• 1-Because You Need Me
• 2-Chapter 2
• 3-chapter 3
• 4-Chapter 4
• 5-chapter 5
• 6-chapter 6
• 7-Chapter 7
• 8-Chapter 8
• 9-Chapter 9
• 10-Chapter 10
• 11-Chapter 11
• 12-Chapter 12
• 13-Chapter 13

False dawn lightened the night sky to a pearly gray hue. As was his habit, when not half-dead, Jin rose from his bed to meditate outdoors. It was the only time of day Jin would be sure he was left alone and he had heavy thoughts to ponder that day. He knew that none of them could stay on the island for very long. It wasn't going to be safe. Eventually the shogunate would learn their assassin was dead and his job incomplete. Fuu would be in danger as long as she remained alive. Jin and Mugen were both considered criminals with a hefty bounty for each of them. Not to mention he was sure that more former students of Enshiro would continue to hunt him. This could only be a brief respite for them.

There was no peace in the dawn for Jin. He considered going back to bed until he remembered the two entwined in sleep. Jin sighed heavily. He had known for some time that Fuu had deep feelings for Mugen. No mere friendship could account for her shattered reaction when they thought Mugen had been killed. But, gods, she was so young. Even with all that had occurred, Fuu retained her innocence and her wide-eyed adoration went unnoticed by the man who should see it. Jin didn't want to see Fuu hurt but maybe better now than later. He settled down to wait outside the house, deciding that this morning should be a private awakening. At least he was close by if needed. It surely couldn't be long. Those two were ruled by their stomachs and hunger would awaken them soon.

Fuu awoke to the scent of sandalwood and another, more enticing, scent filling her head. Her cheek was pressed to warm tanned skin, and she was held flush to a lean body by one strong arm. She was afraid to move, even to breathe, just in case it was a dream. If it was a dream, Fuu never wanted to wake up. She hadn't felt so warm and safe since her mother had died. Fuu dared to pull herself closer and rubbed her cheek against Mugen's chest. Her fingers trailed down his side to check the dressings then absently moved lower until she realized her palm rested on a bare hip. Fuu was shocked into stillness. The man was nearly naked! Except for his loose towel and the this material of her kimono, nothing separated their bodies. Fuu started to tremble slightly and the arm holding her tightened in response.

Fuu raised her head to see eyes the color of bitter chocolate focused on her. She flushed miserably and her eyes rounded in horror as it slowly penetrated her brain that Mugen had been awake for a while. Pressed so warmly together she could feel as well hear his chuckle when she ducked her head trying to hide.

"This seems to be becoming a habit, " Mugen said.

Fuu didn't answer. She was horribly embarrassed and just wanted to get up so she could leave before the man started to mock her. Her heart and soul were too weak to withstand his barbs today. Mugen didn't let her go. Rather, he pulled her halfway across his chest and caught her chin so she was forced to meet his gaze.

"I keep waking up to your pleading eyes hovering over me." Mugen continued. "You seem to be asking for something this morning. Want to tell me what that is?"

Mugen's lazy, relaxed smile blurred her senses and Fuu tried to shake her head in denial but she couldn't. Her only escape was to veil her eyes with her lashes.

"Mugen, please, I...I don't know what you are asking of me."

Mugen narrowed his eyes and searched the pale face for any sign she was teasing or joking. He saw none. Only innocence and confusion shone from her glowing eyes. It touched him someplace deep inside and the unfamiliar ache in his chest intensified. Mugen softened his gimlet stare, smiling encouragingly.

"Let me show you something, little girl." he rasped.

Slowly, and giving her a chance to turn away, Mugen pulled Fuu's face down to his own. He touched his lips to her bruised cheek and lightly trailed them down to her jaw, pausing to lightly kiss the dark tightness there. Encouraged by the way Fuu's fingers tightened on his shoulder, Mugen continued up over her chin to gently graze the corner of her lips. He ran the tip of his tongue over the full bottom lip and the resulting gasp allowed him entrance to the inner sanctum of her mouth. His tongue dipped in softly, touching hers, and wringing another gasp and a small moan from the woman's throat. She wasn't participating, exactly, having no experience and no idea what to do, but allowed the tanned man to explore her mouth freely. Tentatively she touched her own tongue to his and drew it into her mouth to taste. Fuu was rewarded with a low growl of pleasure and the hand holding her head tightened to the point of near pain.

Mugen broke off the kiss to stare at the disappointed moue on Fuu's slightly swollen lips. His heart was thudding and that tightness was back in his chest. He was as confused as his companion and pushed her off gently to sit up. The tanned loner was reeling internally. He had known women, of course. A healthy young man with huge appetites, he thoroughly enjoyed the brothels they had passed on their journey. But those encounters had been paid for, every single one in his life. One small, untutored kiss shouldn't make him feel so.....hungry or so.....different. Wrestling with these unaccustomed emotions, Mugen paused to run a gentle hand over the young woman's still flushed face. She watched him expectantly and half-closed her eyes against the caress, hoping for another kiss. The first one had excited her and made her wonder if it was supposed to be so warm and tingly at the same time. Fuu truly was very young and innocent.

Mugen had to get out of the room and soon before he succumbed to the unvoiced plea in those big, brown eyes. He ignored the disappointment that entered Fuu's gaze and shakily climbed to his feet to escape the room. His own version of honor was forcing him from the room as his traitorous body hissed recriminations at being denied. Mugen paused to snatch up a pair of dark shorts before opening the door to the outside. Fuu hadn't moved from her spot and seemed to be examining the hem of her kimono with great intensity when Mugen left.

"Sleep well, aite?' Jin's knowing voice came from behind Mugen.

Mugen clenched his jaw to look grimly at the ronin. "Don't risk it, Jin." Mugen answered. "You wouldn't fare very well right now."

Jin surveyed the worn look on the other's face. "I won't interfere, friend, but if you hurt her..."

"I don't plan on hurting her, baka. Just leave me alone today, all right? I'm going to the beach to think." Mugen left the ronin looking after him curiously.