“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. 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.”

She smiled. They really were a family. "That love makes each dish great, my darling." She assured him with a smile. Her aunt had taught her that love was the most important ingredient when cooking, and should never be left out of anything she prepared. Her aunt said even a burnt meal, when made with love, would be enough to make others happy...not that Hotori had ever burnt anything. She worried for a moment that cooking for Isamu might be enough to cause her to burn something for the first time, because she would want it to be perfect for him, and things always happened when you tried to make a meal perfect. She pushed that thought aside for now. No sense worrying about it before the time came. Instead she smiled once more, trying to think of what she could fix for him when she got the chance.

“I will then stay, my beloved, and know that I wont shy away from my beloved either.”

She beamed up at him, and returned the kiss before moving to get dressed. She spotted that new, more mature dress she'd bought, but decided against it, especially if they'd just be traveling. She wanted to save it for something special when she could look her absolute best for her beloved knight.

As she dressed, she was aware of him moving about to get things ready to go. was this what daily life would be like now? Sharing such moments of intimacy with one another as they went about their daily tasks. She blushed faintly recalling the hot spring the night before, and wondered if this meant he would also dress in front of her now. She finished getting ready and met him at the entrance. She felt her face might crack in half from smiling so much, but she could not help it. She felt such joy, and she had to show it somehow. He kissed her cheek, and she took his hand, squeezing it gently before exiting the tent. She even smiled when she saw Haru and Sei were still up, though she had hoped she and Isamu would get a little more time alone.

“Good morning. There is breakfast waiting for you, feel free to have as much of it as you like.”

"Good morning, Mama." Hotori teased lightly, leaning over to kiss Sei's cheek. "Good morning, Papa." She repeated the gesture with Haru.

"Our daughter is over her little tantrum, it seems." Haru returned the tease. "Perhaps she slept well..." His eyes sparkled, and Hotori felt her cheeks warm.

She released Isamu's hand so she could sit and eat with the others. She looked over at Isamu. "Will you be eating with us?"

Haru served up food for himself, Sei, and Hotori. "Oh, I meant to tell you both last night, but I forgot. While you were off, a traveling circus came by." He nodded to the path they had taken. "One of the people with it talked to us for a few moments, and said they'd be stopping in the next town up the road for a few days."

Hotori's eyes brightened. She'd read accounts of old traveling circuses, but she had obviously never seen one. She wondered how much it differed from the sort of circus she was used to. She opened her mouth to ask if they could go, but then she recalled the mischief she'd gotten into at that fair in Sailo that time...there was no way they'd let her go to something like that again, she was sure of it. Not that she got into trouble on purpose...it just seemed to have a knack for finding her.

Instead of asking, she busied herself with eating. The food was delicious, as always, and she quite enjoyed eating anything Isamu made. She did try not to seem a pig, though. Now that she had a lover-a thought that still made her want to blush-she should make it a point to consider her appearance. She wanted to ensure he always found her pleasing...though she was sure he'd laugh at her if she told him that. It seemed a childish way of thinking, but she'd never been in such a relationship before, so she didn't know how else to think of things.

Haru had no problem calling her on it, though. "Don't you like it?" He smirked. "Because if you don't want it, I'll gladly eat it."

"I want it." She held her food a little defensively and slightly away from him. "It's delirious."

"Then stop poking about and eat up. We don't want you fainting from hunger and causing Isamu even more trouble." Haru reached over and ruffled her hair. "Besides, you're a growing girl..."

Hotori stuck her tongue out at him, but continued eating anyway. Once the meal was done, she gathered everything up and put it away, wanting to help, and not wishing to make Isamu feel like he had to do everything for them. She helped the others get everything ready to go, and waited patiently for Isamu to help her up onto his horse. She could ride well, but it was a little hard to climb up and down when in a dress.

"That love makes each dish great, my darling.”

Isamu smiled at Hotori, she had such a way of expressing herself always so full of understanding and gentleness that he at times could not believe why Haru would always tease her. He knew that the blue-haired Seishi never meant to offend her or take the joke too far, of course. He guessed that was just the way the man was, he even teased Isamu and that was a hard one. Especially when he was much colder or rather stoic compared to the rest of Seishi. He was a bit surprised that they had welcomed him into the group straight away, despite his reputation and the fact that he was not much company for conversation. Now he was a bit merrier and did converse a bit more but, he was still Isamu and that would never change. And yet, stoic or not, Hotori had fallen in love with him and he also loved her deeply, it was strange how life could change completely in but a couple of minutes, right? In this case it had been for the better and he was relieved, he had gone through so much in the past already, he was not ready to take more beating for now…

Isamu worked on dismounting the tent when Hotori went to greet Sei and Haru and then put everything away. He even helped with Haru and Sei’s tent and he ensured the horses were ready. once everything was sorted he moved in the direction of the party and sat next to Hotori once he served himself some of the food and he nodded to her words, “I cannot work on an empty stomach I’m afraid.” He teased her and smiled adding gently, “There should be more than enough food for everyone, even our ever-hungry miko.” he kissed the top of her head before he began eating. He trusted she would not feel offended by his little comment, besides, she had to know he did not mind if she ate much, he quite liked it actually, that meant she would not be the kind of girl to complain about what she ate, she seemed to like a bit of everything and, when you had to be on the road for long periods of time, this was truly helpful.

"Good morning, Mama…Good morning, Papa.”

"Our daughter is over her little tantrum, it seem…Perhaps she slept well…”

Isamu noticed the way Hotori’s cheeks reddened and he decided that Haru could have quite a mouth sometimes but he smirked nonetheless, he would not deny he had slept well. There was something wonderful of loving someone like Hotori and holding her in his arms all through the night, she was so soft and warm and beautiful…his mind went back to last night, when both had been completely exposed to each other at the springs and he remembered the warm feeling that ran through his body at such a lovely sight. He drank some more water and once he was done he resumed his eating but his amber eyes fixed on Haru as he spoke. He probably would suggest something for the trip, and since Isamu was now their leader he ensured the healer knew that he would still welcome his opinion on any matter, after all, he valued his wisdom despite his father bold moments.

“Oh, I meant to tell you both last night, but I forgot. While you were off, a traveling circus came by…One of the people with it talked to us for a few moments, and said they'd be stopping in the next town up the road for a few days.”

He finished his food and thought for a moment, if Haru did not want Hotori to go he would not have mentioned this and both of them knew they were headed to that town. He eyed the healer for a moment and then nodded, they had grown so used to each other that they at times did not need to exchange words to know what each other could be thinking. And so he looked into his eyes and nodded, he would gladly take Hotori along, it would give them a but more time together, besides he knew Haru and Sei had been with her for longer than he had, and being a couple they had never been able to get some time on their own since their priority was to look after Hotori, and now that Isamu was among them it made things much easier for the two of them.

Isamu turned to look at Hotori and noticed she was simply eating without giving any importance to the circus and he could not help it but to smile she probably thought Haru would not let her go this time and decided it was not worth bothering. He wondered though if Haru would want him to state he could take her now or once they reached the town, it probably did not matter, “Hotori, would you like to go to the circus with me?” He then added more seriously though, “You cannot leave my side though, just to make sure you remember that…”

"Don't you like it? Because if you don't want it, I'll gladly eat it."

"I want it…It’s delirious."

"Then stop poking about and eat up. We don't want you fainting from hunger and causing Isamu even more trouble…Besides, you're a growing girl…”

Isamu smiled when Hotori finished her meal and helped to put everything away. He moved to his horse and then readied everything for the upcoming journey. It was nice that she helped around, he had to admit that. When he sensed her behind him he tried to lighten the mood by turning to face her and pick her up and spin her around fora couple of times before he smiled down at her and whispered in her ear, “My little bird…” He kissed her lips briefly before he helped her to his horse. He paced her on the front of the saddle and he soon climbed behind her and took the reins holding her gently against her. He leaned down to whisper in her ear, “I love you.” He then held her lovingly to him and with the other hand he moved to stir the horse, he waited for the other Seishi to be ready before they moved at a walk. He ensured they left no trace of having stopped there for the night.

“Hotori, would you like to go to the circus with me? You cannot leave my side though, just to make sure you remember that…”

Hotori's eyes brightened as she looked upat Isamu. "Really? You would take me?" She was sure her excitement seemed childish, but she didn't care just then. "Oh, Isamu, I'd like that very much, yes." She leaned against his side, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment. "I promise I'll be right by your side the entire time." She didn't just mean at the circus, either, but always...though she didn't see a reason to specify that just then.

"I wouldn't go on her word alone." Haru teased. "You might want to hold her hand to make sure." He then gave the couple a playful wink.

Hotori blushed faintly, and stuck her tongue out at Haru. She then remembered the more mature outfit she'd bought to try and impress Isamu. This circus would be the perfect chance to wear it. "Can we...stop at an inn first? Before going?" She hoped they wouldn't ask why. She'd feel silly if she told them it was so she could change clothes.

Haru had a feeling he knew what his Miko was thinking. Sei had told him about the things she'd bought that day, and he had a feeling she wished to dress up for her beloved before they went to the circus. He didn't comment, though. This was one thing he wouldn't tease the younger girl about. He knew she loved Isamu, and he wanted them both to be happy.

"My little bird... I love you."

She laughed happily when Isamu picked her up and spun her around. She felt so happy with him, especially when he acted like this...it made her feel less childish...or at least like it was okay to be more playful. She returned the kiss and caressed his cheek fondly before he placed her on the saddle. When he settled behind her, she relaxed slightly into his embrace, smiling happily over her shoulder at him. "I love you too, my handsome knight."

She watched Haru and Sei mount their horse, and settled in to enjoy the ride. She understood why Isamu could not always be playful and affectionate like he was when they were alone, but it made those moments even more precious to her. Hopefully they'd both be acle to relax and enjoy themselves at the circus, though. If not, there was always that night to look forward to, when she'd get to spend another night in his warm, strong embrace. She blushed faintly. Would he want to share a room with her when they stayed at inns? He'd seemed to enjoy last night as much as she had, but he might think it'd be safer, or draw less attention to their relationship if they didn't...she simply wasn't sure.

Haru spoke up then, as they all rode along, interrupting her thoughts. "Why don't you sing for us to pass the time, Hotori-chan?"

Hotori smiled over at him. He only called her 'chan' when he really wanted her to do something, and after he'd mnaged to help her and Isamu confess their feelings for one another, she couldn't bring herself to say no. Besides, Isamu seemed to enjoy her singing. She thought for a moment before she starting singing a song she'd heard about spring. She closed her eyes as she sang, adn relaxed against Isamu, feeling completely at peace in his arms.

"Really? You would take me? Oh, Isamu, I'd like that very much, yes… I promise I'll be right by your side the entire time.”

Isamu smiled softly as he looked down at Hotori before the smile faded, he placed an arm around her and said, “Anything, my love, anything to make you happy and bring a smile to your beautiful face.” He caressed her cheek with one finger gently before he looked back at the fire. He only hoped this would not be a bad decision, he did not want a repeat of what had just happened at the other town. He knew that man would be back, one way or another his Nemesis would never cease to cause trouble until he was defeated. And so, he held her closer, wishing he could always protect her not only as a bodyguard or a Seishi, but as a man in love. She was the most precious thing he had now and ever since he decided to open up and allow her into the depths of his heart and soul, he could not lose her. He would never recover form such loss. “Good, because I would expect no less especially after all that happened.” He id not try to darken the mood but he hoped his miko understood he was begin serious. Something told him, Hotori was not only referring to going to the circus but in general, that she wished to never leave his side. It made his heart rejoice but he also worried for her safety, he did not want her to get hurt ever again. He still found it uncomfortable to think of what could have happen to Hotori had he arrived late. A hand closed in a fist under his cloak, Asharim would never get close to her again. He would make sure of that.

“I wouldn't go on her word alone… You might want to hold her hand to make sure.”

He decided that next time he would meet him, face to face, and finish this sick cycle. He chuckled at Haru’s words and watched Hotori as she stuck her tongue at the healer. Those two sure had a funny relationship. He looked down at Hotori and said, “I do not believe she could go anywhere without me knowing though, at least not anymore…” his senses were keen as he was a professional bodyguard, but now, since his heart was involved, he would always know if she was not close to him. And he knew that would help him when looking after the miko but he could not take his skills for granted, he had to ensure she also did her bet to stay put. He would not leave her sight and he would ensure she did not leave his. This was a good group and Isamu was glad Hotori was with people who truly cared for her. He had heard of mikes in the past who did not hold the heart of her Seishi and that made it hard for them to survive, or summon the deities.

“Can we...stop at an inn first? Before going?”

Isamu raised an eyebrow and was about to ask if there was any urgent reason for this. But his eyes moved to Haru and something in them dissuaded him from asking. He shrugged then and said, “I do not see why not.” Maybe she was hungry but, that could be provided at the circus and they just had breakfast. Oh well, he knew that so long as Hotori’s safety was not on the line, he could not deny her anything. He kissed the back of her hand and said, “We cannot stay long though, but there is an Inn near to the place where the circus is settled.” She would be able to get whatever she needed and they would be at walking distance of the circus. They could probably leave everything at the Inn and pick it up after stopping by the circus.

"I love you too, my handsome knight.”

Isamu smiled at her for a moment before his smile was gone and he looked at the path ahead. He was glad Hotori was mature enough to realise that, as the leader of the Seishi group and a bodyguard he could not be playful all the time nor set a bad example for the other Seishi. However, when they got moments together he would ensure to unleash his love for her and make her have as much fun as her childish nature dictated. He held her warmly as they rode on and he prayed to Suzaku to always protect them and bless their love and keep Hotori safe. He held her a bit tighter as if he wished to keep her with him forever, but not so tight that it alarmed her.

“Why don't you sing for us to pass the time, Hotori-chan?”

Isamu smiled and enjoyed her singing, but his smile faded the moment they reached a road. He still enjoyed her singing but right now they were reaching land where other people could be found and they were back on bodyguard and protege. He nodded at Haru as he dismounted at the Inn, “It might be a good idea to leave everything here and come to pick it up after the circus.” He then waited to hear if Haru agreed to the idea, after all, a good leader always knew when to seek advice form the second in command. You could tell there were some customs of when he was a General that were still there in him. He nodded at Hotori and Sei, for them to go get whatever she needed while he ensured the Innkeeper would take there things and keep them safe and he offered to pay half the money now and the other half before they left. He then waited outside the Inn with Haru, he turned to look up at the sky, he truly hoped all would go well, “Haru-san, I wanted to thank you for all you have done.” He did need to tell that to his friend, now that they were alone and no one could hear. Otherwise he would feel silly.

“Anything, my love, anything to make you happy and bring a smile to your beautiful face. Good, because I would expect no less especially after all that happened.”

Hotori blushed slightly at both the compliment and the reminder of what they'd recently gone through. If she had it to do over again, she would not have been so foolishly trusting of the man. She would've never left the shop Isamu told her to stay in, and she would've run to get him the moment the stranger approached her. Then again, if she had done that, she might not now be held so closely by the one she loved. It was a tricky situation, really, and she wasn't sure if the good outweighed the bad from it all or not.

“I do not believe she could go anywhere without me knowing though, at least not anymore…"

Hotori smiled up at her knight before looking over at Haru. "Anyway, I don't mind holding Isamu's hand..." She would never leave his side again, not by choice anyway, and would be much more wary for danger when she was out with him. She knew what to look for now, and knew that man would come after them. She memory of what she nearly suffered flitted through her mind, and she leaned a bit closer to Isamu, feeling his comfort and support. He was her hero, her protector, and not just because he was a Seishi and she was the Miko. It went far deeper than that now, and there was a bond only the two of them shared.

“I do not see why not. We cannot stay long though, but there is an Inn near to the place where the circus is settled.”

Hotori beamed up at him cheerfully. "Oh, thank you, Isamu!" She leaned up and kissed his cheek, already thinking of her little surprise for him. Would he like her look once she dressed more mature? Or would she look silly, like a little girl playing dress up? She hoped to look lovely and mature, and worthy of walking through the circus with such a handsome man. She was glad he didn't ask why she wanted to stop, though he could tell she wanted to. She wanted it to be a surprise.

“It might be a good idea to leave everything here and come to pick it up after the circus.”

Haru nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan." He watched Hotori grab one of her bags as she walked into the inn with Sei.

"We won't be long, I promise!" She called over her shoulder at the pair before the door closed between them.

Haru set to digging his money out of the saddlebags on his and Sei's horse and then handing the horses and things over to the stablehand for safekeeping. He looked up when Isamu spoke to him again.

“Haru-san, I wanted to thank you for all you have done.”

Haru nodded to him with a friendly smile. "It was no trouble." He looked at him more seriously. "It is nothing I wouldn't do for my own family." He hoped it was clear he didn't just mean Hotori. He felt as if his fellow Seishi was as much his family as Sei and Hotori were. He nodded back toward the inn. "Shall we go wait for the ladies?" He winked. Sei would probably laugh at being called a lady, since he was Hotori's 'Mama', after all.

In the Inn, Hotori asked for a room to change in. She was led to a room that was not being used, and Sei waited in the room with her. She washed her face and changed into her more mature dress. It fit a bit tighter, but not in a bad way, and was a little more revealing, but not to the point of looking improper. She sat down before the mirror to put on the make up, and Sei helped her comb out her hair and fix it up with the new combs into an updo that made her look a little older. At last she applied a little of the new perfume and slipped into the new slippers that matched the dress. She looked int he mirror as Sei put her things into her bag once more, and she blushed lightly. "Here goes nothing..." She said to her friend as she exited the room. Sei carried her bag and led her quickly toward the exit so she would not be accosted by the drunkards tin the tavern.

Hotori stepped out of the inn, and her eyes met Haru's for a moment. He gave her a slow look up and down and then smiled, shaking his head. She let Sei take her bag back to their other things as she slowly approached Isamu. "I am ready to go to the circus now, Isamu..."

She felt her cheeks warm slightly as she stood before him awaiting his approval. She was having doubts suddenly. Was this all too much? Would he like it? Did she look foolish? She took a deep breath and stood up straight, folding her hands in front of her as she smiled at him. Whatever he thought, she was sure he would appreciate that she wanted to do this for him. A bit shyly, she asked. "What do you think...?"

Isamu reminded Hotori of their past incident not to bring her further shame and torment but to ensure she learned the lesson. He was not trying to be rough on her either, after all, he once was a man who led people. And it showed by the way he took over the leadership among the Seishi and was the first to stand up for Hotori whenever she was in danger. He was glad she was the kind of person to realise this and appreciate his concern rather than take everything he said personally. He sighed looking up at the sky, she was lovely person and many took advantage of that, so it was his sole duty to protect that part of her, to spare her from being tainted by the scars of life and he only hoped that this little experience did not affect her too much. Despite everything he felt a bit let down by his own folly, by the fact that he did not manage to spare her the injuries she suffered and the humiliations and on top of that, he would have died leaving her to her own devices. If it hadn’t been for Haru, he would have failed as a Seishi. He was determined never to let that happen again. Now, not only was his duty to protect Hotori as the miko but also as the woman he loved. He had lost many people during his life but he would not let anything happen to her again. Nothing would touch a single hair on her head, he would make sure of that. Even if that meant sacrificing his life for her, he wanted her to go through her mission safely and then whatever decision she took in the end, he would give her his full support.

"Anyway, I don't mind holding Isamu's hand…”

He smiled warmly down at his beloved and he kissed the top of her head and held her closed to him as they rode on, “You can hold my hand all day, beloved.” It scared him to some extent just how much he cared for her now, it was such a deep emotion that if he were to lose her forever he would go mad with the pain. A person could only take so much of what life threw at them. And he had suffered so much already, he closed his eyes for a moment holding his miko in his arms he whispered her name lovingly. She was his radiant ray of light, and it surprised him that she was not aware of how beautiful she was, it was true that she was rather jovial and cheerful but that did to mean she did not possess her own charms as a young woman. He wanted to show her that he saw her for what she was, a lovely young woman with a lot of spirit. That was one of the things he loved about her. She was his small nightingale, and he would treasure her until he drew his last breath.

"Oh, thank you, Isamu!”

Isamu blushed deeply when she kissed his cheek in front of everyone and he was a bit taken aback. But he smiled down at her and placed a hand where she had just kissed him. She really was full of life, was he truly the right person for her? Could a veteran of war and loss be a good match for a young and spirited girl like her? Would she grow tired of him eventually?

"Sounds like a plan.”

"We won't be long, I promise!”

Isamu still did not understand why she wanted to go into the Inn but he guessed it was best not to ask. He laughed softly when she left running with a bag in hand and with Sei following suit. He rubbed the back of his neck, “Take your time.” He helped Haru make the necessary arrangements so that their horses and belongings were kept safely until they returned.

"It was no trouble… It is nothing I wouldn't do for my own family.”

Isamu was truly surprised by Haru’s words and he stood there unable to reply for some time. He looked at the ground and then back at the sky. He had come from being a man who had absolutely nothing, to being welcomed into a family and having a woman who loved him for the person he truly was. It still felt like a dream to suddenly find himself in a path other people followed. He was no longer the lonely bodyguard who travelled the world and followed his own sense of duty and justice. But that also meant he was vulnerable once more, because these people that would become his strength would also become his weakness. His eyes finally moved to look at Haru still unsure as to why all these persons warmed up to someone like him, “Thank you.” He lightly bowed his head to ensure Haru knew he meant every word and then he placed a hand on his belt.

”Shall we go wait for the ladies?”

That was Haru’s specialty. Whenever the mood was somber and melancholic, he always had the right words to change the atmosphere within seconds. Isamu smiled at Haru’s words and then he nodded. They moved to stand by the entrance and his eyes looked vacant for a moment. He was not sure why his path led him to these persons but he would do his best to protect them all. He felt he had to do this…

"I am ready to go to the circus now, Isamu…”

He was so concentrated on thinking about his past and present that he was unaware Hotori had emerged from the Inn until he heard her sweet voice. He blinked before he moved to face her. He felt as if he had just been struck on the chest. She looked so lovely, was this the reason she wanted to stop at the Inn? But she was always beautiful in his eyes and she did not need to wear anything special for her to be his Hotori. He blushed deeply as he noticed the dress, which was a bit revealing, and looked at her hair and make-up. She could easily pass for a Princess. His heart was beating frantically and he closed his eyes with a gasp. He needed to get his act together, but all these emotions were taking over him. He adored her for even trying to surprise him but then he remembered bitterly that he would have to restrain himself, no one could touch his lovely miko, if anyone did she would e sent back to her own world and he would never see his lovely little bird again. He was so shocked and in such a state of awe that he became unaware of the fact that he had not yet said anything or even moved. He took a deep breath finally remembering to take some air in and then releasing it before he blinked once more and looked into the eyes of his beloved.

"What do you think…?”

Isamu finally felt his body regain movement once more and hesitantly walked over to Hotori. He took her hand chivalrously and then knelt on one knee before kissing the back of her hand, “Hotori…” His eyes met hers as they shone like amber lights. He then slowly stood up and softly caressed her cheek but he was careful not to ruin the make up. His eyes shone with the love he felt for his little bird. “I love you for the person you are, but I appreciate you doing this for me… You look breathtakingly beautiful…” He whispered all these words for her ears only. He then smiled softly and kissed the top of her head, “Let us go, beloved.” He gently offered her his hand and he smiled down at her before guiding her to the town square where the circus was said to perform next.