[Wrong Area]

http://comics.adultf...hp?no=600060825 - X-Men in comics

Exact same story is also under X-Men. http://xmen.adult-fanfiction.org/story.php?no=600090901 My thought is that the one under Comics needs deleting.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

The walk through the beautiful little town had Vale smiling nonstop, not the least because Yuji's fingers were laced with Vale's the entire time. It was such a public declaration of their love for each other, and although Vale knew how much Yuji loved him, it was quite another thing to have Yuji be openly demonstrative.

The people of the village were a bit shy, although there were other foreign visitors to the many onsen of the region. Unlike those visitors, Vale's fluent Japanese and perfect manners earned him many approving smiles, and within minutes the various shopkeepers were treating him like any other Japanese customer. Yuji could not help smiling proudly at his elf as Vale chattered about pottery, and obi, and whatever else had caught his eye.

They strolled a bit further along the road, Vale exclaiming in delight as they crossed lovely bridges over the river as it ran through the town itself from the large lake above. There were waterfalls, and breathtaking trees, and Vale's elven soul drank in the natural beauty blissfully. Vale could only imagine how it would look in winter, and when he asked Yuji, Yuji told him that the ryokan was open all year round, and they could certainly return in the winter.

By the time they got back to the ryokan, it was nearly time for dinner. The room Yuji had booked for them had a beautiful private dining area, a low traditional table with large cushions set on tatami mats, and Yuji looked at Vale, his perfect eyes sparkling with happiness.

"Why don't we have dinner in our room tonight, my love?" Yuji asked.

Vale looked at Yuji with a radiant smile. "That sounds perfect, and we can relax in the onsen afterward. You order for us, a'maelamin, alright?"

"Relax?" Yuji murmured, so low that only Vale heard him clearly, his chuckle sweetly wicked.

Vale smiled back with perfect innocence, but his green eyes were almost dark with heat. "I find it very relaxing."

Yuji just chuckled again, and went to speak to the manager about having their dinner in their room, while Vale admired the view of the river, watching it tumble over the rocks as it hurried down the mountain. The sky was a clear and flawless blue, with only the occasional fluffy white cloud passing overhead, seeming to brush against the mountain. Yuji could feel Vale's delight through their bond, and the sense of peace and joy that emanated from the elf made Yuji's heart soar.

Dinner was a completely traditional meal of sushi, soup, rice, grilled freshly-caught fish and perfectly prepared pickled vegetables, with warmed sake, and both Vale and Yuji changed into yukata before settling in to enjoy the meal. Yuji insisted on feeding Vale little bites of things, and Vale felt the endless outpouring of love from Yuji through their bond, wrapping him in a cocoon of perfect joy. Vale was reminded all over again of that wonderful vacation, when he had first met Yuji and found himself falling in love with this amazing man.

They ate until the edge was off that hunger, but another hunger had been growing throughout the meal and Yuji pulled Vale into a kiss, plundering Vale's sweet mouth languidly, his fingers lightly tracing the triple spiral that graced one pointed ear. Vale gasped a little into the kiss, his fingers sliding into Yuji's hair to trace the shell of Yuji's ear, teasing the earlobe with a soft tweak. They only broke apart when Vale heard the soft sound of the maid's approach, and Yuji sat back with a wicked twinkle in his eyes, arranging his yukata to hide his erection as he looked over at Vale. Vale's cheeks were faintly pink with arousal, and his plump lips were sweetly kiss swollen as Vale folded his hands over his own lap quickly.

The maid cleared the dinner things with deft grace, and left a pot of tea and some small sweets, bidding them a good night as she backed out and slid the door closed behind her. Yuji waited a moment, and then pulled Vale back into his arms, nibbling Vale's lips and tugging Vale's yukata open a bit, the snowy white juban beneath falling open as well to reveal the elf's golden skin. Yuji's fingers dropped to open Vale's obi, unwinding it and putting it to one side as he slid the yukata and juban off Vale's shoulders.

Vale's back arched as Yuji's hot mouth closed over one pierced nipple, Yuji's tongue dragging over the tight little nub before pearly teeth tugged a golden ring sharply. Vale swallowed a moan, his cock jumping as Yuji's tongue swiped over the nipple again. Yuji alternated licks and tugs until he had Vale's nipple as hard as a pebble, and then he switched his attention to the other nipple as Vale arched his back in a bid to find a little friction for his needy cock, his slim fingers tangled in Yuji's blond hair.

Yuji got Vale's yukata off entirely, the elf utterly naked now and glorious, his green eyes nearly black with desire and precum beading on the head of his cock. Yuji looked at his husband thoughtfully, debating for a moment, and then he reached out and traced the emerald circle that graced Vale's neck, murmuring, "Akira."

Vale's eyes went molten with need, and right before Vale muted their bond Yuji felt a surge of pure joy as Vale knelt, his hands flat on his long thighs and his golden head bowed in perfect submission.

"I am yours, tura," Vale murmured, his voice husky as the elven word for master tumbled from his lips.

Yuji felt his cock jump at the name, something Vale had proposed that add to their contract after the night in the club with Cho and Kai. Vale found that referring to Cho as Mistress Cho had added to the experience for him, and although he was not a full time permanent submissive like Kai, Vale wanted to offer Yuji that extra bit of submission during their scenes. Yuji found it just as arousing, knowing how powerful Vale was in his own world, and he had to bite back a moan of his own as he looked at his glorious husband.

Yuji stood and crossed over to the shoji hiding the bedroom, sliding them open and walking into the bedroom to look in his overnight bag. He found the bag of holding containing their toys that he had packed, and pulled it out. Yuji carefully removed his own yukata and juban, and put on a fundoshi before gathering up the toys and returning to the living room where Vale knelt in perfect patience.

"Akira. Lift your hair away from your neck," Yuji ordered.

Vale slid his hands under the back of his thick mane, lifting it away from his neck, and the gesture made his back arch, his pierced nipples presenting perfectly. Yuji swallowed another moan at the sight of those hard little nubs with their golden rings, and he fastened Vale's green leather collar around the elf's neck.

For his part, Vale had to bite back a small moan at the sight of Yuji in fundoshi, the cloth bisecting Yuji's perfect ass and making Vale nearly dizzy with desire. The cotton fabric did nothing to hide the fact that Yuji was fully hard, and Vale could practically taste that glorious cock as he darted the tip of his tongue out to moisten his lips.

"Very nice, Akira," Yuji said, his voice throaty. "I like my pet in his collar." Yuji looked at Vale, still sitting back on his heels with his hands under his hair, and he smiled hungrily. He reached out, his long fingers teasing the golden rings in Vale's nipples, tugging them a little before twisting then sharply and coaxing a tiny gasp from the elf. "You may put your arms down, Akira, and hold them out for me."

Vale complied instantly, Yuji purring a little at the perfect response. He put the green leather cuffs on Vale's wrists and then on his ankles as well, and used his hands to maneuver Vale into position, the elf kneeling and leaning forward so that Yuji could fasten the wrist cuffs to the ankle cuffs. Yuji pushed Vale's face down onto one of the dining cushions, tugging the elf's hips up so that Vale's ass was in the air.

Yuji quickly used the spreader bar to set Vale's thighs apart and hold them in position, running his hands up the tender flesh inside those long thighs teasingly before wrapping a cock ring around Vale's straining cock. Yuji parted the golden globes of Vale's ass, looking at the twitching little pucker between them and slipping his thumbs into the ring of muscle. Yuji tugged a little, opening Vale's ass and feeling Vale tremble slightly beneath his hands.

"I love your eager little ass," Yuji murmured. "It's always ready for me, isn't it, Akira?"

Because Yuji had not yet told Vale to be silent, Vale dared a response, his voice husky with desire as he murmured, "Yes, tura."

Yuji released Vale's pucker and reached for a silken blindfold, wrapping it around Vale's eyes and tying it carefully. Vale trembled again, his nostrils flaring slightly as he took a quick breath, but he remained perfectly still as Yuji reached for the golden beads he had brought.

"Akira. From this moment on, not a sound," Yuji commanded sternly. He picked up the string of golden beads he had brought, and he used his thumb to pull a little lube out of Vale's ass, smearing it over the tight pucker before he began to feed the beads in one at a time. Vale trembled a little harder, and Yuji paused, feeling carefully for their muted bond and sensing only excitement and pleasure from his elf.

When Yuji had the last bead inserted, he pressed on Vale's ass to get the elf to lower it to his heels once again. Yuji then reached down and lifted Vale's shoulders, easing the elf upright, his wrists still bound to his heels, his thighs spread to keep them from touching his engorged cock, and the blindfold covering Vale's green eyes.

"Very pretty, Akira." Yuji walked around his elf, surveying the delicious sight, the remote to the beads in his hand. He thumbed it on, turning it to the lowest setting and watching Vale's nipples harden and the tip of his tongue dart out to moisten his lips. "Are you thirsty, my Akira?" Yuji chuckled a little as Vale considered the question. After a moment, Vale nodded.

Yuji opened a bottle of fine whiskey that he had brought from home, pouring some into a tumbler, knowing Vale's keen hearing and sense of smell would identify it immediately. Yuji took a swallow, savoring the flavor, and then took a smaller sip and held it as he crossed back to Vale. Yuji slid his fingers into Vale's hair, tightening them as he pulled the elf's head back and pressed his mouth to Vale's mouth. Vale's lips parted, and Yuji let the whiskey trickle into Vale's mouth slowly, the elf swallowing the liquor as Yuji's tongue tangled with his.

Yuji stepped back and looked at Vale, his lips kiss-swollen beneath the silken blindfold. Vale's cock was thick and hard, and he had kept his face tilted upward even after Yuji released him, the dark mark on Vale's neck showing beautifully against the pale gold skin.

Yuji moved closer to Vale, straddling the elf's spread thighs, and he pressed his groin forward. "Akira. Move the fundoshi aside and free my cock."

Vale nuzzled his face in, feeling where the fabric edge was, and he carefully caught it between pearly teeth, tugging it out and to the side until he had shifted it past Yuji's balls, the movement making the beads in his ass grind against his prostate. Vale then worked to get the cotton over Yuji's thick cock, tugging firmly as he leaned his head backward and then to the side. It took a bit of effort, and he was trembling by the time he was done, but Vale finally freed Yuji's cock. Vale was rewarded by the feeling of Yuji's cock against his lips.

"Use that talented mouth of yours, Akira," Yuji ordered. "I want you to bring me just to the edge, but don't make me come."

Vale parted his lips, his tongue snaking out to taste Yuji's precum before the tip slipped below the head to taste the sensitive cleft. At the same time, Yuji increased the vibration of the beads filling Vale's ass, and the elf sucked in a quick breath through his nostrils, his hands clenching helplessly as light exploded behind his eyes. It took a monumental effort of will, but Vale dragged his attention back to Yuji's cock, and he slid his mouth slowly down the thick shaft, his tongue stud teasing the vein that ran along the underside, until Yuji's cock hit the back of Vale's throat.

Vale withdrew slowly, his tongue swirling along Yuji's cock, the beads in his ass igniting all sorts of sensations that shivered up and down Vale's spine. Even the slight movement of sucking Yuji's cock was driving the elf wild as his prostate was stimulated by the vibrating beads, the blindfold darkening a little where it absorbed the tears that leaked from Vale's eyes. Yuji moaned a little as Vale slid forward again, and then sucked hard as he withdrew, almost desperate to bring Yuji to the edge.

Yuji fisted his hand in Vale's hair, tugging the elf off his cock with a soft pop. "That's enough, Akira." At the same time, Yuji thumbed the remote in his hand all the way up, and watched as Vale came undone, his back arching as his mouth opened in a silent scream, the stimulation of his prostate too much for the elf as a dry orgasm ripped through him. Yuji managed to catch Vale as he tilted, the elf shuddering violently in Yuji's arms, and Yuji thumbed the remote to turn the beads off as Vale went limp, only the spreader bar and linked restraints keeping him from total collapse.

Yuji reached down and eased the beads out of the unconscious elf's ass, and then stroked Vale's thick hair tenderly before freeing Vale's wrists and removing the spreader bar. Yuji removed the blindfold, kissing the tear-damp cheeks before wiping them with the silk, and he was rewarded by watching Vale's eyes flutter open, and then widen a little.

"Akira." Yuji watched as Vale immediately focused on him, any panic nipped before it could begin. "You are so very beautiful, do you know that? I love to watch you come undone like that, to know that I can take you over the edge and see you helpless with pleasure."

Vale shivered a little, but his green eyes were calm and filled with utter love and trust, his muscles relaxing as Yuji spoke. Yuji eased Vale upright again, the elf sitting back on his heels and laying his hands flat on his thighs.

"Bend over, Akira, and present yourself properly," Yuji ordered, and Vale smiled as he moved to comply, his chest against the floor and his ass in the air. Yuji stroked the round globes tenderly, parting them and pressing his cock against the loosened pucker, breaching Vale in a single fluid thrust until his balls were pressed against the pale golden skin of Vale's ass.

Yuji wrapped long fingers around Vale's hips, holding the elf tightly as he set a hard pace, pounding Vale's ass and riding Vale's already sensitive prostate hard. Yuji was already close himself, and he reached down between them to press firmly on the base of his own cock, pushing back his own orgasm as he continued to fuck Vale. The elf ground back against Yuji's thrusts, wanting Yuji buried in him fully, his back arching in bliss.

Yuji finally knew he could not hold back any longer, and he reached around Vale to remove the cock ring, Vale trembling a little as his aching balls drew up. At the same time, Yuji pulled Vale upright, slamming the elf down on his cock fully, and Vale's head fell back on Yuji's shoulder as his balls emptied at last, Vale's cum spurting across the room in thick ropes as Vale's ass clamped down on Yuji's cock like a velvet-wrapped fist.

Yuji sank his teeth into Vale's shoulder as he came, his cum searing as he filled Vale's ass with an endless stream of cum, feeling Vale shuddering in his arms. Vale's tight ass milked Yuji dry, and Vale finally went limp against Yuji, shivering with the intensity of his release as Yuji eased his cock out of Vale's ass and guided them both down to the floor, turned Vale around to face him.

Yuji's fingers slid under Vale's sweat-tangled hair, his perfect eyes locked on Vale's eyes. "Akira. You were perfect." Yuji unbuckled the collar and slid it off, leaning in to steal a kiss as Vale huffed a small laugh.

"That was amazing," Vale said, his eyes bright. "I thought my balls were going to explode."

"You're alright?" Yuji asked, stroking Vale's face tenderly. "I don't think I've ever seen you quite pass out like that."

"I'm fine, my love," Vale said, and his bond opened up to flood Yuji with love and a wonderful peace. "What I would like is a nice soak in the onsen."

"I think we can manage that," Yuji said, chuckling a little. He stood up and helped Vale up, the elf still trembling slightly. They went into their private bathroom and washed each other thoroughly, Vale purring as Yuji lathered his hair and rinsed it, and then they climbed into the onsen, the heated mineral spring water making Vale moan very quietly as he curled up next to Yuji.

Yuji and Vale soaked contentedly for a bit, until Vale's fingers began to travel along Yuji's thigh, making Yuji look at Vale and chuckle as he nuzzled Vale's thick hair.

"You're insatiable," Yuji grinned. "You're worse than fucking Willow."

"You're irresistible," Vale countered, his eyes filled with love as he straddled Yuji. "I can't get enough of you." He lowered himself onto Yuji's thick cock, muffling his sigh of pleasure in a kiss as Yuji pulled him close. "And this is going to be a perfect weekend."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Haedrith picked up the last book from the long table, examining it carefully and running slim fingers over the leather spine. He crossed the library in quick strides, graceful and serene, and tucked the book back in its proper place on the correct shelf, looking around and smiling at the order all around him. It was the most satisfying part of Haedrith's job, being able to keep the library organized, and being able to lay his hands on any book that was requested, no matter how obscure.

Oh, there were always those mages who forgot to return things, or who used his books for all sorts of ridiculous purposes, but on the whole, Haedrith loved what he did. When it was quiet, he was free to read whatever tome or scroll he desired, and a large portion of the library was devoted to historical treatises, folklore of the various races of Toril, languages, poetry and even some mildly scandalous family histories for some of the oldest of the sun elf Houses. Those were a guilty pleasure Haedrith saved for very stressful occasions.

Today, however, Haedrith was feeling quite good. It was a lovely sunny day, and the light streamed in through the narrow windows that ran from the ceiling down nearly to the floor. The smell of parchment and ink and leather bindings mingled with the scent of flowers, and from years of long practice, Haedrith looked at the sun patterns and knew it was nearly time to head home and greet Herenith and Aira. Haedrith smiled as he sat at his desk, picking up a parchment and making a quick note to himself for the next morning.

There was the sound of light footsteps, and Haedrith heard someone in the shelves behind him. Haedrith tilted his head, listening to see if he could pinpoint the exact shelves being perused, a small game he played with himself. The library was set up like a great wheel, with Haedrith's desk at the very center of it all. Lines of bookcases, positioned back to back, radiated out like so many spokes, and at the far end of each spoke was a long table and chairs, lit by the tall windows. Delicate brass columns rose from the center of each table, topped by a glow globe, to provide illumination at night or on gloomy days.

The footsteps had headed to the area reserved for information on the Lower Planes, specifically the Abyss, and Haedrith felt a curious unease begin to grow in the pit of his stomach. He had told Kansas that he would try to find out any information that he could about the identity of the mage who had kidnapped Erion, but so far, he had come up with nothing.

Haedrith had debated speaking with his friend, Khaleth, a mage who been successfully dodging his master for many years. Khaleth had a peculiar and often inappropriate sense of humor, but he had somehow managed to work his way into the affections of both Haedrith and Elenwen, when she was alive, and Khaleth was one of the few people on Evermeet that Haedrith trusted without reservation.

Late one night, over too much wine and too little food, Haedrith had finally caved in and told Khaleth of what had happened to Erion, of how his young lover had been abducted while Between, right off an elfship. Khaleth had agreed that it took the kind of power that no one mage could muster, and when Haedrith mentioned a balor, Khaleth had hushed him urgently, paid their bill and dragged Haedrith to the librarian's home. Once there, Khaleth had triggered a cone of silence around them before letting Haedrith tell him about the balor. Khaleth had been oddly quiet after Haedrith finished.

"This lover of yours, he's a star elf?" Khaleth asked, and for once there was no humor in his eyes.

Haedrith's turquoise eyes widened. "Erion's part star elf, not full blooded." He looked into Khaleth's ocean colored eyes, the blue green color so familiar, a reminder of all he had loved, and he took a deep breath. "You heard about the aredhel who came here from Sildëyuir? Santhiel en Nosse Sulandorn?"

Khaleth's eyes widened to match Haedrith's eyes, and he ran a hand through his pale white-gold hair. "The prince of the elen'Quessir? The one who pretty much shoved it up the ass of the Court and told them Evermeet was a bunch of dhaerow with shit for brains?"

Haedrith looked slightly pained. "I don't think I'd describe him quite like that, actually."

Khaleth lunged forward and grabbed Haedrith's arms. "You met him?" he squeaked.

"He's Erion's father, and don't you dare tell anyone that," Haedrith replied, wriggling a little as Khaleth's fingers dug into his arms painfully. "You're hurting me, mellonamin."

"Oh, shit! Amin hiraetha, selen'amin," Khaleth said, letting go of Haedrith and rubbing Haedrith's arms. "It's just that he's sort of a personal hero of mine. He refused to give Tower Reilloch the old high magic, because Evermeet didn't rush to help Evereska. You have to love an elf like that."

"Erion was tortured, Khaleth. This isn't one of your jokes, or time to melt into a puddle of hero- worship over his father." Haedrith spoke much more sharply that usual, and Khaleth sat back in surprise. "The mage that had him taken wanted to know about his father. This was no accident. Erion was targeted because of his star elf blood, and the mage found out who his father was. He also found out that Santhiel is still alive."

"Who have you told at the Tower?" Khaleth asked, and his voice was deadly serious.

"Aside from you? No one," Haedrith replied, his heart hammering in his chest.

"Keep it that way." Khaleth had changed the topic abruptly, and that had been the last they had spoken of it.

But now, Haedrith listened to the light footsteps and then the soft rustle of scrolls being shifted, a tome sliding carefully off the shelf. Haedrith debated with himself for a few moments, and then stood up and smoothed his robes. He walked around through the shelves, approaching the figure bent over the table.

"Is there any way I can help you?" Haedrith asked, keeping his tone bright and utterly innocuous.

The figure straightened up abruptly and spun around, revealing himself to be a very young elven apprentice mage. His style of robe marked him as a wizard rather than a sorcerer, and his pale blue eyes were wide as he looked at Haedrith.

"Oh!" The young elf tried to stand in front of the tome on the table, shifting back and forth from foot to foot in agitation. "No, thank you, really, I'm fine, and I was just going to check something quickly and then I have to leave, really? Sir?"

"It's alright, child," Haedrith said soothingly, holding out one hand. "Did your master send you to look for something? I'm always happy to help the apprentices find what they need, you know. And if I'm not here, any of my staff can help."

"Oh, no, Master Librarian, I don't want to be any trouble, really, I can just muddle through this on my own because my master will be very angry if I don't anyway and –" The young elf choked back a sudden sob. "He's going to turn me into a drider, I know it!" The apprentice grabbed the tome, shoved it under his robe, and ran out of the library with a wail, leaving Haedrith standing there with his mouth hanging open.

Haedrith started to walk back to his desk slowly, and stopped to look at the shelves as he passed. He knew every book in the library intimately, and it only took him a moment to remember what book had occupied that space on the shelf, the tome that the young apprentice had taken.

"On Tracing Bloodlines and True Names of the Lower Planes," Haedrith said, and he left the library abruptly in search of the Apprentice Master, determined to find out who that young elf was assigned to.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Eryn looked at Momo and shook her head a little, laughing. "What things have you been telling Sadao-san?"

"Only that if we're lucky, you're making chicken curry tonight," Momo replied cheekily, and Eryn's smile grew even brighter.

"I can't tell you how good that makes me feel. Honestly, I was so sure I wasn't doing it right at all, and Kokoro-chan's been so patient." Eryn looked over at Satoru and laughed again. "And you, my dear, just tell me you like everything I make."

"These sweet rolls are very good, Mori-san," Sadao said politely, and bowed his head a little, still feeling slightly awkward about the impromptu invitation.

Eryn looked at him sympathetically. "We do tend to be a little relaxed about our sons dropping in for dinner, although when Satoshi-san and Masato-san come, they bring the grandchildren with them. It's much livelier, but I do enjoy it. Momo-san tells me you have a son?"

Sadao smiled brightly as he nodded. "Yes. Ichirou. He's just turned eight, just last week." Sadao slid his hand over the side of his thigh, as if to reach for his wallet, but then hesitated and a faint blush painted his cheekbones pink.

"Oh, do you have pictures? I would love to see them," Eryn said.

Sadao gave a shy little chuckle, his cheeks darkening slightly, but he rose from the couch a little to pull his wallet from his back pocket, and pulled out a small fold out plastic album. Reaching across the table he showed it to Eryn, pointing and flipping through the album. "I took this one when he was barely two hours old. This is his first birthday, his first day at school. This is his first swimming lesson. And this one is the newest, taken on his birthday last week." The love in Sadao's voice and the beautiful smile on his face showed how much Ichirou meant to his proud father.

"He is so handsome, Sadao-san," Eryn said, her own smile warm and genuine. "It's a marvelous age, isn't it? You start to get a sense of who they'll be when they're grown."

Sadao nodded and glanced at the pictures before he put them back in his wallet. "He looks an awful lot like his mother at the moment. I'm hoping he'll look more like me one day, but who knows," he said with a small shy laugh. "But you are right. I do sometimes see a glimpse of the man he will become. Although things are hard for him now, he is still taking them in stride, and dealing with them far better than I would have imagined. And he's got an attitude sometimes. He trains judo, and is adamant that I'm a wuzz because I train Shorinji Kempo." Sadao laughed brightly, and shook his head a little.

"A wuzz?" Eryn asked, slightly puzzled. "I'm still learning Japanese, so sometimes I miss a word. Masato says that eventually, I will learn all the wrong words from my grandsons. But he doesn't train in the same discipline as you? That's very interesting. Is he not interested or did you want to give him that independence?" Eryn caught herself and covered her mouth with a slim hand. "Listen to me, asking so many questions! I am so sorry, Sadao-san, and I apologize for being such an inquisitive person."

Sadao bowed his head respectfully as he answered with a warm smile, "Oh, do not apologize, I am quite happy to answer. A wuzz is a weak man, someone who lacks physical strength. I wanted Ichirou to make the choice himself, and my father was sneaky enough to take him to Judo training. My father has been training Judo since he was a young man, and I started in Judo. My father is in his seventies and still training, but Judo just did not feel right for me. It's too violent, or rather too physical. There is far less focus on the spiritual side of it. Shorinji Kempo on the other hand is balanced between the physical and the spiritual. We spend equal time with both, and must master both to advance in our discipline. Ichirou is a very spirited boy, so sitting and meditating for hours on end, as he puts it just did not fit him."

"Ah, that must be why Masato enjoys it so much. He has always been drawn to the spiritual as well as to the martial, and it does sound like Shorinji Kempo is exactly what he'd like. I'm surprised Yuki had stuck with it, though." Eryn smiled happily. "We place a great deal of importance on training, both martial and spiritual, where I'm from, so it does make me happy to know that it is as respected here. Satoshi does not train with you, though, does he?" She looked over at Momo and Satoru, who were discussing something that Momo had been learning, and her eyes grew warm. "I love to see them together like that."

Sadao blushed faintly as he glanced over at Momo and the sparkle in his eyes belied how deeply he loved the young rascal. "They are remarkably alike, if I'm not too bold to say so. Mamoru-san always speaks so fondly of you both, that I must admit that I have been looking forward to meeting you both. I am just still a little tentative when it comes to meeting my partner's parents. But to answer your question, then no. Mori-kun does not train at the dojo, he only trains with Ishikawa-san, privately." Sadao stopped for a moment, and seemed to consider his next words carefully, before he asked, "If it is not too impolite of me, what is your relation to Masato-san? You look so much like him that I would almost dare to guess that you are siblings."

Eryn clapped her hands softly to her cheeks, her blue eyes dancing with merriment. "You're impossibly wonderful, Sadao-san. Masato is my son, the youngest of my three children, and I am eternally in your debt for mistaking us for siblings."

Sadao's eyes widened impossibly and he coughed a little, asking, "Your son!? And Hayashi-kun is your grandson? That can't be..." he trailed off slowly and his eyes moved over to Satoru for a moment, and then he looked back at Eryn, looking puzzled. "But Mori-kun... he's your son..." Sadao turned his eyes back to Satoru, blushing faintly, and his voice was a little shy when he asked, "Forgive me for my rudeness, but this is your second marriage? For you both?"

Satoru snickered a little bit and said with a teasing tone, "She loves hearing that." He gave Eryn a little nudge, nodding at Sadao. "Yes, this is our second marriage. Satoshi is my son from my first marriage and Masato is Eryn's son from her first marriage. And according to Satoshi they found each other first, so they get around the step brother label."

Sadao blushed a little and laughed shyly. "Oh, please forgive me. I got terribly confused for a moment. So you two met after Masato-san and Mori-kun were married?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Eryn said. "I had just assumed that Momo-san told you. I was widowed when Masato was just a baby, and honestly, I really hadn't taken time to think about marrying again. I was busy with the children and with my work, and then Masato moved here, and I came to visit, and well, I fell in love." She looked at Satoru, her eyes shining. "But I do think we actually managed to marry officially before they did, although they were very much a committed couple first." She laughed brightly. "And Yuki is my daughter's eldest."

Momo gave a small giggle and said with a teasing tone to match Satoru's, "We've been a bit busy, so I hadn't gotten around to mentioning that, actually."

Sadao gave a terribly embarrassed giggle and shook his head as he nudged Momo with his elbow. "Mamoru-san," he said quietly, then turned to Eryn again. "Now that you do mention it, I do remember Masato-san talking about his mother getting remarried, but somehow I just did not make the connection. Ishikawa-san was also very happy in sharing the news that his brother in law was getting remarried. So, late as it is, congratulations to you both."

"Thank you so much," Eryn said. "I'm afraid we're a rather confusing bunch." She gave Satoru a look that was filled with love for her gentle husband. "But I wouldn't change a thing. I'm completely happy, even if the titles get mixed up. I'm happy to be sobo, really!"

Sadao nodded his head with a smile, lowering his eyes to the coffee table when Satoru leaned over and kissed Eryn gently on the lips. Momo noticed the embarrassment on Sadao's face and impulsively leaned over and kissed Sadao softly on the cheek, whispering, "Don't be so shy. They do that all the time. Some days I knock before I come in, just in case they're copulating on the dining room table."

Sadao giggle snorted loudly and his eyes sparkled with his love for Momo. "Mamoru-san, you're terrible, you know that." Momo smiled and stole a quick kiss from Sadao's lips before he smirked at his lover and nodded. "Meh. You like me that way, so why not?"

Sadao gave a small shrug and nodded. "That is true. I do like you. Even though you are sometimes impossibly rude. I do apologize, Mori-san. Mori-san." Sadao bowed his head at both Satoru and Eryn and then turned to Eryn again. "So, all the children call you sobo?"

Eryn laughed as she looked at Momo and shook her head. "I don't think we've gone quite that far, but I've never been ashamed of loving my husband." She turned back to Sadao, not even the faintest trace of a blush on her cheeks. "And yes, the children all call me sobo. I can't differentiate, especially when I've known Akira so long as well. They're just all so wonderful."

"Oh, so the Hayashi children both call you sobo as well? How wonderful. You do have the most loving and caring family, from what I have heard. I will admit that I do wish things were that easy in my family. Ichirou is struggling with exactly that problem, who is sobo and who isn't," Sadao said with a small bow of his head, and his smile faltered for a moment.

"I'm so sorry," Eryn said, laying a slim hand on his very gently. "It's terrible when the children get caught up in the foolishness of adults. They're such a gift, and we need to cherish them, and let them know how loved they are. Just love him like you do, and he'll be fine."

Sadao lay his hand over Eryn's and nodded. "I do love him, and I take care to tell him that every day. But it is his mother's side that worries me. She remarried last year, and they recently had a child of their own. Her husband isn't altogether happy about raising Ichirou and his parents refuse to call Ichirou their grandson. He gets confused by that. That the new baby is their grandchild but he isn't. But thankfully my parents both love him as much as any grandparent is able to, I think. If not more."

Sadao smiled again, the sadness leaving his eyes as he continued, "My siblings both think I am crazy for allowing Ichirou to stay at my parents house, since my parents are retired and in their seventies, but they insist. So he spends at least one night with them, when it is my week to have him. He stays with me one week and then with his mother one week."

"Of course they love him. If he is anything like his father, how could they help it?" Eryn smiled. "I hope to meet him one day, if I can. If I can be so bold, I think my son has chosen very wisely when he gave his heart to you."

Sadao blushed heavily and bowed his head, then burst out laughing when Momo leaned into him and whispered loud enough for Eryn and Satoru to hear him, "See. I told you they would adore you just as much as they adore me. Hell, the way you're smooching up to them, I'm getting scared I'll get replaced soon."

"Mamoru-san," Sadao squealed, trying to stop his giggles, and Satoru growled playfully as he reached across the table and thunked Momo on the head with a newspaper that had been lying on the couch beside him. "Momo-kun, stop being such a wise ass," Satoru said with a laugh, and Momo blew a raspberry at his father.

Eryn shook her head at the two of them, laughing as she turned to Sadao. "They're irresistible, these Mori men." She stood and smoothed her skirt a little. "And I think I'm going to start on the chicken curry." She smiled at Sadao. "I never mind company in the kitchen, so feel free to wander in and chat."

Sadao rose from his seat and bowed, swatting at Momo when the imp reached up and patted Sadao's ass lovingly. "Thank you... stop that... And thank you again, Mori-san for inviting me to dinner. I do apologize for the inconvenience."

Momo tugged on Sadao's belt to make him sit down again, and rolling his eyes at his lover told him, "You can take it easy on the Mori-san, you know. I know that okaasan wouldn't mind if you just call her Eryn-san."

"You're no inconvenience, ever, Sadao-san. Please consider yourself always welcome here." Eryn bowed a little, her grin suddenly impish. "And I do actually prefer Eryn-san. I keep looking for Satoru's mother when people call me Mori-san."

Sadao bowed his head and smiled shyly. "Forgive me. It is just the way I am raised. Thank you again, Eryn-san. I will do my best."

"There's nothing to apologize for, simply because you have lovely manners," Eryn replied. "But really, I feel as though you are a part of our family already, as connected as you are to so many of us. You must tell me over dinner how you came to work for Kenji, though."

Sadao nodded and glanced at Satoru. "Thank you. I do feel so welcomed already, and I do consider both Masato-san and Hayashi-kun as friends. It is a pure joy to train them both. They are so focused and so determined in their training. I do not remember ever having trained a man Hayashi-kun's age that had such a focus and determination for his training. In all honesty he reminds me of Mori-kun when he started his training at the old dojo."

Eryn nodded. "It's our tradition, in our family, to begin training quite young in the martial arts. Yuki has been training since he was old enough to hold a weapon, and his father is a very strict taskmaster."

"Oh, his father is in martial arts as well? I would enjoy meeting him some day. Hayashi-kun is one of my favorite students, as mean as it is to have favorites. Please do not tell him that I said that." Sadao blushed faintly, and smiled. "But they are both very proficient. Truthfully me and a few of the other trainers, we sometimes sneak up to the house after hours on Thursdays to watch Mori-kun when he's training with Ishikawa-san. And we usually end up watching Masato-san in his kenjutsu training too. They sometimes train with long swords as well. Now those are gorgeous weapons."

Eryn laughed delightedly. "Come chat with me while I cook, Sadao-san. We'll let our men set the table, shall we? Or they can sneak out to the garden and have a cigarette." She led Sadao into the kitchen, moving with her usual graceful efficiency as she began to make the curry while Sadao set up the rice cooker.

"My son in law is quite proficient, although our martial arts varies quite a bit from your forms. Satoshi, though, oh, my. I've watched him at the estate when he and Masato spar, and he is just extraordinary. And as far as the long swords, those have always been Masato's weapon of choice. He's quite good, isn't he? And Satoshi is picking it up so quickly as well. It's so wonderful to watch them." Eryn gave Sadao another impish grin. "I might have to spar with them one day, to give them a challenge."

"You train martial arts too?" Sadao asked with a little bit of surprise in his tone, but there was no judgment in his tone, only curiosity.

Eryn nodded calmly. "It's our tradition I am accredited a master in my particular form." She began to laugh. "It did come in handy, raising two sons and a daughter who made them look positively innocent."

Sadao laughed quietly, and bowed respectfully. "Well, then I should address you as sensei, now shouldn't I? I have noticed that the girls that I have trained are often better than the boys, at least up to a certain age. They seem to be able to focus better than the younger boys. But when they reach their teens they do sort of even out, if you understand my meaning. But I have to agree with you about Mori-kun. Even as a child when he was starting in Kempo... It was a joy to watch him. I have never in my life seen such a focused four year old. He never got caught up in the hijinx that the other children sometimes got up to, and I often got the feeling that he got annoyed when the other children broke up the training with their antics. Satoshi was all about his training from the moment he walked into the dojo." Sadao let out a small giggle. "And when Ishikawa-san finally got him to take the training sword he was just as focused in his kenjutsu training as well. I felt so sorry for him though. Ishikawa-san chased him around with that bamboo sword for the better part of a week before he finally took it. Mori-kun was only eight at the time, and he did not think that kenjutsu was his thing. But he proved to be a natural at it. I honestly think that he is only surpassed by Ishikawa-san, and Yori-sama."

Eryn nodded, hearing the deep love in Sadao's voice as he discussed training his students. "I will have to go one day, and watch them all at the dojo, I think. I wouldn't presume to spar there, though. But tell me, did you always want to be a sempai? Is this what you studied for, or did the dojo call you away from another path?"

Sadao smiled brightly and shook his head a little as he helped Eryn slice some vegetables for the soup she had simmering. "Actually I am a qualified elementary school teacher, but I have never actually taught anywhere, save for my one year training position. I started training Kempo when I was seven. My father wasn't all that happy with my choice, since I had been training Judo since I was four, but it soon became obvious that Kempo was my discipline. I trained with Ishikawa-san for many years, and he became my sempai, eventually. Then when he was kicked out of the old dojo I was one of the students who followed him, and he gave us a position at his dojo. Then when I finished my university studies, Ishikawa-san offered me the position of sempai, at the dojo, and it only felt natural to take it. I honestly think that I was always meant to be sempai. Although my teacher's education does come in handy when training the youngest groups. They do sometimes lose their concentration and start acting wildly."

Eryn laughed brightly. "Really, it does, doesn't it? Back home, I'm a doctor, but I've always had an interest in alternative treatments as well. I honestly haven't bothered to try to transfer my license here, but I can't seem to keep my nose out of things. Poor Masato, Satoshi hurt his ankle, and I was so sharp with Masato because he took Satoshi to the hospital instead of calling me. I owe both of them an apology, I fear."

Sadao helped Eryn bring the dinner over to the table, Momo and Satoru appearing as if lured in by the delicious scent of chicken curry. Satoru had a couple of bottles of wine, and Momo grabbed a beer, and they all settled in around the dinner table.

"I heard about Mori-kun's injury. Do you know how serious it is? Because I know Ishikawa-san was devastated to hear that Mori-kun's ankle is broken. Ishikawa-san is very afraid that it will affect his training and maybe even render him unable to continue his training," Sadao asked with genuine concern in his voice.

Eryn sighed a little. "There is a break, and some small fractures as well, but fortunately no ligament damage. Satoshi is very lucky, but he needs to stay in a hard cast for six to eight weeks, so he won't be able to train for a bit. The good news is that they do believe it will heal cleanly, and with some physical therapy, he should be able to go right back to training and everything else he loves so much." She arched a brow, looking so much like Sand for a moment that Sadao's eyes widened a bit. "I'll be taking a look once he gets the cast off, of course."

"I am glad to hear there are no ligament damages. A break can heal cleanly and leave no permanent damage, so he should be able to continue his training once he's healed. I have dislocated my knee, and damaged ligaments and it's an injury that has plagued me since. I've dislocated my knee three times now, and my doctor says that if I do it one more time, I can kiss my career good bye," Sadao said, adding with a warm smile, "Ever the doctor, huh?"

Momo made a small humming sound through his nose, asking, "Is that why you always wear that knee brace when you go to training?"

Sadao nodded. "Yes. It helps to keep my knee stable, but it's not a guarantee. Ishikawa-san has it worse. He's dislocated his shoulder numerous times. It's so loose now that he can almost pop it in and out of socket himself."

"Always the doctor," Eryn smiled back. "You know, I wouldn't mind taking a look at your knee sometime. Conventional medicine is marvelous, but there are alternative treatments that can do quite a lot of good. I think a closed mind is perhaps the worst disease out there. And as far as Kenji, he needs to be careful with that. I've lectured Masato about that very thing. Just because slamming your dislocated shoulder into a marble column worked once doesn't mean it will work every time."

Sadao gave a small grimace at the description. "He had not told me that he had dislocated his shoulder. Thankfully it hasn't been an issue in his training, but I will be sure to ask him about it next time I see him. Ishikawa-san has grown quite used to his shoulder, it's affected him for quite a few years. Although I think it did get worse after he fell down the hillside by his house. He landed on his bad shoulder and there was some bleeding in the joint." Sadao stopped, deftly avoiding the offer of looking at his knee, until Momo nudged him and said, "You should let okaasan take a look at your knee. She's a sort of spiritual healer, she has healing hands. And you wouldn't even have to drop your pants for her."

Sadao blushed heavily and shook his head, mumbling into his chicken curry, "Mamoru-san! Don't say things like that." Momo laughed teasingly and winked at Eryn.

"All my foolish little birds," Eryn laughed, shaking her head at Momo but unable to resist his sweet charm. "I'd be happy to take a look at your knee, Sadao-san, and even if you did need to drop your pants, I'm a happily married woman these days. You'd be quite safe." Satoru burst out laughing at the look on Sadao's face, and Eryn made a little face at her husband.

"As far as Masato's shoulder goes, I wouldn't worry too much about it. He hasn't been idiotic enough to damage it in a while, and he's remarkably resilient." Eryn shrugged. "He also has enough sense not to push himself beyond his physical limits. The one I worry about is Yuki, who simply refuses to admit that he has limits."

Sadao took a couple of slow breaths, the blush fading from his cheeks, and he managed a somewhat shaky smile when he looked up. "Thank you for the offer, Eryn-san. I would appreciate it if you could take a look. And forgive me for the rudeness, but I think I wouldn't mind dropping my pants for you, just for Mamoru-san's comment."

Momo made a loud indignant noise, and then let out a short yelp of pain, as Satoru grimaced and muttered, "Hell, boy, are your shins made of steel?"

Sadao laughed a little shaking his head, his eyes sparkling as he visibly relaxed finally. "I do understand your worries about Hayashi-kun, Eryn-san. He is a very driven boy, but he will soon grow out of thinking he is invincible. At least he complains enough when he's looking at his bruises in the showers after training."

Eryn laughed in delight. "I can't tell you how happy that makes, both that he's training hard enough to get bruises, and that he's complaining about them. There might be hope for the little rascal yet." She looked around the table brightly. "Now, it's such a lovely evening. Shall we have dessert in the garden?"

"Now that's an idea," Momo said loudly and clapped his hands with a smile. Sadao smiled lovingly as he looked at Momo, then he bowed to Eryn as they rose from the table.

"Thank you very much for dinner, it was delicious. And if your dessert is anything like your sweet rolls, I am afraid you will have to roll me out the door when I am done," Sadao said with an almost impish smile, and Momo grabbed him around the shoulders, whispering loudly in his ear. "Oh, we won't be rolling you anywhere, except up the stairs and into my bed."

Sadao blushed heavily and hung his head, muttering, "Remind me once again why I like you, please?"

Momo grinned wickedly and leaned in even closer, whispering very quietly into Sadao's ear, the blush in Sadao's cheeks deepening with every word, but the sparkle in his eyes growing brighter.

"Oh, lovely, I'm so glad you're staying the night," Eryn said, her smile radiant. "I'm an early riser, but I'll try to be quiet, so you young things can sleep in. Now, you all get settled in the garden, and I'll get the dessert for us."

"I'll give you a hand," Satoru offered, and gave Eryn a gentle kiss on the lips. He waited until Momo and Sadao were safely in the garden before he turned back to Eryn. "What did our son say to make that poor Sadao blush so furiously?"

Eryn smothered a quick giggle. "The truth? It was utterly innocent. Momo told Sadao that Sadao likes him because he's sweet, and kind and funny, and gives a wicked backrub, and is totally useless in the kitchen, but he makes up for that in bed."

Satoru gigglesnorted as he got down the larger teapot. "Do we even want tea, or should we stick with the wine and maybe some sake?"

"They're staying here tonight, so why not get the sake?" Eryn laughed as she pulled out the tray of tiny pastries she had made, delicate little one-bite shells of almond pastry filled with different fruits and dusted with finely grated chocolate.

Sadao stretched languidly as he and Momo went out on the backporch, smiling when Momo sidled up behind him and wrapped strong calloused hands around his abdomen, where his shirt had ridden up out of the waistband of his jeans. "So, I like you because you're kind and sweet and give a good backrub, huh?"

"That's what you always say, so yeah, I figured that was the case," Momo said with a small nibble to Sadao's neck, and he spun around in Momo's arms, tugging the slightly taller man down for a kiss.

"I like your parents. They're so open and honest and welcoming. Although the complete disregard for formality is a little disorienting, I like them. They are a lot like you to be honest," Sadao whispered between nibbling kisses and Momo nodded as he pushed in for a proper kiss.

"They couldn't care less about the whole being gay thing. I mean, come on, look at them. Tousan only has me and Satoshi, and we're both gay, although Satoshi has kids. He's probably more bi, than gay. And Masato is the same. Okaasan comes from a place where gay marriage is considered just as normal and natural as straight, and they even encourage their youngsters to explore both sides. So, just relax and be that idiotic sweet goofy guy that spills soda on my jeans just to get them off me."

Momo giggled as Sadao pinched him and snorted, "That was an accident, you moron."

"Yeah, whatever. Just keep telling yourself that." Momo said with a teasing tone and dove in for another kiss when he heard Eryn and Satoru nearing the door to the garden.

Eryn and Satoru exchanged bright smiles as they saw Momo pull Sadao into a kiss, the love between the two men so obvious and so pure that the happy parents leaned into each other for a moment, Eryn tilting her face up for a kiss and Satoru obliging happily. Momo let Sadao up for air in time for Sadao to catch the last lingering nibble of Eryn and Satoru's kiss, and Eryn smiled at the two lovers.

"I was going to make tea, but it's the weekend, so we brought wine and sake instead." Satoru held up the bottles as Eryn set down the platter of tiny pastries. "I thought we'd have a small dessert so no one needs to be rolled up the stairs tonight unless they absolutely want to be, that is. I think I might prefer a slow sashay myself." Eryn gave a little yelp as Satoru hugged her from behind and nuzzled her ear.

Eryn caught Momo's eye as he was pouring sake, and she gave him the tiniest nod and a huge smile, and was rewarded by the most beautiful smile imaginable from Momo.

Sadao blushed a little as he stepped back from Momo, bowing his head shyly, snickering a little at the comment about sashaying up the stairs. Momo glanced at Sadao as he started pouring the sake and asked quietly, "Please stay the night?"

Sadao nodded slowly, looking at Eryn and Satoru as he answered, "If you two do not mind, I think I would like to stay the night." Sadao caught the small look and bright smile that passed between Eryn and Momo, and he gazed up on Momo with such immaculate love that Satoru leaned over the table and squeezed his hand quickly. "You are welcome to stay for our sake. Welcome to the family, Sadao Hajime. From now on, I want you to call me Satoru. No more of that Mori-sama stuff."

Sadao's smile was as beautiful as Momo's as he accepted a cup of sake, and he nodded. "Thank you both so much for your hospitality. I do feel so welcomed and wanted that I hardly know how to react. As for the morning, Eryn-san, I never sleep later than seven. I'm usually up at five all mornings and sleeping in is sleeping until seven. So I hope you do not mind some company in the morning."

Momo let out a small playful groan, and nodded emphatically at Eryn, his eyes dancing with mirth. "Yeah, yeah, just go ahead and laugh at me, okaasan. Me and my fucking morning glories."

Sadao's bright laughter rang out over the garden and Momo smirked into his sake cup.

Eryn pulled Sadao down so she could kiss his cheek lightly. "Welcome to the family, my dear Sadao. You're both welcome and wanted, I promise you, and I'd love some company in the morning." She looked over at Momo with that impish twinkle in her eyes, and Sadao recognized it as Erion's look. "And as for you, sleepyhead, you miss the best part of the day. Dawn's the most perfect part of the morning."

Eryn curled up and helped herself to wine and a pastry, utterly pleased with the way the day had turned out, as Momo blew a raspberry at her with a smirk.

"Morning doesn't start until ten at the earliest," Momo muttered, and Satoru snickered.

"No, no, Eryn-san's right," Sadao laughed. "It's the best way to start the day, watching the sun come up." He flashed Eryn a grin. "Although Masato-san doesn't agree at all."

[Discontinued]

If it does come back, you know I'll be delighted to participate!

[Plagiarism]

This is truly ridiculous. I will do all I can to help. Starting with nasty reviews. I've had this problem too but not on this scale or anywhere like this level.

The best thing is to let a moderator or administrator know, and we'll get right on it. We have zero tolerance for plagiarists, but we'd also rather not have to put out a flame war at the same time.

We have lots of room in the Hall of Shame to hoist those nasty plagiarists...

[Plagiarism]

Please take a peek in the Hall of Shame for our newest member.... hysteria101.

[Plagiarism]

One of the things that we try to discourage here on AFF is flame wars on review boards and in our forums. Right now, it appears that the reviews are being deleted almost as fast as they go up, and there has been no response, but we'd like everyone to keep in mind that a flame war isn't going to help resolve this any faster, since it will require the moderators to have to go and deal with that issue on top of the original plagiarism report.

We do understand how frustrating this is, and I know Danyealle has mentioned that she herself went through the grief of being plagiarized. We're authors as well, and we take this very seriously. Trust us to do the right thing here, and we'll get this resolved as fast as we can!

Thanks!

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Despite Satoshi's protests, Sand insisted on carrying him all the way to the car, easing Satoshi into the passenger seat as gently as possible to avoid jarring his ankle any more than necessary.

"I'm not an invalid, Masato-san," Satoshi muttered, but despite his protest, just the effort of putting on dry sweatpants had his ankle throbbing.

"Of course you are not, saiai. We shall be sure to have a jog together tomorrow morning," Sand replied, nibbling a kiss as he adjusted Satoshi's foot gently.

Satoshi contented himself with a small glare as he waited for Sand to come around and get into the driver's seat, buckling his seat belt and starting the engine as the garage door opened. Satoshi had grabbed a hoodie as well, and he dug in the pocket to find his cigarettes, lighting one up and smoking almost furiously. Sand drove well past the pond before he hit the button to open his window and let some of the cigarette smoke out, and Satoshi looked over at Sand from under lowered lashes.

"I'm sorry, Masato. I should never have gone down to the pond." Satoshi's voice trembled just a little bit, and Sand looked over quickly. "I don't even know why I did it. I didn't go downstairs planning to be an idiot."

"You are not an idiot, saiai. Far from it," Sand said calmly, his eyes on the road as they left the estate. "You were doing what any father would do. You were protecting your children. In your place, I would have done the same thing."

"No, you wouldn't," Satoshi replied, and there was a bitter note in his voice that made Sand look over again. "First of all, you wouldn't have stood there yelling at the pond. And second of all, you wouldn't have fallen on your ass and gotten dragged in."

"Probably not," Sand agreed. "I would have loosed a meteor swarm, or frozen the pond solid before summoning a pit fiend to rend the creature. I might even have cast a hellball on the pond, and we would be picking bits of the lawn from the front steps of the academy. It would take Vale every ounce of his considerable charm and skill at hacking to deal with the local authorities, and Willow would still use my head for soup."

"But at least you would have done something other than scream and nearly get killed," Satoshi retorted. He lit a fresh cigarette, his ankle aching despite Sand's taking care to avoid the rougher spots on the road.

"Satoshi, cormamin, you did what you thought you needed to do for our children. Do you know how much I love you for that? I know how terrified you are of ponds like that, and yet you faced that fear and acted to defend our children." Sand looked over and flashed his radiant smile. "You are so incredibly brave sometimes that it quite takes my breath away."

"It was stupid, not brave, and I'm paying for it now," Satoshi insisted, but he did manage a very small smile. His expression sobered quickly, though, and he looked over at Sand, who was waiting patiently for the light to change. "You'll call about getting a fence put in?"

Sand nodded, reaching over to cup Satoshi's cheek lovingly. "I promise, saiai, as soon as they are open, I will call and arrange to have someone there immediately to fence off the pond."

Satoshi nodded, putting out his cigarette, his gorgeous eyes still troubled. "She can't get in, can she? To the house?"

Sand shook his head. "Nothing harmful can enter the house. One of the things I did in the Weave was to acquire some very powerful spells of protection, the kind that are bound in mythals." He tapped his chest where the telkiira rested. "I placed one on the house, and the estate's walls and gates are warded as well. I just did not tell Willow how powerful the spells were. She believes that I used the ordinary protection spells any wizard can cast."

"And you'll take Ryuu and get omamori? It'll make him feel safer." Satoshi looked at Sand, the elf serene as he drove onto the hospital's grounds and headed for the parking area.

"I promised him, and I will keep my promise. Vale and Yuji can supervise the fence people, and Kansas and Erion can help us hang the omamori. You will make sure we hang them in the right places." Sand parked as close to the entrance as he could. "Shall I get a wheelchair, or shall I just carry you?"

Satoshi blushed a little. "I don't know if you should carry me. Maybe if you put your arm around me on my bad side, I could hop."

Sand made a noise somewhere between a snort and a raspberry. "And maybe I can give you wings like my faerie dragon, and you can fly in. Saiai, you have been wincing and pale the entire way here, and if you think that I cannot feel your pain through our bond, you are quite wrong. You have been breathing the way you do at the dojo as well." Sand arched an elegant brow. "I can actually hear the bone grating against itself where it is broken, cormamin."

Satoshi let out a small breath, sagging back against the seat a bit. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to distract you while you were driving, but it's pretty bad." He looked at Sand, his gorgeous eyes nearly black with the pain. "Just... whatever's faster, poldoramin."

Sand nodded, and slid out of the car quickly, hurrying around to open the door on Satoshi's side and scoop his beloved imp up in his arms. "We will call it panic adrenaline if we are asked, hmm?" Sand quirked a wry little smile at Satoshi and snuck a quick kiss before hurrying into the emergency entrance.

Once inside, Satoshi was placed in a wheelchair immediately, and whisked off for x-rays and examining while Sand took care of the paperwork before being escorted back to join Satoshi. The doctor looked extremely young to Sand, younger than Kansas or Erion, and he shot Satoshi a mildly dubious look.

"As I was saying, Mori-sama, I'm not sure how to explain this injury. Your ankle is very badly injured." The doctor looked over at Sand.

"I am Mori Masato, Mori-sama's husband. Please continue, ishi-sama." Sand laid a slim hand on Satoshi's shoulder.

The young doctor nodded, and continued in a brisk tone. "The ankle is broken here, and it is also fractured here and here. It looks as though it was twisted while it was broken." He looked sharply at Sand's hand, but Sand's fingers were far longer than the bruises that were darkening on Satoshi's ankle.

Sand was relieved to see that Satoshi's skin was no longer that awful blue, and when Sand touched the ankle, it was warmer. Satoshi was still in pain, however, and his face was pale with the effort of not screaming and sobbing. Sand looked up at the doctor expectantly.

"You were in the garden when this happened, Mori-sama?" the doctor asked.

Satoshi nodded, reaching for Sand's hand and gripping it tightly. "It was the stupidest thing. It was dark, and I didn't want to put on any of the garden lights and wake anyone. I tripped over a tree root or something. There's a stand of trees right there, and somehow, I got my foot all tangled up in the roots." He smiled a little, managing to blush. "My husband found me stuck like that."

"I woke and saw that my husband was gone, and I went to look for him," Sand said smoothly. "He often goes out for a cigarette in the night if he cannot sleep. When he did not return in a few minutes, I became concerned, and went to see if something was troubling him." He looked at the doctor, his blue eyes utterly guileless. "I fear it was a bit difficult to free his ankle, and I may have bruised him somewhat in my efforts. I was rather frantic, you see."

Satoshi looked at Sand, and the doctor could see the love that passed between the two husbands, and he nodded, relieved that he would not need to pursue that possibility. He paused to make a note, his handwriting even worse than Momo's scrawl.

"Well, then. We need to get this set and into a cast as soon as possible, but the first thing will be to get you something for the pain." The doctor looked at Satoshi, shaking his head slightly. "I don't know how you're not screaming right now."

Satoshi blushed and ducked his head, and Sand made a small noise.

"My husband has a yon-dan in Shorinji Kempo, and he has been using the meditation techniques he has perfected at the dojo to control his pain," Sand said, the pride in his voice evident. "He is very strong-willed, my husband." Sand looked at Satoshi with great love.

The doctor nodded again, and prepared a syringe, cleaning a spot on Satoshi's ankle before injecting a local anesthetic. "We will have a prescription for you to take home, but this should help during the process of setting the bone and placing the ankle in a cast."

Satoshi sighed as the medication took effect, his foot now blissfully numb. "Oh, that's so much better."

"Mori-sama, if you will wheel Mori-sama and follow me?" The doctor led them to another room, and both Sand and Satoshi insisted on Sand's remaining while Satoshi's ankle was set and wrapped in a hard plaster cast. Sand grew pale as the doctor manipulated Satoshi's ankle, the grating of the bones utterly clear to his elven ears, but he was please when the doctor took another x-ray to confirm that the bones were properly aligned before he began to apply the cast.

It was already light by the time the doctor was finished with Satoshi, and the imp was exhausted from the long night and the pain. The hospital pharmacy had filled the prescription for pain relievers, they had been given crutches for Satoshi to use, and the doctor himself had escorted them to the car, finding himself drawn to the obviously devoted husbands. He had helped Sand get Satoshi settled in the car, and stayed with Satoshi while Sand ran back into the hospital to get some cold sweet tea and buns for Satoshi to nibble while they drove home.

Kansas was waiting when they got back, his beautiful grey eyes a little pale until he saw the pair emerge from the garage, Satoshi on his crutches and Sand hovering like a mother hen until Satoshi took a giggling swipe at the elf with one crutch. Kansas jumped up, his eyes darkening nicely as he hurried over to kiss Satoshi and hold him tightly.

"Ryuu's fine. He slept with Erion and me, and he didn't even wake up when we got up at dawn. Erion's still all bundled up with him, but I couldn't go back to sleep, baby." Kansas looked into Satoshi's gorgeous eyes. "Are you okay?"

Satoshi sighed, leaning in to kiss Kansas tenderly. "My ankle feels a little better, but I'm pumped full of fucking painkillers. The rest of it, well, let's just say I'll feel better when we get a fence around that fucking pond."

"I will call as soon as they open, saiai," Sand confirmed. "But I think we need to get you to bed. You have had no sleep all night, and a great deal of stress and anxiety, and you will be the better for some sleep."

"Only if you bring Ryuu in when he wakes up," Satoshi said. "He's been upset enough, and I want him to see that I'm okay."

"I'll help you get upstairs, baby." Kansas moved to one side of Satoshi, and Sand took the other, and they helped their husband up the stairs carefully, Satoshi wanting to try hopping his way up. The pain medication made him a bit giddy, and he wound up giggling and falling into Sand, but they all finally made it to the top of the stairs.

Sand got Satoshi into clean sleep pants and a t-shirt, and tucked him into their tatami bed, pulling the light summer comforter up and tucking Satoshi in with many sweet kisses. Kansas stood behind Sand, waiting for him to finish, his dark grey eyes brimming with love for the pierced imp and the elf.

"I am going to make some tea, saiai, and leave a message for the fence company," Sand said. "Will you be able to rest?"

"I'm fine, Masato-san." Satoshi's gorgeous eyes were already starting to close, exhaustion taking its toll. "Go have your tea and make your call. I'll be here."

"I'll stay with Satoshi until he falls asleep," Kansas said, pulling Sand down for a kiss. "Thank you, my love, for taking care of him so well."

Sand smiled at Kansas, returning the kiss tenderly. "Thank you, my sweet Kansas. I would not have known if not for you, and we might have lost him. There are not words enough, but just know that I love you without end, beloved."

[Week 56: 10-30-11]

Pen Name: BronxWench

Story link: For Ferelden

Review Replies:

Type of fic: Flashfic

Rating: Adult+

Fandom: Games > Dragon Age: Origins

Warnings: AFFO, ChallengeFic, M/M, NoSex

[Month 2: 1 Oct 2011]

Pen Name: BronxWench

Story link: The Accident

Review replies link: BronxWench's Review Replies

Prompts Used: One word prompt; phrase prompt; three element prompt

Type of fic: FlashFic

Fandom: Original > Paranormal/Supernatural > General

Pairing: N/A

Warnings: AFFO, ChallengeFic, COMPLETE, MCD, NoSex, Violence

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand had been stroking Ryuu's knee when Ryuu had begun telling Satoshi about the pond, and he felt a chill run up his spine as Ryuu said he had warned Takara. Sand managed to keep his face from showing his apprehension, but he knew that Satoshi would have picked up on it through their bond.

Sand could not help but recall the conversations he had had with Kenji regarding the odd history of the Ishikawa and Mori families, and how both had been plagued by strange occurrences. Certainly, Kenji believed that something did lurk in the depths of the pond on his estate, and Sand was not at all ready to say that the pond on their estate was not similarly endowed. Vale did say that he had gated off the smaller koi pond, to keep the koi from going into the larger pond.

When Ryuu's voice grew very small and frightened, and he begged Satoshi not to let this mysterious "she" touch him or his sisters, Sand grew very cold inside, both with fear for the safety of his children, and with grief that Ryuu had held such fear inside himself all day, alone.

Ryuu was tightly held in Satoshi's arms, nuzzling into Satoshi's chest and looking terribly small and forlorn, and Sand ached to do something more than sit on the floor and watch helplessly as Satoshi comforted the frightened boy. There was still a small part of Sand that feared encroaching on that closeness between Satoshi and Ryuu, a part that remembered how angry Ryuu had been with the elf who had barged into their lives.

Yet Satoshi had arranged for all the children to be listed as theirs, Sand and Satoshi's children, as far as the family registry was concerned. Legally, Sand was also Ryuu's father. Emotionally, Sand was Ryuu's devoted father, loving Ryuu with the same limitless love he had for Takara and for Michi. Sand gave himself a stern mental shake and moved closer, graceful and elegant, to lean against Satoshi's legs, his fingers still tangled with Ryuu's fingers. He listened to Satoshi's gentle and loving reassurances, his blue eyes filling with tears.

Without losing the gentle grip that Ryuu had on his fingers, Sand eased himself up onto the bed, wrapping his free arm around Satoshi so that he was cradling Ryuu in the warm space between his fathers. Satoshi shifted a little, leaning into Sand and moving Ryuu between them so that Ryuu could look up at Sand as well. "I will help, urulokiamin, my dragon. I will be here with chichi to keep you safe, and to help watch out for Takara-chan and Michi-chan. We will keep them away from the pond, and nothing will get inside our house to hurt any of you."

Ryuu sniffled a little bit and looked up at Sand, his eyes dark with tears. "But what if she gets into the pool? Or the onsen? Then we can never go swimming again."

"We will not let her into the pool or the onsen. We will hang omamori to keep her away." Sand looked at Ryuu very seriously. "We will pick them up at the temple together."

Ryuu nodded slowly and looked up at Satoshi, who nodded in agreement, adding to Sand's words, "You and tousan can go after breakfast tomorrow and buy some omamori at the temple. I think that's a very good idea."

Sand leaned in to kiss Ryuu's thick hair tenderly, his love for Ryuu evident in his voice and touch. "I do not think Mama will mind if I ask Jaral to watch over you a bit. He can see things that I cannot, and sense things before I can, and he can always reach me to tell me that you need me. I think Mama will not be too angry if he sleeps in your room with you, but for tonight, maybe it is best that you sleep with chichi and tousan."

Ryuu stared up at Sand, his eyes clearing a little, and he nodded as he considered Sand's words. As Satoshi stood with Ryuu in his arms, Ryuu looked very seriously at Sand and said, "Then we will have to move Buronzudoragon's bed up on the shelf, because Buronzudoragon likes to tease Jaral, and then Jaral pretends to try to eat him."

"Well, then, we cannot have them playing and keeping you up all night." Sand looked at Ryuu, his expression just as serious. "We will make a proper dragon's nest on the shelf. That is a very good idea."

"And Jaral can have a bed by the foot of my bed."

Sand nodded. "I think Mama would like that better than Jaral sleeping in your bed."

"Yes. Not only Mama but me as well," Satoshi interjected, and nuzzled Ryuu's cheek, the boy rolling his eyes at Sand as he muttered, "It's not like Jaral's feet are always dirty. It was only that one time."

Sand looked at Satoshi, nodding a little as Satoshi stood with Ryuu in his arms. "Come on, watashi no ryu. We'll go get tucked in together," Satoshi said, his voice thick with love.

"I will go and ask keifu to double check all the doors and windows tonight, especially in Mama's room, and I will check our windows, and then we will bundle up together and snuggle." Sand stroked Ryuu's hair, the small fingers still firmly tangled with the fingers of Sand's other hand. "We will even make room for Buronzudoragon."

Ryuu smiled a little bit and Sand saw that mischievous glint in his eyes again, as the little boy said over Satoshi's shoulder, "I don't know if there is space enough in your bed for all three of us and Buronzudoragon. He's very big now, you see." Ryuu smiled his impish grin, that looked so much like Satoshi's, but then he went very serious again and spoke in a low voice, "And Takara's window. Don't forget to make sure that is locked too."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale made a soft noise, somewhere between a purr and a growl, as Yuji worked his claim mark into Vale's neck, his back arching just a little to press his pierced nipples against Yuji. Vale's long fingers tangled in Yuji's hair, and when Yuji's lips found Vale's lips again, the elf returned the kiss with renewed heat, his cock already hardening between them. Yuji chuckled a little as Vale's cock prodded him, and Vale looked at him in mingled desire and amusement.

"Now that we've taken the edge off, it's my turn to enjoy the rewards of a successful hunt." Vale's hand slid down, stopping to toy with Yuji's nipples as Vale turned his head to nibble Yuji's ear, sucking his earlobe and scraping his teeth lightly over it.

Yuji moaned as Vale teased his sensitive ear, his own cock beginning to thicken again as Vale tweaked his nipple until it was a hard nub. With a small growl of his own, Vale shifted Yuji onto his back, straddling Yuji and nipping his way down Yuji's throat, careful not to leave a mark until he reached Yuji's collarbone, where it met his shoulder. Vale bit harder and sucked, working the golden skin until he had a deep rosy mark to show for his efforts, and he reared up to look into Yuji's perfect eyes.

"Mine," Vale murmured, his voice husky. "My husband, my chosen lifemate, mine."

Yuji shivered a little at the predatory look in Vale's eyes, his cock hardening even more at the way those green eyes raked him, Vale's tongue peeking out to moisten kiss-swollen lips. There was something about Vale when he got like this, demanding and possessive, that made Yuji marvel even more at the other side of his elf, the side that submitted to Yuji so completely and without hesitation.

Vale leaned in again, and his mouth fastened on Yuji's nipple, teeth scraping lightly as his tongue stud laved the tender nub until it was hard, the sensation making Yuji's cock fully harden against Vale's stomach. Yuji's long fingers clenched in Vale's gold and emerald hair as Vale moved lower, his hot breath just teasing Yuji's cock as Vale parted Yuji's thighs and raised his knees, lifting Yuji's balls to swipe that wicked tongue underneath them.

"Roll over," Vale ordered, and Yuji turned over, bringing his knees beneath himself and letting Vale lift his hips. Vale moaned a little as he spread Yuji's ass cheeks and bent in to swipe his tongue over Yuji's pucker, and Yuji sucked in a quick breath as Vale's tongue stud teased the muscle lightly. Vale licked again, letting his tongue probe gently, teasing Yuji's ass, and Yuji pressed back a little, his cock jumping slightly at the pressure against his asshole.

"No moving," Vale said, his voice thick. His tongue swiped again, and Yuji moaned as the tip pressed harder. Vale slid his thumbs in closer to the tight little ring, and he swirled his tongue almost lazily around the wrinkled opening. Without warning, his tongue breached Yuji's ass, pressing in, the tongue stud hooking a little as it worked past the muscle, and Yuji moaned loudly. Vale pulled back and pressed in again, his tongue firm as it went deeper this time, opening Yuji as Vale began to tongue-fuck him.

Yuji's cock was rock hard now, and beginning to drip precum, but Vale was entirely focused on Yuji's ass, his thumbs pressing in to open Yuji further as he used his tongue to lubricate the tender opening. Yuji did his best to hold still for Vale, but it was nearly impossible as the elf found Yuji's prostate and probed it firmly, making Yuji howl and press back.

Vale slid his tongue out of Yuji's ass with a breathless laugh, his thumbs still holding the pucker open. "That's so delicious, that eager ass. I want you, Yuji."

"Fuck, Vale, yes," Yuji growled, pressing back again. "Just fuck me, baby."

Vale reached around and ran his palm over the head of Yuji's cock, collecting Yuji's precum in his hand. Vale spat in his palm and then used Yuji's precum and his spit, along with his own precum, to slick his cock before pressing the head against Yuji's ass. Yuji took a shallow breath as Vale pressed the head of his cock past that loosened muscle, sinking into the heat of Yuji's ass with a loud moan, his slim hands wrapped around Yuji's hips tightly.

"Tight, so tight," Vale moaned blissfully, and he pressed his cock all the way into Yuji's ass in a single thrust, his balls slapping against Yuji's ass.

"Oh, fuck," Yuji howled, the burn of Vale's entry just the right side of painful, and he ground his ass back against Vale as he sucked in another breath, the elf pausing to let him adjust. Yuji bucked his hips again once he was ready, looking over his shoulder at Vale. "Move," he rasped, needing Vale to take him.

Vale pulled back and slammed forward, hitting Yuji's prostate dead on and making Yuji scream as fireworks exploded behind his eyes. Vale's piercing dragged over that sensitive bundle of nerves as Vale withdrew, and Yuji gave himself over the the relentless waves of pleasure as Vale fucked him hard and fast. Vale leaned forward, his teeth working another rosy mark on the back of Yuji's shoulder as his hand wrapped around Yuji's cock and began to stroke it. At the same time, Vale reared back, pulling Yuji upright as Vale sank onto his heels, his hips thrusting as Yuji sank all the way down onto Vale's cock.

Vale screamed, his voice ragged as his balls drew up. His cum was searing as he filled Yuji's ass with spurt after spurt, and Yuji ground down to milk his elf dry even as his own balls tightened with a spasm that was almost painful, his cum splattering the ground, Vale's hand and his own chest as he screamed through his own release. Yuji turned his head and found Vale's ear, scraping his teeth over the rosy shell and sucking the tip to coax the last screams from his elf. Vale's arms wrapped around Yuji, holding him against Vale as they shuddered and twitched through the last of their orgasms, both utterly sated and spent.

Vale carefully eased himself out of Yuji's ass, and Yuji turned around to wrap his arms around Vale as they clung to each other, their breathing still ragged. Yuji leaned his forehead against Vale's forehead and chuckled.

"We need to do this more often," Yuji said, his eyes bright with his love for his elf.

Vale answering chuckle was tired but happy. "We do, don't we? I suppose we should get back, though." He reached for his belt, rummaging in the small pouch of holding until he came up with a healing potion, which he offered to Yuji. He grinned as Yuji drank it down and sighed happily.

They washed quickly in the small stream, at least enough to allow them to dress, and Vale grinned at his laceless breeches, reaching back into his pouch and pulling out a leather lace. Yuji nearly fell over laughing.

"Thinking ahead again?" Yuji laughed.

"I can't seem to get the hang of that fucking mending cantrip. Fucking transmutation spells," Vale grumbled cheerfully. "But the non-magical solution works just as well."

They dressed quickly, gathering up their weapons and Yuji reached for Vale's hand again as Vale Planewalked back to the Cloaktower and his office. There they took a fast shower, changing into their regular clothing and walking back to the Neverwinter house to use that portal to return home. They stopped and bought meat pies and cool tui at the market, eating on a bench in the park near the house, Vale leaning into Yuji and angling for a kiss afterward. Finally, having put it off long enough, they went through the portal and back into the hubbub of family life in Tokyo.

Yuji and Vale stepped through the portal to be greeted by a screaming half elf, who flung himself at Vale with a desperate ferocity.

"Chichi! Oniisan saw something in the pond and it scareded imouto and anikisan too and you need to make it go away!" Hikaru wrapped his arms around Vale's neck so tightly that Vale looked at Yuji, wide-eyed.

Willow stuck her head out of her study to glare at her husbands. "It's about time you two got your little asses home," she said. "Maela and Sorien stayed to give a hand with the kids, and I sent Sand and Satoshi to bed before they collapsed. If you two are feeling that fucking perky, you can go help."

Vale smiled at Willow sweetly. "Of course, lirimaer. We'll take care of dinner, and everything, not to worry. You go write, my queen."

"Fucking blonds," Willow muttered, going back into her study and closing the door with a gentle click.

"Now, what's all this fuss about, sochi-chan? What did Ryuu-kun see?" Vale asked Hikaru, trying to pry the little half elf loose.

"I don' know," Hikaru said, reaching for Yuji and burying his face in Yuji's neck when his tousan took him.

Yuji looked up as Erion came in with Takara in his arms, the little girl's chin wobbling a little as she hung on to the young elf. "What happened, my love?" Yuji asked, looking at Erion.

Erion looked at Yuji, his silver eyes wide. "Honestly, I don't know. Ryuu was by the pond, and Takara ran over to play with him like she always does, and he just pushed her away from the pond and told her to never go near the water. He was being protective, honestly, not mean, but I think it was the way he said it." Erion nuzzled Takara. "He got a little intense, but he was being the best oniisan and taking very good care of Takara, right, princess?"

Takara looked at Yuji seriously, her gorgeous eyes exactly like Satoshi's eyes. "I don't go in the water anymore. Oniisan says so, it's bitten."

Erion grinned at Takara. "Forbidden, princess, which is a big and fancy way of saying no."

"He saided no, too." Takara nodded firmly. "Can I have pocky?"

"Let's get some pocky for everyone, okay?" Erion looked at Yuji and Vale, shrugging a little as he carried Takara to the kitchen to choose the flavor of pocky she wanted.

"Chocolate," Hikaru called, wriggling to be put down. "Anikisan says I don't eat strawberry." He flashed Yuji and Vale a sunny smile as he ran after Erion.

"I suppose we'd better ask Kansas about this," Vale said, watching Hikaru dash off.

Yuji shook his head. "Let's hope it's nothing." He could not help the unease that crept over him, though, remembering how Kenji was as emphatic about keeping Satoshi, Ryuu and Kansas away from the pond at his estate. He shot Vale a troubled look, and they went out onto the deck to look for Kansas.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale reached around Yuji to lace his breeches, cupping Yuji's cock quickly. "I don't know, Nancy. That's an awfully big pencil in your pocket."

Vale spun away before Yuji could swat him, slipping on his own finely woven breeches, making a little show of tucking in his own cock before lacing them deftly. Vale watched in open appreciation as Yuji slipped the green leather tunic on, and then Vale helped him with the light but incredibly strong mithral chain that went over the tunic. Vale purred as he helped Yuji belt on his dagger, his green eyes glittering.

"You do look good in armor, a'maelamin," Vale said admiringly. He belted on his own daggers and went over to a rack in the corner, taking down the beautiful crossbow Yuji had used before. Vale paused to consider the bolts arranged in neat bundles. "Shall we give the bugbears a sporting chance, and make this a little more fun?"

Yuji looked at Vale, his battle robes fitted and sleek, and he licked his lips. "What did you have in mind?"

"Just a small enhancement for damage on your bolts, and my arrows." Vale took down a longbow, inlaid and elegant, examining it quickly. "I'll refrain from magic unless necessary. I feel like indulging in a little bloodletting." He strung the bow, testing the draw and smiling.

Yuji's breath hitched a little at the sight of Vale drawing back the bowstring. With his blond mane loose, Vale was the epitome of the elves of stories, lethal and beautiful, and when he turned to look at Yuji with that pleased smile, Yuji all but growled. In two quick strides, Yuji was beside Vale, his hand fisting in the elf's hair as he pulled him in for a possessive kiss. Vale returned the kiss with equal intensity, his green eyes bright, and Yuji was reminded that this was not Akira. This was his battlemage, fierce and wild and fully his equal.

"I'm ready," Yuji said, his voice thick with all sorts of desire. Part of him craved the release of the hunt, the chance to vent some of his pent up frustration and anger on the bugbears, the almost sexual release that came with watching an enemy fall. The largest part of Yuji, however, looked forward to the aftermath of the hunt, when he could claim his elf and be claimed, celebrating his victory by burying his cock in the velvet heat of Vale's ass.

Yuji was enormously surprised when Vale slammed him against the wall, his lips close to Yuji's ear. "I don't mind you flirting with Nathe, but he's not yours to fuck. I don't share with him."

Yuji gave a small oomph as his back collided with the wall, and the heat in Vale's voice made him shiver, but Vale's words sobered him a bit and he grabbed Vale's chin with one hand to make the elf look him in the eyes, his voice equally heated as he answered, "I understand. I won't pursue this then. I'll only tease him with my flirting, but no more, my love. And if you want me to stop flirting with him I will."

Vale leaned in to kiss Yuji, plundering his mouth. "Good. Let's go kill some bugbears, then. We'll travel my way this time." Vale took Yuji's hand, lacing their fingers together firmly. "Don't let go."

Yuji had enough time to look at Vale curiously, and the world around him went blurry and grey. It was only for a moment, but when Yuji blinked, he realized the world was still grey, although no longer out of focus. They were standing in a hallway of sorts, a corridor lined with doors that seemed to extend forever, and Yuji's grip tightened on Vale's hand.

"Where are we?" Yuji asked in a soft whisper. Everything felt muted, and even Vale's voice sounded somehow less than whole, as though part of it had been sucked away.

Vale looked over at Yuji, and Yuji realized with a start that Vale's eyes were far more grey than green here. "It's a nexus Plane, of sorts. This one is mutable, and the destinations behind the doors changes depending on where you want to be."

"So, we could get to Tokyo from here?" Yuji asked, his perfect eyes widening just a little.

"In theory," Vale replied calmly, heading towards one door. "I haven't tested that yet, though, so I can't say for certain. I portaled to Tokyo the first time because I didn't know it well enough yet. I have to be able to see my destination very clearly to use this place."

Vale opened the door, and Yuji could see a blurry landscape, green and brown, and smelling like the outdoors, and he let out his breath quietly.

Vale grinned suddenly. "This is just a quick shortcut. We'd still be walking up the stairs back at the Tower, but instead, here we are."

They stepped out into a small clearing, the rocky mountainside leveling out briefly. The sun was coming up, warm and bright through the trees, and the air was crisp. Vale settled his quiver more comfortably and pointed off to his left.

"That way is a dwarven clanhold, the Ironfist clan. Good dwarves, and solid. Sand knows their king." Vale looked at Yuji. "The bugbears used to infest the old clanhold, until they were driven out. Now they've settled in some of the abandoned orc caves. They'll be crawling home about now, and we can pick off the first few easily enough."

Vale led Yuji to the right, down a narrow trail. Not too far along the trail was a small ledge overlooking the trail, and Vale picked his way up a slightly precarious set of footholds to the ledge. A few scraggly bushes gave a small amount of cover, and Vale crouched behind them with Yuji beside him.

"We'll be able to take them by surprise, but they're not quite as stupid as they look," Vale murmured. "The one to look for is the shaman. He'll be wearing a fur robe, and a necklace that's probably all teeth. He can cast certain divine nature spells, like calling up vines to entangle us. I can dispel pretty much anything he can cast, but I'd rather not waste the time, so if you spot him, put a fucking bolt between his eyes."

"Do they have mages?" Yuji asked, his voice just as soft. He was relieved when Vale shook his head in response. "Then I'm not worried." Yuji loaded a bolt into his crossbow, breathing deeply and centering himself, his eyes fixed on the trail.

Vale remained crouched, watching the trail as intently as Yuji, his head cocked slightly as he listened. Yuji listened as well, and he realized he could hear very faint voices, gruff and guttural. He looked at Vale, who nodded and grinned, moving further back against the stone wall of the ledge at the far end. Vale waved Yuji into staying where he was, and Yuji nodded and turned his attention back to the trail.

The first bugbears appeared, and Yuji could not help but wrinkle his nose, both from their stench and from their appearance. They were furry, with nasty looking tusks jutting up from their lower jaws, and they carried mostly axes and maces, but one or two had crossbows, creaky and nowhere near as refined as the one Yuji carried.

Vale was still crouching down, and he caught Yuji's eye and nodded as he stood, graceful as he whipped an arrow out of the quiver, nocked it and fired, the shaft burying itself in the leading bugbear's throat. Yuji stood just as gracefully, his crossbow thrumming as his bolt shattered the skull of the bugbear right behind the leader.

The bugbears collapsed into chaos, milling about and roaring as they looked down the trail. Vale and Yuji were each able to pick off another couple of bugbears before one looked up and spotted Vale, and then Yuji.

"Look! Skinny elf and human," the bugbear announced.

"Not lots meat," another grumbled as a few more bugbears ran up the trail.

The first bugbear growled. "Shut up. Not as tough as dwarf. Dwarf too chewy."

"Oh, we're not on the menu today," Vale chuckled, nocking an arrow and firing.

"Is not-many you. Is many us," the bugbear countered in a crafty tone. The other bugbears roared, and the crossbow wielding bugbears began to load their weapons. They were slow, though, and Vale and Yuji targeted them to lethal effect. As many as fell, however, more seemed to arrive, and Yuji began to wonder if this was perhaps a little more than anticipated.

Vale was unconcerned, however, and was happily taunting the bugbears by assigning them nicknames before firing at them, two or three arrows appearing with breathless speed. Yuji himself was reloading and firing as rapidly as the crossbow would permit, his aim as lethal as Vale's and his heavier bolts doing more damage. As Vale had warned, there was a shaman, and a bolt struck him at the same instant as an arrow, making Vale crow in triumph.

But the bugbears still came, and Yuji was getting low on bolts. Vale's quiver was empty, but he was still firing, phantom arrows appearing and solidifying as they streaked toward their target. Yuji's eyes widened again, and he fervently hoped his crossbow was similarly endowed. A movement at the rear of the group caught Yuji's eye and he spotted a second shaman, reacting without even thinking and placing a bolt between the bugbear's eyes.

With the second shaman dead, the bugbears fell into panic, and began to withdraw as best they could. Yuji's crossbow thrummed as he fired the last of his bolts into the stragglers, looking over to Vale. The elf let out a scream of triumph, slinging his bow over his back and leaping lightly down to the trail, his dagger in his hand, moving from bugbear to bugbear.

Yuji scrambled down to join Vale, and realized that Vale was dispatching any bugbears that still lived, slitting their throats with utter dispassionate efficiency. Yuji watched for a moment, a little shocked at Vale's ruthlessness, and the elf looked up.

"We took down their shaman, and they have no other healers," Vale said calmly. "The wounded will most likely only die from infection, and if they live, they'll just be hunted down later by someone."

Yuji looked down at the knife in his belt, and drew it, moving over to a wounded bugbear. Most were dead outright, Yuji and Vale having been accurate and deadly, but this bugbear had moved at just the last moment, and the arrow had pierced his lung. Bloody froth covered the bugbear's lips and tusks as it tried to snarl. Imitating Vale's method, Yuji grabbed the top of the furry head, yanked back and drew the blade across the bugbear's neck in a single swift motion, watching the light die out of its eyes.

Yuji watched the blood flow over the blade of the knife and splatter his hand, the bugbear falling dead at his feet. Vale's words rang true, and Yuji moved slowly over to another half dead bugbear and drew the knife quickly across its throat, cringing slightly at the small wheeze that erupted when he severed its windpipe, but then he let go of the furry head and nodded at Vale. "Any more survivors?" he asked, his eyes ruthlessly detached, much like Vale's.

"Try that group, and I'll check here." Vale gestured and Yuji nodded, finding one more survivor and dispatching him swiftly. He stood after wiping his knife off, sliding it back in its sheath and looking over at Vale. All of the bugbears had been males, and warriors aside from the two shamans, and Yuji felt a curious sense of relief. He was aware that many females on Toril fought as fiercely as the males, but he was glad he had not been faced with having to fight one yet.

Vale slid his own dagger back into his belt, his green eyes shining. "This way," he said, and Yuji followed Vale down a smaller trail to another little clearing, this one with a small stream. Yuji moaned happily, stooping and washing the blood from his hands, watching as the stream turned pink for a bit until his hands were clean. Vale had washed as well, and when Yuji finished and stood, he turned to see Vale leaning against a tree, his eyes dark with desire.

Yuji growled low in his throat, his cock hardening almost instantly as he looked at the blond elf leaning so casually against the tree. Even without his magic, Vale was a formidable hunter, and Yuji found that sexier than he would have believed. Vale watched Yuji with those impossibly green eyes, his own breeches straining their laces, and Yuji licked his lips as he strode over and fisted his hand in Vale's hair to pull the elf into a searing kiss.

Yuji let his crossbow fall to the soft ground, his fingers already working the buckle of Vale's belt as he plundered the elf's willing mouth. Vale let his longbow fall as well as he unfastened Yuji's mithral chain and drew it over Yuji's head, the supple green leather tunic warm under Vale's hand.

They managed to kiss through most of the process of shedding their clothing, Yuji tearing Vale's breech laces in sheer frustration to Vale's great amusement. Yuji snarled a little and tugged Vale down, flipping the elf onto his knees and tugging Vale's hips up before spreading his ass cheeks apart. Vale's tight pucker was already quivering, and Yuji growled low in his throat as he leaned over to swipe his tongue over the ring of muscle.

Vale moaned and pushed backward, his cock hard and weeping precum. "Come on, Nancy," Vale said, looking over his shoulder with a smirk. "Let's see that pencil."

Yuji chuckled darkly, and pressed the head of his cock against Vale's unloosened ass, groaning a little as he breached that tight heat. Vale snarled a little at the burn, but pressed himself backward to take more of Yuji's cock until Yuji gripped Vale's hips to hold him in place. Yuji pressed forward at a slower pace, giving Vale a moment to adjust as Yuji sank to the hilt in Vale's ass.

"Fuck, Vale," Yuji groaned, Vale's ass so snug around his cock that Yuji was not sure if he could even move. Vale ground down and moaned loudly, and Yuji pulled back almost all the way before slamming forward and making Vale scream with bliss.

Yuji set a fast and hard pace, pounding Vale's ass furiously and hammering the elf's prostate relentlessly. For his part, Vale bucked backward, meeting Yuji's thrusts with wanton abandon, his breath ragged as he was plundered thoroughly.

Yuji knew Vale was getting close when the elf reared up, and Yuji caught him around his slim waist, one hand stealing up to tug on Vale's golden nipple rings and coaxing a howl from Vale. The elf turned his head a little, and Yuji's lips found the shell of his ear, Yuji's tongue teasing the triple spiral that pierced Vale's exquisitely sensitive ear, and Vale came undone.

Screaming so loudly that Yuji's ears ached, Vale stiffened as his balls emptied all at once, his cum arcing clear across the small clearing as his ass clenched Yuji's cock like a steel fist wrapped in velvet. Yuji growled and sank his teeth in Vale's shoulder, howling around the pale golden skin as his own cock jumped and filled Vale's tight ass with cum. Yuji shivered as Vale ground down, the elf wanting every last drop of cum that he could coax from Yuji.

Yuji was trembling, his muscles ready to give way, and he slid his cock out of Vale and eased the elf to the soft ground, lying down to face his fierce and wanton elf. Vale tilted his head back, offering his throat, and Yuji moaned as he worked the soft flesh of Vale's pulse point, the mark darkening further as Vale purred. Yuji lapped where he had bitten, and then nipped his way along Vale's jaw to seek Vale's lips, drawing the elf into a searing kiss, pulling Vale close as their hearts slowed down to a normal pace.

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[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

"Oh, yes," Sand purred, his own eyes liquid with desire for his husband. "I think it is high time we took ourselves home, saiai." His arm stayed tightly around Satoshi's waist, Sand delighting in the closeness of his beautiful Satoshi.

The pure love radiating from Satoshi had put all of them at ease, even Nathe, who might not have a bond with any of them, but who was far more perceptive than most, and who had been deeply troubled by the rift. Now Nathe watched, satisfied, as Satoshi and Sand kissed with endless desire. Privately, Nathe thought that there was a great deal of truth to what Satoshi had said to Vale, that they were alike. Nathe found them both to be a bewildering but also beguiling mix of strength and vulnerability, capable of boundless passion and unswerving loyalty, but also given to implacable fury when a loved one was harmed.

Kansas stood, and held out his hand to Erion. "Let's go home, too, my love. I'll feel better when we're back in Tokyo."

Erion took Kansas's hand, his beautiful silvery eyes bright as he pressed himself against Kansas, fitting as perfectly and as naturally as if he had been born to fit just so in Kansas's arms. He looked into Kansas's eyes, his own eyes growing serious. "I'm coming back here, and I'll go back to Evermeet as well. Not right away, but I'm not letting them win, and if they chase me away from Toril, they've won."

"Of course you'll be back," Kansas replied, smiling at his fierce little lover. "But for now, I just want some time with you. It's been a long time, baby."

Erion looked over at Santhiel, standing nearby. The tall star elf had managed to be almost invisible for a few minutes, fading quietly back and all but hiding in plain sight. It was so unusual for Santhiel to be this tentative, this unsure of himself, and Erion's heart ached for his father. It also made Erion realize, just a little, how humans felt in the face of elven longevity. It had not occurred to Erion before this how Santhiel must have felt, falling in love with Mist and fathering children he knew he would have to bury one day. Erion shivered a little, and Kansas pulled him close.

Kansas ran a gentle hand through Erion's silver hair and leaned in to breathe into Erion's ear, "What's the matter, baby? What are you thinking?"

Erion's silver eyes had gone wide. "It's hard for him." He looked over at Santhiel. "I never realized until now that even elves are almost alien to him, with our too-short lives." He sucked in a breath. "I never asked you. Are you alright with Satoshi and me being husbands? Now? I know when I'm one hundred is fine, but now?"

Kansas looked at Santhiel, a sadness filling his eyes as he realized the same thing as Erion had. He turned his eyes back to Erion when the little elf gasped, and his lips parted in a small smile. "Of course I am, isilmeamin. He never would have asked you if he hadn't had my blessing. I am so happy for both of you, because you are really good for each other."

Erion nodded, his expression clearing a bit. "I just wondered because I always thought we'd be husbands first, before we invited anyone else in, but I suppose we are, in our own way. Our souls remember being married before."

Kansas stroked the silver hair softly, and smiled lovingly. "We are, Erion. From the first moment I kissed you, and held you in my arms for a night, I have thought of you as my husband. And when we put up our rings, and then were allowed to bond, all of that was just one more step towards being married for real. And I do remember promising you that I would marry you in Tokyo the moment we could."

Kansas fisted one hand in Erion's hair, cupping Erion's face with the other as he made the little elf look him in the eyes. "When they changed the law, your heart belonged with someone else, so I had to wait. And when Satoshi asked if he could give you his ring, I felt that it was right to do it that way. But we will get married soon, my love. I promised you that, and I do keep my promises."

"I know, 'lokiamin, and I'm not worried. I know you'll marry me, and it will be a day I'll remember forever." Erion nuzzled close, tilting his face for a kiss. "Let's go home, baby."

"One moment, baby." Kansas went over to Santhiel, holding out his arms and holding onto Santhiel very tightly for a long moment. Kansas tugged Santhiel's head down, leaning in to speak softly. "I can only imagine how much it hurts, knowing that you will linger while the rest of us fade. But Tatsuya knows. He says that he knows, and that when you choose to leave this world, you will be welcome in his world. He wants to offer you that, if you do not decide to choose death."

Santhiel's eyes widened slightly, and then he smiled, his eyes growing calm and peaceful as the sorrow in them faded. "Tell Tatsuya that I will think well on his offer, and if I do choose his world, I will offer him my service as his warrior." He pressed a kiss to Kansas's forehead. "Thank you, my son, utinuamin. I love you, and I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, atar. I will always try to make you proud. And Tatsuya meant it when he said that he considers you family. You are my family and therefore you are his too. And it is your blood that made it possible for Yuki to return. I love you, atar. Thank you for everything." Kansas whispered back and hugged Santhiel a little tighter, holding him for a moment before he let go.

Erion hurried over to hug his father tightly as well. "Don't mind Yuki, atar. He's still trying to figure this all out himself, sharing a soul with me and being reunited with Tatsuya in their world. Even gods can get scared, I guess, but I know he'll welcome you, too. But he was right about one thing. Fuck them all, atar. Go home and marry atara and stop being afraid for her. She's stronger than we are."

Santhiel kissed Erion on the forehead lovingly. "You curse like your atara sometimes. But Yuki was right as well, and I'll think about what he said. After I marry my love, of course."

One of the Cloaktower servants slipped in, handing Nathe a basket before slipping out again unobtrusively. Nathe placed the basket on Vale's desk, catching Yuji's eye and nodding, a small smile on his lips. Yuji's eyes sparkled with mischief and he nodded back at Nathe before returning his attention to the departing family members.

"Do you want to stay and eat something before you go back to Tokyo?" Yuji said, eying Santhiel in particular.

"I think perhaps we will return to Tokyo," Sand said, looking at Satoshi, who nodded in agreement.

Yuji hugged them both, kissing Satoshi and Sand lovingly, his long fingers sliding through Satoshi's hair. "Go be happy together, and love each other, and embrace your honne. I love you."

Satoshi buried his face in Yuji's neck and nodded with a small sigh. "I love you too, Yuji. I'll see you when you get home," he said and then let go of Yuji as Santhiel spoke.

"I should go as well," Santhiel said, his voice soft. "I think I've done enough for one day."

Yuji bowed his head slightly, then walked over to Santhiel and grabbed him into a tight hug. "Take care of yourself, my brother, and give our love to Mist and Falon. And hibaba and Hawk. And don't worry too much about this. We'll figure it out. And you have us to help. We are all here for you, just as much as you are here for us."

Yuji clasped Santhiel's shoulder tightly as he broke the embrace and Satoshi sidled in between them, hugging Santhiel tightly, saying, "Exactly. We're all family, so we are here for you too. We may not be able to do much, but we're here."

Santhiel smiled at them both, only a faint shadow left in his eyes. "I'll remember that, and thank you for forgiving me." He walked away to go up to the portal room after Sand and Satoshi, his back straight and proud despite everything.

Vale leaned into Yuji just a little bit, his bond open enough for Yuji to feel a vague restlessness. Yuji stroked Vale's arm lightly, and then peered into the basket, looking up at Nathe with a wicked smile. The basket contained a couple of bottles of excellent whiskey, along with sandwiches, meat pies, and fruit sufficient for ten people.

Kansas looked over at Erion. "What do you want to do, isilmeamin? Do you want to eat something before we go?"

Erion blushed faintly but grinned. "I could nibble something, I suppose." He ducked his head a little as his stomach grumbled agreement.

Yuji grabbed one of the bottles and opened it, taking a quick sniff, and then he graced Nathe with one of his most wicked smiles, his eyes glittering. "Oh, Nathe. Now I'll start thinking you're just wanting me to seduce you," he said with a low purr, as he poured himself a drink, tossing it back with a contented sigh.

Kansas giggled as his own stomach made a little growl, and hugged Erion close to nuzzle his silver hair. "Then we'll eat, and then go home, isilmeamin. I can't fuck you senseless, if we're both starving," Kansas said with a small chuckle, and led Erion towards the couch.

Nathe chuckled, his eyes glittering a little. "Perhaps, but I should warn you. Unlike Vale, I do prefer a bed."

Yuji's grin widened and he winked at Nathe. "Oh, so do I. He seems to prefer me on the floor."

"Impetuous. He's always been very impetuous." Nathe grinned as Yuji waved for him to join them, reaching over to pour himself a whiskey and select a plump strawberry. "I'm inclined to take it slower, and draw out my pleasure." He nibbled the tip of the strawberry, licking his lips to catch the sweet juice.

Yuji licked at a drop that lingered on the rim of his glass, and his eyes were heated when he looked at Nathe. "I do enjoy the impetuous types. But slow and passionate is also fun. I do enjoy listening to my lovers enjoying themselves," Yuji purred softly.

Kansas made a loud gagging sound and then smiled his most innocently cheeky smile when Yuji looked over at him.

Erion looked mildly indignant. "Yuji likes to hear me enjoy myself." He nibbled happily, curled up on the couch next to Kansas, alternating bites of a tender grilled salmon sandwich with nibbles of ram berries.

Vale started to laugh, reaching for a meat pie. "You might have met your match, Nathe. Yuji is very good at this game."

Nathe arched a brow at Vale, and then looked at Yuji, his blue eyes smoldering. "I've noticed how much you enjoy listening to your lovers. Most of the Tower has noticed, actually. I can only imagine what it must be like to be on the receiving end of your attention." He selected another strawberry and held it out for Yuji to taste.

Yuji smiled cheekily and leaned over to take a big bite out of the strawberry, letting his tongue swipe over Nathe's fingers as he wrapped his thick lips around the berry. Yuji did not bother licking the sweet juice off his lips as he moaned very softly at the taste of the berry, but rather let the juice stain his lips and paint a pink trail down his chin.

Kansas nudged Erion a little and whispered into the silver hair, "Can we get moving? I don't like to watch that."

Erion finished his last bite of sandwich, leaning in to kiss Kansas quickly. "Let's go, 'lokiamin. Satoshi will worry if we're late anyway, and I don't want to upset him again," Erion murmured, feeling Kansas's unease.

Nathe looked at the trail of juice on Yuji's chin and laughed in delight. "You're right, Vale. He's very good, even better than Sand."

"And that's just his banter," Vale agreed, leaning in to lick the juice from Yuji's chin, and then from his lips.

Kansas rose from the couch and waved his hand at the others, saying loudly, "We're leaving now. We'll see you when you get home. Thank you for all your help, Nathe."

"Thank you, Nathe," Erion chimed in, taking Kansas's hand.

Yuji nodded his head at the two youngsters as they left, chuckling as Vale swiped his tongue over Yuji's lips. Yuji grabbed a handful of Vale's golden hair and pulled him in for a heated kiss, plundering his mouth hungrily with a soft moan.

Kansas hurried out into the hallway and shook himself slightly, as if to shake of an bad touch or feeling, and his eyes were light gray when he tried to smile at Erion, offering the elf an arm around his shoulders.

"You okay, 'lokiamin?" Erion asked, concerned. He snuggled close to Kansas, under his arm.

Kansas nuzzled Erion's hair and nodded his head. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just Yuji... when he's like that... It doesn't matter."

A hard shiver ran through Kansas' body and he grimaced slightly, shaking his head a little. "You don't want to know. Not now. You've been through so much. It can wait," he mumbled, but there was a sad tone in his voice that spoke of something very deep and dark.

"The hells I can," Erion retorted. "I'm not going to fall apart on you. I want to share this darkness, to help you carry it. We share everything, 'lokiamin, the bad things as well as the good."

Kansas stopped and looked Erion in the eyes, seeing nothing but confidence and strength there, and endless love. He stared for a few moments, suddenly aware that Erion's gaze was penetrating his soul just as much as his gaze penetrated Erion's soul.

He started walking again with a sigh, and there was a faint tremble in his muscles when he spoke. "When Yuji's like that, you know, prowling for sex, it freaks me out. I hate watching him do that. It reminds me..." He trailed off and bit his lip hard, drawing a deep calming breath before he started again.

"It reminds me of the men that my owner would invite to the house to have sex with me. They would strap me down on this wooden x and the things they did to me..." He trailed off again, his eyes paling even more, and his lips trembled as small tears pearled in his lashes.

"Yuji's like that when he's after sex. It's different when he's with me or you or our husbands or Willow, because that's love. When it's with strangers or friends it's all just lust. And that's what those men were like. It was all just lust. No love or passion. Just the need to satisfy their own hunger no matter what I wanted." Kansas bit his lip sharply and gave a small groan, blinking his eyes to try and clear the tears, his eyes trained on the floor as he walked.

"I understand, 'lokiamin." Erion turned his head to nuzzle at Kansas. "I do know what you mean, and for what it's worth, I agree. He's the one of our husbands that's the most ruthless in pursuit of what he wants. Satoshi and Vale are gentle at heart, and Sand likes his partners willing and happy. But Yuji's got a hint of that in him, like the Luskan in the Tower. Not that Yuji is that bad, but he takes what he wants."

Kansas gave a wan smile and nodded. "Yes. Yuji's never been known for backing down or not going after what he wants. He gets all predatory when he's like that, and that's what I hate the most. That urge to only satisfy your own needs without any regard to the others. Not that Yuji would ever take anyone against their will, but he will push things as far as he can, without you ever realizing he's pushing."

"It doesn't matter, baby. It's never going to happen to us, and we can duck out when he's like that if it makes you uncomfortable. As long as we're happy together, that's what counts." Erion snuggled in closer to Kansas as they entered the portal room.

Back in Vale's office, Vale broke the kiss, his green eyes glittering with that odd restlessness. Yuji looked at the golden-haired elf, and then looked around and realized that Nathe had slipped out so quietly that Yuji had not heard him leave.

Yuji tugged on Vale's hair, pulling him in for another heated kiss. He broke the kiss when he needed to breathe, and asked quietly, "What is it, my Vale? Why are you so restless? You need to blow off some steam?"

"You know me so well, Yuji. I think I want to hunt something." Vale looked at Yuji. "You feel like a quick hunt?"

Yuji's eyes brightened, and he smiled with a small growl. "Oh, that's a fantastic idea. I think that's exactly what we need. What do you have in mind?"

"I was thinking of heading up into the Sword Mountains, to a place called Old Owl Well. There's some human settlements up there, and they have trouble with bugbears." Vale grinned, his eyes bright. "I think maybe a little bugbear hunting is in order, don't you? We can put you in those leathers you like so well, and get you a nice crossbow. Hells, just to be sporting, I'll bring my longbow, and give the hairy bastards a chance."

Yuji gave a small gigglesnort. "Bugbears? You do realize that now I'm imagining a bear having babies with bugs!" Yuji let out one of his goofy giggles, and his lips spread in a happy smile. "Oh, yes. I do love those leathers. They're so soft, not stiff like Satoshi's bike leathers. And I can't wait to see you with a longbow." Yuji moved over to straddle Vale's lap and kissed him deeply.

Vale returned the kiss with definite heat, grinding his hips upward and feeling the hard bulge of Yuji's cock against him. He chuckled wickedly.

"We'll never be able to get your leathers on over that, though." Vale moved, flipping Yuji over and sliding onto his knees between Yuji's thighs before the man had a chance to react. Vale had Yuji's jeans unzipped and his cock out before Yuji could muster a word, his tongue already curled around the head of Yuji's cock. Slim insistent hands encouraged Yuji to lift his hips, and his pants were tugged off along with his boxers while a hot and talented mouth slid slowly down the length of Yuji's cock until Yuji was bumping the back of Vale's throat.

"Oh, fuck, Vale," Yuji moaned, as Vale withdrew his mouth with maddening deliberation, his tongue stud dancing its way along the thick vein on the underside of Yuji's cock.

Vale all but purred as he dragged his tongue over Yuji's slit, tasting the precum that was already seeping out, one hand sliding beneath Yuji's balls to stroke the area between Yuji's pucker and his sac. Vale lowered his mouth again, his lips tight as he stopped just short of letting Yuji's cock past the back of his throat, purring just a little to tease as Yuji fisted his hands in Vale's thick hair. Yuji tried to urge Vale down, but Vale drew back again, his tongue busy and his cheeks hollowed as he sucked hard.

Yuji moaned loudly, the heat of Vale's mouth maddening and his tongue far too good at finding all the right places to tease. The slim hand cupping Yuji's balls was busy teasing his prostate from the outside, and those pink lips were sliding back down Yuji's cock, one of the most enchanting sights Yuji had ever seen. Vale played with Yuji for a few minutes longer, always stopping just shy of swallowing him to the root, never quite pressing on Yuji's prostate hard enough to let him come. Yuji was breathing hard by now, his balls feeling so heavy and full that he wondered why they did not simply explode.

Vale's mouth was traveling down again, and this time he did not stop when Yuji hit the back of his throat. Vale tilted his head and took Yuji's cock to the root, his nose nestled in the raven curls at its base, and Vale pressed hard on Yuji's prostate as he swallowed and purred.

Yuji screamed, feeling his balls tighten, and Vale swallowed and purred a second time, his finger stroking Yuji's pucker almost lazily as Yuji screamed again and came, his cum thick and hot as it spilled down Vale's throat. Vale withdrew enough to savor Yuji's cum, letting the taste of his husband flood his tongue as his green eyes closed in bliss. Vale sucked hard, hollowing his cheeks as he milked Yuji dry of every drop of cum, finally releasing Yuji's cock with a soft pop and licking it clean.

"Mmm," Vale purred. "Tasty. Very tasty, and I think we can fit you in your leathers now." He stood gracefully, his eyes twin green flames as he turned to walk into the bedroom. "I had them brought up here, along with your crossbow, a'maelamin." Vale peeled off his shirt and let it drop, casually looking over his shoulder. "Shall we get ready to play?"

Yuji slouched back on the couch with a sated chuckle, lazily kicking off his jeans and boxers, then sat up and pulled his t-shirt off as he rose to his feet. He started walking towards the bedroom, but then turned on his heel and grabbed his boxers off the floor, and sauntered into the bedroom twirling his boxers on his finger.

Vale had already shed his slightly tattered jeans and his tight boxers, and had flung open the doors of his wardrobe, examining his choices of battle robes. His cock jutted out proudly from its nest of golden hair, and Yuji growled a little, low in his throat, as he looked at the beads of precum that shone on the head. Vale turned around and grinned at the predatory look in Yuji's eyes, the answering heat in his eyes more than invitation enough, and Yuji pulled Vale into a searing kiss, fisting a hand in Vale's hair.

Yuji maneuvered Vale into the chair near the wardrobe, sinking down in front of Vale and wrapping a hand around Vale's cock, his long fingers deft as he teased the elf by rubbing his thumb over the slip. Vale moaned at the touch, his cock twitching slightly, and Yuji lowered his mouth to let his hot breath waft over Vale's cock. Vale's hips bucked slightly, and Yuji chuckled darkly as he ran his tongue from the base of Vale's cock up to the head slowly, licking away the precum when he reached the head.

Vale moaned, his head falling back as Yuji slid his mouth over the head of Vale's cock, his tongue teasing the cleft on the underside. Vale let his fingers slide through Yuji's hair, the newly blond locks still just as silky and Vale moaned again as Yuji devoured Vale to the root. Vale's hips bucked again, utterly involuntarily, and Yuji chuckled around the elf's cock as he slid one finger into Vale's ass, the elf prepared as he always was.

Vale's moan escalated into a howl as Yuji added a second and then a third finger, thrusting his fingers in and out of Vale's ass as he sucked hard on Vale's cock. Yuji crooked his fingers, finding the sensitive protrustion of Vale's prostate and he pressed hard, feeling Vale buck beneath him.

"Fuck, Yuji, do that again," Vale rasped, his breathing utterly ragged.

Yuji slid his lips down and swallowed hard around Vale's cock, his fingers pressing again, and Vale hissed as his balls tightened and drew up, the heat in his belly roiling lower. Yuji could feel the thick vein along the underside of Vale's cock begin to throb, and he thrust his fingers into Vale's ass again, hitting Vale's prostate dead on as he swallowed hard.

Vale screamed and arched, his cock painfully hard and his balls spilling as Yuji pulled back fast, drinking down the hot cum as it poured out of Vale's cock and into his mouth. Vale screamed again, his fingers tightening in Yuji's hair as he filled Yuji's mouth with cum, feeling Yuji swallow again and again.

Yuji released Vale's cock and rose up fast, his lips pressing down on Vale's lips as he let some of Vale's cum trickle into the elf's mouth. Vale moaned raggedly as he tasted himself, his tongue dancing with Yuji's tongue to steal every drop of cum. Yuji eased down, straddling Vale as he plundered the elf's mouth, fingers twined in Vale's golden hair.

Yuji finally let Vale up for air, grinning wickedly. "Now I think it's time to get ready, my love."

[Corrected Disclaimers]

You should be unhidden... Danyealle caught this while I caught some sleep.

[Corrected Disclaimers]

Just to confirm, in case it got lost in the shoutbox chatter:

You state that the story is fiction - perfect!

You need to include that any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is unintentional.

You don't need to say that you make no profit, since this is Original fiction and not fanfiction.

[Funny Typos]

Norman's been helping again? Hope Mother doesn't find out...

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion clung to Yuji and Vale for a long moment, and when Yuji stepped back, Erion hurried over to throw his arms around Satoshi.

"Satoshi, my love, I'm so sorry I scared you like this," Erion said, his voice full of love. "But Kansas came for me, and we're both back here with you, and now it's alright again. I need to let atar know that I'm okay, and then I'll tell you everything, I promise. No secrets, my love, not between us, not ever." Erion kissed Satoshi lovingly, tears beading his lashes as he stroked Satoshi's cheek.

Satoshi let go of Kansas, a little startled when Erion jumped up around his neck, but his strong arms wrapped around Erion's waist as if the little elf had always belonged there, and Satoshi kissed him back with tender love, his voice shaking a little when he answered, "I'm so glad to have you home and in one piece. I love you, Yuki-chan, with all of my heart. No secrets, never."

He let go reluctantly, his hand lingering in the air as if he did not want to let go again when Erion moved out of his embrace.

Santhiel stood, barely able to contain himself, watching Kansas and Erion reassure Satoshi, and despite his worry, his eyes shone with pride as he watched the youngsters.

Vale turned to the ship's captain, one eyebrow arched, and the other elf drew himself up and bowed slightly as Vale spoke. "Shaevren, well done."

"My thanks, Captain, but it was the young Captain who brought Erion home safely, not leaving his side for a moment." Shaevren turned to offer Kansas a bow as well. "I was honored to serve you, young Captain. I would follow you into the Abyss itself, and count myself the luckier to be at your side."

Kansas bowed back, his cheeks coloring as Shaevren left to rejoin his men, and Santhiel could wait no longer. The tall star elf strode forward, pulling both Kansas and Erion into his arms and holding them tightly.

"My sons," Santhiel said. "I can't tell you how worried I've been, and how happy I am to have you both back." He pressed a kiss to each head, one blue and black, and one silver. "I hate to ask this, but I need to hear what happened. Kansas, I'm sorry, I really am. I know you'd rather take Erion home and let him rest, but it can't wait."

"I understand, atar," Kansas said. "Actually, it's better now, when Erion can tell everyone all at once, and not have to repeat himself over and over. And there's a lot you need to know."

Kansas wrapped his arm around Erion's shoulders, and Erion leaned into Kansas gratefully as he began to talk, his voice strong and clear as he described his abduction and his ordeal in Tower Reilloch. Erion was careful to recount every detail fully, not shrinking from describing the feeling of the spells that were used on him, or the physical violence that he endured. When he described his first escape attempt, Satoshi grew pale as he thought about the pain Erion had inflicted on himself, and Sand held Satoshi tightly. A moment later, it was Sand's turn to grow pale as Erion revealed that he had been beaten in the same manner as Sand had been, and Satoshi comforted the moon elf. Erion went on to describe letting the Luskan mage take him to his rooms, and how he had incapacitated and then killed the Luskan and fled the Tower.

Erion paused for a moment, his silver eyes serious. "I failed you, atar. I gave your name to that mage, and confirmed your age, and I revealed that it was far from unusual for a star elf to be that old. I had a choice. If I gave away some small truths, I stood a chance of buying time to escape. If I didn't, I would only have been tortured further." Erion took a deep breath. "I also knew that I was risking more than my life. Kansas and I are bound, and if one of us dies, the other will follow. But there are other bonds I needed to think about, like the bond between Kansas and Satoshi. This family of ours is unique, and it means that none of us is ever truly alone, but it also means that my actions affect so many more people than just me. And for that, I'm so very sorry, my loves, for the pain I've caused."

Santhiel's silver eyes were brimming with tears, the tall warrior almost trembling with emotion. "You did not fail me, Erion. You made the only choice you could, and the truths you chose to reveal were the ones that could do the least harm. You kept your head, and you never surrendered."

Santhiel turned to look at Kansas. "You felt the ripple in your bond with Erion, and you never hesitated. You had no idea what might be waiting for you, but you went anyway, putting Erion's safety ahead of all else, and I know full well you would have torn that Tower down stone by stone if need be. And when you and Erion were reunited, you stayed by him to guard him, never leaving him."

"I am so proud of you both, my brave sons." Santhiel dashed away the tears that slid down his cheeks. "You are ever a joy to my heart, the two of you. And I owe you thanks as well, Satoshi. You helped Kansas to become the fine man he is today, and I see your strength and courage in him, my brother. I can never thank you enough."

"You didn't ask to be taken," Vale said, his eyes hard and stern. "You're not at fault, Erion. I'd lay the blame squarely at the feet of a society that is so fucking mired in appearances and tradition that they've forgotten who and what the fuck they are. This should have been brought before the Queen." Vale rounded on Santhiel. "I know who the fuck you are. I've always known, and I kept my mouth shut as long as no one got hurt, but I'm fucking done. My priority is my family, my wife and my husbands and their husbands, and our children. You made this fucking mess, and you can clean it up."

Yuji lay a firm hand on Vale's shoulder, his voice calm and collected as he spoke. "Vale. Calm down. Santhiel's priority is his family as well. Kansas is his son as much as Erion, and he will not see them come to harm. Please, my love, calm down. And I may be completely dumb when it comes to elven politics, but I understand enough, and I remember enough of Sora's stories to realize that if we bring this before the queen, we will be risking open war. Is that what you want? To bring war back to our people?"

Yuji's eyes were dark with his fear and concern for the youngsters, but there was also a deep understanding in them, and a plea with Vale to be calm.

Vale's eyes softened slightly, and some of the tension left him. "You're right, a'maelamin. I'm just frustrated, because I know what's at risk. That mage harmed another elf, and he used a fucking balor, a demon ripped from the Abyss, to pull Erion off that ship. The only elves that can wield power like that between Planes are the star elves themselves and our crazy fucking husband." Vale jerked his head at Sand, who merely held Satoshi closer, reassuring him through their bond that Vale was only releasing his frustration, and no serious rift was happening.

"I'm sorry, Santhiel, but I've got family in Evermeet now, family I care about, and they're going to need to be warned. This bastard in the Tower knows Erion's connection to Sand, and that means he'll connect Sand to me. We never made any secret of our relationship." Vale ran a hand through his hair.

"No offense taken," Santhiel replied easily. "When I slapped Evermeet back then, I hadn't planned on falling in love, and having a family. After I met Mist, it was easier to let people think I was a half-blood. She knew the truth. I didn't lie to her, or to Erion and Falon. And in hindsight, if I'd been honest, this might not have happened." Santhiel turned to Erion and Kansas. "Forgive me. I got caught up in being able to be just an elf, instead of what I really am."

Yuji wrapped his arm over Vale's shoulders and kissed his cheek lovingly, whispering barely above a breath, "I love you, my beautiful Vale." When Santhiel spoke, Kansas looked up with wide eyes, a small sound of surprise escaping him and Yuji looked up with apprehension in his eyes.

Satoshi twitched and sat up on the couch, his eyes wide and a pulse of anger washed out of him through his bonds with Sand and Vale, his voice hoarse when he spoke far louder than he meant to. "You bastard."

Santhiel hung his head. "Simply saying that I'm sorry feels inadequate, and I can't expect you to forgive me, not immediately. I should have known that it was only a futile dream."

"Atar," Erion breathed softly, dismayed.

Santhiel looked up with a small, sad smile. "As Satoshi has so quickly grasped, I'm fully a star elf, and I've been living a very pleasant lie in Evereska. I led a small group of my people from our hidden realm and back out among our brethren in the hopes of restoring unity between the elven races. One or two of us stayed in each of the elven homelands, to share magic and lore that's been forgotten here on Toril. But when I came to Evermeet, I came in anger because Evermeet had abandoned Evereska when Evereska was overrun by the phaerrim."

Kansas's eyes widened as he recalled his conversation with Haedrith, and he tightened his arm around Erion.

Santhiel continued, his voice still thick with sorrow. "I blamed them for all the elves that died defending Evereska, and I told them that they hadn't earned the right to the old lore. That was over a thousand years ago, and I still recall it as clearly as if it were yesterday."

"Precisely how old are you?" Sand asked, his tone neutral as he sent calming love to Satoshi through their bond.

"I'm two thousand, four hundred eleven years old, precisely," Santhiel replied, with a faint hint of dry humor. "By the standards of my people, I'm still quite young and rash."

Yuji couldn't stop the small unbelieving giggle that escaped him, but his face was still serious.

Kansas unwrapped himself from Erion and moved over to Santhiel, wrapping his arms around Santhiel's neck, holding him tight. "You had every reason to lie. I do wish you had trusted me with this sooner, but I understand. I understand better than you think," he said quietly, a faint tendril of blue snaking out in the irises of his eyes, the power of Tatsuya palpable around him.

Satoshi sat stiffly on the edge of the couch, his eyes hard as he stared at Santhiel, and his voice was still angry when he spoke. "Even if you never meant to lie, you must have been able to tell yourself that you would be putting your family in danger with this. You should have trusted us with this. I trusted you with what is most important to me. I wish you had shown me the same courtesy."

Satoshi rose quickly from the couch and strode to the bedroom off the office, lighting up a cigarette as he went, and all but slammed the door after himself.

Sand stood as well. "Satoshi has given all that he is to help Kansas, and the bond between them is one we all respect and cherish." Sand looked at Kansas, his profound love for his youngest husband plain in his dark blue eyes. He then turned back to Santhiel. "Satoshi may forgive you, but it will not be soon, and it will not be easy for you to gain his trust. Honesty is something he values highly, and without honesty there can be no trust."

Sand walked to the bedroom and quietly let himself in, closing the door firmly behind himself.

Erion closed his eyes for a moment, feeling Yuki pushing to the forefront. It was still an uncomfortable sensation for the young elf, and each time he wondered if the eldarin godling who shared his soul would let him return. A wave of amusement greeted that fleeting thought, as it did each time.

"You were too gentle, our firstborn," Yuki said, watching Santhiel with faint curiosity. "It cut you to the quick to see elf kill elf, and your nature made you prefer to withdraw. And yet you fault the sun elves for retreating to Evermeet. It is not their retreat that angers you. It is their arrogance, their belief that they know what is best for our elven children, but did you not do the same thing when you withheld your lore from them?"

"Heru en amin," Santhiel replied, and dropped to one knee. "My lord, forgive me."

Yuji rose from the edge of the desk when Satoshi left the office, but Sand was too quick and Yuji sighed softly when Sand closed the door behind himself. He turned his attention to the others, sensing the charged air around Erion and Kansas, and he swallowed thickly as he saw the blue in Kansas's eyes, Erion's voice sending chills down his spine.

When Santhiel fell to his knee before Erion, Kansas took a step back and for a moment he seemed to be almost frozen in time, his movement halted for half a heartbeat. Then his whole stance changed, his back straightened and his chin thrust up, his eyes a molten swirl of blue and gray and his small smile wicked as he moved around to drape himself around Erion's back, licking at Erion's neck just below his ear.

Yuji shivered slightly and involuntarily grabbed Vale's hand, seeking reassurance from his elf, who for the moment at least seemed to be the only sane person there. Vale laced his fingers with Yuji's fingers, wondering what he had unleashed this time.

"Forgiveness," Yuki said, pressing back into Kansas with a purr. "Did we not teach you that the past is the past? Learn the lesson and move on. The beautiful pierced one that we love so well wishes honesty, and you have disappointed him. Therefore, you must not lie anymore. It is a simple lesson." Yuki chuckled, but it was not at all a merry sound. "Such things you've learned while we weren't looking. Alright then, one of your words. Penance. You will go to the arrogant sun elves, and you will offer them a trade. The mage who harmed us must die, and in return you will give them the knowledge they seek, but openly and for all to share."

"My lord, what of my family?" Santhiel asked.

Yuki chuckled again. "You refused to marry the sweet moon elf because you were afraid of involving her in your troubles. So why do you fuss now?"

Santhiel's shoulders slumped in defeat, and his head fell forward. "As it must be, then. I will not hurt her more by fighting my sentence."

Tatsuya purred softly into Yuki's hair and looked at Santhiel over his lover's shoulder. His voice was deep and dangerous, but the tone was one of slight amusement. "I will protect my family, and you belong to them. I will not let harm come to you, young elf. You are too dear to them for me to allow that."

Yuji squeezed Vale's hand tightly as he watched the display before him, utterly astounded by the change in Kansas and Erion both. So absorbed was he in what he was watching that he jumped badly when something crashed and shattered against the door of the bedroom, Satoshi's shriek reverberating against the walls.

Sand slammed out of the bedroom, his dark blue eyes blazing as he stalked over to the couch. There was a faint glow at the base of Sand's throat, just below the hollow of his neck, and he sat with careless grace.

Yuji moved slowly over to the couch and sat down beside Sand, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder, and whispered, "I'm sorry. I should have stopped you from going after him. I'm just a little slow at the moment."

Sand smiled gently. "Thank you, my love. I sometimes forget that I am not always who he needs, and that I cannot always help as I wish to."

Tatsuya wrapped a hand around Yuki's neck, and even though the hand looked human, all present could see Yuki's skin dimpling as if it was being poked by long talons. Tatsuya swiped his tongue over the shell of Yuki's ear, and purred with that dangerous rumbling voice, "I think you are being too cold, my love. Why do you want to shatter him so, and leave nothing to fate? What do you think, erthurirl? Are the sun elves wise enough to learn these secrets now, or are they still too mired in appearances and tradition to know the true meaning of such gifts?" Tatsuya's eyes turned to Vale and he stared at the blond sun elf with such intensity that Yuji could feel it through his bond with Vale.

Vale looked at Tatsuya and smiled. "I'm not sure they're ready to learn all of them, kosjurathear. I think perhaps they are ready to learn that wisdom comes from unity, though, and if they can learn to get along with their kin, that they might learn new things."

Nathe shivered slightly, leaning forward to mutter, "Gods. Now you're entertaining gods. Please try not to irritate them."

Tatsuya glanced at Nathe with an amused chuckle, before he turned back to Vale and nodded his head slowly. "Unity and wisdom. Those are good lessons to begin with. What of you, foolish god? Do you think that the sun elves need to learn wisdom and unity first?" Tatsuya turned his eyes to Sand, and licked his lips hungrily, one of his hands snaking around Yuki's chest to rub at his nipple teasingly.

Sand looked at Tatsuya seriously. "Would it surprise you if I said yes? I think not. At the very least they need to learn unity. Too many elves died because they did not know what that meant. As to wisdom, that is something I think few of us master. I know I am hardly wise, for all that I have learned."

Yuki turned his head to nip at Tatsuya's jaw, arching into the caress as Tatsuya teased his nipple. "You show them mercy? Why? Because this one is the little vessel's father? Maybe I have forgotten too much. Maybe I haven't forgotten enough. I don't remember mercy being shown to me."

"And still you demand that he learn from his mistakes? Does this not serve as a lesson for you, my love. Do not punish him for what was done to us. If it had not been for this young one, and his family we would not have found each other again, my Yuki. I show them mercy because I have learned to love. They taught me that. The pierced one most of all. I wanted to level that stronghold of the sun elves to the ground and sink it into the ocean. I would have done so, before. But I did not, simply because I knew it would serve no purpose. The mage who harmed you will be punished. We will see to that, whether through our vessels or by ourselves. But war amongst elves does not serve our purpose now, my love."

Tatsuya leaned over and plundered Yuki's mouth hard, his hand sliding down Yuki's torso to rub between his legs, and Tatsuya pressed his hips forward to rub against Yuki's ass, his voice rumbling deep in his chest when he broke the kiss and looked at Yuki, "Show him mercy, my love. Learn to love and forgive."

Yuki shivered a little, and then nodded slowly. "I will forgive him, my love. I will learn to forgive, and I will remember how to love." The eldarin turned his gaze on Santhiel. "I will forgive you, and I will lift my sentence. Perhaps it isn't time for them yet. Perhaps they need to remember as well, and war will not serve to help. Go, then. I ask nothing of you."

Tatsuya turned his eyes to Santhiel, where he still knelt on the floor, and his eyes glittered with something akin to friendship, his lips curling in a wicked smile. "And now you have one last wrong that you must right. In that room over there is a broken heart that you must mend. None of them can do it, for you were the one who broke it. This was your own mistake, so make it right, young one."

"This was your mistake, so make it right, young one, or your adopted son can not forgive you either." He nodded his head towards the bedroom door, and Yuji sighed quietly, squeezing Sand's hand gently.

Santhiel rose slowly, almost devoid of grace, his silver head still bowed. "Whatever it takes," he said, so softly that it sounded like a prayer. "My thanks, my Lords. On my life, I will make it right." He took a deep breath, and moved toward the bedroom resolutely.

Santhiel opened the door and stepped in, closing it behind him with a click. "Satoshi? I'm sorry. I don't have any words left beyond that. I've hurt you, and I need to heal this, and I don't know where to begin. I'm a warrior, not a diplomat. If my blood would help, it's yours."

Satoshi leaned against the window frame, muttering at Santhiel, "Always so overly fucking dramatic, you elves. You're worse than Kohaku, sometimes." He lit up what had to be his 20th cigarette, the small brass plate he had scoured up somewhere after shattering the ashtray, already overflowing with stubs.

He glanced over his shoulder and sighed at the sight of Santhiel, his voice rough with emotion when he answered, "I don't know how much Kansas has told you about his past, or how he was when I found him. But the shit that I went through to help him, to bring him home made me love him more than my own life. I can only rely on trust, Santhiel. It's the only thing that's kept me alive for as long as I've lived, and to have it broken like this hurts more than I can say."

"I didn't lie to hurt you. I lied to keep my family alive." Santhiel's voice was thick with grief.

Satoshi sighed and looked out the window again, swinging his legs over the ledge, and he swiped at a tear that pearled in his lashes, as he continued, "I trusted you because you embraced Kansas as your son, and because you are Sand's brother in law. Even after what happened between him and Erion, you still embraced him as your son, and you've never wavered in that. And for that I trusted you with my own life, as well as his. It makes me feel like you do not trust me, knowing that you could not trust me with your secrets. My trust can be regained, but only if you never hide anything from me again. If I can't trust you, I can't feel safe leaving Kansas in your care."

Santhiel sucked in a deep breath. "No secrets. I'm all but immortal. I can be killed, but I won't age, and I won't die of sickness. I can walk in shadows utterly unseen, and command them to serve me. Those shadows can kill for me. I can pluck things I need to know, like languages, right from someone's mind. The mages that left with me know how to construct a mythal. We don't have enough to do it, but we know how, and we knows spells that have never been used on Toril, that come straight from the Feywild. I can Planewalk at will. And I can love, so utterly and completely that I can face anything without fear if it means protecting my loved ones. That's all I have."

Satoshi sobbed softly, listening to Santhiel move closer to the window, and his voice was small when he nodded in Santhiel's direction without looking up. "I understand that you lied to keep your family safe. I understand that it has nothing to do with me. It's just that so many times in my life, I've trusted people, people I thought were friends and even family, only to be betrayed in the worst possible way. I promised myself that I would never let Kansas feel that in his life. That's why it hurt me so much that you've kept this secret from us. It also hurts to think that you've lied to Sand and them for so many years."

"I never told Sand, or Eryn, or Hawk. Only Mist knew, because I couldn't love her and put her at risk without telling her the truth. And then our sons were born, and for the first time in my live, I was truly afraid." Santhiel paused, his own voice wet with tears. "I love Kansas with that same intensity, so much that it hurts at times to look at him and know I'll watch him die one day, that everyone I love will die and I will continue. I wonder if I should throw myself into one last glorious battle when that time comes, and maybe I can finally die myself. But until then, I will use everything that I am to protect my family, and that includes all of you."

Satoshi chuckled softly, wiping a tear from his cheek, and a small wry smile tugged at his lips as he stared out the window with pain filled eyes, "I'm sorry. I'm just being an emotional fool like always. I've been so worried about them, and now this... I'm sorry. I know this has nothing to do with me, so I'm sorry for getting so angry at you."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I hurt you, and I never meant to make you think I didn't trust you. Seldarine, my Erion has been as safe with you as he is with me. I can't trust more than that." Santhiel ran his hands through his hair, fisting them a little. "I'm tired of hiding, and worrying. Maybe this is for the best. I don't know. I just watched my sons turn into gods, and I don't know what to think anymore." Santhiel sank to the floor in a clumsy heap.

Satoshi hiccuped a little bit, and stubbed out his cigarette as he turned on the windowsill, all but crashing to the floor beside Santhiel. "You really think so? You think he's been safe with me, despite all that's happened, with Taka and Kageoshi-chan, and all of that?"

"He could fight that. It was something tangible. And the grief, well, we all need to learn to deal with grief, sooner or later." Santhiel looked at Satoshi, his eyes a stormy grey.

Satoshi sat up on his haunches, wrapping his arms around his shins and leaning his chin on his knees, looking for all the world like a small child. "I've never thought I could keep anyone safe. I've always tried, but I've always felt like I was failing. And I do understand, better than you think, about lying to keep your family safe. We lied to the police and immigration about Kansas and how I found him. That's the official version of his story. Only the social services know the truth, and those records are sealed."

Satoshi looked at Santhiel, his eyes dark with pain, far older than this, and he had to clear his throat a little before he could speak, "There is a reason for all of this, I think. They are gods, the two of them. It wasn't some coincidence that made me and Yuji draw dragons on him to calm him down, or that made us give him the name Tatsuya. And could a normal elf really hold something like Yuki within himself? Isn't Erion the only one who could possibly be strong enough to contain a eldarin god?"

"Maybe you're right, and this is how is has to be, but if you'll pardon a blunt warrior, why did it have to be our kids?" Santhiel managed a wan grin.

Satoshi giggled a little, and wiped his nose over his knee. "Because we all have a purpose in this. Although, Kansas isn't my kid." Satoshi stared at the floor for a few moments, and Santhiel heard him hum softly to himself. For a moment Satoshi looked like a small frightened child, hiding from the world. But when Satoshi looked up again his eyes were warmer, and the sadness and pain were slowly fading, and his voice was a little stronger. "Forgive me for being an emotional fool, Santhiel. I know that I can trust you. Just promise me that you will be honest with us from now on. If you lie to me again our trust will be broken, but I understand why you had to do this. Can you still trust me?"

Santhiel reached over and opened Vale's wardrobe, pulling out a bottle of dwarven whiskey and opening it. He offered it to Satoshi first. "I've never stopped trusting you, Satoshi. I know you love my Erion. And I promise you, no more secrets and no lies." He managed another smile, a little stronger this time. "And Kansas isn't your child, true. He's also your husband."

Satoshi sat down on his ass, crossing his legs under himself, and took the offered whiskey, gasping a little as he downed a big swallow. "Half the time I have no idea what he is. All I know is that I love him. And he loves me, most of the time." Satoshi handed the bottle back to Santhiel, and looked down at his hands.

"Santhiel. There is actually something that I need to talk to you about. About Erion. You know how this whole thing between me and Yuji and Willow and Vale and Kansas works in Tokyo, right? How we all had a union, and to us that makes us equal to married husbands and wife?"

Santhiel grabbed a cloth and wiped the neck of the bottle politely after downing a hefty swallow. "Erion's explained how the whole union thing works, because you can only have one legal spouse in Tokyo." He offered the bottle back to Satoshi. "Hells, until recently, you couldn't marry someone of the same gender."

Satoshi nodded, smiling a little when Santhiel wiped the neck of the bottle before handing it back. He took a deep swallow, his eyes watering a little bit when he gasped, and his voice was a little raspy when he spoke, "Yeah. I did not get the chance to speak with you beforehand, and I apologize for that, but I would like to ask you now. I have offered my ring to Erion, and we have already had our union. It was quite simple. We were just on the couch talking after he and Momo broke up, and it felt right to do it then and there. He has accepted, and I do consider him my husband now. So, I want to ask you for your blessing, and I ask that you give your blessing again when he turns one hundred and I can marry him in Evereska." Satoshi blushed a little and handed the bottle back, absentmindedly wiping the neck with his sleeve.

Santhiel looked at Satoshi for a long moment, his eyes slowly paling until they were silver grey, and he broke out into a radiant smile. "You're married to my Erion? And you want to marry him again when he turns one hundred?" Santhiel reached out and pulled Satoshi into a hug. "Of course you have my blessing. Seldarine, this is wonderful news!"

Satoshi gave a small oomph as he crashed into Santhiel's arms, but quickly recovered and wrapped his arms around Santhiel as well. "Oh, fuck man, you have no idea how nervous I was about this. I was a bit scared you wouldn't approve. You think Mist will approve too?"

"Mist will be even happier than I am, trust me on this. She watched all of you marry on Toril, and she told me it was the best arrangement she'd ever seen, that everyone loved each other so much." Santhiel grinned. "Wait, this makes me your father in law!" He started to laugh happily.

Satoshi snorted, but then laughed too, punching Santhiel in the shoulder. "Oh, fucking shut up. This family's gotten so fucked up lately that I've given up on all those titles. For fuck's sake, if you think about it, I'm married to my own stepbrother. Not to mention that my brother in law is Yuji's great grandfather now."

Satoshi grabbed the bottle and took a swallow big enough to make himself gasp for breath, his eyes watering again as he laughed louder.

Santhiel thought about it for a moment, his eyes crossing slightly, and he took the bottle and drank deeply. "Okay, you're right. Fuck the titles. It fucking hurts to try and figure it out." He started to snigger, and then to laugh, until he gave up and fell back on the floor, helpless with laughter, his silver hair spread beneath him.

Satoshi snickered as Santhiel agreed with him, and then burst out laughing when Santhiel fell over. Satoshi poked Santhiel with his foot and prodded, "But how about you getting married now. I think it's high time you make an honest woman out of Mist."

Santhiel laughed even harder, managing to gasp out, "Have you met Mist?" He rolled over, wiping away the cleansing tears and managing to pull himself up a bit. "But, oh, fuck, yes. I'd marry her a thousand times if I could. She's the most amazing woman. She can drink me under the table, knows how to get past almost every ward in Evereska, makes love like a succubus, and for some insane reason, she loves me."

"So, she's the one who won't marry you?" Satoshi asked, his eyebrows raised in wonder, and then he gave a little "Huh!", grabbing the bottle again and managing a swallow without gasping.

His eyes landed on the door and the glittering glass of the shattered ashtray that he had hurtled at Sand's head when the moon elf had followed him to the room, and he sighed, handing the bottle to Santhiel. "I still don't understand why Sand loves me. He's always telling me, and I think he might have to tell me for a few hundred years, and I still won't get it. I'm always afraid that I'll wake up one morning and he'll be gone for good. Tired of my shit and mood, and just how damaged I am. I'm afraid they'll all leave me to be honest. I threw an ashtray at his head because I was pissed and wanted to be alone." Satoshi hung his head and waved for the bottle again, small tears welling in his eyes.

"I don't deserve that idiot moon elf. And yet I do deserve him and everything that he gives me. I just wish I was better for him."

"Truth is, I was the one who said no to marriage, to try and keep her out of my troubles. We just told everyone it was her idea because I couldn't stand the thought that someone might think I didn't think she was worth marrying. Mist is worth marrying at least once a year for the next few millennia." Santhiel drank deeply again. "But you and Sand? I've known Sand for a very long time now. I've seen him when he was going through lovers like mad, having a bit of fun and ending things quickly, no strings. I've seen him when he first fell in love with Vale, and then when they ended. I've seen him with his little genasi, and with Vale again. But I don't think I've ever really seen Sand until he found you."

Satoshi blushed a little, and hung his head. "She knew about us, you know? His, what did you call her? Genasi? She told him that he had yet to find his true love, and he promised her he would. And he says that is me."

Santhiel looked at Satoshi, his eyes clear and open. "You two complete each other. Did Kansas ever tell you about soul lights?"

Satoshi looked up and nodded slowly, as he unzipped his hoodie and pulled it off his shoulders to reveal his arms, and pulled up the sleeves of his t-shirt to show his tattoos. "Yes, he did once. These are mine."

"I see soul lights, like Kansas does. So does Erion." Santhiel paused, looking slightly unsure. "Yours are two koi, yes, but they're not alone. They swim in water, under the moon, and the stars sparkle across the surface of the water. The water and the moon, they're Sand. The water was always empty until you." Santhiel ducked his head a little. "I don't know if I should have told you that, but it felt right."

Satoshi stared at Santhiel for a moment, and then a small sob escaped him. "You remember that day, when that crazy ass idiot went into the telkiira to save Hawk? I saw it then. I went as deep into my zen mode as I've ever gone. I honestly think I touched Nirvana for a moment. But at one point, it felt like I was enveloped by water, and the moon was shining above us. And my koi were swimming around us. I always thought it was just because I have always felt comfortable with those elements. The night, the moon, and water, you know. Thank you for telling me."

Satoshi swigged at the bottle again, and swiped at a tear that trickled down his cheek, but then his eyes turned curious and he looked at Santhiel with a little tilt to his head. "What's Yuji's and Vale's soul lights like? Kansas never wants to tell me about them. And Willow's?"

Santhiel grinned, relieved. "Vale's light looks like a vine, one of those delicate vines that only grow wild, and need something stronger to help them reach the light. Yuji's is a wonderful sakura tree, all alone in a wild place, the only one there. When he's angry or upset, it's barren, but when he's happy, it's in bloom. Vale's vine travels up Yuji's tree, not strangling it, but sort of caressing it and twining with it. Willow, now, her light is sort of complex. The background always makes me think of royal blue velvet, very serene and regal. On the velvet is a single rose, a red so deep you might call it burgundy. There are thorns on the rose, but if you know how to reach past them, the petals are softer than clouds." Santhiel laughed, blushing a little.

"Whiskey makes you romantic," Satoshi purred, grinning impishly, but then he shook his head, with a small laugh. "I'm teasing. That's exactly how I could see Willow. She's all soft and magical and wonderful, until you piss her off. Then you'd want nothing more than to run away and marry a balor. I really want to know what the kids soul lights are like. I've always imagined that Ryuu's would be a small Japanese dragon, maybe a bronze one, even though that's not traditional. I'm sure Takara has some sort of animal too, something small but fierce. And Michi being her father's will probably have something magical too. But what are Erion's and Kansas' like? They seem too old to have shapes."

"Soul lights for kids can change all the time. Ryuu's is a small bronze dragon, the one he talks to, I think." Santhiel smiled. "Takara has a small cat, very beautiful, like Sand's Jaral. Michi's light isn't really formed yet, but it's icy blue. Aika's is a sparkling cloud of twinkling lights, like a tiny firework show. Hikaru's is an emerald rose." He shook the whiskey bottle, judged that it had a good two drinks left, and took a swallow, handing it to Satoshi to finish. "Erion's light always looked like a moonbeam, all silver and ethereal. Kansas's is a royal blue spiral that twirls, slow when he's sick or sad, and faster when he's happy. Erion's soul light wrapped around Kansas's from the day they met. Now you can hardly tell where one ends and the other begins."

Satoshi took the bottle and toasted it to Santhiel before he downed the rest of it, then lit up a cigarette, offering one to Santhiel. "I think I need to go and ask my husband to forgive me for trying to kill him with ashtray missiles. I hate when I lose my temper with him like that, but sometimes he just makes things worse. But the funny thing is, I actually love him even more when he does. Because he often makes me burn through my rage faster, just by being irritating. Thank you for telling me this, Santhiel. And I know that the whole godling thing is confusing... hell, I don't even get it half the time. But if you want to know, just ask Kansas. Tatsuya is a little bit rough around the edges usually, but Kansas is opening up about this whole thing a lot. So, just ask him. And judging from what I heard out there, Tatsuya's curious about you. Yuki on the other hand is still so newly awakened that I'd guess he's grouchy."

Santhiel chuckled ruefully, enjoying the cigarette. "Figures I get the grouchy, newly awakened godling. But I will ask Kansas, and if Tatsuya wants to know about me, I suppose he's entitled. But yes, it might be a good idea to go back out there before they come in to count the bodies." Santhiel got to his feet and held a hand out to Satoshi. "Remind me to pick up another bottle of whiskey for Vale's stash."

Satoshi groaned a little as he allowed Santhiel to heave him to his feet, and then he shook his legs a little to get the blood flowing. As they started heading for the door Satoshi snickered, "Remember to buy a new bottle of whiskey for Vale's stash. Mind reminding me to buy him a new ashtray?"

[futanari]

In Naruto, this is one that you might enjoy: Silver and Gold

[looking for a story]

Try this: Dont abduct me I'm Welsh!

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Nathe looked at the ornate mirror for several minutes after ending his conversation with Haedrith, putting his thoughts in order and making sure that his emotions were under control. One or two of the mages who dealt with the Cloaktower's communications looked over at Nathe, but not a one of them dared interrupt the moon elf, instead exchanging wary glances.

When Nathe did stir, he was brisk and relatively calm. He looked over at the assembled mages, all of whom were now watching him carefully.

"I'm going to need a few things. I want to speak with Evereska, specifically with Captain Santhiel of the Vale Guard. That conversation I'd prefer to have in the privacy of my office." Nathe kept his tone fairly pleasant. "I also want two portals opened now, and held open until I tell you that that can be closed. One will be to Evereska, and before you even think to tell me how the Academy will receive my request, you have my permission to threaten them as liberally as required. The other portal is to link to this portal key, and will open in Vale's home in Tokyo."

Nathe paused, seeming to consider his next words carefully. "I want a permanent communications mirror with Evermeet. I don't really care how it's done, or whose heads we need to step on, and I'm willing to speak to the Queen herself if need be, but this ridiculous nonsense that I have to go through just to talk to Evermeet is over."

One young sun mage stepped forward, looking slightly wary. "I'll volunteer to work that, if I may."

Nathe looked at him sharply. "Nerion, isn't it? Why?"

"Because it's high time they took their exalted heads out of their asses?" Nerion asked.

Nathe grinned. "Welcome to the team." He nodded at the rest of the mages and strode briskly out of the room, his long robes swirling gracefully behind him.

Back in his office, Nathe reached for the stack of paperwork Antha had left for him, waiting the mages upstairs to reach Santhiel. It gave Nathe a few moments to reflect on what Haedrith had told him, and Nathe did not relish being the one to unleash the storm he knew was going to occur. He sighed a little, shook his head, and began to read the small scrap of parchment Antha had attached to the first sheet. The quiet woman had begun to show a little initiative, and was prone to making small observations on these scraps, and Nathe was rather enjoying her take on things.

It was Antha who brought in the mirror, and Nathe nodded and waved her off as he looked at Santhiel. "Before you say a word, are you alone?"

Santhiel turned his head for a moment, and turned back. "I am now. What's wrong?"

"There was an incident in Evermeet. Erion's fine, thanks mostly to his using your training wisely, but someone in Tower Reilloch intercepted him while he was on the ship to Evermeet. He's on his way back to Neverwinter, on one of my ships, and Kansas is with him. I have a portal waiting for you to come here, and I'm going to bring over Vale and the family." Nathe watched as Santhiel's eyes darkened, but the veteran warrior remained calm.

"My son is uninjured?" Santhiel asked.

Nathe nodded. "He had minor injuries incurred in his escape, but nothing that was ever life threatening. He made his way to his lover, Haedrith, and Kansas was already on route to Evermeet on my ship."

"I'm on my way," Santhiel said. "Nathe? Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet," Nathe replied. "I promise you, Santhiel, we'll sort this out."

Santhiel broke the connection, and Nathe raised his voice slightly. "Antha?" The door opened, and she stepped in. "When Captain Santhiel arrives, take him to Vale's office. I'll meet him there, with Vale and the others. Then get word to the Docks that when our ship returns, Kansas and Erion should be brought straight there as well."

"Of course, Nathe." Antha walked with Nathe back up to the portal chamber and watched as he stepped through to Tokyo, the portal remaining open as he had instructed.

Vale and Yuji looked up at the same time as they felt the portal open, both of them expecting to see Kansas returning. Vale had explained quietly to each of his husbands why Kansas had left so abruptly, and Vale had been waiting for Kansas or Nathe to contact him. Satoshi had been ready to go to Neverwinter right then and there, but Sand had convinced him to wait in Tokyo until they heard anything, that they would be of more use helping at home with the family.

Hikaru let out a giddy shriek and raced down the hall to where the portal would open, shouting, "Oniisan!" Vale looked at Yuji with a small grin before he stood to go and rescue Kansas from the exuberant little half elf, and then they heard Hikaru again.

"You're not oniisan. You're chichi's friend." Hikaru sounded delighted, and Vale hurried to the hallway with Yuji on his heels.

Nathe looked up, one hand firmly grasped by Hikaru, and a wry grin on his face. "Your security system is getting taller every time I see him," he quipped.

"Where's Kansas?" Vale asked, trying to keep the anxiety out of his voice as Hikaru released Nathe's hand in favor of propelling himself into Vale's arms at maximum velocity.

"Kansas and Erion are on their way back to Neverwinter," Nathe said. He paused, looking at Hikaru.

"Hikaru, go help Ryuu-kun with Takara-chan. They're in the garden." Vale kissed Hikaru's cheek and set the little half elf down.

"Hai, chichi. I'll find my seler'ai." Hikaru darted off, his blond curls bouncing.

Once Hikaru was out of earshot, Nathe turned back to Vale and Yuji. "Erion was briefly kidnapped, but managed to escape with only a few minor injuries. He's with Kansas, on one of our ships, heading back to Neverwinter. Kansas wants both of you, plus Sand and Satoshi, to meet them in Neverwinter. Santhiel's on his way as well. I took the liberty of arranging a portal for him. I also keyed this portal to take you straight to the Cloaktower." Nathe looked at Yuji, his blue eyes serious. "Erion's fine, according to Haedrith, and Kansas hasn't left his side for a moment. He's an extraordinary young man, Kansas."

Yuji's expression relaxed as he listened to Nathe's succinct explanation, and he nodded as he looked over at Vale. "Why don't you go back with Nathe, my love? I'll bring the other two over in a little bit. I'll need to let our queen know what's going on, and if you can send Maela back, that will help smooth things over nicely." Yuji pulled Vale into a kiss, his perfect eyes locked on Vale's green eyes, the unspoken message clear. Take care of any messy bits before we get there.

Vale returned the kiss with all his love. "I'll send Sorien as well. He can help Ryuu with the treehouse, and that'll keep Hikaru occupied as well." Vale turned back to Nathe. "Let's go, old friend."

Kansas stood behind Erion, his arms tight around his elf as they watched the docks of Leuthilspar grow smaller. Kansas could feel Erion's mixed emotions, from his regret at leaving Haedrith so soon to his excitement at returning to Neverwinter and then Tokyo, to a soaring joy at being in Kansas's arms.

The captain of the Cloaktower ship came up behind the young lovers quietly, watching with them for a few moments. He waited patiently until Kansas turned around.

"We'll be shifting Planes in a few minutes. We're taking a slightly... different route home." The elf held out two crystal pendants. "These will prevent any unanticipated departures from the ship. Each of you put one on."

"Thank you," Kansas said, and took them both with a small bow. He put one around Erion's neck before putting his own on. "Did Nathe send those?"

"We're all battlemages, young Captain." The elf smiled a little. "This ship and its sisters are fighting craft, so sitting in harbor was a little quieter than we're used to. It gave us a chance to play around with the Weave a bit, though. These are a trick I picked up from the githzerai when I sailed Limbo once. Keep them when we get home."

Erion turned and smiled his beautiful smile. "Thank you for the gift. I'd hate to be plucked away in mid-journey again." He leaned a little more into Kansas. "So, which way are we traveling? The thing is, Kansas and I don't want to miss dawn."

The elf smiled a little wider. "Let's see what we can do, then. I was hoping to get you back to Neverwinter well before dawn." He bowed slightly and walked away, graceful and at home on the rolling deck.

"What do you want to do, isilmeamin?" Kansas nuzzled his face into Erion's fragrant hair. "Do you want to stay up here, or head down below?"

Erion turned around to wrap his arms around Kansas. "I want to go below, 'lokiamin. I was on the deck when I was taken, and maybe it's just silliness, but I'd rather not tempt karma, you know?"

Kansas nibbled a kiss from Erion's pink lips. "I don't blame you, baby. Let's go down below, and see if we can find a cabin to curl up in for a while."

"Do you mind if we just cuddle?" Erion asked. "It's so stupid, I know, but I want to be ready for anything. Just in case."

Kansas looked at Erion carefully, noting the slightly pale eyes and the faintest tremble in the slim body in his arms.

Kansas cupped Erion's face between his hands for a moment, looking into his eyes, then he wrapped an arm around Erion and led him down below.

Once they found a cabin where they could lie down, Kansas wrapped himself around Erion as tightly as he could and kissed the soft silver hair, his voice warm and loving, but his tone firm when he asked, "You want to talk about this? Tell me what's wrong, baby. I can tell you're thinking about this."

Erion snuggled in as tightly as he could to Kansas. "The mage, the one I called the speaker. He had a balor bound to him, and I think it was the balor who was able to pull me off the ship. I killed the Luskan mage, but the speaker and the balor are still around."

Kansas stroked Erion's hair and cheek softly. "So, you're worried they might try to get you again?"

Erion nodded slightly. "If he gets his hands on me a second time, he's not going to make the mistake of giving me a chance to escape. I never told him about us, about the bond between us. I didn't want him to have that to use against me, but you know what? He doesn't need to know. I can't do anything that would put you at risk."

Kansas stared at the bottom of the berth above them as understanding dawned in his mind and he squeezed Erion almost painfully hard, his voice a little hoarse. "Oh, fuck. I never realized that. Our bond makes us vulnerable to shit like this. You would never choose to fade to escape torture because it would mean my death, too. Oh, fuck, Erion. This is not good. I think we should keep our bond a secret from now on. I mean, completely secret, as in lie about it if we are asked."

"I don't like to lie about us, baby, but I sort of understand. It's just that I realized I'd have told him whatever he wanted to know, to save you." Erion buried his face in Kansas's chest. "If he gets me a second time, I'm not going to be able to protect you and my father's secrets. And if I have to choose, I'm choosing you. Just so you know."

Kansas stroked Erion's hair gently, and nuzzled his cheek, his voice tender. "Then don't lie. If anyone asks about us, then just answer that you're too young to bond. There is no lie in that. But, I asked Haedrith about the star elves, and baby, I would rather die with you than have you give up all of their secrets. There is a reason that you have to keep those secrets, even if I don't understand those reasons well. And you and I both know that, that bastard would have tortured you into revealing all of their secrets, and then killed you. And then I would have died too anyway."

Erion bit back a small sob. "I know. I kept thinking that when I was trying to escape the first time. I'd gotten my ankles free and I was working on my wrists, but the blood wasn't lubricating things enough. I'd already figured out that one of them was a balor, and I knew I was a dead elf. No matter what, I was dead, and my only hope was to escape, or to lie so convincingly that they believed me before they killed me."

Kansas couldn't stop the small tear that slid down his cheek, and his lips were hot on Erion's temple and cheek as he whispered, "We need to keep our bond a secret. So no one can ever use one as leverage against the other. Never. But I want to ask Vale and Sand to help us deepen our bond. I need to be able to feel you better when we are apart like this. I've sort of come to the conclusion that it happened when you were taken off the ship, but for a moment yesterday, our bond ceased to exist. All I could feel was like empty air and this white noise. And I don't ever want to feel that again. And I want to get Vale to make me something that will give me the power to teleport to you. No matter where you are."

Erion tilted his face up to kiss away the tear. "Thank you. Thank you, 'lokiamin, for loving me that much. These few days apart, they did help, but I want our bond to be stronger, too, and I'm going to ask atar to teach me a little more about my shadows. If I can call them, then maybe I can learn to go to them, and from there, I can find my way to you." Erion looked at Kansas, his eyes molten with love for his imp. "I want to be able to feel you all the time, never apart, never alone. You can still woo me, and propose so magnificently that no one will believe such a love could exist, but I know where I want to be, and it's right here."

"I want to be right here too, isilmeamin. I found you after thousands and thousands of years, across planes and primes, and I'm never letting go of you again. But I do want to give you the proposal that I robbed you of back home in Evereska. You should get a proper proposal, not me begging you to return from fading. I still hate that I did that to you. I honestly felt about ready to lie down with you and fade to when I saw you that morning." Kansas sobbed softly and a few more tears spilled from his lashes, but his eyes were dark gray, filled with the endless love he had for Erion.

Erion smiled, his beautiful smile that made his eyes as bright as stars. "We didn't understand then. We didn't know how much we belonged to each other, and you were trying to save me from dying with you so young. But I want you to know this, baby. However long we have together like this, we have eternity waiting for us in the world you made for us. I'm not scared of dying anymore. I just don't want to lose you again, that's all." Erion kissed away the new tears softly. "I want to rest a bit, and then when we get to Neverwinter, we'll find the family and I'll tell them everything, I promise. Just hold me like this for a while, my soul."

Kansas smiled softly, and pressed his lips against Erion's, kissing him tenderly. "I knew. I always knew. From the first moment when we touched in the pond. I was just childish enough to think that I could let you go if I chose to. But my soul and my heart knew better. I'll hold you like this all the way home, and I'll be there beside you when you tell our family. I love you, my world."

Kansas got comfortable and stroked Erion's hair softly, feathering soft kisses against the elf's temple. After a long silence, Kansas asked quietly, "What do you know about Silverymoon?"

"Mmm," Erion murmured. "I've heard about it. It's supposed to be a place where all people are respected and tolerated as long as they act for the greater good. Even goodly drow are welcomed there. It's full of libraries, and people who come to learn and share their own knowledge. Sand's been there, and I'm pretty sure atar left one or two of his people there. I've even heard that a dragon lives there, although he sticks to a human form most of the time." Erion snuggled closer to Kansas, feeling safer than he had ever felt in his life, his love and utter trust radiating out through his wide open bond. "We should go there someday, baby."

Kansas hummed softly through his nose, resting his cheek against Erion's head and opening his bond wide, he let his eyes drift closed, relishing the love and trust that washed over him, and he poured back the same feeling of complete security, love and trust. Their soul lights lit up the cabin, twirling silver and blue around them, brighter than ever before.

"You're perfect, you know that," Kansas whispered, barely above a breath, his fingers tangling with Erion's. Kansas felt the simple ring that belonged to Satoshi, and with a soft kiss to Erion's forehead he said, "You know. When you and Satoshi marry, I wouldn't mind if you wore his ring on your left hand. I want to wear his ring on my left, because my heart will always belong to him, too. I can't let him go."

Erion smiled radiantly, not opening his eyes as he nestled against his imp. "I'm glad, baby. Don't ever let him go. He's so rare, and special, and beautiful, like you are. I'll wear his ring next to yours, when we marry. Hey, can you help me find a ring to give him, and Yuji, if he wants to marry me?" Erion's voice was drowsy, but Kansas could feel their connection as strongly as if Erion were wide awake.

"Of course, baby. We'll find a beautiful ring for them. But how about we nap now? I'll hold you and let you rest. I won't fall asleep if you need me to stay awake," Kansas answered, stroking Erion's back gently, his own eyes closed and his voice drowsy, even though he was fully aware of every small sound and twitch in Erion, as well as their surroundings.

"We can both sleep. We're safe now. I can feel where we are." Erion's smile was dazzling. "Can you feel it?"

Kansas reached out all his senses, and slowly at first, he began to feel something. It grew stronger and stronger, a wave of pure benevolence and goodness that surrounded the young lovers like a cozy down comforter. Kansas had no idea how he knew, but he knew with utter certainty that the ship's captain had taken them through the Upper Planes, where no evil could hold power.

"I can feel it," Kansas whispered back with utter wonder, and nuzzling Erion's cheek a little, he settled in and closed his eyes again, whispering as his voice deepened with approaching sleep. "Let's sleep, baby. Let's go to the Pond and watch the stars together. I've missed our little hideaway while you've been gone."