Wake Me Up was so sad, I had to do something lighter. And then an idea occurred to me: in all my Internet-trawling, I have yet to find a Kel/Hakuin fic! I just think the Shang Horse would make a splendid partner for our partner-less lady knight. I had something a little more risque in mind when I started this, but it evolved in another direction. However, I will eventually write something more in keeping with the "Don't Peek" I have on my deviantArt account (link in my profile). For now, here's this :).

Don't Peek

"I thought I told you not to peek!"

"Sorry, sorry! I won't do it again." Kel squeezed her eyes tightly shut, but was unable to wipe the grin off her face. Unlike most Yamanis, however, she knew Hakuin Seastone wouldn't disapprove of her openness. Being raised Shang in the secluded mountains of Maren would do that to a person.

"Don't open your eyes!"

"I didn't, Hakuin. Goodness."

"Just checking."

Kel kept a tight grip on his hand as the Shang Horse led her over smooth, hard-packed dirt. After so many years training in the practice courts, she knew the feel of firm earth beneath her feet without having to look. Her nostrils flared – they were entering the stables. Her guess was confirmed as a familiar voice hailed them, full of suppressed laughter.

"Well if it isn't the Horse and the Protector of the Small. What brings you two here?"

"Don't call me that," Kel snapped, adding rather superfluously, "milord."

The newcomer sighed heavily. "How long will it take for you to call me just 'Raoul,' Kel? Goddess, you haven't been my squire in five years."

"Old habits die hard, milord," she replied sweetly, earning a chuckle from her guide.

"Come on, Kel, just a little ways more," he said, tugging her hand gently.

She followed obediently, cringing inwardly as the sounds of the stables – horses moving in their stalls, hostlers pitching hay or feeding their charges, men grooming their mounts and cleaning tack – filled her ears. Raoul's presence meant they were probably in the Own's stables. That made sense, if Hakuin's surprise had anything to do with Peachblossom or Hoshi. Her interest piqued even further, Kel moved more quickly and collided into Hakuin's back.

"Sorry!" she exclaimed, catching herself without opening her eyes.

"It's okay." He let go of her hand, and then took her shoulders to position her properly. His touch was firm and very warm, and she was suddenly hyperaware of his lithe bulk at her back. Her heartbeat gave an irregular thub-dub, which she squelched firmly. Unfortunately, nothing could be done about the butterflies swarming in her stomach.

"All right. Open your eyes."

She obeyed, and was instantly assailed by dazzling colors. Even in the dimness of the stables, everything leapt into startling clarity and brightness after the complete darkness of closed eyes. Then she saw the tack draped over Hoshi's stall, and gasped.

It was a Yamani saddle, built for lightness and speed. Hoshi's old tack, several years old and much worn from battle, dulled in comparison where it hung on the wall behind the mare. The new saddle was trimmed with silver and blue-green jade, a precious stone found only in the islands: sea-stone, it was commonly called. A matching bridle, with braided leather reigns, already hung on the support post.

"Hakuin! It's beautiful!" she finally managed, moving forward to run her hands over the beautiful workmanship. Then she turned and glowered at him. "How much did this cost?"

A smile played around his full mouth, and his dark eyes gleamed conspiratorially. "That's for me to know and you to find out, my dear. If you must know, Raoul did assist in the shipment; but if you'll recall, I received quite a purse from the Crown for my service in the war." He shrugged blithely, and she loved him more than ever. "Your old one was getting worn, and I thought a Yamani saddle might better fit a horse with a Yamani name."

Giving in, she threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you," she whispered in Yamani. His arms tightened around her, and she felt more than heard the chuckle that rumbled in his chest.

"You're welcome, sakura." A feather-light kiss was placed against her hair, and then he added, "Besides, the lady knight-consort of a Shang warrior requires the proper trimmings, does she not?"

"Very true," she conceded. Leaning back slightly, she met his dancing black eyes. "The sea-stone was a clever touch."

He bowed, as much as anyone can bow when wrapped in an embrace. "Why thank you, milady," he intoned, earning himself a tweak on the ear. "Ouch! You should be nicer to your lover, lady knight."

Kel bit back a giggle and sank her fingers into his dark hair. "And by nicer, you mean…?"

"Less tweaking would be in order, I should think," he suggested, smirking at her pout. "Or something a little more suited to private chambers?"

"I should smack you for that," she muttered. But his cheeky smile was too irresistible, and instead she stood on tiptoe and kissed him as sweetly as she knew how.