A/N: Okay, guys. This is your Christmas (or Kwanzaa or Hanukkah or whichever) present! It's a completely unrealistic fluff scene derived from Haku's aforementioned "dream", except from Chihiro's P.O.V. (because look how ME writing from HAKU's P.O.V. turned out last time... :/) It's to tide you over, seeing as I will be getting a good ol' dose of holiday-food induced lethargy quite soon, and also because you have several chapters to go until the "meeting" sceneblah.

It was summer, and my window was open.

I was lying on my bed, notebook out, thinking about how remarkable this day was, how things seemed so improbably perfect. Everything seemed to be painted a golden, glowing hue, and the warm breeze that drifted in aided this strange illumination, and seemed to soak it into my very core. I decided that, while this bliss would never last, I might as well enjoy it. I deserved it, after all of the crap I had put up with during exams. A minute of relaxed stupor was the least I deserved, actually. Stupid A.P. classes.

Sweet, melancholy music wafted from the speakers of my stereo, and I couldn't help but turn it up and look out my window. My stomach filled with butterflies, and I didn't understand why I was so happy until I looked down. All of the peices fit together perfectly, and shockingly enough, this only heightened my euphoria.

Why?

was a man lying on his back in the tree beside my window. One who, while unrecognized by my eyes, was instantly familiar with my heart. An uncontrollable delirious feeling spread through me, and, without a second thought, I shut off the music and leaned out of my window so that my face was almost level with his. I drank in every detail in a split second, both shocked and delighted by what I was seeing.

His hair, the same sable shade, was cropped slightly shorter and seemed slightly ruffled. His face, still the most exquisite I had ever seen, was the same porcelian shade that it had been all those years ago, but it had hardened and aged. He looked to be a few years older than me now. His jaw was more defined, and his bow-shaped lips had become fuller. His eyes were closed, but I could imagine well enough how those dark green eyes would shine if they were open. He was lean, but not wiry, and exactly how I had always imagined. It made my stomach hurt.

He looked peaceful and beautiful, and, for some reason, all of this put together was hilarious. Haku's eyes snapped open, and he fell from the tree, gasping aloud. I was giggling uncontrollably now. I swung down from my window, landing beside him in the grass. I could barely get any words out, I was laughing so hard. And oh God, the way he was looking at me was so funny. But I somehow managed.

"Haku, I knew you would come back!," His face puckered with disbelief for a moment, then, as the disbelief subsided, was consumed with joy.

Sitting up as quickly as I'd ever seen, he looped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me close so that my face was nuzzled into the curve of his neck. I inhaled deeply, not wanting to forget this moment, ever. We sat like this for some time, uninterrupted and silent in our wonder. I couldn't help but think how good this felt. Soon enough, there was a new element to fuel my newfound feelings.

Haku spoke, and the earth seemed to shake. His voice was deep and smooth, and was filled with so much emotion, it was almost painful.

"Chihiro, I have waited for this day for years," It was only a whisper, but it seemed to be all that I could hear.

He moved back some, holding me away from him, as if to examine me. Blushing, I suddenly felt self-conscious about my paint stained t-shirt and jeans.

"And I want you to know something. You were never alone. I was always there, watching over you, and you have no idea how hard it was for me to watch all of the horrible things that they did to you, and all of the pain that you've been in because of me," I could feel his gaze as he said these words, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. I could, however bring myself to ask a question.

"Then why did you let them?," My voice shook. Why was I spoiling this moment by asking questions, again?

Haku was silent for a moment, and when he finally spoke, there was pain in his voice that made my heart ache.

"I thought I would scare you. Chihiro, you have to understand, when I came here like this–" he gestured to his body "– you were still ten years old, and you wanted my old form. I wasn't sure that you would understand," He dropped his arms as he said this, and I internally kicked myself for making him feel so bad. Mustering up as much courage as I could manage, I lifted his chin so that I could look into his eyes.

"Haku, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make it sound like I was angry. I was simply curious as to why you didn't bring yourself to my attention sooner, and I understand now. Listen, Haku. I've thought about being angry at you. I've tried to be angry at you. But all of that time, I was just angry at myself. I was angry at myself for not being able to forget you, or your world. The truth is, I don't think I have it in me to be angry with you. I've always loved you too much."

I dropped my hand from his face and lowered my eyes. He sat there for a few seconds, as motionless as a statue. I stared at him for a long minute, but his eyes seemed to be glazed over.

Shit, I shouldn't have said "love". I guess it freaks out even the non-human males. Urgh, I'd better leave before he wakes up and it gets all awkward. Leave it to me to screw up the happiest day of my life.

I started to get up, and Haku finally showed some signs of life.

"Wait," He pulled on my arm so that I was back on the ground with him, and put his hands gently on either side of my face.

This time it was I who was being forced to look into another's eyes. And I suppose that this time it was his turn to say something, but what he said took me completely by surprise, as did what happened next.

"Chihiro, I have no words to describe what is in my heart. Love doesn't even come close," His eyes shone as he said this, and before I realized what I was doing, my arms were looped around his neck, and my face was less than an inch from his.

I'm not sure who, exactly, initiated the kiss, but the feeling alone was enough for me to want to continue it. I pressed closer to him and wove my hands through his hair, and his arms wound around me, pulling me even farther forward. He made a sound that concerned me at first, until I realized that it was a wordless type of exultation. We continued on like this for some time, exploring eachother's (upper only, ABOVE T-SHIRT, you gutterbugs!) bodies, marveling in this new sensation, until we had our fill.

Afterwards we lay in eachother's arms until Haku heard my Mother coming up the stairs.

It was sad to see such a marvelous thing end, but I was relatively sure it wouldn't be the last time.

Bwahahah!

Happy Holidays!

xoxo, Hoove.