Chihiro spent the next two days relaxing. She rose at a leisurely hour, had breakfast and then skulked around Haku's home. She resisted the urge to look in his bedroom, for a whole twenty-four hours. But after that, she succumbed to her curiosity. She had been in his room before, like his office it was unsettlingly tidy and organised. She found nothing out of the ordinary, clothes in the closet, soap in the soap dish, absolutely nothing to say that he spent half his time here. The only thing that did surprise her was the number of clothes he owned.

"What did I expect? He dresses better than I do!" She grinned, "Something I can use when he is teasing me; he's ever so slightly vain." She was disappointed, however; she had hoped to find out more about him.

There was a library at the back of the house and she turned her attention to it for the rest of the day. Spirit literature was a little hard for her to comprehend but she decided to persevere, asking Meeka about what she did not understand. She realised that the task she had set herself was vast. It would take her a lifetime to understand the world she now lived in. She consoled herself with the fact that at least she was trying. Apart from roaming the house and reading, she did some serious thinking.

It was surprising how the hours slipped by when she was just sitting by a crystal window, watching the black underground lake and examining her thoughts. She began to see the wisdom in Haku bringing her here; she would have never had an opportunity to find this much peace in the bathhouse. She missed everyone of course, but she was glad to be on her own too. She had a lot to file away and find space for, especially everything that had happened to her over the last few days.

She tried to think of everything that had happened to her and examine how she felt about it. It was a bit draconian perhaps, but she wanted none of the stresses she had endured to cause her problems later on. She had a new life now and wanted to dump the baggage from the old one. She tackled her parents first. Her father thought she was mad and an embarrassment. Her mother also thought she was insane, but had accepted it. She loved them both and could understand their disbelief but the fact that they betrayed her hurt bitterly. Her mother had redeemed herself somewhat but her father had shown no remorse and now they would never have a chance to make up and that hurt too.

"That's something I'll always regret." She mumbled. She would miss them both. Next on her agenda was her new family. Granny had manipulated her but she believed the witch had no malicious intentions. She rubbed the band on her wrist. She had no living grandparents and Granny was like the perfect grandparent. Wise, with an evil sense of humour, a large kitchen and a belief that everyone needed feeding up. Chihiro smiled, she loved her Granny.

"Definitely an advantage to living here," she mumbled.

Now she turned her attention to her sisters. Linca was a harlot; there was no nice way of putting it. She seemed determined to enjoy her immortality as much as possible, by sleeping with as many people as possible. However, Chihiro did not judge her for that, Linca was funny, warm-hearted and fiercely loyal. She was almost like a younger sister, despite the fact she was probably centuries older than Chihiro.

Rin was sharp, demanding and could be argumentative. However, she was honest and wise in her own way. She was also very protective; just like an older sister. All of them had secrets that they were not going to share with her. Though to be fair Rin had forgotten her past and so technically was not hiding anything from her.

Next, she forced herself to try and view Yubaba objectively. She had not actually caused her harm. Chihiro knew she would never forget what the witch had done. She still had to work for her; by the terms of her bonding, she needed employment here. Working for the witch, if she ever reappeared, was going to be a nightmare. Chihiro was determined to be civil to her; she was also going to grow eyes in the back of her head. She would never be tricked by her again. She would also try and dig up as much dirt on the witch as possible; it was the only way she could gain some protection against her. Chihiro felt that constantly relying on Haku for her safety was a mistake; he could not be with her all the time.

"Haku," she mumbled, staring into the lake that was as much a part of him as her own blood was a part of her. His words had haunted her mind constantly. She managed to ignore them until now, but she decided that the time for denial was past.

"...She can be stubborn and insolent at times but she has my complete trust and respect...."

"... I can't let you take her away... punish me in any way you see fit, but I will do all in my power to stop you taking her..."

Chihiro remembered being sprawled in a boneless heap; barely able to support herself. She had felt his eyes on her and she had looked up. His eyes had been burning with emotion that he was desperate for her to understand. He was obviously watching her for a reaction when he had said.

"I do this because... I love her."

She remembered the numbing shock at his words. Remembering them now made her tingle all over, it also terrified her.

"Why?" she thought, "Why am I so afraid?" but she knew the answer

"Because you are scared that you may feel the same way." Haku was handsome, charming and had a slightly annoying sense of humour. Sure, he could be cold and arrogant sometimes, but she suspected that came with being immortal and powerful.

"It would not be so bad if he just saw me as a friend. Then I could join the ranks of his admirers and get some self-respect. But no, he has to pursue me, in his slightly clumsy, adorable, confusing, infuriating way." She shifted in the window. She felt tears of frustration prick her eyes.

"I'm scared I may love him back, I think I may have loved him since I was ten. That's crazy but looking back now, if he had told me to drown myself in the big tub, I would have done it with a smile." The tears spilled over her cheeks and she hugged herself.

"This is too big, I can't cope with this. I'm a coward, I admit it, all I ever wanted to do was come back here and live quietly." She shook herself.

"I'm lying to myself again. That's not strictly true. The thing I missed most about this place was him." Things seemed to click into place just then. Years of denial in the name of self-preservation were wiped away, making her feel vulnerable and raw. She allowed herself to cry a little and then dried her tears on her sleeve.

"No more lies." She whispered, "I'm never going to lie to myself again, no matter how much it hurts." She looked out at the lake again. There were what looked like black seals, playing in the water. She smiled at them. "I'll just take things one day at a time and see what happens." It was a bit of a evasion, but at least she was not lying to herself.

The next day the Yu-bird dropped off two train tickets and a letter. Chihiro recognised Haku's writing as she opened the envelope.

Chihiro

I have been feeling some VERY strange things from you through the Tac'Tal. (Another one of its useful traits, I can sense your emotions, not all of them, just the strong ones.) I guess you took my advice and did some thinking. We are ready for you to come back. In fact, Linca was furious I hid you away for a few days, no matter how pure my motives. Come back when you are ready, but I would make it sooner rather than later. Your sisters may kill me if you stay away too long. I also have a few things to say to you. I think I owe you an explanation at least.

She read through the letter twice, wanting more information, trying to read hidden meaning in his words. She even turned the letter over and examined the back. It was not enough; she wanted him to say what he was thinking. What was the emotion she had seen in those hypnotizing emerald eyes? She sighed.

"Meeka," she called over her shoulder. "Pack our things please, we are going back." Meeka bowed.

"Would you like me to pack some food also?" The spirit asked. Chihiro smiled at her.

"Actually I prefer to travel unconscious, if you don't mind putting me into a trance." Meeka bowed again.

"Of course mistress," Chihiro looked at the letter again.

"Okay, we will get this sorted out once and for all." She muttered to herself. She crumpled up the letter and threw it in a bin.

Feeling extremely groggy from the hibernation trance Meeka had put her in; Chihiro really could have done without the mini welcoming committee that was waiting for her on the bridge. Linca hugged her so fiercely Chihiro thought she would pop.

"Dear sister, how dare you hide yourself away from us!" She cried. "How am I to provide reliable gossip to the staff in this place if my main source of it just disappears? Now spill your guts. I demand to know all about this illicit affair you have conducted under my nose!"

"Linca, there is really nothing to tell, you are as wise as I am."

"Rubbish!" Snapped Linca, "You've been hiding things from me, I just know it!" Rin pulled Linca off her.

"Leave her be white eyes, can't you see she's exhausted." Rin took Chihiro's hands.

"We are glad you are here to stay." She sighed. Chihiro hugged her.

"Me too." She mumbled.

After running the gauntlet of well-wishers on the bridge; Rin took Chihiro under her wing and guided her through the bathhouse. She received a lot of sidelong glances and people whispered in groups as she passed.

"What have people been saying about me Rin?" She asked in a small voice. Rin gave her an understanding look.

"The most popular theory is that you've been lovers since you arrived. A mortal could not possibly resist the charms of a dragon." Chihiro grimaced. "The next popular one is that he is captivated by your charmingly quaint mortal ways. So he forced you into taking a Tac'Tal and slavery. But he will tire of you in ten years or so." That hurt her, even though she tried to dismiss it. "And a small minority think he truly is smitten and wish you all the best." Chihiro blushed.

"I hate gossip." She mumbled.

"Get used to it!" snorted Rin. "You'll be the talk of the place for months," Chihiro grumbled to herself and swore.

Soon they were at Haku's office door. Chihiro made no move to open it.

"Nervous?" asked Rin with a smile.

"Yes," Replied Chihiro, wetting her lips.

"Why?" asked the spirit woman, more gently.

"If a handsome, powerful spirit had just declared to the whole world that he had designs on you, wouldn't you be a tad nervous of seeing him alone?" Rin nodded but then grinned.

"He can hear you through that door you know?" she said. Chihiro could not help but smile too.

"Well he better open the door before I tell you about the more interesting items of clothing I found when I had a look around his room." The door slammed open and Haku grabbed Chihiro by the arm dragging her into his office, the door slammed shut behind them, rattling on its hinges.

"Play nice children," Rin muttered, and she walked back to Chihiro's room to wait.

Haku grabbed Chihiro around the middle pulling her close against him.

"Now Chihiro, you should know better than to rummage through someone's closet. Especially when that person has been alive a long time. I am, I admit, as much a slave to fashion as anyone else." His eyes glittered with mirth. She realised she had really missed his face.

"Well, some of it was quite shocking." She grinned up at him, marvelling at his masculine and positively sinful mouth. She kept her voice light with an effort. Being this close to him threatened to shatter her reason. "The pornographically skin tight breeches were a bit of a surprise. They looked like they should be poured on! The samurai armour however, that would look quite attractive on you I think. You have the shoulders to carry it off." He gave a grunt as if mollified by her backhanded compliment. Then he lowered his head so his face was the merest inch from hers. She could feel his breath on her face. She blinked rapidly trying not to get lost in his mesmerizing eyes.

"Is this any way to treat someone who has kept a pot of coffee hot for you for the past four hours?" he asked softly, almost whispering. Chihiro swallowed, the heat from his body was really starting to unnerve her, it was as if the clothes that separated them were far too thin, she was intensely aware of every part of him that touched her.

"Coffee?" She said weakly, was it her, or was the room far too warm? He nodded once, his nose almost brushing her own. Chihiro's mouth was dry; coffee really did seem like just what she needed. Either that or half a bottle of vodka. But first she had to remove herself from this annoyingly persistent dragon. "You are teasing me again Haku, you're keeping me away from my caffeine. Now let go of me or I will be forced to overpower you to get it." He smiled but the amusement did not touch his eyes, he clearly was not thinking about letting her go. She shifted in his arms impatiently and he reluctantly released her. He gestured to his desk. On it was a silver coffee pot. There was also a silver cream jug and a small silver bowl of brown sugar cubes with a cute set of tiny silver tongs. Beside these was a small fine china cup and saucer.

"Are you not having any?" Chihiro asked.

"I've never tried it before but it smells... odd." He confessed as he ensured she was seated and then sat opposite her. She frowned and shuffled her seat around to his side of the desk. He raised an eyebrow at this but she simply smiled and gestured to the coffee.

"Get yourself a cup and I'll introduce you to one of the most popular beverages in the human world." He nodded and another identical cup shimmered into existence. Chihiro poured the coffee and made them both sweet and creamy.

"Here," she passed him a cup. His fingers touched hers for a moment as he received it. She felt as if she had been shocked by static. She watched eagerly as he carefully sampled his coffee.

"It's good." He said after some consideration. "But I think that I could not drink much of it." Chihiro smiled at him over the rim of her own cup.

"That's what you think until you become addicted and can't start the day without one." He gave her a worried look.

"This is addictive?" he asked.

"Only mildly." She mumbled into her cup and chuckled as he put his down.

There was a comfortable silence for a few moments as Chihiro finished her coffee.

"Yubaba has gone." He said suddenly. Chihiro nearly choked on the dregs of her cup.

"Gone? Where?" He shook his head.

"I don't know, she never returned to the bathhouse after the bonding. Bou is with Zeniba and I'm looking after the Yu-bird and those ridiculous heads of hers. Though I may persuade Zeniba to take them too." He sighed. "I don't think for one minute that this is a permanent leave of absence. I also think Bou will never forgive her for what she has done; he would not even mention her when he left. He wanted to start calling Zeniba Mama but she would not allow that. I think she was correct." Chihiro grimaced and then said.

"Well, at least I won't have her interrupting while I try and make sense of those account books." Haku blinked.

"You still intend to work for her?" Chihiro snorted.

"Try and stop me, I'm going to make her wish she had never met me if/when she comes back." Haku laughed easily.

There was silence again but this time it was more strained. Chihiro put down her cup and sighed. It was now or never she supposed.

"This won't do at all; we are acting like a couple of children by avoiding the subject like this."

"What subject would that be?" he asked in a mock-innocent voice. She pulled a face at him and poured some more coffee for herself. She practically downed her cup in one swallow. He looked at her with amusement; he was not about to help her out. He wanted to hear exactly what she had to say. The only thing he would do was provoke her. Lady knows she owed him a few favours of late; he had plenty of good will to abuse. As if guessing his thoughts Chihiro said.

"You are not going to make this easy for me are you?" She mumbled. He smiled and sat back with his arms folded across his chest.

"Please continue Chihiro, I would not dream of interrupting you." He purred. She sighed, took a deep breath and said.

"You've been pursuing me since I came back." She declared.

"Pursuing?" He gracefully arched his eyebrows.

"You know..." She struggled under his enquiring gaze. "Going after me, stalking me, only I was too self-absorbed to see it." He gave a lazy smile.

"Any reason why I should not?" he asked coolly, Chihiro realised that he had probably been thinking about what he was going to say to her for the past three days. The conversation was probably going exactly in the direction he wanted.

"Not if I can help it," she thought. "He's not going to flummox me with his overconfidence, not this time." She quickly changed the direction of the conversation with...

"Contrary to what half the bathhouse believes, you're really not my type." Chihiro was gratified to see his aloof expression falter for a moment. Then his eyes took on a dangerous glitter.

"Please..." He said crisply, shifting to a more upright sitting position. "Enlighten me as too my many faults."

"Certainly," grinned Chihiro. She glanced at the ceiling as if ordering her thoughts. She looked back at him. "You're arrogant, conceited, high handed, evil-tempered and you have a huge superiority complex coupled with a gargantuan ego." She leaned towards him and lowered her voice as if imparting to him some secret information. "I also think you take great delight in frightening people." Haku looked at her for a moment and then to her surprise grinned at her wolfishly, his sharp teeth peeping at her.

"Is that all?" he asked, obviously amused. Chihiro sat back, puzzled.

"Well, it's the best I could think of after twenty-four hours in hibernation and only two cups of coffee." She frowned at him. "Isn't my list grievous enough?" He shrugged looking truly unconcerned.

"There was nothing that I was not already aware of. If you can destroy the land around you for twenty miles in each direction, without too much effort on your part, that does tend to make you arrogant and conceited. However, my self-confidence is not indestructible and I don't consider myself invincible." He gave her a pointed look. "Some people can still humble me." He said quietly. Chihiro felt a flush colouring her cheeks. "As for scaring people, Yes, I do enjoy it," he grinned. "I like the smell of fear; it tickles my nostrils and makes my blood burn. It appeals to the carnivore in me and it means people don't ask questions when I ask them to do something." He narrowed his eyes and looked at her intently. "It's not the only thing that can make me feel like that, however." He trailed a finger absently down her jawline, wondering at the softness of her skin. Chihiro shuddered and dropped her gaze now blushing furiously. "If my interests were diverted elsewhere, maybe I would not be such a tyrant." His fingers were now stroking the nape of her neck, she pulled away from him, but not quickly; allowing his fingers to brush her pale throat for a moment longer.

"This is NOT how this is supposed to be going!" she thought, again the infuriating lizard had managed to effortlessly muddle her thoughts. In desperation, she tried another gambit.

"How old are you?" That derailed him, he had reached for her again but his hand froze and then dropped to his lap.

"What?" He asked a little testily.

"How old are you?" She repeated sweetly. "It's a simple question." He sat back and considered her for a moment, rubbing his chin with one hand. At length, he answered her.

"My age can have little relevance to you as I do not age unless I wish too."

"Never the less," she pressed, "I would like to know." He gave her a sharp look as if to say. "Don't say I didn't warn you!"

"I'm 17852 years old, as a human would count them." Chihiro gulped it was much more than she had ever conceived. Her surprise must have shown because he began to explain himself quickly. "What you must understand Chihiro is that I was born when my river began to flow. My mother was an ancient river spirit. She had little concept of emotion, she just knew that she had to provide a guardian for a new river that would soon flow. I was it." Chihiro felt sympathetic towards him, even though she knew she shouldn't.

"If he had remained just a bonded river spirit, he would have been content with that distance from his mother." She thought. "It's normal, but now it hurts him and I can't help feeling sorry for him."

"I'm really quite young as bonded spirits go," He mumbled. "Time means little to a river spirit. We are only aware of changing seasons and periods of flood and drought. That is one of the reasons I like this form. I get to live and not exist."

Chihiro was disturbed. More than anything else, his great age signified his inhumanity. He was ancient. Still, he did not look it and she foresaw the potential for a great deal of teasing to be had on this subject. She decided to start now.

"That's a bit of an age gap, a 17852 year old chasing after a 20 year old." She grinned. "It's a bit perverted actually, I mean you're old enough to be my great, great, great, great, great, great, great..." She was interrupted by a hand clapping over her mouth.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you to respect your elders?" He said nonchalantly. She pulled his hand away.

"I just hate it when older men go after much younger women."

He smiled. "You could always do the chasing instead, is that more palatable to you?" She giggled at him and shook her head.

"I already told you, you're not my type."

"Why?" He asked, a little vexed now. "I've accounted for my many faults, even suggested a remedy." He made her blush again by treating her to another ravenous look.

Chihiro could sense he was turning the conversation again but decided to give in; he was exhausting her. Her head was starting to spin; he seemed to have thought of almost everything.

"Of course you have professed to me before that you were disappointed in the quality of my kisses. I believe you said that you had had better kisses off dogs? Why you should be kissing animals Chihiro is beyond me, but I think it is unfair of you to judge my worthiness on the few awkward moments that we've had."

Chihiro's mouth hung open, she was incensed by his attitude but he continued. "You were like a frightened rabbit the first time, and I did not have time to make an impression. The second time I had to magically keep you in place. It was like kissing a corpse. Then you kissed me on the ferry. Now that was very pleasant. But as you were in a very emotional state at the time, I did not take advantage of the situation or perform as well as I should have. However, I hope to improve on the next occasion. I'm new to all this you know, but I've had a bit of practice now so next time, feel free to judge me."

Chihiro stared at him, unable to speak; he was deliberately provoking her by treating such a touchy subject with a cavalier attitude. She knew that, but it did not make her any less outraged. After all she had been through, he had the gall to throw her own words back in her face and rate her as if she was performing just for his amusement. She stood, knocking her cup over and spilling the dregs.

"Temper, temper." He murmured.

"What do you expect when you do your best to infuriate me?" She clenched her hands into fists. "There won't be a next time, I told you before, and you're not going to kiss me again." He stood also his calm bravado irritating her all the more.

"Are you sure? Because you are beautiful when you are angry and I really think you need a kiss right now. Or you could kiss me, that would be nice too."

"Dream on!" She snapped.

"I do, frequently, and not just about kisses." She gave a half-strangled curse and turned to storm from his office. He caught her by the arm, her momentum reversed she could not help spinning on her heal and stumbling into him. His arms wrapped around her pinning her arms to her sides, she struggled none the less, but she knew it was in vain.

"Let go of me!" she hissed.

"I don't think I will," he murmured into her hair.

"Why are you doing this?" She cried.

"Why do you keep fighting me and making me resort to these measures?" He countered.

"Maybe because I don't want you anywhere near me!" she snapped

"Well, that is where I get confused. You say one thing but..." He lowered his head and tilted his face to her neck, his breath caressed her throat, his silky hair tickled her face. He inhaled deeply and sighed. "Your scent, however, says something very different."

His voice had roughened and when he lifted his head she saw his green eyes glitter with want. She opened her mouth to give a sharp retort but never got the chance. He caught her lips with his, taking full advantage of her already open mouth. She tried to pull away but he dug his fingers into her back, daring her to try again. She whimpered, confused and a little frightened. His kiss became gentle and coaxing, his hot velvet tongue explored her mouth more tenderly, as if trying to persuade her she was being foolish to resist him. It worked, the soft movement of his lips against hers and his wicked tongue seemed to sap her will.

She relaxed against him; he moved his arms to support her shoulders and released her arms. Her fingers buried themselves into the fabric of his tunic. She had to hold on to him or she thought she might fall over. He gave a low rumbling growl of appreciation and deepened his kiss again; she tentatively began to respond to his insistent lips. He gathered her closer, she could feel his body heat almost burning her through his clothes, his fingers tangled in her hair and he stroked her neck. Chihiro thought she was about to faint when he suddenly stopped; he stepped away from her so quickly that she stumbled forward and had to catch herself against his desk.

He was breathing hard and his face was flushed, his lips unmistakably kiss bruised. His eyes were hard and hungry. She knew he had released her earlier than he would have liked too, no doubt it was yet another tactic of his.

"Now was that so bad?" he gasped. She struggled to think straight. Her body was practically screaming at her. Never had she thought something so simple as a kiss could steal her wits as well as her breath. Her pulse raced and throbbed, she wanted more, much more and she bet that he knew it too.

"You should really stop doing that," she mumbled, suddenly becoming very interested in the floor.

"Why? I thought you liked it? It certainly felt like you did." She gave a shuddering sigh and forced herself to look at him.

"Will you please stop that." She implored tiredly. "I don't enjoy you toying with me."

Sensing she was going to get upset if he continued Haku decided to be honest with her. He stepped closer and laid a hand on her right cheek. She seemed to appreciate the gesture and leaned into him slightly.

"I told you before, I'm not playing games. I may have chased you a bit, but you would have it no other way being the difficult sort." He smiled at her affectionately. "I want to be more than just a friend to you, much more, if you'll let me."

Chihiro felt like crying with frustration. He was driving her crazy, infuriating one moment, charming the next. She felt like surrendering to this touch but she also wanted to slap his face...hard. Carefully his arms snaked around her again. She did not resist as he pulled her to him. He buried his face in her hair and just held her for a moment, breathing in her sweet scent, at length he said. "Do you think you could drop your defences for a week or so and at least give me a chance? Just a chance, that's all I'm asking." She looked up at his striking face and ethereal emerald eyes, he was beautiful, and he was everything she had ever wanted. Yet still, she hesitated.

"But I am mortal." She whispered.

"I don't care!" He replied fiercely and then smiled. "Besides if things work out as I hope, I can continue to age myself in parallel with you. I think I'll look quite attractive with grey hair." She chuckled at that image of him; it did not seem to fit somehow. "Besides, he continued, I could start a trend; everyone who has control over their appearance may want to look older."

"The Lord warned you not to." She mumbled into his chest.

"I would defy a hundred God's if you would only agree." He said lightly tickling her ribs making her squirm and laugh. "No more silly excuses." He tapped her nose with his finger. "Are you going to let me kiss you again or are you going to slap me for my audacity?" Chihiro gave up, it was hopeless, her heart had decided, and who was she to argue?

"How can I refuse my master?" She said coyly. She stood on her toes and kissed him once, quickly and then twisted from his grip and backed away from him.

"Come back here" he growled, "I'm not finished with you yet!" She laughed.

"Yes you are, my sisters make demands on my time as well as you, I have to leave now."

"Fine" he snapped. "Get out of here before I make you stay." She folded her arms.

"You wouldn't dare!" She declared. He made a lunge for her and she squeaked and dashed from the room, slamming the door behind her.

Haku smiled to himself and ran a hand through his hair.

"Patience brings its own rewards, I'll wait but I don't have to like it." He muttered at the door. He sat at his desk and scowled at the coffee stained paperwork. "She'll make up for that later, I'll personally see to it." He smiled again; he could not seem to keep a grin from his face. He was excited he had to admit; he could hardly believe his luck. The woman he had practically drooled over for the past few weeks had virtually admitted she felt the same way he did. He would take thing slowly and try his best not to frighten her off, but he was sure that she was almost his and his alone. He loved her, how could she not be his?

"Her and her sisters," he grumbled.

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