Isamu felt his body stiffen when he tried to stretch his arms and legs since he had been lying on the floor for days without moving. He could tell someone had been tending to his wounds though for he felt revitalised. However, the wound still would take some time to mend and even after it did he would have to be careful when going back into the wilderness and practice his fighting skills in order to perfect them and regain fitness once more. There was nothing worse for a bodyguard than being unfit to defend their protégée, he still had not forgiven himself for being unable to spare Hotori any pain and past humiliation. He could not believe she had still been so nice and supportive to him despite all the pain he had caused her. He took a deep breath and then wondered why his enemy always tried so hard to get rid of him. He had been the one to kidnap and torture Isamu so what more could he want now? Why did he follow Isamu like a shadow and harass those close to him? If he wanted a fight so bad he did not have to threaten those he held dear. He would face him whenever and he did not care if his life was threatened in the process. But to constantly attack Hotori was something he would never forgive.

He was glad, though, that the rest of the seishi were already at the Inn. His Nemesis would not dare attack or even send more men after them with most of the seishi gathered and ready to protect their miko, besides, Isamu would soon be healthy again and fit to protect Hotori and the rest of the party if need be. He had indeed entertained thoughts of leaving the group and allowing this humiliating encounter bring him back to his old depressions but, once he woke up he knew that he was the eldest and one of the most experienced seishi although all of them were rather powerful. What kind of a man would he prove to be if he abandoned them after being looked after with such dedication? They wanted him alive, all of them and their leader would no just toss the flag and retreat after being humiliated by his enemy one more time. No, he was a warrior and he would never give up. This would earn their respect if not their undivided loyalty for he would get up, after this life-threatening situation and would be much stronger and determined than before. He was not destroyed so easily...

A gentle hand caressing his long and dark silken hair made him focus once more in his surroundings and he blinked before turning to look into Hotori's eyes. It was truly comforting-or was it more?- the feeling of her soft fingers through his hair. He had not been this close to anyone after he lost his parents. How could she make him feel so warm and rebellious against remaining cold and stoic? Was it the words he heard before passing out? Or... Just her... She probably thought he was not awake to realise what she was doing, would she try doing this again once he was fit enough to walk? Will she try to stay this close to him? In the past it would have surprised him to be having such thoughts but now... Now that he was aware of how he felt toward her and, more importantly, knowing Hotori loved him... Well, he only deemed it natural he should be wondering. Though part of him still wondered if what Hotori had said was truly felt, but...she would never lie right?

"Isamu! You came back to me... I knew you would..."

He saw the smile in he beautiful face and felt the joy she irradiated and it made him smile. She even shed tears of happiness. He slowly lifted a hand to caress her cheek and remove some tears as he whispered, "Hotori..." He was not sure what it was but he loved the feeling in his lips when uttering her name so closely and the way it made his heart leap in joy. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and enjoyed the feeling of relief and the fact that he had some time alone with his miko. Ah, yes, he now realised that he had almost always considers her his miko. He felt her hand squeeze his before she moved toward the package and he smiled knowing she would really like that.

"Four days... Haru-kun has been working to heal your wound, but he said the poison slowed the effect his power could have. He said that, once you woke up, he'd probably only have to do one more healing session and you'd be as good as new."

He watched her as she brought him a glass of water and he was surprised at how she anticipated his needs. Could she read his thoughts? He drank all the water from the glass instantly feeling his throat ease at the feeling and his voice was soon returning to him. He thanked her for the water and then heard her words and sighed... "That long?" He ran a hand through his face feeling guilty, at least the other seishi had been here, looking after Hotori while he recovered. And yet she was not upset at him? He looked away from her for a moment, feeling slightly as if it were his duty to apologise for everything. "Hotori... I... If I had my wish I would have had our situations exchanged to spare you the suffering, but I am glad the other seishi are here to protect you. And despite this experience, you seem so happy to see I am well... I do not deserve such kindness". He truly hoped he would mend soon and he wanted to be ready for every challenge they would face, he WOULD not fail again...

She then moved on to opening the package and he smiled noticing the care she did this with. Did she suspect what it was? He doubted so and he only hoped it would serve the purpose... He wanted her to be happy for as long as she remained here.

"Isamu...thank you... I..I love it. I'll treasure it forever..."

He smiled, "I hope it serves you well." He watched her as she seemed to enjoy herself with the bear and also took in every single detail of the scene before him. Not so much as a mere observer but as a bodyguard who would seek to please the customer and... as a man in love who would do anything to make the lady smile. He was glad when she offered him a bit more water and he easily complied, he was thirsty after not having had any fluids in four days. His eyes never left hers always amazed at the beauty in them it was like looking at a pristine prism surrounded by light.

"Isamu...I didn't tell the others the truth about...about what happened. I said that he kidnapped me and was holding me for ransom when you arrived. I didn't want to worry them with the details... But I'll tell them the truth if you wish. It's not right for me to ask you to lie for me...not after everything else you have done for me."

He noticed she was nervous. Did she think he would be angry at her? To be fair both had gone through a lot together and he knew she was too worried about him to even tell them what had truly transpired. He tried to sit-up but it was still too painful and his body was stuff although you could say that his body recovered faster than most would. He shook his head and looked away yet his hand caught hers and held it firmly, "No, if I am to be part of this group and join you, they should know I am a haunted man even though I understand your reasons for lying. Which is why I will tell them once I am able to stand up, I cannot look weaker than I have already been." He could not stand lies and knew that the fellowship would be broken if they started lying to them, especially Haru who was most intuitive.

"Also..."

He noticed the way her smiled diminished for a moment and she looked down. Was she about to tell him they no longer wanted him in the group or something? He decided to give her time to talk without pushing her too much and so he only turned to look at her and did not let go of her hand, it was important for the customer and the bodyguard to be honest and truthful. So if she wished to be sincere about something he would gladly accept the information whatever it could be and respect it. He did not look nervous, no, he was an expert at masking emotions though he did wonder what it was she wished to tell him.

"That night he took me...when I woke up, he told me that he'd killed you. I'm sad to say I believed him for a moment. I almost gave in, believing that no one would be coming to save me... Then I felt...I'm not sure what it was...but I knew he had lied, and that you were coming for me... Once I knew you were coming, I knew I could not give in and let him win, so I fought as much as I could. I headbutted him and bit at him and did all I could think to hold him off until you arrived... He was quite angry about that...so you could say most of my injuries were my own fault... I don't know why...but I just felt like you should know that... Would you like to try and sit up? I'm sure I can help you if we're both careful..."

He listened to her silently and his eyes showed great anger and they almost burned like that night when he had found that poisonous man about to rape his beloved miko who was chained against the wall with several injuries and humiliated by the removal of her clothing. Part of him had been angered because he was her bodyguard and seishi but the other part of him as a man who loved her made him burn that night. Had he not been injured and in a hurry to leave he knew that he had been determined to break his vow for once and kill his Nemesis. His hand gently let go of hers and he clenched his fists in anger that scum sure manipulated her. Yes, as she finished and then offered to help him sit back he noticed there was a wall nearby and so he allowed her to help him and with a light wince he was helped to sit back leaning on his back against the wall. It was such a relief to change position although his mind was still clouded with thoughts of various kinds.

He looked into her emerald eyes before his hand stretched and he pulled her against his chest in a warm embrace. He was not sure why he was doing that but he deemed this was the best way to thank her for telling him this and comfort her for it. His arms held her gently hoping not to injure his wound and one of his hands moved to caress her soft green hair. Maybe he also ought to make a small confession although not as important as her own, "Hotori..." His eyes moved to look down at her, "The moment I knew what had happened I kept praying to Suzaku for your safety and kept calling out for you to alert you that I was coming to find you... Even after I entered the hideout."

"That long? Hotori... I... If I had my wish I would have had our situations exchanged to spare you the suffering, but I am glad the other seishi are here to protect you. And despite this experience, you seem so happy to see I am well... I do not deserve such kindness"

Hotori shook her head. How could she not be happy to see that he was well? And how could he even think of 'deserving' this kindness? Didn't he realize that, for her, simply being him was all it took to deserve every ounce of kindness she was capable of? Perhaps he had not heard what she had said to that woman. That was good, she thought, as it would give her a chance to earn his affections for herself, without him feeling obligated because he knew she loved him. "I am glad our situations were not reversed." She said simply. "I would have been unable to rescue you, as you rescued me." She smiled. "And I have been told I make a far better nurse than I do a patient." She knew what he meant, of course, and she appreciated it, but she hoped he understood she'd rather not change a thing. If things had not happened the way they had, she may not have realized her feelings for him...and what's worse, she may have lost him before that realization struck her.

"I hope it serves you well."

She saw the smile on his lips, and she couldn't help but smile even brighter. He was beautiful when he smiled, and she realized she wished to see that smile again. Moreover, she wanted to be the one who caused that smile, to know that she had managed to make him happy...that was all she would want in this world. Soon, however, they moved on to serious topics, and she felt she dreaded the thought that her lie might truly anger him. She hoped he understood that she had done so because she didn't know what else to tell them, and was perhaps still a little ashamed of what she'd gone through.

"Isamu...I didn't tell the others the truth about...about what happened. I said that he kidnapped me and was holding me for ransom when you arrived. I didn't want to worry them with the details... But I'll tell them the truth if you wish. It's not right for me to ask you to lie for me...not after everything else you have done for me."

"No, if I am to be part of this group and join you, they should know I am a haunted man even though I understand your reasons for lying. Which is why I will tell them once I am able to stand up, I cannot look weaker than I have already been."

Some of her fears eased when he took her hand and held it firmly. He wasn't mad at her for lying. The rest of his words caught up to her, and she shook her head gently. "No one thinks you are weak. Everyone agrees you rescued me that night. Haru-kun and the others have nothing but respect for you." She was sure it sounded like she was only trying to console him, but it was the truth. Haru had said there was no way any of them could have found her, if not for Isamu. He was her hero, couldn't he see that? The feeling of his hand on her's gave her the strength to continue with what she felt she had to say.

"Also... That night he took me...when I woke up, he told me that he'd killed you. I'm sad to say I believed him for a moment. I almost gave in, believing that no one would be coming to save me... Then I felt...I'm not sure what it was...but I knew he had lied, and that you were coming for me... Once I knew you were coming, I knew I could not give in and let him win, so I fought as much as I could. I headbutted him and bit at him and did all I could think to hold him off until you arrived... He was quite angry about that...so you could say most of my injuries were my own fault... I don't know why...but I just felt like you should know that..."

He pulled his hand from hers, and curled them both into fists. Had he decided he was angry after all? Or was there something in what she'd just confessed that angered him? A glance at his eyes showed her what her ability to sense his emotions had already told her. He was angry...very angry. She wanted to apologize, but she wasn't sure what it was she'd said that angered him so. Instead, she decided to try and return to her duties as nursemaid.

"Would you like to try and sit up? I'm sure I can help you if we're both careful..."

At his small nod, she set her new bear aside and gently helped him into a sitting position leaning his back against the wall. She had just scooped her bear back into her arms when her eyes met his once more. Isamu pulled her against his chest and held her close, and suddenly she realized his anger was not directed at her. She felt herself relax into the warm embrace as she continued to hold her new, beloved bear close. She could embrace the bear unril she had earned the right to embrace the man. When he spoke again, she tilted her chin up to look at him, showing she was listening.

"Hotori... The moment I knew what had happened I kept praying to Suzaku for your safety and kept calling out for you to alert you that I was coming to find you... Even after I entered the hideout."

It was silly to consider that, even though she was the Suzaku no Miko, she had been unsure as to whether or not Suzaku even existed. Now, however, she was sure Suzaku had heard Isamu's prayers and had seen fit to let her know to fight on, that help was on its way. "I think...I could feel you calling out to me. I think that may be what gave me the strength to fight. So...thank you..."

She looked up at him, and felt a sudden, overwhelming desire to kiss him. To show, once and for all how she felt about him and to find out his feelings in return. Before she could even move on those thoughts, however, she recalled that horrible barmaid, and how she'd ignored his injuries to kiss Isamu. Hotori had no desire to do the same, and she knew he was still recovering. Instead she bit her lip for just a moment before smiling up at him. "Would you like me to get you some more water?" She wouldn't move from his embrace until he answered, not wanting to make him think she was uncomfortable in it, but she realized she wold have to move before Haru returned with their food.

~~~

Downstairs, Haru had been placing an order for some food to be sent up to Isamu's room when Sei appeared at his side just long enough to tell him that either Isamu was awake, or Hotori had finally gone mad and started talking to herself. Haru had laughed and shooed his love back upstairs to stand guard before adding to the order. If Isamu was awake, he would be hungry, and probably quite thirsty. It would also give Haru a chance to see if Hotori's doting behavior was simply worry over the unconscious man or something more.

He recognized the red haired woman he had seen on his first night at this inn, and gave a small nod of acknowledgement, in case she recognized him and recalled their passing one another on the stairs. He would take the food up to the rooms himself, however, as he was sure if Isamu was awake, he'd respond better to Haru's arrival than that of some stranger.

"I am glad our situations were not reversed... I would have been unable to rescue you, as you rescued me... And I have been told I make a far better nurse than I do a patient."

He was surprised at her words. Really? She would rather go through that pain and trauma for him? He was silent for a moment, and looked down at his hands, she even mentioned she would have tried to rescue him even if she should have failed. No one had ever told him something like that and memories of his past captivity returned to his mind but, back then, no one had tried to save him not even his fellow Generals or the ruler of Konan had tried to ensure his release. He felt completely alone and resented all the torture he had to endure to ensure no information escaped his lips. It was at that moment he decided to live a life of his own helping others because his life was far more precious than to be sacrificed to keep the secrets of the Empire.

Coming back to reality he knew that it was because of his past that he was able to save the miko and that kind of made him smile and feel better. But he had to admit in a way this experience made him realise how he felt about Hotori and, to his surprise, how she felt about him. However, he still found it hard to believe anyone would feel anything for him, especially someone as innocent and sweet as Hotori but if that was the case he was determined to endeavour to deserve her.

"No one thinks you are weak. Everyone agrees you rescued me that night. Haru-kun and the others have nothing but respect for you."

His eyes looked deeply into hers finding it hard to believe what she said. Mayhap he was too humble but he still believed he should have protected Hotori better. Yet, she never lied, at least he did manage to save her before anything happened beyond repair. Therefore he decided, just this once, to heed her words and accept them for their worth glad that this incident had ensured the other seishi accepted and respected him. So did that mean they looked up to him as their leader? He would have to ensure they knew about his enemy, he did not want this to happen again.

When he held her against him he closed his eyes for a moment. The fact that she welcomed the embrace confirmed the words she told that barmaid... Right? Hotori couldn't have said that just to ensure Kiki would give up, but then again, both of them knew the kind of person that woman was. She never gave up on a chase and that would probably make things annoying for the pair of them. But he would not let her insult Hotori and surely she did not want to see his anger again... surely even she could be a bit more intelligent...? Hopefully? It didn't matter really, Isamu had no problem at all putting Kiki in her place if she dared do anything again.

"I think...I could feel you calling out to me. I think that may be what gave me the strength to fight. So...thank you..."

"I will always be here for you... always..." He smiled and thanked Suzaku for allowing them to communicate with each other and ensure they would leave that dungeon alive. He did not want to think what would have happened had Hotori been hit or worse...

His heart grew warmer when he watched her embrace her new teddy bear with all her heart. He knew she would like the gift but he did not expect her to like it this much. It pleased him to know he could make her happy despite all they had gone through. It were moments such as these that made all suffering worthwhile. He held her more closely and rested his head on top of hers and closed his eyes. It was then Hotori spoke again but he honestly did not wish to let go of her nor was he thirsty anymore and so he simply replied, "I have all I need"... In his arms, he thought.

Kiki was readying a meal and about to go deliver it to the room of that sexy knight she had seen four days ago when she realised the man who ordered the food was still waiting there. Was he planning to take the food himself? She noticed his nod and smirked, he was also quite handsome. She walked toward him and placed a hand on his cheek and slid it lightly down to his chest where it rested for a moment as she said, "You don't have to wait here handsome it is my job to deliver the food... Unless you were waiting for me... She winked at him and moved her hands to the tray to take it to the room where Isamu was.

"I will always be here for you... always..."

Hotori couldn't help but smile at those words. "I'm glad to hear that..." She managed, just above a whisper. She was glad that, the way he was holding her, he couldn't see her face. She could feel her cheeks warm with the small admission she had just made.

And then a thought occurred to her. He may always be able to be there for her in this world...but the time would come when she would return to her own world. What then? Could she take him with her? Would he even want to go if she could? No, when it came down to it, they were from different worlds, and no matter how much she loved him she couldn't change that. Whatever they may have would have to end when she returned home. That thought was almost too painful to bear, and she wondered if, once she returned home, if she'd ever be able to love someone else. Perhaps it would be best to distance herself now, while she still could...

"I have all I need"

Something in his words, as simple as they were, told the young Miko she couldn't ignore her feelings, even if she wanted to. Even if it meant being sad later...she could be with him now, even if he saw himself only as her protector. That would be enough. And she would car;y these memories back to her world, and find happiness in them once she could no longer be by his side. She had all she needed too, even if she didn't dare to speak those words out loud. Instead she decided to aim for a return to the lighthearted tone she'd been using earlier. "Just let me know if that changes." She pulled away just enough to look up at him, and added with a wink. "Nurse Hotori is still on the job, after all." She smiled up at him before returning to their closer, more comfortable position, resting her head against his chest. She could stay like this forever...too bad they wouldn't be able to...

~~~

Haru mentally rolled his eyes at the waitress that approached with their food, and began instantly to flirt with him. If he liked women, she might be attractive, though he could tell her personality wasn't as pretty as her looked. "Thanks, but I'd really rather take the food up myself." He said, trying to be polite. With a practiced ease that came from years of working at his parent's inn, he took the tray from her and balanced it as he turned to go. He had the feeling she wasn't through attempting to flirt with him, though, and as flattered as it might be to some, Haru really didn't have the patience to politely put off some barmaid's advances. "And sorry to disappoint you, sweetie, but I've already got a lover. He's that cute little white haired guy I'm sharing a room with." Screw what she may think. If Isamu was awake, they'd be leaving in a day or so anyway, if not sooner.

Haru climbed the stairs, and saw Sei still standing guard outside Isamu's room. He tossed his love a wink before pushing open the door and letting himself in with the food. He had just pulled the door closed and turned to check on his patient when he froze at what he saw. Isamu was awake, alright, and sitting against the wall with Hotori curled up in his lap. It was really quite cute, but Haru couldn't stop himself from teasing the Miko, as he had come to view her like an adopted little sister. "Glad to see the patient is awake, but did you have to start getting cuddly as soon as he woke up?" He sat the tray down, expecting Hotori to blush, and stammer something out so he could tell her he'd only been kidding.

Hotori did blush, alright. She couldn't believe Haru had walked in and found them in such a situation. "I'm...sorry...Isamu-kun..." She just barely managed to stammer before pulling away, jumping to her feet and bolting out the door. She nearly knocked over Sei in the hallway, and stammered another apology before running to Shouri's room. Shouri was still shopping, but she'd left her door unlocked in case Hotori wanted to rest in there. She flopped, rather ungracefully, onto the bed and let out a sigh of pure frustration. How could she forget that Isamu was hurt? What if she'd made it worse? That would make her no better than that barmaid. She hugged her bear even tighter.

Back in Isamu's room, Haru stared at the door in surprise. "I was only teasing...I thought she'd know that." He shook his head. "We're always picking on each other after all..." He picked up one of the plates of food and took it to Isamu, holding it out for him. "Here, eat up and start getting your strength back. I'll take Hotori her rood in a minute and see if I can calm her down."

Given what he'd seen upon entering, Haru was fairly sure that Hotori was in love with Isamu, and he suspected the feelings may be mutual. But did Hotori really understand what it meant to be in love? And did Isamu understand just how delicate a thing like first love could be for a girl? He'd seen his sisters' hearts broken before they met their husbands, and though he didn't think Idamu was a bad man, he wanted to make sure Hotori wouldn't be hurt as well. He silently decided to talk to her first, to make sure it was indeed love, and then he could go from there. He decided to wait and see if Isamu needed anything else before going to speak with Hotori.

Once he spoke with Hotori, he would return to Isamu's room and try his powers once more. The fact that Isamu was awake meant he'd finally beaten the poison, and Haru's healing magic should finally be able to make some real progress. With luck, they'd be ready to head out soon, and all would be well enough to travel.

"I'm glad to hear that..."

He smiled for a brief moment. Did she truly like the protection he could offer her despite being far from perfect? In that case he would make an even greater effort to be her best bodyguard and lead the group to their destination and keep them all safe. And of course he would still take into account these incidents to ensure they did not happen again. He was a fast learner and the fact that he cared so much about Hotori and her seishi were the extra oomph into making him the best he could be. And he would achieve that goal... If not for his feelings for her own, Hotori was all the inspiration he would ever need.

"Just let me know if that changes... Nurse Hotori is still on the job, after all."

He noticed the change of topic and was a bit unsure as to the reasons but he allowed her to if that made her happy. He looked into her eyes deeply and he could see a brief sorrow. He placed a hand on her cheek and thought that she might be in grief because she thought he did not return her feelings. It was time he let her know.

"I doubt it will change if you stay, your company and prayers are the best medicine." He noticed the way her eyes sparkled and how happy she seemed to be. If only he could make that delightful smile linger... It gave him such a reward it was unlike anything he had experienced before...

Isamu was never fond of wasting time since he believed that once gone you could never get it back and in this case Hotori meant much more to him than anyone else. He cleared his throat and as she settled back into his embrace he decided to go for it and tell her what he truly felt for her. His eyes looked down at her and he started, "Hotori..."

But then the door sprang open and Haru entered the room with a tray of food and for a moment Isamu was not sure what he should do.

"Glad to see the patient is awake, but did you have to start getting cuddly as soon as he woke up?"

Isamu quickly allowed Hotori to break free from the embrace although he wished he had been able to hold her a while longer and he remembered how Haru usually teased Hotori. But for some reason she did not react the very same way as she usually did and he was not sure if this was because she truly got embarrassed or... The words she told Kiki seemed to vibrate in his mind...

"I'm...sorry...Isamu-kun..."

He watched her blush and quickly move away and leave the room with the teddy he had given her before he could do or say anything. His eyes watched her go and he stared at the door for a long moment as if hoping to watch her come back inside with her lovely smile and assuring them she was fine. But that never happened... So he looked at his hands for a moment and then back at Haru as he muttered to himself.

"I was only teasing...I thought she'd know that... We're always picking on each other after all... Here, eat up and start getting your strength back. I'll take Hotori her rood in a minute and see if I can calm her down."

To his first words, Isamu remembered Hotori's confession and he blushed lightly and looked at Haru as he regained composure just as the man offered him some food. He was sure the young miko was rather shy when it came to her feelings. Therefore, if Haru teased her with things like that her first reaction would be to run away. She probably entered another room for he still felt her nearby. He felt a bit guilty though, he had been the one to embrace her and yet she was blamed for it...

And he had no time to say or do anything...

He nodded at Haru's words and said, "Thank you for the food and for tending to my wounds. Hotori-sama told me I have recovered thanks to the care you both lent me." He then began to eat his food yet his thoughts were on the beautiful green-haired miko.

"Thanks, but I'd really rather take the food up myself... And sorry to disappoint you, sweetie, but I've already got a lover. He's that cute little white haired guy I'm sharing a room with."

It was the second time a man from that group in particular ignored he charms and advances and she would not take that lightly! She took in orders from the drunken men at the pub and grinned. So, those two men thought they could get away with it as they pleased? She grinned darkly, she would first kill of those they loved and then... Torture them until they died...

"Thank you for the food and for tending to my wounds. Hotori-sama told me I have recovered thanks to the care you both lent me."

Haru nodded. "It's not a problem. What are friends for?" He stood, picking up the food he'd gotten for Hotori and starting for the door. "I'd better go see if I can fix my mistake. Fiends are nothing compared to making a woman mad..." He grinned over at Isamu as he headed for the door. "Besides, she's barely eaten the last few days watching over you like she was...I'm not about to let her go any longer without eating." He nodded to the third plate of food, still sitting on the tray. "If you're still hungry, help yourself. I can get more later."

With that, he slipped out into the hall and pulled the door closed. A quick room check revealed she wasn't in his and Sei's room, and that Sei had apparently opted for a nap, since Haru was back from getting the food. He smiled down at his love before heading to Shouri's room. He knocked on the door, something he probably should have done before entering Isamu's room, but it hadn't occurred to him since Isamu had been unconscious when he'd last seen him.

"Come in, Haru-kun..." Hotori's muffled voice called through the door. It was still a bit odd that she could sense her Seishi like that, but he was glad she knew it was him and still let him in.

"Hey, Hotori-chan. I brought you some food." He entered and set it on the bedside table, closing the door behind him.

She sat on the bed, holding a bear he'd never seen before close to her chest. She didn't look up, or look over at the food. "Thank you, Haru-kun, but--"

"If you don't eat, I'm going to force feed you." Haru cut her off. She looked up sharply at him, and apparently realized that he wasn't kidding. She gave a deep sigh and set the bear in her lap before picking up the food. "Nice bear...where'd you get it?"

"I...Isamu-kun gave him to me..." She wasn't sure why, but she felt she shouldn't drop the honorifics around the others, as she had when it was just her and Isamu. "Because I had trouble sleeping, and missed the bear I have back home..."

He allowed her to eat in silence for a moment before speaking up once more. "Hotori-chan, I'm sorry I upset you earlier. I was just teasing, you know? I'm sorry if I said something wrong..."

"I know, Haru-kun, and I probably overreacted. I'm sorry." Hotori sighed and looked up at her friend for the first time since he'd entered. "It's just, there was this woman the first night we arrived...and even though Isamu-kun was so injured, she tried to kiss him, and hurt him even more." She looked back down at her food, blushing once more. "And even though he didn't seem hurt, I thought..."

"You thought you were like that woman." Haru finished gently. At her nod, the healer sighed and shook his head. "Hotori, you're nothing like a woman like that." He smirked. "And from what I could tell, the only thing Isamu minded was my coming in and scaring you away..."

Hotori couldn't help herself. She looked back up at Haru with hope in her eyes. "Really?"

Haru paused, considering how best to ask his next question. When he finally spoke, it didn't come out as a question at all. "You love him."

Hotori bit her lip, but knew Haru could always see through her lies...he just hadn't asked her about the one concerning the start of this entire mess yet. "Yes, I do."

"Does he love you in return?" The healer wanted to know just how aware of the full situation his Miko was.

"I...I don't know." Hotori admitted. She finished her fuood and set the plate aside. "But it really doesn't matter. Just being near him is enough." She decided not to tell Haru of her hatching plan to make herself seem more mature for Isamu, afraid her friend might laugh.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt." Haru admitted, leaning forward to pull Hotori into a brotherly embrace,

Hotori returned the hug. "I saw him smile...just once, and just brieflt." She said as she pulled back. "I want to see him smile again, Haru-kun. If I can do that, just once...I don't think I'll ever have any regrets in life."

Haru took another deep breath before speaking. "Tell you what, Hotori-chan,,," He gave her his best smile. "Since I'm just a little fond of you,,,you know, for a girl..." Hotori giggled at that, and Haru was glad to see her good spirits restored. "I'll talk with Sei, and we'll see if we can't help you out a little with Isamu."

"Really?" Hotori asked. At Haru's nod, she flung herself at him, hugging him as tightly as she could manage.

"Now, why don't you go make sure our patient has eaten all of his supper." Haru suggested. "I'll go have a hot bath sent up for him, and you can keep him company until it arrives."

Hotori blushed at the stressed limitation, but smiled, scooping up her new bear once more. She didn't want to leave it laying around where it could get misplaced. Haru ruffled her hair affectionately before holding the door open for her. As he headed downstairs to get the bath sent up, she paused outside Isamu's door. She checked to make sure no one was within earshot before knocking twice and pushing the door open a crack to call in. "Isamu? Can I come in?" Once she heard his answer, she slipped inside and pulled the door closed behind her. Her eyes found him instantly, and she could feel the cheerful smile cross her lips. As she'd told Haru, simply being with him was enough. "Is there anything you need me to do?"

"It's not a problem. What are friends for?"

Friends... He looked up at the man in surprise and wonder but he nodded nonetheless and began to think that Hotori had spoken the truth when she told him that the other seishi respected and admired him. He had never expected that to happen. Probably out of modesty or the fact that his job dealt with protecting people anyway, but it felt good knowing that those who had to followed his lead and were meant to fight alongside him trusted and respected him. Was that what signified to be friends? It was a word only Hotori had uttered before and yet now Haru did the same, a man who loved Hotori like a younger sibling. He was glad she had seishi who cared for her so much.

Friends... He thanks him and took the food from his hands but in a way he was more concerned about Hotori's sudden outburst than his own wounds. He had always been so selfless... He watched Haru for a moment until he noticed he took another plate and he was glad he was going to see Hotori. He would not stop him, she looked quite affected and he felt sorry he had even embraced her if it made her feel this uncomfortable...

"I'd better go see if I can fix my mistake. Fiends are nothing compared to making a woman mad..."

He nodded and said, "Do not worry about me." He hoped Hotori would not be angry at him for having been so selfish as to embrace her for that long despite knowing that Haru was looking after him as well. He began to eat his food and realised just how hungry he truly was and he was glad Hotori hd left the pitcher with water nearby, he poured himself some more water and drink from it and then kept on eating. The man spoke again... He looked back at him.

"Besides, she's barely eaten the last few days watching over you like she was...I'm not about to let her go any longer without eating... If you're still hungry, help yourself. I can get more later."

When the last words registered into his mind and Haru had left he cough several times as if he were choking and drank some water immediately after. She had not eaten nor left his side? "Hotori..." he whispered as he looked absently at the door as if he could see her standing there smiling at him. His heart felt warm and he smiled softly, she was such a caring person... Why him? Why did she fall in love with the Ice Knight? What did he have to offer someone as wonderful as her? He sighed and finished the food and water and decided to test his strength.

He slowly bent his knees and leaned forth trying his best not to move the injured area. He landed on his shins and slowly the stiffness in his body began to get better. He placed a hand on the wall and slowly leaned to get up. His legs shook strongly at first but he soon stood at his full height. He decided to walk with his empty plate and take it to the tray on the table.

Slowly he began to walk forth and his body began to relax with the movement and the blood circulating through his body once more. He sighed and then placed the plate in the tray and then sat on the chair and ate the food on the plate as Haru said he could. He would buy him some food next time they were out. Once he finished with the food he got up and felt a light pull on the wound so he sighed and then after a few more minutes he got up again. He walked toward the mirror and looked at his reflection, he looked tired after battling with the poison but he was recovering his usual healthy state. His long dark hair covered his back and he sighed thinking he must look terrible for Hotori to be near him an he probably needs a bath.

He suddenly felt a bit ashamed of having been seen by the woman he loved in such pitiful and dirty state. What would the others think? Especially when one of the rules he followed as a Knight was to be clean and tidy even in the middle of a battle and he often prided himself on that. He washed his face and dried it, at least he would be a bit cleaner, now what to do with his hair? He would have to request a ribbon of some sort...

"Isamu? Can I come in?"

He gasped in surprise but then he tried to fix his clothes to look more presentable for her and he even tried to sort his hair out a bit. When he welcomed her into the room a strong gust of wind caressed his long dark hair as his deep amber eyes looked down at her. She closed the door behind her and walked a few steps still holding that bear he had given her. She looked so adorable like that, there was something about her childish nature that he found rather fascinating and alluring. Was it wrong of him? If he ever spoke his feelings for her would the other seishi judge him for the age difference between them? Would they even think the worst of him?

"Is there anything you need me to do?"

The way she smiled pierced his heart. He smiled as the wind caressed his hair where he stood before he said softly, "Hotori"... He then walked toward her and stood inches away from her and moved a lock of beautiful and soft green hair from her face, "are you well? I am sorry if I did anything that displeased you." He placed a hand on her cheek and looked into her eyes deeply almost as if to try to ensure he had done nothing wrong. His hand lingered on her cheek and his other hand instinctively moved to caress her smooth green tresses. He was completely enthralled in this beautiful moment.

Hotori was overjoyed to see that Isamu was up and moving around. That was a good sign, wasn't it? After a quick glance around the room, she could tell he had eaten as well. That was good. When he started toward her, she almost protested. Not out of fear of him, or a desire not to have him near, but because she worried he may overdo it before Haru could finish healing him. She did not, protest, however, and when he spoke, she was glad she hadn't.

"Hotori... are you well? I am sorry if I did anything that displeased you."

One hand rested on her cheek, and the other began to stroke her hair. Her eyes drifted closed for just a moment as she brought a hand up to cover his, and shook her head gently before leaning just slightly into his touch. She opened her eyes once more and looked up at his face with a reassuring smile. "No, Isamu, it was nothing you did. I...I was just a little embarrassed by Haru-kun's sudden appearance, and I'm ashamed to say I reacted badly to simple teasing."

The mention of the healer Seishi's name reminded her of the implied time limit to her visit. "Haru-kun has gone to have a hot bath brought up to you. I believe he's going to try to finish healing your wound either during or after the bath."

Mentioning the bath reminded her of her bath that night they had arrived at this inn, and how, although she had tried not to look his way while she was bathing, she had caught his eye a time or two. It also reminded her of a near-forgotten memory of their flight from the men pursuing them. Isamu's hair ribbon had caught on a branch and torn. She had never seen him without it before then, and realized now that he may not have one to replace it.

She gave his hand, which still rested on her cheek, a gentle squeeze to let him know she wasn't angry, before she moved away and walked to where Haru had put her pack when the others had arrived with it the next day. She picked up the bag and set it oun the bed to better look through it, laying her bear down beside it for just a moment. He had an assortment of hair ribbons and combs, as she did put her hair up sometimes. "I noticed you lost your ribbon, and...well, I know it's not the same, but..." She selected the only white ribbon she had, recalling that his had been white, and picking up her brush, she laid it on the bed for him to use after his bath. She then finally turned back to him and held out the ribbon as she crossed the distance to him once more. "You can use mine, if you like...until you can get a new one."

She wasn't sure if he would accept it as a gift, so instead she decided to 'loan' it to him, though her smile, she hoped, said there was no hurry to return it. "You can use my hairbrush too...if you need it..." She was standing near him again, and a breeze coming through the open window made their hair flutter together. She reached up a hand and gently touched his long, dark locks, a motion she had done so much while he'd been fighting off the poison, and which he seemed so fond of doing to her own hair.

She took a deep breath, and pulled her mind back to the topic at hand. Isamu was still recovering, and there was other informations hse felt she should pass along to him. "Haru-kun had your cloak cleaned and mended, and I believe he's got a fresh set of clothes for you around here somewhere. He has seen that anything that needed cleaning was taken care of as well." Stroking his hair one last time, she allowed her hand to fall to her side once more. "Isamu, not to repeat myself too often, or anything...but I am very glad you're feeling better."

((OOC: The maid can arrive with the bath during your post, if you want, or at the beginning of my next one. ^^))

No, Isamu, it was nothing you did. I...I was just a little embarrassed by Haru-kun's sudden appearance, and I'm ashamed to say I reacted badly to simple teasing."

He looked down at her watching her response to his touch a bit afraid of doing something that might make her leave the room once more. Yet, to his surprise, she closed her eyes and leaned into the touch placing her smooth and delicate hand on top of his making him look at that gesture and be a bit surprised at how at peace he felt whenever Hotori was close by. True, they had been though a lot together and circumstances pushed them close to one another. But, this was all so new to him despite all he had lived and experienced already. In a way feeling this surge of emotion whenever Hotori was close by or whenever they touched made him feel as of he were at least ten years younger.

Yes, he had fallen in love before and had been foolish enough to fall for such treason and lies. One could argue that the pain had been so great and he had been so young back then that he had been removed of any emotion with the exception of the cold that remained within. And for many years he endeavoured to protect his customers and make others happy, concealing his own needs, stopping himself from feeling anything at all.

And now... Ever since Hotori came around his whole world has been turned upside down. And ever since he began to walk this path a more human side to him began to resurface. A part of him he had nearly forgotten. He was a bit amazed at the power this young woman had and yet it troubled him for he had shielded himself against any feelings or emotions to avoid being hurt as badly as he had been before.

He slowly let go of her hand and hair as she opened her eyes. He could not simply give in to all these emotions. He was a seishi and the leader of the group, what kind of example would he set if he gave in to these feelings bottling inside him? Besides, he was much older than Hotori, the other seishi would probably not approve of his affections for Hotori nor did he feel he deserved her tender and pure affections... He looked down at his hands, after all he suffered, especially in that prison cell, he convinced himself he deserved no goodwill from others, and yet... Whenever he looked into Hotori's eyes he saw the light in the dark halls of his existence... Should he give in to his emotions for once or lock himself from anyone's reach? Yet... She had said she loved him... But did she really?

"Haru-kun has gone to have a hot bath brought up to you. I believe he's going to try to finish healing your wound either during or after the bath."

He nodded and said, "Thank you for letting me know." She squeezed his hand gently and then moved back to her belongings and he watched with curiosity as he head her muttering while taking things out of her bag. He stood there still wondering what she could be looking for with such determination but decided against asking. He would find out sooner or later.

"I noticed you lost your ribbon, and...well, I know it's not the same, but... You can use mine, if you like...until you can get a new one... You can use my hairbrush too...if you need it..."

His eyes looked down at her with tenderness and they shone with the light as he held out his hand to receive her ribbon. It was almost as long as his and he could tell it would be as useful as his old one, if not more. He blushed momentarily and looked from the ribbon back into her eyes and closed his hand around it, "Thank you, Hotori." She was such a wonderful person, she deserved all the happiness in the world.

He then realised he held his breath at the sudden movement of Hotori's hand as it reached out to caress his long dark hair. It seemed she enjoyed doing that ever since he was still suffering from his wounds it rendered him comfort and there was something irresistible when feeling a woman's hand on your hair and yet he enjoyed touching her hair as much. So he did not move away, on the contrary he still looked down at her and allowed her to touch his hair.

Aoi had once said his hair was one of his many charms. Although, he was not sure why he was thinking about that woman again... Feeling Hotori's hand caress his hair once more he returned to the present and heard her talking once more. It appeared to him that his friends-that's what they called themselves and what he felt they truly were right?-had gone through so much trouble for him.

"Haru-kun had your cloak cleaned and mended, and I believe he's got a fresh set of clothes for you around here somewhere. He has seen that anything that needed cleaning was taken care of as well."

He nodded, "you both have been so kind to me. How could I ever repay you?" His eyes looked into her emeralds with affection. At least he hoped he would be able to help them and protect them...

"Isamu, not to repeat myself too often, or anything...but I am very glad you're feeling better."

He smiled for a brief moment and taking her hand in his he gently kissed the back of it before gently letting go of it, "Hotori... I'm glad I could protect you and if to do so I had to do this all over again I would." And then suddenly a maid knocked on the door and Isamu welcomed her inside and watched her as she readied the bath for him.

Hotori thought she saw a faint blush as Isamu accepted the ribbon from her, but she was sure she had imagined it. Still, he seemed pleased with the simple ribbon, and that made her glad. Although it was just a hair ribbon, and not one she'd worn often or had any particular attachment to, it still warmed her heart to know he would be wearing something of hers. Though, she was sure, he only saw this as a practical gift...still, she wondered if he would be as open and accepting if she were to get him a real gift...

"you both have been so kind to me. How could I ever repay you?"

Repay her? Didn't he realize that all the kindness in the world wouldn't be enough for her to repay him saving her? She knew he blamed himself for what happened, even if she did not, and even if the others did not. Besides, she loved him, and it was only natural to be kind to the one you loved with all of your heart, wasn't it? Instead of broaching that subject which she had addressed with Haru but was not sure she was ready to take directly to the sourse, per se, she instead told him how glad she was he was better. He smiled, and she knew she hadn't imagined that, which just made her own smile widen in turn, and then he kissed the back of her hand, and she felt her heart soar once more. Suzaku himself could not fly as high as that simple act made her want to.

"Hotori... I'm glad I could protect you and if to do so I had to do this all over again I would."

"Isamu..." She began, and wasn't sure what she was going to say. It was then that the maid arrived with Isamu's hot bath, and recalling her discussion with Haru, she knew it was time for her to go. "I promise to do my best to make sure neither of us ever has to go through something like that again." She said with a gentle smile. She turned and saw Haru standing near the door with an easy smile.

"Come along, Hotori-chan, and let our patient have a little privacy for his bath." His words weren't teasing, and Hotori smiled, glad to see he wouldn't make fun of her for her feelings. "I promise to come get you when he's done."

The maid finished setting up the bath, and exited the room.

"And how will you know when he's done, Haru-kun?" Hotori asked, eyebrow raised as she approached her other Seishi.

"I was going to stay in case he needs help getting in or out of the tum." Haru replied innocently. "Besides, I do need to try and heal him once more."

"I'm not sure Sei-kun would like that." Hotori couldn't help but tease.

"Sei knows my heart belongs to him, and my interest in Isamu is purely professional." Haru said with a noble air.

Hotori laughed. "You sound like a Shoujo manga, Haru-kun...." Haru raised an eyebrow, not understanding. Hotori shook her head. "Never mind." She reached the door, and smiled first at Haru and then across at Isamu. "I'll be back later. I think I'm going to ask Sei-kun to walk with me to the market. I haven't left the inn in days..." She was about to leave when she suddenly remembered something. With a faint blush, she ran over to the bed and grabbed up her bear, and discreetly got her coin purse from her pack. She hugged the bear and slipped the purse in a small pocket before smiling once more. "See you both later." She promised cheerfully before leaving the room.

Haru watched her go, closing the door behind her before shaking his head. "That girl..." He said with a grin. He looked over at Isamu. "I can try another healing session before of after your path, it's up to you. And I can leave the room if you'd prefer." He hoped he would be allowed to stay, however, as he wanted to talk to Isamu, but didn't wish to put him on edge.

~~~

Hotori went to Shouri's room first, and was glad to see her friend was back. Shouri was glad that Isamu was awake, but said she'd just gotten back from the market, and didn't want to go back, so Hotori asked her to 'bear-sit', and headed for Sei and Haru's room. The white haired Seishi was in his room, and was glad to accompany her to the market. She wasn't sure if Haru had spoken to Sei about what they'd talked about, though she was sure he would eventually, so she simply said she wished to pick up a couple things and be back quickly.

She wanted to get some make-up, as she was sure that would make her look more mature. She might also ask the opinion of the woman selling the make up, and see if she could think of anything else to make Hotori look more mature. If this didn't win Isamu over, she wasn't sure what would.

"Isamu... I promise to do my best to make sure neither of us ever has to go through something like that again."

He nodded at her but, he knew his words were serious. He was her protector and it was his job to ensure she was always safe no matter what and at whichever cost. It was easier said than done but he was a bodyguard and had been a professional for almost eight years. He knew the world didn't stop being dangerous just like that and for someone like Hotori, safety was seldom a possibility. No, he would never keep his eyes off her, she was too innocent and pure, she needed her seishi to look after her. He then turned and realised Haru was standing by the door.

"Come along, Hotori-chan, and let our patient have a little privacy."

"I'll be back later. I think I'm going to ask Sei-kun to walk with me to the market. I haven't left the inn in days..."

Isamu nodded at Hotori and watched with amusement as she ran to get her bear once more before she finally left the room and the maid left but Haru entered the room and closed the door behind him. Hotori had told him that he would come to ted to his wounds so he thought it best to get that done and then take the bath that way his body would relax after the last wave of healing magic.

That girl... I can try another healing session before of after your path, it's up to you. And I can leave the room if you'd prefer."

He listened to his words and removed his sleeveless shirt saying, "I rather go through the healing process before I wash up, if that is ok with you Haru-san". He looked up at him and for a moment wondered why he looked so serious, was this his way of concentrating before he healed others? He had never watched Haru in action before and so he was not sure what to expect.

"Do you need me to sit down?" He placed the shirt on the nearby table exposing his tanned and fit upper body.

It was a pity he had never witnessed Haru healing him so he was not sure what he had to do and felt like an idiot for asking. Surely that should not make that much different but... Hotori had always told him Haru was a healer more than anything else. While Isamu knew the basics having been a General no one could be more knowledgeable than someone like Haru.

It was then he realised he was a bit nervous. For some reason, being in the same room with Haru and with his piercing eyes looking through him as if he could see something Isamu could not, was a bit intimidating. Not that the Ice Knight feared him but, it made him slightly weary and he did not know why he also felt... Uncomfortable...

"I rather go through the healing process before I wash up, if that is ok with you Haru-san. Do you need me to sit down?"

Haru smiled. He wasn't used to being asked such things, but the fact that Isamu wanted the healing first might make discussing the topic on his mind easier. "Either is fine. However you are comfortable. We can sit, I suppose." He began to cross the room to join Isamu. "I will have to touch you...my powers work by contact." Besides Hotori, Haru got the feeling Isamu wasn't fond of physical contact, so he wanted to warn him and avoid any more awkwardness than was necessary. Once they were both seated, Haru rubbed his hands together before reaching out. As he did, his power activated, and the symbol 'Chariot' began to glow red on his palm. As soon as his hand rested over the wound, he began to channel the healing energy. He'd gotten quite a bit of practice at carrying on a conversation while healing, since Hotori and Sei both tended to be chatty while getting healed.

"Isamu-san, I was hoping I could talk to you, while we're alone..." He began. He glanced up at Isamu for just a moment before looking back at the wound that was slowly patching itself together. In the past, he'd had similar conversations with his sisters' beloveds, but it felt a little different, as Hotori was his Miko, and Isamu was his brother-in-arms. Not entirely sure where to begin, he decided to simply dive into the matter head first.

"Hotori-chan is...a very gentle woman," It felt odd to call her a woman, but women fell in love...it wasn't something little girls did. "She's not related to me, but I'm very fond of her. I can't help but notice that, everything she does, she does with all of her heart." He stole another glance at Isamu, hoping his meaning thus far was clear, even if he wasn't sure how to phrase what he wanted to say. "I've seen the way she looks at you, and I'd have to be an idiot not to put two and two together."

"You may think it's none of my business, and you may be right, but..." He focused on the healing for a moment, watching the warm glow thrum slightly with the energy he was expending to help Isamu fully recover. "I suppose I just want to tell you that Hotori's happiness is important to me, and while I won't stand in the way of something...or someone...that makes her happy, I will also not hesitate to strike down anyone who hurts her."

The healing finished, Haru sat back and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Isamu may have a scar, or the occasional phantom pain, but the injury itself should no longer bother him. Haru ran his hands through his short, dark blue hair before he stood. "While I'm sticking my nose in things that probably aren't my business..." He paced a bit as he spoke. "I could tell Hotori-chan lied to me about what really happened...she is a terrible liar." He grinned at that. "And I'm sure she has her reasons for doing so, but I hope if there is anything about that night that I should know...anything that could put her, or the rest of the group in danger...you will tell me." He raised a hand to specify. "I don't want to know everything, not if it might make Hotori uncomfortable, and I won't let her know that I know...I simply want to do the best I can to protect everyone I care for. So is there anything I need to know?"

~~~

Hotori beamed as she looked around the market. There were lots of stands selling many things, and it was hard for a moment to remember what the purpose of this little shopping trip was. She spotted a woman selling make up and darted over to her stand. Sei stayed by her side, but didn't say a word. After speaking with the woman, Hotori purchased some make up based on her suggestions, as well as a small bottle of new perfume. She didn't like it quite as much as her old perfume, but it did smell like something a more mature woman would wear, she supposed, She then turned and browsed the next stand over. She was about to walk off without making a purchase when her eyes landed on an amber colored stone on a long leather cord. The stone matched Isamu's eyes perfectly, and she couldn't resist buying it. The next time she was alone with him, she would give it to him, and see how he responded. After a stop in a dressmaker's, after claiming to Sei that she did need more than one outfit, after all, she bought a slightly shorter qi pao, which fit her much better, and with her hair pulled up just right should finish off her new, mature look. She stored all of her purchases into the drawstring bag Sei had brought for just that reason, and then took his arm to return to the inn. She didn't feel like now was the time to try out her new look. She wanted to give them both a little more time to put the events of the last few days behind them. Soon, though, she'd fix herself up, and hopefully finally win the heart of the man who already held her own.

"Either is fine. However you are comfortable. We can sit, I suppose."

He nodded and sat on a chair next to another to ensure Haru would also be comfortable when healing him. He wondered if this was also connected to his seishi powers which would explain why he was such an effective healer. He would soon find out. He watched as Haru moved to sit beside him and he knew that, looking into his eyes, there was another reason he wanted to be left alone with Isamu. And the nerves began to gather up within him, could it be he had done something wrong? Something... that could have upset Hotori? No, that could not be it, she was always a very honest person, she would have at lease given him indications of her discomfort. His thoughts were interrupted when Haru spoke once more.

"I will have to touch you...my powers work by contact."

He nodded, in all honesty wounds usually needed to be tended physically. So that meant he would have to be touched. But he assumed Haru had told him out of respect. And that he appreciated. He watched with great curiosity as Haru rubbed his hands together and the symbol in his palm shone a bright red. So this answered some of his questions. He watched as the energy worked on his wound after he removed the bandages and he was amazed at the power of healing Haru seemed to possess.

"Isamu-san, I was hoping I could talk to you, while we're alone..."

He did not say a thing, however, his eyes moved to meet Haru's and he hoped that whatever he was meaning to tell him did not deal with him being dismissed from the group. He wanted to help them and, more importantly, to protect Hotori against all the evils of this world. He knew he had failed once but, he was determined not to let that happen again.

"Hotori-chan is...a very gentle woman... She's not related to me, but I'm very fond of her. I can't help but notice that, everything she does, she does with all of her heart."

He was a bit surprised Haru addressed her as a woman when he was always teasing her like an elder sibling would to a younger one that was still being treated like a child even though she truly wasn't one. And the next words assured him that Haru did love her like an elder brother and in a way he felt glad or relieved because that meant that should anything happen to him, her seishi would protect her and keep her happy and safe. Why was he thinking this? Well... He had been at the verge of dying and he did not want Hotori to suffer too much or be left alone in this world.

"I've seen the way she looks at you, and I'd have to be an idiot not to put two and two together."

He was a bit surprised when Haru cut to the chase and then emphasised when he already knew, Hotori loved him.And suddenly his past fears diminished because he knew Haru was rather intuitive. His eyes softened deeply as he thought back when he first met Hotori, and how he pulled them out of the quicksand and she landed on his back but quickly moved away embarrassed, he then moved to think of that night he comforted her after she had a nightmare and he held her in his arms, and then he played a beautiful melody while she sang with the voice of a nightingale.

Then their walk about the shops and how everyone they came across with thought them a couple... It had been plain obvious that they were both in love in the eyes of everyone else, yet they did not realise until much later. And he finally thought of the night he had rescued her, when she told him he could look at her while she bathed, the trust she placed on him and how openly she exposed her intimate beauty for his eyes only... If only she knew what a beautiful woman she truly was...

His eyes softened even more at the sight of Hotori embracing that bear he had given her and his eyes shone with the deepest of affections and he blushed deeply when he heard Haru's voice again realising he had probably watched him lower his guard and show just how deeply in love Isamu was.

"You may think it's none of my business, and you may be right, but... I suppose I just want to tell you that Hotori's happiness is important to me, and while I won't stand in the way of something...or someone...that makes her happy, I will also not hesitate to strike down anyone who hurts her."

He realised his hand was still closed holding the ribbon Hotori had given him and he felt his pulse quicken registering Haru's words. He looked beyond this room and whispered, "Hotori..." She had suffered because of him, he was a hindrance to her happiness, why did she love him of all her seishi? Why the Ice Knight? He turned to look at Haru and was direct with the question, "Do you disapprove of her choice?" He looked away feeling truly unworthy of feelings as pure and sweet as Hotori's. "I... I do not deserve her love... Yet... I would lie if I... If I denied my own feelings..." Yes, he loved her, just the sight of her made him happy and at bliss, but he did not want to hurt her. Once the healing was done he automatically stood up at full height and the wind caressed his long dark hair, making him look like the proud and strong General he once were. He turned to look at Haru and said, "But, if there is one person I would gladly sacrifice my heart for, that would be her... If you wish me to leave to never put her in danger, I will walk away so long as you can keep her safe and happy..." His hand closed tightly on the ribbon, "I could never again watch her suffer..." Yes... He had to admit it openly... "I love her."

"While I'm sticking my nose in things that probably aren't my business... I could tell Hotori-chan lied to me about what really happened...she is a terrible liar... And I'm sure she has her reasons for doing so, but I hope if there is anything about that night that I should know...anything that could put her, or the rest of the group in danger...you will tell me... I don't want to know everything, not if it might make Hotori uncomfortable, and I won't let her know that I know...I simply want to do the best I can to protect everyone I care for. So is there anything I need to know?"

He was not sure why but suddenly the memories of Hotori being chained to a wall undressed with his Nemesis touching her and torturing her made his eyes suddenly lit with fire, he was reliving that experience and he turned his back to Haru. He had meant to tell him but, he did not expect it would have to happen this soon. He closed his eyes feeling the wind caress his face and hair and then fought to regain composure for whenever his enemy was mentioned he relived the dark experiences and it all led him back to his first dark experience when he awoke to find his home and family gone. He sighed and said, "I was meaning to tell you this anyway, however, do not judge her for having lied, it had been enough of a bad experience for her and our of respect I cannot relate what happened by I can warn you about someone... Someone who has been haunting my steps for the past eight years..." The more he spoke on the matter the angrier and broken he sounded.

He took a deep breath and said, "I was once a General of Konan. And he was a General of Kutou, a despicable man unhappy with the relative peace and neutrality of the current empires , who sought to return to the old war hungry years where peace could only be achieved by miracle... He... He tried to get to me, to gain information... Anything that could help his dark designs... And he recently found us and kidnapped the miko to lure me in..."

He felt rage, pain and grief and sighed, "I am very sorry about that. I found her before anything truly bad happened and brought her here. Which is why, to protect her, if you want me to leave... I will. He will never stop following me." He finally turned to look at Haru. Revealing that had been truly difficult for him and he hoped he would not have to do that again... Haru would probably despise Isamu by now.

"Do you disapprove of her choice? I... I do not deserve her love... Yet... I would lie if I... If I denied my own feelings... But, if there is one person I would gladly sacrifice my heart for, that would be her... If you wish me to leave to never put her in danger, I will walk away so long as you can keep her safe and happy... I could never again watch her suffer... I love her."

Haru crossed his arms as he listened, but it was not a defiant or guarded gesture, simply one of a man being patient. "It is not my place to approve or disapprove." He said at last, hosing his words carefully. "I know that love does not always take the form that we expect. I didn't expect to fall for the first of my fellow Seishi that I met, after all..." He smiled at the thought of Sei, for just a moment before continuing. "And if you were to leave, I can promise to keep her safe...but I don't think she would ever be happy again in this world." Or her own, if this was true love. "No, I will not ask you to leave, and I do not disapprove. As I have already said, I will not stand in the way of her happiness." While he appreciated that Isamu was honest with him, part of him wished he and Hotori would confess their feelings to each other. Couldn't they see that would move their cause along much faster than telling him? "I am sure the others feel the same as I do on that matter,." He figured he'd let Isamu know that none of the Seishi would disapprove, if both were happy.

"I was meaning to tell you this anyway, however, do not judge her for having lied, it had been enough of a bad experience for her and our of respect I cannot relate what happened by I can warn you about someone... Someone who has been haunting my steps for the past eight years... I was once a General of Konan. And he was a General of Kutou, a despicable man unhappy with the relative peace and neutrality of the current empires , who sought to return to the old war hungry years where peace could only be achieved by miracle... He... He tried to get to me, to gain information... Anything that could help his dark designs... And he recently found us and kidnapped the miko to lure me in... I am very sorry about that. I found her before anything truly bad happened and brought her here. Which is why, to protect her, if you want me to leave... I will. He will never stop following me."

Haru listened from where he stood a little distance away, watching Isamu's face carefully as the man dropped his guard without realizing it. Having grown up in Hokkan, he had heard of the General who had been taken, and had seemed to disappear shortly thereafter. It was nice, in a way to put a name and face to the story, thought he had always felt there had to be more to the story than what rumor stated. Now he was sure of it, though he respected Isamu enough not to pry, as he could tell reflecting on that time pained him greatly.

"Thank you for telling me." He said simply, giving him a reassuring smile. "I'll be sure to let the others know that their is someone we'll have to watch out for." He gave a nod, as if the matter was closed. "However, after hearing that...there is simply no way I can let you leave our little group. You are the only Seishi who has seen this man, and knows what he is capable of. We will have to rely on that knowledge to keep Hotori safe."

He held up both hands and worked his fingers for a moment. "Just don't think you have to battle him aline. I am a healer by nature, but my abilities do work in the reverse as well." He didn't like to use his powers to cause others injuries, but when it came to protecting Hotori-and Sei, if he were honest with himself-he would without hesitation. His grin softened his next words "And as much as it hurts my pride to admit it, you have replaced me as leader here, so we need you to stick around and lead."

Hoping that both matters were settled, he nodded to the warm bath. "You'd better get your bath before the water cools off." Isamu seemed to be moving much easier after his last healing, and Haru could no longer sense the wound, but it was always nice to double check with the patient. "How is your side feeling?"

~~

Hotori and Sei returned to the inn, and Hotori took her purchases to Shouri's room, where she was sure she'd be staying now that Isamu was awake. She kept the necklace and left the others, promising to bring the rest of her things from Isamu's room once his bath was finished. She picked up her bear, and then allowed her friend to resume her nap before slipping back to Haru and Sei's room to talk with Sei until Haru came for her.

"It is not my place to approve or disapprove... I know that love does not always take the form that we expect. I didn't expect to fall for the first of my fellow Seishi that I met, after all..."

He watched Haru as he spoke. In all honesty, he did not expect at all to be welcomed into the group as he had been in the past nor for the seishi to accept the possibility that he might love their miko. There were so many things to consider, one of them being the difference of upbringing, his usual coldness compared to her lively warmth and good nature and the age gap. Not because he could not possibly love someone that much younger but he did not wish to appear like a scoundrel wooing young ladies. His reputation was important for he had forged it for many years. But, Haru's eyes did not flinch at his words nor did he judge him or show disapproval, on the contrary he seemed rather understanding and simply listened to his words and though long before making any comments or remarks.

"And if you were to leave, I can promise to keep her safe...but I don't think she would ever be happy again in this world... No, I will not ask you to leave, and I do not disapprove. As I have already said, I will not stand in the way of her happiness."

He felt his heart move when he considered just how much Hotori's happiness now depended on him. And a relieve sheltered him when he was told one of Hotori's most trusted friends did not disapprove of these feelings nor would he try to oppose them. Haru had a keen sixth sense and he knew that now he could take a deep breath and learn to live again. But his enemy still proved to be a hindrance to his love of Hotori. He did not want his Nemesis using or harming Hotori to get to him. It happens already and he would gladly try that again just to bring him great pain. Especially once he learned of the love he felt for his miko.

"I am sure the others feel the same as I do on that matter,."

"Thank you," he did feel better after hearing that and it made him even more aware of his responsibilities toward Hotori, even if he did not confess his most ardent feelings toward his miko. He felt his heartbeat increase and joy began to take a hold of him. But he had to keep his focus, he could not react like a youth who falls for his first love nor like a stoic and indifferent fool. He also did not wish to push Hotori into a relationship if she was not entirely certain. There were still too many things that forced him to stop. He hoped Haru would not think him pathetic but he loved Hotori too deeply to voice his thoughts and feelings and have her sacrifice her own happiness just to be with him. He could not understand why she would love him so...

"Thank you for telling me... I'll be sure to let the others know that their is someone we'll have to watch out for. However, after hearing that...there is simply no way I can let you leave our little group. You are the only Seishi who has seen this man, and knows what he is capable of. We will have to rely on that knowledge to keep Hotori safe... Just don't think you have to battle him aline. I am a healer by nature, but my abilities do work in the reverse as well."

He was a bit surprised and turned to look at Haru. Was he aware of what he had just said? Did he truly mean those words? He no longer had to face his enemies alone? His eyes fixed upon Haru's and for a moment he thought on how he had called him a friend at first and now he wished to offer his help to confront his Nemesis if it ever came to that.

He then nodded his head and finally said, "Thank you, Haru-san, my friend." It felt so strange to utter that word but it seemed to come to him naturally as if it were a nice experience that he had been stopping himself from enjoying simply because he did not wish to be hurt any further. But, when realising Hotori felt deeply for him and seemed determined to feel for him not caring how she would sacrifice her heart and affections for him... It would be hypocritical of him not to do the same for her.

"And as much as it hurts my pride to admit it, you have replaced me as leader here, so we need you to stick around and lead."

He was a bit amazed that Haru brought himself to make such a confession but he would not offend such trust and instead he smiled briefly before saying, "Then I will stay, and I will do my best to lead you all well and keep you all safe." For a leader did not only lead but he also became the protector of the group and would fight for the comfort and happiness of each of the persons in the group.

"You'd better get your bath before the water cools off... How is your side feeling?"

He noticed that the wound was almost gone, and he was darn lucky for it did not look like it would scar. He truly healed fast and with Haru's skills it was even better. He walked toward the bath saying, "I feel almost fully healed, you truly have powerful skills for this. I hope it did not tire you too much though." He knew, being a seishi himself that using your powers could exhaust you or even kill you. That was why he was always careful when using his powers and trained hard on his weapon mastery to use that as a main fighting technique.

He removed his boots and socks before he turned to look at Haru and said, "Would it be alright for me to Spend some time on my own? I guess I only just woke up and my mind feels a bit uneasy..." He mainly wanted some time alone to forget all about what had happened and try and consider what his enemy could be planning next. They would probably need to leave this place soon in case his Nemesis decided to strike back.

Before he forgot, however, he added "Thank you for also tending to getting my clothes mended and getting new ones for when I woke up."