Kon'nichiwa, Senpai! Hope you're having a great day! Today's a good day to write because... *drum roll* Happy Birthday to Hiyori Iki! Yes, that's right. Today, June 28th, is Hiyori's birthday. ^.^ I wrote my next chapter for this special character's day, so I hope you enjoy! Until next time! MATANE! \|(^3^)/

BTW: There's a very very tiny manga reference in this chapter. It's not like a spoiler or anything, so If you don't read the manga it'll still be fine. Just thought I should mention it. :)

Chapter 9

"Are we almost there?" Hiyori called, breathing out with every inclining step she took. The blistering sun shone down on the two, totally exhausting Hiyori.

Not far ahead of her, Yato kept marching forward as he turned his head and replied, "Yeah, hurry up!" He started hiking even more speedily than he already was, excitedly skipping up the grassy hill. "It's just on the other side." he shouted to the girl behind.

"S-Slow down.." Hiyori panted, trying to catch up. "I should've just left my body.. I can't take this… But I don't want to complain.."

"Ya-Yato.. why is it that you wanted me to bring my real body? I'm too tired.. We've been walking for nearly an hour.." She trudged up the last couple of feet to the top of the slope where Yato was standing, grinning ear-to-ear.

"I know, but come on, the hill is over with. Now we only have a couple more miles.."

"MILES?!"

Yato snickered before bursting out in laughter. Hiyori's face turned red as she clutched her hands into fists beside her.

"I'm just kidding, calm down." he said trying to control his thorough amusement. "It's really not much further.." he said, wiping a tear from his eye. "I'll carry you if you want."

"N-no thanks… I can go a little farther.. And wait, you didn't answer my first question!"

"Is it that important?" he chuckled.

"Yes!"

They advanced as Yato pushed his way through a large bush and pulled Hiyori by the hand behind him.

"I'll tell you later, It doesn't matter now." He said playfully.

"Uh, It does to me! If I had my half-ayakashi body, This would be a lot easier for me.. You know what? I'll just inta-snooze right here!" She huffed, brushing the bush's leaves out of her face.

Yato didn't answer, but Hiyori could sense he was hiding a humorous grin.

As they emerged through the other side of the thick bramble, it took a second for Hiyori's eyes to adjust to the bright opening. When they did, what she saw was a glorious open meadow of clean-cut grass and flowers. The sun streamed through the leaves of trees behind them, creating beautiful ripples of sunlight across the huge area. Out in the field, stood one great green-leaf Japanese Maple.

Hiyori stood breathless, eyes wide, and jaw dropped.

Yato pranced himself in front of her, and beamed with joy. "Whadaya think?" He questioned, clutching his hands in hers.

"I… I.." Hiyori stood tongue-tied with amazement. "What's the… How did… I can't… Thank… you.."

"Jeez, Hiyori, I've never heard you this articulate before.." He voiced sarcastically., rolling his eyes playfully.

"Inarti.. I'm INARTICU…" She stammered, embarrassed.

Yato snickered and swiftly pulled her into an embrace. "You're welcome."

"How'd you find this place?" She questioned, controlling her bewilderment.

"I'm a God, I just know."

"Yeah, sure... but what's the occasion?" she asked.

"Now hang on," he ignored her question, releasing his arms from around her. Dragging her by the hand once more, he made his way towards the Maple Tree in the distance.

"Yato, hold on! Answer my question!" Hiyori ordered as he pulled her along.

"I'll answer that question, but first let me apologize for not answering your question, and also for not answering the other question you asked me earlier. So let me start by answering your first question.

"My.. first question?"

"I'm sorry for forcing you to bring yourself out here today." He apologized while still moving forward. "This is our first special time out together.. and the reason I made you bring your real body, was because I wanted to spend this whole day with the real you. So there.. That's the answer to the first question."

"...I."

"Now let me answer your other question." They finally stopped under the large tree, where the sunlight leaked through the leaves, reflecting onto a small object on the floor. Right there sat a tiny gift box. Yato released his grip from Hiyori, leaned down, picked up the present, and placed it into her hands.

"What's this?"

"Happy Birthday, Hiyori." he whispered with a warm smile.

"EH? How'd you know today was my birthday?"

"I missed your last one… and I hated myself so much because of it… so after that, I made a promise to myself that I'd do something special for your next one... Anyway, just open it."

"Y-you didn't have to get me anything, you know..." she stated hastily.

"Just open it." he chuckled.

"Fine.."

Hiyori's hands started to shake as she untied the petite ribbon and removed the lid. Inside was a lone, shiny, five-yen coin.

"I have a wish."

Hiyori stood mute as Yato began to talk. His tone of voice immediately changed from his normal self to nearly a whisper.

"My wish is that you'll never leave my side. No matter what happens. My wish is that you'll never forget me.. That you'll never run away. That you'll never stop looking me in the eyes to tell me you love me... Even when your hair turns gray, and when your body grows old.. Because I promise you.. That no matter the troubles that lie ahead… no matter the pain.. and no matter what hardships.." He stepped closer and grasped her hands, looking her straight in the eyes as he continued on.

"I will never ever forget you, Hiyori Iki. Because you are the one most important person I've ever had in my entire life…" He lowered his head, slightly embarrassed. "Whenever I'm with you… I feel human…" His voice became more hushed. "I feel human, but I also feel like time could stop right where we are.. Like the whole world would just stop its motion…. And what I'm trying say… is that…." he hesitated for a moment.

"..I hope you know exactly where I want to be for the rest of time: with you. If I could stay with you forever, then that's all I want.." He gazed into her magenta eyes as they started to water.

"That's my wish..." he finished, gripping her hands tighter.

Hiyori's face turned red as she smiled. Yato saw one tear slide down her cheek. She dropped her head and swallowed hard.

"Your wish… has been heard… loud and clear.." she giggled softly and picked her head up. "May our fates intertwine."