It's morning. I'm sitting at a table in the restaurant, tired from last night but Christophe insisted on an early start before the filming.

So why am I here and he isn't?

I stifle a yawn. Where does that man keep disappearing off to? I've waited long enough, I'm going to order. Right after I place it, Yoshitsune appears at the table.

Without thinking, I stand up in his presence. "Good morning Yoshitsune."

Yoshitsune smiles and bows towards me. "You flatter me, there's no need to stand up."

I smile, and sit down. I think I'll always feel the need to show the upmost respect to this man.

He sits as well. "I hope you had fun last night. It was a perfect Hanami. At least, it was because you were there."

I blush. "Pish posh, it was perfect because you were host! I had an amazing time, thank you so much for inviting me."

Yoshitsune smiles. "You are welcome to Hanami anytime." And then his eyes seem to glitter. "I know Kazemamsa had a good time too."

I look down. Somehow, I doubt that.

"Always hold your head high sweetie, you've got no reason to hang it."

I look back at him. "I just have a hard time believing that is all." I say, wishing the food would come already.

Yoshitsune looks thoughtful. "Why do you think that?"

"I don't know…shoot, maybe he did have a good time, but only after he left me."

I pause, but Yoshitsune is still looking at me, listening intently. Does he really want to hear this?

"I think he tolerates me because he has to, that's it. Oh, and because he's trying to uphold an ideal the people he cares about most believe in."

Yoshitsune continues looking thoughtful, and nods. "And how do you feel about that?"

I'm confused, what?

"If that's how Kazemasa feels, then how do you feel?"

Good question, how do I feel?

"To be honest Yoshitsune, I don't know. He basically saved my life. I have no idea how life would be right now if I had been smashed by those lights, and I'll never be able to thank him enough for that. We're kind of connected forever because of that, but what kind of connection is that to have with someone who doesn't even like you?"

Oh man, I can't believe I just said all of that, and to Hanzo's mentor above all people! Keep talking and you'll be saying that he's strummed on your heartstrings unlike any other man before him. I bite my tongue so I can't say more.

Yoshitsune nods. "Let me tell you something. You've probably noticed that Kazemasa is quite the serious young man, but this is because he is focused and dedicated. He's a man of his word and a man of honor. He has more self-discipline than I've ever seen in a student before. He holds me in high regard, but I hold him in equally high regard. "

I must look surprised, because Yoshitsune smirks then reaches out and pats my hand. "That is to say, I know he comes off as rough around the edges, but he's a good man. Give him some time. Something tells me you might be the one to unveil his softer side."

My jaw drops. What exactly does he mean by that? Does he know something I don't?

He embraces the hand he just patted, lets go, and walks off. My jaw is still hanging open when my food arrives. I stare at my food.

"I don't understand why you have such an aversion to food."

I turn around. Hanzo is standing right behind me. I'm still processing what Yoshitsune said, but seeing him has brought back memories of last night. Why did he just leave me like that?

"And good morning to you too Hanzo."

He gives a curt nod. He's holding an apple in his right hand and the left is on his hip. Ever the defensive stance. I motion towards a seat but he shakes his head.

"I'm not staying. I just came down for a moment, and imagine my surprise to see you cozying up to Yoshitsune."

This man is becoming insufferable. I look at where Yoshitsune was sitting. "Is that what you saw?"

"It's what anyone looking this way would have seen. Do not mistake his kindness for affection; he would not be interested in dating you." I can feel his gaze upon my back, and I turn back to meet it.

One look into those baby blues, and I can feel myself sinking, but this time I don't let it. He's being mean. He thinks he knows everything and he doesn't. I stand up and get right next to him.

"Look, I don't know what you think you saw, but it sure as hell had nothing to do with being flirtatious. I like Yoshitsune, he's a good man, but I view him the same way Dr. Belair does. He's shown me so much respect and kindness, as he has for Dr. Belair, but you'd know nothing about that because you don't know how to be kind! You just like seeing me upset, and I've had enough!"

I feel heat rising into my cheeks. I want to say more but I see the look in his eyes change. They have traces of sadness flowing through them. I exhale.

"Well, I guess that's my cue to leave." Hanzo says, turning away. "I'll see you later."

With that, he leaves. I glance back at my food. As if I could eat now! Yes, Hanzo irritates me, but I shouldn't have treated him like that. That's no way to treat the person who saved you.

I leave the restaurant and run back towards the elevators. Hanzo isn't here; he must already be back in his room. I frantically push the up button, knowing that the elevator isn't going to go any faster in my doing so. It opens, thankfully empty, and I rush inside. I push my floor frantically as well, and the doors close.

Just as I begin to relax from the smooth upward motion carrying me higher and higher, the elevator jerks. It then stops. I look at the buttons. I'm not on my floor, and some kind of red light is on.

What is going on?

The elevator is at a stand still. Why'd it stop?

I reach for my cell phone, but I have no reception inside the elevator. I dare not push the buttons, but what can I do? I go closer to study them when I notice the emergency phone. I debate about opening it when suddenly the doors open. I look, feeling better, until I see what they've opened to.

I am looking at half of a floor. Half of the door is facing a wall of cables, and the other half is staring at what I assume is the eight floor. I can see legs, but only for a moment.

BOOM!

The elevator jerks downwards again. I huddle into the corner, scared out of my wits. My god, I'm going to die.

I scream at the top of my lungs. People are by the elevator, surely they hear me.

BOOM!

Down once more. I scream again. With every jerk, I get tossed around. I can tell my arms and legs are going to bruise, but I'll happily take the bruises over being pancaked flat. I cover my face and scream again.

BOOM!

I smack again the floor once again, but this time I force myself to look at the door. Again, I see half of a wall and half of a floor. This time, I see the upper part of the floor. People are looking up at me in bewilderment. A few fish out their cell phones and dial three obvious numbers. A concierge runs up and shouts "Hang on miss! I've alerted management, the elevators will be shut off any moment and you'll stop falling!"

I nod weakly. The elevator hasn't moved, and I am too scared to move as well. Somehow, I don't think turning off the power will help. A severe sense of dread washing over me as that thought settles in. People are huddling towards the elevators, speaking words of encouragement and a few coax me to jump off.

I can't do it. If I move, I'll die.

The crowd gets bigger as two firefighters appear. "Miss, the elevator is unstable. If you don't jump now, there's no telling what may happen. Don't worry, we'll catch you."

I look at them. All I have to do is get to the front of the elevator and hold out my hands. They could pull me quickly to safety.

I can't do it…

Suddenly, the crowd beyond the firefighters part. I gasp. It's Hanzo!

He's already dressed for Deadliest Warrior, looking quite the sight in his Genpei warrior kimono with his katana on his back. His pace is quick and steadfast. Unfazed by the firefighters, he moves inbetween them and holds out his arms. His body is calm, but I can see his eyes are running wild.

"I see you, I've got you." His voice is calm like his body, he steps even closer. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

I don't have to think twice.

I scramble across the elevator floor and hold out my hands. He pulls me out swiftly, and not a moment too soon. The minute my feet touch the floor, the elevator falls further.

That does it. I begin to sob. Hanzo holds me close, one hand on my head and the other around my back. The tears won't stop; my legs begin to shake. Hanzo softly pats my head and rubs my back. "It's okay…it's okay…I've got you."

I sob harder, tears soaking his kimono. I feel my legs buckle.

But I don't hit the floor. Hanzo scoops me into his arms and carries me. I just sob.

Next thing I know, Hanzo is laying me down on something soft. My tears are subsiding. Through my teary haze, I see I'm on a bed. Did he carry me all the way back to his room?!

I look towards the night stand, and there's Hanzo. His arms are crossed, resting on the side of the bed, his head resting behind his arms. He's looking at me with such intensity that my tears stop on the fly.

Now that my eyes have met his, he picks up his head.

"How are you?"

I wipe my tear stained cheeks. "I'm…I'm okay."

He reaches out a hand and strokes my hair. "Dr. Belair will be here soon, Yoshitsune too."

My gut twists. "Do they have to? I'd rather not see anyone right now."

He continues to stroke my hair. I lean my head into his touch further. "If that is your wish, I'll call them. They're going to want to see you sooner rather than later you realize. Many others wish to speak with you as well, but I've shooed them off."

I roll onto my stomach and move closer to him so that our faces have no more than an inch between them. His hand drops and his eyes widen.

"Thank you Hanzo."

A soft smile crosses his lips. There it is! Finally! He looks so sweet, I love his smile.

Maybe it's the smile, maybe it's the adrenaline still rushing through my veins, or maybe it's as simple as he's so close to me, but I suddenly feel daring.

I lean forward and kiss him.

I intended it to be a soft, quick kiss, but the minute our lips touch, that changes entirely. Our lips lace together, locking with such fervor that nothing can pull us apart. My heart soars, heat surges all over my body, and I am insatiable. We sink into it, further and further. Oh, let me drown in this kiss, nothing on earth will ever satisfy me the way this does…

Yet somehow, it ends, as if the kiss knows the right ending even though we don't. We slowly resume the way we were. I can't focus. I'm in a delicious dizziness and feel lighter than air. My eyes rest on his, and I feel a sultry smile spread across my lips.

Hanzo puts his hands up by his face and his fingertips softly brush his lips. He seems awestruck.

"You're welcome." He says.

I laugh out loud. A deep, heartfelt laugh of joy. What a Hanzo thing to say!

Hanzo smiles. "I see you're feeling better. Good. I can still postpone Dr. Belair and Yoshitsune for you…"

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Hanzo looks over at the door. "Or not."

I'm so happy that I could take on the world in this moment ."Let them in, let's get this over with."

He nods and walks to the door. Halfway there, he turns back to face me. "The elevator. You didn't hesitate that time. I'm glad."