~*~

NEXT MORNING ~ (Hayami's pov:)

I couldn't stop thinking about last night..........

The tension was real this time, and his actions were even more real with the way he held me close without any disgust. His eyes tender as if a different and completely new person before me, as he was slow and tender. Yet, we were interrupted before anything could've become something more.

Maybe it wasn't the right time.......

"Awake early?" His voice breaks the silence. 

Glancing behind me I noticed him waking up just now, whilst I slip on an overcoat with my yukata tucked into my black Hakama pants. Flicking my hair out from beneath the coat, I adjust the clothing for a moment with a heavy exhale, "Couldn't sleep much last night......." I reply softly, grabbing my hair tie and loosely tying it up in a low casual bun. 

His futon was a few metres away from mine, but i folded it and placed it to the side for the day. 

".......can't sleep again?" He questions, with a sigh of irritation. He stands up without his shirt on, only with his pants on noticing every detail and scar on his chest and arms and along his abdomen. He runs his fingers through his tousled bed hair, before towering over and pulling me into his arms feeling the warmth radiate from his bare skin. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Surprised by his sudden clingy gesture, I chuckle and sink into his embrace.

"Because I don't wanna bother you, it's a problem of my own," I assure him, when he squeezes me in disapproval. His face nuzzles into the crook of my neck, as his nose and lips brush against the juncture of my neck. A shiver ran down my spine, feeling my chest become warm yet again just like last night.

"It's my problem too," He murmurs against my skin, his body caging over my own. "How long has this been going on? Isn't this like the fifth time......?"

Nervously I close my eyes with a wry smile, "Longer..........than that," I slowly correct him, worried he'll whack me or even something to hurt me. Expecting him to react badly, all I could feel was his arms pull me closer before pulling away to look into my eyes. His own studies me, as if inspecting anything that was a flaw of my own. 

"I should've known........." He says lowly, before his thumb brushes beneath my eyes tenderly. "You've got bags under your eyes, hmmmmm......" with a troubling gaze.

Pulling away with a smirk, "Don't trouble yourself," waving my hand dismissively, with a closed eye smile. "Anyway, I'm gonna visit the Kobayashi's for an hour or so.........I'll do some training then m'kay?"

A subtle growl of disappointment leaves him, "Why?"

Halting in my steps I raise a brow, "Why what?"

He averts his eyes from mine and scratches his cheek, "Come on, thought this was....." he shook his head, with a heavy reluctant sigh. "......you know what? Never mind, might go check on my blade or somethin'.........might train out in the back forest."

Did I say something wrong? Or didn't I read the room again, and he wanted to do something together?

"Maybe I can join your training?" I suggest, opening the fusuma doors. "Won't be long, promise!"

"Tch, sure," he mutters.

~*~

AT THE KOBAYASHI HOUSE

"Did you rest well, my dear?" Kohana asks softly.

Balancing a large jug of water on her hip, Kohana was doing some motherly chores around the home. It was rather quaint, but cozy like a family home should be. Tatami flooring, with traditional ornaments displayed with pride from generations of Sword making. The doors were wide open to the verandah, looking out to the village.

Smiling warmly, "I did indeed," I reply, honestly. My eyes wander where little Yuriko plays with a doll, that seemed to be hand sewn. "Guess my body needed it, than I assumed.......you don't seem to realise til it's too late...."

She chuckles softly, "Well even as a sword-smith, our bodies still ache from the many muscles and joints we use daily," gesturing to the hard working sword-smith, within the village. The sound of metal upon metal echoes from afar, "In regard to their hard work, you're more in critical condition compared to us..."

My smile falters to her words, shaking my head.

 "No you're mistaken, we all do our part.......no compare," correcting her sternly, my gaze meets her tangerine eyes firmly. "You're like the very foundation of all slayers......the backbone of it all. Without your expertise, and craftsmanship, we would be all demon fodder with no protection. Your many hours of rendering these blades to adjust and customise to our comfort, and skill......it's a given talent.......so I really should be thanking you..."

She seemed to be stunned and taken back; the very realisation slowly coming back to herself. It seems they've never been considered as something important......

Bowing to me, "I thank you, because for years..........our people have tried to remain secluded from the world and demons because of this reason," she admits, with a slight strain in her gentle voice. "My father and his father before that, well, we've kept moving forward for the sake of our people and to remain diligent in this time of need. The Nichirin blade is of far importance, and because of the drastic encounters as of late. So thank you.......it brings me pride..."

Surprised even for myself, I keep my eyes on her for a moment. 

"Kohana, please need not worry anymore......" I assure her softly, with a gentle smile. 

Suddenly the doors open wide as two children walk in carrying something large, as it was covered carefully. Taiga seems to have an eager grin, gathering from the excitement only wishing to see their faces behind those masks. They both grunt a bit, before laying it front of me, "What's this about you two?" 

"You don't remember?" Kohana asks, with an amused and shrewd smile.

Yuriko pulls the leather cover away, before seeing a beautifully detailed shamisen before me. It had a soft emerald green pattern of a dragon, as if it was circling the instrument. It was even made with such refined skills, that I glance at the children in surprise then back to Kohana in confusion. "Whats.......how--?"

"Please?! Please Big sister, could you play for us?!" Taiga pleads, with his hands pressed together.

Yuriko nods, "Play! Play!"  she repeats her brother, with a tiny voice. She pushes the beautiful instrument to my knees, as my fingertips drift to the strings. She placed the Bachi (Plectrum) upon my knee, as her bright golden eyes were filled with eagerness. Sharing a glance back up to Kohana with a sheepish expression, she urges me to go forward and play.

"They've been wanting hear you play for a while," She informs me, with a chuckle whilst heading to the kitchen to put the vase of water.

It's been so long since I've last played, as my hand hesitantly lifts the instrument and rested it against my lap and took the bachi. With the flick of my wrist I began to play the first note sharply, before strumming an upbeat melody. Plucking a few notes to begin the tune, I soon gradually render myself into a blend of emotions and notes as I continue.

My left hand works at the top, while the other strums at a faster pace; multitasking at it's finest.

Eyeing the bottom half of the instrument, I gain more confidence and my strums become more filled with assurance. Finding myself immersed into the beautiful instrument, I continue along for a little while longer; enjoying the children's faces as if they were in awe of sounds and different tones being played.

My fingertips pinch the top of shamisen, with the thump of my heart in sync with the rhythm that flowed out.

Gazing briefly towards the two children, little Yuriko was twirling around with her cute giggles. Taiga sat there with eyes filled with awe, marvelling at the beautiful sound that came from the melody. His eyes flicker with the way my right hand flicks the strings with the bachi in hand.

This instrument brought memories long ago; reminiscing the small moments when my sister and brothers begged mother to play for us on occasions. The instrument itself is quite hard to learn as it would take a long period of time, and patience. Whether it's played solo or with someone else, it was by far my favourite sound.

~*~

MEANWHILE ~ (Sanemi's POV:)

I'm so pissed and frustrated, I just want to explode..........

Splinters scatter from the many blows, striking the few straw dummies that was placed for training. The wooden blade was strong itself which depends on the wielder, but my strikes were following my emotions. Strong, indecisive, and arrogance. Gusts of wind blew all around, summoning strikes that seemed rather pointless when all I can think about was her. It was becoming much different, ever since we met. 

Yet, I wished I had taken my chance to make the move last night.........

Damn innkeeper...

"Shit!" growling beneath my hot breath, my brow twitches with irritation the more I strike with unsteady strikes. Heaving through my nose and mouth, I felt the cold mornings air burning my lungs and nasal bitterly. With a huff I lower my blade, rolling my shoulders promptly hoping it would ease the tension that was building up gradually. 

Many years ago, I've told myself I would never grow close to anyone after that day. Losing everyone within a night was such a blur, and I continue to blame myself. 

How can i see myself worthy of her, of such graceful presence that lulls me to a tamed beast around her. Like many of the Hashira say, 'She's a patient and wise woman' despite her own circumstances. I'm even surprised the others welcomed her open arms, when her brother left a bad reputation for her to live with. She spoke so highly of him when she first met me, but gradually she spoke less and grew quiet. She remained more reserved, keeping to herself when needed and not telling me anything. 

She was suffering deep within herself, trying to remain strong and prove her own damned brother wrong that she can be strong. 

Leaning against the tree my eyes follow a stray leaf of a Japanese maple tree, seeing the orange and plum red hue profuse together. The warmth of the colours that drift from the branches, wilt away as they gather in the sea of maple leaves beneath me. Catching one by the stem, I twirling it with my thumb while trying to distract my thoughts again. I don't deserve her, and she doesn't deserve me.......

I'm not worthy to be.......what am I thinking? It's like I'm pitying myself, and how pathetic I am when it comes to situations like this......

With a subtle growl I stood up and began to walk down the mountain towards the village, to see my sword-smith and distract myself by chatting or something. I don't even know whats going on with me, but if I see her......what would I even say?  It's already hard enough deciding whether I want her, or to give it up and let her find someone else better......

I mean, I'm a monster in everyone's eyes and yet.....

...she's like a bright light to everyone.....

I'm sorry Hayami..........

~*~

TRAINING GROUNDS ~ (Hayami's pov:)

It's been ages since I played that melody of the Shamisen.......

Walking up the steep mountain of the sword-smith village, the maple leaves trail up the path with every step I took. By the time I got to the top, I couldn't anything or anyone close by from where I stood. Glancing around the flat training grounds where most train alone, all I could see was deep gouges in the dirt from what i assume Sanemi trained. 

The dummies were even torn to shreds and mangled, yet not cut with precision and accuracy at all.

With a deep sigh all I could think was that Sanemi either decided to cut it short, or maybe was summoned to receive his blade soon. There were many scenarios I would assume, but not even his crow came by to inform me of his whereabouts. Wings flap nearby me allowing my arm to raise up, as Nami perches herself upon my forearm. Scratching her beneath the chin, she nuzzles my cheek with her sharp beak.

"Well, what shall we do?" I muse softly, with a gentle murmur. "Should I train alone......or return back to the Kobayashi's?"

Nami continues to nuzzle my cheek comfortingly, before lifting her small head.

~*~

AT THE INN 

The whole day, not once could I find Sanemi anywhere...........

After a deep therapeutic few hours at the hot springs alone, my body grew drowsy due to intense heat of the springs. Towel drying my hair gently, I gaze out to the beautiful zen garden that had the beautiful cosmos flowers under the moonlight. However it couldn't distract me from this sinking and dreading feeling, as if I did something wrong. Sanemi hasn't shown his face all day, and even his crow hasn't paid a visit to inform me yet again.

Nami has been also been spending time away, since I trained earlier today.

It's like everyone was avoiding me like the plague....... 

"Maybe......I said something..." murmuring to myself; my eyes lidded with this sense of loneliness. Taking my wooden comb from the vanity beside me, I began to rake it through my locks whilst in a spaced out state trying to find myself elsewhere but here. Hands subconsciously running the comb through my damp hair, before blinking a few times to return to reality. Once I finished, I stood up about to request for tea as I swiftly make my way towards the doors.

 Reaching out to slide the door open, a huge gust of wind blew past with a dark shadow towering me for a moment.

"S-Sanemi?" 

His lavender eyes darken for a moment when they bore into mine, with a different gaze that wasn't filled with anger. No malice behind them, and the way his eyes never once broke from my own. He suddenly began to back me up into the room again, closing the door shut with a slam. My breath hitches in my throat, finding the room become tense. His brow twitches, and his breath irregular and uneven simultaneously.

"I can't stay away from you...." he mutters, his words becoming incoherent. "What was I thinking........I was such a dumbass....."

My silver eyes flicker across his body and then returning to his face, trying to understand what was going on "Sanemi?"

His body was so tense, and he wasn't acting himself compared to earlier this morning. Taking a step back to allow some space, he only takes another step forward. A dark hue dusts across his cheeks, before suddenly averting his intense gaze and covers his face with his hand. "S-Sorry, I didn't mean to be......." a growl of frustration leaves him. ".......forget it."

Trying to evaluate what just happened, I soon place a hand upon his shoulder and began heading the doors. 

"How about I get some tea?" I suggest softly, with a wry smile. "Then we can talk?"

~*~

After taking a sip I place my teacup down, and glanced over to see Sanemi averting his gaze from me. His body language was more slumped, and his yukata was loose revealing his chest like always with no shame. The way his hair was tousled from his frustration, and disheveled clothing I could tell he was tense.

"Mind telling me why you weren't at the training grounds?"

"......"

Sighing deeply with no answer, "Or maybe why you didn't send your crow, or inform me of your whereabouts?" I question, more softly. "You left me worrying, ya know...."

"....."

Taking a moment of consideration I allow myself to think more further, before suddenly my eyes widen in realisation.  Closing my eyes I take a deep breath, finding it shaky recalling our.....intimate moment last night that occurred. Did he regret every word, did he even mean every word he admitted to me? He was unreadable, and my heart sank heavily for a moment even just taking in consideration of the assumption.

Placing my cup back on the tray that was given to us, "Sorry, guess its my fault......" I apologise, about to stand up to lift the tray and return it.

Suddenly calloused fingers drift to cup my jaw, tilting my head to meet his eyes with his thumb swiftly. This time I finally saw a clear and pleading look within his lavender eyes, as if they were the same ones I gazed last night. His breath became more irregular and uneven, but this time his eyes were far clearer and readable as if knowing what that look meant.

"It's my fault," he pauses for a moment, his grip tightens a little and draws me closer. His fingers glides beneath my earlobe, drifting to the back of my neck and settled at the nape. "I'm so confused, scared, frustrated.........but when I look at you, I feel secure. You settle my anger, as if you can immediately tame me.......this urge to protect you and embrace you....."

His voice strains more with a deep sultry undertone, with his eyes dilating slightly; not breaking eye contact with desperation in them.

"Last night I.......I wanted more, and that seems selfish," He admits, with a embarrassed and flustered expression. His voice gradually becomes confident, and sincere as he goes on. "I can't pretend to even ignore these feelings, not when you look at me like that. I can't run away from you, when I want you......no, that's not even enough. I need you, Hayami.....in more ways than one. You make me feel like I'm at home, you are......my home and I don't want that to go away......."

Tears slightly well at the corners of my eyes, as this warmth spreads across my cheeks.

My lips part with a slight quiver, "Sanemi........"

He drew circles with his thumb against my nape, and his temple rests against my own and closed our eyes as he wipes away a tear.

"............I love you, with everything I have...."

A chuckle leaves me, "I love you too," with his warmth breath coaxing over my lips. "With all I have, and all I am...."

His breath hitches subtly, feeling the warmth rush from my neck to the tips of my ears; finally admitting those four words.

Without another second his lips crash over mine, with no hesitation in his immediate and predictable action. His grip tightens around the base of my neck, as his lips meld against mine vehemently and tenderness. He was so gentle and yet so confident with his lips, that it made my body sinking into his embrace. His other hand tugs my plush waist against him, using his chest and torso to support me as our lips continue to whisper breathlessly against each other.

His fingers tangles through the wet strands of my hair, pulling me closer as his tongue grazes my bottom lip subtly with need and desire. Pulling away briefly his temple rests against mine, with our lips gingerly grazing against each other for air.

His hand slides back to my cheek and drew circles against my cheek, "Will you be mine?" He asks breathlessly, pulling away as his eyes searching in my own. His cheeks were a dark hue with his eyes glazed over, "Will you accept all of me? Even with the man I am, and the flaws I bear....?"

Smiling with this fire ignited with my chest, I felt myself becoming suddenly whole; like the empty void had finally healed.

"I'm all yours, flaws and all......." kissing his nose gently, with a gentle smile. ".......I may be a little slow when it comes to this kind of thing, but I want to make this work. Even if it might be flawed and not perfect, I want to be the one you can rely on......."

Relief washed over him as his face relaxes, and he leans down taking