Edge of The Ocean
Disclaimer: I do not own Spirited Away or any of its characters.
A/N: I was sitting in my math class today, not getting anything the professor was saying and I thought "Jee, why don't I update for my faithful fans?" and so I did!!
Azure-x-Rose: Do not presume you can rush an author… see us writers are like children; we need to be cajoled and coaxed into updating, with pretty praises and colorful words lol but don't mind me…
snow-leopard-demon24: I dunno is he? :D I won't tell ya! You're just gunna have to read to find out!!
flower391169: Luckily, my math class seems to inspire me to write LOL
Without leaving eye contact with Chihiro, Haku lifted an arm and flicked his wrist, halting Lin in place. Lin flushed, from embarrassment or anger Chihiro did not know. Chihiro felt that perhaps it was best to just go right ahead and tell him, not make excuses… too late for that anyway. Coming from her perhaps it would not be so distressing for him.
"I am wearing the clothing because I work here again." Chihiro said simply. Lin was abruptly released from the magic that held her in place and she promptly fell on the floor with an audible thud. Lin glared at the tall river spirit and rubbed her sore backside, muttering colorful words to herself.
'Bloody over-grown salamander…' Lin thought angrily.
"But why!" Haku asked incredulously, clearly ignoring Lin. "We worked so hard for you to leave with your parents last time…" He exclaimed, sounding much like he had ten years ago. This time it was Chihiro's turn to cross her arms and raise an eyebrow.
"Are you implying that you wanted to get rid of me?" She asked; it was a rather teasing, maybe even cruel question for she knew that was not the case but like every male Haku had trouble saying what he really meant. The question had its desired effect however; Haku's eyes widened and he open and closed his mouth like a suffocating fish uncharacteristically as he tried to explain.
Chihiro feigned a hurt expression, aware that they were not used to her newly developed sarcastic attitude. "And here I thought you'd be happy to see me!" She cried. Haku clamped his mouth shut and glared at Lin who sniggered nearby. The river spirit flicked his wrist once more and Lin was pushed out of the door as it shut behind her. Haku ignored the displease "HEY!" from Lin as he answered Chihiro.
"I was not trying to get rid of you and I AM happy to see you… but why would you sell yourself off to Yubaba again when we worked so hard to free you last time?" Haku waited patiently for Chihiro to respond.
The both of them were suddenly overcome by the realization that they were no longer children. "Haku…" Chihiro began with a soft sigh, dropping her sarcasm. "First of all, It was my decision. Second, I wrote my name down so I won't forget who I am. Lastly, I like working here, even if I have to clean the "big tub" …okay?" Said the young woman before the river spirit. Haku let out his own sigh as he relented.
"Yes… of course… You are old enough to make those decisions now hm?" He said with a smile, albeit a slightly sad one. Chihiro smiled back reassuringly and before her courage deserted her completely stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. Both were shocked by the sudden show of affection.
"Chihiro?" Haku questioned softly. Said young woman's eyes widened and she felt her cheeks and ears heat up.
"Ah- Um I-I better go say hi to Kamajii now!" Chihiro said quickly and made to rush out. Before she could scurry away however, a hand took hold of her arm, halting her escape. Chihiro would not meet his gaze but she could feel the intensity of his eyes boring into her. A while passed by but neither said a word; Chihiro could have yanked free for his grip was not by any means strong.
Soon she felt him release her and she walked out, still not meeting his eyes, however their hands did brush against each other as she let his hand trail down her arms as she walked off, both secretly smiling at the intimate touch.
Chihiro shut the door behind her, not entirely seeing Lin who held a questioning expression. "Well?" Asked the older woman. Chihiro did not answer as she made her way to the elevator but smiled at those who cheerily greeted her. Lin was not much one to give up so she followed Chihiro, continuing to pester her for answers. "So? So? Come on, tell me! You two were alone in there for quite a while…" She said teasingly, not missing the blush from her accusation on the young mortal.
Lin gasped mockingly. "Oh! A blush! So what happened hm?" She asked, bobbing her eyebrows up and down. Chihiro scoffed but couldn't help but laugh at her antics. She took Lin's hand and pushed her into the elevator, making sure to get there before anyone else could so she could tell her friend.
"Promise me you won't tell anyone? It's really quite embarrassing…" Chihiro began. Lin made a show of zipping her mouth shut, causing her younger friend to giggle almost irrationally.
"Now I'm REALLY curious." Lin said, referring to the almost uncharacteristic giggle from Chihiro.
"Well…. I uh, kissed him… Ah- his cheek! Don't give me that look! My goodness, Lin since when are you so perverted?" Chihiro asked incredulously. Lin chuckled softly and pat the girl's arm almost in a patronizing way.
"I dunno, I must have got it from Kamajii… you wouldn't believe what he reads to stay entertained down there…" Lin explained. "Anyway, since when can you tell what is perverted? Ah that's right, I forgot… ten years is a long time for mortals huh?" Lin said. Chihiro nodded and watched the scenery change as they reached ground floor.
"Speaking of Kamajii… I wanted to go visit him." Chihiro said but for the second time that day an arm held her in place.
"Hold your horses girly. Explain yourself, now I know what you did, I would like to know why you did it." Said Lin. Chihiro sighed for the third time that day and began to relay her dreams to her friend, making her swear not to tell a soul (A/N: No pun intended lol). When Chihiro finished her tale Lin stood there with her jaw floored.
"…and well, I guess I kissed him for several reasons… one being how happy I was to see him…" Chihiro finished.
Lin had yet to say a word or shut her mouth that has dropped from shock, especially at hearing the young woman's "latest" dream, even though Chihiro withheld a few details. "I… see… well now, aren't we all grown up?" Lin teased, regaining her composure. "Goodness, who would have thought little Chihiro would have such strong… feelings for our lovable, if not thick-headed, dragon…" Lin continued to tease.
Chihiro would not cave and whine for Lin to cease the relentless teasing however, she was older than that. "You're never going to let me off are you?" Chihiro asked with a mock groan and a smile. She knew Lin cared for her and would not do anything to truly upset her intentionally.
"Nope! Now come on, let's go before the foreman blows a casket!" Lin suggested as they dashed out of the elevator.
End A/N: I hope this chapter makes up for the shortness of the previous one!! Give me lots of reviews to inspire yours truly to update!!