I suppose I agree, Oki-san.

She blinked gently, tilting her head to one side. In truth, she sort of understood, but not about the strength from the heart part.

What did that mean?

Bao smiled and chuckled from her reaction and question. Strength from the heart.. If you are loved, you find the strength to accomplish anything. he told her

You do not need to see yourself be loved.. You can feel it from your heart, you know where im getting? He explained to her and asked. He thought for a few moments, and smiled at her, I dont need to tell you I love you, to show my affection towards you.. Anyone can show affection for eachother just by holding hands, hugging eachother, kissing.. And many other ways than verbally showing love, you can physically do it too, like just with the feeling of touch.He said and smiled brighter, as he held her hand underwater.

So...feeling from the heart is just something that people say when their relationship is mostly physical?

She turned crimson as those words escaped. Crystal hadn't mean to say it like that.

Bao blushed from her face going red. He smiled and chuckled softly, Love is love, and it comes from the heart. Verbally and Physically, you can love someone.. He told her, Do you want me to give you a demonstation of physical love?He asked, thinking it didnt come out exactly right.

The young ninja's face deadpanned instantly at Bao's words. She became still, emotionless and cold to the touch, like a glacier. Her voice hissed out like a viper's tongue, dripping with menace.

If you do you will know how I am not so weak as everyone else seems to think. Also, Sumiyaka's claws will draw blood on something other than fish.

Why do you keep coming to the conclusion that I think you are weak? Bao asked, irritation in his voice. He felt slightly heartbroken and hurt from her voice and words, as if she didnt trust him at all. And, are you like, trying to threatening to hurt me, using Sumiyaka? He asked, trying to hold back some of the tears coming from thoughts he was getting.

Crystal stayed in her position for a few minutes, perfectly still, then actually sank underwater, keeping her eyes open even though they could not see.

She had felt the hurt in his voice and it has stung her deeply. Why was she being so mean towards him?

The younger ninja mulled this over a few moments before raising one of her hands towards the direction of Bao. She could feel his vibrations and floated a bit in the water before reaching out gently to touch his chest.

Her gently, seeking hand rose upwards further until she could feel his face. Fingers traced the outline of his mouth, eyes, nose. She continued with her examination until Crystal found enough strength to move closer towards Bao, lifting her head out of the water meekly until she could breathe.

Crystal looked at Bao in an almost sheepish manner, her eyes wide opened and honest.

Please accept my most heartfelt apologies, Oki-san. I am not used to people speaking in such a manner...so I tend to lose my head over the simplest of comments. Will...will you forgive someone such as I?

Bao sighed and blushed when he felt her hand on his chest, and move up to his face. He let her fingers trace around his facial features. Bao smiled and wiped his eyes softly, looking back at her with gentle eyes and a kind smile. Its okay, I forgive you.. I understand that no one ever spoke to you like I do..

Crystal floated there for a moment, then pushed her body up against Bao's gently. Her blank eyes saddened as she felt the tears in the corners of his eyes, even though they had been wiped away.

The young ninja halted, then mustering up her courage, leaned in and pecked Bao on the cheek before shrinking away to hold up her arm, allowing her hunting falcon to perch on it with ease.

Sumiyaka regarded Bao with his piercing golden eyes, their pupils dilating to shrink as if analyzing him. Who was this man so intent on loving his friend and master? The hunting falcon gave a trill, his beak and claws free of blood. He knew that Crystal didn't like it when he landed on her with blood stained claws.

Crystal may have been a ninja, but she still hated blood even since the accident had happened.

Bao felt Crystal's body press against his, as she pecked his cheek, him totally unaware of that happening. He blushed softly, smiling at her, watching the falcon perch on her arm. Bao lifted one of his arms slowly, putting it around her, his hand on her side. He brang her closer to him slightly.

And all that could be heard from the young ninja now was the furious pounding of her heart. Crystal's head spun wildly. What had she just done? It had been foolish of her to do such a thing, hadn't it?

She swallowed nervously, her throat bobbing as her blank eyes turned towards Bao. Her body almost froze as she felt his arm wrapping around her body to bring her closer.

O-Oki-san....

Bao looked back down at her, as he watched her almost have a nervous breakdown. He had a concerned look on his face, as he loosened the tightness with the arm around her shoulder, so she would be more comfortable. He smiled and asked, Yes?

I-I do not wish faint in such a warm place...will you please halt in such activities until we are somewhere...less warm?

Crystal winced softly. That hadn't come out right. Darn her habit of speaking properly.