Don't worry, this is not the full ending. Haku will have to make his decision first – you'll see!

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"all these years, mother… where have you been?" Haku asked, holding his mother tightly as if she would leave forever if he ever let go.

Chihiro watched quietly at this touching reunion. She was really envying Haku now. Would she ever have that much motherly love?

"I've been right here, Taro. I've been home the whole time, don't you remember?" she stroked the hair her beloved once had. "remember, we lived here in the Human World when you were only a child. Did you not know that I am human… your father was the spirit… so tell me, are you a spirit as well?"

"yes. I am the spirit of the Kohaku River in the Spirit World." He then remembered that they were not the only ones in the room. Bravely, he let his mother out of his grip and stepped over to Chihiro. "mother, this is my loved one, Chihiro. She is also a human."

"hi," she said, trying to get up again.

"Chihiro, rest!" Haku commanded, getting frustrated. "you know you must preserve your energy!"

"ah, so you are the Chihiro I've heard so much about," Masami said.

The lovers stared at each other, confused. Masami giggled softly. "you're the talk of the entire building, Chihiro. What with your condition, and having what some have described as a lunatic for a visitor."

Haku's lips pruned with frustration. Lunatic, huh! He thought. Chihiro held back her grins and looked back at his mother. She had that cheerful glow in her face never seemed to die down, one of those people that was really selfless. It was actually very heart-warming for Chihiro to think about.

"well, they should just mind their own business!" Haku snapped, surprising Chihiro. He sighed as he looked over her way. "I'm sorry. I'm just stressed."

"listen, Haku," Chihiro began. "go home and get some rest. I'll be okay for just one night."

"and what makes you think I need rest?"

"your temper is growing, you're getting a paler face than usual, dark circles…" she smiled wryly. "and I've seen you doze off every once in a while when you think I'm asleep."

Haku clenched his fists. (A/N: sorry, I've been watching Fruits Basket lately and I keep imagining Haku as Kyo!- who is really cute. Forgive my limited knowledge!) he hated admitting defeat, but she was right. He was shattered. "Chihiro, I don't want to leave you alone… you know that."

"she won't be," Masami interrupted. "I'll stay with her."

"oh, it's alright, really! I can stay by myself!"

"no you can't!" Haku/Taro insisted.

Chihiro pouted in his direction. "I am not a child Haku!" she shouted. "I can take care of myself!"

Masami could see where this was going. "Taro, listen to her! I am sure that Chihiro is mature enough to last one night without you."

Chihiro smiled at him victoriously. Haku was sending her death glares until he realised that he was losing his temper. He finally exhaled, giving in to their arguments. He left after planting a small kiss on the lips of his dearest.

He found that Lin had already left, and he was glad. She was far too annoying to walk around with. He sauntered his way through the streets, thinking of his Chihiro. No, he told himself. She doesn't belong to me. I'm not even sure if it's a solid commitment. But why do I still seem to claim her as my own? Is this the part of me that Katsu lived on? Is this the part of me I fear the most?

He shook his head of all these thoughts. As he entered the bath house, he wouldn't speak to anyone. Any questions being asked he would not answer. It was strange in a way, Haku was never one to ignore his duties. But how could he concentrate on work with all that's happened to him in one day.

Everyone was pestering him with all these questions, updates and requests:

"Haku, we need more herbs!"

"when are the new yunas arriving? We need more staff!"

"the Radish Spirit got stuck in one of the small tubs and is demanding his money back!"

"STOP!" he shouted, turning to face them all.

He got everyone's attention. He began to set things straight: "everyone is to leave me alone for the night. We'll make do with the herbs we have for now, and I shall get more tomorrow. By then the new yunas will be here. And as for the Radish Spirit, give him his money." He turned to walk to his room.

"but Haku…!" called one of the frogs, but held his tongue as Haku's head turned to him, flaming with rage.

"do not call me Haku anymore," he growled. "in fact, don't call me at all." He stepped into the lift as the guests and workers watched in amazement.

He sighed as the lift carried him up to his room. Haku was sure Yubaba would have his head fro causing a scene back there but nothing really bothered him at the time. All he cared about now was sleeping and then returning to Chihiro.

Haku awoke realising he had overslept and was late to see Chihiro. He threw himself through the showers then flung his clothes on, staggering as he ran through the gates. No-one had bothered to pester him because of what happened the night before.

He arrived at the hospital and shoved his way to Chihiro's room. "Chihiro!" he called as he barged in.

"shh…" Masami said. "she's still asleep!" she whispered.

He sighed with relief that she was okay. He sat on the chair next to his mother. "I'm really worried about her. I don't want to lose Chihiro. She's my everything. If she leaves, I'll have nothing."

"Taro, you need to make a decision."

He stared at her for a while. "what kind of decision?"

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Yo, people! sorry it took a while... the system was being awkward again...