Chapter 6: Stories of Petrichor

Being on Haku's back was only happened in her dreams, but now she wasn't dreaming. The breeze blew friendly comfy her. Flew in the night sky, swirling under the moonlight, she looked up to stared at the glittered stars. She looked down, they were passing above a city. There were lights and crowd down there, looks like there was a festival or amusement park and that sort of things. Her childish side was getting hooked.

"Hey, Haku," she leaned closer to his head. "Next time can we please go there? Seems like there's so much fun in that place," she asked him.

The dragon snorted sounded agree and she took it as yes. She rested her head and hugged him. She caress his hair, playing with his ears. He giggled sounding spoiled. If he was in his human form, then he would be in beet red. But now he was the dragon, that things she did stirred him into addiction. And he would crave for it in every second of his lifetime.

The Swamp Bottom came up in the view. She was a little surprised, how fast was Haku. At first she thought he took a short cut, but also she felt time was running so fast when they were together. Haku flew low for a few meters before he landed gracefully. The human went down off his back, he turned back into his human form.

The enchanted lantern that hung on Zeniba's house's alley waved its hand welcomed them. Chihiro excitedly ran to the door, knocking with a big grinn on her face. No one inside answered. Then the door opened with a faceless black figure using a mask, stood before it.

"Ah! Ah ah!" it cried happily.

"Kaonashi! It's me, Chihiro!" she cried back. The faceless monster hugged her with his tiny wiggling arms. She returned it with joy.

"Ah, ah," he said again.

"Greetings, Kaonashi," Haku smiled.

Kaonashi gestured them to come in, they followed him.

Warmth. That's the first thing they felt when they entered. Homey atmosphere. The sound of sewing machine flowing between the silence. Yubaba's sister was sitting there with her back to them. Realizing she had visitors, she stopped and stood up.

"Finally, my long lost granddaughter has returned," she turned to them.

The human didn't hesitate, she ran and threw her arms around the witch. "Granny! I missed you so much!" she cried.

Zeniba hugged her tight. "And I you, Chihiro, my dear. I always knew you'd come back," she replied. She let her out of her embrace. "Look, my little girl has grown up! You look adorable!" she cupped her face.

Chihiro grinned. "Thank you, Granny,"

"And you too, Haku," she turned to Haku.

Haku walked towards her. "Hello, Zeniba,"

Zeniba hugged him. He was surprised, but he had no heart to disallow so he returned her embrace. "You've unexpectedly grown up too," she said once she let him go.

The look on Haku's face was like he's being caught in hiding something. "You look handsome. You guys are a perfect match," she added while patting his shoulder.

Both the river spirit and the human blushed, they turned away each other. Zeniba laughed at their awkardness. "Come, have a seat. I'll make us some tea," she said.

"Let me help you, Granny," Chihiro followed her.

"No, it's fine, I'm okay. Just have a seat, you must be tired from flying," she refused.

Well, Chihiro obeyed her grandmother. She took a seat next to Haku. Not long afterwards, Zeniba brought three cups of tea. Meanwhile Kaonashi was keeping his focus on his job; spinning the yarn.

"This is a black tea of my own processing, I hope it taste good," she put the cups in front of them.

"Hmm, smells good," Chihiro said.

"Thank you, Zeniba," Haku said.

"Do you want to add some sugar?" Zeniba asked.

"No," they answered at the same time. They looked to each other then smiled. "Thank you, Granny," Chihiro added.

"Alright, dear," Zeniba sat in front of them. "So, how are you? How's life?" she started.

Chihiro took a sip. "Never been better, Granny,"

"Really? Tell me more, how did you get back here?"

Chihiro smiled. "So, few weeks ago my parents died in a car crash. I just don't know what to do with my life back there. I decided to went to that tunnel, hoping it'd let me get back here. And oddly, after hundred times of trying, this time I made it. I am very grateful," she explained.

Zeniba looked concerned. "I'm giving you my deepest condolences, Chihiro,"

"Thank you, Granny. It's already in the past. Life must go on," Chihiro smiled softly.

Zeniba smiled, felt touched at her tough heart. She patted her hand. "How about you, Haku? Still working for my sister?"

"Yes, I'm still working for Yubaba, but not as her apprentice. I'm just an employee," Haku replied.

"Hmmm," Zeniba nodded. "Oh, by the way, Yubaba let you stay, right Chihiro? Weren't you surprised?"

"Oh yes I'm so glad she let me stay. And yes, I was a little surprised, because at first she said no and then she looked confused. At the end she allowed me,"

"It was like a spell was being cast upon her..." Haku added. He trailed off and then his eyes widened. "Wait... You did that?"

Zeniba giggled. "I played it smooth, wasn't it?" she smiled smugly.

"Wait, you cast a spell on her? How?" the human asked confused.

"Of course from your hairband, sweetie," she pointed that enchanted hairband on Chihiro's head. "Lucky me, you put that hairband on your wrist so I got a nice view of her dumb face," she laughed again.

Chihiro and Haku looked at each other and they laughed. Chihiro's eyes went to Kaonashi and the sewing machine. "How about you, Granny? Tell us, you're a tailor?" she asked.

"I am, what else can I do?" she went to the piled up fabcris. "I make dresses, kimonos, clothes, anything. I sold them in the town, though there's not much incomes, but it's enough to live life," she explained.

Chihiro went to saw some of her granny's masterpieces. There are some classic gowns, blouses, skirts, and also kimonos. Their models are simple but magnetizing. "Granny, you are really awesome!" she said excited.

"I think I am," Zeniba laughed. "Actually, I'm planning to make one for you,"

"Really? I would love to wear it! Thank you so much, Granny!" she hugged her again.

Haku smiled at their happiness. It really was a reunion between a grandmother and her granddaughter. He took a sip of his black tea. Strange, but it tasted sweet instead of bitter.

"Would you guys stay here overnight?" Zeniba asked. "It's already midnight,"

Chihiro turned to Haku, she gave him the it's up to you look.

"Sure we would," he smiled.

Chihiro grinned. "Good, now wait here for a moment," Zeniba said before leaving and went to the other room that separated with a brown curtain.

"But Haku, Yubaba will be angry with us," Chihiro said worried.

Haku smiled. "Don't worry, you're a volunteer. And I bet she'll only cut off my salary," he said calmly.

"Is it okay?"

"More than just okay," he replied. "Anything for your happiness, Miss Chihiro," he smiled. Chihiro laughed a little.

"Here," Zeniba came. "Change your clothes and have a rest. The bathroom is there, and you could use my room on the right side," she handed her a kimono.

"Thank you, Granny. I'll use the bathroom first," she said and then left.

"You should take a rest too, Haku. Flying does requires a lot of your energy, right?" Zeniba asked.

Haku nodded. "You're right,"

"Good. You can use the other room on the left side,"

"Thank you, Zeniba," he stood up. "Then I'm going there. Good night, Kaonashi. Good night, Granny," he smiled.

Kaonashi merely waved his hand. Zeniba laughed. "Good night, Grandson," and Haku left.

Chihiro felt extremly relieved, because actually she had been holding back her pee. She was then went to Zeniba's room to change her clothes. She heard someone closed the bathroom door, but the sound of the sewing machine was still tuned, so probably it's Haku. She went back to Zeniba to asked something.

"Granny?" she popped out from the curtain.

Zeniba stopped, turned to her. "Yes, my dear?"

"Umm... how could you have this kimono that fit right on my size?"

"Because I did prepare it for you. I told you I always knew you'd come back," she smiled.

Chihiro grinned. "Granny don't sleep?"

"Later, my dear. There are some clothes that must be done tonight. You go on sleep first,"

"Alright then," she nodded. "Oh, and one more. Where will Haku sleep?" she asked again.

"Haku will use the other room on the left side," Zeniba answered patiently.

Chihiro nodded understood. "Okay then, I'll go to sleep. Good night, Granny! Good night, Kaonashi!"

"Good night, my dear,"

"Ah ah," Kaonashi said.

Chihiro turned away and Haku went out from the bathroom.

"Oh, hi Haku," she said.

Haku stunned. He had never seen her using a kimono before. The one Zeniba gave it to her, it fit her perfectly. The color was soft yellow with white little flower patterns on it. He thought he saw an angel.

Chihiro blushed at his gaze. "Umm... Is something wrong?"

Haku blinked and blushed. "Oh, umm, no. It's just... You look beautiful," he smiled.

Chihiro blushed even more. "Oh... umm, t-thanks," she walked towards Zeniba's room while Haku was still stood and stunned. "I am going to sleep, and you?"

"Yeah, me too," he nodded.

Chihiro smiled. "Okay then. Good night, Haku," she said from behind the door.

"Good night, Chihiro," he grinned and she closed the door.

Wow. He patted his forehead, he felt blood was running up to it. He went to his room. It wasn't so big. The only lighting in the room were a yellow lighted sleeping lamp on a small desk and the moonlight that coming through the window. There was a cupboard on the right side and across it was a medium sized bed by the window side. He laid down on it. He sighed and closed his eyes. He was trying to sleep, but he couldn't. He was then flew to his thought.

Glassy chocolate eyes. Brown smooth hair. Blushy cheeks. Cherry lips. Endearing smile. Soft and dreamy voice. A human...

A human. He opened his eyes. Why still I hesitate to do it? He pulled his hair.

Someone knocked the door.

"Wait," he walked to the door. He opened it. The human was standing there, with her hair unraveled.

"Chihiro?"

"Umm.. I'm sorry to bother you.." she said.

"No, it's fine, I haven't sleep. What is it?"

"Granny don't sleep. I don't wanna be alone," she frowned.

Chihiro, why did you do this to me? Haku sighed. "Alright, come in here,"

She came in and he closed the door.

Brace yourself, Kohaku. "You may sleep here-" he had to stop his last words with me, prevented any misunderstanding. He gestured her to the bed.

Chihiro sat on its edge. "I can't sleep,"

"Why?" Haku sat beside her.

She shrugged. "Don't know,"

"Come on, you need to rest. Just lay here," he patted the other side of the bed. "I'll be with you," he had to say it.

Chihiro finally did so. She laid facing the ceilling. Haku laid beside her, also facing the ceilling, his hands were folded and put under his head. Several moments went in silence gone awkward. Even though they tried not to be. Hold yourself, Kohaku! Don't think anything, relax, Haku took a deep breath. Chihiro decided to broke the silence.

"May I ask you something?" she turned to him.

Finally. "Uh, yeah?" he turned to her, his left arm propped his head.

The distance between their faces were now only about five or six inches. Her eyes went to his lips. No, Chihiro. Don't even think about it! Hold yourself, she held her breath. "How did you get in another contract with Yubaba?" she asked, finally succeed putting those thoughts aside.

Haku thought for a moment. "Well, after I broke my contract and quit, I was going to leave and go back to my river. But then I saw the spirit gate, I told you before I can't leave the only place that holds the portal you came and left. I knew my river could always wait for me, but if it's you, as much as possible I wouldn't let you to wait. So once again," he held her hand. "I am so sorry that you had to wait so long,"

Chihiro smiled, that was no longer a problem. "It's okay, Haku,"

Haku smiled. "So I turned back. I asked Yubaba if I could work for her again, but only as an employee. At first she said no, but thanks to everyone at the bathhouse, they forced her to say yes. Boh was the one who forced her the most, and so she did," he continued.

Chihiro laughed a little. "Of course, Haku. Everybody loves you," she gave him a smile that implied something she wouldn't tell. And so I do love you too. But those words wouldn't slipped out of her mouth, yet.

Haku smiled doubtly. But the only love I worried about is yours. Do you love me? All he could do was stare.

"Tell me more, how old are you?" she asked.

"Umm.. That question is kind of hard to be answered," he said. She made a frowny duck face and he laughed. "The problem is I don't even remember how long I've lived. Probably more than a hundred?" he said unsure.

The human gaped. "More than a hundred!?" she cried.

"Probably," he underlined. "But I remember this, when I was twelve I never wanted to grown up and so I didn't, until you came. And that was nine years ago, so now let's just say I am twenty one," he decided.

"And I'm nineteen, that means I am two years younger than you," she said. "Or probably two years plus a hundred more," she grinned.

He laughed. "Feeling sleepy already?" he asked.

"Not yet," she shook her head.

"You are literally asking me for bedtime stories, aren't you?"

"I am," she grinned.

Playfully he pinched her nose. She laughed. "You know, I love black tea so much," he said. "The more bitter is better,"

"Really? Why?" she asked interested, knowing they apparently had the same fondness.

"It taste is just like my fate. I lost my river in your world, getting used by the old witch, could never find a way to get to you..., bitter all on me," he spilled it all.

Chihiro stared him. "That happened to me too,"

"What?" he cocked his eyebrow. "How?"

"Ever since I turned back to my world, I lost my appetite. Anything I eat and drink, it's all tasteless. Only bitter that could hit my tounge, that's why bitter black tea is the best. And now I'm here, everything tastes sweet," she explained.

Haku didn't know what to say, he merely smiled. "Come on and go to sleep, you really need to rest,"

She nodded, finally complying. He took off his white kariginu, leaving his dark blue kimono. He put it as a blanket on her. She smiled. He turned off the lamp before laid back.

"Thank you," she leaned her head closer to his chest and hugged him.

She caught his scent. A very soothing scent, she thought she could lost in that scent forever. It was more than just like a fresh water, there's something more. Now she could translate it.

She pulled her head. "You smell like petrichor," she said. "I love it," she grinned.

Haku was enchanted. The moonlight from the window behind her back created her enchanting silhouette. He had never felt so loving before. That endearing smile. I love you. He hugged her. That was a perfect way to ended up the night. A complete package of soothing and warm hugs eventually sent them to sleep.

Zeniba had just finished. She went to her room but the human wasn't there. She went to the dragon's room. Slowly she opened the door, it creaked a little. She sneaked in, checking if her granddaughter was there. And she found lovers were sleeping in tight. I knew it, she smiled. Felt like there was nothing to worried about, she left and let them be.

Kayo took the elevator went to Yubaba's office. She's very, very down. She swore she saw the human left, riding on a large white dragon. She was sure the dragon was Haku, because she didn't find him in the bathhouse. She needed something to lift her mood up. Maybe playing with Boh would do. That was if Yubaba let her.

"Mam," she called.

Yubaba was so busy with the papers. "Yes?" she answered without looking at her.

"I'm sorry to disturb you,"

Yubaba finally lifted up her head. "What is it?"

"Umm.." Kayo looked down. "I just want to report that—if maybe you need to know—Haku took the human and they're gone,"

Yubaba sighed. "I knew this would happen, soon or later. That stubborn dragon is in love and scolding him would make no effect. I should just cut off his salary,"

So, the dragon was really him. "And the human girl?" Kayo asked.

"Just let her, I have no problem with her," she said calmly. "And how about you?"

Kayo cocked her eyebrow. "I'm sorry, Mam?"

"You must have your heart broken. I know you have feelings for the boy," she eyed her mischievously.

Kayo looked surprised and then she looked away. "I'm sorry, Mam, but I don't want to talk about it,"

Yubaba laughed a little, much to Kayo's displeasure. "Sorry, I don't mean to offend you, but I hope you could just be patient and let them be. Because I think there is no chance for you between them,"

Kayo felt irritated. She winced her eyes and sighed. This witch doesn't mend the situation. "Mam, I have finished all of my job. I'm asking your permission to play with Boh," she ran away from the topic.

Yubaba cleared her throat. "I see why you are asking me that, you need something to lift up your mood,"

Kayo smiled a little and nodded, finally the old witch understood.

"But Boh is sleeping right now,"

Kayo frowned. Yubaba smiled. "As replacement, there is something you can do," she handed her a black small box.

"What is it, Mam?"

"Go to the north mountains, there are beautiful sceneries to lift up your mood. And also please deliver that thing to my business partner, Hakuro," Yubaba ordered.

The name sounded piercing in her ears. "Hakuro?"

The sound of the lightning struck snapped Haku awake from his sleep. It was heavy raining outside and he could tell there was something wrong with the rain. The room was dark and the rumbling noises of the rain broke the silence. But there was another voice he caught, the human was whimpering. He turned on the lamp.

He found Chihiro was whimpering in her sleep. Another bad dreams? He grasped her hands, they were cold. He gasped. He put his hand on her forehead, it was extremely hot. He panicked.

He went out the room and looked for Zeniba. But even Kaonashi was already sleeping on the sofa, she must had already asleep too. He was then looking for some medicines in the cabinets beside the fireplalce. Too bad, he found none. He had to think fast, he filled a basin of water and took a rag. He put the wet rag on her forehead to cooled down her fever. She kept whimpering.

Haku felt so sad. She cannot wait any longer. I really have to do it tomorrow once she gets better. He held her hand. "I am so sorry, Chihiro," he kissed her hand.

Felt like compressing her wasn't enough, he used his power on her. He did as much as he could, until he couldn't help and fell asleep.

Meanwhile Kaonashi's sleeping in tight, the author herself cannot sleep. *sigh* Hello again! I would like to thank you guys who read this story so far! I hope you enjoy~

And also big thanks to the reviewers:

Amidstsnow — yeah well Kayo is annoying, but she's a poor girl :(

dv36muskan — I'm glad you like it, thanks! I'm still trying to practice my English skills, hehe. And about Kayo, let's just hope she wouldn't be :D

Maripaz6 — Thanks a lot! I am Indonesian ^^ I've tried my best but next time I'll try harder! I wish your black tea would taste better now! :D

And guess what, there's another Haku!?