Rikku: Ack, I sincerely apologize for the late update… I'm so sorry guys! Lately, it's been hard trying to find inspiration and a lot of important stuff is going on right now in my life, but I thought I'd update as soon as possible to give all my readers this message so I'm real sorry if the chapter seems short and/or rushed… Anyways, here's the important message that I hope you all read:

ALL READERS OF WINTER OF LOVE PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING: On June 22nd (2005) I'll be leaving for a flight to Vietnam… meaning, I'll be away for quite a while… one month to be exact. I will return during the last week of July, so until then this will be the last update for an entire month… I hope you all understand and once again, I'm sorry for always making you, my faithful readers, wait so much for my lazy ass to work itself... meep! X.x

Thanks to:

Dranzy
Golden Kitsune Akira
Deragonmaji
Drackial
Rikki-sama
Darkess Angel
Someome (Yes, spelt that way)

Rikku: You guys must be plotting my death right now… :sigh: Well, enough stalling… here's chapter 22! (Warning for lotsa fluff!)

Winter of Love

Chapter 22: Romance Topped with a Fresh Secret

That night, I laid in bed, my mind plugged with thoughts and questions as mixed, uncertain feelings pulsated through me. I tried shutting my eyes, hoping sleep would finally come over me as the clock by my bed ticked against every second… However, luck had never really been on my side and I found my eyes snapped open within seconds and taking another tour around every inch of my room for the eighth time that night.

I could tell it was well past midnight without even glancing at my clock out of pure instincts. Full of confusion, I had dragged myself to bed early, around ten or so.

That afternoon, Kamui had stopped by for a 'friendly' visit… what I thought would be a quick and annoying chat, turned out to be a disaster. Kamui's true feelings and emotions had been buried deep within him after I left Osaka with Horo. Unfortunately, during his time at our shrine, all those thoughts inside of him had been dug up and he… snapped.

I could tell by the way he first reacted that he was hiding something. The unraveling began after I explained my desire to hunt down my mother's murderers after many years of wondering. I asked if he had a clue as to where I should start, and he quickly dodged all my questions… immediately stating that he should leave.

But his information was soon to become the least of my worries. When I persisted, he grew angrier until he eventually released every distraught feeling he had been concealing. With an uproar and a wave of harsh words, he told me, straight to my face, how I didn't deserve one ounce of his help, how much he hated how I left him… and how much he hated me for being so stuck up and inconsiderate towards his well-being.

He stormed away, and realization marched over as his replacement. I knew then just how much pain I had inflicted on him, thinking his love was merely child's play and that he could get over it… But, all along he had been aching… and at that moment, something struck me. I was losing a friend I had never even known to be one… and I was the one to blame for it all.

It was entirely my fault...

But just as I began another attempt to fall asleep, I felt a stinging feeling in my eyes as they faced the sudden rays of light, seeping in as the door to my room slid open. I squinted, watching as a tall figure stepped in. A small smile danced upon my lips, as I thought, who else would be disturbing me at this time?

"How are you holding up?" he asked, sliding the door closed.

"Not that well…" I admitted, bringing myself to a sitting position. I studied the expression on Horo's face, trying to decipher it through all the darkness. "Watcha' doing here?"

The snow shaman smirked, playfully shrugging as a mischievous glint formed in his right eye. "Can't a guy check up on his girlfriend?"

"This late at night?" I chuckled, also shrugging in return. "Well, if you wanted to give her ideas…"

I trailed off, watching Horo's smirk grow even wider. "And you tell me I'm the perverted one?"

I laughed, feeling my insides burn with a sensation only Horo could make me feel. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding…"

"I'm glad you've lightened up a bit."

My gaze now fell on the ceiling as I searched myself for a reply. "I guess I have… but that doesn't necessarily mean I've stopped thinking about it."

"Miho, you shouldn't be beating yourself up over all of this." Horo stated, his tone of voice suddenly cold and serious. "I'm worried about you."

I inwardly winced. I wasn't in the mood for another lecture. "I know, but-"

"I can understand that what Kamui said must have an effect on you. It's only natural that you feel guilty, but…" Horo sighed, taking slow steps towards me. I turned to face him, realizing that the glint in his eye was gone and now replaced with concern and doubt. "How are you going to make it through tonight with the weight of the world building up on you?"

I bit my bottom lip, my mind completely frozen as I watched my boyfriend, about a meter away from my bed. I gave him a confused, sincere look as an answer to his question. "I have no idea, Horo."

Horo sighed yet again, suddenly eyeing the small futon I sat upon. He seemed to be debating with himself, remaining silent for quite a while. "Well…" he finally spoke up. "If you want, I could provide you with some comfort."

I raised a curious brow, repeating his sentence in the back of my mind. "Comfort?" I echoed, pondering on the subject. "What do you mean?"

"Err…" he was reacting rather slowly, searching for the correct words. "Like, I could sleep with you for tonight…"

I suddenly felt my cheeks burn up, my heart rapidly beating against my chest. A few nervous thoughts raced through my mind as my eyes locked with Horo's. 'Nani (What)? I mean… Oh my God! I love Horo to death and all… but, no! What is he thinking?' "B-but…"

Horo's jaw then dropped, as if he had just realized something. He quietly scoffed to himself, running a hand through his spiky hair in a flustered manner. "Oh kuso (shit)… um… I'm sorry, Miho… I didn't exactly mean it that way… err… I merely wanted to sleep… by you, sort of… hold you while you slumber? Give you a shoulder to sulk on? It's supposed to be romantic…"

It was then that my brain finally began working once again. "Oh!" I exclaimed, breaking into laughter. "Ack, Horo… I'm sorry!"

He smirked, shaking his head at my foolishness. "I must compliment you on your wonderfully perverted mind."

"Oh, shut up and get in bed, baka (idiot)!" I huffed.

Horo chuckled. "Whatever you say." Slowly, he strode over, removing his long black t-shirt and revealing his perfectly built body. I felt my blush deepen as he let it drop to the floor, simply standing there, as if to gloat.

'Okay, so what if he knows that I'm fully checking him out? I mean, it's not like he's some stranger from the streets! He's my utterly hot boyfriend…' With a playful glare, I quickly grabbed him by the wrist, bringing the conceited little bastard down. "Come here!"

With Horo, all my worries and problems just seem to fade away… At that moment, as Horo stumbled by my side and wrestled me down with the covers, what stood out the most was our laughter… and I remember wondering why I had been so depressed in the first place.

"Oi (Hey)… you tired yet?" he asked, holding me close. It had been about twenty minutes since we had finally calmed down and we were now shielded under the covers, lying against one another.

I felt his hands gently trail down to my waist as I sighed contently, pressed against his solid chest, my fingers settled upon his firm abs. "Kind of." I admitted, stifling a yawn.

"Well, I'm glad that I was of some help."

I lifted my head, my eyes set on Horo's concerned expression. "Horo… you were more than just 'some' help! You were like… a special treatment for all my distress… I don't know what I'd do without you! Arigatou Gozaimasu (Thank you)."

"No need to be so polite." He grinned. "But… if you wanna owe me anything, we could always…"

"H-Horo!" I stammered. Feeling myself heat up quite uncomfortably, I acted awfully random… releasing my embarrassment with an accidental knee to Horo's groin.

"Arrrrrrg…" he moaned, bringing his hands from my waist to his poor manhood. He winced, crouching and groaning, his face burning red. "Fuck, Miho!"

"Shit!" I grimaced, immediately breaking into a fit of giggles. "Gomen nasai… sumimasen!" (I'm sorry… forgive me!)

"And… y-you're laughing?" the shaman stuttered, feeding me a glare. "You…" I squealed as Horo abruptly jumped on me, grabbing a hold of my wrists and pinning them over my head to the futon. "… are dead!"

I couldn't stop my laughter. Even when Horo climbed over me, still clenching my wrists and hardening his glare, I was still chuckling. Everything about him just completed me with happiness… even through the toughest of times.

And I loved him for that.

"W-wait… Horo. Before you begin maliciously killing me… I still have something to say."

"What!" he demanded. I was surprised to see him this angry.

"I…" My laughing finally seized as a smile took form. "I love you."

At this, Horo grunted and pulled himself off me, freeing me from his grip. He kept silent, resting on his side, his back to me.

I frowned. Scooting over, I slowly placed a worried hand on his shoulder. "You're not mad, are you?"

He took a deep breath before replying, as if he was still experiencing pain. "No…"

I felt guilt in the pits of my stomach. Horo was just too sweet to hurt.

"After all…" My attention was brought back to him as he began another sentence, a sly tone in his voice as the boy turned over to face me completely. "I love you too."

My cheeks lit on fire as my frown transformed into a smirk. I threw my arms around Horo's neck, surprising even myself as I pulled him closer - into a kiss.

It was something new. Usually, Horo was the dominant in the relationship and always laying fast ones on me… but, I felt like I had control this time as my lips pressed against his.

But within seconds, he regained authority as he pulled me closer, deepening the kiss as his tongue entered my mouth. I felt flustered at first, but quickly inserted my tongue too, following my boyfriend's lead. Excitement filled my system as our tongues touched, and then began to explore one another's mouths.

It was romantic, just as Horo had promised. That night was sincere and comforting… and I found myself loving every second… even if all we did was sleep against each other.

The next morning, I woke up a bit later than usual. Without much of a shock, I was found with Horo's arms wrapped around my back, myself lying against his bare chest and rather hesitant about getting off.

He was still sleeping, however, as cute as a puppy. I grinned, watching him slumber soundlessly, a blank expression on his face. 'Aww…' I thought, regretting what I was about to do. 'I don't want to wake you up but…' I lifted my hand and gently shook his shoulder in an attempt to arouse him from his sleep. 'The others will get ideas if you don't leave my room soon…' "Horo!" I finally shouted when I realized he wasn't responding to my efforts.

"Huh? Wha!" He woke up quite startled, pulling me even closer to his body. When recognition reached him, he calmly sighed and loosened his grip. "Oh… Ohayou (Good Morning) Miho."

"Good morning Sleeping Beauty." I responded playfully. "How did you sleep?"

"Comfortably." He replied, ignoring my comment. "And you?"

"Peacefully." I answered, copying him with a one-word-answer. "All thanks to you!"

Horo smirked. Leaning over, he gently kissed my neck, but being an extremely ticklish person, I couldn't stifle another giggle. "Dakara (So)… you're more relaxed?"

"Un (Yeah)."

"Good." Horo remarked, his expression and voice suddenly serious. "I know I didn't defend you properly back then, but… next time, I won't ever let anyone talk to you like that, especially not Kamui."

Horo then pulled himself up so that he was now sitting on the futon. I watched his back for a minute before getting up as well. "Horo, you know I never blamed you at all…"

"I know." He said, turning to face me with a warm, promising smile. "But I just want to make my limited time with you perfect."

"Matte (Wait)… what?" I questioned, my jaw dropped. Horo's eyes then became nervous as he immediately turned away. "What are you talking about… limited time?"

"Detsu ni (It's nothing)."

"Is there something I should know?"

"No."

"But…"

"Gomen (Sorry)," Horo mumbled, grabbing his shirt. He raced to get off the futon and sped towards the door. "I should leave."

"No, wait-" Full of confusion, I jumped out of bed. Forgetting that I was in a small tank top and track pants, I quickly ran after the slick shaman, repeatedly calling out his name. "Horo!"

He seemed to have stopped by the door, as if halted by something or someone. I took this as my chance and tried grabbing a hold of him there, only to find one hell of a reason to stop too. "Um…"

Horo looked at me from the corner of his eye and I returned the fearful gaze with one of my own. I knew we were thinking the same thing as three shocked pair of eyes fell on us.

"Anata (You)… you two…" Pirika looked as if she could've keeled over and fainted right then and there. She kept glancing at her brother, then me, then my bedroom and back again.

"Sugoi (wow)," Ryou smirked, walking over to Horo to give him a proud pat on his shoulder. "Congrats, man!"

"Um…" Horo's cheeks were now burning a crimson red almost as dark as the shades on my face. "No, you don't get it… we-"

"Oh my God…" Yoh chided. He continuously rubbed his eyes, as if to make sure what he was seeing was real. "I can't believe this!"

"Demo (but)… guys-"

"Hold on." Ryou stopped to glance at our worried expressions. His eyeballs suddenly bulged, ready to fall out. "You did use protection… didn't you?"

"What? Of course!" Horo retorted, then realizing what he had just said. "Shimatta (damn it), I mean… no! I mean… aww… fuck."

Pirika gasped. Her hands were over her mouth and her cheeks were cherry red. "Dame desu (Impossible)!"

"No!" I exclaimed, trying to put an end to our little dilemma. "What Horo means to say is… we didn't use protection because we never had sex!"

…

"Ooooooohhh…" the three idiots chorused, nodding their heads in recognition.

I sighed, my bottom lip wedged between my top line of teeth and my bottom. Shaking my head, I slowly began to remember something I had momentarily forgotten. "Horo!" I shouted, my voice rising with awareness as I swiftly turned to face the deceitful little…

He was gone.

My hands were formed into shaking fists and this point and I could almost feeling a burning aura surround me. 'That bastard just ran away! He's hiding something from me… I call tell!'

"But…" I turned to the source of the older, masculine voice. Ryou was pondering on something, his thumb and index finger resting on his chin. "If you guys didn't do it… then why was Horo in your room topless?"

I watched as Pirika and Yoh nodded, noting the question as well.

"Well, um…" I gulped. How was I going to explain everything? No one, besides Horo and I, had been fully updated on everything that had happened during Kamui's visit… not to mention his uproar.

"Because he wanted to comfort her throughout the night."

I turned to my salvation, the person that had saved me from a load of questions. Of course, it was Anna that had wisely spoken. However, what bothered me was how she knew…

"You guys were pretty loud last night." She said, answering the confused expression on my face. "I could hear you two fool around from my room."

"Oh." I murmured, quite humiliated at her straight-forward response. "Doumo sumimasen (I'm very sorry)."

"And Horo just skidded through the living room… in case you're looking for him."

"Ah," I nodded, bowing my head to the Itako as I headed for that direction. "Thanks Anna, you're a life saver!"

I had gone searching for Horo right after and desperate to discover his little secret, I searched the entire shrine… only to find out, two hours into my search, that he had went out! "Arrrg…" I grunted, putting an exhausted hand to my forehead. Sighing, I thanked my very reliable source and strode away. "Tell me if you ever catch sight of him, Manta."

About an hour later, I found myself in the living room, plopped on the floor beside the small tea table and channel-skipping. "Stupid, no good… kisama (bastard)…" I muttered under my breath.

"Konnichiwa (Hello) Miho!"

I could barely keep my head from drooping onto the table as I waved a numb hand at the anonymous person without even glancing at them. "Hey Tamao."

She cheerfully took a seat directly across from me, completely concealing the TV, and placed a small box on the table in between us. "You look tired… eat up!"

"What is this?" I asked, taking a hold of the blue box.

"Ohagi (Sweet rice-ball)." Tamao chirped, gesturing that I open it. "But don't tell anyone I gave you some, it's only for me and you!"

I smiled warmly and nodded, opening the box and settling it between us. "Thank you."

"Dou itashimashite (You're welcome)!"

I grabbed one of the rice-balls and slowly nibbled on it, watching as Tamao enjoyed herself, happily munching on her own pastry. "So… you saw Kamui yesturday, didn't you?"

Tamao froze, putting a hand to her cheek as she blushed a million shades of red and pink. "Um… yeah…"

"I think you liiiike him!" I laughed, speaking with a sing-song voice.

"No!" Tamao squeaked, fiercely shaking her head.

"Oh?" I thought for a second. "So… you think he's hot?"

"Um…" She nervously fidgeted with the rice-ball in her hands, staring intensely at the tea table.

"I could always introduce you to him." I grinned, hiding the facts about our fight.

"Oh Miho…" Tamao looked up. Her eyes were shimmering… but, fearfully. "I don't think that's a good idea."

I didn't want to press on the subject and make her uncomfortable so I simply dismissed the entire discussion. "You haven't seen Horo around, have you?"

Tamao hesitated before answering. She must've been wondering why I had let the case slip so easily. "Err… no, I haven't seen him since yesterday."

"Damnit."

"That's odd."

"Huh?" I raised a brow. "Doushite (Why)?"

"Because," She giggled innocently, holding her index finger up matter-of-factly. "You two are never separated unless by force!"

I sighed, shrugging my shoulders. "Well, the idiot has been acting a little awkward lately… running away from me and all."

"Did you guys have a fight?"

"No, but I think he's hiding something from me. Like… a secret of some sort."

Tamao pondered on the statement. "Well… I suggest you get that secret out of him soon, before he leaves with Pirika for the North."

"Leaves?" I echoed, feeling my eyes widen in shock. "What are you talking about? The North? When?"

Tamao furrowed her brows in wonder. "Miho… I thought for sure you'd be the first to know. Horo's leaving for training and Pirika's coaching him… Oh!" Suddenly, she began snapping her fingers in realization. "That must be the secret!"

I frowned, thinking over the situation. I didn't understand why he couldn't have just told me in the first place. "So, he's going to the North… for how long?"

Tamao shrugged, an apologetic look on her face. "I'm sorry; I didn't get all the details."

I nodded in understanding. "Do you at least know when they're leaving?"

She gasped, stopping midway from bringing the small portion left of her ohagi to her mouth. "I can't believe I forgot!"

"Nani (What)? Tamao, what's wrong?"

"Th-they're leaving… tonight."

Rikku: With Horo's absence, who'll keep Miho standing when things begin to crash and burn because of Kamui and the mystery of Emiko Sugiyama's death? And is the snow shaman even planning on returning? Why be so secretive in the first place? More importantly, will Rikku ever learn to update properly without driving her precious readers' patience? And did all her readers read the important note in the beginning? If they refuse to, will they find themselves in the middle of a bloody death with Rikku hovering over them? All these questions and more will be answered as the end of WoL (Winter of Love) draws near… keep in touch guys, send in reviews and just promise to keep on reading!

By the way, I sincerely apologize to all those that contributed their time to reading WoL, only to end up waiting so damn long for chapter updates! Ack, I'm sorry guys! Updating has become harder and harder, but I promise I will not leave WoL… I promise you an ending, damnit! Okay? Okay!

Important message on Re-Writes: I'm still working on re-writing the first few chapters, but I don't have enough time to finish re-writing chapter 2 before I leave (going very, very soon!) … I expect to finish that when I return, so watch out for the re-writes and please, please read them! Some events may have been changed in the process of writing, and need to be kept noted… That is why it is so utterly important for all of you to read the re-written chapters marked with "xRWx" in the chapter names. Don't forget guys!

Dewa Mata!
x-Rikku-x