Wow! So many nice reviews…I'm flattered! Thank you so much!
Sorry about the wait! I'm finally on spring break now, and the last two week were so incredibly hectic. Lots of music stuff and tests and disappointments and…sigh. I won't go into details. Yeah, so since I'm on break, I'll write more. Ok?
To my reviewers:
Fideal mollicia: I made Haku sound hot? Wow I think that was the ultimate compliment! Thank you! lol More of him in this chapter. Enjoy!
Velf: Yes, Japan is a wonderful place and you should definitely go there when you can. (blushes) Oh dear I think I'm not fully deserving of your praise! lol Thank you very much. Your opinion means a lot to me. I'm glad Mayu turned out realistic. Don't worry, I won't leave this unfinished! I always hated it when authors abandoned stories. I'm sad that yours is over, but I understand, it had to end. I sincerely hope you consider writing more! A sequel, or a new fic? Please?
OceanicGodess: Hey, I want some Wendys too! lol Sorry about the lateness, but there's plenty of hot Haku in this chapter to make up for it.
Vic18: Oh wow, thanks so much! I'm glad that you enjoy all this. Hm…well there's no Sei in this chapter (sob) lol but I'll try to throw in more descriptions of him next chapter. Thanks for calling my attention to that, and thanks again for you kind words!
Pyramidgirl89: LOL pink fluffy bracelets! That's classic. But I'm afraid you can't brandish them at me, because there's a lot of innocently hot Haku in this chappy Enjoy!
Lost and lonely Phoenix: hehe…well yes Haku will keep the promise, but it will just be fulfilled in a unexpected and very cute manner. Mayu's past will be one of those things that will drag on through the whole story, but if you stick with me, then you'll find out. Thanks for being so consistent in reviewing! It means a lot to me.
Justin: Hey there! Thanks for reviewing! I like you fic. Your writing will improve over time, don't worry.
Dillpops: Wow thanks! Give the other fics a shot too, often the college ones just start out that way then turn out really different. Anyways, thanks again for all the praise, you made me very happy! I hope you like this chapter!
You with the long name: heh…I got lazy. yeah I think Sei will remain totally mysterious for a while, his past will come out later. I do have a lot to work with now, so I'm happy. I think you'll like this chapter. Hehe.
PetiteLumiere: Yeah, I sympathize. My school thinks they can kill off its students through hw and sleep deprivation…grr…But I'm on spring break now! Yay! Anyways, thanks and enjoy!
Henry: I really have to see the Incredibles, I've heard very good things about it. But yeah, keep reading! lol
Manga-boy-lover: lol yeah I totally agree…I had to catch up on updates too. This chapter's for you girl, Haku's back! I think you're going to like it
A/N: So our favorite dragon appears! (Haku: finally! Geez author…) Way back when, we left him taking a nap in the boiler room after rushing home from his river, not being able to sense Chihiro. He was also forbidden from rushing after her alone. This chapter is basically set up for the big one coming up, with the reunion! Ok, here we go, so Haku was napping…
Waiting for Tomorrow
Soot balls jittered this way and that emitting small squeaks of protest.
"Shhh!" Haku's eyes widened with alarm. He looked down at the fuzzy balls and put a finger to his soft lips. Shining black hair rustled as he glanced over at the sleeping form of Kamaji. His hunched shoulders rose and fell in time with loud, blissful snores. Haku sighed with relief. He licked his dry lips and slowly proceeded to tip toe towards the back door of the boiler room. The soot balls still swarmed around his feet.
He frowned at them annoyed. "I'll give you extra treats next time I see you." he whispered. The fuzzy balls looked at one another with huge eyes and nodded. They streamed back into their hollow. The door was right there. Haku smiled triumphantly. Here I come Chihiro! He couldn't help but dash the last couple of steps. Yes! He swung open the door.
"Nice try sneaky!" Rin stood leaning against the wall on the other side, smirking. The afternoon sun illuminated her soft brown eyes. She started laughing as Haku gave a withering glare and shouted a curse in annoyance.
"Do you find my misery funny?" he sneered at her.
Rin snickered. "Of course." Haku glared. She sighed "Geez learn to take a joke! And I have news. Go back inside." She ushered him back into the boiler room. Haku grudgingly obeyed.
"While you were peacefully snoring in here…" Rin said as she frowned trying to rub a food stain out of her pink bathhouse outfit.
Haku gasped, hands on hips. "I do not snore!" he said indignantly.
Kamaji chuckled, woken up by their voices. "Yes you do." he said, yawning. Haku felt a slight blush color his cheeks. He looked sulkily at the ceiling with now pale green eyes.
Rin half-smiled and took pity. "Anyways! Zeniba dropped a message while you boys were napping."
Haku snapped to attention. "Yes?" he prodded.
"You can go get Sen." Haku's face lit up, a look of pure joy on his face. His eyes shined a brilliant emerald green.
"Just not today." the light flickered out of Haku's eyes and they turned a sulky jade. "You go tomorrow."
"Why not today?" Haku asked, confused.
Rin shrugged. "Hey, I'm just the messenger. She said she would explain once Sen's safely back here. Something about how she confirmed her suspicions with inside sources…" she snapped her fingers. "Oh yeah! And she said you should probably think about what you going to say to her. You need to actually convince her to come back here."
Haku's face paled. "Think about what to say…" he gave a strained laugh. "Oh that's easy! I… can charm her any day…" he turned his back to Rin and started to panic. Oh gods…
Rin smirked. "How about: Sen I'm that stupid idiot of a dragon who hasn't kept his promise yet. There may be a butch of lunatics attacking this world soon so come with me?" Kamaji reached out one of his six hands and smacked Rin on the head.
"Oww!" Rin howled. She glared up at the elderly spirit. "Between you and Yubaba I'll fracture my skull!" She looked up to see Haku with his arms crossed over his broad chest and glaring bloody murder. His eyes glinted a dangerous green. She sighed. "Alright! Sorry, sorry." Haku rolled his eyes and started pacing the room, mumbling various lines.
Rin gazed at him The almighty dragon that can wipe out the entire bath house if he wanted to is scared of confronting one little mortal girl! I wonder why? She smirked. "Just go with your heart. Besides you have plenty of time to burst your big head thinking about what to say." Rin flounced over to him and ruffled his perfect hair. "Sorry for all the teasing, dragon. You are just too easy to annoy!" Haku just grumbled and waved her off. Rin reached for the door and stopped, shouting over her shoulder.
"And no sneaking out till tomorrow!"
Haku let out a frustrated yell. "Do you want me to blow you up? Go away!" Rin smiled and went out the door.
Haku looked up once he heard the door slide shut and stuck his tongue out. God she gets more annoying by the day… He grinned. Oh well…I deserve her words half the time anyways…He sighed and closed his eyes. Searching over the boarder into the distant human world, all he felt were muddy shields of powerful magic blocking him off from Chihiro. Just be safe until tomorrow! Please, please…He sat down on the wooden boards of the floor with a thump and made a face. Now what the hell am I going to say?
>>>>>>
"You dragon will keep his promise." Chihiro stared at the words in the light on the last rays of sunlight streaming through the dorm window. The confusion had gone away. Now she was just totally numb and had no idea what to think. "UGH!" She fell back on the bed and closed her eyes. Why did Sei have get me confused? Her head buzzed. Hope and doubt battled in her heart. Maybe he's telling the truth. Maybe he is coming for me. The she scowled and shook her head. No. Why would he after eight stinking years? She sighed. Maybe if I wish enough things will go back to being nice and boring…ugh, maybe, maybe, maybe…Herconsciousness was slipping. The last thing she remembered thinking was how amazing it was that she could fall asleep after such a stressful day. But soon she was out like a light.
Mayu creaked the door open and peered in. The room was dark. She tiptoed around her now permanent piles of junk and turned on a reading lamp. Chihiro lay snoring quietly and sprawled on top of her covers. Mayu grinned and took a blanket from her bed and tucked it around her friend. As she lifted Chihiro's hand to put under the blanket, something floated to the ground. She picked it up. The feather was beautiful. The soft amber color was just like... Mayu's eyes widened with understanding. This was the present. Then she blinked and frowned. How did I know that? she wondered. She felt different emotions clash inside her, but shrugged them off and walked over to Chihiro's table to put the feather down, only to find the note there. "Your dragon will keep his promise." she read aloud without thinking. Chihiro gave a faint moan and fluttered her eyes open.
Mayu gave an apologetic grin. "Sorry! Didn't mean to wake you."
Chihiro waved her hand groggily. "No problem." She saw what Mayu was holding and her eyes snapped fully open. "Oh!…"
"Sei gave this to you, right?"
Chihiro looked up surprised. "Yeah…" she shot her a questioning look.
Mayu grinned. "I was spying from the window." Chihiro laughed. Mayu looked back at the note. "Do you believe this?"
Chihiro looked down and frowned at the covers. "I don't know. But he seems to know everything about me!" Mayu chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised it he was right…maybe"
Mayu nodded. "Yeah." Suddenly she let out a huge yawn. "Well, I'm totally wiped out for the day! Lets get a good nights sleep."
Chihiro looked up and started, "Mayu, we need to talk…"
Mayu looked at her squarely in the eyes and nodded solemnly. "In the morning. I promise."
Chihiro made a face. "Ugh! No more promises! But yeah, lets talk tomorrow." Chihiro said as she dove under her covers. "I'm wiped out too."
Mayu laughed and walked over to her bed. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Soon they were fast asleep.
>>>>>>
Haku cleared his throat. He distractedly ran his fingers through perfect black hair and faced his audience. Zeniba, Kamaji, Rin, and Bo sat in straight-backed, regal looking chairs conjured by Zeniba. Behind them the fuzz balls feasted on extra treats Haku had brought them.
Zeniba coughed. "Ahem…you may begin dear."
Haku nodded and took a deep breath. He raised his chin, drew back his shoulders, trying to look confident. "Dearest Sen. I cordially invite you to-"
"No." The chorus cut in.
Haku scowled and his posture fell. "Ok…how about: Hello. How have you been since-"
Loud sighing. "No."
Haku raised an eyebrow and turned to Rin, smirking. "How about: Hey there. Your world may be attacked any second by lunatics. Come with me or die?" Rin gave an amused snort but the others, well Kamaji and Zeniba, flinched. Bo giggled.
Kamaji smacked his head and sighed. "Idiot. This is pointless."
Zeniba glared at Kamaji and smiled kindly at Haku. "It's alright dear! Don't mind the bitter old spirit…"
Kamaji muttered. "I'm the same age as you little young witch…"
"I heard that!" Zeniba said in a singsong voice and pointed at him. Suddenly all of Kamaji's arms were tied together in a big knot. He grumbled inaudibly. Zeniba smiled sweetly in response.
"Serves you right!"
Haku waved his hands. "Um hello? What about me?"
"Oh dear Haku." Rin said, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Describe how you really feel when you think about her. Try to be more…" she smiled maliciously. "poetic."
Haku nodded thoughtfully. A small crease formed between two green eyes which were frozen in concentration. "Alright, poetic…Hello Chihiro. Your lips are like roses, your skin is like white …clouds? Your eyes shine like the glittering wonder of my hair…" Haku snapped back to reality. "Wait! Not hair! I meant…"
Zeniba tried to hide a smile but couldn't. Rin clutched her stomach in silent laughter, doubled up in her chair. Kamaji gave a loud snort. Then he saw Haku and flinched.
Haku eyes were glowing an angry green. There was a similar jungle green aura which crackled around him. His face was a furious red. "One word of this to ANYONE and I'll blow up the bath house! With all of you in it!" he yelled at them.
Bo whimpered. "Haku's scawy!"
Haku blinked and calmed down at the toddler's voice. He smiled apologetically. "Sorry Bo."
Rin wiped away a tear and gasped, "Your eyes shine like the glittering wonder of my hair…!" she fell out of her chair and started rolling on the floor howling.
Yubaba regaining control, came up to a glaring Haku and gave him a suffocating hug. She leaned back keeping a hold of Haku's sturdy shoulders. "Haku darling! Don't mind her. The right words will come in time." Haku sighed.
"You can do it Haku!" Bo said.
Kamaji nodded. "You will be fine" then he mumbled inaudible to the others, "…where did the kid learn that ridiculous poetry…"
Haku smiled, oblivious to Kamaji's words. "Thanks guys." Then he glared at the still laughing Rin. "You!" he screamed and stomped over to her. He picked her up by both arms and shook her. "Shut up!"
Rin gasped and tried to control herself. "Ok! Sorry… really. Its just…" her face twitched trying not to laugh again. "I mean…you have such a…talent for poetry…" she pressed her lips together until they were white rimmed and quivered as Haku glared at her, trying not to laugh. Suddenly she couldn't resist anymore and burst out into yet another round of laughter.
Haku yelled and stomped the ground. "Ok! So I suck at poetry! Am I not allowed to suck at one thing?"
Rin finally gained control taking deep breaths. She put a hand to her ruddy cheeks and smiled sweetly. "Yes. That's why I'm going to teach you the lines that will have her swooning over you!." She pulled a face. "Although you got plenty of female workers already doing that..."
Haku flinched. "Ugh. Giggling airheads." he sighed. "Alright Rin. I guess I won't blow you up if you teach me to talk properly."
Rin giggled. "Sorry dragon! Yet again, you are too fun to annoy."
Haku grumbled "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Now are you going to teach me, or not?"
Rin pointed to a chair and smiled. "Sit. This may take a while."
>>>>>>
A/N: Hehe. I liked that chapter. It did absolutely nothing for the plot I know, but it's SO fun to tease Haku! I had to do it. Hopefully it was amusing to you... . Did anyone else notice my obsession with his hair? lol Anyways…next chapters a big one! Reunion! Sorry if this is going a bit slow. I needed to put in a lot of material to work with so I don't get writer's block down the road.
Disclaimer: I don't own Spirited Away!
(Sei stomps up to author and pouts.) Hey! No me in this chapter? That's not fair!
Haku (sticks his tongue out) That's because I'm hotter!
Sei: nuh uh!
Haku: Yuh huh!
(1035684827 times later…) (Chihiro and Mayu walk in and smack them both over the head.)
Crazi: (flinches as her main guys fall unconscious to the floor) …Thanks girls?
(girls smirk) Anytime.