”The fire sounds nice.”

He was a bit relieved that Hotori agreed to this idea and was already beginning to look for places he could gather some wood from. It was strange though, how on earth did he come from being his cold usual self to loving a woman so ardently as he now did? In fact they were both in a rather compromising situation and neither of them seemed to mind, instead they encouraged it even more. He ran a hand through his fringe and it sprinkled him cold droplets of water as it moved back into place. He was happy holding Hotori in his arms but he hoped that whatever he did, whichever way he lied her would not scare her away. In al honesty he was no expert in this topic, true Aoi had once tried to lure him to his death but she always teased him with the inexperience he seemed to possessed as opposed to his spiteful Nemesis. Loving Hotori now was like discovering something about him he ignored. It was like discovering what his heart urged him to do but he did not want to move too fast nor to demand what he could not receive. So he was careful not to be too gentle and loving with Hotori, especially when she probably was not sure what to do in some cases. In fact when he kissed her neck and shoulder he decided they might as eel get out soon. Otherwise Haru and Sei would come back and then there would be hell to pay

All that mattered right now was that they were in love and had finally come to terms with this. It took them much effort to confess but it had finally come to the light and he was glad and it felt like a great burden had been lifted. Although they knew their love could never be, it would blossom and be beautiful fora s long as it lasted even if it could not be consummated all they needed was each other. He sighed and letting go of Hotori he submerged once more before slowly surfacing and running a hand on his face. He shook his fringe and then squeezed his long dark hair as the droplets slides down his face and chest. This had been quite invigorating, he could tell he was much better and Haru’s healing had truly helped.

"I do believe you can read my mind. I was just thinking I wasn't ready for you to see me with wrinkles quite yet… I suppose, my love, that we should build that fire to dry off before any of the others decide to come check on us.”

He began walking out of the spring and as he reached an edge he reached out for his cloak and used it to dry his face. He came out and dried himself a bit with the cloak before placing around his shoulders, once out of the springs they would feel cold and it would help them dry. He gathered some wood, dry leaves and rocks and he placed the pebbles in a circle, placed the dry leaves on the bottom and arranged the logs. He used a flint and tinder to create fire and puffed at it until the flames began to flicker.

Once that was set he took Hotori’s cloak and helped her get out of the spring and handed her the cloak before puling her soft body to his for a brief moment and placing a kiss on her lips. He smiled as he looked down at her and the he moved back toward the fire while he shook his long hair and then moved to sit in front of the fire. This time it was his turn to allow Hotori to do as she liked, either come and sit next to him or simply dry herself. He looked up at the sky, it would be a night he would never remember, whatever happened form this moment on, he would always love his little bird. He smiled and closed his eyes feeling a cool breeze.

Hotori blushed a ltitle, stealing little glances at Isamu as he exited the spring and dried himself off before putting on his cloak and starting the fire. Even after everything they had been through, and seen of one another-especially that night in the hot spring-she still felt just a little too shy to openly watch him. This was all so new to her, after all, and she wasn't quite sure when it was considered alright to look, and when it wasn't. The fact that she wanted to look made her want to blush even more.

Instead she took a deep breath and submerged herself, soaking in the warm water once more before she resurfaced. Once the fire was going, Isamu approached and helped her out of the spring. She paused just long enough to wring the excess water from her hair before she took the cloak and dried her face before slipping it on. She looked around, first at Isamu sitting by the fire, and then up at the clear night sky and the thousands of stars. She would not have been surprised to see her heart floating up there among them.

She sighed contentedly before joining Isamu, dropping a kiss on his cheek and sitting next to him, resting her head against his shoulder as her eyes closed. She felt happier at that moment than she ever had before...except for, perhaps, the moment when Isamu had shown he loved her in return. She realized something, quite suddenly, but debated voicing it right away. She wasn't sure how Isamu would respond. Would he think she was being silly? And yet they'd said there would me no more hiding between them. That was a promise she intended to keep.

"Isamu..." She said softly, not opening her eyes or moving from where her head rested against him. "I...I want to stay." She realized he may not understand what she meant, so she tried to elaborate. "Here. With you." She moved at last to look up at him, her voice still soft as she continued. "I don't want to go...back to my world."

She would miss her world, and the few friends she had there...as well as her aunt...but she couldn't imagine life without Isamu. She had no idea if what she wanted was even possible, but she wanted it nonetheless. She looked back to the fire. "I would rather stay here with you, in this world, than face going back to mine without you."

Would it be too selfish of her to use one of her wishes to ask for that? To ask to remain there, in the book, with Isamu? She supposed it would depend on how things went when she did summon Suzaku. After all, she had to take care of the Fiends first and foremost, and now that she understood how the fiends had been created, she wished to use one of her wishes to ensure it never happened again. Surely that left the last wish for her heart's desire, didn't it? Her only wish was to be with Isamu...to have the life of happiness they both deserved....together.

Isamu felt Hotori’s eyes upon him as he exited the springs and he chuckled as he worked on the bonfire. In all honesty he had never thought himself a handsome fellow even though people used to say he was, yet, if his beloved looked at him that meant she liked him, and he knew he loved her in every possible way. He waited though, until she was siting beside him so he could lightly tease her, but he would never try to hurt her with his words, or lack of. This was still pretty new to him. And he hoped Hotori would have patience with him, it was not easy to move through being a lonely wolf and holding no one’s deep esteem or regard, to holding the key to a beautiful maiden’s heart. As he fed the fire he sighed and hoped he would indeed be the perfect man for her, despite everything that had happened he was still determined to protect her, now even more so because he loved her. She was his treasure and his own dream. And he hoped that one day he would reach it…

He allowed Hotori some time and privacy to dry herself a bit with her cloak before she finally came to settle down beside him. He could not help but to chuckle and he ran an arm around her pulling her closer to him. He kissed her forehead and said, “I’m glad you like what you see, Hotori…” he breathed her name gently, with passion, and he caressed her cheek with his other hand before resign his full weight on that arm once more. He closed his eyes as he held her for a moment. Yet, he noticed there was something she wished to tell him and so he waited patiently, looking down at her. He hoped he did not do anything that offended or confused his beloved.

"Isamu...I...I want to stay…Here. With you… I don't want to go...back to my world.”

He gasped and his eyes met hers for a moment. Had she been having the same thoughts as him? His heart felt moved, truly? She would rather sacrifice the life she had, her family and friends, for him? He blushed lightly and whispered, “Hotori…” His eyes looked deeply into her emerald orbs and he knew she was not joking or teasing him, she had meant every word. But how, how could anyone give him, Isamu, the Ice Knight, so much importance that they should wish to remain by is side? He had felt so worthless for many years and he and been tortured and left to die, and yet, now, an angel came to him and gave him the breath of life and wished to stay with him forever? This had to be the one time the well-trained bodyguard did not know what to do or say. He did not want her to leave everything for him but he also wanted to keep her. But, was she sure this was what she wanted? This world was unsafe and different to what she was used to. In fact, they would even have to oppose what usually happened to the miko once Suzaku was summoned. Would he listen to their pledge?

”I would rather stay here with you, in this world, than face going back to mine without you.”

“Hotori… my love…” He held her closer and leaned down to kiss her lips for a long moment, his arm pulling her closer to him while his free hand caressed her damp green hair. After a long moment he held her to him with both arms, “I will always be with yo, no matter where you go or what you do, I will always find you.” He then looked at her with determination and smiled softly, “But, if you truly wish to stay here…with me…then I will do everything I can to help you in this. Surely you must know how I wish for you to stay, I long to live a life with you free from restrictions, away form this whole situation with summoning gods and fighting fiends. But I also want you to be happy.” He kissed her ups once more before he closed his eyes as he leaned his head on hers.

“I’m glad you like what you see, Hotori…”

Oh, he'd noticed her peeking then? Well, of course he would. Hotori blushed faintly, feeling like a little bit of a pervert...and yet, he had seen her, so wasn't it a lttile fair to take a teensy peek? "Well, I hope you've liked what you've seen as well..." She said softly. She couldn't help but return the slight teasing as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

When she at last told him what was on he mind, she heard his gasp, and wondered if it was truly that surprising a wish. She had only just really found him...she couldn't imagine ever losing him again, and She couldn't imagine asking him to leave his life behind for her...and yet she'd gladly give up hers for him.

“Hotori… my love… I will always be with yo, no matter where you go or what you do, I will always find you. But, if you truly wish to stay here…with me…then I will do everything I can to help you in this. Surely you must know how I wish for you to stay, I long to live a life with you free from restrictions, away form this whole situation with summoning gods and fighting fiends. But I also want you to be happy."

She gazed into his eyes, and treasured each embrace and each kiss, returning both as a silent sign of her love. She listened to his words, her eyes closing as she leaned into him embrace. "I know you will always find me..." She said softly. It was a promise he'd made her in the past, and one he'd kept so far. "But why waste time looking when we're together here...now...?" She bit her lip for a moment, feeling a surge of emotion, all good. She waited a moment before speaking, imagining the life he painted for her.

"I want that too..." She told him, leaning away to look up at him. "I don't want to have the fate of an entire world on our shoulders...I want us to have to worry about little daily concerns." She smiled. "Did I burn dinner? What sort of mischief have you gotten into while I wasn't looking?" Though history had shown she was more likely to get into mischief than he was, but that was besides the point. Perhaps, even someday, they could ponder other things...like, would they start a family? She knew she was young...but she also knew this life was what she desperately wanted. "Do you think it's possible? Do you think we could find a way to make it work?"

While she was daydreaming, she might as well imagine that her aunt could be with them too, and maybe even Shouri. She bet Washi would help them get a home somewhere...maybe one big enough that Sei and Haru could stay with them as well. It was a fantasy, after all, so why not?

After some time, she sighed. "We...should head back soon, my darling..." She didn't want to leave this quiet moment with him, but she knew the others would be looking for them sooner rather than later, as it was getting late. "I love you." She still felt as if she'd never grow tired of saying it, and hoped Isamu would not soon tire of hearing it.

"Well, I hope you've liked what you've seen as well…”

He smiled and kissed her lips before placing a hand on her cheek, “From this day forth, I am yours Hotori, in body and soul, it is perfectly fine for you to look at me.” He ran his thumb on her cheek and then said half-teasingly, “Besides, if you did not, I would then worry thinking I was disagreeable in your eyes.” To be honest, he did wonder what she would think if she looked at him, after all, he was probably far form what she was used to seeing and, well, he was many years older, he wanted to know she would be fine with the way he was or looked. Somehow you got these insecurities when you were with someone, you wanted them to see everything they would eve rant in you, but then again Isamu was not desperate and he accepted himself the way he was, it only relieved him to know she liked him. He then kissed her lips before saying, “As to your tease, I think Hotori, that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and this experience only confirmed it.” There, he said it, but he hoped this helped her feel good in his company. He did not want her to start doubting herself or even comparing herself with other people. He had eyes for no one else.

“I know you will always find me… But why waste time looking when we're together here…now…?”

“Hotori…” He whispered her name with all the love he was feeling for her now. He held her closely and kissed her cheek, she was right though, why go through all the pain of a separation and whole lifetimes of looking for each other when they were together now, because fate drew them toward each other? Surely Suzaku, the God of love, would see this? Why else allow these things to happen if he could not do anything to help? Besides, if they fought the Fiend surely that would grant them a wish? And then he fought of the many times the mikos had wished to stay with their beloved, and the wish was never granted. She felt a great wave of pain but he dismissed it now, for the sake of his love. “There is nothing I want more in this world than to be with you for all times.” He closed his eyes for a moment before he added, “You have given me my life back Hotori, I could never do anything but be with you, I could not exist anymore if I were taken away from your soft arms.”

"I want that too...I don't want to have the fate of an entire world on our shoulders...I want us to have to worry about little daily concerns… Did I burn dinner? What sort of mischief have you gotten into while I wasn't looking?”

He smirked and closed his eyes feeling her smooth body against his. Yes, that would be the life both of them wanted and he added with mirth, “I believe you mean what sort of mischief YOU would have gotten into.” He kissed her cheek for a moment before he laughed softly, oh Hotori, she made him so happy and he seemed unable to express with words how much he loved her. Maybe he would be able to make her wishes come true. Surely there was something they could try to earn the god’s favour, and the god of love could not be completely unmoved by their story. After all, he had been left abandoned without everything he had eve roved for far too long, would he now grant him this last wish? Would he finally let him feel what happiness was like? What love could be she it burned you form within?

“Do you think it's possible? Do you think we could find a way to make it work?”

He sighed, although he wanted her to be happy he knew he could never lie to her. He looked deeply into her emerald eyes, his amber ones shone with determination, “I do not know… what I do know is I will do everything-and I mean everything-at hand to ensure this happens. I want you to always be happy.” He leaned his forehead on hers and closed his eyes for a moment before he said cone more and his eyes looked for hers, “I will not give up, surely we will find a way…”

”We…should head back soon, my darling...I love you.”

He kissed her cheek once more before he released her from his embrace and his gaze softened as he looked at her one last time, “Hotori, I love you now and always.” He smiled before he moved to where his clothes were and he removed his cloak. He got dressed and finally tried to fix his mostly dried ebony hair and he finally tied it with the ribbon Hotori had given him. He smiled now remembering that tender scene where she had combed his hair and tied it with the ribbon.

She was his moon, he would never let her go away. Still smiling with his resolution he walked toward her and stood by the fire, he would extinguish it once she was ready to go. He looked down at the necklace she and given him and now it had a much deeper meaning in his eyes.

“Hotori… There is nothing I want more in this world than to be with you for all times. You have given me my life back Hotori, I could never do anything but be with you, I could not exist anymore if I were taken away from your soft arms.”

Hotori looked into his amber abysses a moment before she leaned up and kissed him. "I didn't even realize I was living until I came here...until I met you." She shook her head. "If I didn't have you there to protect me...to make me feel safe and warm and loved...I...I just don't know what I'd do. I can't even imagine returning to a life that you're not part of." She laughed softly when he pointed out that she'd be the one getting in trouble, most likely, and nodded in silent agreement.

“I do not know… what I do know is I will do everything-and I mean everything-at hand to ensure this happens. I want you to always be happy. I will not give up, surely we will find a way…”

She nodded in agreement again. "I hope so, my darling. And I won't give up either." She smiled at his words of love, and stood to go fetch her clothing from where she'd left it. She carried it back near the fire, and then removed her cloak, beginning to dress. Her skin was dry now, and her hair would finish drying shortly. She should've felt shy dressing in the open like this, but after the evening she'd spent...and all of the sheer emotion, she didn't think she'd ever feel shy around Isamu again. They loved each other so completely that she knew they would forever completely accept once another as they were. It was strange, at her fairly young age, to know such a thing, but she did.

She finished dressing about the same time Isamu did, and she folded her cloak over her arm before turning to face him. She waited for him to put out the fire before taking his hand and interlacing their fingers. "Haru-kun is still going to pay for all of this." She announced as they began to walk casually back to camp. "And...I can't explain it, but I think he let that mouse in my room the other night..." True, his methods had worked...somewhat...in the end, but she was still unhappy about him coming to check up on them. It embarrassed her that the man she considered an older brother had seen her undressed, and it poked that little jealous part of her that he'd seen Isamu that way too.

Haru looked up from where he and Sei sat when he heard footsteps and smiled when he saw Hotori and Isamu approaching. "So the lovebirds return finally..." He teased with a grin as he uncapped his canteen.

Hotori released Isamu's hand, strolled over and took the canteen from his hand before he could take so much as a sip. She then turned it over, emptying the contents on the healer's head before dropping the canteen in his lap. She then looked over at Sei. "I'm sorry, Sei-kun, I didn't get you wet, did I?" He shook his head no, and she nodded once looking back at Haru. "That's for spying on me, you big perv." She said decisively before turning and walking back to Isamu's side.

"Hey!" Haru pulled away from Sei and shook his head to shake loose some of the water. "Not my type, remember?" He pushed his wet hair back, doing his best to ignore Sei's laughter.

"Then that's for spying on Isamu." She replied coolly. "And I'm telling Sei-kun."

Haru shot Sei a look, as if to say 'It's not how she makes it sound.' which only made Sei laugh harder. He then looked at the new couple again. "Besides, someone had to do something, or you were both doing to pine away to nothing..."

Hotori tried to stay angry, but she felt the corners of her lips curl up slightly in a smile. She was too happy to stay mad for long, and couldn't seem to stay mad at her Seishi anyway...

"I didn't even realize I was living until I came here...until I met you… If I didn't have you there to protect me...to make me feel safe and warm and loved...I...I just don't know what I'd do. I can't even imagine returning to a life that you're not part of.”

He closed his eyes deeply giving in to her kiss and felt her words touch him like no words had ever before. He won deed if she was aware of the extent of her words but he smiled simply and said, “I will do my best to always stay by your side, beloved robin bird.” He caressed her cheek for a moment and knew that he had to do his best to keep his promises, especially those he made to the woman he loved. She was so lovely…did she not see how captivating she truly was? Did she truly think she was but a mere young girl in his eyes? If only he could make her see what his eyes could. He kissed her cheek before both moved to ready themselves. He knew the other Seishi would not be waiting all night, besides, they probably needed to eat and sleep and he could hardly wait to feel what it was like to sleep with Hotori in his arms. Maybe that night he would allow himself a few more hours of sleep than usual, just this once.

”I hope so, my darling. And I won't give up either.”

He nodded, he was glad to know she would also stay strong fora s long as they had to in order to be together once and for all. He did not care how much he had to suffer if all the grief brought hi back to her arms where no more oaths, rituals or deities needed them to follow their rules. He wanted to love her, and now he realised that in the past his goal had been to keep people safe being disenchanted by the way of life a general truly had, now, however, Hotori was his new objective…the new goals of his life and probably the one path he and sought to find all these years.

Now-despite the despair he experienced countless times back then-he knew that it had al been so that he could meet Hotori, this wonderful person who knew him inside and out and loved him for the person he was. She did not wish to change anything about him and understood him like no one else ever did. She was his treasure and he would protect her with everything he had. He was glad he became a bodyguard for now it would become his most useful skill to ensure the safety of the Suzaku no miko, his beloved.

“Haru-kun is still going to pay for all of this…And…I can't explain it, but I think he let that mouse in my room the other night…”

He felt their fingers intertwine and closed his eye for a brief moment remembering the blessed moment they had shared at the springs, the softness of her damp skin, her sweet lips, how enticing her eyes were… This made him smile and stop her before they headed back to the camp, and he said with a grin, “I have no doubt you will make him pay but, before that..” He pulled her into a deep embrace and his lips claimed hers passionately before he whispered in her ear, “Beautiful…” He then smiled at her and allowed her to hold his hand as they walked back. To her words regarding the mousy he grinned, that was an amusing thought and judging by what he had done to them by sending Hotori to the springs, well, he now believed Haru might have even pulled that joke on them.

“So the lovebirds return finally…”

Isamu lightly blushed at Haru’s words, he remembered when the man had somewhat forced a confession from him and he deemed Haru suspected Hotori held deep feelings for the bodyguard that day he tended to his wounds. But now it being spoken of in the open did make him feel a bit shy about it. He eyed Sei and was a bit surprised though that both Seishi approved of this so easily. Maybe it was because they also had a rather powerful bond that enabled them to understand Isamu and Hotori. And that made him smile somewhat as he watched Hotori approach the other two Seishi.

”I’m sorry, Sei-kun, I didn't get you wet, did I? That's for spying on me, you big perv."

“Hey! Not my type, remember?”

"Then that's for spying on Isamu…And I'm telling Sei-kun.”

Isamu could not stop himself from actually laughing as hard as Sei did. Hotori had truly amused him now and though he thinker she had been a bit harsh on Haru, part of him knew he did deserve that for spying on them. And he did blush a bit when Hotori added that she punished him for spying on Isamu. He rubbed the back of his neck at Haru’s last comment and then smiled at Hotori as she walked back to him. He took her hand and lovingly kissed it before he led her to sit next to him on a log next to the fire and he gave her some of the food. He thanks Haru for making something for them to eat and then he silently ate his food.

He was surprised at how hungry he was all of a sudden, but he did travel far and then enter springs, it relaxed you but also made you lose energy more easily. He turned to smile at Hotori and caressed her cheek, once he finished his food he waited for her to finish and then he put everything away for the both of them and fed the fire with another fresh log of wood.

He wondered if Hotori would like to sleep in his arms, or if it would be too soon for her, this was new for the both of them so he was not sure what she would think of these sudden ideas of his. He wanted to be gentle with her and also careful with what he said or did, he wanted to go at her pace and ensure she enjoyed the time she would spend in his company as much as he already enjoyed being with her. He smiled softly and his eyes glowed as the flickering flames burned about them and he looked into her lovely emerald eyes.

With both Sei and Isamu laughing, Haru crossed his arms and feigned offense. "Fine, I see how it goes. I practically do the impossible to help a friend, and that's the thanks I get." Sei leaned up against him and murmured something, and Haru smiled down at him. He had noticed Isamu's shyness when he'd teased them lightly, and again when Hotori had mentioned him 'spying' on them, which the healer had not been doing. Still, he decided not to tease any more for now. He really was glad the two were happy together. After all, Haru was happy and in love, and he wanted the same for the rest of the world...but specifically the people within it that he cared about.

Hotori laughed as well, showing she may not be as mad as she'd seemed at first. She sat down with Isamu and accepted the food with a smile and a soft "Thank you." before she looked over at Haru and Sei. "Thank you, Haru-kun. You said you'd help me, and in your own strange way you did." She pointed a finger at him. "But, if you ever try anything like that again, I'll do more than pour water on your head." Still, she smiled. She really was in too good of a mood to stay mad for long.

As they eat, all quietly enjoying each others company, she leaned into Isamu's hand as he caressed her cheek, and smiled up at him. She couldn't seem to look away from him, even as he put everything away and fed the fire so it would stay warm. She wondered if she'd ever be able to take her eyes off of him again, and though it seemed a silly thought, she couldn't help but think that she would not mind never looking away. Once he was seated next to her once more, she leaned over against him, resting her head against his shoulder and watching the flames dance.

Sei whispered something to Haru and the pair stood. "We're off to bed." Haru announced. "You two don't do anything we wouldn't, okay?" He tossed Hotori and Isamu a wink and a grin before he and Sei said their goodnights and headed for their tent.

Hotori shook her head and leaned against Isamu once more. "Isamu...will you play for me again?" She asked softly. She enjoyed his playing as much as he seemed to enjoy her singing, if not more. "Just for a little while..." She couldn't help but blush faintly as she added. "And then we can go to bed as well..."

She secretly hoped he would stay in her tent with her. She knew he usually slept a few hours outside, keeping an eye on the camp for them all, but she wasn't ready to leave his side just yet, and was sure that his embrace would allow her to rest better than any teddy bear ever could...even if she loved the bear because he had given it to her. Still, she was worried it would sound too forward if she asked him to sleep with her, so she hoped he would infer her suggestion on his own. She looked up at him, the faint blush still present, and reached up to gently touch the stone around his neck as she waited for an answer to his request.

“Fine, I see how it goes. I practically do the impossible to help a friend, and that's the thanks I get.”

Isamu looked at Haru, then at Sei and finally at Hotori as the laughter continued and he smiled for a moment. It was strange but, he had to admit, this felt like a family to him and he had not had one in such a long time. This was his new family and he would look after it with his life. He nodded at Haru and hoped he did understand he had just extends chis gratitude to him, after all, he had done his best to ensure they would discover their mutual affections with him voicing them out for them both. He was glad he did what he did, in a way, not getting too involve din the whole situation or else it would have been slightly uncomfortable later on. He was far wiser than he let on. Maybe he did that on purpose. He smirked at the thought.

"Thank yo… Thank you, Haru-kun. You said you'd help me, and in your own strange way you did… But, if you ever try anything like that again, I'll do more than pour water on your head.”

Isamu smiled when she closed her sweet emerald eyes and leaned to his hand before he set to put everything away. Just before he sat back down he pulled his bag along and placed it gently on the log next to him, he truly loved his shamisen as it was his last possession which had belonged to his family and so he tried to keep it close by at all times. He knew Hotori had been looking at him while he worked to remove everything and finally sit next to her and it made him smile. It was strange how long it had taken them to confess their mutual affects but he was glad they did eventually. He placed a hand on his recent injury and smiled, Haru’s healing abilities were truly astounding. He then felt Hotori lean to him an he turned to look at her and he smiled gently. He embraced her with the arm she was leaning to and also covered her with pulling his cloak into the embrace. He moved a lock of beautiful green hair from her face and his eyes stared down at the beautiful young woman he loved more than anything else in this world.

"We're off to bed…You two don't do anything we wouldn't, okay?”

Isamu smirked and couldn't avoid returning the tease, “Yes father.” He was aware that their love was such blooming and so he would keep it that way, besides, he was a bit inexperienced just like Hotori so he was in no hurry to move through this newly found sensation. He would take things nice and steady and he knew Hotori would do the exact same thing. He kissed the top of her head and leaned his chin on it and closing his eyes he sighed silently realising how much he would be missing out if he had never shown Hotori his actual feelings, they probably would have never found happiness.

“Isamu…will you play for me again? Just for a little while...And then we can go to bed as well…”

He smiled and looked down at her watching her blush and touch the necklace she had given him and he lifted her chin before he kissed her lips in a short passionate kiss. Once he pulled away he took out his shamisen, “For you, I would play all night, my love.” He smiled at her and then played a couple of relaxing songs, in a way also to help Haru and Sei sleep well, particularly since in a way they had helped them a lot. So he had to show his gratitude somehow.

His fingers elegantly caressed the strings and his eyes closed for a moment as he played on, the flicking flames shone bright on the amber stone and he concentrated on mimicking she sounds of the birds around them. Once he finished the two songs he played for her he opened his eyes, which burned with the fire of the bonfire and then he smiled down at her. He put his shamisen away and picking the bag he said softly, “My love, let us sleep some…” he caressed her chin with his finger and smiled, “Tonight you will be my teddy bear.” His last words were almost a whisper and he hoped he was not being too forward, but he did wish to hold her in his arms that night and discover what it was like to sleep like that.

He gently guided her to her tent and once inside, he removed his cloak, boots, socks and gloves. He also took off his light blue vest and remained on his sleeveless shirt and trousers. He made his way to the makeshift bed and then waited for her to be ready to join him before he pulled the beauty to him and embraced her warmly with one arm. “I love you Hotori.” He whispered before he kissed her cheek.

"Yes father."

Hotori giggled. It seemed Isamu had chosen to open up to them all, and she was so glad. She loved this man, and as Sei and Haru were her friends, she wanted them to see how wonderful he was too. Haru stuck his tongue out at the pair of them before vanishing into his and Sei's tent, and Hotori giggled again. "It seems Papa Haru does not like to be teased." She settled into Isamu's embrace and closed her eyes.

“For you, I would play all night, my love.”

"Oh, but then you wouldn't get any sleep, and I'd feel bad..." She smiled up at him before focusing on his hands as he played. She found it simply fascinating, and she thought she might ask him some day to teach her, but she couldn't imagine anything she could play would be as lovely. The combination of the soothing music, the gentle firelight, and being so near the man she loved soothed Hotori. She felt completely at peace, and, much like the hot spring, she wished this single moment would last forever. Would everything feel like this now? She never wanted this moment to end. but she was anxious to see if the next moment would be even more wonderful. It was a strange feeling, but she loved it almost as much as she loved Isamu.

“My love, let us sleep some… Tonight you will be my teddy bear.”

She blushed again, just a little, but smiled up at him. There was a time when any mention of a teddy bear would have made her feel childish, but she was finally beginning to see that Isamu really did see her as a woman...the woman that he loved, no less. She let him guide her to the tent, and while he got ready for bed, she swapped the dress she'd been wearing for the gown she slept in. Her shoes were discarded, and she picked up the bear he'd given her and moved it to rest on top of her things. She loved the bear, but she would not need him to keep the bad dreams at bay. She joined him, settling down into his arms and smiling up at him as he kissed her cheek.

"I love you Hotori."

"I love you too, Isamu." She said. She leaned up and kissed him softly before settling comfortably into his embrace and resting her head on his chest. She closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat for a few moments. "Rest well, my love..." She murmured, already feeling herself drifting slowly into peaceful dreams. It was so comfortable there in his arms, and she wondered if she would ever be able to sleep without him again.

"It seems Papa Haru does not like to be teased.”

Isamu smirked when Haru stuck his tongue at them and he winked at him as they left to their tent. He smiled feeling Hotori laugh within his embrace and he held her warmly, “Hotori…my sweet singing bird.” He whispered in her ear and then kissed her cheek and rendered a coupe of kisses on her neck. How on earth did this woman change him from his usual cold self to openly show his emotions to her and touch her and kiss her in a way he never thought he would any woman? He was proud of Hotori for all she entailed and having her in his hold and possessing her heart filled his own with great pride and he would gladly scream out loud how much he loved her. But he also needed to protect her. He looked down at her lovingly and said softly, “Hotori, my love for you is as vast as the ocean, but, I need you to allow me to protect you still, as a bodyguard, a Seishi and… your lover.” He kissed her lips for a moment before he said, “Until we complete our task it would be best to keep anyone from learning of our love, with that I mean we can still show openly that we are together but, when in public places we might have to be careful, do you understand my love?” He caressed her cheek while he still held her with his other arm.

“I love you to much to let anyone harm you. I would not forgive myself if anything else happened to my singing bird.” He rested his forehead on hers and closed his eyes for a moment feeling her breath and his own combined. Still unable to believe that such a lovely and wonderful woman was in love with him, he held her warmly and opened his eyes for his amber abysses to look deeply into her emerald ones, just as precious as the gems themselves.

"Oh, but then you wouldn't get any sleep, and I'd feel bad…”

He chuckled and kissed her lips, “I am getting to a point where I would not mind giving up sleep to please you or simply to watch you sleep.” It was true though, Hotori was so gorgeous that even just looking at her was more than enough to make him feel warm inside and make his heart race. And then she was so beautiful, she was truly a woman unlike any other. And he thought for a moment about their recent experience at the springs, and he remembered her beautiful nakedness and he sighed at the memories of holding her to him with nothing to stand between them. He kissed the top of her head while he played on until it was time for the both of them to go to sleep.

He led her into the tent and got ready to sleep, and while he waited for her in the bed he looked down at her with her lovely nightgown. He smiled watching her place her teddy nearby and then joined him. He pulled her to him gently and covered them with the blanket. She was so warm and soft and with this nightgown he could almost relive their recent experience at the springs and he blushed lightly and was glad Hotori was busy getting comfortable, he looked away for a moment trying not to think of it but it was truly difficult when he had such a lovely woman in his arms with nothing covering her but a light nightgown.

“I love you too, Isamu.”

He smiled and closed his eyes to enjoy her kiss and he held her warmly to him and while she drifted into a deep sleep he smiled and sighed falling asleep almost instantly. He slept peacefully for around four hours, the usual he slept for, and then he slowly woke up before anyone else and he smiled looking down at Hotori, he wished he could just stay inside this bed forever with her in his arms. He kissed her lips for a moment before he sneakily moved out of her embrace and he tucked her in and placed the teddy in her arms. He got dressed and then to a nearby stream to fish their breakfast. He washed his face and then walked back placing the fish by the fire.

He cooked them and then once everything was ready and it was time for the rest to wake up, he walked back into the tent and sat next to Hotori and he took her in his arms and he kissed her lips softly and increasing in passion as if to wake her up gently. his hand held her warmly and he closed his eyes.

“Hotori, my love for you is as vast as the ocean, but, I need you to allow me to protect you still, as a bodyguard, a Seishi and… your lover. Until we complete our task it would be best to keep anyone from learning of our love, with that I mean we can still show openly that we are together but, when in public places we might have to be careful, do you understand my love? I love you to much to let anyone harm you. I would not forgive myself if anything else happened to my singing bird.”

Hotori blushed faintly when he called himself her lover. She'd always considered that term to apply to people with a more...physical...relationship than what she and Isamu had-what they could have, so long as she was the Miko-but she could think of no other term that encompassed the level of love and affection she felt for Isamu. She nodded to his words and smiled softly at him as she gazed into his amber eyes. "I believe I do, yet. Any I will do my best to be careful as you ask." She leaned up and kissed him softly before adding. "I can content myself with knowing that you do love me as deeply as I love you." She put her arms around his neck as she continued to look into his eyes. "And that is a deep love indeed, my handsome knight..."

She slept more soundly that night than she had since coming to this world, and she didn't think she could ever sleep without his embrace again. She dreamed of the life they both desired, should she be allowed to stay in the book. In her dream, her aunt and Shouri and Shouri's brother Hajime were there too. Hajime and Haru got along, and her aunt was fascinated by absolutely everything. Most importantly, She and Isamu were free of all the rules and dangers of being Miko and Seishi, and could live happily with one another and their love. It was a lovely dream, and she wished with all her heart that it could be so.

Her first sensation upon slowly waking was that of being held and kissed. She knew without opening her eyes that it was Isamu, and she returned the kiss, reaching up to put her arms around his neck as she did so. When the kiss at last broke, she finally opened her eyes though she didn't pull away from the embrace. She smiled at him. "If this is how you plan to wake me every morning, I will quickly get spoiled." She informed him. She moved a hand to his cheek and caressed it softly. "Good morning my love. Did you sleep as well as I did?" She blushed faintly, hoping he'd enjoyed sleeping with her.

She reluctantly moved away enough to stretch, arching her back some to work the muscles that had been inactive as she slept. She then smiled at him once mroe, catching his gloved hand and kissing hte knuckles gently. "Have you been up long?" She almost wished he'd woken her when he got up. She would've enjoyed the extra time with just the two of them. If he was waking her, it would be time to wake the others soon. She loved her friend, but she knew time alone with Isamu would be scarce as they traveled.

Haru awoke without being told to, and seeing that it was morning, he woke Sei as well so they could begin to get ready to greet the day, and to head out once more. He'd forgotten to tell Isamu and Hotori that a traveling circus had passed by the evening before, and it seemed they'd be stopping in the next town. Perhaps the four of them could stop and enjoy the circus for a bit. Hotori would love it, and it would be a good chance for both couples to enjoy themselves.

When Isamu tad Hotori of his plan to conceal their relationship form the eyes of the world he was not sure how his little singing bird would react. On the one hand, she would probably think he was ashamed of her-which he was not-and would rather let everyone else they were mere acquaintances. On the other hand, she could think he was so full of enemies they needed to hide from them all, and that was partly the case but, he was a bodyguard and the safety of his charge was the most important thing, always. He worked for many years and he never failed and now that his miko had finally come he would be far more careful than ever. True, he was not alone in this task as Haru and Sei were also her Seishi and both were more than capable of protecting her, he had learned to trust those two with his very life. Haru even saved his life and he saw in him a brother-ar-arms, a friend and the one person he could be competitive with at a healthy level. After all, they were closer in age than the rest of the group, so that rendered them the right to behave as they did. He won deed what Hotori thought of their current relationship. Now, he did feel slightly embarrassed knowing Haru had gone to ensure they were all right at the springs, but he decided to push that thought aside and think that he simply worried for the miko.

He noticed Hotori blush and he smiled warmly, “You are always so sweet when you blush, my love…” he breathed in her ear before he kissed her neck softly and his mind took him back to the springs, how could she not feel herself beautiful? He locked his gaze on hers, “You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen…” He kissed her lips for a moment before he smiled down at her. He could not believe what she had done to him. She had changed him so much, he remembered the emptiness he felt morning and night and how he fund it hard to feel at al human, he was the Ice Knight after all. He coded his eyes and said with a smile, “what have you done to me, my singing bird…”

“I believe I do, yet. Any I will do my best to be careful as you ask…I can content myself with knowing that you do love me as deeply as I love you…And that is a deep love indeed, my handsome knight…”

He chuckled but he smiled down at her when she called him her handsome knight and blushed lightly. Did she truly believe him that appealing? He had scarcely ever noticed if anyone ever complimented him. He closed his eyes feeling her lips on his and sighed feeling in true bliss. Hotori probably had no idea but, she had an ability to guess what set his heart racing and she made use of it at the right moment. Just as she had done so now, when lying on his arms and sleeping peacefully, trusting him to remain her beloved and respect her trust. He was not sure show he ended with such a wonderful creature but he would love her forever. He was convinced that his armour would not just last one lifetime but beyond that. his hand gently caressed her long dark green hair and he allowed these moments to remain in his mind and heart and if he ever needed them he could just turn back and gaze within and he would find Hotori in his arms, just as he wished they could stay forevermore.

The next morning he decided to give Hotori a couple of more hours of sleep, they had been awake till late the night before and even Haru an Sei probably needed the rest. With breakfast ready and all set to go they would not have to prepare that many things so a few more hours of sleep seemed sensible, especially when in a way they owed the man for having finally confessed their mutual affections. He was truly pleased to feel her return the kiss when he moved to wake her up and she ran her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her. his body felt warm and he smiled teasingly when he heard her talk once more.

“If this is how you plan to wake me every morning, I will quickly get spoiled…Good morning my love. Did you sleep as well as I did?”

He grinned and kissed her lips briefly a couple of times before he caressed her arms with his hands as he spoke, his eyes burning with their newly found passion, “It depends if the lady deserves it…she has to be sweet throughout the day if not her knight wont feel up for the challenge of kissing her good morning.” It was a tease of course, but he realised the night before, in the company of Hotori, that there was this light playfulness about him. He then caressed her hair and said, “Of course I slept well, I was holding the most beautiful green-haired girl…”

His eyes lit up the moment she moved to stretch herself in such an alluring way it almost made him wonder if she did this on purpose. He looked away slightly, he knew that in love relationships there would come a moment when passion would be unleashed and he knew he needed to respect Hotori and also ensure she remained chaste until Suzaku was summoned and he granted her his own powers. So he had to be careful and not allow that to happen, he blushed lightly and ran a hand through his hair. He then felt her kiss his hand and ask him a question, it would help him think of other things that weren’t the naughty little temptress lying on the bed. “I probably have, I needn’t that much sleep, four hours the most.” He smiled at her, “But if you need a bit more sleep I am sure Haru and Sei won’t mind.

He offered her a canteen, “It is fresh water, enjoy it.” He slowly stood up and feeling the laziness as a result of the time they spent at the springs he gently stretched his arms and placed his hands behind his head lightly before he walked to the entrance of her tent to ensure the food was not burning, “I hope you are hungry Hotori, because breakfast is ready.” He smiled and turned to look at her, he wondered though, now that they were a couple and, well, they had seen each other…would she need privacy to change? He had never been in an actual relationship before so he did not know these things. He turned to look at her, “Hotori, my love, would you rather I left you to get dressed and ready?”

He chuckled, he probably sounded foolish now. But he would rather do things nice and easy for Hotori and himself, he did not want to do or say anything that could offend her and then make her dislike spending time with him. And then Haru’s word also echoed in his mind, he wanted to be a gentleman with her, to give her support and all his love but also to do it in a way that she would also enjoy it. But for now, the Ice Knight was speechless and did not low exactly how to do these things. But he was honest and he trusted Hotori was mature enough not to mind him asking questions.[/bockquote]

“It depends if the lady deserves it…she has to be sweet throughout the day if not her knight wont feel up for the challenge of kissing her good morning. Of course I slept well, I was holding the most beautiful green-haired girl…”

Hotori chuckled at his words. "The lady will endeavor to be the sweetest she possibly can be, lest she disappoint her knight." After a pause, she added. "So long as it doesn't include putting up with the attitude of the bratty healer..." She was over her annoyance with Haru, but it would still be fun to tease him a bit about it. She blushed at his last statement, but smiled happily at him. "Isamu..." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. It was almost strange how much she loved him, and how happy even that little sentence from him made her. She couldn't help but think that suddenly all of those pop love songs were starting to make sense...

“I probably have, I needn’t that much sleep, four hours the most. But if you need a bit more sleep I am sure Haru and Sei won’t mind."

Hotori shook her head. "I feel well rested." she assured him. "Last night was perhaps the best I've slept since coming here." She wondered if it would sound silly, but it was true. She felt so safe in Isamu's arms that she couldn't help but rest well when he held her. It was almost hard to believe this was the same man she'd met back in Sailo who had seemed so distant and aloof. His eyes had seemed cold back then, but now as she looked into them, she could see an inner fire. Had she really been the reason for the change? He made comments that hinted that he thought she was, but she couldn't imagine how she-just by being herself-could have the power to change anyone, especially so drastically. "I'm ready to get up..." She assured him as she finally moved to do so.

“It is fresh water, enjoy it. I hope you are hungry Hotori, because breakfast is ready.”

"Thank you." Hotori took the water, and drank deeply. It was delicious in the way only water from a fresh clean stream could be. After she'd had her fill, she nodded. "Oh, yes, I am hungry indeed." She gave a soft giggle. "You're always cooking for us...the next time I get my hands on a stove, I'll have to cook something for you." She smiled as she watched him move around the tent. "I can cook, you know...I just never got much practice at outdoor cooking...But give me a proper kitchen with a stove, and I can make up meals that make your mouth water." She laughed again. "At least, my aunt says they do..."

“Hotori, my love, would you rather I left you to get dressed and ready?”

Hotori opened her mouth to answer, and then paused, thinking about it. On one hand, it seemed as though she should say yes...for modesty's sake...but on the other hand, they had seen one another at the spring the night before, and she had changed for bed with him in the tent last night without so much as a second thought. She stood and crossed to where he stood before she leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Whatever you are comfortable with, Isamu." She said at last. Whether he stayed or went, she trusted him, and would feel comfortable either way. "You have told me before that I need not hide from you, and given everything that has passed between us..." She shook her head. "There seems little point in being shy and demanding you leave now." She hoped saying that would not make her seem a loose woman, and the thought nearly made her blush, but she would never grant this allowance to anyone besides her beloved Isamu.

She turned to her things and began to take out the dress she would wear that day. She also put out her hairbursh and a ribbon, before packing everything else away, including her teddy bear. Once that was done, she dressed, brushed her hair, and tied it back. Putting on her favorite sandals-the ones she'd been wearing when she'd been brought into the book- finally put her nightgown away before turning to see what else she needed to do before she could enjoy the breakfast Isamu had made.

Hari and Sei packed all of their things and dressed, emerging from the tent. Haru looked around, and though he could see neither Horori nor Isamu, he heard voices from Hotori's tent. "It seems our little bird has flown the nest, Mama." He told Sei with a grin. "She doesn't need us anymore, she's found her lovebird." He and Sei settled down to wait for them.

“The lady will endeavor to be the sweetest she possibly can be, lest she disappoint her knight… So long as it doesn't include putting up with the attitude of the bratty healer…”

He grinned at her words and teased her saying, “Good, he shan’t expect no less…” He smiled when she kissed his cheek and he winked at her to remark his previous words, for some reason he could be a bit playful and she would not mind. He remembered when he was younger and he would have a bit of a banter with his father, but the joy of his early years did not last long, he wondered though if Hotori was bringing that side form him back, it had to be, he did not recall behaving this way ever since the day of the fire and raid. He decided he loved the sound of his names when she uttered it, in fact, when she uttered it with so much love it melted his heart. He wondered if he had the same effect on his beloved.

“I feel well rested… Last night was perhaps the best I've slept since coming here.”

He smiled, “I am glad my sweet little bird, because I also enjoyed holding you all night long and would easily get used to doing this every night.” He looked deeply into her eyes, it was something he had found he enjoyed doing and her eyes were of a deep green that easily contrasted with her gorgeous hair. He had to be mad not to love this beauty, he found himself smiling and it seemed that love did knock him off his feet, something he had never expected would ever happen to him, to the Ice Knight. And now this knight had his Princess.

“I’m ready to get up…”

He laughed softly and then said, “Fine, I will give you five minutes to get ready or else we will be leaving without you.” He turned to grin at her, he wondered what the group used to be like before he joined them, aside form the fact that Haru and Sei would still treat Hotori as their child…he smiled, he was glad Hotori’s Seishi loved her and devoted to her protection, and he was glad that day he decided to come along and protect her, instead of just leaving them there once the trouble was over.

"Thank you…Oh, yes, I am hungry indeed…You’re always cooking for us...the next time I get my hands on a stove, I'll have to cook something for you…I can cook, you know...I just never got much practice at outdoor cooking...But give me a proper kitchen with a stove, and I can make up meals that make your mouth water…At least, my aunt says they do…”

Isamu laughed softly and turned to look at his beloved, “Your aunt says so? Then next time I will sneak you into an Inn’s kitchen so I can judge for myself, although, I am sure she has a good sense in food and would be a good reference. I might actually trust her judgement and try whatever you make, just try not to poison me though.” He jested only to make her a bit grumpy but not much, he loved it when he teased he in different ways just to see how she would react. Hotori did the same, he knew that well so she could not simply pretend to be angered for long. He caressed her cheek and said, “It is my pleasure to cook for you, Hotori, I am only sorry I cannot make great dishes but every day I cook with my heart for the big Suzaku family.” He kissed her forehead and then smiled.

"Whatever you are comfortable with, Isamu…You have told me before that I need not hide from you, and given everything that has passed between us...There seems little point in being shy and demanding you leave now.”

He took her in his arms and then listened to her words intently and he smiled and pressed his lips against hers for a brief moment, he then said looking into her eyes, “I will then stay, my beloved, and know that I wont shy away from my beloved either.” He kissed her hand and went about to make the bed and help with packing while she got dressed, he wanted to be as helpful as possible they would have plenty of moments to watch each other get dressed he was sure, although the thought did make him blush slightly he rubbed the back of his head while she combed her hair.

He smiled at her and then kissed her cheek before he guided her out of the tent, he would unmount the tents while everyone else ate. He spotted Haru and Sei and said, “Good morning. There is breakfast waiting for you, feel free to have as much of it as you like.”

Truth be told, he had ensured there was plenty of food because he knew just how much Hotori liked to eat and everyone would need to conjure up a lot of energy in order to continue on their journey.