The rain came in heavy drops, splashing down the the cobbled path and rolling into puddles. Worms threw themselves onto the damp land, nearly escaping a watery death.

The clouds had been filled for days, and the dry village had held it's breath, waiting. And now the release brought life back to the spring.

The young woman rested in the blossoming cherry tree, head tilted back, mouth open. The sakura-scented water tipped off of a slender branch and flowed into her mouth, spilled over, and ran down her face and through her long black hair. She ran her flesh and metal fingers through it, working out the dust and debris that had collected in the strands. Her armor and boots hung on another tree limb, getting a shower of their own.

Normally quiet, while alone she let out a squeal of delight at the cold water soaking her skin. The squeal turned to melodic laughter, musical accompaniment to the pattering rain.

This was always how he wanted to think of her. Ling took a mental picture of this gorgeous creature, forever framing it in his mind. He stood for a few moments in the downpour, taking her in. He stayed perfectly dry, the ornate red umbrella making the raindrops sound like cannon blasts over his head.

He strode over to the tree unnoticed, highly amused at her complete absorption in her shower. He slowly brought the umbrella over her head, shielding her from the rain. A perplexed look came over her, then she noticed him, grinning like a fool. Her eyes widened, and she moved to grab the rest of her clothes. A hand caught her wrist. Ling continued to smile, his bangs plastered to his face, water dripping from his chin. He shook his head at her, much like one would do when scolding a naughty child. He laced his fingers in hers and pulled her ever-so-slightly towards him, just enough so that the small umbrella came to rest over both their heads.

Lan Fan let out a small gasp as Ling leaned forward and pressed his nose to hers. She flushed bright red, and tried to move, but he held her tightly by the hand. "My...Lord..." she choked out. He didn't let her get any farther.

His lips met hers, first gently, and then with the quiet urgency of years of stifled longing. The umbrella was forgotten, landing on the ground with a soft clatter.

He released her hand slowly, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she brought her hand up to his jawline, hesitated for a moment, then touched his face with trembling fingers. After a long moment, they parted. The rain was still pouring, and they were both soaked and red-faced. There was short silence. Ling broke it first.

"It's kinda cold. Let's eat."