Chapter 7

(A/N: I don't own the song that Danny sings to Sam later in the chapter. That was owned by the late Johnny Cash, and I don't know who owns it now.)

As Danny and Sam walked along the path through the forest, they talked about this, that, and everything under the sun.

"Danny, if Japan were more widely known about, it would be the envy of most of the countries in Europe," said Sam at one point. "And why is that?" asked Danny. "Because," Sam replied, "you've achieved a depth of culture and idyllic peace that's eluded the countries of Europe for centuries."

In response to this, Danny just sighed. Finally, he said, "Japan is not as peaceful as it might seem. This is a time of great political and religious turmoil. The Shogunate is slowly seizing more power for themselves, and the teachings of Christ are on the verge of becoming forbidden. The Way of the Buddha and the Way of the Gods have become entwined, and many are angry because of it. None of us will say it out loud, but war is undoubtedly coming. The armies of the Empress, the Ishin Shishi, and the armies of the Shogunate, the Shinsengumi, will eventually have to battle for the fate of Japan."

For a while, they both walked in silence, finally, as the sights, smells, and sounds of merry-making reached them, they entered the clearing and Danny said, "Let's forget about my somber soliloquy and have some fun."

It was a wonderful evening. Sam got her first taste of Japanese wine, and, finding it very strong, had no more than two glasses. Danny entertained the crowd by putting on a mock sword fight against several of his comrades and winning with relative ease. Jazz and some of her fellow geishas, or ladies-in-waiting, played instruments, and everybody danced.

And one end of the gathering, Danny's parents, Maddi and Jakku, were watching him with Sam. They thought that it was sweet that their boy had finally found a paramour.

(A/N: Just so you know, I use the word paramour in it's archaic sense, meaning any sort of lover and not necessarily an illicit one.)

Later that night, Danny lead Sam away from the clearing and showed her his favorite spot to just sit and reflect.

"Oh, Danny, it's so beautiful," said Sam, filled with awe at the full moon. "I thought you'd like it," Danny replied, "Tell me, Sam, would you like to hear a Japanese folk song?" "I'd love nothing more," she replied.

Lifting up a lute-like instrument, Danny began strumming it softly, and he began to sing.

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line

I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line

As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine, I walk the line

You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line

A love song (and this is CLEARLY a love song) like this, plus the fact that Sam had just drank some of the strongest liquor is Asia, it got her juices flowing, somewhat.

The next several minutes were a blur to both Danny and Sam. It was as if they had left their bodies and were watching themselves. They started kissing, and they wrapped their arms around each other, and they tumbled to the ground. Piece by piece, they began to remove each other's clothes.

Sam was scared at first, but only at first. She knew in her heart that this couldn't be a sin. It felt too right. Her love for Danny was like a perfect prayer: so beautiful, even God could not deny it. Why would He? Sam knew in her heart that God had brought them together.

As their clothes came off, the magic began.

(A/N: I know I promised some big drama, but I felt that it was better to end the chapter here. I promise I shall write the next chapter soon.)

TO BE CONTINUED.