Several moments later Haku took a step back and tilted Chihiro's head up to look at him. "I love you Chihiro."
"I love you too, but this time as Chinatsu. You don't have to hold back anything any longer because of me and that promise."
And they kissed, a moment they had both been waiting for ever since their lives began. The kiss had several meanings. It meant that they both loved each other and that if they could, they would never be apart. It meant that the line between worlds could be crossed and love could flourish. It meant that neither one had anything to hide anymore, and lastly, it meant goodbye.
"I have to wait out the rest of this life in Chinatsu's body, but waiting another life time was worth it. That promise was fulfilled. I must wait out Chinatsu's remaining days with her, but I'll back off now. I know you love her because you love me, so don't hold back anymore. If you and I were meant to be together, then you and her were also meant to be together."
Haku laid a hand on her cheek. "I will. I'll love you, and then I'll love her." Those last words he had to force out. Tears were coming to his eyes and his throat was closing up. He wasn't really saying goodbye, was he? Chinatsu would take her place, and then he'd love her again.
"Haku, before I go, can I ask a favor?"
"Anything."
"Can I have a ride… one more time?"
Haku smiled softly at her, and a moment later he was standing on four feet instead of two, and his hair turned aqua blue and skin turned white. He took off with Chihiro on his back, and they both flew back in time, remembering a time that once was.
Several hours later Haku and Chihiro returned to the boiler room. Their faces were bright, but they had a sad and distant look in their eyes. They knew it was time to say goodbye.
"Chihiro, you know you can stay here for a while longer," Lord Mimato offered.
"I know, but I have come back and done what I've needed to do. There's no point to stay any longer."
Lord Mimato nodded.
Chihiro and Haku held on to each other like they would never let go. One final kiss and their hands separated. Rin felt tears begin to fall down her own cheeks.
The Lord began to chant the same spell he had when he had released Chihiro. The girl fell to the floor and Haku bit his bottom lip, squeezed the remaining tears from his eyes, and ran over to her.
"Chinatsu?" he questioned quietly.
She blinked and slowly nodded.
A flood of love entered him. Was in different love, or was it the same? Did he love this girl just as much as Chihiro? Yes, he had to. This was who he was always destined to love, no matter what the name.
I'm really sorry it's so short, but I felt like this was a suitable ending. I'll leave what happens in 25 years when Chihiro goes back up to you... or maybe later I'll write a sequel to this. Anyway, thanks so much for reading!
Takara Taji