bloodsong1 | *plot bunny waits for more homage*

Everyone stared at the furious River God. Chihiro was blinking, clearly surprised by his possessiveness. Baron pulled himself to his full height and stepped forward, only to be blocked by Haru's leg.

"There was an announcement of a man attacking women at our school Monday. Chihiro fished a purple hair tie out of her bag and put it on. I haven't seen it off since," Haru said firmly. Kohaku glanced at Chihiro, who turned her head to the left. Purple sparkled in her hair.

"I took it upon myself to be her bodyguard. I came to the Bureau to ask for their help in watching her. That's when I found out you were looking for her too." Haru swallowed when angry green eyes turned back to her. "She was not alone when she was attacked, Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi-sama. Toto was with her and flew to her rescue. She broke free from the pervert fondling her and fled to Grandfather Ginko."

"Grandfather Ginko?" Kohaku growled.

"A large and very old ginko tree on campus," Chihiro answered, stepping forward. "He hid me until Haru arrived, ready to take on the jerk herself. She charged him when he threatened her. I couldn't let her get hurt, so I dragged her into Grandfather's protection." Kohaku whirled on Chihiro. "I'm fine, Haku. Haru, Baron, Muta, Toto, they all comforted me and did their best to keep me safe. It wasn't their fault! They saved me!" Kohaku growled and yanked Chihiro back into his arms. He stroked her back and shoulders, nuzzling her hair, her neck. Haru glanced down and behind her. Baron was smiling and nodding.

"Well done, Haru. Very well done."

"Thank you, Baron," Kohaku sighed, hugged Chihiro tightly, and turned back to the small group. His eyes swept over Haru, standing protectively in front of the smaller Creations and enormous white cat. A faint grin appeared on his mouth as he let go of Chihiro only to lace her fingers with his.

"For what it's worth, My Lord, I did leave the disgusting man several disfiguring wounds to teach him a lesson," Toto offered, keeping himself behind Haru's right leg. Kohaku's smile grew and he finally let loose a small chuckle.

"Baron Humbert Von Gikkingen?"

"Here, Kohaku," Baron stepped around Haru's leg and bowed. Kohaku knelt, bringing Chihiro down with him.

"You have found my heart, and for that I am most grateful. Please name your reward." Chihiro blushed crimson while Haru hid a big smile behind her hand. Baron shook his head.

"The happiness of you and your Mate is all the reward I need." Kohaku shook his head, rose and favored Haru with a speculative look.

"You took it upon yourself to protect Chihiro, even without knowing her connection to me and how dear I hold her. For your bravery, I would reward you." Haru shook her head.

"Chihiro's safe, happy and with her Dragon. I don't need any reward either, but I would like to know if I can see Chihiro again, sometime," She said shyly. Chihiro and Kohaku exchanged glances. Chihiro smiled and nodded. Kohaku brought their joined hands together and rubbed his cheek against her fingers.

"Neither of you wish for riches or fame or even the promise of a favor owed. For such selflessness, there is only one thing I can do. Haru, please come here," Kohaku said, letting go of Chihiro. Puzzled, Haru stepped forward. Kohaku touched her forehead and she collapsed into his arms with a sigh. Baron's eyes sparked dangerously.

"Lord Kohaku! What have you done?" He demanded. Kohaku smiled at the furious cat-man, kneeling carefully with Haru in his arms.

"She is only asleep, Baron. As to what I am doing," Kohaku bit his finger, then gently pried open Haru's mouth, rubbing the bloody finger on her tongue. "I am granting two wishes." He closed Haru's mouth and gently stroked her neck until she swallowed. He then lifted her left wrist and bit just hard enough to draw blood. Baron nearly crushed his cane in his hands as he watched. Kohaku pressed his still-bleeding finger to Haru's wound, rubbing it slowly back and forth. After several seconds, he lifted Haru's wrist to his mouth and licked the wound clean. Baron's composure slipped several notches when the bite slowly healed. Kohaku looked down at the Cat Creation and smiled.

"Now she can stay with you for as long as you both wish. Here, take your heart, Baron Humbert Von Gikkingen." Kohaku offered the sleeping Haru to Baron, who blinked at the River God.

"It's ok, Baron," Chihiro said, nodding. "She's loved you a very long time, don't you think you both deserve a chance?" Baron hesitated, then reached for Haru. To his amazement, she shrank when he touched her, quickly becoming the perfect size to hold close. Toto and Muta gasped. Baron stared up at the River God and his new Mate.

"I...I do not know what to say."

"She will wake up soon. Give yourselves both the chance for happiness, Baron. You deserve no less after giving us ours." Kohaku stood, helping Chihiro to her feet. "I am going to take Chihiro to her parents' house and declare myself. Hopefully they will be understanding. If not, well, that is the way of humans. Either way, you will both be receiving invitations to the wedding in a few weeks."

"WEEKS?" Chihiro shrieked.