[I]'Nyeh... That was... Too bold. I don't think I want to try it again. It was a mistake to try. Even if he doesn't feel the same way, I think he should still know. If only to ease my conscience.'[/I]
Enasi looked up from staring at his reflection in the pool. He stopped swinging his feet and looked up when the trio rushed forward. He couldn't help but smile at their happiness. There was a sudden pounce, and he found himself being hugged by Rue. Enasi laughed and patted his head, not wanting him to get too wet from the hug. 

As they ran back to Crios' side, he shifted to face the them. Noticing their sadden looks, he could already sense who had won. He gave a gentle smile nonetheless and waited for the judges vote. His cheeks puff lightly as he was declared the loser of the competition, but he could only sigh. The Nightmare did have much more practice in his skill than he, so it was only fair. And as jealous as the dream guardian could get, he could only count it as fair. His arms crossed, but he shrugged. "I guess I'll have to try harder next time." The competitiveness in his eyes had long disappeared and Crios continued. Rue and Inui smiled at Enasi, hoping he wasn't too upset with the choice, but he gave an reassuring smile to say he was okay. 

"Well, if it's the doctor's orders, I'll go." Enasi looked up at Harper, taking his paw to help him out of the pool. He smiled and ran fingers through his wet hair. "I've had enough of water anyway." Harper took a few quick steps to catch up and grabbed a towel for him on the way out, so he didn't have to drip water everywhere. "Oh, thank you." Enasi said politely and began to dry off as much as possible. The two fell silent, letting the dream guardian think about his little. . . Mishap. 

"For what it's worth, I would've picked you." Harper smiled, only to recieved a smile back. He noticed his guardian looked distant and trapped in his own thoughts. The rabbit could guess as to what it was. With a sigh, he decides to put it up front, risking the reaction. "You should tell him..." His ears bent, and his eyes softened as he looked at the confused guardian. He was currently drying his hair, so he peeked from other the towel, giving a soft 'Nyeh?' sound. "I have good hearing. I... heard what you were going to say. I could see the look in your eyes sir. I've known you long enough to know what that meant."

Enasi froze in place, making Harper stop abruptly. His cheeks reddened once more, only to confirm Harper's guess. "I can't do that. That's- You wouldn't understand. . . It's just... not suppose to be." By this time,  Enasi was in his room. Harper stood at the door as the guardian went about looking for new clothes. He had left to clean off, only to arrive in a fresh change of clothes. "Harper, no. I can't." Enasi day on his bed and shook his head. "I don't need you to worry. I promise. . . I'll be fine."

But Harper wasn't having the excuses. He walked up, taking the guardian's hands and stared in his eyes. "Tell him. Even if you're afraid of the answer, even if you regret it later, because if you don't, you'll be sorry and always wonder the answer for the rest of your life." Harper gave a reassuring smile, and with his bent ears, only made it a cute effect. The guardian was still a deep shade of red, but he hugged the soft rabbit after giving a slow nod.  "Now, you need to get some rest like Doc said." 

"Al- Alright." Enasi mumbled and laid in the bed. He didn't fall asleep right away, too focused on Harper's words. He heard the door close and Enasi sighed, throwing covers over him.