bloodsong1 | This is one greedy plot bunny

Kohaku lifted their joined hands and gently nibbled on Chihiro's knuckles. Her eyes softened and her cheeks turned faintly pink.

"I've been looking for you for ten years, my Heart. I do not wish to wait much longer," He said softly.

"But, but, Haku, I..." Chihiro stammered and looked to Baron for help. The Cat Creation was staring at a still-sleeping Haru, emotions chasing across his furry face. Chihiro took a deep breath, difficult when Kohaku was licking her fingers, and faced the river spirit she still desperately loved. "We need to talk about this." She said firmly. Kohaku placed a lingering kiss on her inner arm and sighed.

"Yes, I suppose we do." He let go and stepped back. "Thank you again, Baron!"

"Huh? Oh, yes. Of course. The Bureau is always ready to help, Kohaku," Baron said absently, eyes glued to Haru. Chihiro giggled. Kohaku disappeared behind a rush of whitewater and reappeared in his dragon form. Chihiro eagerly climbed onto his neck, just behind his head, and grabbed his horns.

"Bye, Baron! Bye Toto and Muta! Thank you again!" She called as Kohaku took off, quickly rising into the afternoon sky. Toto and Muta finally snapped out of their dazes, blinked at each other, and rushed Baron.

"What happened?"

"What did he do to Chihiro?"

"Baron! Are you just going to stand there?" Their words tumbled over each other. Muta hauled back and socked Toto in the beak.

"Let me talk, bird brain!" Toto clacked his beak menacingly and slapped Muat with a wing.

"He doesn't want to hear you complain, Plushie!"

"You take that back!" The fight was on. Baron absently dodged the rolling furry, feathery mass and walked back into his house, using his own small magic to open doors. He carried Haru into his bedroom and carefully laid her on his bed. He couldn't resist stroking a lock of hair back from her face.

"Would you be happy here, Haru?" He whispered. She sighed in her sleep. Baron smiled fondly, took off her shoes and covererd her with his velvet trimmed robe. It was a rich red, the velvet a rich black. The colors complimented Haru's coloring. She turned to her side and snuggled into his pillow. Baron clenched his fists and fled the room before he did something impossible, like climb in next to her and hold her close. Research. Yes, he needed to research Kohaku's actions. What had the River God done to his Haru? Gathering several likely books, he glanced out the front window. Muta and Toto were still hard at it. Baron waved the doors closed and rejoined Haru. Fearing for her virtue and his control, he sat in a comfortable chair near the window and began reading.