[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Willow drew a deep breath when the doctor left again, allowing herself to scream inside for a moment as she held that deep breath inside, and then she let it out slowly as she calmed down again.

"Vale, my love, I think we should all go in and see him, in pairs or threes like the doctor said. Masato-san, you want to go first, don't you?" She looked at the dazed moon elf, not really expecting an answer, and when he looked up at her with his dark blue eyes, his arms tightening a little around Ryuu, she nodded briskly. "Then you will go first, with Ryuu, and Tomio. Eryn-san, you will take Kansas?"

"I'll go with Kansas," Ryo said quietly, looking at Erion with a questioning look and the silver haired elf gnawed on his lip for a moment, but then nodded his head when Momo stepped up beside Erion, draping an arm around his shoulders, saying, "I'll go with Yuki. I'll go with you, yuki no erufu. I'll be your strength in this." Sadao stood beside Momo, a warm friendship in his eyes.

Willow nodded her head again, and then looked at Satoru, telling him, "You will go next. You are his father, and it is your right to go with the first round. Yori and Kenji can go next, then Kohaku-san, Kiyoshi-san, and Matsu-san. Katsurou-san, you can go in and see him too."

Willow smiled at the oldest Murai son, but he bowed respectfully, and his voice was quiet when he answered. "I think I will decline, this time. As close as our families are, I still do not feel comfortable going in to see him right now. I will go home when you start going to Satoshi-san's room to see him, and I'll deliver the news to my parents. I will come and see him again, when I visit next time. I know my parents and Kiku will want to come to see him again too. But tonight is really your night to see him."

Willow bowed a little in acceptance and then looked over the group of people, and Hideko nodded, resting a hand on Takahiro's shoulder. "Since Masato-san is going to take Tomio, then Takahiro-kun can come with me and Tsutomu. You, Akira-san and Yuji all have to go in there, too. Don't forget yourself in taking care of the rest of us," Hideko said, a soft friendly smile on her lips.

Takahiro looked up, a little shy around Hideko. "I think I should go in with Eric." Eric nodded at his friend in agreement.

Yuji nodded, his voice so broken that Vale's heart ached. "We can go and see Satoshi now? I want to go and see him. Where is Satoshi, Akira?"

Vale pulled Yuji into an embrace and stroked his hair, whispering to him, "Satoshi's in his room, my love. He's sleeping, and we'll go and see him in a little bit. Just a little bit longer, my love."

Yuji leaned his head against Vale's shoulder, a tiny tremble in his body that betrayed his physical exhaustion as well as his mental exhaustion.

Sato bowed deeply in the doorway and tried to smile at the family, but his smile faltered a little bit as he took in the quiet determination and terrible heartache that painted each face.

"Tanaka-sensei says that you can come and see Satoshi-sama now," Sato said, struggling for a moment to keep his voice steady, and Vale bowed to him with a small smile.

"Thank you, Sato-san," Vale said and then Katsurou picked up his jacket and pulled on his shoes again, bowing a little to the whole family before he hugged each of them. He asked them to give Satoshi his regards, and said that he would come back to see Satoshi the next day, and he would bring his parents.

Sato waited patiently as Katsurou bid the family farewell, and then he led them all out of the hallway. They rode the elevator two floors up, while Katsurou took the elevator down to the lobby.

Sato led the family through the commons, down a hallway, and then entered the intensive care unit.

They were met by the charge nurse, and Sato introduced Sand as Mori Masato, Satoshi's husband, and the nurse introduced herself as Nurse Inoue. She looked at the large group of people and asked if they were all family. When Vale said they were, she just nodded her head and told them they could only go in in pairs, or three at the most. Vale and Willow both managed a smile and Willow told the nurse that she had already organized the order they would be going in to see Satoshi, which made the nurse smile too.

Sand was the first to enter, holding Ryuu and Tomio's hands. The sight of Satoshi on the bed, his skin pale gold against the crisp white sheets and the endless swaths of bandages, his face still so naked and unadorned, made Sand's heart skip and then clench painfully. Tanaka stood in the corner, silent and attentive, watching Satoshi's vital signs as well as the family. The ventilator thumped and hissed, monitors beeped, and Sand bit back a wail.

"Oh, saiai," Sand mourned, his voice barely a whisper. His eyes were dark with pain and grief, and only the small warm hands that he held so carefully kept him from flinging himself on the side of the bed.

Ryuu reached out his other hand, and Sand released him so that Ryuu could go to Satoshi. Ryuu touched Satoshi with infinite gentleness on his left arm where it was unbroken. His voice was a little shaky, but surprisingly strong.

"Hi, chichi. I don't want you to worry about anything. You sleep and get better. I'll take good care of Takara and Michi, and I'll make sure Hikaru washes behind his ears, too. And I won't let Takara push Hikaru in the pool because that's just bad." Ryuu nodded his head decisively. "I'm waiting for you to get better, chichi, but right now you should just sleep very well so you get better quicker. Don't you worry because I'll take care of tousan, too."

Ryuu looked at Sand, and Sand smiled, a small smile but tender and loving. "Would you like to give chichi a kiss?"

Ryuu's eyes widened, and he looked so hopeful as he nodded vigorously. Sand lifted Ryuu carefully, and held him close to Satoshi so that Ryuu could press a small kiss to Satoshi's unbroken right cheek. Tomio looked at Sand and shook his head slightly about the kiss, but he touched Satoshi's arm carefully where Ryuu had touched it.

"Get better fast, otooji." Tomio's voice was small, but he was so obviously trying to be brave. "You don't look the same without your piercings. But you'll be better soon, and I promise I'll watch out for Ryuu and everything."

Ryuu's chin was just a little bit wobbly as he looked over at Tanaka. "It does sort of look like crazy robots. Take good care of my chichi and my tousan until I get back."

"I promise, my brave dragon," Tanaka said very seriously.

Sand turned to Ryuu, dropping to his knees for a hug. "Will you go outside to Mama now? I will stay with chichi and talk to him, so that he knows he is not alone. I love you, sochi-chan. You are the most perfect son, and I am the proudest father in all the world." Sand kissed Ryuu's soft cheek, and ran his fingers through Ryuu's thick hair, and then did the same with Tomio.

"You are so very brave, oi-chan. Thank you for taking such good care of Ryuu-kun and for being so perfect." Sand managed another smile, standing slowly and watching as Tomio and Ryuu left before turning back to Satoshi and kneeling beside his bed. Sand's long fingers touched Satoshi's beautiful cherry red hair softly, his eyes nearly black with grief, and he bowed his head as the scalding tears fell.

Ryuu and Tomio came out of the room, hand in hand, and both of them wobbly-chinned. Ryuu made a beeline for Willow, his arms wrapping around her tightly as he finally began to cry, a small, frightened little boy at last, tired and needing comfort. Willow fought back tears of her own as she held her oldest child tightly, murmuring soothingly and kissing his soft hair.

Tomio ran straight to Tsutomu, his tears falling as he hurled himself into his father's arms, and Hideko hurried over to stroke his back tenderly as Tsutomu hugged Tomio tightly.

Inside the room, Tanaka brought a straight-backed chair over to where Sand knelt, and gently urged the elf to sit more comfortably. Sand nodded his thanks, not trusting his voice, and he feathered a kiss over Satoshi's pale cheek. "I am here, saiai. I will always be here. It is as I promised, watashi no kokoro. You will never be alone again. Aishiteru, Satoshi."

Ryo wrapped his arm around Kansas's waist as Eryn opened the door to lead them in to the room. Kansas shuddered between them as they entered. Sand was sitting by the bed, the doctor standing to the side between the door and the curtain that hid the bed from view.

Ryo drew a deep breath and closed his eyes for two steps, blocking out his own memories of the last time he'd done something like this, and then he opened them again, ready for whatever would face him.

His eyes widened a little when he saw Satoshi, then his arm tightened around Kansas, and he braced himself for what he knew would come next.

Kansas sobbed quietly as they walked into the room, his legs barely holding him up as he leaned on his adoptive mother and his best friend. When they cleared the curtain that blocked his view and his eyes landed on the numerous machines that crowded around the bed, Satoshi so small and weak in the bed, pale as the sheets. His slender body was covered in bandages, casts and wicked looking metal braces, his leg elevated and in traction, his knee dressed in a tight bandage, and tubes everywhere, in his arms, his legs, and his mouth.

Kansas keened loudly, and his legs gave out from under him as his voice rose in a scream of agony, his eyes blinded by his tears, and Ryo gave a small grunt as Kansas went limp, crumbling to the floor, still screaming.

"Give him back. Give him back. You didn't fix him. You fucking bastard! You lied, you didn't fix him. He's worse than ever. You lied, you fucker!" Kansas screamed with all his strength, writhing around on the floor as he tried to reach for the doctor, shaking his fist at Sand and the doctor, shaking Eryn off as she tried to stop him.

Eryn was very conscious of both Tanaka and Ryo being there, and she knew she could not use any of her clerical spells to calm Kansas. She did try to catch his flailing hands, but Kansas was preternaturally strong as he raged and fought like a wildcat.

"Kansas, stop, before you hurt yourself," Eryn pleaded to no avail. "Please, sweetheart, hear me."

Ryo gave the slender woman a small apologetic look, then he knelt down in front of Kansas, the imp fighting to crawl over Ryo. But the bleached blond pushed Kansas back and then backhanded Kansas across the face so hard his head whipped to the side, and he let out a whimper that nearly broke Ryo's heart. His voice was calm and firm though when he spoke, his hands tight around Kansas' shoulders.

"Kansas. Stop. Satoshi is sleeping, because he is very hurt. He needs to sleep for a few days. He is not worse, and the doctor did everything he could do to help Satoshi, do you hear me? Satoshi is sleeping so he will get better. Now say thank you to the doctor and Masato-san. They have done everything they can to help Satoshi, so you should be thankful."

Kansas stared at Ryo with wide eyes, a faint trickle of blood spilling out of the corner of his mouth, and his throat worked constantly as he swallowed hard.

Slowly, very slowly he blinked his eyes and then nodded his head, his voice small and childish when he answered, "Satoshi is sleeping. Doctor-sama and Masato-san did everything to help Satoshi. I'm sorry. Thank you, Doctor-sama, for helping Satoshi. Thank you, Masato-san. I want to go home and sleep now."

Sand sobbed, one hand still touching Satoshi's hair as he watched his beloved youngest husband, looking more lost and forlorn than Sand could remember seeing him. Nothing was right, nothing made sense, from the broken body of his soul's other half to the tormented young man in front of him, and Sand fought a wave of despair, an urge to simply surrender and allow it all to fade.

Ryo nodded his head slowly, still staring straight into Kansas's eyes. Kansas nodded his head slowly, too, and then he sank down on the floor, his eyes rolling back in his head, and Ryo sighed with relief.

He pulled Kansas up into his embrace and held him for a moment, looking up at Eryn with an apologetic look, but his words were aimed at Kansas. "I'm sorry, little brother, I didn't want to slap you again. I'm sorry I hit you. But try to sleep now, and I'll carry you home."

Ryo gently pulled Kansas into his arms, and rose to his feet slowly, finding his balance before he nodded at Sand and said quietly, "I'm sorry, Masato-san. I'll visit again soon, and bring Annika. Be well, and I hope Satoshi-san gets well soon."

Ryo walked towards the door, then turned to wait for Eryn, Kansas's head hanging limply over his arm. Tanaka gently lifted Kansas's head and moved it to Ryo's shoulder, the youngster whispering a small thank you at the doctor.

Eryn walked over to Sand, her small hands on either side of his face as she tilted it up so that she could look at Sand. His deep blue eyes were dull and lifeless, and Eryn opened up her empath's gift and bit back a gasp.

"How long have you felt this pain, my child?" Eryn's voice was gentle as she spoke to Sand in elven. "No, you don't need to speak. I can feel and see, and this cannot go on."

"No," Sand said, his long fingers covering Eryn's hands. "Please, do not. It is all I have. I cannot feel him through our bond, and I am alone and so very afraid. I am so very afraid."

Eryn wrapped her arms around Sand, cradling his head to her chest. She let him weep, this fierce son of hers who so rarely gave in to tears, and she pushed love and strength through her empath's touch to try and bolster him. She turned her head, looking at Satoshi, extending her touch to him and letting her love wash over him as well.

"I don't know if you feel that, my son," Eryn murmured, still speaking elven. "I can't do more in this place, and my heart breaks that I can't ease this for you. I'll protect Sand for you, and hope that it's enough for now. I love you, son of my heart. I love you."

Eryn turned back to Sand, leaning down to kiss his silky hair. "Lean on me, and draw strength from me. He needs you. You can't leave us, not now, not like this. You're my fierce one, my battlemage, who walked the very Weave to bring Hawk back to me. Do not falter, my sweet child, not now."

Sand looked up, his eyes wet with tears, but they were fractionally brighter, and Eryn sighed with relief. She kissed Sand's forehead tenderly. "The others want to see Satoshi," she said in Japanese. "I will be back, if you need me."

Eryn stroked Sand's cheek one final time and joined Ryo at the door, opening it so that he could carry Kansas back outside. Erion was waiting, with Momo and Sadao, and he looked at Kansas in Ryo's arms, the hurt naked in his eyes. Ryo did not see it before Erion lowered his gaze, but Eryn saw it, and her heart ached anew with this fresh wound. The family was both pulling together and tearing itself apart, and Eryn could only wonder what shape it would take when this was all over. She contented herself with pausing to touch Erion's cheek gently, her eyes filled with love for her eldest grandson, before she walked into Satoru's arms, and let the tears slide down her cheeks.

Erion took a deep breath before walking into the room, his heart already pounding. He faltered a bit just inside the door, the sight of Satoshi so still in the bed and Sand sitting beside him, pale and struggling to compose himself, almost more than the young elf could bear. Momo sobbed from behind Erion, but his strong callused hand reached out to grasp Erion's shoulder, and Erion began to walk forward, stopping at the side of the bed.

"Oh, Satoshi, baby," Erion said, his voice breaking as he began to cry. "Oh, no, this isn't right at all. Is this why it felt like goodbye? Did you feel this coming for you?" He turned to Sand. "Otooji, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. We'll make him better. You won't lose him. I promise, whatever it takes."

Erion hugged Sand for a long moment, the only sounds the incessant thumping and beeping of the machines, and Momo's quiet sobs. Sadao had tears beading in his lashes, and he gripped Momo's shoulder tightly, supporting the younger man with his loving presence.

Erion released Sand finally, and bent over Satoshi to stroke his hair, whispering into his ear, "I love you, baby. My first husband. I love you."

Sand looked at Momo and Sadao, his face etched with grief. "Thank you," he managed, and then he had to stop.

"Gikei," Momo breathed, his face wet with tears, and he bent to hug Sand tightly, Sand stroking Momo's back tenderly. "He looks so lost in all that. I don't want to lose him, not now, not when I've just found him."

"We will fight to save him," Sand murmured, his voice soft. He looked at Momo, and then his eyes flickered to Erion. "He does not understand, my poor nephew. He is more than enough, but he cannot see it."

"I'll watch out for him," Momo said, not completely understanding, but willing to do anything to help Erion.

Sadao nodded, hugging Sand as Momo stepped away. "We'll both watch out for him," Sadao said softly. "Masato-san, if there's anything else we can do, just tell us. I've known Satoshi-san since he was a determined little boy, and my heart's breaking."

"Sadao-san, my friend, thank you." Sand held Sadao's hand briefly in his free hand. "You have fast become a cherished friend and member of our family, and I am grateful."

Sand turned back to Satoshi, stroking Satoshi's hair tenderly and just letting his love gently radiate, not pushing to find their bond. If Satoshi was able to sense anything through their bond at any point, he would feel that love, and that was enough for now. He spoke softly, never taking his eyes off Satoshi, the elven words meant for Erion alone. "Lle naa faarea. You are enough."

Momo reached out to pull Erion to his side, Erion's face wet with tears. Erion leaned into the one-armed hug for a few heartbeats, drawing strength from the contact, and he took a deep breath as he struggled to compose himself.

"You're allowed to cry," Sadao said gently.

Erion managed a small smile. "I can't help anyone if I'm falling apart. I need to be strong now. Just need a little discipline, right?"

Erion drew himself up a bit, scrubbing away his tears with the heel of his hand. He took a deep breath, and opened the door, walking back out into the waiting room. He looked over at Ryo, Kansas cradled in his arms, and he walked over to sit next to Ryo, taking Kansas's cold little hand in his and kissing it tenderly.

Satoru held out his hand to Eryn, his eyes full of pain, and Eryn took his hand. She was prepared when they walked into the room and Satoru moaned and staggered a bit, his eyes filling with tears at the sight of his son in the bed. Sand looked up, ragged and drawn, his fingers never ceasing to gently stroke Satoshi's hair.

"Tousan." Sand's voice was very soft as he stood slowly. "Sit here with him for a bit. I will talk with okaasan." He moved away from the bed, not entirely steady as he offered Satoru his place at Satoshi's side.

Satoru gathered Sand into his arms and held him tightly, stroking the long raven hair the same way he was in the habit of stroking Satoshi's hair, his voice filled with tears as he whispered to Sand. "I love you, my son. You are his very reason for living now. Thank you for being so strong for him. For us all. I love you, Masato."

"I love you, tousan," Sand replied, and he managed a small smile.

Satoru let go of Sand, and looked the elf in the eyes when he spoke those last four words, touching Sand's cheek gently before he let go completely, and sank down on the chair beside the bed.

"Satoshi-kun. My sweet boy, my little warrior. Please come back to us. Please fight and come back. Don't leave me now that I have just gotten you back. Please don't give in. You are a fighter, you can fight this," Satoru whispered in a broken voice, his tears trickling down his cheeks. He leaned over the bed and stroked Satoshi's hair gently, tracing the small arch of Satoshi's eyebrow and the curve of his ear, since every other part of his face was taped or bruised.

Eryn took Sand's arm and led him to the side, wrapping her arms around him. "Don't try to keep it inside, utinuamin. You need to deal with what you feel and let it out. You know this."

Sand nodded, his vision blurring as the hot tears fell. "I cannot endure without him, atara. There is no meaning without Satoshi. How did you endure when atar died?"

"I didn't bind myself to Anessath the way you've bound yourself to Satoshi." Eryn stroked Sand's hair the way she had when he was an elfling. "We always knew there was too much danger that one of us would fall in battle. We didn't want you children to be alone, and neither of us had living parents."

Sand lifted his head, his eyes dark with pain. "The children," he said, his expression stricken. He shook his head. "They will have the rest of the family. Willow, Vale and Yuji will care for them. I would not be whole enough even if I could bear to live a day without his smile."

"Don't," Eryn said firmly. "We're not losing Satoshi." Her eyes locked on Sand's eyes. "We have resources beyond this, and we'll use them."

Sand shuddered a little, relief and pain mixed in his eyes. "Thank you. Thank you, atara."

"Amin mela lle, utinuamin," Eryn replied, and kissed Sand's forehead before releasing him and walking over to wrap her arms around Satoru.

"I'm here, my love," Eryn murmured, holding on to Satoru and not bothering to hide her own tears.

Satoru wrapped his hand around Eryn's arm, clinging to his wife with the last of his strength, his other hand stroking Satoshi's hair constantly, and he let himself break down finally, his tears flowing freely.

"I've lost too many. I can't lose you, too, Satoshi-kun. Please. My little warrior, you've survived so much, you can survive this. We're all here for you," he mumbled to Satoshi between his sobs, his hand tightening around Eryn's arm as he turned to look at her, and his voice broke as he told her, "This is worse than when he was burned. But I'm here for him now. We are all here for him now."

Satoru sobbed again and buried his face in Eryn's chest, wrapping his arm around her waist and holding her tightly, his love for his son literally palpable in the air around him.

Eryn held Satoru tightly and stroked his hair lovingly, her own cheeks wet with her tears. "Yes, we are. We're all here for him now, and we're not going to lose him, my love. We'll fight for him as hard as he'll fight to live."

Satoru nodded into his wife's chest, mumbling, "Yes. He's a fighter. He always has been. No matter what, he's never given up. No matter how often he's wanted to."

Satoru shivered a little and looked up at Eryn, his eyes so endlessly tired, and red from his tears. "I think I want to sleep now. There is nothing more I can do for him right now, and I won't be much help if I'm exhausted," he said quietly, a flicker of shame running through his eyes, and for a moment he looked far older than his fifty-nine years.

"We'll go back to the estate, my love." Eryn stroked Satoru's cheek lovingly. "Let's give the others a chance to see him, and we can go and rest a bit."

Satoru nodded slowly, almost mechanically, and rose to his feet. Leaning over his unconscious son, he kissed Satoshi on the forehead gently and whispered, "I love you, Satoshi-kun. Remember that we are all here for you, and fight. We'll be here to fight with you." Then he turned back to Eryn and tried to smile at Sand, but failed miserably. Instead he opened his arms and silently offered Sand what little strength he had to offer.

Sand walked into Satoru's arms, holding him tightly. "Thank you, tousan. Thank you for being here. I know that Satoshi knows you are here, and knows how very much you love him. It will help him fight and return to us."

Satoru stroked Sand's hair again, the movement as natural for him with the elf as it was with Satoshi and Momo. "Remember that he has a gift. I am certain that he can sense you even if he is not consciously aware of you. I remember that from when he was burned. His heart rate used to jump a little whenever Yuji came to see him. His empathy may be open, and then he can sense you. Remember that, Masato-kun."

"I will remember, tousan." Sand touched Satoru's cheek gently, his eyes clearer and his voice a little stronger. "I will remember, and I will remind him that I am here, that we are all here."

Satoru stroked Sand's cheek and nodded, his voice stronger for a moment. "Remind him how much you love him. Let him feel how much you love him. Love is the strongest weapon you have against what he's fighting."

"Then I am well armed indeed, because my love for him is infinite," Sand replied, looking back at Satoshi, his love as palpable as Satoru's.

"Come, love," Eryn said, wrapping her arm around Satoru's waist. "We'll go back out for now, and we'll go home very soon."

They left the room, and Kenji was waiting outside with Yori. Kenji held out his arms and hugged Satoru tightly, and Yori looked at Eryn anxiously. Eryn nodded reassuringly, her blue eyes gentle, and she moved over to the younger man.

"Satoshi does look dreadful," Eryn said very quietly. "It'll be hard on you both. Can you manage?"

Yori nodded, his face pale, and his voice wavered a little. "Yes, I think I can manage. But I worry about Kenji. This could remind him too much of me. And that will just break my heart."

Kenji let go of Satoru, the two of them silently exchanging encouragements, and then Kenji turned to Yori and held out his hand, his voice strong despite the pain that filled it. "Come, saiai. Let's go and let him know we're here."

They walked into the room, and Sand turned from where he was standing near the bed. He looked at Kenji and Yori, his face damp with tears, but his expression calmer than it had been. Sand held out his arms to embrace his two dear friends, Satoshi's beloved uncle and his husband. "Thank you both for being here for Satoshi."

Kenji and Yori both wrapped their arms around Sand, and held him tightly, Yori whispering to him, "We are here for you too, Masato-san. Don't forget that."

Kenji nodded against Sand's shoulder, his hand stroking Sand's back gently, his eyes clamped shut, and he shivered when he whispered, "I don't know if I can look at him."

Sand looked at the beautiful young man that he loved like a brother, and smiled his thanks. Then he addressed Kenji, his voice gentle. "He looks perfectly awful, Kenji-san, but the injuries are mostly broken bones. The pain medication is beginning to work at last, and I believe he is actually resting peacefully at the moment." Sand moved to Kenji's side, ready to support him if necessary.

Yori reached up and teased his fingers into Kenji's hair, and said with a sad tone, "He's afraid it will bring back memories."

Kenji nodded, clinging to both Yori and Sand, and his voice trembled. "I know it will. Not only of you, saiai, but of Satoshi as well. Seeing him in that bed will only remind me of the time he was burned."

Sand nodded, his eyes sad. "I can understand that fear well. But we must find the strength for Satoshi's sake. He needs to know that we are here, and love him, and will help him fight and win his way back to us."

Kenji opened his eyes slowly, keeping them focused on the floor and drawing a few deep breaths, to calm himself down, and then he slowly raised his head, to look at his nephew where he lay so peacefully in the bed.

Yori looked at the bed and whimpered a tiny bit, his eyes filling with tears, and Kenji sobbed.

"Oh, Satoshi. My sweet Toshi-chan." Kenji sobbed again and moved closer to the bed, reaching out his hands to cup Satoshi's face but he stopped an inch or so from Satoshi's face, hesitating before he dared to touch Satoshi's hair ever so softly.

Yori stepped up beside Kenji and touched Satoshi's left arm gently, his voice filled with love. "We're here, Satoshi-san. Both of us. Masaaki is at home, waiting to see his uncle again. Please wake up soon, so you can come and see him."

Kenji nodded and sobbed, his voice failing him utterly, and he shook his head as he stepped back and wrapped his arms around Sand again, whispering to the elf, "I'm sorry, Masato-san. I'm sorry. This hurts so much. I can't find the strength right now. But I will come back, and I will find my strength. I promise you. We will bring Masaaki to see you both. Please forgive me for being weak."

Sand held on to Kenji tightly. "Please, Kenji-san, do not apologize to me. You are not weak, not at all. Please, believe me. Tanaka-sensei will tell you that I fainted." He drew back a moment, and looked at Kenji and Yori. "Give Masaaki many kisses from us both, and tell him that we would love to see him."

Yori hurried over to them and hugged Sand tightly, kissing Sand's cheek as he told the elf, "We'll come back as soon as we can, and we'll bring Masaaki. Be strong, Masato-san. We're here for you and Satoshi. He'll get through this. He's a fighter, he always has been."

Kenji and Yori hugged Sand again, one last time, and then Yori wrapped his arm around Kenji's waist, supporting his husband out of the room.

Willow gestured for Kohaku to go in, Matsu and Kiyoshi beside him. Kohaku was trembling visibly, and Vale stroked his arm as the singer went past, the blond elf giving Kohaku a look of gratitude and love for his steadfast presence.

When they stepped inside the room, Kohaku looked at Satoshi and began to sob, unable to help himself as he looked at his cherished friend. so lost in the bed full of metal and tubes and wires. Matsu and Kiyoshi were both visibly shaken, and Sand walked over to the three men.

Matsu stood beside Kohaku, an arm around the stricken singer, and Kiyoshi stepped forward, bowing a little, uncertain whether it was appropriate for him to hug Sand.

"If you need anything, Masato-san, please don't hesitate to call me, or Haruka. We're here to help with whatever you need." Kiyoshi said quietly, tugging on the pockets of his jacket, wanting nothing more than to hug Sand.

Sand held out his arms, his eyes wet but managing a small smile for Kiyoshi. "Oh, Kiyoshi-san, thank you for being here for our Satoshi. And Matsu-san, and Kohaku-san, my Satoshi's dear friends."

Matsu stroked Kohaku's back, his eyes filled with tears as he stared at Satoshi in the bed, and Kohaku wept openly, mumbling to himself an unintelligible stream of words, that sounded like prayers.

Kiyoshi breathed a little easier as Sand opened his arms, and Kiyoshi hugged him tightly.

Matsu tried to move, but Kohaku swayed on his feet when Matsu moved his arm, so Matsu held out an arm for Sand when Kiyoshi let the elf go, and his voice wavered when he spoke. "Please, if you need anything, Masato-san, anything at all, you can always call me. I feel terrible. He was so irritated when he left work yesterday." Matsu bit back a sob and brushed his hand over his eyes to brush away the tears in his lashes.

Sand hugged Kiyoshi, and then reached out to stroke Kohaku's cheek gently before gathering Kohaku into his arms and hugging him tightly. "I know, Kohaku-san, I know. But we will not lose him. He is so very strong, our Satoshi, and he will rise from this. Thank you, Matsu-san. Thank you."

Kohaku let out a loud sob and cried a little harder, his voice barely understandable when he forced his words out between sobs. "I'm sorry. I should have told management to just go fuck themselves. I knew he would never want to take that contract. I know he's not strong enough to be a star. I should have just told them to go fuck themselves and let him continue being an engineer. That's what he loves to do. I'm so sorry, Masato-san. I feel like this is all my fault."

Sand soothed Kohaku with great warmth in his voice. "It is not your fault at all, Kohaku-san. If anything, I irritated him endlessly with my calls and fretting. But this was just a terrible accident, something none of us could help." Sand stroked Kohaku's long hair gently. "You are his dearest friends, you three, and you know him for far longer than I, so you know what a fighter he can be. We will help him fight, and we will love him as endlessly as he loves us."

Kohaku shakily eased himself out of Sand's embrace and nodded, his voice still broken but his sobs a little slower. "You are right, he is a fighter. He's never been one to take things lying down. If you need anything, Masato-san, you call me. Day and night, I'll be here for you. Satoshi-san is now my number one priority."

Matsu stroked Kohaku's back and nodded at Sand. "We are both here for you, Masato-san. For whatever you need, whenever you need it."

Kiyoshi nodded and told Sand again that he was there too for both him and Satoshi.

"Thank you all, and I promise that I will not hesitate to ask." Sand smiled at the three men, feeling his courage and strength reviving as he felt the love that was present all around. He patted Kohaku's arm. "He will fuss at you terribly when he wakes, you know. He will threaten to withhold your coffee forever because your album will be late." Sand managed another little smile. "You know how he gets."

Kohaku blinked a little and sobbed again, shaking his head, "Fuck the album. I don't care about that right now. I'll delay it if I have to," he answered, his voice sounding slightly hurt, but Matsu cut in, stroking Kohaku's back.

"Don't be like that. Satoshi will fuss at you even more for being mean to Masato-san, when he's teasing you. We only had the final rendering left, so I can finish that. I know what Satoshi had planned. Although, now I fear that Kohaku-san is going to have to ween himself off that damned coffee, because no one at the studio knows what Satoshi writes on that little note he sends to the coffee shop."

Kohaku's eyes went a little round with terror and he moaned softly, muttering, "Oh, fuck, I'll die if I don't get my coffee."

Matsu couldn't help the grin that jumped up on his lips, as he glanced up at Sand, his eyes glittering with mirth for a moment.

"Well, then, perhaps we will need to bribe the young barista, hmm?" Sand patted Kohaku's arm gently. "I should not tease about so serious a thing as coffee. If you come to the house, I will let you play with my coffee machine. It does the most amazing things."

A tiny smile jumped up on Kohaku's lips, and he hugged Sand impulsively, squeezing the elf a little and his voice hitched as fresh tears started pouring down his cheeks, "I am sorry, my friend. I feel like I'm responsible for this whole mess. As much as I want him to be a star and bring joy to the world with his amazing talent, I knew better, and yet I did nothing. And be careful, I might just end up moving in to your house, if that coffee machine is so magical."

"I would love to see him become the star I know he is myself, but it will happen only when he is ready," Sand replied. "Do not think you were at fault, ever. And if you move in, you will need to bring your ladies, or our lives will be unbearable."

Kohaku actually managed a small chuckle at that, and winked at Sand, answering, "Now that would make me father of the year, since one daughter has been begging me for a palace like yours, while the other has been asking if she has to wait long before she can marry your son."

Matsu and Kiyoshi both chuckled a little at that, and they all heard Kiyoshi breath a little easier as he relaxed.

"You are all exhausted, I am sure. Go and sleep, and come back whenever you want." Sand embraced each man warmly, giving Kohaku an extra moment. "We are so lucky to have such dear friends."

They all promised they would be back at the first opportunity, and they would bring their wives and Kohaku promised he'd bring his daughters, who were both feeling anxious for Ryuu and the kids. The three men left, and Hideko nodded and took Tsutomu's hand as they emerged. Tsutomu hesitated, looking at Yuji and Vale, but Hideko tugged on his hand, silently insisting that he move. Vale nodded, smiling a little at Tsutomu encouragingly. Tsutomu bowed his head at Vale and entered the room with Hideko, sucking in a deep breath to brace himself as he passed through the doorway.

Sand looked up at Hideko and Tsutomu as they entered, Hideko's eyes filling with tears as she looked at Satoshi. Despite being a nurse, she was looking at Satoshi with the eyes of a friend, and her heart ached to see the slender man in the middle of the traction devices, tubes and wires, pale and bandaged within an inch of his life.

Tsutomu, on the other hand, gasped and began to sob, unable to hold back his emotions as he looked at Satoshi. Tsutomu let go of Hideko's hand, and leaned over the bed, his voice trembling with his crying. "Toshi-chan, what the fuck, man? You fucked up your bike. It's probably totaled. Toshi-chan? Don't do this. Wake up, man, this isn't funny. Come on, brother. You're the only one in this family who's always treated me like an equal, so don't go doing nothing stupid like dying or something fucked up like that. Please, Toshi-chan. Wake up, man."

Tsutomu rested his hand carefully on Satoshi's unbroken arm, utterly unaware of anyone else being in the room with them. Hideko covered her mouth with one hand to silence her own sobs, and her other arm wrapped around Sand's waist.

"I'm sorry, Masato-san," she whispered. "We're not very supportive are we? They are such good friends, him and Tsutomu. They always have been. Satoshi's never treated Tsutomu any different because of his class, and it made them even closer friends. If you need anything, I'm here, Masato-san. Anything at all." Hideko stroked Sand's back, and looked up at him with her nearly perfect eyes, filled with tears.

Sand hugged Hideko back gently, smiling down at the small woman who had opened her heart to a group of elves. "You are more support than you realize, Hideko-chan. You are like my own sister, and having you here is more comfort than my poor words can convey. And I do understand about Tsutomu and Satoshi. But you know, Hawk and Santhiel will be wanting to see him later as well. I am sure they will be at the house, and will be anxious to talk with him."

Hideko managed a small smile, her eyes full of love as they turned to her grieving husband, and she nodded, "Tsutomu could use their support right now. Even if it means bucket loads of whiskey and other entertainment. He likes both Hawk and Santhiel immensely. They're both like him, even if they're not working class. They're still those types of guys, you know. He jokingly calls Hawk great grandfather around the house, you know." Hideko lowered her voice and whispered the last words to Sand, making sure that doctor Tanaka would not hear her.

Tsutomu stroked Satoshi's hair gently and sobbed again as he righted himself, looking at Sand with a slightly bewildered look. Then he blinked and seemed to recall where he was and who Sand was. Tsutomu moved over to Sand and hugged him tightly, sobbing into the elf's shirt. "Make him better, please? He's my best friend, and my ally in this crazy ass family of ours. Please, fix him, Masato," Tsutomu pleaded, his tears melting into the fabric of Sand's scrub shirt.

Sand hugged Tsutomu, rubbing his back. "You know I will do everything I can and then more to bring him back to us. There is nothing I will not do for him, I promise you, and I will bring him home. You have my word, Tsutomu."

Tsutomu sobbed into Sand's shoulder a little bit longer, struggling to gain control over himself, and he nodded as he eased out of the embrace, his voice terribly wounded when he whispered, "Thank you, Masato. Thank you. I'm here if you need me, what little help I can give you."

Hideko moved over to the bed and kissed Satoshi's forehead gently, whispering to him, "I love you, Toshi-chan. Don't give me that look, I can call you Toshi-chan if I want to. I love you, and wake up soon."

Hideko moved over to Sand and Tsutomu and embraced them both, giving Sand a soft kiss on the cheek. "I love you, Masato-san. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything, or if these doctor types give you any trouble. I'll always be ready to help you with all of this medical crap. Now, come, my lovely trucker, let's go and get our son to bed. He's loving that he gets to stay up so late, but he's going to be a pain in the ass tomorrow just like you."

Hideko smiled gently as she spoke, easing an arm around Tsutomu's waist and tugging on him a little bit, but her perfect eyes were sad and small tears danced in her lashes.

Sand hugged both Hideko and Tsutomu, kissing Hideko's cheek. "Thank you both, for your love, and your support, and for your help. I know I will rely on you both a great deal, and I am glad to know I have such family."

Tsutomu nodded slowly and reluctantly let go of Sand, reminding him again to call if Sand ever needed anything, and then they left the room, arms tight around each other, and their love for each other as radiant as the daylight.

Takahiro looked up at Eric as Hideko and Tsutomu emerged from the room, and Willow nodded to them encouragingly. "Go on, you two. We'll go in after you."

Eric shivered visibly, but Takahiro grabbed Eric's hand and squared his shoulders, drawing a deep breath as he tugged the much taller Swede into the room. Eric bit his lip when he saw Sand standing by the bed, but Takahiro walked straight towards the blue eyed foreigner and hugged him tightly, whispering to him.

"We're here too, for you and Satoshi-san. I owe you two so much, so I'm here for you, whatever you need, alright?" Takahiro looked up at Sand and tried to smile, but his eyes darted to the side to glance at Satoshi and he shivered hard.

Sand hugged Takahiro back, and smiled his thanks, his smile fading a little as Takahiro shivered.

Eric stood behind Takahiro and stared wide eyed at Satoshi where he lay on the bed, seeming so small and fragile surrounded by all those machines and Eric started to sob for the first time since they had gotten the news.

Takahiro swallowed thickly and drew a deep breath, holding it in as he turned out of Sand's embrace and looked at Satoshi, his eyes widening and filling with tears. He grabbed his own mouth as he let out a loud moan, and then he sobbed as well, his hands visibly shaking.

"Oh, fuck. I had no idea it was this bad. Mori-san, I'm so sorry." Takahiro said between sobs, and Eric reached out a hand to touch Sand's arm, suddenly utterly unsure of himself.

Sand moved over to the two young men, putting an arm around each of them. "I know. It seems quite dire, but it is not as bad as it could have been, and I will hold on to that."

"He is a fighter, our Satoshi, and what he needs now is our love and our support as he fights his way back to us. I know he will return. I have absolute faith in that. I also know that he will hear you, on some level, if you speak to him." Sand looked at Takahiro and Eric in turn. "Do not be afraid to say what is in your heart."

Takahiro buried his face in Eric's chest and the tall blond rested his cheek against Sand's head, holding both of his friends close, fighting to regain control of his sobs. "We're here for you, Masato-san, like Takahiro-san said. If there is anything at all that we can help you with, we're here. And I know that my parents will be more than happy to help, too," Eric said and then slowly untangled himself from the embrace, moving Takahiro into Sand's embrace as the younger man continued to sob painfully.

Sand stroked Takahiro's back, making soft soothing noises as he comforted the young man who had become family during another tragedy. "It seems we suffer such dire catastrophes. I am so very sorry, Takahiro-kun."

Takahiro sobbed hard, looking up with tear filled eyes. "Don't be sorry. This isn't your fault. This is just bringing back memories of my dad. He died in a car accident when I was a kid. I'm sorry, I shouldn't be letting that affect me so much, but I can't help those memories. I'm just so happy that Satoshi-san survived, but I'm sad too. I'm sorry for being so selfish." Takahiro sobbed again, painfully hard, wiping his hand over his eyes to try and dry his tears.

Moving over to the bed, Eric leaned over Satoshi a little and spoke quietly, "We're here, Satoshi-san. I still haven't had a chance to show you the pictures of the dirt bike trip I took with my cousins in Sweden, or the kite that I brought back. You remember you wanted to see it. So, get better soon, so I can bring that damned thing over and we can fly it together. We might need more people to help us with it, because you're so short, but we'll see. It depends on how much wind we get. I'll stop by later this week, and maybe my folks will come too. I'll see you later."

"You are not selfish, Takahiro-kun, no more than I am when I told Satoshi that h needs to return because I cannot imagine a day without him in it. Our hearts will feel what they will, and we cannot change that." Sand managed a warm smile.

Takahiro nodded slowly, and his voice was shaky but his sobs were slowing. "I miss my dad sometimes, even though I can't really remember him much. I guess it just hurts to remember what happened to him, and then think that the same could have happened here. But I won't think about that anymore. Satoshi-san is alive, and he'll wake up soon. I know he will."

Takahiro squared his jaw stubbornly, and walked stiffly over to the bed when Eric moved aside, leaning over to pat Satoshi's unbroken arm, and then he said shakily, "I'll help you on your side of the kite. I've seen it, and we're probably going to have to tie that thing to the house so it won't take off with all of us in tow. Get better soon, Satoshi-san. Real soon, you hear?"

Eric managed a weak smile as he hugged Sand again quickly and then waited for Takahiro.

Sand looked at Eric with warmth in his eyes. "You are truly a wonderful friend, Eric. Thank you for your support, and for sitting here with us tonight. That cannot have been easy, and yet you do it so readily. It gives me the courage I need to go on."

Eric bowed his head and smiled, a little stronger. "I consider you and Satoshi-san to be friends. You guys aren't just Kansas's father figures anymore, you're actually friends. And I know that you would do the same for me. It's what friends do. And please don't hesitate to call if you need anything. I can even babysit if you guys need that."

Takahiro threw himself into Sand's arms again, and hugged him tightly, sobbing quietly as he promised to come by again soon. Then he slid under Eric's arm and they walked out of the room, fighting to hold back their tears.

Vale hugged Takahiro and Eric as they returned to the waiting room. He looked over at Willow, and when she nodded, he put his arm around Yuji. "Alright, my love. Let's go see Satoshi now. Lean on me, Yuji. Willow's right here as well."

Willow wrapped her arm around Yuji's waist and smiled lovingly at the blond. Yuji stared back with a dazed look, his voice broken when he asked Vale, "We're going to go see Satoshi now?"

Willow's smile faltered a little bit, and her eyes darkened with sorrow, but she was careful not to let Yuji see it. Vale managed not to let his own calm smile falter, although Willow saw the flicker in the depths of Vale's green eyes. "Yes, a'maelamin. We'll go in and see Satsoshi now. He's sleeping, but we can see him."

Vale and Willow guided Yuji into the room, and Sand's blue eyes filled with tears when he saw the state of Yuji. Yuji's perfect eyes were pale and distant as he let his two spouses lead him into the room, his mind utterly numb by now.

When he saw the bed, surrounded by the machines and Satoshi wrapped in bandages, casts and tubes Yuji let out a soft cry and his knees buckled for a moment. He had to struggle to get his feet under himself again, and to make them move as he staggered towards the bed, not quite aware that he was practically being carried by Willow and Vale.

Vale and Willow brought Yuji over to the chair, and helped him to sit, knowing he would not be able to stand, and Willow stayed with Yuji while Vale pulled Sand off to one side. Yuji sank down on the chair, his hands shaking violently and he barely dared to touch Satoshi's arm.

"Satoshi? Satoshi? Can you hear me? Please, my love, don't do this to me. Not again. Please, wake up. I know you need to sleep to help you heal but please wake up. Come back to me, my love," Yuji mumbled, his tears flowing down his face. He was utterly blind and deaf to the other people in the room. All he could see was Satoshi's face, so vulnerable and naked without his piercings.

Willow stroked Yuji's hair gently, fully aware that he did not even notice she was there. She stroked Satoshi's arm gently and whispered to him, "I love you, Satoshi-san. And don't you even think about lying here forever, or I'll have Vale Planewalk your ass back here. I'm not raising your crazy ass daughters on my own, you hear me? Let me tell you that Takara discovered trees today, and I'm not having Sorien climb up another one to get her. That's your job."

Willow's voice was filled with love as she spoke, strong and steady, but her eyes filled with tears for a moment, and she bit her lip to stop her chin from trembling.

Vale completely ignored the doctor's presence, his hands stroking Sand's face tenderly as he spoke to the moon elf in soft elven. "How are you doing, ithilamin? Seldarine, I can't believe this has happened to our Satoshi. But we'll manage. I don't want you to worry about anything except Satoshi, and taking care of yourself. You need to be strong for him. Leave everything else to me and to Willow."

"I am better, anoramin, or at least better than I was earlier tonight. All those here, our family and friends, this love and support has given me strength. I will endeavor not to lose sight of what I need to do, my love." Sand stroked Vale's cheeks just as lovingly. "What would I do without you and our wife, hm? You are so very good at taking care of us all."

"Don't be ridiculous," Vale replied, his smile filled with love. "I can run a Tower filled with contrary mages while being pestered by an idiot Lord and not turn a hair. I can handle this, ithilamin. Crisis is what I do best."

Vale looked over at Willow, and hurried to her side. "I'm here, lirimaer." He pressed a kiss to her thick auburn hair, while one hand drifted down to stroke Yuji's arm.

Willow nuzzled her nose into Vale's neck for a moment, then sighed a little and gave him a teasing little smile as she asked, "Switch now?"

"Absolutely. Go kiss our darkling husband, and I'll take care of Yuji." Vale stroked Willow's cheek and smiled at her, his green eyes beautiful.

Vale leaned over and nuzzled Yuji. "I'm here, my love. I'm here."

Sand pulled Willow into his arms, breathing in the sweet and slightly spicy scent of her hair, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment. "How are you, vanimaer? How are you holding up under all this? I am so sorry. I have just not been able to leave him."

Willow stroked Sand's hair gently, her eyes filled with love. "I'm holding up fine. Don't worry about me, my love. Think about your Satoshi, and don't you dare be sorry. You are supposed to be here with him, and not leave his side. You have to promise me that you'll eat and drink, and try to sleep a little, at least so you don't fall over with exhaustion. But I do not expect you to leave his side. He is your Satoshi, your saiai, so your place is right here with him, my love." Willow's voice was soft and loving, her eyes bright, even though her sorrow was plain to see deep within.

"He was your love before he was mine," Sand said gently. "I do not forget that, and even though we have claimed each other's hand in marriage, we would not ever want to change how our family works."

"I know, my love. But he is your love first now, mine second. And trust me, there's no way I'd let you two go gallivanting off on your own. And I meant what I said about the kids. I do not go climbing into trees after your daughter. She was driving me nuts today." Willow managed to smile softly at the moon elf and then she glanced quickly over to check if the doctor could see them, before she smacked a quick kiss to Sand's lips, adding in a soft whisper, "I love you, Masato. I know you will bring him home again."

"I will, my Willow. I will bring him home, just as I brought Hawk home. There is no place that I will not go." Sand held Willow's face between his faintly scarred hands, his eyes holding the truth of his promise.

Willow nodded with a smile and touched Sand's cheek lovingly.

Yuji twitched a little when Vale nuzzled him, and he turned his head to look at Vale, the movement exaggeratedly slow. "He's hurting so bad. I can't help him. And his piercings are gone. We have to get his piercings. We can bring his acryl ones, because I don't think you can wear metal in the hospital. He can't be without his piercings. He'll chew a hole through one of these tubes if he doesn't have them." Yuji spoke with a low and broken voice, his tears falling unnoticed. He looked utterly lost and bewildered, his hands shaking constantly where it rested on the pillow beside Satoshi's head.

Vale nodded and pressed a tender kiss to Yuji's forehead. "We ask Tanaka-sensei, and we can bring his acryl piercings later today. We'll put them in together, you and me. I know how he needs those, and he looks so lost without them."

Yuji's lips twitched in something that could have been a smile, if his eyes had not been so lost, and he nodded, "Yes. I know how to put his piercings in. We can do that together. We'll bring your acryl piercings, Satoshi. So don't go gnawing on anything you're not allowed to, alright?" Yuji said, his voice hitching as he spoke to Satoshi, and then he let out a small cry, losing the tentative hold he had on himself.

Vale's slim hand reached over Yuji to stroke Satoshi's hair with sweet tenderness. "Oh, mela en'coiamin, this is just not the place for you." Vale let his fingers trail down to Satoshi's pale shoulder. "We're going to get you better, and get you home again. I promise you, and you know I don't break my promises."

Yuji sobbed at Vale's words, and shook his head hard, moaning, "I want to take him home. He shouldn't be here. Not again. I want to take him home."

Vale knelt beside the chair and pulled Yuji into his arms, holding his beloved husband tightly as Yuji sobbed. "As soon as he's well enough, my love. He needs to stay still, and sleep, and heal. We can't move him yet, or we'll break him even more. We'll bring him home as soon as we can."

Yuji nodded his head obediently against Vale's shoulder, his arms hanging limply between them, and he cried softly, unable to hold back his sorrow any more.

"That's it, my love. Let it out. You can't hold all that grief inside, my Yuji." Vale encouraged Yuji to weep, stroking Yuji's blond hair tenderly. His own Cheeks were wet, the tears slipping down silently as Vale watched Satoshi's chest rise and fall with each thump of the ventilator. Satoshi looked slender and fragile and so very lost, and Vale's heart ached as he watched his gentle husband.

Sand walked over to press a tender kiss to Yuji's hair as the other man stood, leaning heavily on Vale. Willow moved quickly to Yuji's other side. Yuji looked up at Sand, his eyes streaming with tears, and his voice choked with sobs. "I love you, Masato. Help him. Don't let him fall."

Sand cupped Yuji's face between his hands. "I swear to you, I will catch him. I love you, Yuji, and I will not fail."

Yuji trembled as he reached out to hold Sand tightly for a moment, but then he swayed a little on his feet and he reached out for Vale, with a small moan.

Vale looked at Sand. "He needs to go home. We'll be back later, ithilamin. Call me and tell me what you need."

Willow smacked another quick kiss to Sand's cheek, and said, "I'll tell the kids you're staying here. I'll bring them in small portions in the next day or two. I'll make sure Hawk and Mist get here as soon as they arrive, alright. I love you, Masato."

Sand watched as Vale and Willow guided Yuji out, and he sat back down beside Satoshi. "You see, saiai? We are all here, and we will fight with you to bring you back to us. Aishiteru, watashi no kokoro."

Tanaka walked over to Sand and laid a hand on the elf's shoulder. "He is very well loved, your husband." He reached into his pocket. "I heard your..." Tanaka's voice wavered, not quite sure how to define Vale and Yuji. "I heard your family speaking about your husband's piercings. We needed to remove them, and his rings as well. I have them here."

Tanaka handed Sand a small envelope, the clink of jewelry audible even with the clatter of the machines and monitors. Sand opened the envelope, taking out a ring. It had been clipped off, the bend severed and twisted, and Sand looked up, bewildered.

"Mori-san's fingers were damaged, and we could not get the rings off without cutting them. I'm so sorry. I know they must have a great deal of meaning." His eyes fell to Sand's hands, adorned with similar rings, the beautiful braided ring on his left ring finger bright. "We can allow the retainers used to keep piercings open."

"I will need to have these repaired," Sand said, his voice wavering a bit. "He will be so upset otherwise. These are all promises, you see, and we keep our promises in our family." Sand's voice broke a little and he stroked Satoshi's hair, Tanaka forgotten. "We always keep our promises. Never doubt that, saiai. There is nowhere too far for me to find you, and I will bring you home."

[Help! i can't find the WWE/WWF section!]

Hi!

First of all, the "zMisplaced Stories [ADMIN use only]" is exactly that - a category reserved for admin use only. Stories posted there are deleted.

The How to Add a Story FAQ is where you want to begin. This will show you how to navigate the jump menus to the correct subdomain, which in your case would be Celebrity. I would also suggest that you read the FAQ on disclaimers.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

[Can anyone help me find a fic?]

I believe the story you're looking for is Willpower by someonenotme.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand managed to catch Kansas as he went limp, the elf staggering slightly, and Vale and Yuji hurried to help Sand. Between them, the three were able to ease the slender youth onto a couch, and Sand sat next to Kansas to gather him into his arms, fresh tears tracking down the elf's face.

"Oh, my poor Kansas," Sand murmured, leaning down to kiss the tear-stained cheeks of his youngest husband. "I am so sorry, my love."

Sand himself could not reach Satoshi through their bond, but the peculiar nature of their lifemate bond was allowing Sand to feel all the physical sensations that Satoshi endured. While waiting outside the surgical theater, Sand had contemplated this phenomenon, something he had not experienced with Vale since that bond had been one-sided at the time. Sand had concluded that perhaps being able to share the physical pain might have been the only way Satoshi could have endured, and for that reason, Sand gladly embraced the agony of experiencing surgery alongside Satoshi.

Sand found himself torn, however. He knew, privy as he was to many of Kansas's darkest memories, how very much Kansas depended on his link with Satoshi, and if that link was as silent as Sand's bond, Kansas would be understandably distraught. The only thing Sand could share, however, was the pain, and he was not sure Kansas could handle that. Sand could, however, link with Kansas himself, and then try to block out the pain so that Kansas would not feel it.

"Kansas, my love, link with me like you have linked with Satoshi. If I am able to touch him, you will feel that touch as well. It is all I have to offer, that and my love." Sand stroked Kansas's hair, hoping that the slender imp would hear him.

Kansas's gray eyes fluttered open, unfocused and dazed, his lips trembling, but there came a small stab of something through his bond with Sand, a painful slap of a touch before the disoriented youngster lost hold of his bond again. Fresh tears welled in his eyes and he moaned under his breath, "Too tired. Can't... I'm sorry."

Ryo moved tentatively closer to the couch, his fingers tugging on the hem of his sweater, but his voice was filled with confidence when he asked, "Can I help at all?"

Sand looked up at Ryo, his blue eyes dark with unfathomable pain and grief. "I do not know, but I know that Kansas loves you as a brother. Perhaps if he can rest a bit, and feel safe in his brother's arms?" Sand sighed a little. "For once, I have no answers, and even my questions falter."

Ryo nodded his head and sat down on Kansas's other side, opening his arms to gather Kansas into his embrace, his voice soft and gentle, taking on a tone that was very much like the soothing tone Satoshi so often used to calm Kansas when the little imp was upset.

"Nobody is hiding him from you, Kansas. Satoshi had an accident, remember. He's sleeping now, because the doctors had to fix him up. That's why you can't feel him right now," Ryo whispered into Kansas's thick hair, stroking his back gently, and Kansas's head moved slowly in a nod. "You see, Masato has been staying with Satoshi all night, while the doctors fixed him, so Satoshi is safe now. He's just sleeping until he gets better, and we can go and see him soon. Don't be afraid, because you know he's just sleeping. He's just sleeping."

Sand watched gratefully as Ryo soothed Kansas, and then he turned his attention back to the rest of the family. Vale handed Sand a square of pristine linen with a wry smile.

"In case you forgot your handkerchief," Vale said, and his fingers drifted through Sand's silky hair lovingly.

Sand let his head fall back a bit. "Sato-san, our extraordinary orderly, tells me that Tanaka-sensei will be by to let us know what is happening. I only saw Satoshi very briefly, and he was not awake." Sand stopped for a moment, his throat too tight for him to speak as he saw Satoshi on the gurney once again, the image burned into his brain. "I will ask that Tanaka-sensei and all of Satoshi's doctors and nurses share his information with all of you as they would with me or with Satoru-san. I know that is what Satoshi would want. I intend to stay here with Satoshi."

Yuji shuddered visibly and his knees gave out for a second, making him stumble. "What was he like? How badly hurt is he?" Yuji asked with a trembling voice, his eyes pale. Willow tried to lead Ryuu away from Sand and Yuji but the little boy twisted out of her grasp and ran over to Sand, wrapping his arms around Sand's waist tightly, looking up with dark eyes.

"Chichi will be alright, won't he, tousan? Please tell me he'll be alright. The doctor fixed him, right?" Ryuu asked with a small sob in his voice, his eyes darkening even more, small tears beginning to pearl in his lashes, and he refused to let go when Willow tried to pull him back.

Hideko held Tomio close, but Tsutomu sat on a couch behind them, his face buried in his hands, and Matsu, Kohaku and Kiyoshi all sat beside him, equally stricken.

Sand lifted Ryuu and held him tightly, burying his face in Ryuu's sweet-smelling hair for a moment. Sand then lifted his head and spoke directly to Ryuu, his eyes looking into Ryuu's eyes.

"Chichi has a lot of injuries, Ryuu-kun, and I know that it will sound scary when his doctor talks to us. But I know that the doctors and nurses were working very hard to fix chichi's injuries, and now we need to let him rest and heal." Sand stroked Ryuu's cheek gently. "I was frightened when I saw him, sochi-chan. It is alright to be a little frightened, I think, but we must also remember that chichi loves us very much, and he is not going to leave us. And we love him, and will not let him be lost."

Sand let Ryuu cuddle close while he looked at Yuji. "The doctor listed his injuries to me, and I could repeat the words, but I think it is best if he explains it to you. The doctor did say that he did not have any serious internal injuries, however, and that is very heartening."

Yuji nodded, and there was a collective sigh of relief from the group of friends that filled the small waiting room. Yuji lay a gentle hand on Sand's arm and tugged at him to sit down next to Yuji on one of the couches, his voice shaking only a tiny bit when he looked around the room.

"You need to eat. And drink something. You haven't had anything since tea time, and you need to keep up your strength. Lets find something to eat and drink for you."

Ryuu rested his head on Sand's shoulder, his small hand reaching up to tangle in the hair behind Sand's ear, his little gesture of affection that he reserved only for the elves, since toying with their earlobes made them uncomfortable. His voice was strong, although quiet when he told Sand, "I'll be here for you, tousan. You can lean on me. I'll be strong for you and chichi."

Sand leaned his cheek against Ryuu's soft hair, and his voice was filled with love for his son. "I know you will be here for us, watashi no ryu. Sato-san told me that you have been a hero, and have been helping everyone a great deal. You are so perfect, do you know that? Perhaps before Mama takes you home, we can let you tell chichi good night. We will ask the doctor, because I think that will be the best medicine for chichi."

Sand looked at Yuji and managed a ghost of a smile. "I did promise Tanaka-sensei that I would eat, yes. Perhaps a little soup and rice, and some tea? I do not know how much my stomach will tolerate, but I will keep my word."

In Ryo's arms, Kansas relaxed slowly, Ryo whispering to him constantly and rocking ever so slightly as he stroked his friend's hair. Kansas's body relaxed, and his silvery eyes fluttered closed, his breathing evened out and he fell into an uneasy sleep, Ryo holding him tightly, letting him find what peace he could find.

Eryn looked over at Hideko, the two women exchanging a small nod, prepared to grill Tanaka when he came to make sure that they got every detail from him. Erion jumped up quickly, and looked at Vale.

"I'll go down to the cafe and get some food. I don't think anyone wants more than soup and rice, and maybe a little omelette, and I'll get plenty of tea and some coffee as well." Erion looked over at Eric, who had stood as well, and gave his friend a smile. "Eric will help me."

"Thank you both," Vale said, handing Erion a wad of yen. "Maybe some vegetables and tofu in the soup, ai'edhel?"

Kohaku rose from his seat stiffly, his face pale and his voice strangely hoarse, and he bowed to the room in general as he said, "As selfish as it sounds, I think I need to excuse myself and find some place where I can smoke. I haven't had a cigarette in over six hours and I'm afraid I'll explode if I don't."

Matsu, Tsutomu, Kiyoshi and Takahiro all stood up and agreed with him, and after asking the nurses at the information desk the five of them headed out of the hallway, to the smoking area that was located in the hospital commons.

Satoru leaned back on the couch and took Eryn's hand gently, allowing himself to close his eyes for a moment and relax a little bit. Eryn stroked his forehead, her healer's senses making sure that Satoru was not overly stressed.

Momo eased himself out of Sadao's arms, who only stirred slightly in his sleep, and then Momo tiptoed out of the room, following the five men that had gone outside to find the smoking area.

Vale stroked Yuji's hair lovingly. "Why don't we take a small break and have a cigarette as well, a'maelamin? By the time we get back, maybe the doctor will be ready to talk to us, and we'll feel a bit better for moving around."

Yuji nodded and stood, his fingers lacing with Vale's fingers almost automatically.

Vale looked at Willow, his calm green eyes filled with love. "Sorry to leave you to hold the fort, lirimaer, but I think I'm close to exploding myself."

Willow smiled up at her blond elf. "Don't worry about it, sweets. We won't start without you."

Yuji stood rooted to the spot, his fingers laced with Vale's fingers, while Willow kissed Vale softly on the cheek and told them to go have a cigarette. She kissed Yuji too, but he responded so slow that the kiss was over before it even registered. Then Vale tugged gently on his hand and Yuji followed Vale blindly, his feet as heavy as his heart, and they found the other six men in the empty smoking lounge. Yuji stood still and stared at Vale, a little bewildered as the blond lit up.

Vale handed the lit cigarette to Yuji, and lit a second one for himself. He reached out and cupped Yuji's face tenderly as Yuji took a deep drag from the cigarette.

"I promised you we'd fix your cancer, and we did. I'm promising you again, my love. We'll fix this, no matter what." Vale looked into Yuji's perfect eyes, nearly black with Yuji's pain and grief. "There is nothing we won't do, and we won't lose Satoshi."

Yuji accepted the cigarette and stared into Vale's green eyes while the elf spoke, the meaning of his words clear to Yuji. Yuji sniffled loudly and wrapped his arms around Vale's neck, slumping into Vale's embrace and crying softly, his voice drowning in his tears as he whispered, "I wish it were me. He's suffered so much. He doesn't deserve this. I wish it were me in there. I'm so scared he'll give up this time because he's been so sick. This isn't fucking fair." Yuji buried his face in Vale's neck, his lit cigarette quite forgotten, and he cried more than he had dared to the whole night.

"It's not fucking fair, is it?" Vale murmured, holding Yuji tightly. "He's the gentlest, most loving soul of us all, and it sucks to see this happen to him, again. But we won't let him give up. We'll all be here for him, to remind him that we love him, and we need him, and we won't let him fall. We can catch him, and we will."

"And he'll blame himself for it. We will all be tired and worn out when he wakes up and then he'll blame himself for it. He always does. It makes me want to shake him or throttle him. I'm just so scared I'm not strong enough for him. I'm so scared, Vale," Yuji sobbed, his whole frame shaking, and Kiyoshi came up behind Yuji, stroking his back gently.

"We're here too, Yuji-san. We'll be here to help," Kiyoshi said quietly and Matsu, Momo and Kohaku all murmured their own promises of support.

"Lean on me, Yuji. I can carry us both for as long as you need me to," Vale said, and the quiet strength in his voice combined with his endless love to wash over Yuji in a cool wave. "You were all there for me when I fell, and you caught me, you and Satoshi. Let me pay you back. Let me be your strength."

Yuji nodded slowly, and his arms tightened around Vale. Their five friends stood by a little awkward for a moment, but then Kenji and Yori stepped into the smoking area and Kenji laid a hand on Yuji's back, his voice filled with emotion but steady. "You did this all by your self sixteen years ago, Yuji-san. But now we are all here. We will be here too, all of us. We will all be each other's strength in this, as well as Satoshi's strength."

Yori reached out and laid his healed right hand on Yuji's back as well, and Kiyoshi stroked Yuji's back gently. Kohaku and Matsu moved closer and laid a hand each on Vale's shoulders, and Momo and Tsutomu both laid a hand on Yuji's shoulder and back. They all stood silent, the only sound Yuji's soft crying, each of them thinking his own things, but all of them united in their determination to help not only Satoshi through this, but the whole family.

Vale could feel the strength in this incredible group of friends and family, and found his own strength growing from the quiet show of support. He knew they would be able to get through whatever lay ahead, as long as they were able to lean on each other, and his gratitude shone in his emerald eyes.

They managed to get in two cigarettes, except for Yuji who had not really smoked his first cigarette after the first drag. As they were heading back to the waiting room, Vale managed to hook his free arm around Kohaku, pulling the tall singer close. Kohaku looked at the blond elf in surprise, but Vale just smiled his beautiful, serene smile.

"You know, you really have become part of this family, Kohaku-san," Vale said. "If nothing else, even if not for any of your other wonderful ways of helping us, tonight has truly shown that. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I know you love Satoshi as much as we do, and I want you to know that I love you for that."

Kohaku stared a little wide eyed at Vale for a moment, then ducked his head a little and blushed faintly, a shy smile spreading over his lips. "Thank you, Akira-san. You are most wonderful to say that. Honestly I have adored Satoshi since the first day he told me to jump up my own ass. You could even say I have a crush on him. He is such a wonderful human being, so down to earth and untouched by any falsehood, or fakery. He never sugarcoats things or tries to give me what he thinks I want to hear. That's why I refuse to work with anyone but him."

Small tears filled Kohaku's eyes and his smile wavered, his voice sinking a little and shaking. "I love him. He is a dear, beloved friend, and you and your family have all welcomed me and my family so readily. He saved my career by just being himself, and I am terrified that he will not make it. I am terrified that I will lose yet another beloved friend, this one closer to me than any other I have ever had."

"We've overcome a great deal, and we'll overcome this," Vale said, and the confidence in his voice was absolute. "We got past Yuji's cancer, and my breakdown, and even Satoshi's broken ankle. We've had Kansas being very sick recently, and the loss of our sweet Kageoshi. All those things have only bound us together more firmly, and made us stronger." Vale shrugged a little, a sweet smile on his lips. "Who knows? Maybe it was to prepare us for this. All I know is that Satoshi is stronger than he thinks, and with our love, he'll make it. We're not losing him, Kohaku-san. I simply refuse to even consider the possibility."

Kohaku drew a deep breath and nodded his head, as he righted himself again, and that bright mischievous sparkle lighted in his eyes again, although fainter than usual. "You are right, Akira-san. Satoshi has always been strong, and he's overcome so much. He will overcome this. He'll be back, denying me my coffee before we even know." Kohaku tried to laugh but the sound was slightly forced, and his smile faltered a little.

Vale tightened his arm briefly, still smiling. "Well, right now we just have Yuki and Eric to contend with, and I'm pretty sure I smell coffee. It might not be your special coffee, or even good, for that matter, but it'll be hot."

When they returned to the waiting room, Erion was just arriving with Eric and two large boxes of food and drink. The young elf and the tall Swede busied themselves passing out containers of miso soup with vegetables and tofu, bowls of rice, and small containers of sweet omelette. They had also gotten some sweet rolls, in case anyone wanted just a small snack. There was hot tea, cool sweet tea, fruit juices for Tomio and Ryuu, and even several coffees, and Erion handed a coffee to Momo who moaned with near sexual bliss.

"The fish was about a hundred years old and completely dry, so we passed on that," Erion said as Momo kissed his cheek, and Erion blushed a little. He brought some food and tea over for Ryo, who was still cuddling Kansas. "I'll hold him for a bit so you can eat, Ryo-san."

Ryo blinked his eyes open, having half fallen asleep, without ever stopping murmuring to Kansas. Ryo looked down at Kansas, the little imp curled up in Ryo's embrace, his forehead furrowed and his eyes clamped shut, his hand fisting in Ryo's sweater as Kansas twitched and jerked in his sleep, but at least he was asleep.

"Just talk to him. It helps. Even though he's asleep, it helps. I'll take him again if he starts screaming. This is going to be hard for him, Yuki. This could possibly break him beyond repair. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid for him," Ryo said quietly as he eased Kansas into Erion's arms and got up from the couch.

Momo sat down next to a still sleeping Sadao, the older man instinctively moving his head to rest it on Momo's lap, but Momo only absentmindedly stroked Sadao's hair, his eyes trained on Erion, Ryo and Kansas.

Erion looked up at Ryo with tears in his eyes, already beginning the gentle litany that seemed to soothe Kansas, reminding him that Satoshi had been in an accident, and he was sleeping, and that was why Kansas could not feel him. Erion stroked Kansas's hair tenderly, the silver of his eyes fading to a dark grey as he crooned softly to Kansas. Kansas whimpered a little, but seemed to settle back down, and Erion took the chance to speak to Ryo, keeping his voice soft and gentle, hoping the cadence alone would still soothe Kansas.

"Then I'll have to be here to catch him, Ryo. I can't lose him. I've gone too far, and if he breaks, I break." Erion looked back down at Kansas for a moment, and then back up at Ryo, a tear slipping down his cheek. "I'm not scared of dying. I'm just scared that I won't die, and I'll have to be alone."

Ryo leaned over the couch a little, keeping his voice calm and low like Erion, but his eyes were fierce and full of the urgency of his words. "Do not talk about dying. Think about all the things that Kansas survived to get to where he is now. I know that you will never be able to replace Satoshi in his life, but if there is anyone who can help Kansas through this, it is you, Yuki. So, please do not talk about dying. You have me and the posse to help you through this. You have me and Momo to tell you the things that Yuji doesn't know about Kansas. So please. Be strong for him, and I will be strong for him, too. We will not let him break."

Ryo touched Erion's shoulder gently, nodding at the young elf, then he drew his hand over his eyes and stretched his back a little bit, saying quietly, "I really need a cigarette. Where is that smoking area again?" He walked away, giving Erion a small reassuring smile.

Momo reached across to the couch where Erion was sitting with Kansas and lay a hand on Erion's arm, whispering, "He's right, you know. You have me and the guys to help you out. We have to stick together here."

Erion nodded, his eyes lightening a bit, and he stroked Kansas with all the love in his fierce young heart. "I'm not giving up, believe me. I'll fight, for Satoshi and for Kansas," Erion murmured. "I'm okay with not being enough for him, just on my own. But it means a lot to me that I have you all at my back. Thank you, baby."

Erion looked at Sadao, sleeping peacefully with his head in Momo's lap, and he smiled. "You two look so perfect together, you know that? It's good with you?"

Momo smiled brightly, his whole face lighting up as he looked down at Sadao, and his hand instinctively slipped into Sadao's thick black hair. "He's perfect," Momo said and his eyes were filled with love when he looked up at Erion. "I'll never admit it to him, I'm too stubborn for that, and if you tell him, I'll tease your nipples until you fucking explode. But he's perfect. He understands me and knows me like no one has ever known me before. I don't know how to explain it, but it's like we've known each other all our lives. I love him, Yuki. With all my heart, I love him. I think I might even think about marrying him some day."

Erion's face lit up with pure happiness. "Momo, I'm so happy for you. I'm so happy for you both. This is perfect, and it couldn't be better." He paused, and then his grin grew mischievous. "Until I fucking explode, huh? Tempting, very tempting."

"Nympho," Momo mumbled back, then looked down at Sadao, who stirred and stretched like a lazy cat, his shirt riding up over his slender muscular torso, and Momo unconsciously licked his lips. Sadao groaned a little and then whacked Momo on the forehead hard enough to make an audible slap.

"You're a nympho. I can't even take a nap on your lap without you trying to poke my eye out," Sadao griped quietly, and sat up, his face a little wrinkled on one side from the creases in Momo's jeans.

Momo smiled brightly and leaned in to steal a quick kiss, and then whispered, "Aishi teru, Hajime."

Tanaka walked into the waiting room, and the entire family and all their friends fell silent, everyone turning to look at him. He looked briefly startled by how many people were in the small waiting room, but he spotted Sand and smiled a bit as Ryo slipped back into the room from having his cigarette.

"I see you're keeping your end of our bargain, Mori-san." Tanaka gestured at the empty soup container and the half-eaten bowl of rice in front of Sand. "You won't do your husband any good if you wind up in the bed next to him suffering from dehydration and exhaustion."

Sand nodded, his face still etched with lines of pain. Tanaka looked at him curiously for a moment, watching Sand massage his right arm unconsciously, long faintly scarred fingers tracing almost the exact path of where he had repaired Satoshi's arm. Tanaka shook his head slightly, and turned his attention to the room.

A blond foreigner and lovely auburn-haired woman seemed to be the most focused of the group, along with another slender dark-haired woman sitting next to an older Japanese man, a small Japanese woman with perfect eyes on his other side. Both women were watching Tanaka with coolly professional gazes.

Sand seemed to take Tanaka's hesitation for something different, because he collected himself enough to speak. "Tanaka-sensei, my husband has no secrets from anyone in this room. These are family and our closest friends, and you may speak to them with the same confidence with which you speak to me."

Tanaka nodded at Sand. "Thank you, Mori-san. I'd assumed that, but it's good to have it said. I am Tanaka Katsu, the lead surgeon on the team that worked on Mori Satoshi from the moment he was brought into the emergency room." He bowed politely as everyone bowed back, two small boys catching his eye as they stared at him with wide eyes. "Mori-san was in pretty bad shape when he arrived, and we worked hard to stabilize him. The good news is that while his injuries are extensive, there are almost no internal injuries. Most of the damage is broken bones, fractures and dislocations."

"What were the internal injuries?" Hideko asked, her voice brisk. "I am Nurse Furukawa Hideko, of Matsuzawa Hospital in Setagaya, where I worked under Dr. Hayashi Norio, and I've known Satoshi-san most of my life. He and my brother, Hayashi Yuji, have been best friends since high school. You don't need to talk down to me."

"Oh, you worked with Dr. Hayashi?" Tanaka asked.

"Yes, he is our father, actually," Hideko replied, and all but tapped her foot as she waited for her answer.

Tanaka nodded. "A fine man, your father. The internal injuries are a bruised left kidney, and that's quite minor, and a punctured left lung, which was caused by a broken rib. The lung has been reinflated, and is functioning well. Some very minor bleeding, easily dealt with."

Hideko nodded in return, her eyes quite fierce as she settled back and patted Satoru's arm.

Tanaka cleared his throat slightly and opened his mouth to continue, but Kansas chose that moment to wake up, his eyes wide and panicky until he spotted Sand. He slipped out of Erion's arms and skittered across to Sand, curling up on Sand's lap and clinging to him with a small whine.

"I want to see him. Why can't I go and see him?" Kansas looked at Sand, tears already forming in his pale eyes.

"When Tanaka-sensei is finished telling us how Satoshi is, we will see him, Kansas," Sand said, stroking Kansas's back gently. "Just a little longer, my love. Satoshi is sleeping right now."

Kansas's tears spilled down his cheeks, and he looked at Tanaka almost resentfully, but he subsided into Sand's arms, clinging to Sand desperately, his hand fisted in the scrub shirt Sand still wore. Tanaka noticed the slim silver-haired youth watching Kansas, his eyes filled with love and hurt in equal measures, under his grief.

"The worst damage was his right shoulder and arm, which required surgery to repair." Tanaka paused, choosing his words carefully, mindful of the two small boys in the room. "There are some other broken bones, and we think those will set well. But his arm and his hands might give us the most trouble."

Kohaku made a small, pained noise, and Matsu leaned over to rub his shoulder gently.

"Why is that?" It was the older dark-haired woman who spoke this time, her voice as professional and calm as any surgeon. "Forgive me. I am Mori Eri, Satoshi-san's stepmother. This is my husband, Mori Satoru, Satoshi-san's father. In my own country, I am a doctor, although I have not pursued licensing here."

Tanaka bowed slightly to Eryn. "Mori-san's hands were both broken, and his fingers have been damaged as well. We've set the bones, but there was some bleeding into the joints, and we won't know how badly nerve function was affected yet."

Eryn arched an eyebrow. "Again, Tanaka-sensei, why is that? I would think you would want to make sure of that as early as possible to avoid permanent damage."

"And you'd be right, Mori-sensei," Tanaka said. "However, because Mori-san's injuries are so extensive, we've placed him in a medically induced coma to give his body a chance to heal."

"He's in a coma?" Kansas asked, his voice beginning to rise into hysteria. Eryn got up and sat down next to Sand and Kansas, and Tanaka's eyes widened as he noticed the strong resemblance between Sand and Eryn.

"Kansas, it's alright. Sleep is what Satoshi needs to heal, sweetheart." Eryn looked into Kansas's eyes, her voice sweet and gentle. "He's just going to sleep for a little while, and then he'll be woken up. It's just sleep, sweetheart. Otherwise, he won't heal as quickly."

Kansas shivered a little, but he calmed down a bit as Eryn talked to him, and he reached out to slide into her arms.

"Thank you, okaasan," Sand said quietly, and looked at Tanaka. "Satoshi and I met and fell in love first, Tanaka-sensei. My mother was a widow, and his father a widower, and as fate would have it, they too fell in love. Satoshi insists that since we fell in love first, we are not truly stepbrothers." Sand's voice broke a little.

Ryuu got up and came over to sit with Sand, his gorgeous eyes solemn. "My chichi is sleeping?"

"Yes, he is," Tanaka said, answering Ryuu with great seriousness. "We're taking good care of him."

"I want to see him." Ryuu looked at Sand. "Tousan, I can see chichi, right?"

Sand looked at Tanaka as he held out his arms and gathered Ryuu close. "I think Ryuu needs to see his chichi. Our son is a very wise and brave boy."

Tomio came over to sit with Sand and Ryuu. "I'll go with him, too. We're cousins, and we take care of each other."

Tanaka crouched down. "From what Sato-san tells me, you're both very sensible and grown-up, so I think we can let you see Ryuu's chichi. I just want to explain a couple of things that you'll see, because they can be a little scary, even for grown-ups."

Ryuu nodded solemnly from Sand's lap, and Tomio sat up a little straighter.

"You heard me say that your father is sleeping, right? Well, we're using medicines to keep him very deeply asleep." Tanaka smiled reassuringly. "We have special machines that help people breathe when they're this deeply asleep. They look and sound a little scary, but they make sure that your father is getting the right amount of oxygen. The machine kind of hisses, and thumps a bit, like a grumpy old dragon."

Ryuu looked a bit wide-eyed and Tomio looked outright dubious, but they both nodded solemnly. "That's alright. I'm a little dragon, you see, so I won't be scared," Ryuu told Tanaka.

"I can tell you are a dragon, a very brave dragon," Tanaka agreed, and he smiled at the two boys before he continued.

"The other thing is that we have some pretty weird looking things holding his bones still. They look like crazy robots are trying to build themselves around your father, but you know what? They actually make sure it doesn't hurt as much." Tanaka smiled a little. "I'll be there, too, so if you want to know about anything, you can ask me, and I'll tell you, okay?"

"Okay," Ryuu said firmly. "When can we see my chichi?"

Tanaka looked at his watch. "He should be in his room about now. I'm going to go and make sure he's all settled in, and I'll send Sato-san to bring you down." Tanaka stood up. "It's best if only two or three people come in at a time, so I'll leave it to you to figure out how you want to do this. We're also going to ask that you keep it very short for this first visit, so we can finish getting him set up. You can come back during the visiting hours later today, of course."

"Thank you, Tanaka-sensei." The blond foreigner bowed politely. "I'm Hayashi Akira. We'll sort ourselves out and wait for Sato-san. Thank you, again, for taking care of Satoshi-san. He's very dear to all of us here, and we'll do whatever it takes to see him well again." Yuji choked back a sob, and Vale turned to put his arms around Yuji tenderly.

Tanaka took a last look around at the room full of people, all of them watching him with varying degrees of grief and hope. Not for the first time, Tanaka wished he had the sort of almost magical medical equipment in the science fiction movies his son loved, where he could heal broken bodies in minutes. Judging by the sheer number of people here, and he was told that some had gone home already, Mori Satoshi was greatly loved, and Tanaka hoped he would be able to reward their faith in him.

[Flashbacks in Fiction]

If they're relevant, and done well, and advance the reader's understanding of the character and plot, I'd think it's fine.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

There was a pall hanging over the five men as they waited for news, the house silent. Kansas had wrapped himself around Sand, his eyes pale silver and tears trickling down his cheeks as he sobbed quietly into Sand's chest. Sand cradled Kansas with tender care, stroking Kansas's back as the slender imp shivered and burrowed closer, Sand's own face etched with pain. Erion had attached himself firmly to Yuji, who had a terribly dazed expression on his face.

"A'maelamin?" Vale asked softly, stroking Sand's arm as he looked over at Yuji. "Do you want tea, or maybe I should make some of Sand's coffee?"

Yuji looked startled for a moment, his eyes reflection confusion as he looked at Vale, and then he drew a deep and shuddering breath. "Maybe coffee, my love. I'd rather have whiskey, but I probably shouldn't."

Vale managed a faint smile. "I said the same thing to Willow. I'll bring some coffee and some tea for Erion and Kansas and myself."

Vale rose gracefully and went into the kitchen to set up the coffeemaker and put up the water for the tea, reaching out yet again through his bond to see if he could touch Satoshi. There was nothing, just an impenetrable wall that blocked their bond. Although Vale was more than capable of breaching that wall if he chose, Vale feared causing Satoshi any pain. Judging by Sand and Kansas, Satoshi was in more than enough pain already.

Out of habit, as he set up the tray of hot beverages, Vale added a plate of sliced fruit left over from tea, and some cookies. He was sure no one would eat any of it, but he simply could not think of anything better to do. Until they heard for sure, there was little else Vale could do beyond caring for his husbands and his nephew. He sighed and took a deep breath, focusing on what Satoshi and the rest of the family would need, knowing that Sand, and Yuji and Kansas would be unable to focus on anything but Satoshi if it were indeed their beloved imp who had been taken into the ambulance.

Vale brought the tray into the living room, and Yuji took the coffee abstractedly, sipping a bit and then putting it down and forgetting it entirely. Sand took a cup as well, his face pale with reflected pain and his breathing a little ragged as he sipped the hot drink. Neither Kansas nor Erion wanted anything, but Erion had managed to get himself under control a bit and was stroking Yuji's hair gently.

Sand did not remain on the couch for long, much to Vale's dismay. Instead, Sand was up and pacing, pausing every so often to suck in a harsh breath, his eyes almost black with pain. A couple of times, Sand's face brightened for just a moment, and then he closed back down, the brief light in his eyes dying. Vale noticed that Sand was stroking the ring Satoshi had given him, turning it on his finger nervously as he wandered from the living room to hover in the entryway, as though he expected Satoshi to come through the door cursing about being held up in traffic.

Kansas had followed Sand as he paced, but only for a little while, returning to the couch to curl in between Yuji and Erion with a whimper, his eyes paler than Erion's eyes, and Erion pulled Kansas close, pressing kisses to the slender imp's thick hair as he poured out all his love through their bond. Vale curled up on the couch on the other side of Yuji, radiating love outward to all his husbands and to his nephew, his calm presence encouraging Erion to regain even more control over himself.

Vale's control wavered, however, when Sand dropped to the floor without warning, his eyes rolling back. Vale shot off the couch and across the living room with a speed that put Erion to shame, dropping to his knees beside Sand. Sand was completely still, not breathing at all, and Vale's green eyes filled with tears.

"Ithilamin, uumalle verya lemb lye. Uuma auta, edhelamin." Vale's voice broke a little as he repeated the words in Japanese. "My moon, don't you dare to leave us behind. Don't go, my elf." He reached out to touch Sand's cheek, registering Kansas skidding to a stop and dropping next to Sand with a howl of grief. Vale caught Kansas before Kansas could touch Sand, and Kansas squirmed like a wildcat in Vale's arms.

"Breathe, damn you, breathe!" Kansas screamed, his small hands clenched in tight fists and his tears running freely down his cheeks. "I'm not losing you both, you stupid fucking moon elf!"

Sand's back arched sharply, once and then a second time, and he sucked in a terrible, harsh breath, and Kansas screamed wordlessly in sheer relief as Sand keened, a wave of utter, shattering despair rolling off the elf. Vale dragged his hands across his own eyes, dashing away the tears as he released Kansas, feeling no arcane surge from Sand as he had half feared he would. Sand coughed and tried to sit up, an action hampered when he was tackled by the slender imp.

"What the fuck just happened?" Kansas demanded, shivering visibly. "You scared me half to fucking death!"

Sand managed to free one arm, and he wrapped it around Kansas, holding Kansas as best he could. "We almost lost him, I think. For a moment, everything stopped, but I can feel the pain again."

Kansas scrambled off Sand, helping Sand to sit up and petting Sand's face almost frantically. "You feel him? You know he's alive?"

"I can only feel the pain, my Kansas, my sweet husband." Sand held Kansas, tender and gentle despite his own obvious agony. "I know he is with us because my pain is a pale shadow of his. But even this shadow..." Sand's voice trailed off, the moon elf's pallor startling.

Erion was holding Yuji tightly, his eyes dark with worry and grief as he watched Sand and Kansas. Vale stood, just a little less gracefully than normal, his green eyes dark and his lashes still damp, but he had regained his calm demeanor.

"Let's get you back on the couch for a bit, ithilamin. You gave us all a good scare, which is nothing new, mind you." Vale helped Sand to rise to his feet, Kansas firmly attached to Sand's other side as Vale walked the trembling moon elf to the couch. He got Sand settled, Kansas right beside him, small hands stroking Sand's cheeks as Kansas choked back a sob.

"Hold on to him. Don't let him go," Kansas pleaded, looking into Sand's eyes. "Promise me you won't let him go."

Sand managed a small nod, but before he could answer Kansas, the intercom rang. Vale hurried to respond.

"Hayashi Mori residence. Who is calling, please?" Vale asked. Yuji was watching Vale intently, and Kansas was looking over his shoulder as he straddled Sand's lap.

"Afternoon. I am police officer, Hayabashi. I am looking for a Mori Masato." The voice was young and polite, and Vale's eyes closed for the barest second.

"Let me open the gate. Please follow the road to the house. Mori-san is here." Vale pressed the code to open the gate, and then hurried to the front door, Yuji beside him and supporting Sand. Kansas clung to Sand's other side, and Erion hovered beside Kansas, his silver eyes dark with anxiety and grief.

There were two police officers, and the younger officer smoothed his uniform jacket as he bowed respectfully.

"Officer Hayabashi?" Vale asked, bowing politely. "I am Hayashi Akira, and this is my partner, Hayashi Yuji, his ward, Hayashi Tatsuya, and my nephew, Erion Iradil." He then indicated Sand with a nod. "This is Mori Masato. Please, step inside. News should not be delivered on the doorstep."

The officers stepped into the entryway, waiting until Vale had closed the door. The younger officer cleared his throat a little.

"We need to ask first, to be sure. Mori-sama, you are the husband of Mori Satoshi?" When Sand nodded, the officer continued. "Mori-sama, there has been an accident. We are not sure how it happened yet, but Mori Satoshi appears to have been struck by another vehicle while riding his motorcycle." Hayabashi watched as Sand grew even paler, and Kansas began to sob and keen loudly, his hands fisting in his hair. Erion pulled Kansas into his arms, stroking his back as the slender imp wailed. "Mori-san has been taken to the hospital, and your information was obtained from his insurance."

Sand managed a nod to show that he understood, his voice cracking. "He is alive? Please, I need to see him."

Officer Hayabashi's partner stepped forward. "We will take you with us, Mori-sama, of course. He was alive when the ambulance arrived at the hospital, and when we left to come here." He looked at the rest of the family, clustered together and looking stricken. "We can only bring you, Mori-sama, but we will give the directions to the hospital to Hayashi-san."

"No!" Kansas screamed, twisting out of Erion's arms. "No, you have to take me, too! You don't understand! He needs me to be there, too!" Erion tried to tug Kansas back into an embrace, but Kansas just screamed even louder.

"Hush, we'll follow them, baby," Erion soothed.

"He needs me to be there! You don't fucking understand! You weren't there!" Kansas howled, shoving Erion away roughly, and the young elf stumbled a bit, his eyes wide.

Kansas screamed again and then began to cry, great wracking sobs that shook his slim frame, and Vale quickly intervened. "Yuji, can you please take Kansas into the garden for a cigarette or something? I'll be right there."

Yuji looked at Vale, his perfect eyes brimming, and he nodded. "Come on, Kansas." Yuji wrapped the hysterically sobbing Kansas in his arms. "We have to get his favorite sleep pants. You know how he loves those pants. We'll find those and bring them with us." He sank to the steps of the entryway as Kansas went suddenly limp, still sobbing his heart out.

Vale turned, calm and efficient, letting centuries of experience rule him. "Thank you, officers. We will arrange our own transportation, of course. Masato, your jacket is here, and your shoes. Please, go to him and we will be there as quickly as possible." Vale bowed again deeply to the officers. "Thank you for your kindness in taking Mori-san to his husband's side."

"We are sorry to have brought such sad news to your house, Hayashi-san." Hayabashi bowed respectfully, and then he and his partner escorted Sand to their car and left, the lights of their police car flashing.

Vale took a quick breath. "Erion, pop through the portal and let Willow know. She'll probably want to come back here, and if she asks, tell her I think Ryuu's old enough. The other kids should stay with Maela and Sorien."

Erion nodded, his eyes dark but the young elf looked relieved to have a task to perform. "What about the rest of the family?"

Vale nodded. "Good thinking. Maela can get in touch with Evereska. If Sora and Hawk want to come, or Mist and Santhiel, they can stay at Neverwinter and help with the children for now, until we know more. That'll settle Willow's mind."

Erion nodded again. "I'll take care of it." He looked over at Kansas, sobbing piteously in Yuji's arms, Yuji not much better. "I'll be as quick as possible."

"Thank you, ai'edhel." Vale smiled at Erion, and the young elf wheeled off to duck through the portal.

Vale crossed back over to Yuji and Kansas, wrapping his arms around them both. "A'maelamin, alasse'amin, we won't lose him. No matter what it takes, we won't lose him. I need you both to focus just a little bit, though, and get ready to go to the hospital. Erion will be back with Willow, and I'm going to call Satoru."

"Oh, fuck," Yuji moaned. "This is going to kill Satoru."

"Eryn's with him, and I'll ask them to call Momo and Sadao, and Kenji and Yori." Vale pressed a kiss to Yuji's lips and then to Kansas's lips. "Go get ready, and we'll go find our Satoshi. We're not losing him, or anyone."

The police officers drove to the hospital with full lights and sirens, Sand sitting very quietly in the back of the car, his face pale and drawn with pain. He kept stroking the wedding ring on his finger, his blue eyes impossibly dark, and in the lighting of the car, Hayabashi would have sworn that the stricken foreigner was really Japanese.

They arrived at the hospital, and Sand got out of the car, trembling visibly as he hurried into the hospital. He headed for the reception desk, bowing as he spoke to the woman behind the desk, his distress evident.

"My husband, Mori Satoshi, was brought in by ambulance. Please, I need to see him." Sand tried to wait patiently as she checked her computer and then nodded.

"Your name, please?" she asked politely.

"I am Mori Masato," Sand replied. He fumbled in his pocket and found his leather identity card case. He stared at it for a moment, and then handed the case to the woman, his eyes welling with tears. "Please, my husband..."

The woman looked at him with great sympathy, and checked his card quickly. She waved to someone, and a young man came over.

"Please escort Mori-san to Surgical Suite 5." She turned back to Sand. "Sato-san will see to it that you are given scrubs and brought to a waiting area."

Sand bowed, his pale face still etched with pain, unable to touch his beloved Satoshi through their bond but feeling clearly every cut of the scalpel as the doctors worked frantically. He followed Sato blindly, his breath hitching and the tears making it difficult for him to make out the signs. Sato led Sand onto an elevator, and Sand hung on to the rail along the wall as he tried to persuade his knees to hold him up a bit longer, biting back a moan as Satoshi's surgery continued.

Sato led Sand to a small room and handed him surgical scrubs, and Sand looked at him blankly.

"In case you have a chance to see Mori-san," Sato explained. "You can't be near him in your street clothing, because of germs."

Sand nodded dumbly and took the clothing, his hands shaking badly as he tried to unbutton his shirt. Sato gave him a sympathetic look as he stepped out of the room, and Sand attempted to deal with the stubborn shirt for a moment longer before he growled wordlessly and tore it open. Buttons scattered everywhere as Sand began to sob, sinking to his knees and burying his face in the fine Egyptian cotton, trying to muffle his sobs in the fabric.

Sand's entire body was aflame with pain as each of Satoshi's many injuries was addressed, the team of surgeons and nurses working together. It took a great deal of effort, but Sand finally managed to don the scrubs and the soft hospital slippers, and he stepped out of the room and followed Sato to a waiting area, sitting on a couch.

"I will bring you something to drink, Mori-san," Sato said. "Do you prefer tea or coffee?"

Sand looked up at Sato numbly. "I am sorry. Please, whatever is easiest. I cannot..." Sand's voice trailed off as his breath hitched, and he grabbed his right arm in utter agony. Sato's eyes widened just a little, but he merely bowed and left.

Sand struggled not to keen in agony, his breath sharp and harsh as he worked through the pain while trying to allow only his love to radiate outward. He could feel Satoshi, so close, so near, and he stood as soon as the pain became the slightest bit endurable, wandering out of the waiting area and down a hall until he was outside the surgical theater itself. Sand leaned on the wall, his eyes fixed on the door and his arms wrapped around himself.

Sato found him leaning there a few minutes later, and gently led Sand back to the waiting area. "Please Mori-san, it's best to wait here. I brought some tea, and a bento from the cafeteria. I know eating is the last thing on your mind, but you need to take care of yourself."

Sand looked at Sato and bowed politely. "Thank you. You are very kind." He took the tea and sipped it, registering heat but not taste, his stomach roiling a bit at the thought of food.

Sato smiled gently and left, and Sand managed to finish half the tea before he headed back to wait outside the surgical theater again.

Sato brought Sand back to the waiting room and Sand sat there on the couch, his eyes staring off blankly. Satoru walked in with Ryuu's small hand firmly clasped in his hand, Sato right behind them. Sand did not even seem to register their arrival, and Satoru's eyes were gentle and sad as he gently stroked Sand's hair.

"Masato-san, Eri-chan and I are here, and the rest of the family from the estate. Momo-san is on his way, and so is Kenji-san. You're not alone," Satoru kept his voice gentle, and Sand slowly seemed to realize that Satoru was there.

"Shuuto?" Sand shivered a little, his eyes filled with pain. "They have not let me see him yet."

"Shh, soon," Satoru soothed.

Ryuu slipped out of Satoru's grasp and stood in front of Sand, and Sand looked at the small boy with Satoshi's gorgeous eyes and bit back a sob.

"It's okay, tousan," Ryuu whispered. "I love you, and I know that chichi is going to be alright because you're here and you won't let anything happen." Ryuu slipped his small arms around Sand's neck, and pressed a gentle kiss to Sand's cheek.

Sand held Ryuu close for a moment, just cherishing the feeling of his son in his arms. "Thank you, sochi-chan. Thank you for trusting me. I love you so much, Ryuu-kun." Sand kissed Ryuu's velvet cheek and nuzzled his thick hair, managing a small smile. "Are they telling you everything, Satoru-san? I will insist that they do. You are his father, and should know as much as I."

"It's alright, Masato-san. They're informing me fully," Satoru said gently. "I'm going to take Ryuu back outside for a bit, but we are here. You're not alone."

Sato escorted Satoru and Ryuu back to the large waiting room outside the surgical suites, and by the time he got back, Sand was standing outside the surgical theater again.

The third time Sato found Sand keeping his vigil outside the surgical theater, he did not bother to lead Sand back to the waiting room. Sato brought a small stool over, and placed it against the wall, where Sand would be most out of the way, and he guided Sand over to the stool and seated him. Sato left with a small bow, Sand's devotion to his Satoshi touching Sato deeply.

Sand sat there quietly, never moving and remaining as silent as possible, his eyes never leaving the door to the surgical theater until finally, one doctor emerged, his scrubs covered with blood and his face haggard with exhaustion. He spoke with Sato, nodded, and walked over to Sand and bowed.

Sand stood, stiff and awkward, and bowed deeply. Sand's eyes were blazing as he looked at the surgeon, his whole body trembling visibly.

"Mori-sama? I am Tanaka, the senior surgeon. I led the team working on your husband." Tanaka nodded to Sand. "I don't know if you were told anything at all."

Sand shook his head. "Only that he was hurt." Sand's voice was soft and broken, and his eyes welled again as he struggled to stay calm.

"Your husband's injuries were very severe, but in many ways, he was fortunate. There was very little internal bleeding, and he is young and healthy." Tanaka paused, looking at Sand gravely. "I'll run down the gist of his injuries. His right arm was completely shattered, and the shoulder so badly broken that it required a lot of repair. His right hand is broken in three places, and two fingers are broken. His right femur is broken, and his right knee is twisted and was dislocated. His left hand had one broken bone and three dislocated fingers, with some bleeding into the joints. His left shin is fractured. He has seven broken ribs, three on the right and four on the left, one of which punctured his lung. His pelvis is fractured, and there's some bruising to his left kidney. His left cheekbone is broken, and he has a fracture on the left side of his jaw."

Sand listened to the litany of injuries, his eyes never leaving Tanaka. Part of him absorbed the catalog of injuries, while a larger part of him screamed soundlessly, howling at the gods for visiting this on Sand's gentle Satoshi. Each word hit Sand like a blow, and he struggled not to allow the despair that rose within him to drown everything out.

"Please, I need to see him," Sand finally whispered, nothing else having any meaning. Sand looked at Tanaka, willing the surgeon to understand that the entire multiverse boiled down to just one thing, and that was Satoshi's sweet smile. "Just... He is my everything." The scalding tears spilled down Sand's cheeks, and he lifted one slim hand, the faintly scarred fingers covering his eyes as he struggled to remember how to breathe.

Tanaka found himself moved deeply, and he nodded. "Only for a moment, and then he must go to recovery. Sato-san will take you to the waiting area after that, until we have assigned a room for Mori-san."

Sand nodded, unable to speak, and he followed Tanaka to the door of the surgical theater. Tanaka opened the door and nodded, and they wheeled out the gurney with Satoshi on it, and Sand staggered and caught himself on the wall.

Satoshi was swathed in white gauze and plaster, clear tubes draining bloody fluids from the surgical sites while a tube assisted his breathing. His face was pale, and bruised, and curiously naked and vulnerable without his piercings, and Sand had to force himself not to climb on the gurney and hold Satoshi. He reached out one hand, not quite touching Satoshi, and his voice was so soft that Tanaka had to strain to hear him.

"Oh, saiai, do not leave me. I have quite forgotten how to exist without you beside me, you know. Aishiteru, Satoshi." Sand let his hand fall away, and he crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

[searching for kim possible fic]

Kim Possible: The Impossibilities Series

[I hope this is the right place: If not, where ? link to the counseling group moved from story to here for TOS compliance]

A better place would be here. That is where people can share links to outside sites freely. This thread is for questions directed to the staff, and hopefully, I've answered your question!

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[Flashbacks in Fiction]

I should be glad there was no *sweatdrop*, hmm?

[Flashbacks in Fiction]

I must whimper and share...

"You mean the one with the short blonde hair and grey eyes," Draco said looking at Harry suspiciously.

"Yeah."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"What," Harry finally asked.

"Nothing," Draco sighed.

The Manga School of Fan Fiction Writing needs to be razed to the ground.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand managed a bright enough smile as he picked up the platter of fruit Vale had cut and arranged for teatime, bringing it to the dining room where Hikaru was concentrating fiercely on laying out chopsticks and spoons neatly under Aika's supervision. She had folded the napkins prettily and arranged them on each plate, and Sand could not help but chuckle at the way Aika watched her little brother with a mixture of exasperation and pride.

"It all looks lovely, my dears," Sand complimented, placing the platter on the table. "Thank you for all your help."

Aika beamed and Hikaru grinned happily, and they hurried off as Sand turned to go back into the kitchen to see what else Vale wanted brought out. He did not make it out of the dining room, however. A pain like nothing else he had ever known before ripped through his body, and Sand bit back a scream as he crumpled to the floor like a stone, his breathing labored as he struggled to remain conscious.

Kansas raced over to Sand as he fell, wrapping his arms around the moon elf who was trembling violently. Vale flew out of the kitchen as well, his green eyes wide as he looked at his pair of husbands.

"What's wrong, ithilamain?" Vale asked, his face filled with concern as he knelt beside Kansas, leaning over to gather Sand up in his arms. "What's happened?"

Kansas grabbed Sand's hand and burst into tears, his face crumpling. “It’s Satoshi, isn’t it? Something’s happened,” Kansas said between loud sobs and Sand nodded, struggling to form words past the pain as it rose again and again in fresh waves.

“I think so. Our bond is silent. I can barely feel him." Sand gasped and stiffened as the pain seemed to swell one more time, and then subsided into a steady agony. "And there is so much pain. So much pain.” Sand’s voice broke as tears filled his eyes, and he pulled Kansas into his arms while leaning into Vale's strong embrace.

Vale helped Sand to sit up, stroking Sand's hair with tender concern, his eyes searching Sand's pale face as Sand struggled to bring his ragged breathing under control. Kansas sat in front of Sand, the elf's icy hand between Kansas's small and equally cold hands, his eyes the palest silver as he worried at his lip with pearly teeth. It was Satoshi's own gesture, and Sand watched Kansas with love and fear mingled in his dark blue eyes.

Yuji was sitting beside Sand, stroking Sand's back, his perfect eyes dark with worry. Vale was curled up next to Yuji, his green eyes pale with distress and his hands shaking.

"I can't feel him," Vale breathed, and Kansas's face fell as he began to sob again.

Sand reached out and pulled Kansas into his arms, and Kansas could feel Sand's body shivering. “I can feel him, anoramin.” Sand's voice trembled as he spoke, the elf gritting his teeth against the pain he still felt. “He is in such pain. I cannot even go to him because I cannot use our bond to gauge whether he is alone or not, and I dare not appear before witnesses." Sand's voice wavered and broke. "There is nothing but pain. I cannot even tell whether he can sense me.”

It was Yuji's turn to shiver, his voice shaking as he asked, "Do you think he had an accident?"

Kansas cried out, and Sand hugged him close, stroking his hair. Erion sobbed a little and Yuji wrapped his arms around the little elf, looking at Vale with despair in his eyes.

Vale drew a deep breath to calm himself, then he reached for Sand’s cellphone. Vale's voice was a little business-like when he spoke.

“I’ll try to call him.” Vale said, quickly hitting the speed dial for Satoshi, and the other four held their breath while they listened to the phone ring on the other end. When Satoshi did not answer, Vale hung up and then punched in another number.

“Matsu-san? Hello, this is Hayashi Akira. I just need to ask you, did Satoshi leave the studio?” Vale said warmly, but his tone was slightly urgent under the friendly manner. He listened intently for a moment. “No, he hasn’t come home yet. Kansas and Masato are both worried about him.”

Sand stared up at the blond elf while he listened again and then nodded.

“Did he? Thank you very much, Matsu-san. I’ll call him," Vale said, his voice calm. "Yes, of course. Thank you, Matsu-san.”

Vale hung up and his thumb danced over the number pad on the screen quickly before he put the phone to his ear again. “Kohaku-san? Hello, this is Hayashi Akira. Matsu-san told me you were headed in our direction. Satoshi-san hasn’t come home yet, and we are worried about him. Kansas has a bad feeling about this. Did you see him on your way?”

Vale listened for a while, then nodded his head as he answered, “We don’t want to inconvenience you so…” Vale trailed off, then nodded again. “Thank you so much, Kohaku-san. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but it would set our minds at ease. Yes, please call us when you turn back on your usual way. Thank you.”

Vale hung up and stroked Yuji’s cheek lovingly as he told the others, “Kohaku-san says he’ll drive a part of the way towards our house. He has a photoshoot and it's on his way, so he’ll drive a part of the way that Satoshi would take home. He’ll call us when he turns back on his way."

Yuji grabbed Vale’s arm and pulled Vale into an embrace, effectively squishing Erion between them. Erion squeaked a tiny bit, but wrapped his arms around Yuji tightly, holding on for dear life.

"Thank you, Vale. That was perfect, to think of calling Matsu-san. And we owe Kohaku-san a great many thanks for this." Yuji managed a trembling smile for Vale, and Vale leaned over Erion to kiss Yuji tenderly.

"Now, we really can't sit here on the floor all night." Vale's voice was loving, but there was a slight briskness to it, a tone that both Sand and Yuji recognized as Vale's Cloaktower voice. Vale put an arm around Kansas, helping the little imp to his feet and pressing a loving kiss to Kansas's thick hair. "Will you take Sand to the living room, alasse'amin? Yuji, you can help Kansas with Sand." Vale held out a hand to Erion. "Do you think you're up to helping me with the children, ai'edhel?"

Erion took a deep breath and grasped Vale's hand. "Of course I'll help. What do you want me to do?"

"For now, let's get them corralled and at least get the little ones distracted. I want to talk to Ryuu a moment." Vale patted Erion's shoulder. "It's going to be alright, Erion. We can't worry about 'what ifs' right now."

Erion nodded and went in search of Hikaru and Aika, while Vale found Ryuu standing off to the side down the hall, his small face a picture of misery. Vale held out his arms to Ryuu, and the little boy ran into Vale's arms and buried his face in Vale's chest.

"Ryuu-kun, I know you're scared right now, but I need you to do something for me. I need you to close down your shields, as tightly as you can, like Adalon taught you." Vale pressed a kiss to the soft hair of the little boy. "This could turn out to be nothing at all, and that's what we're all going to hope for, alright? But in case it's a little bad, I don't want you getting a big dose of scared from tousan, who broadcasts louder than our old neighbors on baseball nights."

There was a muffled little giggle from Vale's chest, and then Ryuu's arms tightened around Vale. "Promise me you'll take care of him, keifu. Promise me you'll take care of all of them."

"You have my promise, sochi-chan." Vale stroked Ryuu's hair lovingly. "I'll make sure no one falls."

Willow came up quietly, leaning down to take Ryuu in her arms. "I know you're going to be very brave so that the little kids don't get scared, but promise me you'll tell me or keifu if you need some help."

"I promise, Mama," Ryuu said, his voice firming up even if his chin still wobbled just a tiny bit.

Willow gave Ryuu a beautiful smile. "My big boy. You're so grown up already, my sweetheart. Now, go give Erion a hand before Takara breaks him."

Vale tucked Willow into his arms, kissing her lightly on the lips. She looked up into Vale's green eyes, her own beautiful blue-grey eyes letting him know that she would not stand for any bullshit. "How bad is it?"

Vale sighed. "I can't feel Satoshi at all, and Sand says all he feels is pain. Yuji and Sand and Kansas are going to be next to useless if this is as bad as I'm starting to think it is."

Willow nodded. "I'll take the kids to Neverwinter. I can work there, and I have Maela and Sorien to give me a hand. If I need to, I'll ask Falon to come and help out." She reached up to pat Vale's cheek. "I won't insult you by reminding you to take care of yourself, too, sweets. You'll just give me that, 'I run the fucking Cloaktower' shit."

Vale chuckled a little, Willow never ceasing to delight him even in darker moments like this. "After two hundred idiot mages, I think three husbands and a nephew are pretty manageable. But don't go until we know more. I'd hate to scare the kids more than they already are." Vale sighed deeply. "I'd kill for a fucking whiskey, but I don't want anyone to think I'm even the littlest bit impaired."

They walked back to the living room, where Kansas was curled up in Sand's arms on one couch, his face buried in Sand's chest. Sand was stroking Kansas's back, his face pale and his eyes dark with pain. Yuji was on the other side of Kansas, one hand tangled in Sand's hair while his other hand stroked Kansas's thick mane. Erion's bright voice drifted in from the playroom, and it was only Vale's keen hearing that let him pick out the faint undercurrent of worry in the young elf's words.

Willow hurried over to put her arms around Yuji, kissing him lovingly. "Hey, pouty, don't get all crazy yet, okay? He's a survivor, our Satoshi. He's lived through shit that would have killed any of us."

"I know, chippy." Yuji pulled Willow into his arms, his perfect eyes welling with tears as he held onto her tightly. "I just can't help worrying."

Sand's cellphone rang, startling Vale who yanked it out of his pocket and glanced at the screen before answering the call. "Moshi moshi. Kohaku-san, is there news?" Vale listened intently, his face growing pale, and Kansas sobbed loudly. "How sure are you?" Vale nodded as he listened. "I'm sorry, I understand. Of course they won't let you closer." Vale sucked in a harsh breath, and his eyes closed for a moment as Kohaku continued. The living room was so silent that they could all make out the sound of Kohaku's urgent voice. "Thank you, Kohaku-san. Thank you so much for doing this for us, and for calling. Yes, I know. All we can do is wait until we're contacted. Thank you, and I'll call and let you know as soon as I know more."

Vale ended the call, his eyes filled with pain. "Kohaku-san said he came across an accident scene on his way. It was near the off ramp Satoshi would have taken. There was a motorcycle, cherry red like Satoshi's bike, stuck under the guardrail, and someone in leathers being taken into an ambulance." Vale took a deep breath. "He was sure it was Satoshi, but the police wouldn't tell him anything. If it was him, they'll call or come to the house, I'm sure of it."

Willow hugged Yuji tightly, holding him for a long moment before standing and looking at Vale. "I'll take the kids to Neverwinter. Remember what I said." She kissed Sand and Kansas lovingly. "Be strong, my sweethearts. I love you."

Vale listened to her bright voice from the playroom. "Hey, how about dinner in Neverwinter? Malea says she misses you all, and Sorien needs advice about a treehouse." The whoops and cheers that greeted her words made Vale smile faintly as he listened to then all head off through the portal. Erion came back in to the living room and made a beeline for Yuji, burrowing in for comfort. Vale curled up on the other side of Sand, staring at the phone like it was going to attack at any moment, his heart heavy.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand slid the door to his room closed and wrapped his arms around Vale, his lips soft as he kissed the blond elf tenderly. "I am glad to have this time with you, anoramin."

"Mmm," Vale purred, pressing himself along the length of Sand's body, his green eyes glittering. "I'm never adverse to spending a little time with you, either, ithilamin. I told Yuji I was in the mood for elf tonight." Vale slid his fingers into Sand's raven hair, deepening the kiss as he pressed his rapidly hardening cock against his elven husband, moving his hips in a sinuous wriggle that made Sand gasp a little.

"You are unimaginably wanton tonight," Sand murmured, his deep blue eyes darkening with desire.

Vale laughed, and it was a rich and throaty sound that ran down Sand's spine like liquid heat. "Am I? That's good to know. I thought maybe I was being too subtle." Vale nipped at Sand's lower lip, green eyes promising a long but enjoyable night. "Let's see, where do I want to start?" Vale ran his tongue along Sand's jaw and traced the sweep of Sand's ear to the tip, which Vale suckled hard.

Sand felt his knees try to buckle as Vale's teeth scraped lightly against the tip of his ear, and his own long, faintly scarred fingers cupped the firm globes of Vale's ass through his tight blue jeans as Sand ground his own thick cock against Vale. "You are a most wicked elf, anoramin, but it will take more than that to undo me."

"Oh, a challenge." Vale's breath was hot against Sand's ear, and deft fingers dropped and trailed down Sand's chest to unbutton his fine cotton shirt. "I'm very good at challenges, you know. Yuji makes sure I don't get too complacent."

"Oh, does he? And shall I benefit from his diligence?" Sand let Vale slide the shirt off his shoulders, his blue eyes closing briefly as he savored the sensation of elven fingers sliding down his arms.

"That depends, ithilamin, on just how willing you are to play," Vale purred. His fingers were already busy with Sand's pants, unfastening the waistband and opening the buttons that secured Sand's jeans.

Sand let Vale slide the jeans past his hips, stepping out of them and pushing them aside with a slim bare foot. "And what will we play, rwalaeramin, my lusty one?"

Vale's green eyes were glittering as he smiled very slowly. His slender fingers dipped beneath the waistband of Sand's silk boxers and paused. "Lye tyaluva ie' almare, maikaramin." Vale's fingers tightened, and he tore the boxers away in a single swift motion. "We shall play at bliss, my demi-god," Vale repeated, and his hot mouth fastened on Sand's mouth, his tongue teasing Sand's lips open and slipping in to plunder Sand's mouth with delicate persistence.

Vale did not relent until Sand was breathless, his fingers lacing tightly with Sand's fingers to keep Sand from tugging at Vale's clothing. Sand looked at his elven husband, a smile curving his own lips. "Bliss, is it? Well, then, what would you have of me?"

Vale's gaze was molten. "That's an offer I wouldn't make too lightly if I were you, ithilamin. You just never know what is it that might intrigue me these days. But don't worry, I'll play nicely, vanimaedhel, beautiful elf. Why don't you relax while I get more comfortable?"

Vale watched as Sand settled himself on the bed, elegant and lean, his scarred torso still utterly beautiful to Vale's eyes. The tattoos on Sand's arms were bright and lovely, his pale skin a perfect backdrop for Kua's mastery. Vale smiled and sauntered over with a tall glass of whiskey, offering it to Sand with that same heated look. The wordplay and little games of touch were powerfully arousing, and Vale's jeans were uncomfortably tight, but he had no intention of rushing things. Uncomfortable was just a state of mind, after all, and Vale could ignore a great deal more than the pressure of tight jeans.

Vale walked back to the middle of the room, his hips swaying deliciously and his back to Sand as he teased his t-shirt slowly up above the waistband of his tight jeans. Vale's lean muscles rippled under his flawless golden skin as he drew the t-shirt over his head languidly, shaking out his thick blond mane and letting it ripple in shimmering waves down his back. Sand gave an appreciative growl, and Vale looked over his shoulder with a sultry smile.

"The view's good?" Vale asked, one eyebrow arching slightly.

"Why do I always seem to forget just how very beautiful you are, maledhelamin, my golden elf?" Sand asked, his voice thick with desire. Sand drew one knee up slowly, his generous cock hard and inviting in its nest of raven curls, one long-fingered hand draped over his raised knee.

"Because it's more enjoyable to discover it anew each time, iskaedhelamin, my pale elf." Vale turned slowly, his hips swaying, and he ran his hands over his chest, teasing his tight nipples and dancing over the taut planes of his stomach. "Oh, celebedhelamin, my silver elf, you're so very enticing like that. Do you see what you do to me?" Vale palmed his own hard cock through the fabric of his jeans with a wanton little moan.

Sand's cock jumped at the sound of that moan. Sand was so attuned to the slightest nuance of Vale's emotions that the thrill of desire that rippled through Vale raced through Sand's blood as well, and he had to fight the urge to fist himself. A long drool of precum spilled onto Sand's belly, and his eyes darkened nearly to indigo as he watched Vale.

Vale toyed with the button of his waistband, his eyes locked on Sand's eyes. The tip of Vale's pink tongue darted out to moisten his full lower lip, and he let his head fall back a bit as one hand snaked beneath the waistband of his jeans. Vale moaned again and drew his hand back out slowly, slipping his middle fingers into his mouth and sucking them delicately.

"The things you do to me, my wicked elf," Sand murmured. "Do you plan on teasing me all night?"

Vale let his eyes widen just slightly, and he pulled his fingers out of his mouth with a soft pop. "Have I been teasing you, ithilamin? I'm wicked indeed. I'll have to think of a way to make it up to you." Vale opened his jeans and wriggled them past his slim hips. Unlike Sand, Vale was wearing knit boxers, skin tight and straining to contain his cock, and Sand swallowed hard at the sight.

Vale moved toward the bed, sinuous and graceful, like a hunting cat, and Sand smiled in anticipation as Vale crawled up the tatami bed, his green eyes never leaving Sand's blue eyes. Sand expected Vale to pause, but the blond elf did not stop until he was kneeling at Sand's side.

"Just in the spirit of turnaround being fair play, would you care to finish undressing me?" Vale purred. He tilted his hips with indolent ease, offering himself blatantly to the raven haired moon elf.

Sand took a long sip of whiskey, considering the delectable elf kneeling in front of him, his hard cock barely restrained. Sand carefully set his tumbler down on the nightstand and moved with equal grace, kneeling and pressing himself against the golden vision beside him, plundering Vale's willing mouth as he slid the tight boxers past Vale's cock and over the smooth globes of his ass.

Vale moaned into the kiss, grinding his cock against Sand as Sand ran his hands over the silken skin of Vale's ass. "Nicely played, ithilamin. That deserves a reward." Vale's hands tangled in Sand's raven hair and Vale moved his wicked mouth to Sand's ear tip again. Sand felt his knees nearly buckle once more as Vale nipped sharply at the sensitive point before suckling it. Vale barely registered the sound of the door sliding open, and Satoshi's delighted giggle at the spectacle on his bed. Sand was incapable of more than clutching Vale's shoulders and attempting to remain upright, his eyes fluttering closed under Vale's determined assault

Vale's mouth dropped to Sand's collarbone, and he bit lightly, Sand's sharp hiss of pleasure music to Vale's ears. Vale's mouth was still moving, hot wet kisses and sucks sliding lower until Vale had captured Sand's nipple in his mouth, laving it with his tongue before sucking hard on the tight nub. Sand's back arched involuntarily as sparks ran along his nerves straight to his belly and to his spine, and his eyes widened a little. Vale had always been shy and somewhat hesitant in bed in the past, and although Sand had seen Vale growing more confident with Yuji, this supremely assured creature of pure seduction was nothing short of magnificent.

Sand gasped again as he felt that talented tongue set to work licking the precum that had collected on Sand's taut stomach, glistening on the spiderweb of pale scars that marked his encounter with a red dragon. Vale's tongue traced the scars delicately, working its way through a complicated web until it reached its goal, and Sand howled softly as Vale's tongue wrapped around the head of his aching cock. Sand felt himself being lowered to the bed, his hands fisting in Vale's thick mane as Vale swallowed his cock to the root and purred happily.

Sand could no more have stopped his balls from drawing up and emptying than he could have halted the progression of the sun across the sky. The moon elf's back arched like a bow, and Vale wrapped his arms around pale thighs as he drank down every drop of Sand's thick cum, sliding his mouth back a little so that he could savor Sand's taste. Sand's hips bucked and he shuddered, Vale milking him dry. By the time Vale released Sand's cock with a last lick along the shaft, Sand's breathing had recovered enough for him to manage a few words.

"Apology accepted, anoramin." Sand concentrated on commanding his fingers to loosen and release Vale's hair. "You always did have lovely manners, though."

Vale's chuckle was slightly wicked as the blond elf slid graceful up along Sand's supine form. He teased a strand of raven hair away from Sand's face, leaning in to kiss Sand lingeringly. "And you were always my favorite dessert." His hand drifted down to cup Sand's hipbone before his long fingers were encircling Sand's cock, already stiffening again. Vale slid his thumb over Sand's Prince Albert piercing, teasing the ring and flicking it from side to side until he was rewarded by the first bead of precum.

"I do not get a drink first?" Sand teased, his fingers tracing the triple spiral piercing in Vale's graceful ear. Vale moaned with pleasure, his green eyes darkening, and he moved to straddle Sand, his heavy balls brushing across Sand's belly. Sand tried to shift in an effort to wriggle out from under Vale, thinking to taste Vale's cock in his turn, but Vale was having none of that. Instead, Vale caught Sand's hand and began to lick and suck his faintly scarred fingers, his tongue twining around each finger with carnal abandon.

When Sand's fingers were wet enough, Vale released Sand's hand, rising up on his knees and spreading his thighs a little more as Sand's long fingers slid between the golden globes of his ass to circle the tight pucker hidden between them. As tight as the muscle was, Sand could feel it loosen in response to his stroking, Vale's responses as finely tuned as the best of the aina'melarim. In fact, Sand would have judged Vale far superior to even the best of the sacred lovers.

Sand let one finger slide past the wrinkled pucker, Vale opening easily to allow his finger entry, and Sand felt the slickness of Vale's prepared ass. Sand's eyes widened slightly, and Vale looked down at him with that wanton glitter in his green eyes.

"I'm always ready," Vale reminded Sand. "You're just reaping the benefits tonight." Vale writhed as Sand added a second finger, and Sand had to wonder for a moment if Vale was referring to the lube he had already inserted or to the way Vale could relax his pucker so easily with a mere touch. Sand was quite sure Vale would not explain if he asked, though, and then Vale was wrapping long fingers around Sand's cock and the thought vanished.

As Sand's fingers slid out of Vale's ass, he retained enough presence of mind to pull out a little lube with them, slicking Vale's pucker and then the head of his own cock. That was his last coherent thought for a few moments as the dizzying heat and tightness of Vale's ass engulfed Sand's cock, the golden elf sliding down firmly until he had taken all of Sand within his tight ass. Sand stilled almost instinctively, thinking to give Vale time to adjust, but Vale undulated his hips languidly, his arms lifting as he tangled his hands in his own hair. Vale rose up with a flex of his long thighs, only to slam back down firmly, his heavy balls bouncing a little on Sand's tight belly.

"You are so tight, anoramin," Sand managed, his hands sliding up silken skin to try and capture his agile husband.

Vale wriggled and evaded capture, moaning as he rose and fell again, Sand's thick cock igniting a fire in his belly as it churned within him. "Seldarine, your cock's glorious, ithilamin." Vale writhed a bit, grinding himself down on Sand with a happy groan.

"Let me up a bit," Sand pleaded, and Vale relented, letting Sand sit up. Sand wrapped his hands around Vale's narrow waist, while Vale buried slim fingers in Sand's hair, easing himself back down onto Sand's thick cock with a purr of bliss. It was Sand's turn to tease a bit, his tongue darting out to flick one of Vale's golden nipple rings, and Vale's wanton moan sent another shiver up Sand's spine.

Vale's cock was trapped between his own groin and Sand's chest, and as Vale rose and fell on Sand's cock, his own cock was subjected to relentless friction. It was getting harder for Vale to hold back, his balls almost painfully full as Sand switched his attentions to the other pierced nipple. Vale reached between them, meaning to press hard at the base of his own cock and push back his orgasm, but Sand stopped him.

"Come for me, anoramin," Sand murmured. "I want to see you in the throes of pleasure."

Vale pressed himself against Sand, trapping his cock tightly between them, Sand's cock buried deep in Vale's ass as Vale rolled his hips. Sand covered one pebbled nipple with his hot mouth, tugging sharply on the ring in the other nipple, and Vale's head fell back as his back arched.

"Saes, amin naa tulien," Vale gasped, and his balls emptied, his cum hot as it painted both elves with thick white ribbons.

Sand held tightly to Vale, watching the rapture that colored Vale's cheeks and ear tips rosy, Vale's lips parted as he cried out wordlessly. Vale's ass tightened impossibly around Sand's thick cock, and had Vale not just drunk Sand down not so very long before, Sand would have been driven over the edge just from that wonderful pressure alone. Instead, Sand rocked his hips, his thick cock maintaining Vale's orgasm even longer as Vale's fingers tangled in Sand's silky black hair.

"So beautiful," Sand whispered, his eyes bright with love as he continued to rock while Vale shuddered and fell forward against Sand. "I do not think the Seldarine themselves could match this beauty in my arms." Sand dragged his tongue over the cum that decorated Vale's chest, lapping it up with evident delight.

Vale's eyes were emerald fire as he tilted Sand's face up and kissed Sand deeply, tasting himself on Sand's tongue, feeling Sand's cock churning within his ass as Sand plundered that willing heat.

"It's your turn to let go, ithilamin," Vale murmured, nuzzling Sand's hair as he lifted himself up only to slam back down on Sand's waiting cock. "Quanta'amin, saes. Fill me, please." Vale wriggled his hips as he ground down, hissing a little as he sent waves of pleasure racing up his own spine.

Sand chuckled a little, but he was close himself now, the feeling of Vale's silky skin against his skin, the scent of his elven husband enough to make his blood race. "How can I refuse when you ask so prettily?"

Sand wrapped his faintly scarred fingers around Vale's hips, guiding Vale as Vale picked up the pace until Sand's back arched and he growled, his balls drawing up as his hips bucked sharply. Vale ground down at the same time, perfectly in tune with Sand, and Vale moaned happily as he felt the searing heat of Sand's cum filling his ass. Vale's lips found Sand's lips, and Vale let himself get lost in the kiss and the wash of sated bliss that radiated from Sand.

When Sand was milked of every drop, Vale eased himself off Sand's cock, and the elven pair lay down and curled into each other, stroking each other tenderly. Vale traced some of Sand's scars idly, leaning in to kiss where his fingers stroked, working his way around to Sand's back and the four thick parallel scars that ran diagonally from Sand's right shoulder to his left hip.

"You really aren't very good at ducking, are you?" Vale teased, kissing the wide ridges and working his way down to the small of Sand's back.

Sand looked over his shoulder at his blond husband, watching Vale nibble his way over the curve of Sand's ass. "You are still in the mood for dessert?"

Vale looked up, his green eyes glittering. "I'm in the mood for something." He moved, sliding along Sand's side with that easy grace of his, working his way between Sand's thighs. Vale ran his hands over Sand's ass, feeling the smooth skin and leaning down to nip and suck a rosy little mark on one pale cheek, much to Sand's amusement.

Vale parted the cheeks of Sand's ass, revealing Sand's puckered ring. With a wanton moan, Vale lowered his head and teased the wrinkled opening with his tongue, circling it delicately before swiping his tongue firmly across it. Sand moaned as well, his ass lifting slightly into the caress, and Vale let his tongue swipe across the tight pucker again.

"Such things you do, anoramin," Sand purred, his ass lifting a little more to give Vale better access.

Vale chuckled, throaty and dark, and the tip of his tongue pressed at the center of Sand's pucker, lightly at first and then with growing insistence until the muscle relaxed and Vale was able to breach Sand's ass with his tongue. Sand moaned, louder this time, his cock hardened already as Vale drove his tongue into Sand's ass firmly, wiggling it a bit to loosen the muscle further. Vale's tongue pressed in even more and Sand stiffened as lights exploded behind his eyes, a groan escaping his lips as he pressed back onto that wicked tongue.

Vale let his thumbs slide into Sand's ass as he lifted his head, green eyes wide and dark with desire. Sand's ass was well loosened, the tight pucker gaping invitingly. Sand drew his knees underneath himself, bringing his ass up fully in a clear invitation.

"Lube?" Vale asked, his voice husky.

"There is no need," Sand replied.

Vale smiled, his face radiant as he lined his cock up with Sand's eager ass, pressing past the loosened pucker easily and driving in to the root in a single fluid thrust as Sand pressed backward.

"Ithilamin," Vale moaned, grinding himself against Sand's pale ass. "You're so hot and so damned tight."

Sand chuckled, pressing back into the grind, loving the burn of Vale's quick entry. It was just the right side of painful, and Sand wasted no time in urging Vale to move. "I relish this, maledhelamin, my golden elf. Do not hold back."

Vale laughed with delight, and he settled back onto his heels, his long fingers wrapped around Sand's hips to make sure he did not lose his moon elf as he shifted. Vale slid one arm under Sand and lifted, assisting Sand as he rose up, his thighs straddling Vale's thighs as his ass rested on Vale's lap. Vale's hand slid up to toy with Sand's tight little nipple, the other arm wrapping around Sand's slim waist as Vale began to rock.

Sand's head fell back as Vale's cock churned within him, lazy thrusts that pressed against his already sensitized prostate and sent heat coiling through Sand's belly. The piercing below the head of Vale's cock only added to the delicious sensations rocking the moon elf, and Vale's hot tongue snaked out to glide along the shell of Sand's ear until it reached the tip. Vale caught the delicate point between his lips and suckled it, and Sand howled a little as his cock jumped and leaked precum freely.

"Oh, ithilamin, I'm going to make you come undone," Vale purred, and nipped Sand's ear tip sharply as he bucked his hips upward. The hand that had been toying with Sand's nipples slipped down the hard planes of Sand's stomach until Vale reached Sand's cock. Wrapping his fingers firmly around that generous cock, Vale began to stroke Sand firmly in time with his increasingly deep thrusts.

Sand's head was still resting on Vale's shoulder, and Sand turned his head, blue eyes glazed with heat as he angled for a kiss. Vale obliged, plundering Sand's mouth as he plundered Sand's ass. Vale's free hand found Sand's nipple again, and Vale pinched and twisted the tender nub sharply, and Sand screamed into the kiss as he came, thick spurts of cum arching out as his ass clamped down on Vale's cock like a velvet fist. Sand's entire body was trembling, his eyes fluttering closed as Vale thrust a few more times before he came with a wanton growl. Vale claimed Sand's mouth, Sand's kiss-swollen lips sweet as the moon elf shuddered helplessly in Vale's arms, his tight ass milking Vale of every drop of cum.

When Sand was breathless and all but limp in Vale's arms, Vale eased the moon elf forward, letting his cock slide out of Sand's ass as Sand moaned in sated bliss. Vale reached for the tumbler of whiskey on the nightstand, his own breathing a little ragged, and he took a deep drink. Vale took another mouthful and leaned over Sand, teasing Sand's mouth open a little with his thumb before pressing his lips to Sand's lips and letting the whiskey trickle in. Sand's slim hand buried itself in Vale's hair as he accepted the drink, mewling a little into the kiss.

Vale finally broke the kiss, green eyes liquid with love and desire as he settled down beside Sand. "Amin mela lle, ithilamin, ten'oio." He kissed Sand sweetly, cupping Sand's cheek in one hand. "I love you, my moon, forever."

"Anoramin, edhelamin," Sand murmured, his blue eyes dark and tender. "My sun, my elf. I am eternally in love with you, my sweet Vale, and that will never change." He chuckled a little, and there was exhaustion in his voice. "But I am undone, my dear one. Will you join me for my reverie?"

"For a while, my moon. I'll hold you while you reverie." Vale kissed Sand tenderly one more time, and watched as Sand drifted into the most peaceful reverie he had been able to enter for many weeks, idly stroking the silky black hair of his elven husband. Vale did not let himself slip into reverie, content to watch Sand and let himself drift in a light meditation instead.

Vale had no idea how long they spent like that, when he decided that he would slip down the hall to his own room, and check on Yuji. He had the vaguest recollection of hearing Satoshi's bright giggle at some point, although Vale was not quite sure if he had really heard that or merely imagined it. Vale had told Yuji that he was going to steal Sand away for the night, and he knew Yuji well enough to be sure that Satoshi was in bed with him. Vale smiled as he walked lightly down the hall, opening the door to his room silently, his keen ears picking up a soft gasp.

"What is wrong with you? What is going on in Neko world, baby? Why does this feel like a good bye?" Yuji's whisper struck Vale's heart like an icy spear, and his breath hitched a little as Yuji went on. "I can’t lose you, Satoshi. Don’t do this, baby, don’t let go. Why do I feel like you’re saying good bye? Please don’t. I can’t let you go. I can’t lose you."

Vale moved quickly, slipping into the bed and wrapping his arms around Yuji, burying his face in the imp's long blond hair. "I'm here, a'maelamin."

Yuji turned, his perfect eyes wet with tears in the dim light of the room, and he reached out to hold Vale tightly, soft sobs escaping him as he buried his face in Vale's chest. "I can't lose him, Vale, I can't, but it feels like he's letting go. I could feel it in our bond, like a tug."

Vale's green eyes welled with tears as he remembered the last time he had slept with Satoshi, and that strange feeling as Satoshi had drifted off to sleep. It had coursed through their bond, and it felt like letting go, and Vale gasped a little as he whispered his own fears into Yuji's ear. "He did the same thing to me, my love. He was saying goodbye, only he hid it in words of love."

Yuji pressed his face deeper into Vale's chest, but his arms tightened a little around Satoshi, as if to hold the pierced imp there in case he decided to disappear in the night. Yuji's long fingers stroked the back of Satoshi's head as Yuji began to cry harder, his sobs still whisper-quiet in the still room, his tears scalding hot against Vale's skin. Vale pressed his lips to Yuji's head, his own tears burning his cheeks as he reached out to hold Yuji and offer his love as the only comfort he had.

[Original - Dupes]

No reviews for either posting, but do we want to merge hits and ratings?

[Bacca di Sangue]

The author was under 18 at the time "Bacca di Sangue" was published on AFF, and it was removed along with all additional content published while the author was still a minor. The author is free to repost it now, however, since she is now over 18.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked at the sea of white roses, and at Kansas in the middle, on one knee. Their rings glittered in the sunlight, and Erion could feel the first tears run down his cheeks as he walked the rest of the way down the stairs, suddenly oblivious to everything except his beloved Kansas. His backpack fell off his shoulders, and Erion could feel his knees trying to buckle. Someone gently took the roses from his arms, and Erion found himself in front of Kansas, sinking to his knees, his eyes wide.

"Hayashi Tatsuya, my Kansas, my first love and my forever love," Erion said, his voice soft at first but getting stronger as he went on. "Yes, a thousand times yes. I will marry you, and spend forever loving you." Erion's face was glowing, and his smile was radiant as he took the ring he would place on Kansas's finger from the box and then held out his hand for Kansas. "Will you do the honor of putting your ring on my hand?"

Kansas' smile trembled a little as he listened to Erion's answer, his eyes filled with tears of joy. He took the delicate ring from the box, and lay the box on the ground as he reached for Erion's hand, slipping the ring onto Erion's slender finger. He rose to his feet, still holding Erion's hand and pulled Erion into his arms, lifting his right hand for Erion, telling the silver haired elf, "I love you, you beautiful creature. No one makes me as happy as you do."

"I love you, my handsome, perfect man. You are my everything, and my always." Erion slid the matching ring onto Kansas's hand, and then flung his arms around Kansas's neck, pressing his lips to Kansas's lips and kissing him tenderly but chastely.

Kansas wrapped his arms tightly around Erion's slender waist and pulled him into a tight embrace, pressing his lips against Erion's, a tiny breathless moan escaping him, just barely loud enough for Erion to hear him. Kansas slid one hand into the silvery hair and stroked one thumb up the graceful arch of Erion's ear, deepening the kiss a little, his tongue teasing over Erion's soft lips.

Erion let his lips part slightly, his own whispered moan escaping as a laugh of pure joy bubbled up and out, his cheeks wet with joyous tears. "I love you, across worlds and time and Planes. My Kansas, my Tatsuya, my perfect love."

Erion began to hear the students that were gathered around and watching, a slow crescendo of applause and cries of "Tashō! Much happiness!" Erion could not help but laugh, the sound so full of happiness that some of the students began to laugh as well in shared joy.

Kansas smiled brightly, his voice a low purr of happiness as he whispered back, "I have loved you for thousands of years, and I will love you for thousands more, across the planes and worlds. My love, my soul, my life is always yours."

Kansas blinked his sparkling eyes slowly and looked around, honestly startled to find them not alone. He blushed faintly and his eyes brightened as he whispered, "I hope I did not embarrass you too much, my love. I forgot where we were for a moment."

Erion smiled radiantly, his own eyes molten silver, the blue ring bright and vivid. "I'm not embarrassed, my love. This was perfect, like you, and I don't think anyone has ever been as happy as I am right now. I'll never forget this moment, not for a thousand thousand years."

Kansas smiled as he stepped back a little bit, lifting the deep crimson rose he had been holding up to give to Erion, and his voice trembled a little bit as he looked around at the white roses that surrounded them. "One white rose for each day that has passed since we first met. And this one red rose for today. The first day of the happiest years of our lives."

Erion took the crimson rose, his smile lighting his face like the sun even if his fingers were trembling slightly. "Then let's begin our life together." Erion held out his hand to Kansas, the beautiful jeweled band sparkling, and he turned and looked around in amazement at the crowd that had gathered. He saw many of his freshman class, some of his track teammates, and even a few professors he had gotten to know. "Thank you all, for being here to witness this. I'm getting married!"

People began to come over to congratulate Erion and Kansas, and Erion could not stop smiling as he was pulled into a group hug by his freshman girls.

"That was so romantic, Hayashi-sempai," one girl murmured, blushing a little and giggling. "Your Kansas is even more handsome in real life."

Kansas blushed heavily at the compliment and ducked his head shyly as he was bombarded with congratulations from every direction. He recognized a couple of Erion's teammates from the track team as he was slapped on the back and his hand was shaken more than he could remember it ever having been shaken before.

"Harada-san!" Erion pulled one young man over to introduce him to Kansas. "This is Harada-san, captain of the track team. And this is Hayashi Tatsuya."

Harada bowed to Kansas with great politeness. "I'm glad to finally meet you. Hayashi-san has talked about you so much that I sort of feel like I know you a bit already. Congratulations to you both, and I'm really sincerely happy."

Another young man came over with Erion's backpack, handing it to the young elf with a bright smile. "Congratulations, and if my girlfriend hears about this, I'm a dead man. I'll never be able to top a proposal like this."

A slim young woman hit the young man on the arm. "Start planning, you. A sea of roses and those rings. Wow!" She gave Erion a quick hug. "All the best, and be happy forever." She beamed at Kansas. "Make him happy."

Kansas smiled happily and bowed to Harada, and smiled at the girl. "I will make him happy. My whole life I will spend making him happy," Kansas said with a bright sparkle in his eyes, his eyes straying to Erion's bright eyes, and his fingers laced with Erion's fingers.

Kansas looked around at the sea of roses and then smiled at the girl, bowing slightly to her. "Actually about the roses. They are as many as the days that have passed since I first met Yuki. They are a symbol of my love for him, which only grows each day. So, I want you to take them and give them to everyone. Spread the love around, so everyone can have a little love in their life. Give them to someone you like or someone who's sad, or the person you love the most. I'm going to leave them here, could you all please hand them out to people?"

The slim young woman clapped her hands happily. "That is just about the most perfect thing I've ever heard." She grabbed some of the freshman girls that had been hugging Erion. "You heard this gorgeous man. Let's spread some love." She took one rose right away and handed it to the young runner, who promptly tucked it in her hair and kissed her sweetly, making her blush and giggle. Then she was off, her arms full of roses and her face as bright as Erion's face.

"Let's go home, baby," Erion whispered, leaning into Kansas with a radiant smile. He tossed his backpack over one shoulder, never letting go of Kansas's hand. "I want to spend the weekend celebrating."

Kansas leaned in and kissed Erion on the cheek, nuzzling his nose into Erion's cheek. "Yes, my love, lets go home and celebrate, and let our family know. It was a pleasure and honor to meet you all." Kansas bowed to the two boys from the track team and the girls who were happily handing out the roses.

Kansas grabbed a handful of roses as they started walking away, and smiled sheepishly at Erion, telling him, "For the train, my love. I didn't take the car this morning."

Erion laughed merrily. "Actually, it's even more perfect to take the train with you, like we did in the very beginning." He looked around at the vast sea of white roses. "It doesn't feel that long, and at the same time, it feels like we've always known each other. I'm so very lucky, my love."

Kansas pulled Erion closer and wrapped an arm around Erion's shoulders, and kissed his cheek again, leaning his head against Erion's silver hair. "I am the lucky one, my love. To have found you, to have recognized you, and to have pulled you back from the brink of death. I will always love you beyond all time. I will try to make you happy every day. I promise."

"And I promise to love you with my whole heart every day of my life and beyond, and do everything in my power to make you happy." Erion snuggled closer to Kansas, kissing Kansas's cheek tenderly. "My dragon, my love."

There was such a powerful aura of joy that surrounded the two young lovers as they walked to the train and rode home that total strangers found themselves smiling at the pair. Kansas's quiet confidence and maturity and Erion's radiant bliss were enough to make even the hardest heart soften, even if only briefly. Erion could barely feel the pavement under his feet as they walked down the street to the gates of the estate, his fingers laced with Kansas's fingers and his heart soaring.

The late summer beauty of the estate only added to Erion's happiness as he strolled with Kansas to the house, and he kept sneaking peeks at the ring that once again graced his hand. Kansas had been right about taking their rings off for a while, and renewing their commitment this way. Erion's heart felt as light as a feather, and he knew his love for Kansas was stronger than ever before.

Erion had expected the garden to be full of bouncy children as they got close to the house, but everything was surprisingly quiet. It was around tea time, though, so Erion just assumed that they were inside having something to eat. He turned and nibbled a kiss from Kansas, giggling a little when Kansas backed him into a tree and plundered his mouth until Erion was breathless. When they finally broke for air, Erion's eyes were shining, and Kansas stroked one cheek tenderly as he smiled radiantly at his elf.

"Come on, let's see what's for tea," Kansas teased, knowing how Erion loved to nibble when he got home from classes. "Maybe Vale and Yuji picked up sweet rolls on the way home."

Erion's eyes lit up. "Oh, sweet rolls would be wonderful about now." He tugged Kansas a little and they walked through the garden and up onto the deck.

The entire family was gathered and waiting as Erion and Kansas stepped in, along with Eryn and Satoru, and the family from Evereska, and they all cheered and applauded as Kansas and Erion stood there in astonishment. Erion could not help the tears of joy that filled his eyes, and he clung to Kansas's hand tightly as Satoshi came over to the two young lovers to hug them both.

"Congratulations, my sweet loves," Satoshi murmured, his arms around Erion and Kansas at the same time. "You look so beautiful and right together. I'm so happy for you both."

The rest of the family wasted no time in adding their own hugs and kisses and congratulations.

"Look at you two perfect things," Vale said, kissing Kansas tenderly and nuzzling Erion's cheek. "Such gorgeous lovers. Be happy forever."

Yuji kissed them both deeply, his perfect eyes brimming with love. "I'm so glad for you both, my little loves."

"Come here, you sweet things," Willow said, and hugged Kansas and Erion each tightly in turn. "Make each other happy, and never let go. Don't ever doubt your love."

Sand held out his arms, his smile dazzling. "I cannot imagine you two without each other, truly. I know your joy will only grow greater with time."

Santhiel and Mist enveloped Kansas and Erion together, Mist's eyes brimming with tears of joy, and Santhiel beaming as he hugged Kansas and Erion tightly.

"We're so proud of you both, and so happy for you," Mist murmured.

Falon wriggled in under Santhiel's arm and flung his arms around Kansas and Erion. "Toror'ea, it's about time. I was wondering if I needed to smack you both and knock some sense into you."

Erion laughed and Kansas smacked Falon playfully as they turned around to be hugged by Satoru and Eryn. Eryn cupped Kansas's face between her small hands, her eyes filled with love.

"Look at you, my beautiful Tatsuya, my sochi-san. You've grown so much and I'm so very proud of you. I know you and Erion will be happy forever, and you deserve every bit of the joy you'll have with each other." Eryn kissed Kansas lovingly on his forehead, her love enveloping him as Kansas hugged her with tears in his eyes.

"Thank you, jitsubo, for always believing in me and loving me," Kansas said, his voice thick with love for the petite elven woman.

Sora wrapped Kansas in her arms next, her hug as tight as Eryn's had been. Erion looked at Sora a bit, slightly puzzled. There was something subtly different about her, as though she was herself and yet not herself. Erion shook his head a little and decided he was imagining things.

When everyone was done hugging and kissing Kansas and Erion, Satoshi looked at them with a huge smile, his eyes filled with happiness. "You've got a couple of hours before the guests get here, if you two want to shower and change, and relax a bit."

"Guests?" Erion squeaked, his eyes wide. Kansas's face lit up, and he whooped happily.

"We decided you needed a proper engagement party, so we invited a few people over," Satoshi said with magnificent casualness. "Vale and I are making a little food, and we might even be able to talk Yuji into manning the grill to cook up a few steaks."

Kansas grabbed Satoshi and kissed him breathless while Erion flung himself at Vale and hugged the blond elf tightly. Satoshi barely had a chance to catch his breath before he had an armful of little elf, and it was Erion's turn to kiss Satoshi until they were both dizzy, while Kansas plundered Vale's mouth happily, his lashes beaded with tear of pure joy.

"You are all just amazing," Kansas said when he let Vale breathe again. "This is completely perfect."

Erion could barely speak, but his smile was incandescent, and he kept hugging everyone until Kansas tugged him away and dragged him upstairs for a shower, after a quick and vigorous pouncing that had them both howling happily.

By the time Kansas and Erion came back downstairs, the house was filled with the aromas of delicious food, and Momo had arrived with Sadao, as well at Kenji and Yori, with Masaaki. Maela and Taren were there as babysitters, and the two women cooed and promptly felt in love with Masaaki, Yori's face glowing with joy and pride. Hideko and Tsutomo were right behind them, with Tomio and Sora, and Hawk and Santhiel grinned as they handed Tsutomo a beer and prepared to catch up with their friend.

Takahiro was the next to arrive, with Akemi, along with Eric and his date, and Eric's parents. Eric's younger sister Annika came a moment later with Ryo, and the posse whooped and hugged happily while Sadao and the fan club shook their heads and laughed at them. The Murai family arrived in full force, and Erion sobbed happily as they hugged him and Kansas.

Kohaku came with Emiko, and Fuji and Kaede made their very pretty bows before hurrying off to find the rest of the children, and Matsu came not much later with Umeko. Kohaku was wonderfully charming and sweet, and the Sjostrands murmured quietly to Vale that he was not at all what they expected in such a popular rock star, not a hint of diva-like behavior at all. Vale laughed a bit and told them that the family honestly had gotten to the point of thinking of Kohaku as family, and they all frequently forgot he was actually a star at all.

The biggest surprise came when the last guests arrived. Erion and Kansas hurried to greet their guests, and Erion's eyes widened as he saw Hayashi Norio and Hayashi Ayame in the entryway. He quickly bowed with great politeness and Norio bowed back with a small smile, reserved as usual but with more warmth in his eyes. Kansas had bowed his greetings as well, equally surprised but very happy at being openly acknowledged as family at last, and there were small tears beading his lashes as he quickly provided the guest slippers and welcomed his guests with quiet dignity.

There were bowls of nuts and platters of fruit set everywhere, and trays of sushi and yakatori for everyone to nibble on until dinner was ready. By now, the smells coming from the kitchen were making Kansas and Erion moan a little as Vale and Satoshi put the finishing touches on the dinner. Yuji had excused himself to grill the steaks, and Norio had stepped out to join him for a moment, looking at Sora oddly as he did so. He murmured softly to Yuji that she seemed very familiar somehow, but he could not quite place where he might have seen her before.

To properly accommodate all their guests, Sand had arranged for a second table to be placed with their dining table, allowing for everyone to sit together. The older children were at a separate table, with Taren and Maela happily watching over the littlest ones. Satoshi and Vale had outdone themselves in the kitchen, and as the food was brought out, everyone exclaimed happily at the feast.

There was silky miso soup that Satoshi had done perfectly, and fragrant white rice. Satoshi had made his chicken curry, and Yuji brought in platters of perfectly grilled Kobe steaks. Vale had prepared two whole salmon, fileting them and grilling them until they were tender and and cooked just right, and he had also made a spicy tofu dish that made Kansas grin in delight. There was Sora's wonderful soba, fresh pickles and even a bowl of dakesi and some voratae deep fried in panko that made both Erion and Falon moan in anticipation. There were delicate plum wines, warmed sake and some light elven wines, as well as chilled fruit juice for anyone who did not care to drink, and for the children.

Ayame complimented the food, and Vale and Satoshi bowed deeply and made polite demurrals, but they were both delighted to see how Kansas and Erion enjoyed the special treats they had made sure to have for them. The love and care that had gone into the preparation of the meal escaped no one, and even Norio seemed to relax a bit and talked warmly with Satoru while Eryn and Ayame chatted and got to know one another better. Falon and Kichirou had become good friends as well, and they fell back into their conversation as though they had never been apart, making Kenshin and Kokoro smile.

Most of the guests had left the traditional envelopes on a small table in the living room when they had entered, and the family had already presented the nine customary engagement gifts, which were also on the table, but after dinner, when everyone had returned to the living room to relax a bit before tea and dessert, Mist brought out a box wrapped in delicate rice paper, which she presented to Kansas and Erion. After the proper polite refusal and Mist's insistence, Erion and Kansas carefully opened the rice paper and lifted the lid off the box.

It was a tapestry, one of Mist's own, and she had worked it in delicate linen threads that she had dyed herself. The motif was koi, leaping and joyous, symbolic of good fortune and faithfulness in marriage, and Kansas's eyes brimmed with tears.

"It's beautiful, atara," Erion breathed, touching the woven cloth reverently. "Thank you. I love it."

"This will look so beautiful in our apartment," Kansas said, his smile radiant. "It's the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen."

Ayame leaned over and touched the tapestry in admiration. "You made this yourself, Mist-chan?"

Mist blushed a little and ducked her head. "I did, Ayame-chan," she replied in her careful Japanese. "It is what I do, my small work."

"My wife is very modest," Santhiel said with great pride. "Her tapestries are greatly prized and much sought after, and she turns away commissions because there isn't enough time to create them to her standards otherwise."

Norio smiled at Mist. "It is always worthy to create things of lasting beauty." The compliment made Mist blush again.

Kohaku cleared his throat quietly. "I have a little something special for the happy couple myself."

Yuji handed Satoshi an acoustic guitar and sat at the piano, and Kohaku sang a song he had written just for Kansas and Erion, Satoshi's beautiful voice weaving in with his on the choruses. Erion had tears running down his cheeks by the end, his fingers woven tightly with Kansas's fingers, and everyone applauded at the end as Kansas and Erion jumped up to hug Kohaku tightly, and then hug Yuji and Satoshi as well.

Vale then brought out the platters of desserts; sweet fruits, his little custard tarts topped with a variety of berries and sliced fruits, and the gorgeous chocolates from the shop that Willow loved. Satoshi had several kinds of tea, and Sand offered to make coffees for those who preferred, earning happy moans from Kohaku and Momo. There was more sake, and excellent whiskey, and everyone was chatting and enjoying the treats when Erion's iPhone began to vibrate.

Erion excused himself with a blush and pulled out the phone to see if it was one of his freshman needing help or advice, since he had set up a forwarding from his number at the university. It was a text message from Harada, the captain of the track team, and Erion opened it up, and then passed the phone to Kansas as he began to giggle helplessly.

Kansas took the phone and read the message out loud. " 'You made the Internet.' There's a link."

"Click it," Erion said, leaning over Kansas's shoulder.

Kansas clicked it, and he grinned and blushed as a video came up, Kansas on one knee in the middle of a sea of white roses and Erion wide-eyed as Kansas proposed.

"Can I say yes again?" Erion murmured, and Kansas's smile rivaled the sun.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale woke at dawn as usual, Satoshi warm against him, and he smiled a little as he looked at the slender man in his arms, Satoshi's face sweetly peaceful. Their lovemaking had been tender and perfect the night before, Vale delighted by Satoshi's responsiveness despite his fragile emotional state, but Vale still had not been able to sink into a full reverie. That odd feeling that had coursed through their bond, that sense that Satoshi was somehow saying goodbye, had stayed with Vale all night, and the memories that Vale had visited were the memories of Sand's abrupt departure from Neverwinter and the aching loss that had filled Vale's heart for so long when he found himself alone after that all too brief glimpse of love.

The door slid open almost silently, and Sand slipped into the room almost as if Vale's thoughts had summoned him, his lips curving into a smile as he saw the green glitter of Vale's eyes in the dim room. Sand slipped into the bed on the other side of Satoshi, and curled up against his beloved husband while he reached out to caress Vale's cheek with tender love. Vale smiled, his bond with Sand filled only with love and reassurance, Vale's private thoughts and doubts tucked away and apart. Instead, the two elves curled around Satoshi, surrounding him with love and warmth for a bit until Vale gave Sand a rueful smile and pressed a tender kiss to Satoshi's lips.

Satoshi stirred slightly, but did not quite waken, and Sand gathered Satoshi's slender body close, nuzzling his face into the faded cherry hair and making a mental note to call Kai and see about an appointment. Sand knew Satoshi would feel better about himself with fresh color, and every little bit would help his beloved imp fight off the depression better.

Vale went back to his room, thoughtful and concerned for Satoshi. He simply could not shake the feeling that something was wrong, but at the same time Vale was curiously reluctant to ask Satoshi, or even Yuji, for that matter. The last thing Satoshi needed, as Vale knew all too well, was to feel even more like he was under constant scrutiny. It was impossible to relax at all knowing that everyone was watching. Vale was extremely good at fading into the background when he chose to, and he would be able to watch Satoshi discreetly without making his pierced husband nervous or alerting anyone else.

Vale smiled a little wryly as he slipped back into his own room, Yuji dozing a little now that Erion had bounced off to find Kansas for their dawn worship. Vale was sure Yuji would forgive him this one tiny bit of secrecy, at least for a few days, until Vale could decide if he was just reading too much into what he had felt after their lovemaking. Vale was fairly sure that he was not overreacting, though, since he never voluntarily revisited the memories he had walked in during the night. Those memories only resurfaced when Vale was feeling loss. There was nothing that could be done for it, though, and Vale slid into the bed and wrapped himself around Yuji, content in Yuji's arms for the moment.

Erion slumped a little as he rode home on the train, having gotten through the first week of school after the break. It had been both a relief and a chore to get back into the routine that had become second nature to him by now. Although his classes were challenging, Erion was ready to work hard, and he looked forward to getting as close to perfect grades as possible. The chore was dealing with all the questions that came up when people he knew asked about Momo. Erion had few very close friends at the university since all of the posse had now graduated save for him and Momo, but he did know a great many people as passing acquaintances. He just had not realized just how many until he had to explain for the hundredth time, or so it felt, that he was back with Kansas and still friends with Momo.

Erion's duties as a class representative were also enjoyable, his freshmen only a little less bright-eyed after completing their first semester at Nihon University. The girls had fussed terribly over Erion when they found out he had broken up with Momo, but he showed them all pictures of Kansas in a casual suit and his glasses, and Kansas was promptly declared perfect and gorgeous. Cookies were delivered and Erion was sternly instructed to bring some home for his handsome boyfriend.

Erion's track coach was happy to have Erion back with the team again, and his teammates welcomed him with great warmth, also adding their commiseration over his break-up with Momo. The team had gotten used to Momo coming by to pick Erion up after late practices and watching the silver haired elf run, and they agreed among themselves privately it would be a little odd for a while. They resolved to try and keep Erion's mind off Momo, even after they found out he was back with Kansas.

Truthfully, Erion was glad that the first week was over, though, and he could stop talking about Momo and the summer. He was ready to get out of the blazer, chinos and button-down shirt that had become his new school uniform, and into comfortable jeans and a t-shirt so he could play with the children in the garden for a bit to give Sand and Willow a break. Satoshi was feeling somewhat better as far as his depression, but he still had the cast on his leg, and Yuji and Vale were back at the academy. Kansas was working hard at the CPS offices in Setagaya-ku, and often worked late.

Erion felt a little foolish being tired from just school after seeing how hard everyone else worked. Even Satoshi was working in the home studio that had been set up for him, and although it gave Sand a chance to focus on Takara and Michi more, it was still as much work for Willow and Sand with Satoshi at home, if not more. Sand felt he needed to uphold Vale's easy hospitality despite his inability to cope with most kitchen tasks more involved than tea or soup, and Willow was beginning to mutter darkly about idiot moon elves as she wound up doing more kitchen duty than she liked.

Sand had purchased an elaborate coffee machine, and to everyone's surprise, he had actually mastered its use to the point where he made coffee up to Kohaku's exacting standards. While Erion still could not see the attraction in coffee at all, the orgasmic moans coming from the kitchen whenever Sand played barista at least made Erion grin a bit, and when Sand took to ordering out lunch for everyone, even Willow had subsided in her grumbling and had actually kissed Sand quite breathless.

Today, though, Erion just wanted to go home and have a not-quite quiet but at least peaceful late afternoon in the garden with the children. Ryuu was growing up so fast, and he was beginning to remind Erion of Falon a little, which also made Erion a bit wistful. It would be a while before he could get home to Evereska for more than a quick visit, and Erion found himself missing his family. He pulled out his iPhone and called up the pictures he had taken at Sand and Satoshi's wedding, Santhiel and Mist perfect in their Japanese finery, followed by Falon's bright grin as he mugged with Tomio and Ryuu. Erion sighed a little, his eyes not quite focused as he let his thoughts wander, almost missing his stop.

When Erion got home, the house was in a small but happy uproar, Sand glowing with joy while Satoshi was beaming at everyone. Erion took off his shoes and grabbed his slippers, arching a brow at Willow, who was grinning as widely as Satoshi. It was Ryuu who filled Erion in, Hikaru hot on Ryuu's heels.

"Oniisan! Guess what?" Ryuu demanded, his eyes filled with delight. Erion did not even get a chance to make a single guess. "Chichi and tousan went to the doctor, and the doctor said that chichi's cast can come off tomorrow!"

Erion grabbed Ryuu and spun him a bit, laughing. "That's perfect news, Ryuu-kun. I was beginning to think maybe your chichi lost his foot inside all that plaster and bandages."

Hikaru's green eyes went wide, and he looked at Ryuu, dumbfounded. "Can that happen, oniisan?"

"No, otouto," Ryuu reassured the little half elf. "Erion's being silly. I know chichi's foot is still there because it itches him all the time."

Hikaru looked greatly relieved, his utter faith in Ryuu making Erion grin.

"I'm sorry, Hikaru-kun. I was being silly, and gifu's foot is in there, all healed up now." Erion knelt quickly to nuzzle Hikaru's blond curls in a quick apology. "Amin hiraetha, toror'ai. I'm sorry, little brother."

"Don't scare me like that," Hikaru admonished. "I'm just little." He sounded so like Aika for a moment that Erion had to try not to laugh aloud.

Vale came over, laughing as Erion bowed contritely to Hikaru, who flung his little arms around Erion in extravagant forgiveness. "We've all survived our first week back to school, and Satoshi is getting his cast off tomorrow. We're celebrating tonight with a barbeque. I've got Yuji getting the grill prepared, and we picked up some beautiful steaks."

Erion's face lit up. While he was not as big a fan of beef as Satoshi, Erion did like a bit of grilled steak, and just the thought of how much Satoshi would enjoy the meal made it even better. It had torn at Erion's heart to see Satoshi struggling with both his broken ankle and with his depression, and the young elf had been gentle and attentive to the pierced imp.

Vale continued, his face bright with happiness. "We called Eryn and Satoru, and Momo and Sadao. We thought it would be fun to have them join us as well." Vale's sweet smile lit his green eyes.

Satoshi was genuinely happy at dinner, not the artificial cheer of a manic mood, and for once nothing happened to disrupt that fragile gift. Satoshi hugged Vale and Yuji with tears beading his lashes as he looked at the perfectly grilled Kobe beef, and he ate with better appetite than he had shown in weeks. Sand was nearly giddy with relief and joy, and Satoshi curled up with Sand on one of the lounge chairs on the deck after dinner, rubbing his full stomach blissfully. Sand looked as young as Erion as he cuddled with his beloved husband.

Erion volunteered to give Eryn and Willow a hand getting the children bathed and ready for bed, even Takara cooperating sweetly for once. Willow teased Eryn that she was a good influence on the little wildcat, and maybe sobo could come more often at bedtime, a proposal that was greeted with rousing cheers from Hikaru who enjoyed the distinction of being Takara's favorite plaything. Erion supervised Ryuu and Hikaru's showers, Ryuu having offered to help Hikaru and doing a remarkably thorough job of making sure the little half elf got clean, while Eryn and Willow attended to the princesses, and then the four older children had a nice supervised soak in the tub.

Finally, sleepy children all tucked into bed with adequate kisses and hugs, Erion went downstairs to find Momo moaning with bliss over a cup of Sand's latte while Vale made tea and got dessert ready. Yuji was getting whiskey and sake, and the adults relaxed and chatted happily until Satoshi admitted that he was about ready to head upstairs. He grabbed his crutches, for the last night, he announced cheekily, and then asked Sand if he would help him, and the moon elf jumped to his feet. There was a subtle light in Satoshi's gorgeous eyes, and a wonderful purr in his voice, and Sand smiled radiantly as he followed Satoshi's swaying hips into the house.

Sand slid the door to their room closed behind them, and turned back to find Satoshi sitting on the edge of the bed, slowly unzipping his hoodie as he watched Sand with heated eyes.

"Saiai," Sand breathed, his eyes filled with endless love as he crossed the room in swift and graceful strides, dropping to his knees beside Satoshi and sliding his long fingers into Satoshi's soft hair. Sand nibbled a tender kiss, his tongue teasing the piercings in Satoshi's lower lip, and Satoshi moaned a little into the kiss, his own fingers teasing the edges of Sand's gracefully pointed ears.

"Make love to me, my Masato," Satoshi purred, watching Sand's eyes darken as he tweaked the tips of Sand's ears.

Sand slid the hoodie off Satoshi's shoulders, nibbling soft kisses along one shoulder and up Satoshi's neck, careful not to mark his imp anywhere visible. Satoshi was no longer as shy about his relationship with Sand, especially since their wedding, but he was still essentially a private person, and Sand respected that utterly. Satoshi mewled a little, letting his head fall back to let Sand nibble up to his jaw and back over to his tight little mouth. Sand accepted the sweet invitation, and plundered Satoshi's mouth tenderly, his bond open so that Satoshi could feel Sand's love.

Sand's hands slid down to tease Satoshi's t-shirt free, while Satoshi bumped his hips upward a bit to make sure Sand had not missed the tenting of Satoshi's cargoes. Sand just chuckled and dipped his head to mouth Satoshi through his pants, teasing wickedly and making Satoshi growl a little. Sand moved back a little and pulled Satoshi's t-shirt off, his eyes glittering even as he apologized.

"I am sorry, saiai, for being such a tease." Sand smiled sweetly. "I shall have to make it up to you."

Sand's deft fingers opened Satoshi's cargoes, dipping into his tight little boxers and freeing Satoshi's straining cock. Satoshi moaned loudly as Sand's head dropped, his mouth liquid heat as it sank over Satoshi's cock. Sand used his tongue stud to tease the underside, tracing the thick vein that ran along Satoshi's cock while he fished in his pocket for the lube he always carried. Sand drew back slowly, his cheeks hollowed as he sucked, and his tongue swirled around the head of Satoshi's cock, drawing another moan from the imp. Sand just purred a little and then sank his head back down, engulfing all of Satoshi's cock to the root as his tongue snaked out to lap at Satoshi's balls.

Satoshi howled a little, falling back on the tatami bed, and Sand took the opportunity to tug off Satoshi's cargoes and boxers in one swift move. Sand lifted Satoshi's thighs, pushing them back carefully and spreading them as he drew back again, this time releasing Satoshi's cock with a soft pop. Satoshi did not even get a chance to mewl a little in protest before Sand's tongue was circling his tight little pucker, and Satoshi's hips bucked involuntarily at the contact as Sand tugged a few pillows over to support Satoshi's broken leg.

Satoshi's fingers tightened in the fabric of Sand's t-shirt and he tugged hard on the offending garment, the sensation of Sand's tongue stud pressing against his ass deliriously wanton. Sand lifted his head briefly, murmured something Satoshi could not make out, and Sand was suddenly naked, his thick cock jutting out proudly as he returned to loosening Satoshi's pucker. It did not take long until the muscle relaxed a bit, and Sand was able to thrust his tongue past the tight ring, and Satoshi fisted his hands in Sand's hair as he howled his pleasure.

A sharp tug on Sand's hair followed by another growl was enough to let the elf know that Satoshi was ready for him, and Sand gave a last thrust of his tongue and a tender swipe before he moved up onto the bed, between Satoshi's thighs. Sand slicked his cock generously with lube, and carefully coated Satoshi's pucker as well, sliding his fingers into the loosened ass and hooking them to stroke Satoshi, watching as Satoshi's eyes fluttered.

"Please, Masato," Satoshi murmured, his face radiant with desire.

Sand positioned himself carefully, pressing the head of his cock into Satoshi's tight ass, and then sliding forward slowly until he was fully buried in the heat of his husband. "Aishiteru, saiai," Sand said, leaning in to capture Satoshi's mouth in a tender kiss.

"Aishiteru, Masato-chan," Satoshi replied, his voice warm with love.

Satoshi hooked his good leg around Sand's hip, the elf setting a languid pace, taking his time as his generous cock churned within Satoshi. Satoshi moaned loudly, Sand's cock riding his prostate with every slow thrust and sending shivers up and down Satoshi's spine as the pleasure built.

"Touch yourself, saiai," Sand urged, his voice full of love as he looked at his beautiful husband. Sand could feel the heat in his own belly, coiled and begging to be released. Sand had not sought the beds of his other husbands, and as much as he wanted to draw this out, to give Satoshi as much pleasure as he could, Sand knew he could not last much longer.

Satoshi looked up at Sand, his gorgeous eyes bright with love and small tears of pleasure beading in his lashes as Sand's thick cock filled him completely. His fingers wrapped around his own cock, and Satoshi locked eyes with Sand, all but willing the elf to share the pleasure with him as he opened his bond to let Sand feel what he felt.

Sand gasped a little as he was wrapped in love and the intense sensations of being plundered, and he replied with the feeling of Satoshi's tight heat surrounding his cock and enveloping him in his endless love. Sand could feel Satoshi's ass clamping spasmodically around his cock as Satoshi drew closer to his release, the imp's balls drawing up as his moans increased in volume.

"Let go, saiai," Sand whispered, and Satoshi screamed as he let go, his cum erupting in thick ropes to paint Sand's chest as his ass clamped tightly around the elf's cock. Sand's voice mingled with Satoshi's voice as his own balls tightened painfully, and he filled Satoshi's willing ass with his searing cum.

Sand eased himself to the bed, rolling to pull Satoshi on top, their lips meeting in a searing kiss as they both shuddered a little through the last of their orgasms. Sand reached up and brushed a lock of hair back from Satoshi's face.

"I am sorry that was so quick, saiai. I wanted to take my time, and make this last, but I cannot seem to hold back when we make love." Sand laughed a little as Satoshi blushed and then kissed Sand to shut him up before he said anything else to fluster Satoshi.

"You'll get another chance," Satoshi mumbled, his pierced lip tickling Sand's neck as he hid his bright cheeks with a little giggle.

Sand's own chuckle was filled with delight. "Oh, will I? Well, then, I think we need to have barbeques more often, hmm?"

Satoshi gave Sand a little smack on the arm, but he was still so relaxed and genuinely happy that Sand's heart soared. The medication, as much as Satoshi hated taking it, was working, and Muriyama's sessions helped them both. Sand had grown to look forward to his talks with the gentle doctor, and his ability to listen without judging let Sand open up in ways that were new to the elf.

Satoshi snuggled against Sand, purring a little as Sand nibbled and kissed, enjoying the sweet intimacy between them. Sand was already feeling the stirring of arousal all over again, just the feel of Satoshi in his arms enough to quicken the elf's interest. It never ceased to amaze Sand, how Satoshi could drive Sand wild with just a look or a soft purr, and all Sand could think about was how much he loved Satoshi and needed to be with him.

It obviously translated through their bond, because Satoshi chuckled and leaned in to kiss Sand deeply. "I feel the same way, poldoramin, even when I can't find the words to tell you."

Sand could feel Satoshi's cock starting to thicken again, and Sand lifted his hips slightly to grind a bit against Satoshi, delighted when Satoshi ground back with a sweet little growl. Their tongues tangled as they kissed, and Sand let his tongue stud tease Satoshi's upper lip for a moment before he shifted to swipe his tongue over Satoshi's pierced lower lip.

"Tell me what you want, saiai," Sand murmured, and the heat in his voice sent a delicious shiver through Satoshi.

"I want to move to the bench, and I want you to ride me. I want to feel you around me," Satoshi purred, and it was Sand's turn to shiver as Satoshi dragged his guitar roughened fingers over Sand's nipples. Sand's cock jumped a little, and Satoshi chuckled again, delighted to have provoked exactly that reaction from his elf.

Sand moaned softly. "Do you need help to get to the bench, my heart?"

"I think I can make it," Satoshi said with a cheeky grin. "Race you?"

Since Satoshi was already on top of Sand, he had the head start, and scooted down the bed with surprising alacrity. Sand followed, but Satoshi reached the bench first and whooped happily. Sand slid behind him for just a moment, nuzzling the back of Satoshi's shoulder and nibbling it right where his shoulder met his neck. Sand had let the mark fade a bit, since he did not want to alarm Satoshi's doctors, but Satoshi leaned into Sand.

"Do it," Satoshi urged. "I like when you mark me like that."

Sand chuckled. "Return the favor later, saiai." He nipped and sucked hard, worrying a lovely dark mark at the tender junction, his hands sliding around to the front of Satoshi to toy with his nipple rings. Satoshi moaned happily, and when Sand was finished, he tugged Sand around to stand in front of him.

Sand climbed onto the bench, his feet flat on either side of Satoshi's thighs, and he grabbed the lube to slick Satoshi's cock, his long fingers lingering a bit and flicking lightly at the cleft underneath the head. Satoshi laughed and smacked Sand's hands away.

"No cheating, my Masato," Satoshi scolded with a giggle. "Do you want me to open you up a bit?"

"Oh, no, saiai. I want to savor every bit of this, and you know that I enjoy the burn." Sand leaned in a bit, and Satoshi held his cock and positioned it at Sand's tight pucker.

Sand never took his eyes off Satoshi as he lowered himself slowly onto Satoshi's waiting cock, feeling himself filled in the way only Satoshi could ever fill him, both body and soul completed at once. Satoshi looked so young and beautiful, and his gorgeous eyes were free of pain and bright with love.

"My Masato," Satoshi breathed, and he leaned back just a little, his arms behind him, watching as Sand settled down fully onto Satoshi's cock with a wanton moan.

"My sweet Satoshi," Sand murmured, and he flexed his strong thighs and rose up as slowly as he had descended, stopping when only the head of Satoshi's cock was still within him. "Aishiteru. Amin mela lle. I love you."

Sand lowered himself just as slowly, and Satoshi moaned as his cock sank into the tight heat of Sand's ass, the elf's ear tips already rosy with arousal. Satoshi's cock felt like perfection, and Sand moaned as well, his prostate sending sparks up his spine as he moved, grinding down a little as Satoshi bucked his hips upward.

Satoshi leaned in, his mouth closing around one of Sand's nipples, and Sand moaned loudly as Satoshi nibbled and sucked it into a hard little pebble, his piercings scraping gently over the tight nub. Sand's head fell back a little, and Satoshi moved his mouth to Sand's neck, worrying a dark mark on the pale skin under Sand's jaw, where Sand adored being marked. Sand moaned happily, rocking a little on Satoshi's cock and feeling the sparks behind his eyes.

Satoshi pulled Sand closer, urging Sand to ride his cock and reveling in the feeling as Sand's chest slid against his chest. Satoshi's nipple rings teased against Sand's pebbled nipples and the elf howled softly as Satoshi slid his hands down to cup Sand's round cheeks firmly. Tears of bliss were beading in Sand's dark lashes as he let Satoshi guide him, the pierced imp's cock setting off fireworks for Sand.

Sand's cock was pressed between his belly and Satoshi's belly, and Satoshi pressed closer to Sand, increasing the friction and Sand's howl climbed to a soft scream. Satoshi chuckled wickedly and leaned back, and Sand writhed a little at the loss of friction, driving himself down on Satoshi's cock just a little harder as he moaned wantonly.

Satoshi's hand slid up one long, pale thigh, teasing Sand's heavy balls as they came to rest against Satoshi's belly, and Sand moaned loudly, his cock drooling out a long string of precum. Satoshi swiped it off with his finger, sucking his finger as he looked into Sand's dark blue eyes, and Sand all but screamed at the tease.

"Do you want to taste?" Satoshi asked, and swiped a little more precum from Sand's weeping cock, offering his finger to the elf. Sand's tongue swirled around Satoshi's finger as he sucked it, savoring his own taste and moaning. "You taste so good, Masato. Touch yourself for me. Make yourself come for me."

Sand moaned again and he wrapped long fingers around his cock, stroking in time with his slow rise and fall as he rode Satoshi. Satoshi watched as Sand's breathing grew more ragged, hitching a little as the elf grew closer to the edge.

"That's it, poldoramin," Satoshi growled, his own balls starting to tighten. "Just like that."

Sand screamed as he came, his cum shooting out in hard spurts to paint his own chest, and Satoshi leaned forward to lick the thick ropes from Sand's pale skin as Sand's ass clamped down on Satoshi's cock like a velvet vise. Sand ground down, his head falling back and his raven hair spilling free to tickle Satoshi's thighs as Sand's back arched in pleasure.

The taste of Sand on his tongue combined with the feel of Sand around his cock so tightly sent Satoshi over the edge as well, and he screamed loudly and let go, filling Sand's ass with searing hot cum as Sand ground down to milk every drop from his beloved imp. Sand was shivering with the intensity of his orgasm, and Satoshi moaned loudly and pressed his face into Sand's chest, nuzzling into the elf and breathing deeply as his cock gave up the last spurts of cum.

They stayed like that for a long moment, Sand trembling a little with fatigue and pleasure, and Satoshi reveling in the feeling of loving and being loved. When Sand could finally move again, he eased himself off Satoshi carefully, his legs still a little wobbly, and he he hurried to the bathroom to bring back a warm washcloth. Sand cleaned Satoshi off tenderly, his face utterly radiant with sated bliss, and Satoshi pulled Sand in for a deep and loving kiss.

Satoshi scooted back up onto the bed, and Sand helped him under the covers, sliding in to lay beside Satoshi and gather him close. Satoshi rested his head against Sand's shoulder, listening to the elf's strong heartbeat, and feeling the tender kisses that Sand pressed to his soft hair, and Satoshi drifted off to sleep, his lips curved in the sweetest smile.

[Everything's Gone]

After checking into this, the deleted stories were published before your 18th birthday. All your pre 18 content was deleted, and that would include reviews associated with those stories.

[Vocabulary Turn- ONS]

I like pairings like "thick cock" or "generous cock" rather than having someone actually give me measurements. I'm happier using my imagination as a reader.

[A question about points of view]

One thing you don't say, and it really makes a difference, is whether or not the story is being told in the first person or not. If it's being told in the first person, you do need to make the transition clear, and the asterisks or other subtle marker (please do NOT announce the POV change) is needed.

If you're telling the story in third person, consider what we called the "third person omniscient" back in the Jurassic age. It allows the author to reveal the thoughts of all the characters. A good description is this article. A little more in-depth discussion is here.

Don't let yourself get discouraged. Point of view is a tricky thing to get right, and the fact that you care enough to worry about getting it right is the hallmark of a writer.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand listened quietly as Satoshi spoke with his doctor, filling Muriyama-sensei in on all the events of the past three years. He was more than a little surprised to find out that Satoshi had spoken about him after the vacation in North Carolina, and Sand could feel his cheeks growing warm as he remembered how he had so spectacularly failed Satoshi and Kansas both. Sand took a quiet breath and reminded himself that they were here to help Satoshi, and not deal with a slightly idiotic moon elf and his utter inability to see what was right in front of him.

It was harder when Muriyama brought up the topic of suicidal thoughts, and Satoshi actually shrank away from Sand. Sand felt his heart aching as he realized that in the depths of this darkness, Satoshi believed that Sand might react angrily, when in fact Sand wanted nothing more than to hold Satoshi tightly and soothe his fears. Sand knew that Satoshi was not given to public displays in Tokyo, but he could not help reaching out and gently tugging one hand back out from between Satoshi's thighs, cradling it between his faintly scarred fingers with infinite care and tenderness.

Sand's blue eyes were darker than usual, his sorrow coloring them as he began to understand how helpless he was to make this better for Satoshi. Satoshi had lived with this most of his life, and still could not deal with it. Sand was so new to this illness, and he stood no chance on his own. Muriyama seemed both competent and caring, and the gentle matter of fact way that he approached Satoshi gave Sand a glimmer of hope.

Muriyama turned to Sand, and offered him an appointment as well, and Sand's eyes widened very slightly. Sand had not considered that the doctor might be able to help him as well, and the faintest of smiles came to his lips.

"I think I would like to see you as well, Muriyama-sensei." Sand bowed very politely. "Thank you for offering this opportunity. I want, more than I have ever wanted anything, to help my husband with this illness, and to make sure that our marriage remains strong. I cannot imagine my life without him, you see, but I do not know what to do anymore, or how best to help him."

Muriyama nodded with a friendly smile, but Satoshi sobbed quietly and looked sideways up at Sand, whispering under his breath, "I'm sorry."

Muriyama spoke in that same friendly tone, his eyes glancing at Satoshi, as the imp whispered, but his words were meant for Sand. "Mori-san, I understand perfectly how you feel. It is a complicated illness, and if this is the first time that you witness Mori-san in a downswing then it can seem overwhelming. I must say I commend you for having dealt with this as well as it sounds like you have. It shows how much you do care and love him. I have seen strong marriages break apart because of something like this, but I can tell that you have no intention of letting that happen."

Muriyama rose from his chair and went over to his desk, picking up a file jacket from a drawer and some papers. Returning to his chair he wrote down a couple of notes and then looked at Sand with the same warm friendly look he had used towards Satoshi the whole session.

"Now, Mori-san. Your name, Mori Masato, yes? How would you like to do this? You can come with Mori-san, and you can share his session, if he agrees, or you can have a part of his sessions with me, again if he agrees. Or I can offer you your private sessions with me. The session is usually forty-five minutes. It is only for special cases like Mori-san's that I use ninety minute sessions. And when would you like to start?"

"Thank you, yes, my name is Mori Masato. I would like to set up private sessions with you, and if Mori-san wishes to participate in my sessions, he is welcome to any of them." Sand turned to Satoshi. "I do not wish you to think I am hiding from you, saiai. There is nothing I will say that you cannot hear. I love you, Satoshi-san. Would you prefer that I come on the days when you come? My session could be after yours, and then we can come and leave together."

Satoshi stared up at Sand for a few moments, and then asked with great sorrow in his voice, "Am I breaking you?"

Sand cupped Satoshi's face in his hands. "No, saiai, never. You are not breaking me, and you are not breaking us. I can be strong enough for us both until you are feeling better, and I will not break. I will only love you the more for letting me support you in this."

"Why do you need to see Muriyama-sensei alone then?" Satoshi's voice took on the plaintive tone that indicated that he was getting upset, his eyes filling with confusion.

"I thought to give you your privacy, to speak as freely as you needed to Muriyama-sensei. You are welcome to share my sessions, all of them. I simply do not want to use any of your time for me." Sand looked deeply into Satoshi's eyes, his blue eyes filled with endless love that he did not know if Satoshi could see. "Join my sessions. I would like that. I have no secrets from you."

Satoshi moved a fraction closer to Sand and sank forwards, his arms snaking around the elf's neck, and Satoshi whispered, loud enough for Muriyama to hear him, "I'm sorry. I thought I was breaking you. I thought you needed to see Muriyama alone so he could fix what I've broken in your head. I don't want to steal your time with him, either. But if you really want me to, then I'll come with you."

Muriyama smiled gently, his appointment book resting on his lap, his voice endlessly patient. "I have an opening for a double session the day after tomorrow for you, Mori-san. But there is no free time after that session, so what do you say you share the latter half of your session with Mori Masato-san, and then we'll see how we can split the time between you two. I will be able to offer you your private session as of next week, Mori-san."

Satoshi nodded slightly against Sand's shoulder, small tears beading in his eyes but not falling.

"I want you to come, saiai." Sand wrapped his arms around Satoshi, not caring a whit for propriety. "Let us do that, then. We will come the day ofter tomorrow, and I can join you for the latter half of your session. We can discuss what we will do then as well." Sand brushed his lips very softly across Satoshi's lips. "We will do this together, you and I. That is how we are strongest, when we are together."

Satoshi nodded again, the movement so slight it was barely noticeable, but the tears in his eyes subsided and Satoshi sat back a little, cuddling up against Sand's side. "Alright, we'll do that then. I really have nothing to hide from you either, Masato-san. I don't want you to think that."

"I know that, saiai." Sand kept his arm around Satoshi, gentle and protective. "You have been honest and brave throughout this, and I do not know if I could have done so well." Sand looked up at Muriyama, his love for Satoshi plain on his face. "Thank you again, Muriyama-sensei. We will get Satoshi-san's prescriptions filled right away, and he can begin taking the medication tonight. And we will see you then the day after tomorrow."

Muriyama nodded with a smile, his eyes bright as he observed the love between the two husbands. Obscured as it was in Satoshi's eyes by his pain, it was still quite obvious when the pierced man looked at his foreigner husband.

Muriyama rose from his armchair, and spoke as he walked around to his desk, sitting down to fill out the prescriptions, using the thick file that belonged to Satoshi as a reference. "I will prescribe the same dosage as last time and the same combination. I see here that the last time they started showing effects after only three weeks so we will hope that you will respond that quickly this time as well. And please remember to take them with a meal. You know how bad it is for you to take these on an empty stomach. Mori Masato-san, I'll ask you to remind him to take these with food."

Muriyama smiled brightly at the pair, as Satoshi struggled to his feet and blew a raspberry at his doctor. Muriyama handed Sand four prescription slips, and then jotted their names into the appointment ledger, telling them as he did so, "Then at two in the afternoon, on Wednesday. I will see you then."

Satoshi nodded and bowed respectfully to the doctor, before he turned and started making his way slowly out of the office. He hesitated as he passed the glass chess set, then he turned towards it and looked at it for a few moments. Muriyama watched him with a bemused look, and then smiled when Satoshi reached out and moved a white pawn two squares, then turned back towards the door.

Sand bowed deeply to Muriyama as well, arching an eyebrow slightly as Satoshi made his chess move. "Is this an ongoing game?"

Muriyama nodded with a small smile. "This is an ongoing game that I have with Kansas-san, actually. Mori-san makes the first move, then brings my first move to Kansas-san, who sends Mori-san with the next move, to our next session. It is a lot of fun. Kansas-san has a great knack for strategic games."

Muriyama moved over to the chess set and looked at it for a moment before he reached for a black pawn and moved it one square forward. Satoshi watched the move, and Sand could see Satoshi memorize the move, before he nodded and turned towards the door again with a faint hint of a smile on his lips.

Sand watched with complete fascination, unfamiliar with chess, but suddenly quite determined to learn. "Until Wednesday, then, Muriyama-sensei. I look forward to it." Sand bowed again and hurried after his beloved husband.

As they walked out to the car, Sand spoke softly. "I like him, saiai. He has a kind manner, but I think he sees a great deal. But, when you are feeling a bit better, you must teach me this game."

Satoshi giggled, and for a moment there was a hint of the old light hearted little imp that Sand had first met, as Satoshi answered, "Oh, I'm shit at it. I just do what Kansas tells me to. I'm better at go. Kansas on the other hand is brilliant at chess and all sorts of other strategy games. But I can teach you how the pieces are moved and such, but once you learn that, you'll have to ask Kansas to teach you properly."

Sand chuckled. "Ah, then you will teach me go, and trounce me soundly, I am sure."

They walked out to the car, and Sand helped Satoshi to get into the passenger seat, slipping the imp's crutches into the back seat. Sand hopped into the driver's seat, much more comfortable with finding his way home through Setagaya-ku, and they made their way to a large pharmacy where they filled Satoshi's prescriptions. Satoshi also picked out a small weekly organizer box to sort out his pills for the various times of day that he needed to take them. Sand also picked up several large bottles or water to keep in their room, and an assortment of soy yogurts in single serving cups. Sand had managed to wheedle Satoshi into agreeing to have a small yogurt before taking his pills, especially in the morning in return for not pressuring Satoshi into eating a large meal.

Sand helped Satoshi back into the car to go home, pressing a swift kiss to Satoshi's cheek as he leaned over the imp. This won Sand another little smile, and he slipped back into the car with a lighter heart. They started off for home, Sand driving carefully to avoid jarring Satoshi's ankle too much. At a red light, he went to reach for the cd player, thinking to turn on a little music for Satoshi, but Satoshi stopped him, and Sand turned to look at his husband.

"Masato-san." Satoshi said in a small voice, but his eyes were filled with love when he continued. "I just want to tell you. I'm always scared that I'm going to break you, or scare you away when I'm like this. But I promise that I'll let you know when I feel suicidal again. And I want you to know, that even though I can't really feel it much, right now, I do love you. I know that I love you more than I love life itself. You are my soul, my heart and my life, all in one. I love you, my Masato-san."

Sand's eyes filled with tears as he looked at his beloved husband. "Thank you, saiai. In my heart, I have always known this, but sometimes this very foolish elf needs to hear the words. I know it is hard to feel my love for you right now, but you are everything that makes my life worth living, and I cannot imagine even a day without you beside me. I love you, my Satoshi-san."

Haedrith sat at his desk in the center of the library of Tower Reilloch, his chin propped in the upturned palm of one hand. He looked down the long spoke of bookshelves to the now empty table where Khaleth had set up residence for nearly two full tendays. In all that time, there had been no strange visitors to the library, and the young elven apprentice had not returned, nor had his tome. Khaleth's enchanted locket had detected no faerzess magic, and even Haedrith finally had to concede that it was becoming quite futile to keep Khaleth penned behind his wall of tomes.

It had been a near encounter with his master that had settled Khaleth's mind on the matter. The old mage had wandered into the library, quite disgruntled to find out that Haedrith did not have a supply of sticky buns on hand, and had no intention of baking any in the near future. Haedrith was far too kind by nature to shoo the elderly elf away, and as a result the mage had settled in for a chat with the graceful librarian, still not quite convinced that he had not arrived at the kitchens.

In the middle of their conversation, the elderly mage had lifted his head and sniffed deeply, catching the scent of Khaleth's bread and honey that he was nibbling as a late luncheon. Haedrith had managed to distract the mage and offered to show him where there was another kitchen that was much better stocked, but Khaleth decided he was quite done with haunting the library. By the time Haedrith had returned, without his elderly friend, Khaleth had packed up his things and fled, leaving behind the enchanted locket on Haedrith's desk.

It had taken Haedrith a bit of time to put away all the tomes that Khaleth had used to build his ramparts, although the librarian was not exactly rushing to complete the task. His turquoise eyes were thoughtful as he slid each tome lovingly back into place on its proper shelf, stroking the bindings gently. At least Khaleth could be counted on not to break the bindings or fox the parchment, and he did remember to roll the scrolls up properly and fasten the little silk ribbons neatly enough.

Now, as he sat lost in thought, it occurred to Haedrith that they had gone about things entirely the wrong way. Haedrith and Khaleth had simply assumed that the apprentice or his master would make their way back to the library, but that was far too passive an approach. Haedrith shuddered a little as his agile mind insisted on presenting the analogy of them lurking like a spider in its web, the design of the library reinforcing that image, at least in Haedrith's case.

"Well, then," Haedrith murmured, standing with his usual grace and reaching into his desk drawer. He rummaged for a moment and pulled out the crystal Khaleth had created for him that would allow him to home in on a particular tome, useful for the Master Librarian in a tower full of absurdly absentminded mages. "Maybe it's time to take to the hunt instead of crouching in my web."

Haedrith held up the crystal and spoke to it softly. "Find for me On Tracing Bloodlines and True Names of the Lower Planes, wherever it might be in this Tower." The crystal glowed for a moment and seemed to tug a little at the end of its chain. Haedrith lowered his arm, the elegantly overlong sleeve of his robe covering both his hand and the crystal, and Haedrith followed the feather-light tugs down the stairs to the apprentice quarters on the lower levels of the tower.

The crystal seemed insistent that the tome was in one of the small private rooms reserved for senior apprentices, and Haedrith knocked politely at the closed door. He knocked a second time after waiting a bit, and when he could hear nothing from the other side of the door, he reached out and tried the handle. The door opened easily, as Haedrith had expected it would, and the librarian stepped inside, closing the door behind himself out of habit.

It took a mere moment for Haedrith's vision to adjust to the darkened room, and he looked around the spare quarters almost carelessly until his eyes fell on the wardrobe, which was slightly ajar. The tome was resting on the small slanted desk next to the wardrobe, and Haedrith walked the few steps across the room to retrieve his tome. He sneezed suddenly as he lifted the tome, a faint but dreadfully familiar odor assailing his nostrils, and with his heart leaping in his chest, Haedrith opened the wardrobe.

What was left of the young apprentice had been mostly mummified in the dry air of the small room. His torso had been opened from the delicate dip of his collarbone down to where his cock should have been, and bits of his vertebrae gleamed whitely from the hollow that had once contained his organs. The breastbone and ribs were gone, and Haedrith stepped closer to examine the body, shock making him impervious to terror. The rear ribs looked to have been scored, perhaps by claws, and Haedrith moved in a little closer still. Something crunched sharply beneath his boot, and Haedrith looked down at the splintered bone.

"Oh, Seldarine," Haedrith whispered, stepping back quickly until he bumped against the end of the narrow bed. "Oh, sweet Sehanine, gather him home to Arvandor."

Haedrith reached behind himself, fumbling for the handle of the door, and he stumbled out into the hall, his turquoise eyes tearing from more than just the sudden light. There was no one there, no one to have seen him enter or leave the room, and Haedrith clutched his tome to his breast like a shield as he fled up the stairs and out of the tower, his feet taking him straight to Khaleth's house.

Khaleth's wife Araira opened the door and admitted the breathless and pale librarian, taking him straight to the garden and sitting him on a cushioned bench.

"Let me fetch your some cool tui, my sweet," Araira told Haedrith, petting his hand gently. "You look positively undone. Khaleth should be out in a moment, the wretch. I sent him to fetch some davalsa and I do believe he's gotten lost in the kitchen, again." She pressed a sisterly kiss to Haedrith's cheek and swayed off in search of her husband.

By the time Araira returned with the tui and a platter of voratae and fresh fruits, Khaleth was on her heels, his blue-green eyes wide at the sight of Haedrith, tome clutched to his chest and his red-gold curls tumbled all over his shoulders from his frantic dash through Leuthilspar.

"Thank you, dearest, you're the most marvelous elf to grace this island," Khaleth murmured, kissing Araira soundly and then patting her shapely ass and waving her off. He grabbed the pitcher of tui and poured for them both. "What in all the Nine Hells happened? You look horrible!"

Haedrith had calmed down enough to manage a withering look. "Thank you, Master Idiot. I feel much better for that observation."

"Right. Note to self. Lie to the pretty librarian." Khaleth pushed the platter at Haedrith. "Nibble while you talk, or Araira will hang me by my much abused balls. What tome is that that you're holding like you're betrothed to it?"

"Oh!" Haedrith looked at the tome, surprised, and dropped it on the bench beside him. It was such an uncharacteristic thing for the the librarian to do that Khaleth's eyes widened even more. "Don't do that. You look like a moonfish."

"I'm going to explode if you don't tell me what's going on," Khaleth threatened.

Haedrith waved a slim hand as he took a deep drink of the tui. "Oh, that's much better. Well, I was thinking, after I cleaned up all the tomes you left piled up on the table in the library, that we weren't being terribly smart about this."

Khaleth snorted a little, reaching for the pitcher and refilling Haedrith's glass. "I'm not sure that smart would describe anything we've done these past couple of tendays."

"Are you going to poke at me, or listen?" Haedrith arched a brow and helped himself to a voratae, the shellfish deliciously fresh and perfectly seasoned. "I decided to stop lurking about and go hunting."

Khaleth choked on the voratae he had just sucked from its shell. Haedrith pounded his back helpfully until Khaleth was able to suck in a deep breath. "You are a librarian. What's the last thing you've hunted beside a missing scroll?"

Haedrith looked indignant. "I've hunted before, you feeble excuse for a spy. At least I didn't nearly give myself away by deciding to eat bread and honey when my master is confusing the library for the kitchen."

"Point taken," Khaleth muttered. "So, oh Master Hunter, what did you find?"

"My missing tome and a dead apprentice," Haedrith said, and Khaleth sat straight up.

"Wait, what?" Khaleth's eyes were wide as saucers as he looked at Haedrith.

Haedrith nodded grimly. "The apprentice who took the tome in the first place, to be precise. He'd been scooped out like a sortani. It looked like his back ribs had been scraped by claws, or talons, but that was when I stepped on the bones on the floor and I got a little startled."

Khaleth shook his head, not quite sure if he was appalled or impressed by Haedrith's sleuthing. He decided to go with a mixture of both, since Haedrith was remarkably calm for an elf who had just found a dead elf. Khaleth thought that over, and his blood ran cold.

"Did anyone see you?" Khaleth demanded. "When you went in or left, did anyone see you?"

"Not that I know of," Haedrith said, not yet following Khaleth's train of thought. "I had closed the door when I went in, and aside from stepping on the bones, I didn't make any noise."

"Right." Khaleth looked very grim. "You were never there, and you saw nothing. Repeat that after me."

"What are you talking about, you complete lunatic?" Haedrith asked.

Khaleth shook his head. "A dead elf. And you the last person to see him alive, in your library. You asking about him. You conveniently finding him dead. Does this sound like a perfect setup to get you taken out of the picture as a kinslayer?"

The voratae that Haedrith had eaten suddenly felt like lead as he looked at Khaleth, the two elves wide-eyed and pale.

"Leave the tome here. I'll hide it somewhere, and then you can still pretend to be looking for it if you're asked about the dead apprentice." Khaleth reached for the tome, his hands trembling slightly. "What in all the Nine Hells did we get mixed up in?"

[So, snogging, how do you write it?]

I'll second DrunkenScotsman here. Snogging is a full-body experience for me, both personally and as an author. Jaw-nibbling, ear-nipping, fingers tangling in hair, and so on... It's the opening gambit of foreplay, and really does set the tone for the way the encounter will go.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand tried in vain to pull Satoshi back into his arms, his heart aching as he realized this was the crash he and Yuji had been dreading, precipitated by an accident that would have been easily managed any other time. Satoshi resisted, shoving Sand's arms away, his sobs wrenching.

"Saiai, please," Sand said, keeping his voice gentle and loving. "It was just a small accident, my heart. Takara will be fine, I promise. Okaasan will come and take care of everything, and Takara will be fine." He stroked Satoshi's hair and back, feeling the shudders that wracked Satoshi's slender frame. "You did nothing wrong, my precious love. Please do not blame yourself like this."

"Shut the fuck up," Satoshi moaned, his hands clenched into such tight fists that his knuckles shone white through the skin. "Don't fucking tell me what I did or didn't do. I was making her run."

"My love, it's alright," Yuji said, his own voice filled with love and pain as he dropped to his knees beside Satoshi. "You know what happens when you're feeling like this. You're being too hard on yourself, and it's the depression talking, my love. Takara will be fine, and ready to hug her chichi as soon as Eryn heals her."

Satoshi lifted his tearstained face, his eyes blazing with rage and self loathing. "Don't fucking condescend to me, Yuji. You of all people, don't you fucking dare talk to me like I don't know what the fuck is happening. I hurt my daughter, you stupid bastards. I ruin everything." He collapsed forward again, his sobs choking off his words.

Sand looked at Yuji over the crumpled form of their husband, his blue eyes clouded with pain. It was like a choking cloud of darkness, rolling off the broken imp between them, and Sand wanted to scream down the sky itself as he tasted what Satoshi was enduring. He could see a shadow of it in Yuji's eyes as well, and Sand realized Yuji was getting some of it as well through his bond with Satoshi, and Sand's breath hitched a little in his throat.

"Oh, saiai, how can you say such things? You, who are my soul, my very light?" Sand tried again to wrap his arms around Satoshi, his heart aching as he felt Satoshi shrink away from his touch as though Sand were dipped in acid. "You ruin nothing, cormamin. Please, saes, do not pull away from us. Let us love you and help you."

Satoshi screamed wordlessly, a howl of pure anguish and pain, and he kicked at Sand with his good foot, his muscular leg catching the elf on one thigh and spinning Sand back along the deck. At the same time, Satoshi shoved Yuji away, and then began to crawl, unable to stand without his crutches. Sand looked at Yuji, the tears streaming down Yuji's face as he watched Satoshi's painful progress, and Sand's own eyes filled as he started to stand, meaning to follow Satoshi.

A slim hand on Sand's shoulder stopped him and he turned around to look into the gentle green eyes of his elven husband as Vale shook his head. Vale held out his other hand to Yuji, and when Yuji stood up, Vale threw his arms around them both and pulled them into a hug.

"Don't, my loves. Leave him to me. I've been where he is, and I can handle him." Vale kissed Sand and then kissed Yuji, lingering a little bit as he looked into Yuji's perfect eyes. "Go help Willow with Takara, and give the other kids some hugs. They're probably scared to death, and Kansas and Erion won't be much better."

"Vale, are you sure? I can feel how bad this is," Sand began, and Vale hushed him gently.

"You feel a shadow of how bad it is, and you, a'maelamin, feel a shadow of a shadow. I'm not trying to make light of what you both feel, but it's only a little of what he's feeling." Vale pulled them in tightly for a moment, and then released them. "Go call Eryn, get Takara smiling again, and I'll see to our love. I won't let him fall, I promise you both."

There was such confidence in Vale's quiet words that Yuji nodded, pulling his beloved elf into a deep kiss and tangling his fingers in the thick blond hair.

"Take care of him for me," Yuji said, his voice thick. "I trust you with him. Bring him back to us."

Sand kissed Vale as well, lingering over the familiar touch of his sun elf. "Anoramin, I cannot lose him."

"I know, ithilamin. I'll catch him for you, istaramin." Vale stroked Sand's cheek lovingly, and then released his husbands, following Satoshi as he crawled to the lounge chairs, sobbing piteously.

Vale leaned over Satoshi, slipping his arms under the slender imp and lifting him up and partially onto the lounge. Satoshi swatted at Vale, but Vale ignored him with loving indifference, continuing to help Satoshi off the deck and onto the lounge chair, silent and tender.

Once Vale had gotten Satoshi onto the lounge chair, he sat next to the tortured man, gently stroking Satoshi's thick cherry red hair. Satoshi wailed and pushed Vale's hand away, but Vale just paused for a moment, and then resumed his gentle stroking, never saying a word, his bond open so that Satoshi could reach out and feel Vale's warm love when he was ready, an invitation rather than a demand for attention.

This time, Satoshi did not swat Vale away, and Vale slowly moved a little closer. Little by little, Vale gathered Satoshi into his arms, never saying a word, just offering the warmth of another body and the comfort of being held, and Satoshi gave a last deep sigh and subsided into Vale's arms, limp and trembling, his cheeks streaming with tears as he wept silently into Vale's chest.

Vale had no idea how long they lay curled together on the lounge, Satoshi weeping his bitter silent tears as Vale held him close and stroked his hair. It did not matter how much time had passed to the blond elf. What was important was that Satoshi was not pushing him away, and the darkness that enveloped Satoshi was not growing. Vale knew that darkness all too well, and knew how tempting it was to let go and fall into its heart, never to emerge again, and he would not let Satoshi fall.

Satoshi stirred just a little, and Vale looked down to see the slender imp bring one hand to his mouth, gnawing on his finger. In between nibbles, Satoshi's lips were moving, and Vale's elven hearing allowed him to hear Satoshi clearly.

"I don't deserve her, or Ryuu. I'm only going to ruin them, and make them as fucking crazy as I am." Satoshi paused to lick at the piercings in his lower lip, his tongue darting out almost furtively. "I'm already making Ryuu crazy. I'm fucking him up and Takara's next, and I don't want to hurt them anymore. I should just die and then Masato and Akane can raise them, and they'll be safe."

Vale stroked Satoshi gently, never pausing at all, his gentle love waiting as he kept his bond open wide. Satoshi's voice gradually got louder, the pain-filled imp trying to let some of the poison out. "I love them so much, but I'm fucking poison for them. I'll only ruin them. I'll ruin everything. Otousan will try to help, and then he'll lose Eri-chan when she gets tired of my shit, and I'll fucking ruin that, too. I should have died when I was born. I wish I had died. I wish I could die now."

Vale tightened his hold on Satoshi slightly, not enough to panic Satoshi and yet enough for Satoshi to relax just a little more into the elf's arms.

"I don't even know why you're here, Akira. Why are you even bothering with me? You can feel how fucked up and worthless I am. You can feel how empty I am inside, how the fucking darkness eats up everything else until there's no room for anything but pain. Don't you think I should just fucking die?" Satoshi's voice broke, and he began to sob softly.

Vale pressed a gentle kiss to Satoshi's head, and he gave the tiniest little push of love through his bond, a nudge, an offer of more. He rested his cheek against Satoshi's head, and he kept his voice very soft as he finally spoke.

"When I went crazy, the thing that terrified me the most was being left alone with Hikaru-kun." Vale did not try to smooth out anything that he felt as he remembered that consuming terror. He was not actively sharing that old pain, but he could feel Satoshi reach out, tentative and wary, to touch the edges of it. "In my saner moments, I knew I loved him more than life, and I could never hurt him. The thing was, I never could be sure who I really was. The elf that loved Hikaru-kun, and Yuji, and all of you might just have been some face painted on to hide a killer, an elf who killed his lover, killed his father to protect his secret and forced his mother to fade. Each time I touched Hikaru, I never knew if I was going to stroke his hair or snap his fragile little neck."

Vale felt hot tears track down his cheeks as he remembered, and the burning shame of those memories was left wide open for Satoshi to see. "The worst part is that I couldn't tell anyone. I wanted to tell Yuji, or even Sand, but every time I tried, it was like I had a huge wad of something stuck in my throat. The words wouldn't come out. Hells, I couldn't even fucking breathe until I screamed inside my head that I wouldn't say it, I wouldn't tell. Those screams were in an elfling's voice, and I was sure I was so fucking mad that I'd never find my way home." Vale paused and kissed Satoshi's soft hair. "They'd bring Hikaru to me, and set him down, and I'd look at that little trusting face and wonder if I was going to try to kill him. I would have been happy to fucking die."

"Why didn't you?" Satoshi asked, and his voice was small and broken.

"The voice that told me I should die wasn't my voice. It was her, and she needed me to die so no one would be able to prove what she did to me." Vale's voice was still soft, but the pain bled away, the strength returning as the gentle elf asserted himself over the old wounds, healing the last of them as he finished telling Satoshi. "I clung to that, and then you reached inside me and lifted away the pain, and I could see the love again that you all had for me. I knew you all couldn't be that wrong, and that maybe, just maybe I wasn't such a total fuck-up. Maybe I could love you all back, and maybe Hikaru-kun wasn't going to have to worry about his chichi killing him."

Satoshi trembled, leaning into Vale's arms, his tears still flowing freely. "You couldn't kill anyone like that, not people that you love. I trust you with Ryuu-kun and Takara-chan, completely. You're so perfect with the kids, and you'd die rather than hurt them, I know it, Akira-san."

Vale nodded. "I know that now, too, just like I know that Ryuu-kun and Takara-chan couldn't have a better chichi than you. Your love for them is so pure that even this darkness can't blacken it, did you know that? I can show you. Close your eyes, mela en'coiamin, and just watch."

Satoshi closed his eyes, and he felt Vale touch his mind so gently that it was like a soft breeze. He could see all the bands of color, each with its own pure notes, that marked his bonds to all his loved ones. Most of them were streaked with darkness, and Satoshi knew that was the depression eating away at them, and his heart sank. A warm glow wrapped itself around Satoshi's heart, and he could feel Vale in the warmth, like a summer day after a long winter.

The warmth nudged him very gently, and Satoshi saw two bands of light, not yet anchored, but glowing like liquid mithral, pure and completely untainted by the darkness, and he knew them. One was faintly bronze and the other had a golden feel to it, like the tawny fur of a lioness, and Satoshi sobbed a little as he recognized the bright touch of Ryuu and Takara. Vale's voice was a whisper in his ear.

"You said, when I first met you, that Ryuu was the one perfect thing you ever did. Takara was the second perfect thing. This darkness has no power over that. It can't take that from you, that twice you've managed to be a part of something that makes it worth getting out of bed each day." Vale let his love flow forward, wrapping around Satoshi like a gentle blanket, and Satoshi felt a tiny bit of the darkness ease.

"I'm so scared, Akira. I fall, and it feels like I'll never stop falling. She screamed, and she was bleeding all over," Satoshi sobbed, clinging tightly to Vale.

"Hikaru's run into things so hard he's knocked himself cross-eyed, and each time my heart just stops in my chest, and his wails are like knives," Vale agreed. "But they are going to get bumps and bruises and cuts, because we love them enough to let them fly. We don't expect them to stand in the corner like perfect dolls."

Satoshi sniffled hard, and Vale scrabbled around to find something for Satoshi's nose, coming up with a paper towel from the kitchen that he had forgotten he had brought with him.

"Eri-chan will patch the little wildcat up, and by teatime, she'll be tearing through the house again and the boo-boo will be forgotten, by her, at least." Vale smiled gently. "We'll remember it forever because we're parents, and that's what we do. But for now, mela en'coiamin, I want you to close your eyes and just rest here with me. I have you, Satoshi, and I'm never letting go."

Satoshi blew his nose a final time, his eyes red and swollen, but he nodded a little bit and buried his face in Vale's chest, feeling the deep, sure beat of the elf's heart, and he let himself drift into a ragged sleep while Vale held him tightly.

Kansas stood to one side, trembling as he watched Willow cradle the howling Takara, the cool wet cloth pressed gently against the tiny girl's forehead. Aika was watching with her chin wobbling, and Ryuu had Aika's hand in his, trying to be as brave as he could. Hikaru was not even attempting brave, his green eyes spilling over with tears as he clung to Erion's leg and whimpered. Erion had taken Michi from Willow, and the little half-elf was watching all the commotion with wide eyes, not sure if she should wail along with Takara or not.

Sand had called Eryn, and Eryn had called a taxi to bring her right over, telling Sand to call Satoru and leave a message for him to call her later. Yuji and Sand relaxed a little with the knowledge that Eryn would take perfect care of Takara, but Sand's eyes kept flicking toward the deck, his attention torn between his daughter's injury and his husband's overwhelming pain.

Willow looked around, and Erion caught her eye, the young elf giving her a surprisingly decisive nod. He nuzzled Michi, aborting her wail before it got started, and reached down to swing Hikaru up to his other hip.

'What's all the fuss about, otouto? Hmm? Are we having a competition? You want to see if you can yell louder than Takara?" Erion nuzzled Hikaru, who hiccuped and stopped whimpering as he looked at Erion with big eyes. "Trust me on this one. No one can yell louder than Takara, not even buronzudoragon, but don't tell him I said that."

The tiniest hint of a smile tugged at Ryuu's lips when he heard Erion, and Erion winked at Ryuu, two big brothers conspiring to calm their littlest brother.

"Sobo's coming over, and she's going to patch Takara-chan up, but I'm going to need some help from you guys. You think you can help?" Erion asked, and Aika nodded, her chin firming up.

"We should make tea for sobo," Aika suggested in a tiny voice. "And some cookies."

"I can listen for the gate," Ryuu said. "I know how to do the code."

Erion nodded brightly. "Of course you do, because you're the oldest. Hikaru, do you think you can help Aika with making a pretty napkin fan like you did for your otooji?"

Hikaru nodded and then held his nose. "You should make Michi not so stinky, oniisan."

Aika gave a tiny giggle as Erion looked at Michi with wide eyes. "Michi-chan, is that you? I thought it was one hundred goblins having a washday for their dirty socks."

"Or a pile of thousand year old dragon toenails," Ryuu giggled.

"Or one of Takara's earthworm cupcakes with natto on top," Aika said, her perfect eyes brightening a little.

"Maybe all those things," Erion agreed solemnly. "Okay, so, here's the plan. I'll go take care of our smelly princess, and you guys start getting the things ready for tea. I'll put the kettle on when I get back down." Erion let Hikaru slide down his hip and leg, the little blond half elf giggling as he hurried to follow Ryuu and Aika.

Erion turned and gave Willow a quick smile, and then leaned in to Yuji as he passed him on the way upstairs. "Kansas needs you, Yuji." The young elf locked eyes with Yuji for a second, and then headed off with Michi for the nursery.

Yuji turned around and looked at Kansas, the young imp's eyes a pale and silvery blue, and Yuji held out his arms as Kansas flung himself at Yuji. Yuji wrapped his arms around Kansas tightly, pressing a loving kiss to the thick blue and black hair, and he guided Kansas down to the tatami room, away from the fuss in the playroom.

Once inside the tatami room, Kansas's chin wobbled hard and his eyes spilled over as he clung to Yuji with desperate ferocity. Yuji sank to the floor with Kansas and pulled the younger imp into his lap, Kansas burying his face in Yuji's chest and burrowing in as if he was trying to crawl inside Yuji. All the while, Kansas was whimpering and mewling a little, and Yuji knew that Kansas's bond with Satoshi was letting Kansas feel that awful blackness that was consuming Satoshi.

Yuji could only feel it a little, and that darkness was nearly overwhelming. It felt like tar, clinging to him and too sticky to come off, a bleak despair that wanted to suck him down into its depths. Yuji could push it away, but Kansas had his own dark places, and Satoshi's pain was bringing back far too many bad memories, too much old pain. Yuji held onto Kansas tightly, stroking Kansas's back and letting the young imp cling to him.

"Sshhh, I've got you, imp," Yuji crooned, stroking Kansas's hair. "It's okay, baby. Vale's with him. Vale won't let him fall."

Kansas sobbed painfully, his voice a soft low wail. "I never knew. I never knew. I never knew it was so horrible. I never cared. All I cared about was myself. I didn't know he was in so much pain. I didn't know that his darkness was so terrible."

Yuji soothed the raven and blue hair, pressing soft kisses to Kansas' clammy pale forehead, whispering back, "None of us knew. You had every right to think of yourself. You had so much darkness of your own, that Satoshi never even considered letting you know how deep his darkness was. He didn't even tell me. I've known him since he was eleven. I've seen him in such a deep slump that he couldn't even make it out of bed, but he never told me how bad it was. But we're here for him now, Kansas. We're here, and we have our elves to help us. Vale won't let him fall. And Sand will be there for him when he's ready for Sand to be there."

By the time Eryn arrived, Erion and the kids had gotten tea ready, and Takara's screams had dwindled to pitiful sobs as she cuddled in her mother's arms. Sand was hovering around Willow, fretful and nervous, and Eryn had arched an elegant brow at her son and sent him for warm water and clean cloths.

"Hello, sweetheart," Eryn crooned to Takara, who sniffled loudly and stared at Eryn with huge eyes. "What have we done today? Tousan tells me you were trying to see if you could make the whole house tumble down with your head."

Takara's eyes lit up a bit, and she let out a little peep of a giggle.

"Did you know that tousan tried that himself once? He very nearly succeeded in putting a big dent in his own head, but I'm afraid he couldn't tumble the house, either." Eryn lifted away the cloth Willow had been using, and smiled at Willow reassuringly. "Hmm, I think Mama is as good a doctor as I am." Eryn touched the gash lightly, and it closed most of the way, leaving only a small scratch that would heal cleanly without a scar, and a little bit of a bruise, enough to explain all the tears and fuss. "I'm just going to wash this off a bit, and see what we have."

Willow gave Eryn a grateful smile as Eryn cleaned away some of the blood, Takara watching her silly tousan as he hovered anxiously nearby, trying to see if she could spot any dents in his head. She was so thoroughly distracted that Eryn had her cleaned off and had dabbed on a little ointment before Takara realized it.

"I think we might need a bandaid on that," Eryn said. "What do you think, Mama?"

Willow turned Takara around and inspected her forehead. Takara looked so hopeful that Willow leaned in to nuzzle her.

"I think you're right, sobo. Let's see what Aika has in the kitchen bandaid box." Willow carried Takara to the kitchen, Eryn walking with them, and Aika hurried over to get out the bandaid box and sort through the various options.

They settled on a leopard spot bandaid, and Erion and the kids invited Eryn and Willow to have some tea and cookies, the table in the living room arranged very carefully with napkins fanned out and cookies on plates. Erion had brought in the tea tray, and Aika hovered like a nervous little hostess until Eryn beamed and praised the lovely table.

Sand was still hovering anxiously, and Erion drifted over to him. "Go sit out there, would you? Vale will tell you when he's ready for you."

Sand shook his head, something in his eyes clearing a bit. He reached out and lifted Michi from Erion's arms, kissing the little half elf tenderly and smiling when she giggled and tugged his hair.

"I will come and have some tea, I think, and perhaps give this little handful a bottle," Sand looked at his nephew and smiled. "Thank you, Erion. Vale will reach out to me if Satoshi needs me."

[I corrected my disclaimer]

This is your disclaimer as it currently appears:

Disclaimer: Forgetting Neverland is fanfiction, I do not own rights to any of J.M Barrie's characters or story.

There are two key elements missing, and I'll fix the disclaimer for you so you can see what they are:

Disclaimer: I do not own Peter Pan or any of its characters, and I make no profit from this story.

You need to disclaim ownership of the fandom by name. Mentioning JM Barrie is not enough. You also need to state that you make no money or profit from the story. That was missing entirely.

You can copy and paste what I have written for you, and we will be able to make the story visible again.

Thanks!

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale checked the place settings in the dining room one more time, adjusting a pair of chopsticks fractionally on their porcelain rest and nudging a sake cup into perfect alignment.

"It looks wonderful, my love." Yuji slipped his arms around Vale from behind, and Vale relaxed into the embrace with a grin.

"I know, I know, I'm fussing. Momo was so serious when he called, though, to ask if he could bring Sadao by for dinner to meet the family. I think Momo's really serious about him." Vale turned around in Yuji's arms and leaned in for a kiss.

Yuji growled a little as he nibbled Vale's lips, his hands slipping lower to cup Vale's ass almost without thinking. Vale moaned slightly as his hips moved forward to grind against Yuji.

"Fuck, Vale," Yuji growled, his cock already hard as he pressed into Vale's groin. "I'd bend you over the fucking table if you hadn't set it so nicely already."

"Find someplace," Vale managed, as Yuji's tongue teased the triple spiral threaded through his ear. "Now."

Yuji half tugged, half pushed Vale out of the dining room and down the hallway, past the portal and into the tatami room. He managed to slide the door closed behind him, Vale's fingers already busy with the waistband of Yuji's jeans. Yuji growled again and pushed Vale's fingers away, his other hand fisted in the elf's thick hair.

Yuji freed his cock quickly, pushing Vale down to his knees, the elf's mouth hot as it closed over the head. The stud in Vale's tongue slid over the cleft, teasing it before Vale slid his mouth down, not pausing as Yuji bumped the back of Vale's throat. Vale just tilted his head slightly and swallowed, Yuji's cock pressing in to the root. Vale swallowed again, hard, humming just a little, and Yuji moaned as his knees nearly buckled. Yuji tugged on Vale's hair, and Vale drew back slowly, his cheeks hollowed as he sucked hard, Yuji's cock coming free with a soft pop.

"Get naked for me," Yuji ordered, and Vale stood, graceful and lean, and peeled off his t-shirt before skinning off his jeans and boxers in one swift move. Yuji looked at the beautiful elf so proudly naked, and he licked his lips, his cock jumping a little in anticipation. Yuji stripped as well, slower than Vale, taking his time and watching those green eyes darken with lust.

Yuji thrust his fingers into Vale's mouth, not needing to say a word, feeling Vale's tongue wrap around each finger and wet it thoroughly, lascivious and wicked. Yuji sank to the floor, pulling Vale down with him, the elf straddling Yuji's thighs as Yuji's fingers teased his tight pucker, Yuji's mouth fastened onto one pierced nipple. Vale moaned softly, his cock hard against Yuji's chest as Yuji pressed his fingers home, feeling the delicious slickness of Vale's prepared ass.

"Please," Vale begged, trying to press down on Yuji's fingers and wanting nothing more than to be filled utterly. "I need you, Yuji."

Yuji moaned, the sweetly wanton plea making his cock even harder. He wrapped his long fingers around Vale's hips, guiding Vale down onto his thick cock and watching Vale's expression of bliss as he opened up to take all of Yuji, grinding his ass down against Yuji's groin with a delicious wiggle. Vale's head fell back a little, and Yuji fastened his mouth on the already dark mark over Vale's pulse point, working the tender flesh and coaxing a moan from Vale as Yuji renewed his claim on his elf.

Vale moaned as he rode Yuji's thick cock, his own cock grinding between their hard bellies and weeping precum freely. Yuji reveled in the heat and tightness of Vale's sweet ass as he leaned in to tease Vale's pierced nipples, working the tender nubs until they were hard and pebbled, his pearly teeth tugging on the golden rings.

Yuji could feel how close Vale was getting to his orgasm, even without Yuji touching Vale's cock, and he marveled again at how incredibly responsive Vale had become, the elf perfectly in tune to Yuji's needs. Even without invoking a scene, Yuji knew he only had to lean in and whisper to Vale not to come, and Vale would hold off his own orgasm until Yuji was ready to let him find release.

Today was not the day for that, though. Satoshi was excited about having Momo and Sadao over for dinner, and Yuji wanted the day to go perfectly for Satoshi's sake. The depression robbed Satoshi of so much joy and seeing him excited and happy made the entire family feel better. As much as Yuji would have loved to play with Vale, this needed to be a quickie.

Yuji could feel the heat building in his own belly just from the sweetly responsive little moans that kept escaping Vale, the elf rising up until only the head of Yuji's thick cock was still in his ass before slamming himself back down. Yuji could feel the fine trembling in Vale's thighs that meant Vale was just holding on, and his own balls jumped a little as Vale's ass tightened involuntarily as Yuji's cock rode over his prostate.

"Come for me, Vale," Yuji urged. "Let go, my love."

Vale moaned and drove himself down on Yuji's cock again, his eyes nearly black with desire as his back arched and he came undone. Vale's ass tightened exquisitely around Yuji's thick cock, his cum painting both of them with thick white ropes as he cried out softly and ground down hard. Yuji howled as his balls jumped and emptied, and he felt his cum flood into that tight ass as Vale milked him dry.

Vale slumped forward into Yuji's arms, trembling with the last of his orgasm as his head rested on Yuji's shoulder, and Yuji turned his head to nibble one elegant ear. They held each other for a few moments, and then Yuji smacked Vale's ass lightly.

"Come on, you walking temptation. Let's get cleaned up and ready for our dinner guests." Yuji helped Vale ease himself off, and they grabbed their scattered clothing and dressed quickly.

"I'm a walking temptation?" Vale grinned. "Look who's talking. You're probably illegal in several countries for being too fucking sexy." He yelped as Yuji smacked his ass again, and they hurried upstairs to shower and change.

Sand reached over to tweak a bit of Satoshi's hair into place, laughing as Satoshi swatted at him. "Come, saiai, I know you want to look perfect." Sand stepped back and smiled. "There, you are gorgeous."

Sand was wearing tan linen slacks and a blue silk t-shirt, and looking summery and quite handsome himself. He had rolled up the leg on Satoshi's favorite cargoes to accommodate the cast, and Satoshi was wearing a summer sweater that made the crutches chafe less.

"I'm always gorgeous," Satoshi purred back with a giggle, then bent over and lifted his broken leg to grab the bamboo slat that was sticking out of his cast on the outside of his leg, and scratched enthusiastically. "Aaahhh, fucking cast, stupid..." he mumbled as he wobbled dangerously, supported by one leg and one crutch as he was, his eyes rolling back in his head, a wide grin on his face.

"Saiai, do be careful." Sand reached out to support Satoshi, standing slightly behind his beloved imp to give Satoshi something to lean against as he scratched. Sand winced a little since Satoshi could not see him, always worried that Satoshi would scratch himself to bleeding under the cast, and wind up with an infection on top of everything else.

"Is alright, it's just a little itch." Satoshi giggled back, and shoved the slat back into the cast before righting himself, pressing back against Sand. "You're always there to support me, saiai. I can always count on you, can't I?" Satoshi said with deep love in his voice, and turned his head to angle for a kiss.

"Of course you can always count on me." Sand kissed Satoshi with fierce intensity, his eyes filled with his love for his pierced imp. "I just worry about you scratching too hard, but you have been very careful, and I am an overprotective fusspot."

Satoshi moaned a little into the fierce kiss, grinning impishly when Sand broke the kiss. "Meh, if you weren't an overprotective fusspot, I'd be pond scum right now, so I forgive you." Satoshi hobbled around the elf, headed for the door, and blew a raspberry at Sand over his shoulder as he continued, "And don't worry. I won't scratch myself too hard. But you're going to be so grossed out by all the dead skin and shit that's accumulated under that fucking thing when they finally take it off. I'll die laughing when you faint. Race you down the stairs!" Satoshi ended with a hoot, and took off as fast as he could towards the stairs.

Sand chuckled as he followed Satoshi, watching to make sure that Satoshi did not overbalance himself. "I have seen a dragon's innards, and I have eaten at the same table with dwarves, I will have you know. I am made of sterner stuff than you think."

Sand was glad to see Satoshi in good spirits, but part of him worried that the high spirits were masking a darker depression. This was not the time for that conversation, though. Satoshi was eager to see his younger brother, and Sand was not going to bring up serious topics and drag his mood back down. They could talk later, after Momo and Sadao had gone home.

Satoshi hobbled lithely down the stairs, his bright laughter echoing up the stairwell as he shouted back, "Oh, I still think you're going to go all pale in the face and hit the deck when you see my foot. Either that or lose your lunch. And it's going to stink worse than a durian fruit."

When he reached the bottom of the stairs Satoshi glanced over at the dining room, and smiled brightly at the perfectly laid table, and the aroma of the food that wafted out of the kitchen.

Sand caught up and looked at the table as well. "That does look lovely, does it not? Vale used the good dishes."

Vale stuck his head out of the kitchen with a cheerful laugh. "Hello, you beautiful husbands of mine. Make yourselves useful, would you? Pick out the wine and sake for tonight. We're having a Chinese style chicken curry as well as grilled fish and some Kobe beef."

Satoshi made a small rawr at the mention of the beef, and smiled brightly at Vale as he shouted back, "Thank you, Akira-san, for all your hard work. It looks and smells perfect."

Satoshi jumped as the doorbell on the gate rang, and continued yelling at Vale as he turned on the spot and headed towards the door, "I can't be useful! I'm on crutches!"

Vale's laughter rang out from the kitchen, and Sand leaned in to kiss Satoshi. "I will get the wine and sake. You can poke the slippers to our guests with your crutch."

Vale came out of the kitchen with trays of lovely sushi and small bowls of nuts and fruit for Momo and Sadao to nibble on while they had a drink before dinner, dodging around Hikaru as the small half elf bounced over to help chichi arrange things. Yuji and Aika followed, Aika clucking her tongue at Hikaru's bounciness and Yuji trying very hard not to snicker.

Satoshi laughed brightly at Sand's joke, pressing the button to open the gate and let Momo and Sadao in, asking no one in particular, "Why is that moron coming in from the front gate? Doesn't he still have his remote for the big gate?"

Yuji stopped in his tracks when he heard Satoshi laugh and looked at his first love for a moment, concern furrowing his brow. When Vale looked up at him, Yuji tried to smile and shook his head as if to say it was nothing, but the look in his eyes gave away his concern.

Erion and Kansas came downstairs, both of them looking bright and happy, fingers laced together.

"Anything we can do to help?" Erion asked with a sunny grin.

Vale looked at Hikaru, who was busy trying to make a fan shape with the small snack napkins, and he leaned down to kiss the little half elf. "That's perfect, Hikaru-kun." Looking back over at Erion, he said, "Can you give Ryuu and Willow a hand with the girls? I need to keep a eye on the kitchen."

Vale drifted over to Yuji, rubbing Yuji's shoulder and leaning in close to murmur in his ear. "He's too up. We'll be there when he heads back down." He nibbled a tiny kiss to Yuji's neck, and sent out a wide wave of love and reassurance to all his spouses, the way he often did, just to show his love.

Yuji wrapped one arm around Vale's waist and buried his face in Vale's neck for a moment, murmuring back, just loud enough for Vale alone to hear him, "I know. It just never hurts any less to see him so high up. I should be used to it by now, but I'm not. I'll try to ignore it for tonight." Yuji nibbled a quick kiss from Vale's lips, allowing the blond to see the pain in his eyes, before he hid it again, behind his careful mask, his arm loosening around Vale's waist, but not letting go.

There was an indignant yelp from the stairs, and Erion's bright laughter rang out as the young elf came down with Takara in his arms. "I take my knight duties seriously, princess, and you need a hand on the stairs in your beautiful dress."

"I want my pantses," Takara insisted mutinously. "I am a princess in pantses."

"You can be a princess in pants tomorrow, Takara-chan." Sand walked over, his arms full of bottles of wine and sake. "For tonight, you are perfect in your lovely dress."

Satoshi looked at his daughter and smiled brightly, telling her as she pouted at him, "You look beautiful, Takara-chan. You look like a knight in disguise."

Takara's pout turned into a bright smile and she cupped Erion's face with both hands, as she told him emphatically, "I'm a hero in dishgaze. I'm on a seaquit mission."

Erion's eyes widened, and he managed to keep a very straight face. "Well, then, I'd better put you down so you can head off to your mission. I promise not to tell anyone. Knights are very good at keeping secrets."

Satoshi smothered a giggle in his shoulder, turning away to open the door, and stepping outside to check whether Momo and Sadao had gotten lost on the way from the front gate. A couple of minutes later the pair emerged from the treelined path, Momo pointing towards the pond and talking quietly, his fingers tightly laced with Sadao's. Sadao was smiling happily and Momo looked happier than Satoshi could remember ever having seen him before. As the couple neared the ramp that lead to the deck and the front door Momo looked up and smiled happily at Satoshi, calling out to him, "Onii-san! How are you?"

Satoshi waved at them and shouted back, "Hungry! Get your fucking ass up here."

Momo laughed brightly and tugged on Sadao's hand, hurrying up to the door. He grabbed Satoshi in a hug and whispered into the thick red hair, "It's good to see you again. Thank you for letting us visit."

Satoshi gave him a playful shove answering, as he grabbed Sadao in a quick hug, "It's not like I had a choice. The rest of the family needs to meet Sadao. And don't worry, Sadao-san. They don't bite hard unless you ask them to."

Satoshi led the guests inside and gave them both guest slippers. Momo gave Sand a quick questioning glance when the elf came to the foyer to greet them, darting his eyes at Satoshi as if to ask Sand what was up.

Sadao bowed quickly to Satoshi before the imp all but yanked him into a hug, and then waved Sadao inside. "Thank you for having us, Satoshi-san. It is very good to see you again," Sadao said while he pulled off his shoes and stepped into his slippers. He insisted on hanging his jacket up himself, because it was hard for Satoshi to reach up to the hangers without dropping his crutch, and while they helped each other out, Sadao leaned in a little and whispered, "Although, I'm a little confused. Who do I give this to?" He lifted the small giftbag he was holding, to show Satoshi.

"Oh, that's easy. Willow. She's the lady of the house. The rest of us are just her slaves," Satoshi tittered and winked at Sadao, then turned on his heel as Sand came over to greet the guests.

Sand pulled Momo into a hug. "It is good to see, Momo-san. You look well." Sand gave Momo a small nod, promising answers as soon as they could talk more freely, and then turned to greet Sadao as well.

Sand pulled Sadao into a quick embrace as well. "It seems I get to welcome a dear friend into the family, which pleases me more than I can say. Welcome, and soon perhaps I will be saying welcome home."

Vale hurried over to greet Momo and Sadao, his smile radiant and his green eyes warm. "I'm so glad you made it. Was the traffic horrible?" He hugged Momo and offered Sadao a quick bow. "Welcome to the family, Sadao-san."

Hikaru peered out from around Vale's leg, looking up at Sadao. "Otooji, this is our new otooji? He looks handsome. He has hair on his face. I like it." Hikaru offered Sadao a radiant smile that was Vale's smile in miniature. Hikaru remembered his manners when Aika poked him, and he bowed very politely, and then blushed and ducked back behind Vale.

Vale blushed a little and shook his head. "That was Hayashi Hikaru, and I'm afraid he's at that age where whatever he thinks is what he says."

Sadao bowed respectfully to Vale, with a polite smile. "Thank you, Hayashi-san. I am most honored," Sadao said, then blushed a little as Hikaru stated his opinion of Sadao.

Momo laughed and grabbed the little half elf, nuzzling his cheek playfully. "And he's all mine, Hikaru-kun, so don't you even try to steal him, you hear me. Oh, wow, what have they been feeding you? Rocks? You weigh a ton!"

Hikaru let out a happy shriek as Momo scooped him up, hugging Momo tightly. "I just want to play with him sometimes, okay? And I didn't eat any rocks! I just ate all my lunch."

Sadao blushed and rubbed his chin, shaking his head at Vale. "Oh, please don't apologize, Hayashi-san. My son is still like that. He never holds back his opinion of anything."

Vale laughed delightedly. "That's right, you have a son as well."

Sadao walked slowly into the house, smiling at Momo, who was playfully greeting the children, answering Vale's comment as they walked. "Yes, I have a son, Ichirou. He's eight now, since June. Complete terror, but just too adorable to ever be mad at him for more than a second."

Sadao glanced quickly at the other children where they were gathered around Momo, and his face lit up with a loving smile for a moment before he turned back to Vale and asked quietly, "Please forgive my rudeness, but just so I don't go confusing anything. Hikaru-kun is your son?"

Vale's smile was warm. "It's not rude at all. We're a confusing family sometimes. Hikaru-kun is my son, and Aika-chan is Yuji's daughter, although I'm her tousan."

Sadao nodded, his eyes darting around to locate Aika. Once he saw the pretty little princess his eyes lit up and he smiled. "She's beautiful. The pictures at Satoru-san's house barely do her justice. You are a very lucky man, Hayashi-san. They are all gorgeous."

Vale blushed a little. "Thank you, Sadao-san. I tend to look at them all with a father's eyes, so I'm a little biased, I think. And please, it's just Akira. I'd say Vale, but Momo prefers Akira."

"Forgive me. My upbringing was rather old fashioned. I'm still struggling with calling Satoru-san and Eryn-san by their first names. Although I caught myself calling Eryn-san okaasan the other day. Akira-san. I'll try my best to remember that."

Yuji approached Vale and Sadao hesitantly, smiling warmly. "Sadao-san. Welcome to the family. I don't know if you remember me. I'm Hayashi Yuji."

Sadao's eyes widened a little as he bowed to Yuji, and answered "Of course I remember you, Hayashi-kun... sorry, I should call you Hayashi-san, shouldn't I? I have to admit though I would not have recognized you had we met somewhere else. You've changed so much. You look in perfect health."

Yuji bowed slightly, his smile bright, giggling slightly. "Yes, that's right, I was sick last time we met. But I am perfectly healthy now. My cancer has been eradicated once and for all. The chances of it ever coming back are slim to none."

"None, my love," Vale murmured, looking at Yuji with his green eyes full of love.

"That's right. Ishikawa-san told me you went abroad to have some experimental treatment. The same doctor that provided Yori-sama's treatment, wasn't it? I am so happy to hear that. You look ten years younger honestly." Sadao bowed a little as he laughed at his own words, and shook his head, apologizing automatically, "Forgive me for my blatant honesty. I think Mamoru-san is rubbing off on me."

"Please, in this family, honesty is a plus." Vale looked up and saw Willow coming over with Michi in her arms. "Sadao-san, this is Hayashi Willow, Yuji's wife."

Sadao smiled politely, and bowed, greeting Willow warmly as she bowed to him. "I am pleased to meet you, Hayashi-san. Masato-san has told me so much about you. Please accept this humble gift as a token of my gratitude," Sadao said with his polite smile, and Willow bowed deeply as she declined the gift, letting Sadao insist that she accept, according to etiquette before she accepted the gift.

"Thank you so much, Sadao-san. And welcome to the family. I am so happy to see Momo-san so happy with you. You are most welcome here. This is your home just as it is his. Now please come inside and greet the rest of the horde." Willow smiled brightly at him and waved him onwards into the house, then patted him on the shoulder as she added, "And please, call me Willow. There are so many Hayashi in this house that you'll drive yourself nuts trying to call us all Hayashi-san."

Sadao gave a tiny giggle, and then blushed when Momo grabbed him around the shoulders and squeezed him tightly, whispering in his ear, "See. I told you you'd be just as welcome here as you are at tousan's house. They adore you."

Erion stood back a little, watching Momo and Sadao, his face lit by a beautiful smile as he watched the two men together. The love between them was so apparent, and the happiness on Momo's face made every bit of the pain of their break-up worth it to Erion. He reached out for Kansas's hand, slipping his warm fingers into his beloved's hand and his smile grew brighter.

"Momo-san, it's good to see you again," Erion said, his silvery eyes peaceful. "And Sadao-san, welcome to our home, and to our family."

"Yuki!" Momo exclaimed happily and grabbed Erion into a tight hug, whipping him around in a half circle, Kansas giggling loudly at the two friends.

He turned to Sadao instead and bowed politely. "Welcome to our home and family, Sadao-san. I'm Hayashi Tatsuya. But please call me Kansas. Everyone does."

Sadao bowed respectfully back. "We've met a few times before in passing. Last time was at Masato-san's and Satoshi-san's wedding, wasn't it? Thank you for the warm welcome. I am honored to be a part of your family, Kansas-san. Mamoru-san is right, there are far too many Hayashi here to call you all by last name."

"You'll get used to it. You won't even notice that you're using first names after a while. You prefer Sadao-san, rather than your last name though?" Kansas asked with a polite tone, smiling at Momo and Erion, Momo still spinning Erion around and tickling his sides playfully.

"Actually Sadao is my last name. It's a dialect variant from a small area south of Hiroshima. It's the same name as Sato, honestly, same kanji and all. My full name is Sadao Hajime, but I can't stand my first name so I always go by Sadao." Sadao blushed a little and then turned to look at Erion and Momo, saying to Kansas quietly, "I am so happy that they are still such good friends."

Momo tickled Erion's sides and nuzzled his silver hair, the slender elf light enough for Momo to be able to manhandle him a little bit. "I've missed you, you little minx. You haven't called me in ages. How's the new job?" Momo asked, finally letting Erion up for air, and instinctively reaching up to tuck a tendril of silver hair behind one gracefully pointed ear, his dark brown eyes shining with his love for Erion.

Erion returned Momo's hug, laughing happily as Momo tickled him. "You look wonderful. I'm sorry I haven't called, but it's been busy here. The job is great! I love working at the store, and the customers are so sweet. Honestly, I'll miss it when school starts again, which is just scaring me to death because it's my last year already." Erion laughed again, his silver eyes bright with love for Momo. "How's Baby Boy running? And have you taken Sadao-san drifting yet?"

Momo laughed and cupped Erion's cheek quickly, stroking it lightly before he let go and nodded, purring slightly as he glanced at Sadao. "Oh, yes. He likes it even more than you. Baby Boy is running better than ever. I got a new carburetor for him, and a new injection lead for the noz, and fuck, he's even faster now than he was before. I'll have to take you out again, before the summer is over. Maybe all four of us could go, make a day of it."

Momo moved over to Kansas and Sadao, and hugged Kansas a quick hello, then draped his arm over Sadao's shoulders as he continued, "I can't believe you're almost done with uni. Has it really been three years since you came to Japan? Time does fly." His voice trailed off and his eyes turned to the floor for a moment, his face unreadable.

Sadao wrapped his arm around Momo's back and stroked him softly on the back, turning his head to kiss Momo quickly on the cheekbone, something unspoken passing between them, and Momo nodded slightly before he drew a deep breath and then lifted his head, giving a loud manly laugh, which made Sadao smile sadly up at him for a second.

"I miss him, too." Erion looked at Momo, his silver eyes darkening slightly. "Don't feel like you have to pretend not to miss him, not around any of us." Erion's eyes flickered to Sadao. "Tonight, you're here as a friend and family, not as my sempai, so please remember that I'm not being disrespectful." He turned back to Momo. "If you didn't miss him, if you hadn't be able to love him so deeply, do you think I would have loved you? Do you think Sadao-san would love you now? It's part of why we love you, the way you loved him so perfectly. Just don't try to pretend with us. You don't have to pretend."

Momo's careful mask fell a little and he wrapped himself around Erion, burying his face in Erion's neck, one hand fisting in Erion's hair, his voice a little raw when he spoke. "Always blunt and honest, like you promised, huh? I just realized that he would have been in his last year, too. He would have been graduating in March, just like you, and the two of you would have gone to work with social services, like he dreamed of doing. It still hurts so bad that he's gone. And it's almost been two years now. Since Taka..." Momo trailed off, and squeezed Erion tightly.

Sadao stood behind Momo, bowing a little to Erion to acknowledge the little elf's words, then he looked at Kansas and spoke quietly, "I know that it still hurts for all of you. Mamoru-san has been very open with me about Kageoshi-san, so I understand. I hate it too when he pretends that it doesn't hurt anymore."

Kansas squeezed Sadao's shoulder gently, and nodded his head towards the living room. "Let's go and sit down. Let them talk for a bit. I think they need to."

Erion hugged Momo hard. "I know. I miss him so much, and sometimes I feel like I'm going to turn around, and he'll be there with that smile of his, and his giggle. And then I want to find a way to bring that bastard Ogawa back so I can hurt him, over and over, until he has no voice left to scream with, and then I realize that it would only make me like him. We're not like him." Erion touched Momo's cheek gently. "Sadao's a good man, the best. I can see how happy he makes you, and how much you two love each other. That's what's important now. We don't have to forget to be able to love again."

Momo shook his head a little, lifting it from Erion's shoulder so he could look the little elf in the eyes, his own eyes a little moist. "No, we're not like him. And honestly, if I had forgotten, I would not have been able to love again. Ever again. Thank you for not letting me forget. Because he does make me happy. He is just perfect. Despite that whole getting up at fucking five in the morning thing. Although he does just get up and get out, unlike some silver haired idiot that I know, who insisted on opening the curtains and wiggle his dick at the neighbors." Momo pressed his lips together until they became a thin white line, and his eyes sparkled mischievously, and then he let a small breath out through his nose in a little sigh, before he burst out laughing, loud and happy, and tweaked one of Erion's ear tips playfully.

Erion yelped a little, and then his own laugh rang out, beautiful and merry. "I wonder if the neighbors miss the show. Maybe Kansas and I should stay over one night, and give them a double header." He laughed again at the slightly scandalized look Momo shot him. "Come on, you night owl. Let's go grab some beers. Akira made sushi, too. I'm not even telling you what's for dinner."

Momo grabbed Erion in a playful headlock and smacked a quick kiss to his cheek, grumbling, "Tousan would fucking skin you alive if you two did that. And okaasan would probably do something worse." He laughed again, and chased Erion towards the beer.

There was time to enjoy Vale's appetizers and a drink before dinner, Sadao relaxing a little as everyone seemed to simply accept him and welcome him. The children especially seemed to take Sadao in as part of the family without hesitation, Hikaru absolutely fascinated by him to the point of speaking only in Japanese. Takara popped up at random, nodding mysteriously and trying to vanish as silently as possible, with Erion's active help. Vale excused himself after a few minutes, admonishing Hikaru not to break his new otooji and extracting a solemn promise from the little half elf. Yuji stood as well, and offered to help Vale with the last minute preparations in the kitchen, the two blonds walking off gracefully.

Once in the privacy of the kitchen, Vale turned to Yuji and tugged him into a deep kiss. Yuji looked a little surprised when they finally broke apart, and Vale just shook his head a bit.

"I know. I know how much it hurts, my love. We were there, and it was me falling apart, and I saw the same look in your eyes." Vale cupped his hands around Yuji's face, his green eyes locked on Yuji's perfect dark eyes. "He's up tonight, manic, and tomorrow he may crash and fall further into the darkness than he's ever been before, but he's not alone. We're all here to help catch him. You're not alone this time. And it's not just you and Willow and a still-broken Kansas trying to pick up the pieces, with two babies and nothing to cling to except each other."

Yuji choked back a sob, falling into Vale's arms and letting the hot tears fall for a moment. "I can't lose him, Vale. I can't go through this again, and lose him."

"We won't. I promise you, and you know I keep my promises. We'll all be here for him and for each other. No one is alone, and no one falls." Vale held Yuji tightly, pouring out all the love and strength his could through their bond.

Yuji clung to Vale for a couple of minutes, and then he gave Vale a last hug and stepped back. Vale murmured a small cantrip, and Yuji's eyes cleared, the redness gone, and Vale blushed a little and shrugged. Then together they got the dinner ready, covered bowls of fragrant rice, perfectly grilled salmon, Kobe beef cooked rare, with a wonderfully seared crust, vegetables steamed lightly and seasoned, pickles, and a silky miso soup. The centerpiece was a Chinese style golden chicken curry, fragrant and tender, and as the food was set out, Momo moaned at the tender Kobe beef while Sadao's eyes lit up at the chicken curry.

Vale blushed a little as everyone praised the food, but he was delighted to see Satoshi eat the Kobe beef with moans of bliss, leaning into Sand and purring. Satoshi's appetite had been so poor lately that the sight of him enjoying food was welcome for all the family, and Vale could feel everyone relax and take the time to enjoy their food as well. There was warmed sake and delicious wine, including the Saerloonian Glowfire that Willow loved, with its delicate hint of pears, and fresh fruit juices for the children.

Sand and Yuji cleared up after dinner, after settling Satoshi in the living room, groaning about the fullness of his stomach with an utterly rapturous smile, while Vale brought out trays of sliced fruit, his little custard tarts topped with different fruits and beautiful little chocolates from Willow's favorite store. The children had had their baths earlier, so they were able to enjoy a treat and curl up with the nearest handy adult that looked like they wanted a cuddle. Vale started to wander back to the kitchen, but Willow tugged him down and insisted that he relax and chat, plopping Michi in his lap to keep him in place until Sand and Yuji returned. Willow then graciously allowed Vale to help Sand and Yuji tuck the children into bed, after each had gotten a chance to say their good nights to Momo and Sadao, and had all kissed Mama and Satoshi sweetly.