"What the…"

I can feel a decent amount weight on top of me. The studio is dimmer than before. I hear a slight ringing in my ears. I'm no longer upright, but instead flat on my back (which is starting to feel a little sore, thank goodness for all the cushion my behind has to offer). However, the biggest surprise to manifest through the settling dust is that the weight is not coming from the hard, metallic lights. It's coming from pure muscle, and perfectly toned arms are wrapped around me. I look at my chest, and there's Hanzo, nestled in my bosom.

Hanzo saved me! I don't know where he came from, but he pushed me out of the way. My arms, sprawled over my head, weakly move to touch him. I need to thank him, see if he is alright…

Hanzo's head pops up from my chest and he looks me square in the eyes.

"Are you alright?"

I see a glimmer of concern flash through his cerulean eyes. I try to process this as I gently rest my hands on his arms (gosh he has nice arms). "You…I…"

God, why can't I talk? What an inopportune time to lose my voice! Suddenly, I hear a flurry of voices in the background:

"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?" "GET THE PARAMEDICS!" "WHO DID THE LIGHTING CHECK! "ARE YOU TWO OKAY?!"

Oh, that's right, it's not just Hanzo and I here, it's a whole damn studio. A studio that just lost what I imagine to be very expensive lights. Of course there's a flurry…all of this had to of been a matter of seconds. Did someone say paramedics?

And just like that, Hanzo's glimmer disappears and he seems to tighten beneath my touch.

Next thing I know, Dr. Belair is crouched by my side while a paramedic appears by my other side. As they appear, Hanzo slowly gets up and stands beside the paramedic, arms crossed. He has the same hard glance upon his face as he has had all day. The paramedic asks if I'm okay while Belair begins to softly stroke the top of my head.

"Sir, please step back, I need to make sure she's okay." I can't tell if he's talking to Belair or Hanzo, but then I feel my hair being left alone and Belair looks at me with sad eyes.

"Ma'am, are you okay?"

My voice finally decided to stop hiding amongst the confusion and boomed forth "YES! YES I'M FINE!"

I suddenly sit upright, both inspired and surprised by the strength in my voice. The paramedic puts his hand out and I can tell is going to suggest laying back down, but I put my hand on his shoulder and shake my head. Belair looks at me with bafflement.

"I'm fine, really am I. Oh Hanzo, thank you so much!"

I look at Hanzo. Who am I kidding? I'm better than fine. Despite the near death encounter, I feel great. I pick myself up, stand in front of him, fling out my arms to the side as I smile widely and approach to hug him "I owe you so much…"

But instead of allowing the embrace, Hanzo steps back and my arms enclose around air. Surprised, I drop my arms and look at him. "Hanzo?"

He lets out a stiff grunt. "Foolish girl, you cannot stand idly by when danger is imminent." He continues in his defensive stance, eyes boring right through mine. "If I were you, I'd spend more time being less oblivious and taking action when action is needed; imagine what one more second of hesitation would have cost you."

With that, he drops his arms and turns around to retrieve his katana (which he must have dropped to save me). I don't know what to think. On one hand, he belittled me and called me a foolish girl. On the other hand, he was right; one second more of being a deer caught in the headlights and that paramedic would be working overtime right now. Hmmm, I never knew it was possible to be angry and grateful at the same time. Either way, I still owe him, but what could I possibly do? He doesn't even want me by him…

Dr. Belair appeared behind me, placing his hand on the small of my back. "I'm glad you're okay ma bichette, but my word! What just happened? That boy saves your life and then insults you?" He shook his free fist in the direction of Hanzo "BETE COMME SES PIEDS!"

I stifle a giggle. Somehow, I doubt Hanzo is "as stupid as his feet", but Dr. Belair is clearly upset. I wish he wasn't upset at Hanzo, he didn't even hear what happened. Yet, it's sweet he's coming to my aid.

I look over at Hanzo, who apparently didn't even hear Dr. Belair. He's putting his katana and its holder back on his back, and Yoshitsune is standing right by him. Yoshitsune does not look happy; words are flowing endlessly out of his mouth as he smacks the back of his right hand against the palm of his left hand repeatedly. Hanzo's head is dipped, but he doesn't break eye contact with Yoshitsune. He nods every time Yoshitsune's hand smacks down, and though he's clearly ashamed, he stands tall and listens to every word. Whatever the reason for the scolding, Hanzo sure is taking it like a man.

I crane my neck forward to listen better, knowing full well that I'm too far away for it to make a difference. Why is Yoshitsune so upset? Is he mad Hanzo saved me? I look down at the floor and step away from Belair's touch. Yes, that must be it. I put his protégé in danger, Hanzo could have ruined his career or lost his life, and for what? For me, who clearly deserved to win a Darwin award in that moment? I deserved the scolding, not Hanzo. I have to intervene.

I step forward again when Belair steps in front of me. "Don't worry about them ma bichette, let them have their talk. Let's go for a bite to eat."

I sigh. Maybe I should. Belair puts his hand back on the small of my back and begins to escort me towards the door when the host stops us both.

"I don't even know what to say. We here at Deadliest Warrior always maintain the strictest standards of safety, and believe me when I say nothing like this has ever happened before. What can I do to make this better?"

I'm shocked! Poor guy, he had nothing to do with the accident (which, I realize, is still being dealt with by many buzzing bodies) and here he is apologizing. What a sweetheart. I open my mouth to tell him everything okay when I hear that Dr. Belair is already talking.

"Make it better? Why don't you say what you really mean, what can you do so we don't sue?"

My eyes widen. What?! Is he crazy? We're not the ones with a ruined set, or scuttling around a work accident. That's all it was, an accident! They had no way of knowing that would happen. Besides, I didn't read it completely but I'm pretty sure the waiver we signed covered things like this.

The host looks very pale. "Well, if that is what you'd like to do, by all means do what you feel is right. However, that is not what I meant. You two are wonderful and would make for an entertaining show, what can I do to have you both back?"

Have us back? But we're still here…

"I got ahead of myself, let me back up. We can't continue shooting today; we need to recheck all our studio equipment as well as fix the lights, but we want you all back. Between you and the Genpei experts, we could have the hottest episode ever!"

Well, now I'm just aghast! Less than six hours ago, I didn't even want to be here, and now the host thinks this could be the hottest episode ever? Wow! He's had so many amazing experts help create epic battles, I'm so flattered!

But Dr. Belair appears unimpressed and unfalters in his speech. "Come back? Surely you realize how difficult that would be. I rearranged much of my schedule to match yours…"

Dr. Belair falls silent. I look from him back to towards the host and I see why. Yoshitsune is walking towards us, Hanzo close behind. Unlike a few moments ago, his cheery demeanor has returned and he's smiling. He stands next to the host and looks at Dr. Belair.

"Christophe-chan, it has been an honor to work with you again. I think this is a great opportunity for us to share our education, and I'm sure arrangements can be made to make this as easy as possible on everyone."

Belair smiles back, and give a slight bow to Yoshitsune. "Please, the honor is all mine Yoshitsune-chan. I must admit, this has been a unique day and I think I'd enjoy having it continue. Perhaps you're right, I'm sure we can work something out."

Yoshitsune must have a way with people; I've never seen Dr. Belair be so agreeable. For that matter, I've never seen him change his mind about something this easily either. But if he's such a people person, why was he tearing into Hanzo? I still have to clear that up. Hmmm, maybe he's not a people person. Maybe it's because they have worked together in the past, they must have forged deep buns of respect during that time.

Belair looks at the host. "Very well, what did you have in mind?"

The host is elated. "Please, we are inconveniencing you, when would you like to return? The sooner the better of course, but if you'd like to wait we can start editing what we have. I can tell you, we already got some great footage, and I feel a lot of it is coming because you two know each other." He looks past Yoshitsune and Dr. Belair and looks at Hanzo and I. "And the chemistry going on between you two? Powerful! We've had a lot of things on this show, but chemistry like this? Never!"

I look at Hanzo, surprised. I can feel my cheeks turning pink and, for a moment, it looks like Hanzo is starting to blush as well. However, no sooner do I finish my thought and it disappears. Instead, he clenches his fists quickly and looks at the host.

"I am here to share family history and demonstrate weaponry, nothing else. If you are looking for more, perhaps a replacement should be found."

My cheeks flush further. How embarrassing can moments get with this guy? This really is starting to feel more like trashy reality TV then an educational program. I want to say something, but what? As I search for the words, I notice that both Dr. Belair and Yoshitsune are glaring at Hanzo.

"Kazemasa-san, we spoke about this. "

"I'm sorry Yoshitsune-sensei, but I am not here to make a spectacle of myself. I am fine with people being entertained by my knowledge, but I refuse to participate in any farce for the sake of ratings."

That's it then. The beat that my heart skipped when I first saw him was nothing more than a silly school girl moment. This man does not like me, and I am starting to feel the same way. He doesn't even know me. Despite all this, I still owe him. I am at a loss; how do you repay a debt to someone who wants nothing to do with you?

My thoughts must have been transparent because Dr. Belair narrows his eyes further at Hanzo and Yoshitsune opens his mouth to speak when…

"Of course that's why you're here, we would expect no less." The host interrupted, clearly eager to avoid non show related rifts. "I tell you what, why don't we put you all up at the Ritz tonight and we can reconvene tomorrow? You're already in LA, and we should be up and running by tomorrow. That way, no one has to alter anything greatly."

The Ritz? My goodness, only in my wildest dreams did I imagine staying there! How fancy, how classy, how…expensive. It's almost too much…

I see a smirk appear on Dr. Belair's face, clearly he's pleased and seems ready to express as much when Yoshitsune beats him to it.

"That's incredibly generous of you, but I must decline. Tomorrow we are celebrating Hanami, I've never missed the celebration for it."

Hanami?

He looks and Dr. Belair and I. "We'd like to have both of you as our guests."

What? He wants to have us what? I understand him extending the invitation to Dr. Belair, but me? Why me? Hanzo does not like me, and I figured Yoshitsune does not either.

Before either of us can answer, the host nods. "I understand. Where is your celebration?"

"About an hour away from here. Come to think of it, this studio is closer to our celebration location than our host university is."

The host saw his opportunity and took it. "I tell you what. Why don't you all stay at the Ritz for two nights? Expenses included. That way, you can get to your celebration easily and we can resume filming the following day."

This day continues to surprise! My head is officially spinning. I am so down to stay at the Ritz, I had nothing to do for the next few days anyway! And this celebration Yoshitsune speaks of, I don't know what it is but it sounds like fun!

Dr. Blair looks almost giddy, but keeps control. "I think that is manageable, and those accommodations are certainly adequate. We accept. Yoshitsune-chan, we accept as well."

The host smiles, as does Yoshitsune.

"That works for me, though I can't speak for Kazemasa-san. What do you think?"

Hanzo has kept the same steadfast look on his face this entire time. If he is pleased or displeased, I'd never know.

"If it works for you, then it works for me." His deep voice saunters slowly through the air.

He looks at me. "I'd like to speak with you for a moment."

My breath catches in my throat. What?

He cocks his head to the side and crosses his arms, studying me. "Is that alright?"

Here I am again, speechless at an inconvenient moment. I still am processing everything that's happened.

"I suggest we finish up here and head to the hotel, Yoshitsune and I can discuss the celebration details there." Said Dr. Belair, putting his hand on my back, eyes back to narrowing on Hanzo.

Before I can reply to this needless display of chivalry, Hanzo speaks.

"With all due respect, I was talking to her."

With that, I find my voice. "Yes Hanzo, let's talk. There's a few things I'd like to ask."

Dr. Belair is taken aback, but Yoshitsune smiles and walks up to Dr. Belair. "You two talk, the rest of us will make arrangements for lodging and the remainder of this show."

Hanzo looks at me then starts walking towards the exit. I follow, filled with excitement and anger and confusion (these seem to be my emotions for the day).

We reach the door, and Hanzo holds it open. I stop.

Hanzo looks at me, then out the door, then back at me. "What?"

Well, he's actually being polite!

"Umm, thank you." I walk through and he follow behind, closing the door. It feels good to be outside. Only now do I realize how stuffy it felt in that studio. Portions of the show were to be filmed outside, but we never got to that point, and it's a shame. It's a beautiful day! The sun is bright, the sky is clear, and the air feels crisp and clean.

"Does he always answer for you?"

I turn back and face Hanzo. I'm a little surprised he noticed.

"No, I answer for myself. He's just being protective."

Hanzo cocks an eyebrow. "Protective?"

"Yes. In case you didn't notice, you're not being very nice to me." I say.

Once the words come out, my anger overwhelms the rest of my feelings.

"And why? What did I do to you? Are you sorry you helped me? If that's it, then say so and be done with it. You were right, I should have been paying more attention, but I don't deserve to be punished for something you choose to do. I am in debt to you, I am, and I wish to repay you but not at the cost of…"

Hanzo walks up to me and gently places a finger on my lips. I am silent. More than that, I'm not angry anymore either. I again feel myself getting lost in the cerulean depths of his eyes. The deeper I go, the more my heart begins to race, and I start to feel as if he may not be as cold as he appears to be.

His finger slides off my lips. "I regret nothing in life, and saving you isn't close to a regret. I despise weakness is all, and that was a weak moment for you. That's the past now, I hope you learned from it."

He's so close to me, his intensity radiates off him in spades and I feel every spark of it. It's all I can do to nod in response.

"Now then, do you actually want to go to Hanami?"

He waits. I still don't know what this festival is, but it's obviously important. It'd be rude to say no, and maybe there is something I can do to help.

"Yes, but what is it?"

He gives a stiff laugh. "Of course you don't know. It's to celebrate the cherry blossoms blooming and enjoy time with family and friends."

He looks stern again. "I understand why he invited Dr. Belair, but I don't understand why he wants you there. He's a good man, and I won't have anyone disrespecting him. Hanami means a lot to him, so I expect your yes to be sincere because he never invites just anyone."

I sigh. So that's what this is all about. "Is this what you and Yoshitsune were talking about?"

He nods. "He thought I was being hard on you, and that I should show you respect. I feel respect has to be earned, but as I'm now responsible for you, I must honor his wishes."

Responsible for me? What does he mean?

As if he had read my mind, Hanzo continued. "My family, as well as many of my friends, believes that you become responsible for someone if you ever save their life. Yoshitsune believes it as well. I do not, I feel we are responsible for ourselves only. However, I cannot disrespect Yoshitsune, so if he says I am responsible for you, it is so."

So I had Yoshitsune all wrong, and Hanzo clearly respects him a great deal. Sadly, I realize this means Hanzo still wants nothing to do with me and is simply being obedient. I'm flattered by Yoshitsune's invite and attempts to fix Hanzo's harshness towards me, but I fail to see the point in my coming.

"You don't want me there, do you?" I ask.

It's Hanzo's turn to sigh. He looks back towards the door. "It's not about what I want, it's about what Yoshitsune wants, and he wants you there."

I nod. "Then I'll be there. I want to go; maybe I can help out with something."

Never mind Hanzo. Yoshitsune has shown me a kindness, and I will return it.