Chapter Ten --

Ayame's POV

He felt as if he were floating. Blackness surrounded him, and he felt lonely.

Suddenly he felt as if he was speeding into space. A tiny pin prick of light appears and he continues to speed forward. The light grows bigger and brighter, until it envelops the snake.

Ayame wakes in a room the looks vaguely familiar. It takes the disoriented snake a moment to realize he was in Shigure's bedroom.

"Ah your awake Aya. Hatori will be pleased." A mellow voice says. Ayame tries to turn his head, and finds he can't.

"Whoops sorry. Here now you can see me." Shigure comes into view. "Your in a neck brace, so you can't move it, but I'm here to help you if you want anything." Ayame cracks a smile. He was alive, and safe at Shigure's house.

"Water." He manages to rasp. Shigure jumps slightly and says, "Of course you'd be thirsty. Here drink." The dog places a straw in the snake's mouth, and Ayame drinks greedily.

"Thank you Gure-San. Where is Hatori?" The snake asks. Shigure smiles broadly. "He's gone to your place to empty your apartment. Akito thinks your dead, but still to be safe you'll need to move somewhere none of us know about." Ayame frowns. "Are you going to tell Akito I'm not dead?" He asks his lifelong friend.

Shigure shakes his head. "No, but I don't want to accidentally let something slip." This makes sense to the snake.

"Okay Gure. Where is my dear brother, Kyon-kichi and Tohru-chan?" Ayame asks. "They're at school. It's been two days since you passed out."

Two days had passed? Poor Hatori must have been beside himself with worry. "Oh I had no idea. Well then, how have you been Gure-San?" Shigure shakes his head and chuckles.

"Aya, that's just like you. Here you nearly died, and your asking me how I've been. Well to answer your question, I haven't been able to snag a date in ages. But such is my life." Ayame smiles slightly.

"Your charming enough Gure. Some lovely lady will snatch you up. I'm sure." Shigure places a hand on Ayame's. "Rest Aya. Hatori should be back soon. I'll go make you something to eat, okay?" The snake nods. "Thank you for your hospitality Gure. Your one of my best friends." Shigure nods and ducks out of the room.

Ayame is left with his thoughts, and finds he would rather not think right now. He hears someone coming up the stairs, and involuntarily clinches. Hatori's head peers around the door frame and his face lights up instantly.

"Aya, your up. Oh Kami-Sama, I am so happy your all right." Ayame smiled. "I'm glad to see you Tori-San. Are you okay?" Hatori shakes his head. "Aya, I'm fine. Your the one you almost died. Stop worrying about me for just a moment. Are you in any pain right now?" The snake looks sheepish. "No I feel fine. Maybe a little tired, but other than that, I'm happy to be alive and here with you."

Hatori makes a noise in his throat and quickly kneels beside the bed. He takes Ayame's hand and places kiss after kiss over the pale skin. "Oh Kami how I missed you. I was so worried. I hope I never nearly lose you again. Never ever, ever." Hatori had silent tears rolling down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry Hatori. I love you and I'll never leave you if I can help it. Please stay with me." The snake tugs on the dragon's hand. Hatori takes the hint and crawls into bed on top of the snake.

He carefully aligns his body with Ayame's and the snake gasps at the soothing contact. "How does your neck feel? I think we can take the brace off now." Hatori says. "Sure. I want to be able to kiss you."

The dragon removes the velcro and gently takes the brace off the snake. Ayame licks his lips and whispers, I love you Hatori." The dragon leans in and gently presses his lips to the snake's. "I love you too Ayame."

Owari

Okay. There it is. It's finished. Yet again I left it open for a sequel, which I may or may not attempt. Seeing how there was a infinte lower number of people who read this story, as opposed to Corrupt Soul,Innocent Angel. Soooooo I don't know. Well hope you liked this story. Review if you wish. Kisses! -Rose