With Emi watching her son Chiase made her way to the path she had seen Kino use before to return to the compound.

Waiting a bit after she knew Jiro had left she waited anxiously halfway sitting against a large rock that sat beside the path. She was nervous to confront Kino and ask her if she was involved with any of the human women at the post.

She was so engrossed in her own thoughts she didn't even realize that Kino had come upon her.

"Chiase? Is everything alright?" Kino asked forgoing a formal greeting. Jumping slightly she let out a soft noise of surprise.

"Yes. I came to meet you." Chiase said after a moment. Smirking somewhat awkwardly Kino tried to hide it.

"Then it is nice to see you." Kino replied. "Want to see what I got? You will never guess who asked for it."

"What?" Chiase asked curiously. Watching as she removed the satchel she was carrying and knelt down Chiase drew a few steps closer.

Untying the straps to close it Kino lifted the flap and took out a wooden rectangular box. Opening the clasp Chiase stared at it for a moment with her mouth slightly agape.

"Know what this is?" Kino asked with a smirk.

"Well I certainly know what it looks like." Chiase replied cocking a brow at her.

"It's a faux penis, a dirudo." Kino said. "Rin requested it. Kind of surprised me to say the least."

"What does Rin want with that?" Chiase questioned.

"I am assuming to use on herself or Izumi." Kino stated closing the lid. "This one is made from a tortoise shell, it is quite well crafted."

"Where would you even find something like that?" Chiase further questioned.

"Down at the post. I traded it from one of the girls there at the brothel. She assured me it had never been used but I boiled and cleaned it just to be safe." Placing it back in her bag she stood seeing Chiase seem a bit nervous but nothing to be overly alarmed about. "Did it bother you seeing something like that? I apologize if it did."

"No. I was wondering, Kino, do you have intimate relations with any of the human females down there?"

"No. Why do you ask?" Kino queried curiously. Meeting only silence she shook her head. "I can't."

"Why not?"

"It…bothers me. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed taking comfort in all types of women, human and demon, but I can only give them pleasure. I cannot be touched in that way."

"I understand." Chiase said softly. "I have been with two other males before, what happened, and I enjoyed it. I had thought one day I would find a mate and we would have pups…now that will never happen with a male. Not for me."

"It hurts me to know what you went through, more so to know who did it to you." Kino replied. "It is still very new what occurred. Maybe one day you will heal and be able to."

"I don't want to be with a male. I know who I want to be with." Chiase replied.

"Whom?" Kino sucked in her breath staring at Chiase intently.

"You." Chiase confirmed. "If you would have me."

"Me." Kino whispered out. Nodding her head Chiase felt her heart speed up afraid she would be rejected and ruin their friendship.

"You are wonderful and beautiful. I care for you. You understand me in ways no one else ever could and I hope to understand you in ways none other has." Chaise appealed. Kino seemed frozen in place. "I am sorry if I misconstrued your kindness for…"

"You are the most beautiful female I have ever met." Kino said suddenly. "Not just outwardly but inward as well. From the moment I saw you all I have wanted to do is protect you and care for you."

"I was cruel to you." Chiase managed out feeling her eyes well up.

"You were hurt and wanting to hurt. I know what that is like and I was more than willing to withstand it." Kino stated. "The truth is I saw myself in you at first."

"What do you mean?"

"If Lady Iku had not performed the procedure she did then I very well could have been in your position and I would have liked someone to help me."

"And now?"

"I care for you, for your son, I want us to be together but there are some things I cannot do and sometimes I need to be alone." Kino said.

"I understand more than you know." Chiase nodded her head with a small smirk. Taking a step closer to her while Kino did the same Chiase reached for her with Kino accepting her hand against her cheek.

Nuzzling against her palm Kino breathed in her scent deeply. Placing her forehead to Chiases she closed her eyes feeling content.