Sorry if it's short.. Anyway I chose the name Aki because it means Autumn.. And well.. I like Autumn! And I know Hotohori has a wife in the OVA and later part of the Series. But hey! This is a Fanfic! Hahaha! Anyway ENJOY! Oh! and R&R please!

-Jenry Rye Cherimonde

"Emperor Hotohori? Are you okay?" Aki asked as she knocked and came inside the room of the Emperor. Aki was the daughter ofSeiji, a soldier inthe KonanArmy. She had redish brownish hairwhich was up to her shoulders and she wore an orange kimono and matching sandals. Hotohori on the other hand was wearing his usualclothes andhadhis hair down. They were both good friends but Aki never really went to the palace until now. They first met in Seiji's house, when Hotohori came to visit Aki's sick father.

"Oh Aki... I didn't see you coming in…" Hotohori said as Aki looked around her; it was the first time she came inside Hotohori's room. It had read large pillars and a big four poster bed which Hotohori sat on, Also his room had a big cabinet withSuzaku printed on it and big designer table with a matching chair. On the table there sat a big stuff toy that Miaka gave to Hotohori... Aki stared at it for quite some time until Hotohori spoke and told Aki to sit down on the chair beside the big table.

At once Aki sat down on the chair and asked Hotohori. "Emperor? Why didn't you go with Miaka and the others? Is something a matter?"

Hotohori stood up and just sighed. "I shouldn't go with them… I have a country to take care and protect… And.."

"And?"

"And… I am afraid Aki.. Afraid of seeing Miaka and Tamahome together… I know I can't force her to love her.. But.. This pain I'm feeling knowing that.. "

Aki just stood up and came near Hotohori. "Emperor? There is nothing to be afraid about… If she is your true love then she should have chosen you and not Tamahome… Emperor? Someone is still waiting for you to love her.." She smiled at him and took his hand. "Let's go for a walk Emperor!" She pulled him out of his room and accidentally knocked his head on the pillar.

"Ouch.." Hotohori said while rubbing his forehead.

"Whoops! Uhoh.. Um.. Um..." Aki bowed continuously asking for forgiveness. "I'm so sorry Emperor.. Please forgive me? Sorry sorry sorry…"

Hotohori stood up and patted Aki's head. "It's okay Aki.. Don't worry about it.. You're forgiven.. And please.. Call me Hotohori.."

Aki looked up at Hotohori. Amazed by what she heard she cheerfully smiled at him saying yes.

He cheerfully laughed and smiled at Aki taking her hand. "Anyway Aki.. Let's go horse-riding! I'm sure your father won't mind…"

Aki was stunned by what she heared and stuttered while answering him. "I.. Um.. Err.. Sure.. I.. I… Guess… Hehehe…"

"Okay then Aki… Let's go!" Hotohori pulled Aki's left hand and walked briskly to the stables. As they arrived there Hotohori got his horse and then Aki borrowed her father's horse which was white with black spots. As Hotohori mounted his big white horse, Aki just kept on staring thinking how handsome Hotohori was… Until...

"Aki…" Hotohori started "Thank you.." He smiled at Aki and Aki smiled back, knowing that Hotohori felt a little better.

Hahaha! No comments here! Except that it's short... Hehehe.. Anyway hope you liked it! I'll update as soon as possible!

-Jenry Rye Cherimonde