upload the next edition of these fluff scenes. This is the second of Editor-san's work and I think you're really going to like this one. Let's see what this entails.

Silence.

Nothing could be heard save for the quiet ticking of a clock and the crickets outside. Nightfall had already enveloped the area, the half-moon serving as the only light source.

Yao stood hunched over a motionless body over a soft mat within the ninja retreat. Ryu and Ayane were away on personal matters while Kasumi and Hayate roamed throughout the compound. While some assistance would be beneficial to speed up the healing process, Yao figured it would be best to do it himself and not bother anyone. Considering his patient, no one was better suited for this job.

In his tender care was Momiji, the Dragon Shrine Maiden. Injuries and bruises marred her entire body, some more gruesome than others. The bleeding at the temples had finally stopped. Still, Yao was running out of salve to treat the other facial blemishes. Broken bones were felt in the left arm and a few cracked ribs for her troubles. Not to mention the possible head trauma.

An angered growl almost left Yao at the one responsible for his companion's current state.

Flashback:

He had to hurry. Any more time wasted meant more death and destruction.

Those in Yao's way had the unfortunate task of stopping them. None were successful though they were spared death. Some thought he was too forgiving for letting them live, but he cared not for others' opinions at the moment.

There was too much going on and everything at stake.

Ryu had his hands full with Genra, even with Hayate helping him out. Ayane went through a hellacious battle with her adopted father that left the young ninja emotionally taxed. Kasumi was nowhere to be found but still contributed to the mission in her way.

None of them worried him more than the lesser-known kunoichi.

Yao's speed increased to inhumane levels due to the limiters off his person. They were only going to slow him down. He ran faster to reach his intended destination and did so. The sight before him was nothing short of a horror show.

Christie, whom Yao loathed with a passion, had her boot heel atop the skull of her latest target. Though it wasn't the person initially tagged by her client, the payout for this capture or execution would be extravagant. And one could see why.

Momiji was unconscious while sprawled out, bleeding from different body parts. None worse than from her mouth and temples. Her outfit was badly torn as well.

"Well, well," Christie smirked deviously as Yao arrived. "Look who decided to join us."

"Why did I know you would show your face, Christie?"

"You know me so well, handsome," the assassin replied. "Funny how things turn out sometimes. I don't know why it took me so long to realize that taking down this girl would bring you to me. Two for the price of one."

Christie grounded her heel into Momiji's skull to further prove her point. "A shame she couldn't match her looks with my skill. So much for being a ninja. Even Kasumi and Ayane put up better resistance against me."

Yao glared daggers at her. "Let Momiji go. NOW."

Christie showed a mock pout. "And what will you do if I don't?"

Trudging forward, Yao prepared to wipe the smug look on her face but stopped as Christie quickly grabbed Momiji up by the hair and held her at gunpoint. "Come any closer, and your girlfriend dies here."

Despite having his limiters off his person, Yao couldn't bring himself to endanger Momiji's life than he already had. He cursed to himself for not getting here in time. If he had, perhaps Christie wouldn't have the upper hand to exploit at his expense.

"You can make this much easier on yourself, you know," Christie spoke again. "Surrender, and she'll live. Simple as that."

"Obviously, you're forgetting who you're dealing with," Yao shot back, mindful of another guest approaching their location.

"Of course, the new Sennin who's name has made the rounds around all inner circles. But tell me, Yao." She put the gun directly against Momiji's head as the girl winced in discomfort despite not waking. "Is that title and power worth more than her?"

Yao went silent... as rage bubbled to the surface.

That scarring memory caused Yao to stop his treatment and rack his brain for how he rescued Momiji from Christie's clutches. It still amazed him how everything played out so fast, yet agonizing slow.

Kasumi had teleported out of nowhere and managed to get the gun out of Christie's grasps without risking Momiji's safety. That lightning-quick response enabled Yao to make his move as he charged forward and began dismantling Christie with deadly precision. Each strike rendered the assassin extremely vulnerable. And with no backup to speak of, Christie stood no chance of withstanding Yao's assault before eventually succumbing.

Yao thanked Kasumi for her help and offered to take Momiji back to the ninja grounds himself as the others dealt with Genra. He didn't bother asking about what to do with Christie as she hastily made her retreat after failing her objective. Both Kasumi and Yao knew it wouldn't be the last they would see of her.

Back to the task at hand, Yao unraveled more bandages and prepared to apply them to Momiji's torso, which took a beating due to Christie's snake-like strikes. Before he could carefully tape the damage...

A hand with a vice-like grip had gotten hold of Yao's wrist... that hand belonged to Momiji.

"Woah! Settle down," Yao said, clearly taken aback.

"If you wanted to see me naked, you should've said so, Yao." Momiji's eyes opened, faint amusement across her expression despite the apparent pain racking her body. "Where am I?"

"Back at the compound. Master Ryu ordered me to bring you here after seeing your condition. Christie managed to break a few bones and ribs."

Momiji frowned at that knowledge as that woman continued to be a nuisance against the ninjas and Yao himself. Had she not grown overconfident and careless, their battle could've had a different outcome.

"That woman..." she muttered in disdain."

"Hey." Yao's voice sounded gentle. "Don't worry about her. I'm positive you'll get a rematch. For now, you need to rest."

"I find it funny that you of all people are telling me to rest."

Yao raised an eyebrow. "Well, what goes around, comes around."

"Fair enough." Momiji went silent. "How long was I out?"

"Only since yesterday. I did all I could with what you guys had here for medicine. Most of it is the same as I have at the store."

"Oh, I see..." was all Momiji could say afterward.

Yao could see she was still in thought, possibly upset with herself for letting Christie have her way, including almost taking her life.

"You sure you're ok?" Yao asked.

Momiji slowly stared into her savior's eyes. She became entranced, almost lost in looking into his focused yet gentle gaze. Here he was, the man she had hoped to become closer to in more ways than one. There wasn't any competition for him that she had to worry about. Yet, it was Momiji's own doubt that hindered her.

Until this moment.

Gingerly, Momiji sat up into a sitting position with Yao's assistance. She used that leverage to gain an advantage for her next move. One Yao didn't react to in time.

Taking her hand, Momiji began caressing his face, Yao turning red instantly. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing, Yao?" Momiji retorted.

"But-"

Momiji placed a finger over his mouth. "No more talking. Just let me do this. Please."

With that, the Dragon Shrine Maiden brought Yao's face closer to hers as they met in a gentle kiss. It took him completely by surprise, but he wasn't going to complain either. Yao always wondered what it would've been like to kiss this woman. No longer was she a mere girl in his eyes. The kiss they were sharing destroyed that notion in a heartbeat.

Yao could do nothing but continue in this bliss, taking the time to massage her lips. Momiji felt his action against her and smiled internally, her hands shifting down to his neck to hold him still. In response, Yao carefully placed his hands on her delicate hips, mindful of the bandages covering them. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they separated for air.

"You knew?" Momiji asked, her breath coming out in light pants.

"Somewhat, but what you just did confirmed my suspicions," Yao replied. "I'm sorry for not getting there sooner."

Momiji smiled. "Don't be. You saved my life, Yao. And I'll forever be grateful for your selfless deed."

Yao returned her affections. "Of course. Is there anything else you need from me? I don't want to keep you up as you need to lay down."

"There is something I require from you." Momiji took a considerable risk and discarded Yao's shirt, his bare chest exposed to her inexperienced eyes. "Stay with me tonight. I know you don't want to hurt me. But my desire craves you, Yao." She moved within inches of his mouth again, her following words husky with emotion. "Make love to me..."

A/N: Working with Editor-san for two and half years now, I'm finally starting to understand when he really likes a pairing of mine. He usually teases the beginning of a lemon as to give it and me the extra nudge to tell me that he really likes it. Though we have had disagreements on who's best paired with who (which has leaked into one of my actual stories.), it doesn't get nasty thankfully. Anyway, I'll see you all soon as usual.