bloodsong1 | *plot bunny springboards off wall and comes at my throat*

"Here we are. Tea and macaroons, just what the..." Baron's reassuring speech was abruptly cut off when Chihiro dropped the bath tag and grabbed him in both hands, sending the tea tray flying. Muta yowled in horror, dropped the chair he was carrying and raced around the courtyard, catching various crockery and victuals much like a juggler in a circus. Toto provided no help, having caught a serious case of the giggles.

"WHAT KIND OF SICK JOKE IS THIS??" Chihiro hollered, shaking Baron. Haru blanched and grabbed Chihiro's arm.

"Chihiro, stop! You'll hurt him!"

"WHO GAVE YOU THAT TAG?" The furious woman roared at her captive. Baron's hat blew off and cartwheeled into Toto, who fell over backward in shock.

"CHIHIRO! STOP THIS NOW!" Haru added her own considerable volume to the racket. Muta yowled in pain, unable to stop up his ears due to both front paws and one hind paw occupied with balancing the tea things. Baron, meanwhile, remained perfectly calm and waved a hand at Haru.

"Do not worry about me, Haru. Miss Ogino cannot hurt me," He said softly. Chihiro's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Try me," She growled. Baron patted her thumbs.

"The scroll was given to me by Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi. He said it would trigger your memory." Chihiro's eyes bulged out.

"Haku?" She whispered, cleary stunned.

"Put Baron down, Chihiro. Please!" Haru begged, eyes starting to fill. Chihiro mechanically set the Creation down on his feet. Haru quickly scooped him up and stood him on her lap, gently dusting his clothes with her fingertips.

"Are you ok, Baron?" She asked, blinking hard. Baron blushed under her touch and tried to push her fingers away.

"I am unharmed, Haru. Thank you for your concern." Haru's fingers stilled on his shoulders and she lowered her head. Unable to fight the impulse, she dropped a kiss on his head, right between the ears. Baron's fur actually turned red.

"Thank goodness," Haru breathed. Baron, unable to help himself, reached up and laid his hand against her lips. Their eyes locked and time seemed to stop.