[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion stood in front of the house, his eyes dark with pain, oblivious to everything except the sight of Baby Boy peeling off down the street. He did not even notice Satoru until Satoru put a gentle hand on Erion's shoulder.

"Come back inside, Yuki-kun," Satoru said, his voice kind and warm, and Erion turned and followed him automatically.

Eryn was standing in the doorway, her blue eyes troubled, and she held out her arms to Erion. "Come, utinu'ai. I'll make us all some fresh tea."

Erion stumbled into Eryn's arms, his clumsiness so out of character that even Satoru looked startled.

"Are you alright, Yuki-kun?" Satoru asked, helping Eryn guide her grandson to the kitchen.

Erion looked up, pain and bewilderment fighting for dominance in his eyes. "I'm... He'll be back. I'm sure of it. He just needs to think, he said."

"Did you two argue?" Eryn asked, but her tone was gentle. She set the kettle full of fresh cold water to boil, and got down the tea canister

"It wasn't an argument, I don't think." Erion slumped onto a stool at the kitchen counter and buried his face in his hands. "I don't know what it was."

"You don't want to know what it was," Eryn corrected, arching an eyebrow at Erion.

Erion opened his mouth to protest, and then subsided. Eryn's ability as a healer was not limited to physical wounds, and Erion know she had heard every word that passed between him and Momo. With an almost Japanese sense of refinement, Eryn would never acknowledge knowing anything that was not said directly to her, unless there was danger that could be prevented. The fact that she was reminding him that she was aware was enough to keep Erion from trying to save face.

"I don't want to face what it was," Erion admitted. "You don't need to say it, atararim. I already know I'm seven kinds of stupid." Erion slid off the stool. "Thank you for the offer of tea, but I think I'll go to my room. The new term starts soon, and I've been asked to be a class representative for the incoming first year students. I should read over the materials I was sent."

"That's a great honor," Satoru said, putting a fatherly hand on Erion's shoulders. "I'm proud of you, Yuki-kun."

Erion smiled and bowed to Satoru, but his eyes were still dark with pain. "Thank you, sofusan. I'll try to keep making you proud."

Satoru looked at Erion, saddened by the young elf's retreat into careful formality, but Eryn had reprimanded him, and Satoru did not interfere in that. He watched Erion go upstairs, his back stiff and his walk nearly graceless. When he heard Erion's door close gently, Satoru turned to Eryn.

"I hate to see them at odds," Satoru sighed, accepting a cup of tea.

Eryn sipped her own tea, looking at Satoru over the rim. "You think I was too harsh with Yuki, don't you, edanamin? He's only going to make this harder if he doesn't face the truth, and I would rather he has some pain now, pain that he can handle, rather than for him to be faced with something that will overwhelm him."

Satoru nodded slowly. "I just wish we could take the pain from them altogether." The look he cast at the front door was as worried at the one he cast up the stairs.

Erion closed the package of orientation materials. He had read the same page several times, and the words were blurring into an image of tire tracks burnt into the pavement. Erion picked up his cell phone and pressed the code for Momo one more time.

Erion had waited three hours before calling Momo, hoping that he had given Momo enough time to cool off. The call was not answered, and Erion had left no message with voice mail. After several unanswered calls, Erion had tried texting Momo, with no response to that, either. It was nearly dinner, and Erion sighed, wondering if Momo would bother coming home to eat.

Erion padded downstairs and picked at his meal, managing to savage a shrimp and consume a few grains of rice before apologizing to Eryn and Satoru for his poor appetite and poorer company. Satoru ached to hug the young elf, hiding behind his wall of utter politeness, his face drawn and pale. He watched Erion retreat upstairs again, closing his door gently behind himself.

Erion picked up his phone, dialing Momo one more time and listening to the ringing. Once again, the call switched to voice mail, and Erion broke the connection, tossing the phone onto the bed in frustration. Erion fisted his hands in his hair, his silver eyes nearly charcoal, and his heart aching. He looked at the two omimari hanging over the bed and made a decision to go find his Momo and face whatever waited.

Erion stood outside the building that housed Momo's club, uncertain. Erion had visited all of the places they usually frequented in Ni-Chome, plus a few that looked likely. Somewhere along the way, Erion had lost count of how many beers he had ordered and drank, not that it mattered since Erion was hardly close to being drunk, thanks to his elven metabolism.

Sighing a little, Erion leaned against a wall, crossing one foot over the other. He was wearing his current favored uniform of slim black jeans and a tank top with a chambray shirt over it, neatly tucked into his pants. His belt was black doeskin to match his boots, and he had tossed a black wool frock coat on, his hair loose over his shoulders. He was not exactly dressed for Momo's club, nor did he have any way to get in. He was not a member, and the doormen certainly were not about to let him go in to look for Momo.

Erion fished out a cigarette and settled in to wait. If nothing else, maybe Momo would pass by while Erion was waiting, on his way from wherever he was at the moment. Erion was hardly going to stick his head in every bar in Ni-Chome, even though he already wondered if he appeared a bit clingy to some of the bartenders that they knew.

Erion sighed a little again, and watched the smoke from his cigarette as it trickled upward, letting his thoughts drift like the smoke. Erion thought back to the marks on Momo, marks he had been steadfastly refusing to acknowledge. Maybe it was time to admit what he had seen, and ask about it. Finishing his cigarette, Erion dropped the butt to crush it out with one booted foot before leaning over to pick it up and place it in the little tin he carried for that purpose.

"Hayashi-kun? Is that you?" The well dressed older man smiled at Erion, and it took the young elf a moment to place him.

Erion bowed deeply. "Nakahara-sensei, how kind of you to remember me." Erion pitched his voice to be slightly husky, his tone one of immense respect tinged with awe.

The judge smiled broadly, pleased. "But what are you doing out here? Where is Sakai-san?"

Erion smiled a little sheepishly, allowing himself to blush a little. "Honestly, Nakahara-sensei, I'm not sure. It's all my fault. We planned to meet for dinner, but I was so flustered over my exams, and I forgot where we were to meet. I've been calling, but I think Mamoru-san's phone must have a dead battery or something." Erion gave a breathless little laugh, covering his mouth with his hand. "I can't believe I was so foolish as to forget."

Erion was well aware that he was flirting shamelessly, but he also knew that the judge was an honorable man who would not presume to try and take Erion away from Momo. Erion hoped that the judge would take it in the intended manner, as a reassurance that Nakahara was still attractive himself.

Nakahara smiled even more. "And if he's inside, you have no way of knowing, do you? Well, we can't have you standing out here to catch a cold. Why don't you come with me and I can have you admitted as my guest?"

Erion widened his silver eyes. "Oh, I couldn't impose on you like that, but you're so kind to offer."

Nakahara laughed, delighted by the little silver-haired foreigner. "Nonsense. It would be my pleasure, I assure you, Hayashi-kun."

"Well, it would set my mind at ease," Erion admitted bashfully. "I'm such a flutter brain when it's exam time, honestly. I forget everything but my studies."

"That's very commendable," Nakahara said, gesturing for Erion to accompany him into the building. "You'll do well if you continue to take your studies so seriously."

Erion followed Nakahara into the building, bowing deeply as he presented his identification to the doormen, quiet and respectful. They were admitted with deep bows for Nakahara, and Erion followed the judge into the club itself.

Nakahara paused as they entered the room. "I hope you find him here, Hayashi-kun."

Erion bowed again, very deeply. "Thank you so much, Nakahara-sensei. You're very kind, and I'm very grateful for your help."

Erion looked around the room, the dim light not troubling him in the slightest. It took him a few moments, and then he spotted Momo at a small table in the back, a bottle in front of him. Erion took a deep breath and walked over to the table, sliding onto the couch where Momo was sitting but careful not to touch Momo. A waiter appeared and placed another glass on the table, vanishing quietly.

Momo was already a little drunk, and he looked at Erion, his expression an odd mixture of belligerence, surprise, and shame, and Erion lowered his eyes, his own cheeks coloring. All of the things that Erion had planned to say vanished from his brain, and Erion twisted his fingers together as he looked back up again at his lover.

"I'm sorry," Erion whispered. "I'm so sorry."

"How did you get in here?" Momo demanded, and he leaned back as he lit a cigarette.

"I was waiting downstairs, wondering if I should try calling you again, and Nakahara-sensei came by and offered to bring me in." Erion could feel the heat in his cheeks. "I've been so worried about you. I've been calling and texting, and you didn't answer."

Momo poured them both a drink, his hand slightly unsteady. It was the cheaper sake, and Momo tossed it back in a single gulp. "I didn't want to talk."

Erion nodded slowly, and took a deep breath. "I sort of planned out what I wanted to say, and it's all gone from my head." Erion dug out his cigarettes and lit one. "I love you. I've said it already, but I'll say it again. I've been selfish and focused on everything but you, and I'm sorry. That was wrong and I hope you can forgive me. I don't know how I can make amends, but I will, Mamoru-san."

The silver ring on Erion's left forefinger caught the light as he went to take a sip of his sake, and Momo looked at the young elf closely. Erion's face was slightly thinner, the planes of his cheekbones more defined, and he looked fractionally older and more masculine. There were shadows under his eyes, the skin looking faintly bruised, and he was paler than usual. Momo could feel the heat of that slim body next to him, and the scent that was uniquely Erion teased his nostrils.

"What makes you think this is all about you?" Momo demanded. "Not every fucking thing I do revolves around you."

Erion's steady gaze did not waver. "You're right. I'm making assumptions, but that's what happens when you don't talk to me. I can't read your mind, Mamoru-san." Momo's words had stung, the casual cruelty so clearly meant to push Erion away, and Erion was reminded of how they had begun, with a similar withdrawal by Momo. The last thing Erion wanted was for them to end like this, though. It was not time, and Momo was not yet ready to move on, but in order to fix things, Erion needed to break through this brittle wall.

Momo had given Erion an opening, and although Erion realized it was risky, he decided to gamble. Taking a drag off his cigarette, Erion released a long plume of smoke and watched it for a moment. "At least we're fucking again," Erion said, his voice low and his tone conversational, as though he were remarking on the weather. "Would it be rude to say that I miss making love, though? I don't mind a rough fuck, but I keep thinking I should look for a pile of yen on the nightstand."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion reached out very tentatively, wondering if Momo would brush him away or scream at him in anger. The young elf was not even aware of the tears that trailed slowly down his own cheeks, his heart pounding like thunder in his chest as he realized that what he was feeling was most likely the exact same thing that Momo felt when Erion ran to Kansas.

"You're not second grade, baby. You never were," Erion said, his voice breaking a little. His fingers touched Momo's shoulder, feather light, and Erion eased himself a little closer until he could feel the heat radiating from Momo's skin. "I'm the one who's stupid, and jealous. I've been trying to at least be as good for you as Kageoshi was, but I'm not an angel like he was. I get it all wrong, and I say the wrong things, and I hurt you, baby, and I'm so sorry."

Momo shook his head sharply, trembling under Erion's hand, and his voice was barely understandable through his sobs, "You don't get it all wrong. You're too fucking perfect. I'm the fuck up, I'm the one who's ruined everything. I'm sorry."

Erion wrapped his arms around Momo as Momo continued.

"You are just as perfect as Kage-chan was. You're so perfect that you can even be perfect for me and Kansas at the same time. You're too good for me, just like Kage-chan was."

"No, I'm not. I've been selfish, and thoughtless. I should have remembered that you need me, too, instead of just expecting you to understand and forgive me again." Erion's voice trembled. "If I haven't run out of forgiveness, do you think you can forgive me one more time?"

Momo turned and grabbed Erion, pulling the young elf onto his lap and wrapping his arms around Erion, holding him tightly. Momo buried his face in Erion's neck. "You will never run out of forgiveness with me. I will forgive you, always. I love you so much, and I'm so sorry. I'm afraid that I've fucked up too bad to be forgiven now."

"That could never happen, baby," Erion whispered. "I'll always forgive you, just like I'll always love you. And I do, baby. I love you." Erion could feel Momo shake with sobs, his tears scalding against Erion's neck.

"Thank you," Momo choked out, and his lips were hot as Momo began to kiss Erion's neck, a little desperately at first. Erion could feel Momo's heart racing, harder than he had ever felt it race before, and he slid his icy fingers into Momo's hair as Momo began to nip a little at his neck, coaxing a gasp from Erion. Erion let his head fall back, exposing his neck to Momo's lips and teeth, his eyes fluttering shut as he pressed his chest against Momo almost unconsciously, craving the contact.

"Oh, fuck, Momo," Erion moaned, ending with a wanton little sigh. Momo could feel Erion's cock stiffening, and his own cock responded, hard and eager as Momo worked his way up Erion's neck to the shell of his gracefully pointed ear. Erion could feel the heat burning off Momo, the faint tang of motor oil and gasoline mixing with Momo's own scent to form a heady perfume that had Erion reeling with desire.

"Garage or car?" Momo growled low in his throat, lost in the taste of Erion's skin and the feel of Erion's silky hair in his hands.

"Car," Erion panted. "Closer. I need you, baby. I need you so much." Erion moaned a little as Momo moved the young elf off his lap, his fingers already opening his jeans and tugging them down along with his boxers while he slid into the passenger seat of his car. Erion shucked his sweatpants in a single fluid move, straddling Momo and reaching down to guide Momo's cock to his eager pucker.

"Yuki, you have lube?" Momo asked, wrapping his hands around Erion's hips.

Erion let his head fall back a little. "I don't care. Just take me, baby." Erion moaned again, soft and needy, as Momo rubbed the head of his cock against Erion's tight pucker, smearing it with precum.

Momo groaned as he felt Erion press down, his ass resisting for a moment against the intrusion before the tight muscle opened enough to let the head of Momo's cock enter. Erion was impossibly tight, his ass as hot as his fingers were icy, and the young elf keened a little at the burn as he pushed down until Momo was buried balls deep in his ass.

"Fuck, Yuki," Momo moaned, burying his face in Erion's sweater as he shivered a little, trying to give Erion a moment to adjust.

Erion ground his ass down, his hips wriggling, and Momo could not stand it a moment longer. With a small roar, he tightened his hands around Erion's hips, pulling the little elf up and nearly off his cock altogether before slamming him back down, ramming Erion's prostate and making Erion mewl. Erion's cock twitched, precum drooling from the head, and Erion slid his fingers into Momo's hair, tugging Momo's head back as his lips latched onto Momo's mouth.

Momo's eyes closed as Erion plundered his mouth, Erion riding Momo's cock almost frantically, his ass reddening from the impact as he slammed himself down on Momo over and over. Momo growled again, tugging Erion's hip slightly, and Erion's head fell back as he howled, Momo's cock riding his prostate mercilessly. Momo's mouth was hot on Erion's neck, sharp teeth worrying the tender skin. Momo paused to lick where he had bitten, and Erion's cock jumped again at the delicious sensation.

"Touch yourself, Yuki. Come for me," Momo urged, his voice ragged, and Erion wrapped one cold hand around his own cock, fisting it roughly. Erion's balls were tight and heavy, and he moaned again as he felt them draw up, his ass clenching a little as he yanked harder. Erion released Momo's hair, grabbing at his sweater with his free hand and with a howl, he spilled into the sweater, his ass clamping down on Momo's cock like a vise.

Momo dragged Erion up and down a few more times, the impossible heat and tightness pushing him over the edge, and he howled and buried his face in Erion's neck as he came, his balls aching as he pumped an endless load of cum into that sweet ass. Erion sobbed with the release, his head falling forward, and Momo slid his arms around the young elf, holding him tightly as they shuddered against each other, Erion's tears scalding his cheeks as he sobbed helplessly in Momo's arms.

"Yuki, are you okay? Did I hurt you?" Momo cradled Erion gently against him, stroking his silvery hair tenderly. "Look at me, baby."

Erion shivered, his silver eyes dark as he looked up at Momo. "Amin hiraetha, I'm sorry, baby. I just... it was a little intense."

"You're shaking like a leaf, and your hands are freezing," Momo said. "Come on, Yuki, let's get you dressed and into the house." Momo managed to ease free of Erion, the young elf moaning as Momo's cock slid out of his ass. Momo leaned sideways and managed to snag Erion's sweatpants, and he handed them to the shivering elf as he tugged his own boxers back up, tucking his cock away and reaching to tug up his jeans. Momo then helped Erion slip on his sweatpants, and he reclined the passenger seat, pulling Erion over to lay in his arms.

"You sure you're not hurt?" Momo asked, cupping one hand under Erion's chin and making Erion look him in the eyes.

Erion could see nothing but love in those beautiful dark eyes, and the shivering eased up a bit as Momo continued to stroke his hair. It took a moment, but Erion's eyes slowly began to brighten a little, fading back to their customary silver.

"I'm not hurt, Momo-chan. Really," Erion said, ducking his head to bury his face in Momo's shoulder. The sobs died out as Momo held Erion tenderly, feathering kisses to the silky head.

Momo began to chuckle softly, and Erion nuzzled a little closer, breathing in the scent of his lover. "What is it, koibito?"

Momo smiled into Erion's hair, his smile a little sad although his voice did not betray any sorrow. "You know something? This is the first time I've ever actually fucked anyone in Baby Boy."

"Is that good or bad?" Erion asked, one cool hand reaching up to touch Momo's cheek softly.

"I don't know, we'll have to see what he has to say about it," Momo teased, but Erion sat up abruptly.

"Oh, fuck, baby, we were supposed to be fixing the car." Erion's cheeks darkened. "Fuck, I really am a little nympho, aren't I?"

Momo laughed brightly, and grabbed the back of Erion's neck a little roughly to pull him down for a heated kiss, and then he chuckled into Erion's kiss swollen lips. "Yeah, you are, but you're my little nympho, and I fucking love that you can keep up with me."

Erion returned the kiss happily, his whole body relaxed.

"And with a sweet little ass like yours, I doubt Baby Boy will complain loudly." Momo gave Erion a light smack on his ass, laughing when Erion yelped a little before joining in the laughter.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand opened his bond to Satoshi fully, letting his love shine forth with a radiance that was almost visible. "There will be times when I go where you cannot follow, saiai. I will not lie to you. But I will make you this promise. I will always return to you. There will never be a time when I do not return."

Sand reached out to trail one slim hand over Satoshi's shoulder, his faintly scarred fingers lingering over the familiar curve. He could feel the tension in Satoshi, and the pain that bled outward from his beloved banished his lingering erection entirely. He crossed over to the wardrobe and pulled out a potion of Cure Disease, handing it to Satoshi, who drank it wordlessly.

"I will tell you another thing that is true, saiai. There is nothing that I want that you cannot give me. What I did, in Tatsuya's world, was what I needed to do to heal both Kansas and Tatsuya. The magic of that world is far different from mine, and it would not come as a surprise for you to know that it is largely grounded in sexual contact." Sand let his fingers move slowly down Satoshi's arm, not pressing for more contact yet. "Kansas's illness was both a simple flu and a reflection of what happened in that world. Tatsuya's dragons rebelled, and escaped. He was dying, this strange young god who is linked to our Kansas."

Satoshi turned around, his eyes filled with pain. "Would Kansas have died with him?" Satoshi demanded, his voice rough with fear.

"Yes," Sand replied. He noticed, almost idly, that the mark on his chest was bleeding a little, small drops of blood rolling slowly down the pale skin of his chest. "They are linked, and Erion is linked to Tatsuya's beloved Yuki, his fellow god. They are beautiful, and terrible, these two young gods. But their fates are bound up with our own youngsters, and I did what was needed to protect Kansas and Erion."

Satoshi looked over at the bed, where Erion lay wrapped around Kansas. Kansas's color was better, the terrible flush of fever gone, and his breathing was steady and even. He looked beautiful and peaceful, nestled up with his little elf.

"I don't know what I'd do if he died," Satoshi admitted, leaning into Sand a little.

Sand stroked Satoshi's cheek lovingly. "Your vast love for us all is one of the most beautiful things about you, saiai. It is a form of magic in its own right." He looked at Satoshi's troubled expression. "I will tell you what happened, if it will help. Erion was the first to act, going to Tatsuya and allowing Yuki to come forth and heal the internal injuries Tatsuya suffered. It was my role to heal the external wounds, and yes, I did make love with him. He found it amusing that I turned my back on godhood, because I chose my love for you instead. He offered me godhood again, if I would let him claim me."

Sand cupped Satoshi's chin in one hand, lifting Satoshi's face and looking directly into those gorgeous dark eyes. "He looked into my eyes, and he saw the beacon of your love there, the music that is you that fills my soul. Tatsuya sought to make me put that aside, whether because he was merely curious and testing me, or because he truly desired to claim me, I will never know, and it does not matter. I am not his to claim, because I am already yours. He even demanded that I allow him to claim me, and I said no."

"Just no?" Satoshi asked, his eyes beginning to lose the pain that had filled them.

"What more was there to say? It was not subject to negotiation, after all." Sand smiled at Satoshi, his eyes bright with love. "Wherever I am, I am Mori Masato, and I am yours. That is simply the truth, and even gods must accept it."

"Masato," Satoshi said, hesitant and unsure. "You go where I can't follow, and I'm always afraid that you'll need me, and I can't get to you."

"Oh, my heart, is that what troubles you so?" Sand cupped Satoshi's face in his slim hands and leaned in to kiss Satoshi with infinite tenderness. "Can you see our bond? Can you visualize it?"

Satoshi nodded slowly. "I see it as a ribbon of light that links us. All of you have separate colors, and you all feel different."

"If you need to come to me, find my ribbon and follow it. Think of it as a guide rope, or as a path, or as whatever thing is easiest for you. Follow it, and do not allow anything to call you away from it. I will always be at the other end." Sand kissed Satoshi again, sweet and slow. "I will teach you, and we will travel together to some of the places I know so that you can learn how to do this on your own."

"You'll do that?" Satoshi asked, his eyes brightening even more.

Sand smiled again, his face radiant. "I will, saiai, and gladly. I asked you to stay here this time, because I did not know what I would find there, but I knew that I could always return to you if you were here. You are home, wherever you are."

Satoshi sighed a little, the last of the tension bleeding out of him. "I just get so scared, Masato-san. You go to these places alone, and I know what you're like. You don't even think about what kind of danger you're in. You're so damned stubborn that you'd never admit you were in over your head."

Sand laughed, sounding almost delighted, and the scratch on his chest stopped bleeding. Satoshi dipped his head, dragging his tongue across the small trail of droplets, and Sand shivered a little at the heat in Satoshi's eyes when he looked up at Sand. Sand could feel his cock stirring again, this time due entirely to the nearness of his Satoshi.

"Such dire things you think of me," Sand purred, leaning in to kiss Satoshi thoroughly. "I do love it when you chastise me, saiai. You must do it more often, because I am a stubborn fool, and just a little reckless."

"Just a little?" Satoshi scoffed, but there was a smile on his lips as he let Sand pull him close, feeling the welcome warmth of Sand's skin.

"There is something else. I nearly forgot, saiai." Sand nibbled a kiss, letting his tongue swipe across Satoshi's piercings teasingly. "Tatsuya wishes to meet you. When the time is right, he wants me to bring you to his world, so he can meet the man who holds my soul in his hands. While we are there, he promised that he would help you create a bond with Kansas."

"He did?" Satoshi looked up at Sand, and the joy in his eyes at that prospect made Sand's heart lift. "I have to admit, I want to meet the god who's trying to steal my husband."

"Trying and failing utterly," Sand replied, feeling Satoshi's arms tighten around him.

Satoshi laughed, nuzzling Sand's chest. "As long as he keeps failing." He looked up at Sand with definite heat in his eyes. "You know, we could always sneak into Kansas's room."

"What a marvelous idea," Sand purred, and let Satoshi tug him out of the room.

Erion focused slowly, Kansas's peaceful face the first thing he saw, and the young elf smiled happily as he felt the comfortably cool skin of his imp against his own. Kansas was sleeping deeply, his breathing even and regular, and all traces of fever were gone. Erion gently brushed a little sweat-matted hair back from Kansas's forehead, his touch tender, and then he turned slightly when he heard someone come in.

Eryn smiled down at her grandson, her blue eyes gentle. "He's resting well, utinu'ai. Sleep is what he needs, and then a nice light meal and a shower. You, I think could use the meal and the shower as well, hmm?"

Erion grinned. "Will you stay with him, atararim? He shouldn't wake up alone. I'll shower, and eat something, and then I'll be back."

Eryn sighed a little. "Shower, Erion, and then perhaps you can have a bite with Momo-san. He's here."

Erion's silvery eyes widened, and he remembered their last phone conversation. "Oh, Eru's arse," he moaned, and then blushed deeply as Eryn arched a brow at him. "I'm sorry, atararim. I was a little rude when we spoke the last time, and I'm sure Momo's completely pissed at me."

"Then shower and go apologize," Eryn said, her voice firm. "He's been at a loss, wondering what was happening, and I think he hoped to hear from you, and not the rest of us."

Erion ducked his head, and raced off to grab clothing from the guest room before running to the shower. He washed thoroughly but quickly, no lingering, and dressed in sweatpants and a tight t-shirt before brushing his teeth and combing his damp hair. Refreshed, Erion ran down the stairs, turning into the living room to look for Momo.

Erion found Momo in the garden, smoking a cigarette, and he hurried over.

"Koibito?" Erion called softly. "Baby, I'm so glad you're here." He walked right into Momo's arms, burying his face in Momo's chest and wrapping his own arms around Momo's waist. "I'm sorry, baby, I was such a little shit to you on the phone."

"It's okay, Yuki-chan. How's Kansas?" Momo's voice was light, but there was an odd note to it, and Erion looked up.

Momo smiled at Erion, stroking a little damp hair off Erion's cheek, but there was a sadness in his eyes that tugged at Erion's heart.

"The fever finally broke." Erion started to add something, and then stopped, realizing that there was no way to explain Tatsuya's world, and what had happened there without sounding even crazier than when he had told Momo he was an elf. Although Momo seemed to believe in Kansas's gift, and never scoffed at it, Erion was not too sure how much Momo knew about the rest of it, and Erion really did not feel like explaining how he had met the eldarin god who was linked with him.

Momo's expression fell a bit when Erion bit off what he was going to say. "That's good, then."

Erion sighed, not knowing how to make this right. "Momo-chan, I was here as his friend, nothing more. He just seemed calmest when Satoshi and I were with him. He was so hot when I touched him."

Momo smiled as Erion filched a cigarette. "Smoked all yours?"

"I don't even know where I left them, baby." Erion took a deep drag, exhaled happily, and snuggled into Momo. "I really am sorry about being so shitty to you."

"You don't have to keep apologizing," Momo said. "I get it, Yuki. You were worried. Everyone was worried. It's okay."

Erion tilted his face up, angling for a kiss, and Momo obliged, but the kiss ended a little sooner than usual.

"Are you hungry?" Erion asked, stubbing out his cigarette abruptly. "I'm famished. I'm going to raid the kitchen."

Momo put out his own cigarette, following Erion into the house and hovering at the kitchen door as Erion bounced in. Vale was in the kitchen, checking on a soup he was making, and he turned around to smile at Erion.

"Let me guess, you want to eat. Go sit down, and I'll bring you something. Momo? You too?" Vale looked over at Momo, noting the sadness in the young man's eyes and sighing inwardly as he began to take things out of the refrigerator.

"Thanks, Akira-san, but I'm okay." Momo shrugged a little.

Vale nodded. "Tell you what, I'll bring out food and if you feel like eating, you eat."

"Thanks, Vale," Erion said, and went into the dining room to set two places. Momo followed, his hands fisted in his pockets, watching Erion move with his usual lithe grace, the sweatpants riding low on slim hips.

Erion returned to the kitchen and came back with two bottles of sweet tea, handing one to Momo and opening the other. "So, tell me about the exam. Was it a total bitch?" He sat down, looking up at Momo as Momo sat down slowly.

"It was tough, but nothing I didn't expect," Momo admitted. "I think I did well."

"Ugh, I've been so preoccupied with Kansas that I haven't even had time to worry about how I did." Erion dropped his face in his hands with a moan. "I don't even want to think about it. I'm sure I messed up at least two of them."

"You say that every time, and you wind up doing well." Momo took a sip of tea, wondering how they could be having this completely normal conversation when all he could think about was how fucked everything was. "Why do you always worry about it so much?"

"I have to," Erion replied. "I have to prove myself every semester, because I'm a foreigner. You know what the competition is like for a seat at Nihon. If I screw up, then people will say I'm just there because someone in Administration wants to placate the foreign interests here in Tokyo."

"You really think that?" Momo asked.

Erion shrugged. "I've heard the whispers behind my back. It's not so bad now, because I've been pulling top grades, and I'm on the track team, even if I can't compete in most big meets. But yeah, it's not like I can blend in." Erion flipped his silver hair with a wry look.

Vale came out with food, setting down platters of grilled fish, soba, and dumplings, and a bowl of steaming rice. Momo's stomach growled a bit, and Vale grinned, patting Momo on the shoulder as he went back into the kitchen.

"Anyway," Erion said quickly. "I don't want to talk about that. We've got a few days off before the new year begins. Do you want to do anything special?"

Momo shrugged, his face passive, and his tone slightly subdued. "Sure. Whatever. What do you want to do? I need to fix my car, but that shouldn't take too long, if it's only surface damage."

Erion's eyes widened. "What happened to your car?"

Momo shrugged again, and answered like he was asking to be passed the salt, "Messed it up. I spun off the road and fucked up the fender."

"Shit, baby, are you okay?" Erion reached out to take Momo's hand, his eyes dark with concern.

Momo glanced up at the elf, jerking his hand away from the touch and nodded sharply. "Yeah, I'm fine but Baby Boy is fucked up. I'm hoping it's just the fender, so it should only take a day or two to fix. If there's damage to the carriage it'll take longer."

Erion pulled his hand back slowly, his expression faltering a little. He looked down at his food, his appetite suddenly not quite as sharp. "Well, we'll just play it by ear, then."

Momo swallowed thickly, glancing at the elf, and hesitantly he reached over to stroke the back of Erion's hand gently. "Yuki-chan. I'm sorry. I'm going to take a look at the car when we're done eating, and I'm sure it's nothing serious. What would you like to do during our break? I'm sorry if I was being mean."

Momo raised his hand to tuck a lock of hair behind Erion's ear, stroking the delicate shell softly, and when Erion looked up, the corner of Momo's mouth lifted in a small smile, but his eyes remained dark and unreadable.

Erion smiled back, but it was a smaller smile than usual. "You weren't being mean, baby. It's okay. We'll see how Baby Boy is, and we'll take it from there. Honestly, a couple of days with nothing to do sounds good, too, unless you want a hand with the car."

Momo's smile brightened and he leaned over to nibble on Erion's neck playfully, his voice a soft purr when he answered, "Thanks for that, baby. I'd love it if you could give me a hand." He righted himself again in his chair and turned his attention back to his food, adding in a gentle tone, "But I don't want to distract you too much from Kansas, if he's still too sick."

Erion grinned, relieved. "Kansas needs sleep, mostly. I'm all yours, baby."

[Weird issues after upgrade]

I had a member contact me via PM about a disclaimer issue, and the member was concerned because she said the story was missing. I was able to access it with no issues, so I'm wondering if this is connected with the issue tambra had.

Then again, this could be a case of member malfunction... trying to find a story in the wrong subdomain...

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked in open amazement at the beautiful eldarin stalking around him, much like Nim'Cath when he was restless. Yuki's predatory smile widened as Erion's eyes followed him.

Yuki's thick silky hair was silver shot through with purest white, and his eyes were a swirling mix of silver and blue, no white visible at all. His skin was flawless and pale, golden where it showed through his sheer silver knee-length tunic, his nipples dark peach. Yuki's tight breeches barely contained his thick cock and knee-high boots clung to his well-shaped calves, both boots and breeches of the finest white doeskin.

"You came with the wizard, the one that I have entrusted with my loved," Yuki said, his voice silky. "I know you are linked to my loved, and I suppose I cannot fault his taste."

Erion lifted his chin a little. "You're breathtaking, but you don't need me to tell you that. And that wizard is my uncle, my mother's brother, Sand en Nosse Iradil."

"You do not look like one of his ilk. What is your bloodline, little elf?" Yuki licked his lips again, his hips thrust forward to accentuate his erection.

Erion had no doubt that if Yuki were able to find his way out of the mirrors, Erion would be on his knees and howling. The thought made him shiver, just a little, and Erion was not quite sure if it was fear or disappointment that ran up his spine.

"My father is a star elf, the ones you'd call mithral elves." Erion watched as Yuki nodded slowly.

"Yes, they were ever closest to us, our star elven children. We granted them many of our secrets, secrets that you know." Yuki watched Erion closely as he returned to the mirror in front of the young elf.

"Do you know everything that I know?" Erion asked, the blue ring around his silver irises sharply defined. His pearly teeth worried his lip gently as he watched the exquisite god in the mirror.

Yuki laughed, a silvery and wonderful sound that made Erion want to please him. "I can, if I choose."

"Don't, please. There are things that you don't need to know. I don't mind you knowing about Tatsuya and me, and I don't mind you knowing what I know about the star elves, but what's between my lovers and me, that's mine. Kansas is mine, not yours." Erion's chin lifted again, the young elf adamant.

Yuki's silvery laugh wrapped around him again. "Granted. I will respect that wish. In return, what will you grant me?"

Erion looked at Yuki a little sharply. "You're the god. I'm just an elf. What do I have that you want?"

"In a word, young elf, that luscious body of yours. When you come to Tatsuya's world, I want use of that body, so I can delight in being with my loved again." Yuki licked his lips, his smile utterly wanton.

"We share this body, just like we share our soul," Erion pointed out. "But I want time in this world as well. I know Tatsuya created this as a haven for the two of you, but Kansas has power here, and so do I. I claimed my tiger here, and won my place at Tatsuya's side. I belong here as much as you do."

"You want time with my loved?" Yuki's silky voice darkened just a little.

Erion lifted his head proudly. "I won that right, so yes, I do. I already said you can know what happens between Tatsuya and me. I don't care if you see that in my memories. But I have friends here now, and a place. I'm only going to live for a blink of the eye, as far as you're concerned, anyway. I have the lifespan of my mother's people. Less than a millennium, and it won't matter."

Yuki considered the young elf, a grudging respect growing in his eyes. "I intended to ask how I could be contained in such a young and innocent elf as you. You did not seem strong enough, and yet there is a strength to you that is not apparent at first glance. But tell me, how does such a small thing as you keep my dragon happy?"

Erion looked at Yuki for a long moment. "Sand says that love has a power beyond magic. Maybe it's because I love Kansas, or maybe it's because we share this soul, but I please Tatsuya. I can handle him as a lover, and I love his touch, because he and Kansas share a link."

"Take off your tunic." Yuki gestured, his eyes unreadable.

Erion complied, turning when Yuki waved for him to do so, feeling Yuki's eyes on his back. His tattoo tingled, the power coursing through it like it did during morning worship. Yuki's voice, coming from behind Erion, was almost sharp.

"Why do you wear this likeness? Have you bound my son to you?"

Erion felt his blood turn cold. "I told you. I claimed Nim'Cath in battle. I fought him, and I won, and that was the rite of passage Tatsuya demanded of me before I could become his companion. As much as he saw you in me, I still had to prove myself, and I chose the white tiger as my totem."

"But is he your thrall?" Yuki demanded harshly.

"No," Erion replied as he turned around. "I don't know how to explain it. Nim'Cath is my strength, but he's also mine to protect. I don't own him any more than he owns me, but he submitted to me, and he listens when I ask something of him. I asked him to protect Tatsuya, and he nearly died doing that. I hate myself for putting him in danger, but Tatsuya had to be protected, or I'd lose Kansas."

Yuki narrowed his beautiful eyes, his posture that of a warrior scenting a threat. "You know who he is to me?"

"I know now, because you called him your son." Erion refused to look away from Yuki. "Nim'Cath is loved by me. I've tried to protect him, and I've never deliberately hurt him."

Yuki slowly relaxed, his gorgeous eyes calming. "Yes. I feel his bond with you. You love him, but as a lover, not as a son. I birthed him, held him in my arms and showed him to my loved with pride. Our second son, and as precious as his brother." Yuki's eyes darkened in sorrow. "I do not know if we can recover our firstborn. I read his fate on your heart, young elf. Split, and now gone."

Erion's eyes widened as he realized that Yuki was referring to Migime and Hidarime. It made sense, if Erion thought about it. The dragon twins had seemed like two sides of the same coin.

"They were your lovers as well, those two who housed my broken child." Yuki's pensive voice interrupted Erion's thoughts. "You were firm with them, but never cruel. He was so like his father, so like my loved, so fierce and proud."

Erion looked at Yuki for a long moment, his silver eyes darkening as he heard the pain in Yuki's voice. There was something distinctly familiar about the way Yuki moved, something Erion remembered from his lessons with Santhiel.

"You were – you're a ghaele, aren't you?" Erion breathed. Ghaele were eldarin nobility, renowned both for their fighting skills and for their mastery of winter magic. They were also shapeshifters,and Erion knew it was not improbable that Yuki had borne children with Tatsuya before resuming his preferred male form.

Yuki looked at Erion with supreme indifference. "Would it matter? I am just a shadow now, trapped in this vessel and unable to manifest unless I am in my loved's world. I can only exist in dreams, until you are dead."

Erion shrugged lightly. "Kansas and I are bound. If I die, Kansas dies, and I don't think Tatsuya would be very happy about it if Kansas tore down this world in his grief before he died."

Yuki hissed, turning his back on Erion for a moment, his irritation evident as he ran slender hands through his hair. The air in the room did not grow colder, but a glaze of frost covered the mirror where Yuki stood. After a few moments, Yuki turned, and frowned at the frosted mirror before stepping to the next.

"I... apologize, young elf. I am being ungrateful. It is a wonder, truly that my soul has finally found a worthy home after so many long ages, and that I have found my loved again. I thank you for understanding my frustration." Yuki did not bow, but there was a softening in his eyes.

"We'll make this work, somehow. I promise you," Erion said. "Less than a millennium to spend with my Kansas. That's all I want, and I will share time in this world with you."

Yuki cocked his head, considering the young elf. "It seems a pity we will never meet in the flesh. I think I would enjoy you." The eldarin nodded. "We are agreed. I will abide by our pact, and I will lend my strength to you to ensure that you get your full measure of years with your Kansas. In return, you will give me time here with my loved, and as you come into your own strength, you will loosen this link we have so that I can do as my loved does, and remain aware here when you are not here."

Erion bowed in the elven fashion, acknowledging the eldarin lord. "I agree."

"Then we are done. Go now, and hurry to my son, and see to him." Yuki faded back into the darkness, and Erion shivered a little as the door to the chamber of mirrors opened, Ilrithi waiting patiently outside as Erion remembered to tug his tunic back up over the mithral collar that had reappeared around his neck.

[Stolen Fic]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We're taking care of this now, since plagiarism is something we take VERY seriously.

AND... take a look in the Hall of Shame.

[One of our users needs YOUR help]

I don't use FF.net. How does one report there?

At the bottom of the chapter is a dropdown, in the left corner. It has a "report abuse" option that will open a popup window.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand opened up to Tatsuya's demanding kiss, his own power flaring briefly as he felt Tatsuya's thick cock at his pucker, not quite demanding entry yet.

"My love for my husband is my greatest strength, kosjurathear," Sand murmured between nibbling kisses. "There is strength in love that outstrips mere magic. You know this yourself, my beautiful young god. Your love for Yuki and your children allowed you to create this world, and while I may not be touched, it is the beloved blood of my blood that houses your loved. This dance of our was inevitable."

Sand arched his back slightly, pressing his pucker more firmly against Tatsuya's cock, offering himself freely, and Tatsuya purred as he regarded the elf spread beneath him with hooded eyes. The crescent moon between Sand's brows shimmered with power and the circle of stars just below the hollow of his throat fairly crackled with arcane energy. The elf's indigo eyes were heated, his lips parted slightly as his hips lifted again in invitation.

"So eager for this, levethix? Does it excite you to be taken by a god?" Tatsuya asked, his voice thick with lust. "Maybe you walked away from it too soon, vaecaesin." Tatsuya chuckled darkly, pressing forward just enough to let the head of his cock breach Sand's ass.

"I will grant you that your power intrigues me, kosjurathear. How could it not?" Sand hooked one long leg behind Tatsuya's muscular thigh, urging him forward. "But I have seen what becomes of mortals who become a god. All their dreams are burned away, and they are cleansed of passion. You, darastrix, you were never mortal, nor was Yuki. The eldarin do not succumb to the passing of years any more than dragons. Godhood suits you both, whereas it would have only destroyed all that I am."

"You talk too much," Tatsuya complained, but his eyes shone with amusement as he pressed himself home, burying his cock to the hilt in the velvet heat of Sand's ass. Sand hissed in pleasure, his back arching even more as he felt the burn that was just the right side of painful, his legs hooking around Tatsuya's hips. Sand's long fingers swept into Tatsuya's thick hair, tugging on the raven locks as the elf's mouth claimed Tatsuya's lips, his hips rocking to meet each powerful thrust as Tatsuya took what Sand offered. Tatsuya rode Sand's prostate with every thrust, watching the elf's ear tips grow rosy as his cock began to leak precum freely.

"Don't spill," Tatsuya growled, his sharp teeth grazing the pale skin of Sand's shoulder as Tatsuya tasted this mercurial elf, his only answer a wanton moan.

Tatsuya took his time, every thrust bringing him closer to healing as the heat of Sand's ass wrapped around Tatsuya's eager cock. That tight vise won out, though, and Tatsuya growled as he felt his balls draw up, heavy and full, and he sank his teeth into a pale shoulder as he filled Sand's ass with searing cum, pumping himself dry in that willing ass. Sand arched his back and ground down, wanting every bit of that delicious cock as deep within him as possible, his own cock aching with need.

Tatsuya shuddered as he rode out the last of his orgasm, his forked tongue lapping up the blood from where he had bitten Sand's shoulder. The elf's blood tingled on his tongue, slightly electric from the arcane power housed in that lean body, and Tatsuya moaned in delight. Sand hissed as Tatsuya pulled out of Sand's ass, rolling onto his back on the luxurious furs as he watched the elf with heated eyes.

"Now, versveshvaecaesin, will you take what is offered?" Tatsuya asked, his eyes liquid in the light of the fire.

"What do you offer, my kosjurathear?" Sand asked, his own eyes dark with desire as he looked at the slender body.

"Oh, now I am your young god?" Tatsuya chuckled as he reached for the wine, taking a deep drink and offering the other goblet to Sand.

Sand propped himself on one elbow, taking an appreciative drink of the wine. "I have served a number of gods in my life, although I only wear the marks of two." He held out a honey-sweet fig for Tatsuya to taste, leaning in to lick the sweet juice from Tatsuya's lips.

"Would you wear my mark?" Tatsuya asked, his voice throaty and seductive as he watched Sand take another sip of wine.

Sand purred a little as Tatsuya's forked tongue swiped across his nipple, the tender nub hardening under the attention. "Are you offering it, voreldarastrix? Will you claim me as well?"

Tatsuya laughed, the sound sending a shiver of arousal up Sand's spine. "You are claimed already, young elf, and I do not like being second. But if you were not already his, then yes, I would claim you."

Tatsuya's tongue traveled downward, tasting the shimmering flesh of the elf until it reached Sand's thick cock. Tatsuya wrapped his agile tongue around the head of Sand's cock, tasting the precum that had gathered and finding it almost as delicious as the elf's blood had been. The slender god smiled as he straddled Sand's thighs in a swift and graceful motion, his blue-black hair framing his beautiful face as he looked down at Sand.

"Would you let me claim you?" Tatsuya asked, the heat in his eyes almost predatory.

"You say that as if I had a choice," Sand replied, his voice rich with amusement and need in equal measure. His hands wrapped around Tatsuya's slim hips as Tatsuya rose up to line his ass up with Sand's waiting cock. "Do not gods simply take what they desire?"

"You say that as if you were someone who could just be taken," Tatsuya retorted, but his eyes gleamed with appreciation. It had been so long since he had someone to spar with, to trade words and match wit.

Sand bit back a wanton moan as Tatsuya lowered himself onto Sand's cock, the heat and tightness of the young god's ass intoxicating. "I would say, kosjurathear, that you are doing an admirable job of it at the moment." Sand's lips parted eagerly as Tatsuya leaned forward to plunder Sand's mouth as he rode Sand's thick cock blissfully.

Erion and Nim'Cath stood on the hill outside Solindad, the city of the mountain elves, a city that called to Erion as strongly as any other place in Tatsuya's realm. The white tiger chuffed a little, turning his head to look at Erion with pain-glazed eyes.

"Just a moment longer, brave one," Erion soothed, Nim'Cath's weight heavy across his shoulders. "You were magnificent, Nim'Cath. Thank you for protecting him."

Erion helped Nim'Cath down the hill and they approached the city, the white tiger's footprints crimson against the white snow. Erion stopped with a small frown as they reached the city walls. Where once there had been a massive wooden gate, there was now only featureless stone, rising up well past tower height, so smooth that no handhold offered itself.

Atop the wall, Erion's keen sight picked out a guard or two patrolling, and he called out to them, his pure voice ringing out sweetly in the crisp air.

"We are in need of aid and healing," Erion shouted in the common tongue, so close to English that it fell fluidly from his lips.

The guards made no answer, but after a few moments, a small door appeared in the wall, and a single guard stepped out, eying both Erion and Nim'Cath with suspicion.

"I am Erion, and this is Nim'Cath. He was wounded aiding Tatsuya, Can you help us?" Erion stroked Nim'Cath's mane tenderly as the white tiger mewled a little.

The guard made no reply, stepping back through the door and shutting it behind him. Erion watched as it disappeared completely, leaving no trace behind. It was only a few moments later when the wooden gate reappeared, exactly as Erion remembered it, and opened slowly. A mage walked out, followed by two novices and a pair of guards with a stretcher. The novices moved immediately to take Nim'Cath, helping the white tiger onto the stretcher gently as Nim'Cath chuffed in alarm when Erion did not move to his side right away.

"It's alright, Nim'Cath. They'll help you, and I'll come and see you later, I promise." Erion turned back to the mage, who bowed reverently, but in a way that Erion had almost forgotten, one hand fisted with the other hand clasped over it, and both held just below the waist. The mage bowed very deeply, and Erion returned the bow although Erion's was not as deep.

"Welcome, Erion, companion of Tatsuya. I am Ilrithnarasairn, but you can call me Ilrithi if that's easier." The mage looked at Erion, and the young elf saw a friendly gleam in his eyes. "I won't even tell you my last name. It's even more of a mouthful."

Erion smiled a little, watching as Nim'Cath was carried off. "I'm actually Erion en Nosse Iradil ar Sulandorn na Hayashi. Erion's a lot easier."

Ilrithi smiled a little as well, and gestured for Erion to walk with him through the gate. As they walked through the gate, Erion looked down, amazed as ever by the clear glass of the streets, making him feel like he was walking on air. It reminded him of standing on the parapet walls of the towers back in Evereska when he was an elfling, pretending he could fly like the eagles his father's men rode.

Ilrithi leaned over slightly and murmured, "The trick is to never look down."

Erion laughed a little, startled, and then grinned. "I don't mind it, really. It just took me by surprise. I'd forgotten about this from the last time I was here."

Ilrithi nodded, his expression serene but his voice still hushed. "I haven't looked down since I was an elfling." He looked at Erion, his eyes bright. "Do you want to go to the healing halls, or would you rather go someplace where you can refresh yourself and have some food and wine?"

Erion looked down at himself, his fine fur tunic stained with Nim'Cath's blood, and he wrinkled his nose. "Maybe I should freshen up a bit first."

Ilrithi nodded, and gestured for Erion to follow him through the winding streets. The houses that lined the streets were made of granite bricks, with elaborately carved wooden doors and window frames, the windows small and set back in the thick walls. It was so unlike the airy houses of Evereska or Evermeet, where the gleaming marble walls were broken up with tall windows and graceful balconies.

"I was surprised to see the gate gone when we arrived," Erion remarked. "I was afraid for a moment that my journey was in vain."

Ilrithi looked at Erion, his expression carefully neutral and his eyes serious. "We took precautions and closed our city because we felt the world shudder. For the past two days, magic has been failing us, and the only reason we can think of for these occurrences is that the gods are fighting."

Erion took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "There was some fighting, yes, but it's over now, and everything should be fine." In his heart, Erion hoped that it would be fine, and that Sand could complete Tatsuya's healing. Nim'Cath, too, needed to be healed so he could aid Tatsuya now that Migime and Hidarime had fled, but Erion did not think it entirely prudent to mention any of that to Ilrithi.

"We shall pray for it," Ilrithi replied, stopping in front of a small house. He opened the carved door and ushered Erion inside.

The floors were covered with thick furs, and a cheerful fire burned in the large fireplace in the main room. In the hallway, near the top of the walls there was a row of smaller bricks that shone with a soft light, running the length of each hallway. Ilrithi took Erion down a hallway to a pleasant room with a small bed, and a table with plush chairs. Another fire was burning in the smaller fireplace in this room, warming it nicely. There was a small bathroom as well, with a metal tub that was already filled with steaming water.

"I'll have your tunic cleaned while you wash," Ilrithi offered, and Erion peeled the fur tunic off and handed it to the kind mage gratefully. "I'll bring back some food and drink as well."

Erion finished undressing and dipped a bucket of water to wash with before he slipped into the hot bath with a sigh of pleasure. The heat helped to ease the last of the tension from his muscles, and he found himself wondering if Sand would be able to help Tatsuya, or if the two powerful males would be butting heads. Erion chuckled softly to himself as he decided they would be doing both, knowing them.

It was with a bit of reluctance that Erion got out of the bath, wrapping himself in a towel and going out into the bedroom. Ilrithi had left a warm fur robe for Erion to wear, and the young elf slipped into it happily. He curled up on a fur in front of the fire, the warmth pleasant on his skin, until Ilrithi returned with his now-clean tunic, and a basket of provisions.

There was wine, fresh bread still warm from the ovens, butter, roast chicken and fruit, and Erion tucked in with an appetite.

"Is there any word about Nim'Cath?" Erion asked between bites.

"I'll take you to him when you're done eating," Ilrithi promised. "He'll be fine. Our healers are very accomplished, and he's young and strong."

Erion nodded, his relief plain for Ilrithi to see, and the depth of his bond with Nim'Cath was equally clear.

"Oh, and a last word of advice," Ilrithi said, and once again his expression was serious. "Do not show your collar while you are here in the city."

Erion looked puzzled. "I showed my collar before, when I was here."

"It is... different," Ilrithi said uneasily. "We will go to the chamber of mirrors if you like, after you've seen Nim'Cath, and you'll find answers there. Just trust me on this."

[Quick question]

One of our admins also looked at these stories, and neither of us can find actual scenarios that require that tag.

Urahara did protest a bit, but he was not forced, and it appeared to us that his protest was more because he did not think Ichigo was dealing with his grief appropriately by seeking sex.

In the second story, it is Isshin who is angry about Urahara sleeping with his son due to the age difference, and while Ichigo does make that remark about Urahara saying no, it is more a defense against his father's accusations as opposed to a confession of rape, since the actual sexual encounters are all quite consensual.

The mention of molestation, or even the use of the word "rape" without any actual depiction of the act is not enough to warrant a RapeFic tag.

[Quick question]

I've read both stories carefully, and I cannot find any instances of rape or even non-consensual contact that would justify these stories needing the RapeFic tag. Obviously, this is a tag and a topic that we take seriously, but I really cannot find anything that would require such a tag at this time.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion shivered a little, but he nodded, his eyes never leaving Tatsuya's eyes. Sand watched as Erion's eyes shifted, the blue ring bleeding into the iris and the iris spreading to cover the whites of the young elf's eyes.

"Vethidarastrix, I hear you." Erion's voice had shifted as well, the power thrumming in it making Sand turn his head slightly. "I am here, my loved. We will lose nothing more, as long as we are together once again."

Yuki moved away from the altar, to the open ground beneath the vast slab of obsidian. The air around Yuki grew thicker, and Sand watched in fascination as shadows rose up from the ground, twining around Yuki like an ever-moving cloak, the shadows seeming to stroke and caress Yuki's silver hair as they gathered the bits of the dragon twins' chains and handed them to Yuki. Yuki seemed to absorb them, the metal crumbling to dust and vanishing through his skin, and then Yuki dismissed the shadows with a wave.

Yuki closed his eyes and seemed to draw power into himself, and Sand watched as a bright metal collar began to rise from Yuki's very skin, the metal looking almost like pure mithral, lightweight and strong. As it formed, Sand could see the delicately curved shape, elegant and beautiful. Sand winced as the collar slowly sank onto Yuki's shoulders and neck, the weight all out of proportion to the light metal. The edges of the collar pressed into the pale golden skin, creating angry red ridges, and Yuki braced himself a bit as the collar continued to increase in weight.

"What is this?" Sand asked, his eyes locked on the collar. He did not expect an answer, but the calm control in Yuki's voice made Sand's head turn sharply upward.

"It is literally the weight of this world, istar. Before he found me again, Tatsuya bore it alone, creating a home for us where none would try to tear us apart again. Now it is my turn to bear the weight alone for a time, until Tatsuya is healed. Then we will seek our our lost children, together this time." Yuki raised his chin in pride, the collar at its full weight and waiting for Yuki to take control.

"Pok kepesk," Yuki said, his voice clear and firm. The sky calmed, the thick clouds rolling away and the last of the thunder rolling off into the distance. The temperature inched up measurably, the frosty grass thawing as Sand watched.

"It is done, my loved. I hold the reins." As the words left Yuki's lips, there was a tremor underfoot, and the ground began to shake as the world acknowledged Yuki's dominion. The entire island on which they stood shuddered hard, and the vast obsidian altar groaned as the crack running through it closed almost all the way.

Yuki walked over to the altar again, his stride graceful and seductive, and he bowed his head to Tatsuya. "I have done as you desired, my loved and my lord. Command me as you will."

Vethidarastrix – my dragon

Pok kepesk – stop storm

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion moaned softly as Kansas began to keen, Satoshi equally distressed as Kansas began to have what appeared to be a seizure, the slender pierced man reaching out to touch Kansas. Erion's moan rose to a keen as well as he felt the weight of his collar pressing down on him, the shackles on his wrists equally heavy as Kansas's back arched impossibly. Nim'Cath's anguished screams echoed in the back of Erion's head, and the metal of Erion's collar and shackles grew bitterly cold, cold enough to burn against his skin before the metal simply shattered as two glowing orbs erupted from Kansas's chest. His silver eyes wide, Erion could just see the faint images of the chains he wore in Tatsuya's world slither through his fingers as they fell away, the glowing orbs streaking toward the window at the exact same moment.

Erion screamed in his mind to Nim'Cath, demanding that the white tiger protect Tatsuya, and then the young elf screamed in pure terror as Kansas slumped suddenly, collapsing back onto the bed. Erion could barely feel Kansas through their bond, and he fought the pull to throw himself onto Kansas and let his fëa follow into whatever darkness held Kansas. Kansas sucked in a shuddering breath, and the need to fade subsided, Erion's heart pounding in his chest as he fought to focus on the now, and what had to be done. Erion barely registered Sand flying into the room and throwing himself onto the bed beside Erion.

As Sand wrapped his arms around Erion, he felt the younger elf tense, his muscles tight and coiled. Without even thinking, Erion spoke in elven, his voice low and utterly controlled. "Faina'amin, istar."

Sand complied, releasing Erion, and the younger elf turned, his eyes somehow different, the blue of the ring that surrounded his iris bleeding into the silver. Sand felt the shift in the air around Erion, much like what he felt whenever Tatsuya would rise up, and he nodded once.

"You are what we hoped our children would become, when we set the elves on Abeir-Toril. Perhaps it was not the dismal failure we thought it was." Erion moved, with a grace that transcended his normal fluid movements, and knelt beside Kansas almost reverently. Satoshi was cupping Kansas's face between his hands, crooning Kansas's name over and over, begging the imp to wake up, not even registering Erion until the young elf reached out a slim hand to touch Kansas.

"Vethidarastrix, austrat ekess wux. Valeij ihk wux, yth valeij, shar yth irisv, yth versvesh." The draconic fell from Erion's lips with the ease of long use, and Sand's eyes widened a little. Erion lifted his head, and Sand watched as Erion's eyes returned to normal, his shoulders slumping a little. "We have to go to him, inside his world. This is all wrong, something's terribly wrong." Erion's other hand flew up to rub his collarbone, the skin raw and chafed.

Sand nodded, suppressing a shudder at the thought of what might lay waiting in that strange and wonderful place. His telkiira flared to life, a kaleidoscope of color blooming against his skin as the gem appeared, and Satoshi's head flew up to look at the moon elf.

"Take me with you," Satoshi demanded, his voice raw.

"No, saiai." Sand's voice was gentle and filled with love. "Not this time. I need you here, cormamin, to be my anchor. Wherever I go, no matter how far, you are my beacon. As long as I can see the light of your soul, as long as your music fills my soul, I can find my way home."

"Shut up with the poetic bullshit. Take me with you." Satoshi demanded, his voice grating in his throat.

"No," Sand repeated, his voice growing stern. "Do not question me in this, Satoshi. I do not have the time to argue. If I do not have you here as my anchor, I may not be able to return. I will not lose you and Kansas both because you have decided to dig in your fucking heels and be stubborn."

Satoshi's eyes widened slightly, and large tears pearled in his lashes as he snapped his mouth shut, letting out a shuddering breath through his nose.

He nodded slowly, and cupped Sand's cheek, his voice trembling with his emotion. "I'll be here, Masato-san. I'll always be here. Bring him back to me, but be sure to come back yourself. I love you."

"I love you, Satoshi-san, and I will always return to you." Sand stroked Satoshi's cheek, letting his love radiate forth before he turned back to Erion. "Lead me, Erion."

Erion nodded, taking one of Kansas's cold hands between him own warmer hands. "I'm coming, 'lokiamin."

There was a small noise from the door, and Sand looked over to see Yuji, his perfect eyes solemn. Sand nodded, grateful for Yuji's presence, knowing that Yuji would guard Satoshi and keep him safe while Sand went after Kansas. A burst of love and strength from Vale washed over them all, and Sand reached out to find his link to Erion, following his nephew as Erion let himself cross the boundaries into Tatsuya's realm.

It was dark, the sky black and stormy when Erion and Sand emerged onto the island, at the very edge. Erion shivered at the sight of the sky, turning to look at Sand and his silvery eyes widened as he saw his uncle unveiled.

Sand's raven hair hung to his waist, loose and moving in the wind over his pale skin. Sand's eyes were dark, an indigo blue so deep that his pupils seemed to disappear, and there was a subtle shimmer to his translucent skin. Sand wore a knee-length kilt made of tiny obsidian links, the skirt moving like fine silk as the elf turned, and around his slim waist was a belt woven from mithral threads, an obsidian dagger slipped through it almost casually. Erion blinked as he watched the koi on Sand's arm swim lazily under the twinkling stars, the tattoo alive with power in this place. A crescent moon glowed with silvery light on Sand's brow, and a glittering circle of seven stars marked where Sand's telkiira should have been.

"Eru's arse," Erion murmured, taking a half step away.

"Not quite," Sand replied, and power rippled through the air around him. "Focus, Erion. We need to find him."

Erion gulped and nodded, leading Sand across the frosty grass to where the altar rose. The mirror-like surface of the obsidian altar was cracked, a great fissure running through the middle, and Tatsuya lay upon the altar, bleeding, his injuries obscured by the blood that pulsed forth slowly. Pieces of Tatsuya's collar lay scattered around him, along with what had to be the remains of the chains that had bound Migime and Hidarime to their god, but there was no sign of the blue dragons, and Erion choked back a moan.

Nim'Cath was sprawled a few feet away from Tatsuya, the white tiger looking as though he had been trying to cover Tatsuya with his own broken body before being kicked away. Erion stumbled over to the altar, reaching out across the blood-slick stone to touch Tatsuya, his silver eyes wide and his heart pounding in his chest. As Erion approached, Nim'Cath stirred, his clawed hands scrabbling for purchase as he tried to drag himself closer to Tatsuya, his blood smearing the stone further. A rumble sounded from his chest, and the white tiger's ice blue eyes blazed with defiance as he attempted to defend his god.

"Nim'Cath, no, don't move," Erion commanded, his heart aching as the white tiger glared at Sand. "This one is not a foe. I have brought him." Nim'Cath growled but subsided, his breath coming in ragged pants.

Erion laid a slim hand on Tatsuya, his eyes dark with worry as he stroked the cold skin. "I am here, loved. I came as soon as I could."

Tatsuya's eyes opened, their light dimmed, the colors swirling slowly. "I hear you," Tatsuya murmured, his voice thick and heavy with pain. "You came, loved. I heard you. I heard him."

"Tell me what to do, Tatsuya." Erion watched as Tatsuya turned his head very slightly, seeing Sand and a faint challenge flaring up in his eyes.

"You brought that one. I can taste his power." Tatsuya coughed, and blood ran down his chin as Erion turned to look at Sand, the moon elf watching Tatsuya closely.

Translations:

Faina'amin, istar. – Release me, wizard.

Vethidarastrix, austrat ekess wux. Valeij ihk wux, yth valeij, shar yth irisv, yth versvesh. – My dragon, I fly to you. I bleed with you, we bleed, but we will heal, we are strong.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand looked at Satoshi in evident distress. "It is that serious, saiai? Should I teleport them?" Sand's blue eyes were dark with his worry, and Satoshi leaned into Sand a little more.

"No, don't teleport them. Just call them and see if otousan can drive them," Satoshi replied.

Sand pulled out his cell phone and dialed Erion, a faint frown creasing his forehead until he heard his nephew's voice. "Erion, Kansas has come home from work and is ill. He has a fever and a severe headache, and it might be wise if you and Eryn come here to the estate. We would all feel better if she could look at him and give us her opinion as a healer." Sand held his phone away from his ear a bit so that Satoshi could hear Erion's voice.

"What? Oh, fuck, Momo, it's Kansas." Erion's voice was muffled a bit as he carried on a quick discussion with Momo, and then he came back clearly over the cell phone. "Okay, I'm on my way, and atararim will come with Satoru sofu when he gets home from work. I only have my fucking bike, and I can't take atararim on that because she doesn't have leathers or a helmet. Momo has an exam tomorrow, and he says he'll come after that." The frustration in Erion's voice was more than apparent.

"Do not be reckless, Erion. It will do Kansas no good if you are injured," Sand said. "I will come for you myself, then. Wait for me."

"Just hurry," Erion replied, and ended the call.

Satoshi tightened his arms around Sand for a moment, and then released him. "Take my car," Satoshi said, handing Sand the keys.

"If my car does not arrive within the week, I shall send it back and purchase something else," Sand vowed, kissing Satoshi. "Will you be alright?"

Vale came up behind Sand, laying a slim hand on Sand's shoulder. "Go get Eryn and the little spitfire, ithilamin. I'll give Satoshi a hand with our little imp."

"Diola lle, anoramin," Sand murmured, kissing Vale and turning to hurry downstairs to find his shoes and collect his mother and his nephew. Sand paused for a moment, turning to look over his shoulder. "There is gas in the car, saiai?"

"I just filled it, poldoramin," Satoshi assured Sand, and the elf nodded and ran lightly down the stairs.

Eryn sat on the bed, looking at her beloved adopted son, his face pale and sweaty despite the chattering of his teeth. His beautiful eyes were a pale lavender grey when he opened them briefly to look at her before subsiding back into a restless doze, and she extended her senses to examine what was going on within Kansas.

"What have you given him so far?" Eryn asked, one small hand resting on Kansas's brow.

"Only a couple of aspirin, and some tea and water," Satoshi replied.

Vale spoke up. "Aspirin relieves fever among humans, and can ease the minor aches they have as well. It is a compound derived from a natural source, but it is manufactured rather than harvested."

Eryn arched a brow. "Has it helped?"

"He's still pretty warm," Satoshi said.

"Please, atararim, just do something for him." Erion was kneeling beside the bed, holding Kansas's hand in his own hand, his silvery eyes dull with worry.

Satoshi looked at Erion with love and sympathy. "Kansas just wanted us to let him go to bed," he said. "He believes that sometimes letting an illness run its course will make his immune system stronger."

Eryn looked up, her dark blue eyes clear. "The fever is a little higher than I'd like, but he does have some sort of illness. I can sense what I think you call a virus. Honestly, Kansas may be quite right, my dears." Eryn sat back a bit, stroking Kansas's brow gently. "He should stay in bed, under lots of warm bed covers, and he can have the aspirin to help with the fever. Lots of fluids as well."

"I have broth that I made earlier today," Vale said. "If you've got any of your herbs to help bolster his system, I can simmer some of those into the broth."

"Lovely, my dear," Eryn said, smiling at Vale. "Plenty of water and tea, as well, or even fruit juice if he can handle that. Don't worry about anything solid for tonight. His body will be busy enough fighting off this illness."

"That's all?" Erion asked, his eyes widening a little. Eryn shot the young elf a look, and he subsided immediately, his cheeks a faint pink.

"I will be here in case he gets worse, utinu'ai. For the time being, I'll respect Kansas's wishes, and it would be nice if you awarded him the same courtesy." Eryn's voice was soft, but the steel in it reminded all present that she had been Lady Iradil for well over four hundred years, and she was used to being obeyed rather than questioned. "I know you're worried, Erion. Sit with him a while, but let him sleep if he can."

Eryn rose gracefully, reaching out to stroke Satoshi's cheek. "Erion and Vale will help you watch Kansas, my dear, and I'll be here all night, I promise. It's a flu, I think the word is, and although the fever is a bit high, I'm not sensing anything that makes me worry more than any other mother whose son is in bed with a fever."

Satoshi managed a quick grateful smile. "Thank you, Eryn-san." Satoshi slid onto the bed next to Kansas, cradling Kansas's head in his lap and beckoning to Erion to move closer.

"I'll get you those herbs, Vale." Eryn slipped her arm through Vale's arm and left with him.

"Saiai, do you want the cooling pads?" Sand asked, keeping his voice gentle.

Satoshi looked up with a smile. "That would be perfect, poldoramin, and maybe those thick socks I wear when my lungs are tight?"

Sand nodded and dug out the socks from Satoshi's drawer, bringing them over to his pierced imp. "I shall go and fetch the cooling pads, and some bottles of water. I believe we have a small cooler we can use as well." Sand bent over Satoshi to kiss him tenderly. "We will take good care of our sweet husband, I promise you, saiai."

In the kitchen, Vale had already put up the broth in a pot, and was tying the herbs from Eryn into a small cheesecloth bag to let them infuse into the rich beef broth. The kettle was on as well, and a flask for hot tea sat on the counter next to a larger flask for the broth. Sand slipped his arms around Vale's waist and nuzzled his elven husband.

"Thank you, anoramin." Sand leaned into Vale for a moment, drawing comfort from the contact, and then gathered some bottles of water and the cooling pads that they kept for fevers, placing them in a small cooler with a cold pack.

"I love him dearly," Vale said simply. "There is nothing I wouldn't do for Kansas, you know that."

It was a long night for all the family. Sand looked after the children with Willow and Yuji, while Vale and Satoshi stayed with Kansas in turns. Satoru arrived right after work, hurrying upstairs to see Kansas, who had woken briefly and was insisting that he was fine, and everyone needed to stop fussing. Erion's response to that was to drag another quilt in to add to the bed, his eyes dull with worry as he brought Satoshi a fresh cooling pad.

Satoshi placed the pad on Kansas's forehead, ignoring the little imp's muttered protests, and Kansas's eyes fluttered closed again as he slipped back into his fitful doze. Satoru sat with them for a bit before joining the rest of the family downstairs for dinner. Satoru told Eryn that of course they would stay at the estate, since he had no intentions of leaving until he was sure Kansas was on the mend, either, and Eryn kissed him sweetly, her eyes bright with love for her gentle husband.

Ryuu was quiet and pale throughout dinner, and after dinner, Eryn managed to get Ryuu to sit with her on the couch for a moment.

"Magomusuko, I know you're very worried abut your oniisan," Eryn said, her voice gentle and full of love. "I also know that you are like your chichi and can feel when others are hurting or sick."

Ryuu snuggled close to Eryn, nodding a little. "I can feel him hurting," Ryuu whispered, his voice small and his eyes dark with pain.

"And you are trying to take away some of that pain, aren't you, my dragon?" Eryn leaned down to kiss Ryuu's unruly hair. "That is brave and kind and very loving, but you need to be very careful when you use that special gift. Sometimes, when you're not careful, you can take too much of their pain and then you get sick."

Ryuu looked up, his eyes going a little round. "Like chichi does sometimes?"

"Yes, my dragon," Eryn said. "I want you to do something for me. I know that the Lady Adalon has been teaching you how to keep things out, to build a little wall around your gift."

Ryuu nodded again. "It's not such a little wall anymore, sobo. Even borunzodoragon can't get over it anymore."

Eryn smiled at Ryuu, her love for this small and generous grandson of hers filling her heart. "I know it would make Kansas very sad to think that you got sick trying to help him. This is a good time to put up that wall, and let me take care of your oniisan. I'm a very good healer, you know."

"You're the bestest healer," Ryuu said, his voice full of love and pride. "Do you think oniisan knows I tried to help?"

"I know he felt it, my dragon, and I know he loves you endlessly. You are his first otouto, after all." Eryn kissed Ryuu again, pleased to feel his mental shields going up and seeing some of the darkness leaving his eyes as he stopped drawing away Kansas's pain. "I am so very proud of you, Ryuu-kun, and I love you very much."

"I love you, too, sobo." Ryuu threw his arms around Eryn's neck and pressed a sweet kiss to her cheek. "I'd better go help keep an eye on Takara. She only listens to me, and she'll give tousan a hard time about bedtime."

Ryuu slid off the couch, hurrying off to find his brother and sisters, his sweet smile lingering in Eryn's heart as Satoru joined her on the couch.

Kansas woke a few times, and each time Satoshi and Vale and Erion managed to get him to drink some tea, or broth and some water. Kansas kept insisting that he was actually fine, although Satoshi was sure that his temperature was actually a little higher. Erion hurried off to find Eryn for a second opinion, and she put her small cool hand on Kansas's forehead for a moment, reaching out with her senses, to confirm that the fever was a bit higher indeed.

Satoshi eased Kansas into a sitting position, while Vale tipped out two aspirin and opened a fresh bottle of cool water. Kansas managed to get the aspirin down, shuddering a little with the effort, and then took a few sips of Vale's broth to take away the faint taste left behind by the aspirin. Erion got a fresh cooling pad for Kansas's forehead, rinsing the old one clean and placing it back in the cooler to chill once more, and Vale helped Satoshi settle Kansas under the layers of warm blankets.

Finally, Satoshi fell into a fitful sleep himself, wrapped around the blanket-covered form of his beloved Kansas, while Erion rested his head on the edge of the bed, Kansas's hand firmly clasped in his own hand under the blankets. Vale sat and watched, needing no light as he moved in utter silence to change the cooling pad once again.

Erion let himself drift, not quite in reverie but not entirely awake, either, and he felt Nim'Cath reach out to him. The white tiger was concerned, informing Erion that Migime and Hidarime were misbehaving, and that Tatsuya had his hands full trying to deal with them. Tatsuya wanted Erion to concentrate on Kansas, and not on anything that he might sense in Tatsuya's world, though, and Erion narrowed his eyes slightly as he instructed Nim'Cath to do whatever was needed to aid Tatsuya, no matter the cost. Nim'Cath rumbled his instant agreement, and Erion let their link fade into the background, turning his attention back to Kansas. If this was what Tatsuya needed him to do, it would be done.

It was just before dawn when Erion uncurled himself from his position on the floor, stretching a little and feeling his back pop. He turned back to the bed, and saw Kansas's eyes open and watching him. Erion moved over to sit carefully next to his beloved, cupping Kansas's cheek in his hand.

"Hey, 'lokiamin, how're you feeling?" Erion whispered, smiling at his imp.

"I feel a lot better and you're all fussing and making me crazy," Kansas replied, his voice hoarse. The hint of a smile played on Kansas's lips.

Erion made a small face. "You look like shit, baby." He grinned a little to take the sting from his words.

Satoshi sat up groggily, looking at Kansas and then at Erion. "What time is it?" he asked, his voice raspy.

"Almost dawn." Erion slipped his arm around Kansas and helped to ease him up and into Satoshi's arms while he opened the curtains to let the first rays of the sun in when they arrived. Peeling off his shirt, Erion crawled onto the bed next to Kansas, his silvery eyes full of love as he wrapped his arms around Kansas to wait for the sun's light to restore them both.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Although life had indeed gotten back to normal fairly quickly after Michi's birth, Eryn had told Sand that Willow was recovering more slowly from this pregnancy than Eryn liked. Eryn wrote out a potion formulation for Sand, and packed him off to his alchemical bench in Neverwinter, adding her divine magic to the potions when Sand returned. Eryn instructed Sand that Willow was to have one potion a day until they were finished, and that Sand should bring her to Evereska for a series of relaxing soaks in Singing Spring to complete her recovery.

Sand broached the idea to Willow somewhat hesitantly, since he was not entirely sure she would want to leave Tokyo, but to his delighted surprise, Willow announced that she and Sand would take Takara and Michi and spend at least a week in Evereska. Eryn's house was empty except for Taren, and it would be peaceful as well as healing. To Sand's eyes, Willow did look much more tired and drawn after this birth, and he was pleased that Willow was going to avail herself of some of the healing magic of his homeland, particularly since he had been the inadvertent cause of her current state.

Vale helped them pack, and Sand was wise enough not to mention to the blond elf that they were not going on a prolonged journey when he saw the sheer amount of things that Vale slipped into bags of holding. It did not help that Takara watched her keifu with a critical eye, occasionally reminding him of something that she thought was missing. Vale finally pronounced them packed, and helped Willow settle Michi into her sling while Sand scooped up Takara, the little girl nuzzling her tousan happily as Satoshi kissed them all tenderly.

"Listen," Satoshi whispered into Sand's ear. "If you need it, go see Kua. I don't think our queen's going to let you near her for a while except for cuddles."

Sand chuckled a little ruefully as he kissed Satoshi again, the love in his eyes endless. "I promise I will see Kua if I cannot wait until I return home, and thank you, saiai."

Satoshi felt a tiny shiver run up his spine as Sand referred to Tokyo so casually as home. It pleased him beyond measure at how Sand had become almost perfectly Japanese, and at how comfortable the moon elf was. Satoshi's eyes flicked quickly to the ring on his left forefinger, and then back up to Sand's face, his smile dazzling.

"Hurry home so we can get married, cormamin. I love you." Satoshi kissed Sand one more time, and waved as Sand and Willow stepped through the portal with the two youngest members of the family safely in their arms.

Sand and Willow stayed at the Neverwinter house only long enough to let Maela croon over Takara and Michi before walking over to the Cloaktower. On Vale's instructions, Nathe had a portal ready that would take them directly to the Academy of Magic. Nathe's wife, Mirwen, a fellow mage of the Cloaktower, was waiting with him, and they greeted Sand and Willow with joy. Mirwen cradled Takara for a moment, and stroked Michi's cheek, telling Willow that she was considering an elfling of her own since Nathe was spending most of his time at the Cloaktower these days, rather than dashing off across Faerûn with Vale.

It was a quick step through the next portal, Takara highly amused by this method of travel, and Sand escorted Willow and their daughters to Eryn's house, where Taren greeted them joyfully, whisking Willow off to get a napping Michi settled in her crib while Takara and Sand looted the bags of holding for all the items Takara deemed essential.

Willow came downstairs to find Sand and Takara already demolishing some of Taren's sweet rolls, Sand having carefully broken part of one off for his daughter. There was a cup of fruit juice for Takara as well, and Sand had made tea for Willow and himself.

"Did you wish to rest first, lirimaer, while Michi-chan naps, or do you wish me to take you to the Singing Spring right away?" Sand asked, reaching out to touch Willow's cheek gently.

"Tell me exactly what this spring does," Willow said, reaching for her tea with a happy sigh. "Eryn explained it, but I want to hear your version, sweets."

Sand nodded. "Whether it is part of the mythal's magic, or a gift of the Seldarine, or perhaps both, the waters of Singing Spring have a healing power that is unrivaled. Many elves have bathed in those waters to cure illness, or to heal wounds, and there are even those who have had lost limbs returned to them after bathing in the Spring. Atara believes that you will be greatly refreshed and restored if you bathe there, and it will ease the effects of this last pregnancy."

Willow gave Sand a slightly impish look, and his heart soared to see that gleam in her eyes. "What about stretch marks? Can it make those go away?"

Sand's laugh was merry, and his blue eyes were bright with joy. "Oh, yes, lirimaer, although they do not diminish your beauty one iota in my eyes, my queen."

Willow smacked Sand's shoulder playfully. "Careful, sweets. This is how we get ourselves in trouble, you and me, and I am not having any babies for at least two years."

"I promise, my beloved Willow," Sand said, his tone light although his eyes were very serious. "I could not bear to see you come to any harm, you know this."

"I know," Willow replied, smiling at Sand with great love. "And please believe that I don't regret our daughter in the slightest. I love her, and I love you, even if you are an occasional idiot."

Sand leaned forward to kiss Willow very gently, his lips tasting of the honey from the sweet rolls. "I love you, Willow, and there are no words adequate to thank you for loving me enough to give me such a gift as you have done. In all my years, I do not think I have ever known such joy as seeing our children born, these precious lives entrusted to us."

Willow blushed a little, giving Sand a gentle push. "I'm going to nap for a bit while Michi sleeps, and then I'll feed her before we go to the Spring. You two try not to get into too much trouble."

The week passed quickly, the waters of the Singing Spring making Willow feel completely healed and back to her usual self again. True to his promise, Sand slept beside Willow every night, holding her close but not making love with her. It was an intimacy that was even deeper, the bond between them strengthening as Sand watched Willow heal from the rigors of two pregnancies so close together.

Taren fussed over Willow and the girls, teaching Takara how to roll pastry and make sweet rolls as she had done with Aika. Takara fell in love with Taren, and although Taren was no more able to understand Takara's private language than were Sand or Willow, Takara and Taren had many long conversations in the warm and homey kitchen.

Taren also begged Sand for the details on Hawk's reaction to Eryn's decision to step down as head of the House. Sand grinned as he recounted the way Hawk had gone completely pale before turning to Sora and waffling badly as he asked her thoughts. Mist had cheerfully informed Hawk that she had no intentions of offering to rescue her older brother from his fate, and Sand had looked appalled at the mere thought of becoming Lord Iradil. When Sora announced that she thought Hawk should take over as head of House Iradil, the tall Graycloak had sighed and kissed Eryn's cheek in agreement.

Taren laughed throughout Sand's account, and she confessed that she was looking forward to having a house full of elflings again. Takara pointed out that Michi was an elfling, too, and Taren agreed happily before informing Takara that she too was considered elven because her tousan was an elf. Takara smiled proudly and nodded, patting Sand's hand almost exactly the way Eryn did when Sand was being particularly dense.

Sand also had a chance to think about the chance meeting between Sadao and Momo. He had not missed the looks that passed between them, and Sand knew Sadao well enough to know that Sadao was not given to impulsive and brief affairs. Sand also knew from his conversations with Kansas that Momo was destined to find love in this lifetime with someone other than Erion.

Sand sighed a little to himself. He knew full well that both Erion and Momo would be heartbroken when their affair ended, but they would both learn so much about the nature of hearts and love. All Sand could do was to wait to see how things played out, and to offer his shoulder to both youngsters should they need it.

Sand did eventually surrender to his need, and spent some time with Kua, the graceful tattoo artist delighted to see Sand again despite missing Satoshi. They made love until they were both voiceless and limp, and when Sand returned to the house the next morning, Willow beamed at him in approval, handing him Michi, content and fed, while Willow ate a hearty breakfast.

On the way home, Willow agreed to allow the eagle riders to fly them up to the outskirts of the city, and Takara screamed with undiluted joy the entire flight as Sand held her tightly. After a quick stop in Neverwinter to let Beredir and Lirwen croon over Takara and Michi, they returned home, Willow back to her usual self and the family eager to see them, especially Satoshi, who was full of wedding plans and excitement as the day grew nearer.

[Same Time Next Week]

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[Help! Old story]

The New Kid in Town

[Original]

Try this one: The New Kid In Town

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand looked at Kansas steadily, his blue eyes filled with love and pride as he regarded his youngest husband. "What do you wish to do, my love?"

Kansas's eyes were clear, although slightly pale, but his voice was firm and decisive. "I want to look around. I need to do this, to put this to rest once and for all time, so I can move on."

Erion's hand slid into Kansas's hand, his slim fingers lacing with Kansas's fingers. "I'm right beside you, 'lokiamin." Erion's voice was just as firm, his eyes alert as he looked around the dismal room.

Satoshi reached for Sand's hand as the elf nodded. There was a brief glow from underneath Sand's clothing, and Satoshi looked at Sand questioningly as he felt a little of the oppressive atmosphere lessen.

"This place holds much darkness. It is a simple protection, to keep the darkness at bay." Sand sent a wave of love and reassurance to Satoshi and Kansas. "Lead us, my love. We are all beside you in this."

Kansas nodded, his face pale but determined. The men had left behind a lantern, but when Kansas reached for it, Sand stopped him gently.

"Me'a," Sand said softly, and a glowing ball formed, its light somehow seeming to cleanse what it touched. Kansas nodded his thanks and led them to the remains of what had been a large kitchen. The appliances were long gone, and only shadows on the wall marked where they had been. A substantial pantry stood open, the door hanging on by one hinge. There was a second door, and Kansas walked to that door, opening it. Even after all this time, the door did not so much as squeak, the hinges still oiled, and Erion tightened his grip on Kansas's hand slightly.

At the bottom of the stairs was a wine cellar, broken glass glinting from a corner as Kansas led them past the wine racks to another door, almost invisible unless one knew it was there. That door opened easily as well, and Satoshi flinched slightly as the glowing light illuminated a row of metal cages against the far wall.

Satoshi jumped slightly as Kansas spoke, his voice still steady.

"This is where they kept the puppies." Kansas walked across the room to one cage. "This was mine."

A steel bowl still lay in one corner, dented and battered, and the stench of blood and shit and fear hung in the air like a pall. Sand tightened his hold on Satoshi as he felt a shiver run through the slender man. Erion looked at the hooks on the walls and suspended from the ceiling, and his eyes darkened a little as he remembered what he had seen in Kansas's memories.

Kansas turned his back on the cages, and led them back up to the kitchen, walking them through the rooms of the first floor. The rooms were largely empty, only one or two pieces of furniture remaining and those in the garishly over-ornamented Victorian style that had been popular briefly in Japan when imitating the West was all the vogue. Kansas kept a brief commentary running as they walked from room to room.

"This was the dining room. The living room was here, but that was off limits. These rooms were sitting rooms." Kansas's voice was still steady, although his hand tightened around Erion's hand as the approached the sweeping staircase that led up to the second floor. He took a calming breath, and pointed to a closed door. "That was his office."

Satoshi spoke, his voice very soft. "I remember that room. He made you kneel on the floor by the side of his chair while he negotiated your price with me." Sand could feel Satoshi clamping down on his bond, and he let his love wash over his beloved imp. "He talked about you like you really were an animal, a puppy."

Kansas turned around and kissed Satoshi very lightly on the lips. He reached out to open the door, and Satoshi made a small sound of distress, but did not move to stop Kansas. The room was empty, the furniture all gone, only memories lingering for the two imps as their elves both offered what comfort they could.

Kansas then led them up the stairs to the second floor. Most of the rooms were bedrooms, empty and dark. Kansas stopped outside the door to the largest bedroom, taking a quick breath before pushing the door open and walking in.

A single small night stand was all that remained in the room, and Kansas trembled slightly as he spoke. "This was his room."

Erion moved closer to Kansas, his grip firm on Kansas's hand. Satoshi's eyes welled with tears that he blinked back, remembering how he and Vale had given Mephasm permission to take the life and the soul of Kansas's master, and the devil's cold smile as he agreed.

Kansas left the room after that quick look, his hand cold in Erion's warmer hand. He led them down the hall to another room, empty built-in bookshelves still lining the walls.

"This was the library. Sometimes I was allowed to sit in the corner, if I was very quiet, and I could listen to the nieces and nephews of my master when they had their lessons." Kansas spoke so calmly that Erion shot him a look, relieved to see that Kansas was only a little pale, his eyes still grey.

They returned to the first floor, following Kansas out into the back garden. There was a covered path, with columns along the sides, that led to an impossibly garish fountain, and Kansas stopped beside two of the columns.

"I was sitting here when I saw Satoshi for the first time," Kansas said, and he looked at Satoshi with love in his eyes.

Satoshi reached out to touch Kansas's cheek very gently, and then freed his hand from Sand's hand to walk over to the fountain. He sat on the edge, looking back at the path, straight into Kansas's eyes.

"I was sitting here, playing 'Brother Jacob' and I looked over and saw you. You were looking up at me from where you were sitting, almost hidden by the columns, so quiet and small."

Kansas held out his hand to Satoshi, and Satoshi jumped up and ran over to take Kansas's hand. Erion let go of Kansas's other hand and stepped back into Sand's arms, watching as Kansas pulled Satoshi into a loving kiss.

"Thank you, my sweet Satoshi. Thank you for seeing me, and never forgetting me. Thank you for coming back here and taking me away. Thank you for giving me a name, and teaching me how to be human, and for loving me even when I fought you and tried to push you away." Kansas smiled at Satoshi, his beautiful face lighting up with his love for the pierced imp.

"I love you, Kansas. My sweet Tatsuya, my dragon. I'll always love you," Satoshi said, tears slipping unnoticed down his cheeks.

Kansas held Satoshi tightly for a long minute, Erion leaning back into Sand's arms and watching his beloved as he let go of some of the old ghosts that had haunted him for so long. Sand stroked Erion's hair gently, as he had done when Erion was an elfling, sensing a small doubt coloring his nephew's soul.

"Tell me," Sand said softly, his voice so low that it was not even a whisper.

"I don't understand," Erion replied in an equally soft voice. "He asked Kansas to forgive him. How could he even think that would erase what he did? They do this all the time. I'm even doing it now, asking forgiveness for things that can't be undone. I don't understand."

Sand smiled gently. "Forgiving someone does not undo what they have done, but it can open the door to healing for the one wronged, my fierce one. He gave Kansas permission to let go and heal, and that is all that matters. What happens to him now is justice, even if for a crime he did not commit, and the fate of his soul is between him and his gods. We will be thankful that our Kansas is strong now, strong enough to face this and strong enough to move on." Sand pressed a gentle kiss to Erion's silver hair.

Erion turned to look up at Sand. "You didn't call me ai'er, little one." It was almost an accusation, and Sand smiled again.

"That is because you are not my little one any longer, Erion. You and Kansas are not children, and I am proud of the adults you have both become." Sand nodded at Kansas and Satoshi. "Let us go to our men, shall we?"

As Sand and Erion approached, Satoshi and Kansas opened their arms to pull the elves into their embrace, all of them sharing a moment of comfort and love.

"Let's go home," Kansas said. "I'm ready to leave this place now."

When they arrived home, Kansas went straight out to the garden, Erion following with a couple of cold beers and his cigarettes, curling up beside his beloved imp and providing silent comfort as Kansas let go of those ghosts of his past.

Satoshi went right up to his room, and Sand stopped to grab some sake and a couple of beers before following. As Sand entered, Satoshi was undressing, his back to the door and his shoulders shaking a little. Sand put the drinks down and hurried over to wrap his arms around Satoshi, nuzzling his face in Satoshi's hair.

"Talk to me, saiai. Do not let this fester inside you." Sand turned Satoshi around, the slender man's face wet with tears as he looked up at his husband. "You recognized the address when Kansas showed you the text."

Satoshi nodded, and when he spoke, his voice was heavy with tears. "I couldn't tell him. If I told him, he would have refused to go. I'm so sorry, Masato-san, I couldn't warn you, either."

"I understand that, saiai, and I forgave you the moment I realized you had no choice in the matter." Sand gently wiped the tears from Satoshi's cheeks, letting his love flow outward to envelop Satoshi. "But there is more, is there not?"

"That office," Satoshi said, and choked on a sob. "I kept seeing it happen again."

"What happened, cormamin?" Sand asked with infinite gentleness as he guided Satoshi to sit on the bed beside him, pulling Satoshi into his arms.

"That bastard told Kansas to give me a blowjob, right there in the office. He said he wanted me to see what a well-trained puppy I was getting, and he laughed as Kansas crawled over on his knees. He watched Kansas open my pants and pull out my cock, and he smirked when Kansas started to work on me." Satoshi stopped for a moment, his tears flowing freely as he just sobbed. Sand stroked Satoshi's back lovingly, waiting until Satoshi had calmed enough to continue.

"I wasn't aroused at first, but Kansas was so good at that, even then. I got hard, and then, oh, fuck. I was enjoying it, Masato. I'm so ashamed of myself still, but I enjoyed that blowjob. He was so small, and he worked so hard to please me." Satoshi's voice trailed off into wracking sobs, and Sand held him tightly.

"Oh, saiai, I am so very sorry that you have borne this pain all alone. If Kansas had not pleased you, what would have happened, my heart?" Sand lifted Satoshi's face and gently removed Satoshi's glasses, looking into those gorgeous dark eyes. "What would he have done, this cruel man?"

"He would have refused to sell Kansas to me," Satoshi said in a choked whisper. "He probably would have killed Kansas. He told me he always put his puppies down when they got too old. He said it like he was being merciful."

"But since you enjoyed it, he decided to sell Kansas to you, and so Kansas was saved." Sand's warm blue eyes held Satoshi's gaze. "You gave Kansas back his life, and you never forced him to pleasure you again. You did what you needed to do to save him, and we are all the richer for having that beautiful young man in our lives, thanks to you."

Satoshi looked at Sand, seeing the utter sincerity and certainty in Sand's eyes, and another old pain withered and fell away, healing a broken part of Satoshi's soul.

"Thank you, Masato-chan, poldoramin, thank you." Satoshi held onto Sand tightly, but his tears now were healing tears, and Sand stroked his back gently. "Thank you for understanding, and for helping me to forgive myself."

Sand wiped Satoshi's face dry with a clean handkerchief, and then handed Satoshi a beer and poured sake for them both before opening his own beer. They walked out onto their balcony, Sand grabbing a thick quilt to wrap around Satoshi, and they curled up to drink their drinks and let Satoshi smoke a cigarette as they sat under the quilt, the stars shining in the night sky. They finished their drinks, Satoshi snuggling closer to Sand, and Sand leaned in to nibble a tender kiss, swiping his tongue over Satoshi's piercings.

Satoshi looked at Sand, his eyes beautiful in the moonlight. "Love me, please. Just show me that you love me."

Sand smiled, his face radiant, and he led Satoshi back into their room, undressing his beloved betrothed and making love to him tenderly until Satoshi was limp and utterly sated. Sand held Satoshi close, watching his face as he slept, all his cares swept away for the moment.

"You are so hard on yourself, saiai. One day you will learn to love yourself as we love you, my cherished one, but until then, I will be here to remind you that you are loved." Sand pressed a kiss to Satoshi's lips, watching as a little smile curved Satoshi's lips in his sleep, and then Sand let reverie take him.

By the middle of February, Sand had moved into Willow's bedroom, and Eryn was staying at the estate with Satoru's blessings. Willow's back pain had worsened, and Eryn had told Willow to remain in bed as much as possible, and to stay reclining on the chaise in the living room when Willow had exploded and threatened to scream if she had to look at the same four walls another minute.

Eryn told Willow that the pain was due to the softening of her joints, but it was so much worse because this pregnancy had happened so soon after Takara. Willow growled a little, and Eryn offered to help her smack Sand and make soup with his head after she was safely delivered. Vale offered his best soup pot, and Willow managed a giggle at that. Eryn patted Vale, who had relaxed a great deal around her since her marriage to Satoru, and then told Willow that she would use her healer's gifts to relieve as much pain as possible. Willow would still need to remain on bed rest, but she would at least be more comfortable.

Nights were harder, though, and Willow could never count on sleeping the night through. If the baby wasn't kicking her half to bits, her bladder was full, or the mattress was lumpy, or Sand wasn't warming the right spot. Sand was surprisingly patient and understanding, until Willow grabbed his shoulders and informed him that if he was even remotely pleasant one more time, she would sell his pretty pale ass to a convention of monks that had been deprived of sex for one hundred years. Sand had arched a brow, and retorted that if she was going to threaten him, she would need to do better than offer him a night's entertainment. Willow's shriek of fury quickly turned into a purr as she demanded that Sand apologize, in her bed.

By the time March arrived, both Sand and Willow were more than ready to have the baby born. Despite constant bed rest, Willow was exhausted, and Sand had not had a full reverie in weeks himself. When he scalded himself making tea, Eryn ordered him to bed after healing the wound, shaking her head as she watched her normally graceful son stagger up the stairs in gratitude. Falon was quick to volunteer to help, and his bright smile actually cheered Willow up as he juggled chasing Hikaru, soothing Takara, and bringing Willow cold drinks, and hot drinks, and all sorts of snacks. Falon even snuck over to Neverwinter to have Maela make little kaki tarts for Willow, which made her burst into tears and hug Falon half to death.

Sand was wrapped carefully around Willow's back when he was roused from reverie by a wail, instantly sitting up and bending over Willow.

"What is it, vanimaer, my beautiful one?" Sand took one look at Willow's expression, and reached for his sleep pants. "I shall get my mother at once."

"Hurry," Willow groaned. "I don't think this one wants to wait."

Sand raced to his room, flinging the door open and shaking Satoshi urgently. "Saiai, our child is coming. I'm going to fetch atara, so can you stay with our wife?"

Satoshi grabbed for his glasses, slightly sleep muddled but with a smile of joy. He watched his graceful husband dash back into the hall, his footsteps light as he woke Eryn. Kansas was curled up next to Satoshi, and he looked up with a beautiful smile.

"I'll take care of getting the others, my love," Kansas said. "You go to Willow, and kiss her for me."

Eryn had already asked Sand to prepare the bed with the waterproof coverings, and it was a simple matter of removing the bed covers and propping Willow up with Sand behind her so that Eryn could examine her.

"Oh, sweetheart, this little one is eager to be here," Eryn said, looking up with a smile. "Satoshi, my dear, thank you."

Satoshi set down the basin of warm water, a stack of clean towels and Eryn's basket of potions, and then curled up on the bed with Sand and Willow, his gorgeous eyes shining as he watched Sand massage Willow's stomach tenderly.

"How long, atara?" Sand asked.

"Too fucking long," Willow groaned, squeezing Sand's hand with surprising strength. "This is all your fault, you pointy-eared sex fiend. You and your fucking super sperm."

Sand chuckled a little. "And once you are recovered from the birth, you will make soup with my head. I do remember, vanimaer." He kissed Willow's temple, rubbing her belly with gentle hands as Willow groaned with the beginnings of another contraction.

Eryn murmured a quiet prayer, lifting away most of the pain and watching carefully as Willow finally began to relax. She looked up with her lovely smile.

"On the next contraction, my sweetheart, I want you to push." Eryn looked at Sand and Satoshi. "Are you ready, my dears?"

"We're ready," Satoshi said, looking at Sand with a radiant smile. Sand was trembling slightly, but his eyes were filled with love and awe as he watched Willow grow perfectly calm.

"Here we go," Willow said, and she turned to give Sand a look of pure love. "You ready to be a father, sweets?"

"I am more than ready, vanimaer," Sand replied, opening his bond fully.

The contraction started, and Willow bore down, her face surprisingly serene as she held on to Sand with one hand and Satoshi with the other. Eryn smiled approvingly.

"That's perfect, sweetheart. The baby is crowning already." Eryn looked calm and as competent as ever, her gentle hands poised as Willow breathed deeply to ready herself for the next contraction.

When the contraction came, Willow bore down again, and Eryn laughed happily.

"There we are, sweetheart. That's the head. Just push again, darling." Eryn's hands supported the small head, and Willow pushed again. The baby slid out, and a small and indignant cry filled the room as Eryn's face lit up. "There you are, my little one, and as fierce as your atar, as I recall."

Sand leaned in to kiss Willow tenderly. "Oh, vanimaer, thank you, my love." He craned his head, trying to get a glimpse of the baby. "Atara, I will surely explode if you do not tell me. Do we have a new son or a new daughter?"

Eryn's eyes twinkled. "You have a daughter, my darlings. A beautiful little half elf."

Satoshi looked utterly radiant as he leaned over to kiss Sand and then Willow. "I couldn't be happier for you both."

"For us all," Sand said, his face shining with joy.

"Come and cut the cord, utinuamin," Eryn said, having cleaned the baby and placed a soft towel beneath her.

Sand slid off the bed, taking the small mithral knife and cutting where Eryn indicated, and then looking down at the tiny miracle of his daughter. She looked back at him with beautiful blue-grey eyes, her delicate little ears pointed and perfect, her hair dark against her pale skin.

Eryn placed the small half-elf in Sand's arms, and watched as her son carefully slid onto the bed, showing the baby to Willow and Satoshi with a look of lovestruck awe.

"Hello, Michi," Willow cooed. "Hello, sweet girl."

Michi made a small noise as Sand eased her into Satoshi's arms, looking up at her father. Satoshi leaned over to stroke one velvety cheek, and Michi looked at him with wide eyes.

"Alright, my sweethearts. You two wonderful fathers help Willow get cleaned up a bit and into a fresh nightgown, and I'll take Michi and finish cleaning her, and then make the bed." Eryn smiled. "There are some anxious family members who want to meet Michi, you know."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand came up behind Satoshi and wrapped his arms around him, nibbling lightly on the back of Satoshi's neck. Satoshi giggled and playfully swatted at Sand.

"What are you up to, poldoramin?" Satoshi laughed, turning in Sand's arms to look at the elf.

Sand smiled, a beautiful smile that lit his dark blue eyes. "It is our date night, saiai. Do not tell me that you forgot. I am taking you to dinner, at a marvelous restaurant I heard about from the father of one of Ryuu-kun's classmates."

"Oh, that sounds perfect," Satoshi said, his own face lighting up. "What kind of restaurant?"

It was a fair question, since Sand was perfectly happy to experiment with various cuisines. Satoshi found some of the foods too odd, but he had to admit that Sand was good at finding unique places to eat.

"It is a very traditional Japanese restaurant, and I am told that the food is exquisite," Sand said, leading Satoshi up the stairs and heading to their room. "I think we should dress accordingly, and make it a very traditional evening. Do you think my blue kimono with the striped hakama would look alright?"

Satoshi grinned at the elf. "You're asking me about clothing? Masato, I don't even recognize half the clothing in my closets. You're the one with the clothing obsession."

Sand grinned back. "I am fond of clothing, yes, since it is wildly impolite to go about without clothing, although much more convenient at times." Sand laughed as Satoshi swatted him again, his cheeks faintly pink. "But really, cormamin, I do defer to your expertise in proper traditional clothing."

"In that case, yes, the blue kimono and the striped hakama. I'm almost afraid to see my choices, though." Satoshi attempted to glare at Sand and failed. "Which kimono did you have in mind for me?"

"Do you remember the one with the red embroidery? The black one? What do you think of that with the black and white striped hakama and a red obi?" Sand gave Satoshi a sidelong look, his eyes dancing.

Satoshi snickered a little. "Dressing to match my hair?"

Sand shrugged lightly. "You simply look wonderful in red and black. It suits you, saiai."

"Clothes maniac," Satoshi muttered, and peeled off his hoodie.

They showered quickly, washing each other thoroughly and nibbling kisses, but Sand was unusually restrained and did not angle for a quick plundering, much to Satoshi's surprise. Satoshi shook his head a little, watching as Sand dressed with absolute confidence, from his fundoshi right down to tying his obi properly. When they were dressed, Sand dragged Satoshi over to the full length mirror.

"There, we look splendid, do we not?" Sand leaned over to kiss Satoshi lingeringly, nibbling on his pierced lower lip almost delicately.

Satoshi had to admit that they both looked marvelous in the hakama. Sand had pulled his hair back into a low ponytail, fastened at the nape of his neck with a black silk ribbon, the points of his ears hidden, and Satoshi was struck again by how Japanese Sand managed to look, except for those blue eyes.

"We look gorgeous," Satoshi said with a smile. "So, since we're all pretty, let's go to dinner."

They took the train into Tokyo, Satoshi very aware of the looks they garnered from their fellow passengers as they chatted quietly about Ryuu and Takara, school things and Satoshi's new artist who was still being pushed to sing all the wrong things. Satoshi had to admit that he was curious as to why Sand had not asked to take the car, but it was not that cold for a change, and Satoshi was actually enjoying the admiring glances that came their way.

When they got off the train, Sand guided Satoshi to a lovely building, the aroma of delicious food wafting to them as they approached. Inside, the restaurant was both traditional and very elegant, and a kimono-clad young woman took their geta and offered them slippers before a host led them to a low table set on tatami. There were cushions, and Sand and Satoshi knelt and made themselves comfortable, Satoshi's eyes shining as they placed their food order.

The meal was indeed excellent, and Sand and Satoshi enjoyed themselves thoroughly. They left the restaurant, Sand vowing that they would have to dine there again, and Satoshi agreed enthusiastically. It was still fairly mild, and Sand looked at Satoshi with a smile.

"Do you feel like a walk, saiai? It is not so cold a night, and I think we would enjoy it." Sand laced his fingers through Satoshi's very discreetly, their haori hiding their hands as they strolled along.

Satoshi smiled at Sand's attempt at discretion. "It's actually not that bad, poldoramin. A little walk would be nice."

They walked a bit and Satoshi realized they were heading toward the Meiji Shrine. As they got closer, Satoshi was surprised to see that the gate was open, and Sand looked at him with an arched brow.

"That is a nice surprise," Sand commented. "Shall we go in, and perhaps say a prayer? It seems that we are being invited to do so."

"Maybe we are being invited," Satoshi said, looking at Sand closely. The elf looked as curious as Satoshi, though, and Satoshi chuckled inwardly, dismissing his speculations that Sand had arranged this.

It was peaceful without the usual tourist traffic, and they made their way to the shrine itself. Satoshi and Sand washed their hands and then they both bowed deeply and folded their hands reverently, heads bowed as they each offered silent prayers, the utter calm of the shrine filling them both with a sense of peace.

Sand and Satoshi bowed again at the end of their prayers, and Sand guided Satoshi over to a bench outside the shrine. Satoshi looked at Sand, puzzled, as Sand gently urged Satoshi to sit, his long fingers dipping into his obi and coming out with a small velvet box.

Sand knelt with his usual fluid grace in front of Satoshi, his blue eyes bright even in the dim light. He opened the box to reveal a ring, a slender circle set with emeralds, diamonds, amethysts and sapphires, the pattern repeating around the entire ring. Satoshi's eyes widened and he shivered a little as he looked down at Sand.

"Mori Satoshi, from the day that I first met you, my heart and soul were yours. I was foolishly blind at first and I let you leave without telling you how deeply you had touched me, how you had claimed me for your own. I was lucky enough to have the chance to see you again, and wise enough to ask to stay at your side." Sand took Satoshi's left hand in his, stroking it gently. "Satoshi, saiai, you are everything that is perfect about my life. You are the very music of my soul, and without you, the sun would not even rise each morning. The only thing that could make my life even more perfect than it already is would be if you would agree to marry me, to be my lawful husband. This ring is my promise that I will love you until time itself ends, and I will cherish you for all of my days, my love, my sweet husband."

Satoshi swallowed thickly, his lips trembling as he tried to speak, crystalline tears pearling in his lashes, and his hand shivering in Sand's hand.

"Yes, Masato-san. Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes," Satoshi gasped breathlessly, his voice rising with each word and his love pouring through their bond in warm waves.

Sand slid the jeweled ring carefully onto Satoshi's left forefinger, and Satoshi's face lit up with the most beautiful smile, a laugh bubbling out of Satoshi before he slid his hands into Sand's hair and leaned over to kiss Sand thoroughly, his tears of joy running down his cheeks. Sand returned the kiss, his own bond open to let Satoshi feel his love and joy.

Satoshi tugged on Sand until Sand sat on the bench beside Satoshi, gathering the slender imp into his arms and stroking his back. Satoshi was still trembling a little, his cheeks glistening with his tears, and Sand wiped them away gently with a clean linen handkerchief, but the joy that flowed out of Satoshi made Sand's heart sing.

They sat on the bench for several minutes, Sand holding Satoshi and pressing soft kisses to his temple, until Satoshi had recovered enough to find his voice.

"I don't have a ring for you," Satoshi said, a little wistfully.

"Oh, saiai, but you do." Sand reached into his obi again and pulled out another small velvet box, handing it to Satoshi.

Satoshi opened the box with steady fingers, the ring inside identical to the one Sand had placed on his finger. Satoshi took Sand's left hand and slid the ring onto Sand's forefinger, looking deeply into the elf's eyes.

"I love you, Masato-san, with everything that I am. I accept your promise with all of my heart." Satoshi smiled again, that radiant smile that made his eyes shine, and Sand kissed him sweetly.

It took another couple of minutes before Satoshi's knees would hold him up, and this time it was Satoshi who reached for Sand's hand, not caring if the haori covered their hands or not. They walked out of the shrine and back into the nighttime bustle of Tokyo, feeling like the world had starting moving again after the timelessness of the shrine.

Satoshi kept looking at his ring, his face wreathed in a gorgeous smile, and he barely noticed where they were walking until Sand stopped in front of a particular tea house.

"Why are we stopping?" Satoshi asked. He looked at the discreet sign, recognizing the name immediately as a very traditional and very popular tea house that served some of the finest sake in all of Tokyo, and his eyes widened.

"I think I am in the mood for some warm sake and some mochi," Sand said, looking at Satoshi with a twinkle in his eye.

"This place has a waiting list for months to get in," Satoshi protested. His eyes widened even more when Sand merely shrugged and opened the door, ushering Satoshi in.

"I am sure they can accommodate us," Sand said with utter confidence, as the host approached and bowed respectfully.

Sand bowed politely. "I believe you have a reservation for us? The name is Mori."

"Of course, Mori-sama," the host said, bowing again. "Please come with me."

They were led to a lovely table with a view of the garden, and Sand and Satoshi knelt and got comfortable. A waiter hurried over, kneeling as he placed sake cups on the table, and then held out a porcelain flask of warmed sake.

"This is with the compliments of Kohaku-sama," the waiter said, and poured for them as another waiter hurried over and knelt to place dishes of fresh mochi and beautiful candies on the table. He set delicate porcelain plates in front of Sand and Satoshi, and laid lacquered serving chopsticks on rests in front of the pastries and sweets.

When the waiters had withdrawn, Sand raised his cup of sake and looked at Satoshi. "Thank you, saiai, for making me the happiest person in Japan tonight. A toast to a future of happiness."

"Thank you, my Masato, for this beautiful, magical night, and for this perfect ring, and for loving me." Satoshi raised his sake cup as well, and they sipped, savoring the excellent sake.

They stayed for another couple of flasks, and then they left, a car appearing in front of the tea house to take them back to the estate, where Sand made tender love to Satoshi, their souls wide open through their bond and both of them ending with their cheeks wet with tears of utter joy.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked at Momo, his silver eyes beautiful in the dim light. "I love you, Momo-chan, you know that, but I'm too damned young anyway. Well, not here, but back home." Erion spread his hands a little. "And yes, if we can't be sure that we can be together for the rest of our lives, then it's foolish to even think about marriage."

Erion moved closer to Momo, tilting his face up slightly and kissing Momo, his pearly teeth scraping lightly over Momo's lower lip. "I want our now, koibito. The future is its own problem, and the past can't be changed, but we can have now."

"What are you doing?" Momo asked, but he nibbled back, kissing Erion tenderly. "What are you up to, yuki no erufu?" The love in Momo's voice made Erion smile even as he nipped again, feather light.

"I'm embracing my honne, baby," Erion replied, pressing closer as his arm slid around Momo's waist. "I love you now, you're my boyfriend now, and that's perfect, just as it is."

"It's practically like we're married anyway, what with our living together and all that, so why mess with what's working?" Momo wrapped his strong arms around Erion, feeling the steady beat of his little lover's heart through his sweater.

They stood like that for a few minutes, not needing to talk, just holding each other and enjoying the quiet, Momo's cheek resting against Erion's silky hair. Finally, Momo shivered a little, the damp and cold seeping through his sweater, and Erion looked up at him.

"We should go in, baby. You're shivering." Erion started to pull away, but Momo pulled him back and kissed his forehead.

"In a minute," Momo said softly. "It's nice and quiet out here." He snorted a little. "I really can't stand Kansas when he gets into that mode. He's fucking frightening when he gets like that. You were both a bit terrifying for a moment there, actually."

Erion shrugged lightly. "It's not so bad. I think it just seemed worse because we were all a little worked up."

"It was more than that, Yuki-chan. There was something else going on," Momo said, that slightly stubborn note in his voice letting Erion know that Momo was not going to let this go. "Care to explain what that was really about?"

Erion sighed a little. "Did you ever meet someone, and feel like you knew them already, even though it was the first time you were meeting? It was like that for Kansas and me, like our souls had known each other before. Sometimes, it feels like we're having a conversation that we had in another time."

Momo nodded slowly. "That's not so farfetched, baby. I mean, part of Buddhist belief is that our souls are reincarnated. Do elves believe that, too?"

"Not in the same way," Erion replied, happy to be on safer ground. "We believe that after we die, we go to live on another plane of existence, with our gods. But sometimes, when there's a real need, a soul can be asked to come back from Arvandor, our afterlife, and that soul can be reborn. There are elven heroes that have come back and lived again when our people needed them, too. They come back as themselves."

Momo shook his head a little. "That's a little creepy, too. But I could feel something earlier, like right before a big storm, when the air sort of makes your skin crawl."

"I know Satoshi is sensitive to a lot of things," Erion said calmly. "Maybe you were picking up on that bond that Kansas and I have. It can feel a little weird sometimes, even to us."

Momo nodded, seeming happy with that explanation. He shivered again, and this time he let Erion lead him back into the warmth of the house.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Hawk returned Satoru's bow, his blue-grey eyes warm and friendly. "Please, we're family, and you don't need to be formal with me, Mori-san. You're going to be my gifu after all." Hawk's chuckle was as warm as his eyes. "As to the wedding, we wouldn't miss it for anything. Of course Sora and I will be there. I can't begin to tell you how happy we both are that you and my mother are engaged."

Hawk's easy warmth made Satoru smile, his anxiety dissolving as Mist came over as well with a sweet smile on her lovely face. Unlike Hawk, she spoke in English, her accent light and lilting.

"I have no idea what my brother has said, but if it wasn't glowing, I'll deal with him later." She flashed Hawk an affectionate grin. "But speaking for myself, I couldn't be happier. Atara is positively glowing with happiness, and I have you to thank for that." Mist gave Satoru a gentle hug and a kiss on the cheek. "We don't really have a word for stepfather in our language, but I'd be pleased to call you my atar en' cormamin, father of my heart. And before I forget, I owe you more thanks for watching over my son as well. Hopefully, he hasn't been a nuisance."

Satoru's smile was beautiful as he looked at Mist. "Actually, it's been wonderful having Yuki-kun around. My house has needed the laughter of young people to make it feel like home."

Mist laughed happily, tucking her arm through Satoru's with that easy elven affection that still surprised Satoru. "I know what you mean. I've always encouraged Erion and Falon to bring friends home, and fill the house with the noise and clutter of many elflings. I like a busy house. Maybe in another couple years or so, I'll be ready to add another elfling of my own."

Eryn looked at Satoru with a bright smile, and he smiled back, utterly delighted at the warm reception from Eryn's older children. Momo was watching Hawk, almost bemused by how unlike Sand he was, although there was some resemblance between the brothers. He looked at Satoru, the happiness on his father's face making Momo smile a little, and Erion leaned into Momo as he felt some of Momo's tension dissolve away.

Vale and Satoshi were in the kitchen, the two of them laughing as they prepared a quick dinner, Sora calling out to Vale that she was expecting soba and getting a cheerful spate of elven in return that made Hawk burst out laughing. It was not long before they were all gathered around the table enjoying grilled salmon, soba, and rice, as well as some sauteed vegetables that Satoru and Momo did not recognize, but that were delicious. Vale offered to take Takara so that Satoshi and Sand could eat, but Mist snorted and appropriated the little treasure, while Eryn managed to get Vanyadulin out of Hawk's arms. Hikaru and Ryuu had taken over Falon completely, and Aika decided that she needed to sit with Sora and tell her all about preschool, snuggling against her hibaba happily.

Hawk had Sand in tears from laughter as he described arriving in Neverwinter to find a wood elf in the kitchen, looking quite startled. After a small amount of confusion, the wood elf introduced himself as Sorien, and explained that he was courting Maela, and had been making himself useful around the house as a small repayment for spending his nights there. Maela had arrived in the middle of the introductions, and explained that Sorien was a ranger, and his usefulness was in keeping the gnomes out of the house should Sand decide he had any new projects in mind. With a bloodymindedness that made Vale grin, she had instructed Sorien to pin the offending creatures to the walls of Castle Never for all she cared, as long as she did not have to see or hear them ever again. Sorien confided that he had not seen a single gnome, which Maela stated was a sign of his usefulness. Maela had no intentions of leaving her employment with the family, however, but Sand made a note to himself to increase her salary anyway which made Willow beam happily at her raven-haired elf.

Erion told everyone how Momo was at the top of his class, and that he was probably going to come in a dismal third himself, this last bit said in a tone of extreme resignation that made Mist arch an eyebrow. Santhiel had to hide a small smile at Erion's dramatic sighs, since Eryn had assured him that Erion had been studying with extraordinary diligence for his finals. Momo was quick to reassure Erion that he would do well, and Erion purred a little as Momo stroked his back gently as they got up to clear the table.

Dessert was served in the living room, fresh fruit and dainty little chocolates, with tea and wine or whiskey for anyone who wanted some. Hawk had brought some dwarven whiskey, and Satoru had a small glass, his eyes widening as he tasted it. Satoru pronounced it strong but smooth, and Santhiel looked over at Hawk with a gleam in his eye. Eryn informed her eldest child and his best friend that Satoru would not be subjected to one of their bachelor parties, with Sora and Mist trying to hide their amusement. Erion looked relieved, and Momo grew curious, until Erion promised to explain later, his cheeks faintly pink.

Mist offered to help Aika get ready for bed, and Falon jumped up to grab Hikaru and offer to help Ryuu with his shower after he had scrubbed the little half elf into respectability. Willow and Sora excused themselves and went to Willow's room to feed the babies, the two women cooing at their slightly fussy daughters. Sand and Satoshi emerged from the kitchen where they had been doing the dishes, their cheeks slightly flushed and their eyes bright, Sand immediately reaching for the dwarven whiskey.

When Falon came out of Ryuu's room, he found Kansas, Erion and Momo already in the second floor game area, and they waved him over enthusiastically.

"Come and play with us, toror'ai," Erion said, laughing as Kansas looked up.

"We'll play teams," Kansas said, shifting to make room for Falon on the couch.

Falon bounced down happily. "What are we playing? And better yet, how do we play?" He looked at the controller that Kansas handed him in confusion.

Erion gave Falon a playful nudge. "It's easy. This is a racing game, and you use these to control your car." Falon had ridden in a car a few times with the family, and pronounced them utterly cool.

"So what are the teams?" Falon asked, his eyes shining.

"It's me and Erion against Kansas and Faron... fuck," Momo moaned. It was the dozenth time that night that he had mispronounced Falon's name, and Momo had had enough. "That's it. We're renaming you, Far... Fa... Fuck!"

Erion began to laugh, falling into Momo. "We can't call him 'Fuck' or Willow will have our heads, baby."

Falon was snickering as well, and Kansas was trying his best not to laugh at his frustrated friend. Managing a fairly straight face, Kansas said, "We usually name people something that means something about them. Like Erion is Yuki, which means 'snow' and I'm Tatsuya, which means 'dragon becoming.' So we need to think of something that fits you."

Falon thought for a moment, and then grinned. "Well, I'm training with atar to become a Vale Guard, so does that help?"

"It might," Momo said, looking thoughtful. "You use a sword?" When Falon nodded, Momo looked at him very seriously. "Then from now on, I'm calling you Tetsuo. It means 'iron man' and that's sort of what a guard with a sword is, right?"

Erion clapped his hands. "Oh, that's perfect, koibito. Tetsuo it is!"

Falon grinned. "Tetsuo. I like it! It sounds almost elven, doesn't it?"

"So what the fuck are you waiting for, Tetsuo-kun? Grab your controller and let's show these two how to race," Kansas laughed, giving Erion a little shove.

Sand felt his phone vibrating in his pocket, and he reached in and pulled it out, touching the screen to see that he had received a text message. Satoshi had been sitting next to him, so Sand was fairly sure it was not one of Satoshi's little messages designed to drive him mad with desire. Opening the text, Sand saw that it was from Kohaku, the message wonderfully enigmatic. "Masato-san, check the news."

"What is it, poldoramin?" Satoshi asked, looking at Sand in concern as Sand frowned at his phone.

"It is a text from Kohaku-san, telling me to check the news." Sand touched the screen of his phone, calling up the Internet and scrolling quickly to his favored news feed. His fingers froze suddenly, and his eyes widened slightly.

Yuji sat forward, a little alarmed by Sand's reaction to whatever it was he was reading. "What is it, Sand?"

Hawk's head turned sharply as he looked at his younger brother, and Santhiel tensed slightly as Mist laid a slim hand on his arm.

"The news," Sand said slowly, looking up with such an odd expression that even Vale had no idea what was going on. "My apologies, but could we turn on the television? I know it is dreadfully impolite when we have family visiting, but please indulge me this once."

Yuji reached for the remote and turned the large flat-screen television on, pressing the button for the news channel. The assembled family members watched as a very serious-looking announcer began to speak, Santhiel murmuring a translation for Mist.

"After much consideration, the Diet has reached a decision on the Marriage Equality Act that has been the cause of so much deliberation these past months. Commencing with the fiscal year beginning in April, the Marriage Equality Act will be effective, although partners wishing to apply for a license may begin to prepare the paperwork immediately and submit it in the new year." The announcer continued to speak, but no one could hear him because Sand let out a shout and turned to pull Satoshi into a tight hug.

"They have done it, saiai. They have made it legal as it is at home." Sand's eyes were bright with excitement as he leaned in to kiss Satoshi lingeringly. Santhiel smiled broadly as Sand kissed Satoshi, and Hawk looked up the stairs to see if Willow and Sora had heard the cheer from Sand.

Willow and Sora had not emerged from the bedroom yet, but there were four puzzled faces looking down from the gaming area.

"Is everything okay down there?" Erion said, as he and Momo came down the stairs, followed by Kansas and then Falon. "Toror en' atara'amin, what's wrong? You yelled so loudly."

Momo put an arm around Erion, ready to offer his support to his little elf. It was Vale who spoke up, his green eyes shining.

"The Diet passed it," Vale said. "The Diet passed the Marriage Equality Act. Same gender marriage is legal." He looked at Yuji with such joy in his eyes. "I know you're already legally married, a'maelamin, but I'm so happy for everyone who's waited so long for this to be real."

Yuji looked into Vale's eyes, seeing nothing but joy in his elf's clear gaze. It was a law that would not apply to them, since Yuji could not marry two people, but Vale radiated nothing but happiness through their bond. Seeing Yuji's look, Vale leaned forward to kiss Yuji sweetly.

"It's alright, a'maelamin. I'm married to you on Toril, and I don't need a ceremony here to make me any more married to you. You're legally Willow's husband here, and that's as it should be, my love. Our wife is important to us all, and we all love her endlessly." Vale's smile was gentle and content, and Yuji pulled Vale into a tight hug.

"Thank you for understanding, my love, my perfect Vale," Yuji murmured, burying his face in Vale's gold and emerald mane and loving his elf more than ever for the sweet generosity of his heart.

Willow and Sora came down, their eyes wide as they took in Sand and Satoshi kissing passionately, and Yuji and Vale beaming. Erion was wide-eyed, leaning into Momo as his knees trembled, and he sucked in a quick breath. "They really did it," Erion whispered, almost to himself. "They passed it."

Falon shot Erion a quick look, his voice barely audible as he spoke in rapid-fire elven. "So how do you choose?"

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

"You're thanking me? I should be thanking you, koibito. I was closing down when you reached out to me, and pulled me back into living. I hurt so badly that I didn't know what to do." Erion nuzzled his face into Momo's raven hair, pressing tender kisses to his lover's head. "I know how much you love me, and I'm glad you found room in your heart for me."

"It wasn't finding room for you, Yuki-chan," Momo said softly. "I love you with all my heart."

"I know you do, and I hope you know that I love you with all my heart as well." Erion let his hand stroke through Momo's silky hair, teasing the nape of Momo's neck lightly. "Whatever you did before you and Kageoshi became lovers is not what defines you, at least not in my eyes. And I don't think you love me less or that I come second in your heart. Everyone we love, we love differently, don't we?"

Momo nodded slightly, his head a comfortable weight on Erion's shoulder.

"Did I ever tell you about when I met Kansas?" Erion asked, and there was such gentle love in his voice that Momo's breath hitched a little.

"All I know is that you met him where you're from, when everyone went on that long vacation," Momo replied.

Erion smiled into Momo's hair. "I was just forty, which is the age when you're no longer an elfling. It's the end of childhood for us, but not quite responsible adulthood. But at forty, we're old enough to have lovers. The funny thing is that I never even had a proper crush on anyone. I had friends, and I was already pretty sure that I preferred males sexually, but there was no one I wanted to take as a lover among my friends."

"Was that unusual?" Momo asked, curious. There was something in Erion's voice, almost a verbal equivalent of a blush.

"A little," Erion admitted. "We're encouraged to explore love and loving. No one expects it to be serious, and most young elves have a great many affairs before they reach proper adulthood at one hundred. But I was only just forty, so my parents weren't worried or anything."

Erion sighed a little. "My grandmother had gone to Neverwinter to look after Willow, who was pregnant with Hikaru. Vale had brought Yuji there because Yuji was very sick... dying, actually. Vale couldn't bear to lose him, and he knew that the clerics and healers in our world could help Yuji. The whole family was planning on coming to Evereska once Willow felt up to traveling again, and then Kansas had a bit of trouble. My grandmother brought him back to Evereska before the rest of the family came."

"A bit of trouble?" Momo snuggled a little closer to Erion, and Erion nuzzled his hair again.

"He was attacked in a tavern. The attackers were dealt with." There was a finality to Erion's voice that made Momo blink a little, but he did not look up at his lover. "But Kansas needed the time to recover, and my grandmother offered to bring him back with her ahead of time. My mother brought Falon and me over and I was astonished. I hadn't really met many humans before. There are some who come to Evereska, but they tend to stay closer to the Cloudcrown Palace, where the Hill Council is. But Kansas was just, well... he took my breath away. I'd never reacted to anyone like that before then. I offered to show him around Evereska, and he accepted, so I took him to Dawnsglory Pond, where we all swim."

Erion laughed a little, his arms tightening slightly around Momo. "Do you know, I'd never even been kissed? I was such a little virgin, literally. We kept brushing against each other in the water – we swim naked – and I was feeling things I'd never felt before, and all I knew was that I wanted more. And then Kansas kissed me, and I was so startled that I sort of flinched. He got upset and ran away, and I chased him, and then we kissed again. I didn't flinch that time, and I'll never forget that kiss."

Momo chuckled a little, trying to imagine Erion startled by a kiss and failing utterly. "You were a quick learner?"

"So Kansas tells me," Erion laughed. "We were inseparable after that, and we spent every night in each other's arms, but we didn't have sex. We touched each other, and kissed, but that was it." Erion paused a moment. "We have a goddess whose worship is making love, did you know that?"

Momo looked up at Erion, his eyes wide. "Wait, what? Really? You're shitting me."

"I'm not," Erion protested, laughing. "Hanali Celanil is the goddess of love and beauty, and we worship her by making love. Her temple has all these little gardens and grottoes for lovers to meet in, and there are plants that secrete lube when you break off a leaf. Anyway, Kansas and I went to the temple, and we were in a grotto, and that's when I made love for the first time."

Momo was surprised to see a blush creep over Erion's cheeks.

"Anyway, the point of all that is that I was pretty much an idiot about love before I met Kansas. Eventually, after Kansas and I were together, I wound up sleeping with Yuji and Satoshi, and I love them both, but it's not the same as what I feel for Kansas. It's as deep, but different, somehow. And you, koibito, you're altogether different as well. You're my inferno, and I love you completely, like a flame burning in my heart. So, I don't worry about you loving Kageoshi first, or even you still loving Kageoshi. I hope you'll always love him, because that's part of what lets you open your heart to new love." Erion leaned in and nibbled a tender kiss. "I gave you my promise and the symbol of my father's House, which is one of the few things that's truly mine to give. Nothing you've told me tonight makes me want to change that. If anything, I love you more, Momo-chan, watashi no koibito, melindoamin."

Momo cuddled closer to the little elf and nuzzled his cheek softly, his voice raw with emotion when he whispered, "I don't want to be an inferno. I wish I could be that steady flame that will light you through the years. Infernos flame up and burn bright for a while, then die out. Burn themselves out. Burn your heart to the ground."

He cupped Erion's cheek and made the elf look into his eyes, a slight sadness flickering deep within the love that burned there as brightly as the love in Erion's heart. "But if that's all I can be, if that is all I can have, then I will be your inferno, Yuki-chan. I'll burn so bright that the night will become day. And we will make such a fire together. But I don't want to think about the end now. I want to think about the right now. Thank you for loving me. That is all I want to say."

"No, Momo-chan, that's not what I meant, at all," Erion protested, his silver eyes darkening. "Let me try and explain. I hate words sometimes. They twist around and don't come out right. Maybe there aren't even words for what I want to say in your language, and I can't tell you in mine."

"You don't need to explain, Yuki-chan. We both started this knowing it wasn't forever, and I'm happy that we can love each other this much." Momo stroked Erion's cheek. "I just want to enjoy the now with you, and not think about the future."

"It's just hard, Momo-chan. I don't want us to burn out, and I don't want anyone's heart burned to the ground." Erion's eyes were a deep, dull grey. "I barely get to have you for a breath as it is. It's just a moment, a brief dream, isn't it? I just can't bear the thought of losing you sooner, baby."

"And you won't. I will not let you go, until you ask me to. There is nothing that can make me leave you, so I promise... I swear I won't let you go until you ask me to." Momo stroked Erion's cheek again.

"I live in the now, like any elf does, but I still can't help wishing that tomorrow would never come." Erion's eyes closed slightly, and he drew a shaky breath, refusing to cry.

"Please don't say it like that, Yuki-chan. There is only one way for tomorrow to never come. But we will not think about tomorrow. We will just live for each moment as we live it, and not wonder about the future." Momo's fingers slipped into Erion's hair as the young elf drew another ragged breath.

"They say the past teaches us so we can avoid making the same mistakes over and over. Obviously, I missed that lesson, because I always talk too much, and wind up being sorry for my clumsy words. Forgive me, Momo-chan. I don't do too well at helping, do I?" Erion managed a wobbly smile. "You're right, and I'm not going to think about tomorrow. Maybe you're a better elf than I am, too."

Momo moved out of Erion's embrace and gathered the little elf into his arms, kissing him lovingly, stroking his cheek when they broke the kiss and poured all of his love into his words. "Of course I forgive you. You've healed me so much tonight, that I doubt I will ever be able to repay you. You do learn from your past, and I am learning from mine. You are teaching me to learn from my mistakes. Without you I doubt I would still be here."

Momo kissed Erion again, then leaned his forehead against Erion's and whispered with a sweet smile, "And don't ever say that I am a better elf, because you are the most wonderful elf I know. You're still young and learning, so it's alright to sometimes be clumsy with your words."

"I don't need anything more than your love, Momo-chan, here and now." Erion's smile was stronger, his eyes fading to their usual silvery grey. "Please let my love be enough for you." Erion pressed his lips to Momo's lips in a tender kiss.

Momo whispered gently, "It already is more than enough, my love." He eased Erion onto his back, slipping between the young elf's parted thighs and pressing into Erion, seating himself fully in Erion's ass in a single smooth thrust as Erion's back arched in pleasure. Momo took his time, withdrawing slowly and sliding back into Erion, watching as Erion's eyes fluttered closed in bliss as Momo's cock glided over his prostate.

Time seemed to slow down a bit as Momo made tender love to Erion, the tiny gasps and sweet little moans music to his ears as he drove his little lover to the brink. Erion's back was arched slightly, his sensitive little nipples hard as pebbles, and his cheeks were flushed a deep rose, and Momo thought the elf had never looked so beautiful. Momo thrust one more time, and Erion mewled and came, Momo following only a moment later as Erion's tight little ass molded itself around Momo's cock hard enough to hurt.

Shivering a little, Erion pulled Momo down into a lingering kiss, his eyes half-hooded with sated bliss as he tangled his slim fingers in Momo's hair. They fell asleep, entwined sweetly, Erion's lips still lightly brushing Momo's lips as reverie claimed him.

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