[Pokemon: Rocketshippy Fanfics]

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Jessie Jumps James

Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Meowth!

Equal Treatment

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion walked up to the front door of the Mori house, his stomach fluttering nervously. He ran a slim hand through his hair nervously, licking his lips a little to moisten them before he reached out to ring the bell. His hand fell, fluttering for a moment at the waistband of his slim faded jeans, his nervously shifting feet encased in narrow black sneakers. Erion tugged a little at the collar of his white Egyptian cotton shirt, open at the throat, and he checked to make sure his sleeves were rolled neatly, the dozens of thin silver bangles chiming a little but not quite hiding the slender silver chain of fleur de lis with its little skull on one end, the ruby eye winking in the sunlight.

Satoru opened the door, his face lighting up in a smile as he held his arms out to Erion. "Yuki-kun, it's so good to see you."

Erion fell into the welcoming embrace, his eyes shining with a sudden rush of tears. "Oh, sofu, I'm sorry. I missed my connecting train, and it took forever for another to come."

"Don't worry about it at all," Satoru replied, holding Erion tightly. "I've missed you so much, Yuki-kun. I'm glad you came today, though. I think this is really the best thing."

Erion was in no hurry to end the embrace, his own arms wrapped around Satoru as he felt small pieces inside him fall back into their proper places. "I hope so," he whispered, his voice trembling very slightly. "How is he?"

Satoru finally let go, blushing a little. "Come into the house, please. How silly of me, keeping you here at the door."

Erion came into the foyer, sitting on the low bench to remove his sneakers and slip his feet into his slippers. Just the sight of those familiar slippers made his breath hitch a little, and he looked up to see Eryn standing there.

"He's been in his room, waiting." Satoru patted Erion's shoulder gently. "Go give your grandmother her hug, and then go up to him. He needs to see you."

Erion nodded, and then hurried over to hug Eryn, his head resting on her shoulder as Eryn cuddled him gently. "Atararim," Erion began, and then his voice trailed off.

"I know, utinu'ai. I know," Eryn soothed. "Momo was happy to get your text, and he's waiting. We'll be down here if you need us, but right now, he needs to see you."

Erion took a shaky breath, willing back the tears and standing up straight. He managed a little smile, and then he turned to head up the stairs to Momo's room, his heart pounding furiously in his chest. He raised his hand to knock on the door, his pearly teeth nibbling on his lower lip, and froze, eyes wide, looking for all the world like a silver deer caught in the headlights of a car.

Momo sat up on the armchair as the soft footfall stopped outside his door, every muscle in his body shivering, and his heart hammering so hard in his throat he was sure it would break out at any moment. But nothing happened. Erion did not come in, and he did not knock. The seconds ticked by, feeling like hours, and then with a trembling voice Momo said very quietly, "Yuki no...?"

Erion took a deep breath and opened the door, slightly disoriented by the rearranged furniture, but spotting Momo by the open window. "Momo..." He stepped into the room, closing the door behind himself gently, wanting nothing more than to fling himself into Momo's arms.

Momo licked his lips nervously, his hands shaking as he drew a deep drag of the cigarette, his voice trembling with emotion when he nodded, "Yuki-san."

Momo sat up on the armchair, straightening his back, fighting the urge to run and grab the slender elf into his arms, and hold him until time ended.

"Oh, Momo, I'm so sorry I'm late. I missed a connection, and then the train didn't come, and I'm sorry, this is just incredibly awkward and strange, but I'm so glad to see you." The words spilled out of Erion in a rush, and he crossed the room in a few swift strides, stopping just before he reached Momo. He looked around, slightly frantic, and then sat on the bed, his knees trembling too much to hold him up. "Oh, fuck. I had this all straight in my head, and it's all gone. Just... forgive me, please?"

Erion's hand flew up to slide into his own hair and fist there, the thin silver bracelets sliding back and revealing the chain of fleur de lis.

Momo twitched on his seat, as if he meant to stand up when Erion strode into the room, but his knees refused to carry him, and he licked his lips again as Erion sank down on the bed, asking his forgiveness. Momo twitched again, strangely disoriented and unsure of himself for a moment, and then he twisted around to stub out his cigarette, before he turned back to Erion. Reaching out he lay a calming hand on Erion's knee, his eyes straying to the silver chain around Erion's wrist before he looked back into Erion's eyes, and said in a deep calm tone, "I forgive you, Yuki no erufu. Can you forgive me?"

Erion made a small sound, somewhere between a gasp and a sob, and his hand dropped from his hair to rest lightly on Momo's hand, where it lay on his knee. "I forgive you, watashi no Momo. There's nothing I couldn't forgive, you know that." Erion took a deep shuddering breath, his cheeks pinking slightly. "I can't believe I'm shaking like a fucking leaf. I just...shit, this is crazy!" Erion shook his head, grinning ruefully.

Momo stroked Erion's knee softly, the touch purely one of comfort, no sexual suggestion in it at all, and his eyes were bright with his love for Erion as he nodded slowly. "I feel the same way. The last time I was this nervous... it doesn't matter. I'm really nervous. I've been so scared that I had killed you. Your hands were so cold when you left. And I've been trying to figure out what it is exactly that you needed my forgiveness for. There is nothing that I would not forgive you either. I love you too much to lose this friendship that we have. I want to be your friend, Yuki-san. You are my best friend. You know me better than anyone now. I have no secrets from you now, and I never will again. If you still want my friendship now."

Momo leaned forwards a little to grasp Erion's hand tightly and the mithral chain around his neck moved slightly, the silver ring catching the light from the lamp beside them. Erion's eyes widened a little when he saw the ring, and he looked back up at Momo, his silver eyes warm with a gentle love.

"I walked out on you, and you screamed. I thought I broke you, Momo-san. I thought I had really torn your heart out and broken you, and I was almost sick to my stomach with fear." Erion never looked away from Momo. "I can't think of anyone I'd want more for my friend than you. You will always be my friend, as far as I'm concerned. I can't imagine losing that, and I'm glad you want my friendship."

Momo bowed his head a little, drawing a deep breath, and he moved a little on the chair to get more comfortable, his eyes serious when he looked up again, but his hand was tight around Erion's hand, and Erion could sense nothing but love from him. "You did break me. You did tear out my heart and break it, hard. But it was what I needed. Don't ever feel bad for what you did, because you were right. If you had stayed, we would have ended up ruining each other. It was your time to leave me, and it was time for me to learn what it feels like to have my heart broken. It still hurts a little bit, but honestly, I am healing already. Knowing that you want to be my friend still is healing me so much. Because I thought I had lost that, too. I was sure I had, actually. I still am afraid I'll lose it, because I have to tell you something."

Momo stopped and licked his lips nervously, his eyes straying down to the floor for a few moments before he turned back to Erion and he said, his voice a little shaky, "I went on a bender for two days. Then on Sunday, after you left, I dug up Sadao's address through the phone directory, and I went to see him. I've been seeing him since. I am falling in love with him, Yuki-kun. But I can't let myself fall for him completely unless you are alright with it. I don't want to lose your friendship because I want to be with him, but I can't sacrifice my love for him, for your friendship." Momo stopped, and releasing Erion's hand slowly, he removed the mithral chain from his neck, and slipped the ring off it. Then he held them both out to Erion, his eyes a little sad but still full of love. "I want to offer you this ring back. As a symbol of our deep friendship. If you don't want it, I'll have to give you the pendant back. But if you take that, I'll see it as the end of our friendship. I'm sorry, Yuki-kun, but I need to know which it will be."

Erion looked at Momo for a long moment, and then his lips curved in a beautiful smile as he reached out and took the ring from Momo. "I thought you were going to ask me something hard, Momo. You'll always have my friendship, and my love as a friend. Part of my heart will always be yours, and that's how it should be. I needed to learn what heartbreak felt like myself, and I needed to learn that I could stand up and do what needed to be done even if it hurt. So, you taught me something I needed to know as well, and now you're helping me heal. So, please, keep the pendant, as a symbol of our friendship, and then please tell me that you're happy with Sadao. I think you two are meant to be together, and if you need me to say it, then you have my blessing and my love, both of you."

Momo's beautiful smile spread over his lips, and his whole face brightened, and he reached the hand holding his pendant towards Erion, asking, "Will you put it on me again? And let me put your ring on you again."

Erion took the pendant and handed Momo the ring, and then as Momo leaned forward, he carefully fastened the pendant around Momo's neck. Momo sat back and Erion held out his left hand so that Momo could slide the silver ring back onto his left forefinger where it belonged.

Momo slid the ring onto the long slender finger and then he pulled Erion off the bed and into his embrace, burying his face in Erion's hair, breathing deeply. "I love you, Yuki-kun. I always will." He paused for a moment, breathing deeply from the fragrant hair again, and his voice was stronger and more confident when he continued, "I am happy with Sadao. I just need to know that I would still have you as my friend, and that you would want to be his friend too, before I could let go completely and love him. It's is so perfect, Yuki. It's like all the feelings I have for Kageoshi, and the feelings I have for you have been concentrated into the feelings I have for Sadao, and now everything is as it should be."

"And I want you to be happy with Kansas. He is the one you belong with. He can give you what I could not, and you complete him in ways that I often feared he would never be completed in. So, you have all of my best wishes for you and Kansas, and I know he will make you endlessly happy."

Erion returned the embrace, his heart soaring as he listened to Momo. "Thank you, thank you so much, and yes, Kansas and I complete each other in ways that I can't even begin to describe. So, we're both where we belong now, and Eru's arse, Momo, I'm so fucking glad!"

Erion turned his head without even thinking, his lips just naturally seeking Momo's lips, and for a brief moment, Momo responded just like he always had, all heat and passion as he started to plunder Erion's mouth. Then Momo stopped, and Erion's hand slowed on its way up to slide through Momo's thick raven hair, and they broke the kiss, eyes wide as they stared at each other.

Momo looked at Erion's silver eyes, all wide and bright, and he felt a laugh boiling up from deep down inside. He tried to hold it back, but it bubbled up and poured out, and Momo's beautiful laugh filled the room. Erion burst out laughing a second later, a wonderful and cleansing laughter that brought healing with it, and the two youngsters roared until the tears ran down their cheeks and they were gasping for air.

"Oh, Yuki-kun. What the fuck was that? I've missed your laughter." Momo gasped and wiped his tears off his cheek, more tears rolling as he realized these were happy tears and not the bitter pain that he had been shedding for the past week. He grabbed Erion tightly again and nuzzled his neck lovingly, the touch no longer sexual, only comforting and loving. "I noticed that you were shocked seeing the room like this. I couldn't stand being in here, after I came back, so okaasan helped me switch it around. I have some of my best and worst memories in this room, and I wanted to change it around, so I could create new happy memories in here. And it's just perfect that the first one is with you. It sort of depletes the power of my worst memory. Thank you for this memory, Yuki-kun. My friend."

"It feels so good to laugh with you, Momo-san. I missed your laughter, too." Erion hugged Momo tightly, realizing that this felt exactly right, like hugging his dearest friend should feel, and another ache was washed away. "I know what you mean, though, and I like it like this. At least you won't have the sun in your eyes first thing now." Erion grinned mischievously. "Although Masato-otooji says Sadao picks him up right after dawn for his Tuesday sessions, so I don't know how much sleeping in you'll be doing."

Momo groaned and rolled his eyes, his voice filled with love as he griped, "Oh, fuck you, he's worse than you. He wakes up at fucking five in the morning, every fucking day, and he thinks sleeping till seven is sleeping in. And he can't swear to save his fucking life."

Erion started to laugh all over again. "He can't swear? Oh, shit, you're kidding! I mean, we don't exactly swear at the dojo, except for in the shower when I see how many fucking bruises I have, but I figured he could muster up a few good swears. Even Masato swears in the shower, only he does it in a language he thinks I don't understand."

Momo laughed loudly, and shook his head, small tears running down his lashes, and he gasped as he tried to get the words out, "Nope. The worst he can muster is damn and butt. He says it's because of Ichirou. I say it's because he's a prude. But then he fucks me so hard I go cross eyed."

Momo's laughter died on his lips and his face went contrite suddenly. "Oh, fuck, sorry. I didn't mean to say that."

Erion looked at Momo, his silver eyes warm and gentle. "Don't, Momo. Don't apologize because he makes you happy. I'm glad he can fuck you cross eyed, and make you smile like that. You should see your face when you talk about him. You light up and it makes me feel so good, because all I want is for you to be happy."

Momo chuckled a little and pressed his lips against Erion's shoulder for a moment, his voice husky when he nodded, "I do think I could love him so easily. As easily as I love you and Kageoshi. Do I light up the way you light up when you talk about Kansas?"

"You know how it looks when you sit up on the mountain and watch Tokyo light up? You're brighter," Erion grinned.

Momo stuck his tongue out and blew a raspberry at Erion. "So are you when you talk about Kansas." Erion laughed in delight, feeling utterly at peace for the first time in over a week.

Momo wrapped his arms tightly around Erion and laced his fingers with Erion's, his smile rivaling the sun. "Sadao is wonderful. He's so mature, and yet he can goof around with Ichirou like a little kid. He loves goofing around with me even. And we have so much in common. And he doesn't care about anything that happened before, and yet he would like to know it all, some day. And he's in no rush. He just wants to be with me." Momo squeezed Erion's hand a little bit, and then looked down at the slender fingers with a slight surprise in his eyes. "What's this? You've got a new ring? It's like the one that Satoshi and them all wear."

Erion's eyes widened a little. "Yeah, Satoshi gave me his ring. I told you that he and I were lovers, before, and we're lovers again, now. It's his promise to me, that one day we'll stand in the temple in my homeland, and be married. Elves don't have a problem with having more than one spouse, and when I'm old enough in elven terms, I'll marry Kansas, Satoshi and Yuji properly on Toril."

Momo stared up at Erion for a moment, blinking slowly. Then he asked, "And Kansas is fine with this?"

"Yes," Erion replied calmly. "Kansas is always going to be my first husband, but yes."

Momo hummed a little, staring blankly into thin air for a few moments as he mulled Erion's words over. Then he shrugged his shoulders a little and said, "Oh, well. Who am I to judge? I've fucked my way through half a prefecture already. If you guys are happy together, then I'm all for it. Just take good care of Satoshi. I love him beyond measure, and I really want to see him happy and healthy."

Momo chuckled to himself suddenly, his eyes going distant for a moment and then he continued, "I had a crush on him once. Before I knew he was my brother. When I lived with them, there were nights where I jerked off to the thought that Yuji was sleeping a couple of rooms down, but then after I moved into the loft, I started seeing something dead sexy about Satoshi. I think it's all those piercings."

"So, you are one lucky little bitch."

"I'd do anything for Satoshi, so you have my word," Erion said. "And I am pretty lucky, aren't I?" Erion grinned cheekily. "That, or I'm just a complete nympho slut."

"Oh, there's no doubt that you're a nympho, but not a slut. You're faithful to those you love. But I'm a bit of nympho myself, so I guess we're a good fit." Momo grinned just as cheekily, and then he gave Erion a small shove. "Now, get up, you're squashing my balls. I think we should go downstairs and let tousan and okaasan know that we've made up. Or is there anything else you need to talk about?"

Erion gave Momo a quick hug before he stood up. "Just that I'm so fucking glad to have my best friend back. Oh, hey! I saw Ryo and Takahiro the other day. They came by and we went and saw this movie down in Shinjuku, and then messed around a bit afterward. Poor Ryo, the summer is taking forever to pass for him."

Momo stood up and arched his back to make it pop, his shirt riding up to reveal his taut stomach, and he nodded, "I know. They came around on Wednesday and dragged me out to play pool. They tore me a new one for cheating on you, and then told me they wanted to remain friends, and that they would not take sides in this. That they would both be mine and your friends. No matter what. It helped me, honestly. Knowing that they would not take sides or chose one over the other. It would have killed me if they had chosen me over you."

"Takahiro was honestly about ready to knock me down for cheating on you. But then they listened to me talk about Sadao, until Ryo begged me to stop because I was giving him cavities." Momo laughed brightly and he scratched his head, his cheeks a little flushed. "I guess I am pretty smitten, huh?"

Erion nodded. "They pretty much told me that they weren't going to take sides, either." He cocked a grin at Momo. "But, you, smitten? Well, let's just say that if I see it plastered on the side of the Fuji blimp, I won't be surprised." Erion let out a scream of laughter and dodged as Momo feinted a playful punch at him. "Hey, are those cookies I smell? Oh, please tell me those are fucking cookies." He looked up at Momo, his face growing momentarily serious. "I would have understood, you know, if they chose you over me. You've been friends with them a lot longer, and I just showed up on Kansas's arm one day. And honestly, I wouldn't have blamed them for thinking I was just trying to fuck my way through the posse. It could have been interpreted that way. But they're smarter than I am, thankfully, and I'm grateful that I didn't lose any of my friends."

Momo grabbed Erion around the neck and tweaked the tip of his ear, laughing a little bit. "Nah, you never would have made your way through the posse. First of all I think you wouldn't have even wanted to touch Taka with a fifty foot pole, and Kage-chan never seemed interested in anyone that way. And you've got too much junk between your legs for the rest of them. And you don't have any boobs."

Momo slapped Erion on his ass hard and darted out of the room with a laugh, holding the door open for Erion.

"Wait," Erion laughed, dashing after Momo. "I don't have boobs? Well, fuck me sideways!"

Eryn and Satoru looked up at the sound of laughter coming from the second floor, and then they reached out to hold each others hand, their smiles radiant as they listened to the cheerful banter from the youngsters.

Momo grabbed Erion from behind and squeezed his chest hard, laughing still, "Well, even for a Japanese girl this would be tiny," he said as he penguin walked the little elf down the stairs, Erion giggling loudly and trying to get Momo's hands off his pecs.

Eryn had indeed made cookies, and they all wound up in the garden, drinking cold sweet tea and munching the warm treats. Satoru offered to drive Erion home, but Erion laughed and begged Satoru not to bother.

Once Erion was on the train, he whipped out his cell phone, and fired off a text to Kansas, and then another one to Vale, letting them both know that he and Momo had not broken their friendship after all, and that he was bringing home cookies from Eryn. Then Erion popped in his earphones and cranked up his music, feeling all the little shattered pieces of his heart sliding back where they belonged.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Eryn looked at her adopted son, this young man who had claimed a piece of her heart as surely as the children she had borne, feeling his warm callused hand resting in her hand in perfect trust.

"When he's ready to meet us, I would love to meet this man who makes you smile so beautifully, musukosan." Eryn smiled back at Momo, her dark blue eyes shining. "I think you'll have no trouble loving Sadao with your whole heart, and I have a feeling he'll love you just as fiercely. But you just let us know when he's ready to visit."

"I will, okaasan." Momo's beautiful smile lit his dark eyes, and he ducked his head a little shyly. "It feels good, actually, to have told you everything. And I know, otousan, that my past will probably come back to haunt me when I'm ready to become a lawyer. I'm prepared to face that, and deal with it head on."

"You won't be alone," Satoru said, his voice full of love and pride. "We'll all work together to resolve any issues that arise. We're a family, and we support each other fully."

Satoru's expression saddened a little, and he reached out to pull Momo close to him, his hand creeping up to stroke Momo's hair the way he always stroked Satoshi's hair. "What I do regret is that your life was so hard, and that you had to discover your sexuality the way you did, in such brutality and then in unfeeling encounters. I think I'll always wish that I could have been there for you then, even if only to hold you and listen."

Momo choked back a tiny sob, leaning into the embrace and letting Satoru's love comfort him. "That's in the past, otousan, and you're here now. You're here when I need you the most, and you've been here for the past two years. I couldn't have done any of this without you being here, and I'm so grateful to have your love and support."

Eryn watched her husband and her son as they held each other, and she smiled at the beautiful love between them. As trying as the past few days had been, this was a time for healing now, and she was so happy to see Momo reaching out for the support he needed, support Satoru had waited a lifetime to give him.

Momo finally sat back, Satoru reaching out to brush a stray tear away from Momo's cheek, the two men smiling at each other. She cleared her throat gently, her own eyes shining with tears of love and joy.

"Are you staying for dinner, Momo-kun?" Eryn asked. "Please say yes." She smiled at Momo, slightly impish. "We bought all this food, and someone has to help us eat it. Which reminds me, have you met Sadao's son yet? It will be quite different from any of your other relationships, you know, although I do think you'll be a marvelous father."

Momo opened his mouth to say that he would indeed be staying for dinner, but when Eryn continued his face paled a little bit, and he sank back on his chair, his voice a little full of wonder, "Oh, fuck. I hadn't even thought of that." He looked up at Eryn with wide eyes, his voice shaking, "You really think that I'd make a good father? I saw him with Sadao, but I haven't met him. Oh, fuck this is never going to work."

Eryn looked at Momo, and reached out to pat his hand. "Don't mind me. I tend to say what's on my mind sometimes, but honestly, I think it will all work out fine, and I really do think you'd be a wonderful father. After all, you know exactly what not to do, thanks to that bastard who raised you."

Momo shivered slightly, and stared blankly up at her, his eyes slowly moving over to Satoru, who nodded his head in agreement with Eryn's words. "You're right," Momo said, his voice suddenly husky, "I do know exactly what not to do. And I am sure that Sadao would never be with me if he didn't think I could handle it. I will do my best to be a good father."

"Of course you will, and you'll be perfect." Eryn stood and gathered the empty beer bottles, leaning over to kiss Momo's cheek lovingly. "Now, about dinner, anything special you'd like?"

Momo blushed as he reached out to pick up his share of the bottles and the ashtray, and shook his head, "I don't want to be a bother. Just whatever you had planned."

"I have a few options, actually. Are you sure there's nothing you've been wanting to have?" Eryn smiled as Satoru opened the door for them, carrying the unopened beers and the cigarettes. "No cravings I can indulge for you?"

"Are you sure? I don't want to be putting you out. But I really would like to try that chicken curry again. I didn't really eat much on Friday. If it's not too much trouble." Momo ducked his head to hide the faint blush in his cheeks, his eyes sparkling with something akin to shame for not having enjoyed the meal more on Friday.

"Oh, sweetheart, I don't think any of us tasted a thing on Friday." Eryn hugged Momo hard. "Chicken curry it is, then, and it's not a speck of trouble."

Momo smiled as Eryn hugged him, then suddenly he hugged her back just as hard and laughed. "I am sorry for hurting you both. But now, I think everything will be better. I'll make you both proud of me. And if you dare to let me into the kitchen, I can try to help. Kageoshi usually chased me out of the kitchen with a broom if I tried to help, but I can set a nice enough table."

Eryn laughed as well, delighted. "I'll take you up on that, then. I love help in the kitchen."

Erion picked up his cell phone and turned it over in his hands a few times before sighing deeply and putting it back down. It was not the first time he had reached for it, and Erion gave himself a mental shake for his indecision.

Although Kansas had wanted to stay home, Erion had persuaded him to go to work. Kansas was new enough in his position that attendance was important, and Erion did not want Kansas to lose this job simply because Erion was feeling a little shaky. Willow was home, as well as Sand, and Vale and Yuji were home for the summer break. It was not as if Erion would be alone, and Kansas reluctantly agreed, kissing Erion and making him promise to call if he needed to talk.

Erion had managed to keep busy for most of the morning, the children eager to drag Erion into their games, and Erion as eager to join them. There was something restorative in their bright laughter and sweet hugs, and Erion was able to forget all his heartache while he was pounced and tickled. Lunch had been just as merry, with Hikaru getting Erion to join him in mixing all three of the family's languages liberally, while Aika observed to her mother that boys just got bigger and not smarter, an observation her chichi and tousan agreed with enthusiastically.

After lunch, though, the children settled in for naps, and Yuji and Vale went off for a walk. Willow was writing, and Sand was at his desk, poking through exceedingly dusty tomes and making purring sounds as he scribbled notes in his elegant espruar.

Erion thought about napping himself, but he had retreated into both reverie and true sleep far too often over the past few days, and he was more restless than tired. He found an amethyst glass flagon of tui in the back of the refrigerator, and he took that and his cigarettes out to the deck, curling up to smoke and drink the light elven beer. His cell phone shifted uncomfortably against his hip, and Erion pulled it out of the pocket of his loose shorts, the beautiful little omamori from Ryuu swinging from the corner and making Erion smile a little to himself.

Erion tucked his slim bare feet up on the chair, turning the cell phone over in his hands as he smoked a cigarette between sips of tui. His thumb slid over the icon to open his phone book, and at the top of the list was Koibito, the number engraved on his memory as clearly as in the cell phone's memory.

Erion choked back a sob and closed the phone book, closing his silver-grey eyes and trying to fight back the hot tears that threatened. His ears rang with the memory of a scream, so bereft and broken that even in the warmth of the garden, Erion shivered. He could not help but wonder if he had broken Momo completely, and even though everyone had been reassuring Erion that Momo would be fine, he knew he would never believe it until he could see for himself.

Erion opened his eyes and flipped open his cell phone, quickly typing a text in the window. He read the text over, sighed, deleted it, and started over, pausing to take another drink of tui. By the fifth deletion, Erion could no longer see the screen anyway because of the tears in his eyes, and he laid the phone down, pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapped his arms around his legs, and let his head fall forward onto his knees as he sobbed quietly.

Eryn laughed as she watched Momo set three places for dinner, laying everything out quite neatly, his hips swaying a bit to the music playing in the background. Eryn's taste in music was quite eclectic, and she found that she quite enjoyed Kohaku's music, so she had purchased all of his albums and a small but powerful cd player for the kitchen. The music inspired her cooking, or so she claimed, and Momo was not about to argue.

"That looks perfect," Eryn told Momo when he finished with the table. She opened a cabinet and frowned a little at the bowl she wanted that was just out of reach.

Momo noticed Eryn's little frown of exasperation, and grinned as he reached over to take the bowl down for her. "This one, okaasan?"

"Thank you, sweetheart. I'm telling you, it's a trial to be this short sometimes." Eryn laughed at herself and turned back to chopping vegetables for dinner, her knife flashing with rapid-fire precision. Momo had to admire her skill with a knife, the petite elf barely paying attention as she sliced mushrooms and scallions as fast as any chef.

"You have to teach me how you do that," Momo said, shaking his head a little.

Eryn shrugged lightly. "It's just slicing things, and nothing special." She smiled up at Momo. "And I'm sure you'd tell me the same thing about the way you can just listen to your father's car and tell him what it needs. We learned by doing, didn't we?"

Momo grinned. "I guess we did."

"Now, can you hand me that spoon? I want to stir the curry a bit." Eryn lifted the lid on the curry pot, and Momo inhaled happily as he brought over the spoon she wanted.

Satoru stood in the doorway of the kitchen, his heart so full he thought it would burst as he watched his beloved youngest son and his wife laughing as they worked. This was what Satoru had always wanted in his life, a home full of love and laughter, and although it had taken a while, he had it at last, and it was as wonderful as he had dreamed it would be. Satoru found himself looking ahead to meeting Sadao properly, and Eryn looked up at that moment, her eyes bright with happiness as she looked at Satoru.

"I have to tell you, whatever you two are up to, it smells wonderful," Satoru said, coming into the kitchen and breathing in appreciatively. He looked at the table, already laid for dinner, and grinned. "I've been put out of a job," he teased.

"Oh, we'll find you some work to do," Eryn laughed. "You can dish out the rice into its serving bowl, since I think we are just about ready."

It was a simple dinner, just a clear soup with finely sliced mushrooms and scallions, steamed vegetables with a light ginger dressing, rice and chicken curry, but as the small family sat down to eat, the love they shared made it feel like a feast. This time, Momo ate with enthusiasm, praising Eryn's curry and assuring her that it was almost exactly like Murai-san's curry.

Dessert was tea and sliced fresh fruit, light and perfect for a summer evening, and the conversation was comfortably lighthearted as well. Momo was sharing a story about a professor in one of his classes, and Satoru was laughing until he cried as Momo imitated the man, managing to perfectly capture an elderly law school professor with almost no insight into the way things worked outside a classroom. Eryn was even giggling, seeing one of the more hidebound older priests of her own temple in Momo's description.

Momo's cell phone rang, the tone one he had reserved for text messages, and he pulled out his phone eagerly, expecting to see Sadao's number on the screen. Much to his surprise, it was Erion's number on the screen, and he read the few words that comprised the text: Can we meet to talk, in a week? I think it will help. You choose the time and place.

Momo's smile died on his lips when he saw Erion's number on the screen and he coughed a little when he read the short message. "Excuse me," he mumbled with a sad voice as he stood abruptly and hurried to the back porch, his hands shaking as he re-read the message over and over.

He hit the button to reply and then stared at the blank screen, his vision blurring with tears, and sinking down on a chair on the porch he pulled his cigarettes out of his pocket, lighting up between sobs.

Satoru jumped up from the table and hurried out onto the back porch, his expression crumbling a little when he saw Momo's tears. "What is it, Momo? What's happened? Please, tell me and let me try to help." He sank into a chair next to Momo, and wrapped his arms around the sobbing young man.

Eryn watched from the doorway to the porch, her eyes dark with worry as she watched Satoru cradle Momo, but she hung back until Satoru would need her.

Momo sank into Satoru's embrace and Satoru could barely understand him, as Momo pointed shakily at his phone. "It's Yuki. He wants to meet. In a week. I don't know what to say. I can't find the words. I miss him."

Satoru stroked Momo's hair, reaching for the cell phone to read the text message from Erion. "Hush, my sweet boy. He thinks it would help if you meet and talk. What do you want to do, Momo-kun? Do you want to remain friends with him? Or do you want to end your friendship, too?"

Momo's head jerked up, and his eyes were filled with despair when he shook his head. "No. No. No, I want to be his friend. I can't lose that, too. I need to be his friend. I need him to be my friend. I just don't know if it will ever stop hurting."

Sadao cupped Momo's cheek, handing him the cell phone and easing him back into the embrace, his voice warm. "Then send him a text back, and tell him that you want to meet. Where do you think it would be best? Here at the house, or in public?"

Momo wiped his nose on the back of his hand and nodded against Satoru's shoulder, his fingers dancing over the keypad as he wrote his response, mumbling as he did, "Here at the house. In one week. That way you and okaasan can be here if we need you."

Satoru stroked the thick raven hair and nodded, his cheek resting against Momo's head. "Yes, that sounds perfect. We'll be here for you both. And this way you both have a few days to gather your thoughts and heal a little."

Momo nodded a little, a small sob escaping him as he hit send, and then he glanced up at Eryn, where she stood in the door, his voice terribly small when he said, "Maybe I should change his number in my phone. He isn't my Yuki no erufu, anymore, is he?"

Eryn's eyes filled with tears as she hurried over to Momo, dropping to her knees and putting her arms around him. "Oh, my sweetheart, I think a part of him will always be your snow elf. The love you had between you isn't gone, my dear Momo. It's just become something else, something quieter, the love between two friends who know each other better than most."

Momo leaned into the embrace, burying his face in Eryn's shoulder and with a small wail he let go of his sorrow and cried brokenly, as he told her, "I just miss him so much. I don't even want to go to my room, because there is so much of him there. I love him so much, but I know I can't keep him. And I want to love Sadao the same way. I miss him, okaasan. I miss needing to fight him for space in the bed, and that stupid dawn worship. I miss him."

"Oh, my sweet boy, I know," Eryn crooned, holding Momo as he sobbed. "I don't know if it will help at all, but Yuki misses you as well. When I saw him on Sunday, he told me that he wanted to stay friends with you, and he hoped you could forgive him. He was so very worried about you, we all were."

"Is he alright? Did his hands warm up? He was so cold," Momo sobbed, clinging to Eryn tightly as she stroked his hair lovingly.

"He's very sad, and he's trying to find his way to healing, just like you, musukosan. But yes, his hands did warm up, and he isn't going to fade away. He's just afraid that he can't be forgiven, although I know you have too large a heart not to forgive him." Eryn pressed a kiss to Momo's head.

Momo nodded slowly, his sobs growing softer. "I don't know what he needs me to forgive him for. I'm the one who cheated on him and broke his heart, and yet, I refused to let go. He only did what we both needed to do. He was stronger and could let go. But I will forgive him, if he needs me to. I hope he can forgive me, too. It scared me so bad, to feel his hands so cold. I was so afraid I had killed him. But I can forgive him and I will. I love him too much to lose his friendship."

"Then you'll meet with him, and you'll talk, and we'll be here in case you need us, and then the both of you can heal and move ahead with your lives." Eryn rested her cheek against Momo's thick raven hair. "You are both so very dear to me, and I know you will both get through this, and become friends. I have faith in you both."

Momo nuzzled into Eryn's shoulder and sighed as the last of his sobs hurt his chest, and his tears slowly stopped, and his voice sounded a little bit stronger when he whispered, "Thank you, okaasan. I want to become someone you can be proud of. For the first time I have someone who has expectations of me, and I want to make proud of me, and I'm not going to disappoint you, or tousan. I love you."

"And I love you, musukosan, eternally, and I'm already so proud of you. We'll get through this, my sweet boy." Eryn looked up at Satoru, her eyes filled with love and pride as she stroked her son's hair. "Now, why don't we clear up from dinner, and then maybe we can watch a movie, hm? Are you staying here tonight, or is Sadao expecting you?"

Momo sniffled hard as he sat up. "I was going to stay here tonight, if that's alright with you. But maybe I can stay in the guest room?"

Eryn felt a tiny pang as she realized that Momo would find it hard to be in his room without Erion, but she smiled and kissed his cheek. "Of course you can. The sheets are fresh, so it's all ready."

Later that night, as Eryn came back from making sure that there were plenty of clean towels in the big bathroom, she paused as she passed the guest room. She could hear Momo's voice, sultry and purring, as he talked to someone on the phone, and then she heard his laugh. Eryn's heart soared as she realized Momo had to be talking to Sadao, and she was still smiling as she slid into bed next to Satoru.

The next day, Momo asked Eryn very quietly after breakfast if she could help him rearrange things in his room. It was hard for him to go into the room at all, and Momo hesitated in the doorway for several minutes, until Eryn came back over to take his hand.

"It's alright, Momo. I know this is hard, but it's part of healing, my sweet boy. We'll do this together." Eryn smiled gently at Momo, stroking his hand with love.

Momo took a deep breath, and nodded. "It's just that everything reminds me of him, and the worst part is the empty places where his things were."

Eryn looked at him with great sympathy. "I understand. Why don't you think about where you'd like to put the bigger pieces of furniture, and I'll tend to the dresser and the like?"

Eryn quickly rearranged the clothing in the closet and in the dresser to fill up the empty spaces and lessen the impact of Erion's absence, before she hurried into the bathroom to do the same thing. When she came back into the bedroom, Momo was sitting on the bed, looking at the wall. His cheeks were wet, but he had a small smile on his face as he turned to look at Eryn.

"He took it," Momo said. "He took Kageoshi's omamori, the one I gave him so he would be just like the rest of the posse. He kept it."

Eryn nodded, crossing over to put her arms around Momo. "He kept the bracelet you gave him as well. He only left the ring because he didn't know if you wanted to remain friends. I know he did want to keep it, but I think he needs to know that you're alright with that." She pressed a kiss to Momo's temple. "Now, let's see. How about if we move the bed over there?"

By the time they were done, Momo was satisfied that the room was different enough to keep the bad memories at bay. Now all he needed was to create some new memories to take their place.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Eryn stood in the kitchen, looking at the note written in Momo's unruly handwriting. A small sob caught in her throat as she realized how hard he had tried to make it neater, and she reread the note yet again to make sure she was getting it right.

Satoru slipped his arms around Eryn from behind, reading the note over her shoulder, and he too fought back a sob. Eryn turned around to put her arms around Satoru's waist, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Where do you think he would have gone?" Eryn asked. "Do you think maybe he went to the Murai house? Kokoro-chan keeps the room for the boys if they need a place."

Satoru turned his head a little to rest his cheek against Eryn's raven hair. "I almost don't want to call her, in case he isn't there. I don't want to get everyone who knows him in an uproar."

"The way he was weeping yesterday," Eryn said, her voice heavy with sorrow. "I wanted to cry right along with him. I can't believe that he thought I could hate him, or that I would choose Yuki over him. I love them both too much to ever choose."

Satoru stiffened suddenly. "Did he take the car?" He looked at Eryn, growing pale, before hurrying to the foyer to check the table where they all left their keys.

Momo's keys were gone, and Satoru opened the front door to check the garage, Eryn right behind him. They looked at each other, matching worry in their eyes as they saw the empty space where Baby Boy was usually parked.

"His driving license has his proper name," Eryn said quickly, laying a slim hand on Satoru's arm. "It has this address. If anything had happened, we would know by now."

"Of course, you're right," Satoru breathed, putting his arm around Eryn for a moment and just holding her.

They walked back into the house, closing the door quietly, and Eryn went through the motions of making tea and breakfast. She and Satoru were nearly done putting the dishes in the dishwasher when Eryn realized that she could not even remember what she had made, let alone how it had tasted. She looked over at Satoru, and the look in his eyes told her that he had fared no better. When Satoru's cell phone rang, he jumped as badly as Eryn.

"Moshi-moshi," Satoru said quickly, his heart pounding.

"Satoru-san? It's Akira." Vale's calm voice came through the phone, and Eryn saw Satoru's shoulders sag a bit. "I wanted to let you know that Yuki's here, and he's alright. He's hurting, but he's fine. Please tell Eryn that for me."

"I will, and I'm glad to hear that," Satoru said, but he could not hide the pain and grief in his voice.

"How is Momo?" Vale continued. "Judging by the state Yuki was in, I've been very worried about him. We all have, actually."

Satoru sighed painfully. "He spent most of yesterday crying like his world had ended. He kept telling us that he broke Yuki's heart and that he was afraid he had killed Yuki."

Eryn gasped a little when she heard Satoru say that, one slim hand flying up to cover her mouth as her blue eyes filled with tears. Satoru reached out to pull her to him, his free arm wrapping around her.

"Tell Eryn there's no danger of Yuki fading, please," Vale said, and there was urgency in his calm voice.

Satoru turned to Eryn. "It's Akira. Yuki's at the estate, and Akira says he's in no danger of fading."

Eryn nodded, her eyes filling with relief. "Tell him to give Yuki my love," she whispered.

"How is Momo now?" Vale asked.

Satoru sighed again. "He's gone. He left a note sometime in the night, telling us he needed time to think and clear his head, and not to worry about him."

It was Vale's turn to sigh deeply. "Please don't hesitate to call us, any of us, if you need us." Vale did not have to tell Satoru that none of the family had forgotten Momo's grief and despair after Kageoshi's death, and how he had nearly drank himself to death after disappearing. "We love Momo as dearly as we do Yuki, and honestly, we're all hoping they'll be able to remain friends."

The genuine love and concern in Vale's voice warmed a small cold place in Satoru's heart, a fear he had not even realized he had being wiped away. "Thank you, Akira-san. That means the world to us, and we promise we'll call the minute we hear from him. Tell Yuki-kun that we love him, and let's hope our youngsters do remain friends."

Satoru ended the call and pulled Eryn into his arms, his eyes wet with tears. "At least we know that Yuki-kun is safe," he murmured. "Now we just have to hope our Momo-kun is safe as well."

Momo did not call that day or that night, and Eryn and Satoru found themselves checking their cell phones for no reason, just to make sure that they had not missed a text or call. Saturday passed just as slowly, neither Eryn nor Satoru having much appetite for lunch, and not a great deal more interest in supper. The only highlight was Satoshi's call, and he and Sand did their best to reassure the worried pair that Momo would not do anything too foolish. Satoshi repeated Vale's assurances that the family was there for whatever they might need, any time they needed.

The worried couple sat up until far too late, Satoru nursing a sake in case he needed to drive while Eryn polished off a bottle of wine. It was past midnight before they went up to their bedroom, their cell phones in hand and placed on their night tables.

Eryn found herself unable to reach reverie, and judging by the way he was tossing and turning, Satoru was not getting any sleep either. She finally sat up just before dawn, and Satoru sighed and sat up as well.

"I can't sit here again all day," Eryn said, leaning into Satoru. "My mind just dwells on how devastated Momo was, and I can't think about anything other than wanting to hear his voice."

Satoru choked back a sob. "I know, Eri-chan. If he would just call, or text. I can't lose him. I can't."

They held each other for a few minutes, both of them holding back their tears. Eryn did not even suggest breakfast when they finally got out of bed, although she made tea and brought out some sweet rolls for them to crumble.

Satoru reached over and stilled Eryn's fingers as she reduced the last of her sweet roll to fragments without actually eating any of it. "Maybe we should take a drive to the estate. We can at least see Yuki, and let him know we're thinking about him as well."

Eryn managed a smile. "I'd like that, melamin, my love. But why don't you try to call Momo now, before we go?" She handed Satoru his cell phone as she got up to clear away the remains of her roll.

Satoru pressed the key to dial Momo's cell phone, listening to it ring a few times before it abruptly cut off. "That's odd," Satoru muttered, pressing the key again.

"What's odd?" Eryn asked, turning a little.

Satoru listened to the phone ring again, and once again, it was abruptly cut off. "Maybe his battery is low," Satoru said. He put the cell phone down and got up to rinse his tea cup and put it in the dishwasher, and then wiped the table for Eryn.

"Try one more time," Eryn suggested.

Satoru picked up his cell phone, and the result was the same yet again. Frustrated, he opened a text window and typed a brief message: Are you alright?

As they were getting ready to go to the car, Satoru's cell phone chimed to signal a new message, and he opened the text with trembling fingers. He read it aloud to Eryn.

"Am fine. Home soon, maybe tomorrow. That's all it says, but it's from Momo's phone." Satoru looked at Eryn with naked relief on his face.

Eryn smiled, her first genuine smile since Momo had left, and her blue eyes regained some of their customary sparkle. "At least he says he's fine. Oh, Seldarine be praised, I was going mad, melamin." Eryn slipped her arms around Satoru's waist and leaned her head into his shoulder, tears of relief beading in her thick lashes.

Satoru held Eryn tightly, his own eyes damp. "Do we ever stop worrying about them?"

Eryn managed a small giggle. "Never, and we wouldn't have it any other way."

Satoru and Eryn arrived at the estate to a warm greeting. Satoshi held Satoru tightly, trembling with relief when he heard about Momo's text message. Erion had hung back at first, his fingers laced tightly with Kansas's fingers as he watched his grandmother hugging Satoshi and Sand. Finally, Eryn turned around and saw Erion, half behind Kansas and watching her warily. His expression tore at her already fragile heart, and Eryn felt the burn of tears in her eyes.

Eryn sighed deeply and held out her arms. "Aiya, utinu'ai, leneema'amin kwaralle, let me hold you."

Erion looked at Kansas, who smiled reassuringly, and then the young elf flung himself into his grandmother's arms, his eyes welling with tears.

"I'm sorry, atararim. I'm so sorry," Erion sobbed. "This is all my fault. I know I hurt him. Please let him be okay, I can't bear it if he's not."

Satoru hurried over to put his arms around the distraught young elf as well. "It's alright, Yuki-kun. Please don't cry. No one is angry with you, I promise you."

Erion wriggled around until he was in Satoru's arms, Eryn stroking his back tenderly. "Sofu, I never wanted it to be like this. The way he screamed when I left..." Erion's voice trailed off and he clung to Satoru desperately. "Please forgive me, even though I don't deserve it."

Satoru tightened his arms around Erion, pressing a kiss to the young elf's temple. "You're not at fault, sweet Yuki. No one's at fault. It was simply time for your love to end, that's all, but if you need me to say it, then I forgive you."

Erion relaxed in Satoru's arms, his sobs calming as Satoru stroked his hair. Satoru looked up at Eryn, and saw the flicker of grief in her eyes as she stroked Erion's back. He gently eased Erion into his grandmother's arms, and Erion turned again to nuzzle into Eryn's shoulder, his head falling forward.

"Utinu'ai, I could never be angry at you for something like this. Hearts take us where they will, and sometimes we wind up finding heartache. I just wish I could ease this for you both, but that's something you need to do for yourselves." Eryn kissed the silver head on her shoulder. "We can only be here to love you and tell you that you will eventually heal."

"I left my ring. I didn't know if he'd want to stay friends with me," Erion said, his voice soft and sad. "I wanted to keep it, so I'd have something. I kept the omamori he gave me, and the bracelet, and I'll always have my little peach on my wrist. I'd rather have his friendship, though, if he can forgive me."

"Give it time," Eryn advised, her tone loving and gentle. "Give it time, my Erion."

Satoru and Eryn wound up staying for dinner, and Erion relaxed enough to tease that it was Sand's night, so it was certainly no trouble for the cook. Sand merely arched his brow as he called his favorite restaurant and placed an extravagant order, warning Erion that such teasing might make him forget to order the wasabi ice cream. Erion yelped and groaned, as Kansas laughed at him, and the dinner passed with a great deal of pleasant banter, something Satoru and Eryn sorely needed.

By the time they got back to their house, both Satoru and Eryn were ready to call it a night, and they headed up to their room to wash for bed and brush their teeth. Satoru read the text message again, smiling a little as he looked at the words on the screen, and Eryn kissed him tenderly as she slid into bed beside him, her own cell phone on her night table. Satoru put his phone down, his hand sliding into Eryn's raven hair, and he deepened the kiss, the two of them finding the comfort they needed in each other's arms until, sated, they fell asleep still entwined.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion returned Yuji's kiss, his silvery eyes filled with love as he snuggled into Yuji's embrace. "Thank you for reminding me that I can't lose my home, and thank you for helping me to learn. There's so much to learn sometimes, and I feel lost, but I'm glad I can talk to you."

Yuji chuckled into Erion's feathery little kisses. "I might not always have the answers, my love, but we can always try to find them together." He patted Erion's pert little ass. "Now, why don't we get back to the house and shower before dinner? I'm pretty sure it's Vale's night in the kitchen, and if I know him, he'll have some treats in store."

Erion looked at Yuji curiously as he reached for his discarded sleep pants. "Vale's night?"

Yuji started to laugh. "That's right, you missed that one. Vale, Satoshi and Willow have worked out some sort of cooking schedule so that no one person gets stuck with cooking dinner all the time. Even Sand is in the rotation, although he doesn't cook. He just orders takeout."

Erion started to giggle. "I guess I'd better get my name in on the rotation, too."

"Don't worry," Yuji laughed, his goofy giggle like music to Erion. "You'll get a couple of weeks to get settled back in, and our queen will give you your orders."

They walked back to the house, Yuji's arm around Erion, and Kansas was waiting on the deck when they arrived. Yuji gave Erion another pat on the ass, chuckling as he watched Erion race the rest of the way to the deck and fling himself into Kansas's arms, the imp's eyes a beautiful dark grey as he caught his elf in a tight hug. They kissed with such wonderful passion that Yuji's heart soared to see them together, Kansas finally truly happy once again. He knew that Erion would still have a great deal of pain to work through, but healing had begun, and with all the love they could offer the little elf, it would come.

Vale was waiting when Yuji walked into the house, his green eyes filled with love as he kissed Yuji tenderly. "It's good to see them together again, isn't it?"

"It is," Yuji agreed, nibbling Vale's lips until he coaxed a little moan from his blond elf. "I'm going to shower, a'maelamin."

"I have just enough time to wash your back," Vale murmured, and Yuji's grin was answer enough as they hurried up to their room.

Dinner felt so right to Erion, although he was still a bit quieter than usual. Vale had gone all out, making perfectly grilled red snapper with herbs he had grown himself from cuttings he brought back from the garden in Neverwinter. The vegetables were all of Erion's favorites, and Vale had even made a wasabi and ginger dipping sauce for the fish, to Erion's great delight. Takara insisted that she sit with oniisan, and Erion was close to tears of joy as he helped her with her dinner.

Erion let out a shriek of joy when Vale brought out the custard tarts for dessert, topped with different fruits so that everyone would find a favorite. Erion moaned as he helped himself to a ram berry tart, and Kansas reached for the yuzu tart. Hikaru gave the strawberry topped tarts a longing look, but ate his raspberry tart with enthusiasm. Vale also had a platter of sliced fruit, and dainty little chocolates from a shop that had opened recently in the neighborhood.

Sand and Satoshi took over the cleaning up as was their habit, and Yuji and Vale gathered up the children for baths while Willow curled up to snuggle Michi and give her a bottle. Erion cuddled up next to Kansas, his eyes bright, but he looked a little tired and drawn, and Kansas leaned down to kiss Erion gently.

"Are you alright, my love?" Kansas asked softly. "You look a little worn out. It's been a long day for you."

Erion smiled wanly at Kansas as he nodded. "I think I might want to go to our room."

Kansas took Erion upstairs after they both kissed Willow and Michi, and Erion immediately went out onto their balcony to light a cigarette. Kansas followed, pulling Erion down onto the loveseat and wrapping his arms around Erion.

"I actually forget for a little bit, because everyone is being so wonderful, and then it just fucking slaps me in the face again," Erion said, and his voice was shaded with grief. "I hurt him so much. Even when Kageoshi died, I don't think I heard him scream like that. I can't even call him to find out how he is, because it's too fucking soon. I'll only hurt him more if I do that." Tears slid down Erion's cheeks, silvery in the moonlight.

Kansas pressed a kiss to Erion's silvery hair. "And what about you? What about how much you hurt, isilmeamin? It doesn't go away because you ignore it."

Erion made a small noise of distress. "How can I do this? How can I turn to you to help me feel better because I'm mourning the end of things with Momo? Isn't that the most fucked up thing in the multiverse?"

"The most fucked up thing in the multiverse is expecting to be rejected because you loved someone. We don't do things like most families, my love. You weren't out to hurt anyone, least of all me." Kansas cupped Erion's face between his hands, looking into the silver and blue eyes of his lover. "I want you to lean on me, and let me help you heal your heart. All of us will help you, because we love you."

"I don't want to hurt you any more, 'lokiamin. I've hurt you enough," Erion said, his slim fingers covering Kansas's hands. "I love you, more than I can ever begin to tell you. All I can promise you is that I will never, ever do anything like this again. I'll die if I leave you again."

Kansas sobbed a little as he pressed a kiss to Erion's plump lips. "I won't let you leave again. I love you, and we'll never be apart again. I promise you that. And we'll heal together from this. My hurt's only a little thing, but I want you to lean on me now, and let me help you with your pain."

Erion leaned his forehead against Kansas's forehead. "I asked Vale to check on Momo. I can't help worrying about him, even here with you. What does that mean? What does that say about me?"

"It says you have a beautiful heart," Kansas replied gently. "It says that you loved him with all that you are, and that's the only way you should ever love, with all your passion. That's how you love me, and I feel it every day. That's how you love Yuji, and Satoshi, and Haedrith. It's what makes you so perfectly you." Kansas nibbled another kiss. "You wouldn't be my Erion if you didn't worry about Momo, but you're right. You both need time to learn how to deal with being apart before you can talk to each other. Vale was a good choice. He'll know how to reach out to Momo."

Erion nodded, tilting his face for more kisses. "Take me to bed, 'lokiamin. Love me until I can't think about anything else except your touch, and the way you feel against me, and in me. Let me sleep in your arms where I belong, and we can wake up and greet the sun together."

Kansas's radiant smile warmed Erion's heart thoroughly, and he followed Kansas eagerly into their room, the two of them already peeling off their clothing as they tumbled into their bed.

Erion wrapped himself around Kansas as the first rays of sunlight burst over the horizon, his cock pressed against Kansas's ass as he felt the tingling begin, stronger because of his nearness to Kansas. Erion's own ass was that pleasant sort of sore that spoke of being well loved the day before, and he slid his warm hands up Kansas's silky chest, purring a little as Kansas pressed back into Erion's cock. There were no words necessary, the young lovers shining with power in the sunlight while in the back of their minds, two young gods loved as a tiger roared.

Erion wound up flat on his back on the bed, Kansas straddling him as Erion slipped his lubed fingers past the tight ring of Kansas's ass, watching Kansas's cock jump as Erion's fingers brushed over Kansas's prostate. It did not take long to loosen Kansas, and Erion moaned a little as Kansas reared up a bit to line up his ass with Erion's cock, his head falling back in bliss as Erion breached his tight ass. Kansas pressed down until Erion's balls were snug against his ass, his gorgeous stormy grey eyes filled with love and desire for the elf beneath him.

Erion wrapped slim hands around Kansas's hips as Kansas rode Erion's cock, the elf moaning happily as he shifted his angle a little to glide over Kansas's prostate. Kansas howled as white light exploded behind his eyes, his thick cock jumping a little and precum dripping onto Erion's taut stomach. Kansas set a hard pace, and Erion's slim fingers wrapped around Kansas's cock, stroking it eagerly as Erion felt his balls growing heavy. Erion was riding Kansas's prostate mercilessly, and Kansas was moaning almost non-stop, the thick vein underneath his cock throbbing as Erion stroked it.

"Isilmeamin, baby, I can't hold on," Kansas gasped, and with a scream he came, his balls emptying. Erion lifted his head and opened his mouth, catching some of Kansas's thick cum in his mouth as Kansas's tight ass clenched almost painfully around Erion's cock. Kansas ground himself down on Erion's cock, howling in pleasure, and Erion let out a scream of his own as he came, his release almost painful as he spilled into the heat of Kansas's sweet ass.

Kansas slumped forward, trembling with the intensity of his orgasm, and his lips found Erion's lips. Kansas could taste his own cum as he plundered Erion's mouth, the young elf returning the kiss with feverish intensity and wrapping his arms around Kansas. They kissed until they were both breathless, and then Kansas eased himself off Erion's softened cock, rolling onto his back and gathering Erion close. Erion's head was a familiar heavy weight on Kansas's shoulder, and the elf flung one long leg over Kansas's thigh as they drifted back to sleep, sated and content.

Later that morning, after a long and loving shower and a belated breakfast, Erion went wandering in search of Satoshi. He had not had a chance to talk to the slender pierced man the day before, and Erion did not want to wait much longer to clear the air with Satoshi. He found Satoshi in the living room, his eyes slightly unfocused behind his glasses and his fingers moving through the chords of a song he was hearing in his head. Erion watched him quietly, lost in admiration for this strong and gentle man, this incredible lover of his, until Satoshi's eyes closed for a moment and his fingers stilled, a tiny smile playing across his lips.

"Satoshi?" Erion stood poised in the doorway between the dining room and the living room, his eyes slightly dark. "Do you have a minute to talk to me?"

Satoshi looked up, his gorgeous eyes warm behind his glasses, and he held out his arms for Erion to join him on the couch. "Of course I do, Yuki-kun." His smile was bright and inviting, and Erion hurried over to curl up next to Satoshi. "It's so good to have you home again."

"It's good to be home," Erion said, ducking his head a little, suddenly feeling a bit shy. "I just wanted to tell you, well, to ask your forgiveness, actually."

"What did you do that needs my forgiveness?" Satoshi asked, wrapping his arm around Erion.

Erion looked directly at Satoshi in surprise. "I was sleeping with your brother. For over a year. And I hurt Kansas, too." Erion did not look away, although his cheeks were flaming.

Satoshi made a little surprised sound, and then his own cheeks flamed pink, and he mumbled, "Oh, that's right. You were sleeping with my brother." He chuckled a little bit, and then smiled a little shyly at Erion. "I never even thought about it like that. I mean, I see Momo as my brother now, but I never thought about the whole sleeping with him bit."

"I suppose I can understand that," Erion said, blinking a little as he considered Satoshi's words. "But I still hurt Kansas, and I know that you hurt when he hurts. So, I wanted to apologize, and ask your forgiveness."

Satoshi looked into Erion's silver eyes for a long moment and then reached up to cup his cheek gently and his voice was low when he spoke. "Yuki-kun. You did not hurt Kansas so bad that I would be angry with you. Kansas spoke to me after you left, and again when you accepted Momo's ring, and he explained to me what was going on. I will admit that I was angry whenever I saw that Kansas ached to see you with Momo, but he was very open with me about this whole thing, so I had no reason to be angry."

"So, I forgive you, a thousand times over. You were only doing what we have all done, following your heart. So I forgive you. And I thank you for loving not only my Kansas, but also my brother, who I know needed your love more than anyone."

Erion's eyes welled with tears of gratitude as he snuggled in closer to Satoshi. "Thank you, Satoshi. Thank you for understanding and for forgiving me. I'm a silly elf, and not always the best at doing what I should, but I do love them both, more than I can say, and I do love you."

"I love you too, Yuki-kun. You love Kansas so much, and for that alone I love you beyond measure, but I also love you just for myself. You have such a wonderful heart, and you're not too silly, you're just young and being silly does sort of go with the territory. And I forgive you. I trust Kansas to know his own mind and heart, and since he was fine with this and even urged you to pursue this then I have no right to object."

Satoshi stroked Erion's hair softly and traced the line of his jaw with one finger, leaning his head closer, but not going in for a kiss, even though the offer was obvious. "I do want to ask you though, Yuki-kun. Do you still want to be with me? Because I do want to be with you again. I've missed you. And it is a little fun when you and Kansas both pounce on me and wear me out."

Erion's face lit up with a radiant smile, and he nibbled a kiss with sweet tenderness. "I do want to be with you, Satoshi-san, my sweet lover, and I've missed you so much that it hurts. I love you, and I'll always love you. Ten'oio, melamin. Forever, my love."

Satoshi moaned softly into the kiss, and his hand fisted in Erion's silver hair as he whispered back, "Ten'oio, melamin." Satoshi leaned in and pressed in for another deeper kiss, plundering Erion's mouth with a great passion, but not the possessive assertiveness that Yuji always showed.

Satoshi broke the kiss a little breathless and his eyes sparkled a little, his cheeks once again faintly pink. He reached under the neckline of his t-shirt and pulled out one of the many chains that he wore around his neck, deftly separating the chain that held the house pendant of Iradil from the rest of them and removing it from his neck. Erion caught the glint of red gold as Satoshi slipped something off the chain and fastened it around his neck again, and then he lifted a slender red gold band to show it to Erion.

"I bought this last year, just before christmas, and I've been wearing it since. I don't know why I did all of a sudden, but I bought it for you. I want to offer you this ring, as a symbol of our union, and as a promise that when you turn one hundred, I will stand with you in the temple in Evereska and marry you in the eyes of all elf kind. Will you accept this ring, and my promise?"

Erion looked at Satoshi, his eyes filled with love and joy, and Satoshi could feel the love radiating outward from the young elf. He placed his hand in Satoshi's hand, his lips curved in a glorious smile. "I accept your ring and your promise, Mori Satoshi, my beloved betrothed, and I will be so proud to marry you on the occasion of my one hundredth birthday, in the eyes of all our family and friends." Erion watched as Satoshi slid the ring onto his right hand, onto the ring finger, and Erion slipped his arms around Satoshi's neck and kissed him passionately.

Satoshi smiled as he slipped the ring onto Erion's slender finger, and laughed when he suddenly had an armful of little elf. He answered the kiss with equal passion, moaning softly when Erion tugged on his pierced lip.

"Oh, fuck, baby, I want you so bad right now." Satoshi moaned as he smashed their lips together in an even deeper kiss, his cock stirring in his pants.

Erion mewled hungrily, his own cock hardening as he fell into the kiss, his tongue teasing across Satoshi's lower lip as Satoshi plundered his mouth. Erion slid off the couch, leaning forward so that he did not have to break the kiss, and Satoshi stood as well, reaching for Erion's hand. They managed to nibble kisses all the way up the stairs, Satoshi leading them to his room and sliding the door closed behind himself as Erion peeled off his clothing with indecent haste. Erion's cock was hard and eager, jutting out from its silvery nest, and Satoshi moaned a little at the sight of the slender young elf.

Erion's deft fingers helped Satoshi get undressed, and the young elf tugged Satoshi to the side of the bed, guiding Satoshi into a sitting position on the futon as Erion sank to his knees. Satoshi gasped a little as Erion's hot little tongue swirled around the head of his cock, teasing the cleft underneath and swiping across the slit to taste Satoshi's precum.

Satoshi groaned as his fingers slid into Erion's hair, tightening involuntarily as that wicked little mouth slid lower down his cock, Erion's tongue caressing the underside of Satoshi's cock firmly. Erion kept going until Satoshi's cock hit the back of his throat, and then he drew back, slowly and lasciviously, his tongue moving in graceful swirls until only the head of Satoshi's cock remained in Erion's mouth.

Erion paused for a second or two, and then engulfed Satoshi's cock again, repeating the plunge and slow withdrawal several more times until Satoshi's head fell back as he moaned loudly. Erion plunged his mouth again, and this time he tilted his head and took Satoshi's cock to the root, humming a little as he buried his nose in the soft raven curls at the base. Satoshi howled, the vibrations traveling straight up his spine, and his hands tightened again in Erion's hair.

"Fuck, baby, if you do that again, I'll fucking explode," Satoshi growled, but he made no move to tug Erion off his cock, and the young elf purred and swallowed hard. Satoshi's back arched as he screamed, and Erion pulled back slightly as Satoshi's balls emptied, Erion drinking down Satoshi's cum eagerly, saving only the last mouthful. Erion slid up Satoshi, lithe and graceful, his lips pressed to Satoshi's lips as he shared his last mouthful of cum with Satoshi, and Satoshi moaned happily as he wrapped his arms around the slender elf.

Satoshi's hands slid lower, cupping the round globes of Erion's ass, and Erion mewled and pressed into the caress, wanton and eager. Satoshi guided Erion onto the tatami bed, on his knees with his chest pressed down, and Erion purred again as Satoshi caressed Erion's sweet ass, his thumbs slipping between the cheeks to tease the tight little pucker. Erion moaned happily, the muscle relaxing quickly, and Satoshi growled a little at the sight, his cock already hard again.

Satoshi slicked his cock quickly with lube, and stroked his thumbs over the eager pucker. Erion writhed a little, looking over his shoulder with lust-filled eyes as Satoshi lined the head of his cock up with Erion's ass, his fingers wrapping around the elf's slender hips.

"Oh, please, yes," Erion moaned, licking his lips as he tried to press back onto Satoshi's cock. Satoshi chuckled a little at the young elf's wriggling, but his grip was firm enough to keep Erion in place. "Please, Satoshi, I need you in me, baby."

Satoshi could not resist the sweet pleading, and he pressed forward until he had just breached Erion's ass, watching the little elf's back arch in bliss. Erion let out a small scream of delight as Satoshi pressed forward, filling Erion's ass in a single smooth thrust. Erion's back arched even more, and Satoshi settled back on his heels, his muscular thighs parting Erion's thighs as he pulled the elf upright.

The new angle let Satoshi work Erion's prostate, and Satoshi slid one hand up Erion's chest until he was teasing a dark brown nipple, Erion's cock jumping as the sensitive little nub grew hard as a pebble. Erion mewled, rising and falling on Satoshi's cock, his head turned to let Satoshi nip at his already kiss-swollen lips. Satoshi's hand slid down Erion until it reached the eager cock that jutted out so proudly, and Satoshi wrapped long musician's fingers around the little elf's cock and began to stroke it firmly.

Between the generous cock filling his tight little ass, the hand playing so deftly with his nipples and his cock being stroked firmly, Erion was moaning non-stop. Satoshi nipped at one rosy ear tip, and Erion's moans increased in volume, his little ass clenching around Satoshi's cock reflexively. Satoshi chuckled again and shifted his hips just a fraction, and Erion screamed as Satoshi hit his prostate dead on, sending fireworks exploding behind Erion's eyes and making the young elf grind himself down as hard as he could.

Having found Erion's prostate, Satoshi assaulted it mercilessly, feeling Erion's arousal increase to fever pitch as Satoshi flexed those powerful thighs to encourage the elf to move. Erion could feel his balls tightening and he let his head fall back as he screamed until his voice gave out, his cum arching out in a powerful jet as his ass clamped tightly around Satoshi's cock. Satoshi managed another thrust or two before he moaned and bit down on the back of Erion's shoulder, working a rosy mark into the golden skin as he filled the tight little ass with a surprisingly large load of cum.

Exhausted and more than content, Satoshi eased Erion forward onto the bed, once they had shivered their way through the last of their orgasms. Satoshi withdrew carefully, and Erion mewled again, but his lips were curved in such a blissful smile, and Satoshi chuckled as he lay down next to the little elf, pulling him close to nibble sweet kisses as they cuddled.

After lunch, Erion wandered into the library and perched on the corner of Sand's desk, ignoring the book pressing against the cheek of his ass. Sand looked up, arching an elegant brow at the younger elf.

"I've pretty much talked to everyone else," Erion began. "I know you were less than enthusiastic when I started my relationship with Momo, and I suppose that's because you already knew that Momo and Satoshi were brothers. Well, half brothers, but I don't think that distinction matters."

"Do you think that was why I hesitated to endorse your relationship?" Sand asked. His blue eyes were warm, though, no anger or disapproval in them.

"I don't know. I was too busy falling head over heels in love with Momo to care at the time. I wasn't thinking about consequences, or who I'd hurt." Erion met Sand's gaze levelly. "I've apologized to the rest of the family, and asked forgiveness."

"Do you want me to forgive you for being a normal young elf?" Sand held out his arms, turning his chair so that Erion could curl up in Sand's lap. "Erion, ai'er, you only did what so many of us did at your age. You are in many ways so much older than you should be, and certainly to have found your lifemate just as you turned forty is simply astounding. But hearts do not understand limits, and even a heart so deeply bound as yours is to Kansas can yearn for more."

Erion leaned into Sand, resting his head on his uncle's shoulder. "You mean how I feel about Yuji and Satoshi?"

"That is part of it, Erion, but also how you feel about Haedrith, and how you feel about Momo." Sand stroked his nephew's silky hair tenderly. "Your uncle Hawk, your mother and I all had so many affairs like what you had with Momo. We fell in love, passionately and intensely, and most of the time, wound up remaining friends when the passion had burned itself out. We learned that hearts are surprisingly resilient, and will heal even when we think they will never do so."

Erion nodded a little as he thought about what Sand had said. Sand's long fingers continued to stroke Erion's hair as the older elf continued.

"But there is more to it, Erion. Just as our hearts are resilient, they are also sometimes vaster than we expect. Satoshi is my lifemate, the partner of my soul, but I am also wed to Willow, and to Vale, and to Yuji, and to Kansas. My love for them is as strong and as eternal as my love for Satoshi, and while losing one of them would not make me fade, I would be greatly diminished." Sand cupped Erion's chin in his faintly scarred fingers. "You are bound to Kansas as I am to Satoshi, but I know that you love Yuji and Satoshi with the same intensity and passion with which you love Kansas."

Erion smiled, and Sand reached out to lift Erion's right hand, smiling at the thin rose gold band that graced his ring finger. Sand's expression changed to one of great pleasure as he ran his thumb over the ring he knew Satoshi had placed there.

"You accepted. I cannot tell you how pleased I am," Sand said, and his smile was radiant. "I know that the love you have for each other will only grow, and you will make each other very happy."

Erion ducked his head and grinned shyly. "You could at least be a little jealous, you know."

"Oh, there is no need," Sand replied, his own smile beautiful. "Satoshi's heart has room for all of us, and I would be a sorry husband if I did not let him love as freely as he does."

Sand pressed a gentle kiss to Erion's forehead. "Now, my sweet nephew, I have a daughter who needs her nap, and I do believe you will be asked to play some baseball in the garden. But let me just say that it is more than good to have you home. It feels like our balance has been restored."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked up at Willow, and he nodded, a beautiful small smile lighting up his face. "I am where I belong now," he repeated, seeming to savor the words. "You're very wise, Willow, maybe because you were brave enough to follow your heart. And if I'm being as brave as you, then I need to follow my heart as well, and my heart wants Kansas now." He leaned into her arms and Willow felt a tiny shiver run through Erion.

"So how do you feel, sweets? You think you want to come downstairs and throw yourself back into the thick of things, or would you rather I sent Kansas back up to you?" Willow asked. "You must be starving by now."

Erion was about to say something, but his stomach growled, and his cheeks grew pink. "Okay, I think I've been overruled. Maybe I can eat something, and find Kansas? I'm just not sure I'm ready to jump in all at once. I think I need to kind of get things straight a bit first."

Willow kissed Erion's silky hair and smiled. "Sounds good, sweets. I'll head down and run a little interference with the hordes, and see if Kansas left anything to eat in the kitchen."

Erion actually giggled a little, as Willow climbed off the bed. "I love you, Willow."

When Willow left, Erion slipped off the bed and found his brush, pulling it through his hair. He padded down the stairs almost silently, heading straight for the kitchen. Erion slipped into the kitchen, watching Vale as he cut and arranged a platter of fruit for after dinner. Vale turned his head and smiled at the younger elf, and held out a succulent bite of melon. Erion sidled closer, a little shy and skittish. Still, Erion let Vale feed him the melon and then wrapped his arms around Vale's waist with a sudden desperation that tugged at Vale's heart.

Vale hugged Erion close, pressing a kiss to Erion's silver hair. "I'm glad you're home, ai'edhel, little elf. I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too, otooji." Erion snuggled into the embrace, his whole body tingling with the contact that he craved like air itself. Even more than any other gesture, the simple comfort of touch reassured Erion that he was home.

Vale stroked Erion's back for a moment or two, humming a little bit under his breath. It was something he did with Hikaru when the little half elf needed comfort, and Vale's smile widened when he noticed that Erion nuzzled into Vale's shoulder in the exact same way that Hikaru did.

"How are you holding up?" Vale asked. He let his long fingers drift through Erion's hair and was rewarded with a small wriggle and a sigh.

"I really thought that I'd handle it better," Erion admitted. "I knew it was only for a little while, just a breath, really. But it hurt so badly, Vale. Eru's arse, I really thought I was ready to fade for a little bit."

"It doesn't take long to fall so deeply in love," Vale said. "I fell in love with Sand the day I met him."

Erion pulled back a little, looking at Vale curiously. "You never told me that before."

Vale kissed Erion's head and released the younger elf. "Let me put this away and get us some cold beers. We'll go have a beer and a smoke in the garden."

Vale tucked away the platter of fruit and grabbed two cold bottles of beer and a plate of sandwiches, and he and Erion went into the garden to curl up on a wide chaise together. Erion snuggled under Vale's arm, choosing a sandwich and waiting for Vale to begin.

"You know how we met, the ship that brought him from Luskan and all that," Vale said, lighting a cigarette. "I got Sand back to the Cloaktower, to my rooms, and I was starting to clean him up. I'd sent someone for healing potions, but in the meantime I figured it was a good idea to see the extent of the damage. I was talking to myself since I thought he was still unconscious, just rambling, really. He woke, and looked at me and begged me not to leave. That's the exact moment that I fell in love with Sand." Vale took a deep drag on his cigarette and let out a luxuriant plume of smoke, a tiny smile playing around his lips.

"You just knew? Right then?" Erion wriggled so that he could look up at Vale, his sandwich all but forgotten, and Vale was struck again by how much Erion reminded him of Hikaru, young and vulnerable.

Vale nodded, his green eyes bright with the memory. "It took him about a year before he decided to drag me into bed. It was magnificent, very much like him, actually." Vale's eyes dimmed slightly. "That was in Tarsakh, and we loved each other until Eleint arrived. Not even six months, and he was torn from me, and I wanted to fade."

Erion made a small noise of distress, and Vale turned his head to press a gentle kiss to Erion's forehead.

"You got him back, though, and then you went to Yuji," Erion said, his face showing his confusion, and the tiniest glimmer of hope.

Vale's heart sank a little as he realized he would need to crush that spark of hope. "My soul belongs to Yuji, like your soul belongs to Kansas. Sand and I were reunited, yes, and we loved each other all over again. We still do love each other, but we know now that it wouldn't have been forever for us, not the two of us like we were. You'll always love Momo, but that love will change. It won't be a passion like it was. You won't burn for him, and you won't want to, because you'll be so perfectly completed by Kansas."

"So was it worth it?" Erion asked, the hope fading in his eyes.

It was hard for Vale to speak around the tightness in his throat. "I can't answer that for you, ai'edhel. Only you know how much it's cost, and if the price was too steep."

"Was it worth it for you?" Erion insisted, and his eyes were filled with tears. "Please, Vale."

Vale sighed a little. "When I lost Sand the first time, I learned that I could survive heartbreak. I hadn't learned that when I was young. The only person I loved before that was Anadan, and he was killed. I was subjected to having my memories reshaped, so I never really got to mourn him properly." Vale stroked Erion's cheek very gently. "When Sand and I were reunited, I learned to open my heart again, to allow myself to love. I don't think I would have been able to love Yuji if I hadn't learned those lessons, as painful as they were, so was it worth it to me? Yes, it was, even if it was a thousand times more painful, because in the end, my soul is home in Yuji's hands."

Erion nodded, and turned his face to bury it against Vale's chest, shivering a little despite the warmth of the garden. Vale stroked Erion's back tenderly, nuzzling his face against Erion's silvery hair.

"I love Kansas with everything that I am. He's my whole reason for being, and I had to work hard to put my feelings for him to one side to love Momo properly. I'm just afraid that he's always going to wonder if I'd do that to him again, leave him for a while to love someone else." Erion's voice was muffled, but Vale still heard him clearly, the young elf drawing a shaky breath. "I'll never do this again. I can't. I'd never survive it a second time."

"You need to tell him that, Erion. Yuji tells me all the time that I hold things back when I shouldn't, that I need to lean on him and let him be my strength, and he's right. None of us can be strong all the time, and Kansas will be strong for you while you heal your heart, together. You just have to trust him and tell him what frightens you, ai'edhel." Vale rested his cheek against Erion's head.

"Vale?" Erion's voice was small. "Will you... Please make sure Momo's okay, too. I know he has atararim, and Satoru sofu, and Satoshi, but he's not good at asking for help when he needs it."

"Of course I will," Vale replied, and he smiled into Erion's silver hair as he felt the young elf relax a fraction. "I know how much this hurts, ai'edhel. I told you once that you weren't alone, and I meant that. I'm not one of your lovers, but I'm an elf, and I understand the comfort of touch. I can hold you and give you shelter in my arms whenever you need it."

Erion looked at Vale, nodding a little. "Thank you. And thank you, too, for being here for me, and for not hating me. Sometimes I think the harder I try to get things right, the more I fuck them up."

Vale chuckled softly and nudged Erion's sandwich. "Oh, we've all thought that at one time or another." Vale drained his beer and sat up. "I'm making grilled fish for dinner, by the way. I got some lovely snapper today, and my herbs are growing perfectly. And if you're up for it, I have custard tarts for dessert."

Erion grinned around a nibble of sandwich as Vale walked back into the house. Each conversation brought new revelations, and a renewed sense that he was the luckiest elf alive to be a part of a family like this one. There were still some hard conversations ahead, but Erion was beginning to feel like he could get through the pain and the grief, and maybe even come out stronger for it all.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion slipped his arms around Kansas's neck, nuzzling into Kansas and trembling a little as he tried to gather his thoughts. The house was curiously quiet, and Erion peered over Kansas's shoulder, his eyes wide.

"The kids needed to get out for a bit, so it's just Vale and me right now," Kansas said gently, his fingers sliding into Erion's hair. "Just tell me what you feel like doing, my love."

Kansas could feel Erion's relief through their bond, Erion opening up and reaching out to let Kansas's love wash over him. "I thought maybe... but that's silly. I think I want to go upstairs for a bit."

"What did you think, my love?" Kansas asked, his voice loving and soft.

Erion sighed a little. "I sort of wish we were in Evereska, so we could go to the Pond."

Kansas caught Vale's eyes and raised his eyebrow in an unspoken question. Vale's eyes widened briefly, and he nodded, a smile curving his lips. He pantomimed the sun rising and setting, and Kansas nodded imperceptibly at the setting option, mouthing a single word to Vale, whose smile widened.

"Let's get you upstairs, then," Kansas said, his arm firmly around Erion's slim waist. Kansas guided Erion up the stairs and to their room, the freshly made bed looking inviting. Kansas dropped Erion's duffel bag in the corner, and pulled Erion into another embrace.

"'Lokiamin," Erion whispered, his arms around Kansas and his lips brushing against Kansas's cheek. "I'm home. I'm really home."

"Yes, you are, my love," Kansas murmured, turning his head slightly as Erion angled for a kiss.

"I'm sorry, Kansas. I'm so sorry. Can you forgive me?" Erion whispered, tears slipping down his cheeks. His slender fingers slid up Kansas's back, his eyes dark with sorrow and pain.

"Of course you're forgiven, isilmeamin." Kansas covered Erion's lips with his own, kissing the young elf tenderly, his love flowing over Erion in a gentle torrent. "Whatever it is you think you've done, it's alright. You were forgiven instantly, my love."

Erion gave a small gasp, and some of the pain in his eyes faded away as he relaxed into Kansas's arms. "Thank you, 'lokiamin, thank you. I never meant for you to get hurt. I never meant to leave you for so long." His long fingers slid down to tug at Kansas's tunic. "Please, I need to feel you. I need to be touching you."

Kansas deepened the kiss as he began to unbutton Erion's shirt, the young elf moaning as he felt Kansas's fingers slide down his chest. Kansas undid the last button and slid the shirt off, Erion's skin silky beneath his hands as he reached for the waistband of Erion's slim jeans. Erion was tugging at Kansas's tunic again, and Kansas broke the kiss long enough to pull the tunic over his head. Erion was in his arms the moment the tunic fell to the floor, his skin warm against Kansas and his lips parting to allow Kansas to plunder his mouth.

Kansas could feel the slow and steady pulse of Erion's love as it flowed out from the elf through their bond. Kansas finished opening Erion's jeans and pushed them past Erion's slim hips, the elf kicking them away almost frantically as he ground his hard cock against Kansas's groin.

"Love me, 'lokiamin," Erion murmured between kisses, his breathing coming in soft pants. His deft fingers were busy divesting Kansas of his harem pants. "I need you in me. Please, please..."

Kansas moaned, Erion's soft begging tearing at his heart. "Always, my love, I'll always love you. Let me show you," Kansas murmured, easing Erion down onto the bed, the dark blue silk of the sheets the perfect backdrop for his little elf. Kansas skinned off his boxers and tossed them aside, but left Erion's on for the moment as he knelt over Erion to taste the elf's taut brown nipples. Erion let out a wanton little moan as Kansas tongued the sensitive nubs, his pearly teeth just scraping lightly over them as Erion's cock strained his tight little boxers.

Kansas teased his way down Erion's quivering stomach, pausing to toy with Erion's belly ring and getting the most delicious growl from his elf when Kansas poked his tongue into Erion's navel. Kansas snagged the lube before sliding down further and finally divesting Erion of his boxers, the elf's cock springing free as his hips bucked. Kansas could not resist swiping his tongue over the head of Erion's cock, tasting the precum that was already dribbling out, before he slipped lubed fingers into his lover's tight little ass and watched Erion's ear tips grow rosy.

It did not take long for Kansas to loosen Erion, and he rose up to position the head of his generous cock at Erion's pucker, looking down at the elf spread beneath him. Erion's silver hair was fanned out across the deep blue silk, and his silver eyes were bright with love and desire as he looked up at Kansas, the blue ring around the iris practically glowing. Erion's thighs were parted and his slender hands reached up for Kansas.

"I love you, isilmeamin, my Erion," Kansas said, his stormy grey eyes filled with passion. He pressed forward, the head of his cock breaching Erion's tight little ass as Erion wrapped his legs around Kansas's hips with a soft howl. Erion's hips rose up to meet Kansas's thrust as Erion's moans grew louder until Kansas's balls were snug against the perfect globes of Erion's ass. Kansas watched as Erion's cheeks flushed to match his ear tips, and his smile was radiant as he leaned down to nibble at Erion's kiss-swollen lips.

Kansas took his time, slow deep thrusts that dragged across Erion's prostate and coaxed forth the most abandoned howls from the young elf. Erion's cock was dripping precum steadily, the slick fluid collecting on Erion's tight stomach as Kansas slowly plundered his beloved elf. The love that flowed between them was all but visible, the young lovers knowing each other so perfectly that they moved in flawless harmony. Erion could sense when Kansas grew close, and he wrapped slim fingers around his own cock as Kansas moaned appreciatively. Erion stroked his cock in time with Kansas's thrusts, and then Kansas lifted Erion's hip just the right way, and Erion screamed as his balls emptied all at once.

Some of Erion's cum splattered across the elf's lips and Erion stuck out his pink tongue and licked the cum away. Kansas howled, and felt his cock throb along with his balls as he spilled himself in Erion's tight ass, the sight of his lover savoring his own cum unbearably erotic. Kansas let himself ease down, plundering Erion's mouth, and Erion wrapped his arms around Kansas's neck, tears trickling from the corners of his eyes and his bond throbbing with pleasure.

Kansas eased himself over onto his side, Erion rolling with him because he had kept his legs wrapped tightly around Kansas's hips. As Erion tilted his face in a wordless plea, Kansas obliged, feathering sweet kisses to Erion's plump lips. Something sparkled at the very edges of his vision, and Kansas turned his head, his eyes widening in delight.

"Look, my love," Kansas whispered, and Erion turned his head to see the silver moonbeam of his soul light wrapped so tightly around the spiraling royal blue of Kansas's soul light that it was impossible to know where one left off and the other began. Erion gasped a little at the beautiful sight, Kansas's arms sliding around Erion to hold the young elf close.

Kansas cradled Erion tenderly, the two of them watching their soul lights dance, until Kansas felt a gentle tug from Vale through their bond. Kansas pressed a kiss to Erion's forehead.

"Let's take a shower, my love." Kansas stroked Erion's silver hair, brushing it back from Erion's face and looking into the silvery-grey eyes of his lover.

Erion nodded slowly, and carefully unwrapped his long legs from Kansas's hips, moaning when Kansas's flaccid cock slipped out of his ass. It wrenched as Kansas's heart to see Erion this quiet, so unlike his usual exuberance and unrestrained joy. Deep within their bond, Kansas could feel the low throb of pain that was Erion's grief over breaking up with Momo, and his own heart ached in sympathy.

Kansas helped Erion to stand, and they showered together, Erion running his hands over every inch of Kansas as though seeing his beloved imp for the first time. Kansas had to bite back a sob of his own when Erion began to cry as Kansas washed his arm, the small peach on his wrist showing through the thick lather. It was such a forlorn and lost sort of crying, and Kansas could only pull Erion close and hold him tenderly, offering him all his love as the young elf mourned.

They dried off and dressed, Kansas putting his harem pants and tunic back on, and Erion retrieving a pair of sleep pants and a tank top from his duffel bag. Erion let Kansas brush his damp hair, the gentle strokes of the brush soothing, and Erion relaxed a little more under Kansas's careful touch. Kansas noticed Erion's right hand covering his left hand, slim fingers stroking his left forefinger, and Kansas realized with a pang that Erion was not wearing the ring Momo had given him. That settled the imp's mind, and he took Erion's hand with a sweet smile.

"Come with me, isilmeamin." Kansas looked at Erion with such complete love that Erion simply followed, letting Kansas lead him down the stairs and over to the pool room.

The pool room had been transformed, the windows dimmed to make it feel like twilight inside the room. The ceiling was replaced by an illusion of the night sky, stars twinkling against the indigo. Erion's eyes widened, and he turned to look at Kansas with an expression of wonder.

"It's like being at Dawnsglory Pond," Erion breathed, and he threw his arms around Kansas with a small sob. "Thank you, 'lokiamin. I don't deserve you."

Kansas hugged Erion tightly. "Never say that, my love. I'm the one who's lucky to be loved by you." He kissed Erion sweetly, and helped Erion slip out of his clothing. "And Vale helped with this." Kansas stripped as well, and he offered Erion his hand. Together, they slipped into the water, Erion's sweet sigh of pleasure making Kansas's heart jump a little.

Vale had left a small tray with cold bottles of water near the pool as well, but Erion wanted to float with Kansas and watch the stars above them. It was utterly peaceful, and they drifted on the water with their fingers laced loosely for a few minutes as they enjoyed the illusion.

It was Erion who broke the silence, his voice hesitant. "How will I know if I got it right?"

Kansas looked over at Erion, and they both turned over and began to swim for the side of the pool. Once they were there, Kansas grabbed water for them both and looked into Erion's eyes, the pain and grief in those silvery depths making him want to sob.

"I think you must have gotten it right, my love. I think I'd know if you didn't." Kansas watched as Erion thought about it for a moment before nodding.

"I have to believe I got it right," Erion said, his voice still tentative. "Otherwise, this was all for nothing, and I can't accept that."

Kansas made a small noise, a tiny sound of distress, and Erion managed a tiny smile.

"Do you want to talk about it, isilmeamin?" Kansas offered, letting his love surround his beloved elf.

"Do you mind if I do?" Erion asked. "I feel like I'm hurting you even more."

Kansas leaned back against the edge of the pool and gathered Erion in one arm, the other stretched out along the side of the pool. "If it helps you to talk, that's what's important. I'm fine, my love. You won't hurt me by talking to me."

Erion curled into Kansas's embrace with a tiny sigh. "He cheated on me, a while back. We got past it, and we were really happy for a while. But every now and then, he'd get a text and he'd be a little funny, sort of hiding it. I knew. I knew it meant things were getting close to the end, but I didn't want to think about it."

Erion paused to look up at the stars, his cheeks wet with tears even though his voice was still steady. "Two days ago, he took his last final, and he was so excited when he came home. I thought it was about the end of the semester, and the way we both thought we'd done well on our finals. We went out for dinner and some drinks last night, and when we got home, he was playing with his phone and was really frustrated. I asked him if he was okay, and he just broke down and told me he'd run into the man he'd cheated with again."

Kansas tightened his arm around Erion, and Erion snuggled in as closely as was possible. "I'm so sorry, baby. I can only imagine how much that must have hurt."

Erion was quiet again for a few minutes before he resumed his tale. "I knew who it was, funnily enough. I'd had a pissy day at the dojo, and I was sparring with Sadao-sempai. I was really pouring it on, and he stopped our sparring and sent me to meditate. We talked afterward, and it came out." Erion made a small noise that could have been a sigh or a sob, Kansas could not tell. "I forgave Sadao instantly, of course, and I'd already forgiven Momo. How could I be mad? I knew this wasn't forever."

"It doesn't make it hurt less," Kansas said, feathering a kiss to Erion's temple. "You don't know how to love with less than your whole heart."

Erion looked up, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, 'lokiamin. It helps that you understand me." He took a shaky little breath. "He couldn't choose. He wanted to see Sadao, and explore his feelings, and at the same time he didn't want to lose me. But having us both was never an option, and so I had to be the one to end things. I just didn't know how hard it would be, and how much it would hurt to do that to him. The look in his eyes, the way he begged me not to go. He screamed when I left, like someone had torn his heart out. I left the ring he gave me. I didn't know if he'd want it back or not." Erion's voice crumbled, and he began to sob, his face buried in Kansas's shoulder.

"Oh, Erion, isilmeamin, I'm so sorry," Kansas soothed, pressing kisses to Erion's head as the young elf wept. "I'm so sorry it had to hurt you like this, but you did what Kageoshi asked, my love. You taught Momo to love again, and now you're teaching him the rest of it, that he can lose one love and find another."

"Promise me," Erion sobbed. "Promise me that I got it right. I can deal with this if I know that I got it right."

"You did, my love, I promise," Kansas said, and the utter certainty in his voice washed over Erion like a cool blue wave. Kansas felt Erion relax in his arms, the sobbing starting to slow. "And now you're home, and we're together again, isilmeamin. It's over, Erion, and I have you. I won't let you fall."

Kansas cuddled Erion until the sobbing had stopped altogether, feathering kisses to Erion's damp cheeks and lips. Kansas let go of the side of the pool, still holding Erion, and they drifted a bit in that water as Erion regained a bit of composure, dunking his head to wash away the tears. They swam slowly for a bit, Erion staying close to Kansas, until Erion lifted his head.

"I hear them coming," Erion said, and looked at Kansas nervously.

"They love you, isilmeamin, and they're all glad to have you home. Let's dry off and go say hello, and then maybe you can nap for a bit. How does that sound?" Kansas swam to the side of the pool and got out, reaching for one of the thick towels Vale had left for them.

Erion's eyes brightened a bit at the thought of being able to retreat to their room after greeting the family, still unsure of his welcome, and he got out and took the other towel and dried off hastily, pulling on his sleep pants and tank top. Kansas dressed as well, and helped Erion towel his hair mostly dry, the young elf running his fingers through the damp strands self-consciously.

Erion looked at Kansas with mute pleading in his eyes, and Kansas pulled him into a tender hug, stroking his back. "I'll be right beside you, I promise," Kansas murmured, nibbling a quick kiss.

Erion took a deep breath and let Kansas lead him into the living room. The family was in the entryway, the children taking off their shoes and giggling together. Yuji was the first to spot Kansas and Erion, and his face lit up with a beautiful smile as he hurried over to gather Erion into a tight hug.

"Welcome home, my love," Yuji murmured, his arms wrapped firmly around Erion. "I'm so glad to have you home again, Erion. I've missed you so much."

"Yuji," Erion breathed, his voice full of love as he hugged Yuji back. Aika tugged on Erion's tank top, and Yuji laughed and stepped back to let Aika throw her arms around Erion with her own bright smile.

"Oniisan! You're back!" Aika giggled and kissed Erion's cheek sweetly. "I'm happy now. I have my knight back."

Erion's smile was shy but bright as he kissed Aika's cheek in return, hugging her sweetly. "Yes, you do, my princess."

Willow was the next, Michi in her arms as she gathered Erion close, kissing his cheek and looking at him with pure love in her eyes.

"It's so good to know you're back, sweets. I've got a bunch of princesses to boss you around, you know." Willow laughed as Erion nuzzled her hair a little, and then stroked Michi's cheek in wonder as the little half elf looked at him with wide eyes.

"I missed you, Willow," Erion said softly. "She got so big already! When did that happen?"

"Overnight," Willow teased dryly. "We put them to bed and they wake up bigger."

Erion felt something wrap around his knees and he looked down to see Takara beaming up at him. She stretched her arms up, and Erion smiled, it coming easier this time, as he scooped the little girl up in his arms. Takara looked at Erion and then giggled as he kissed her cheek, his silvery eyes brighter.

"Hi, oniisan." Takara held up one small hand and opened it, revealing a small piece of mochi candy. "I saveded you some." She offered the candy to Erion, who took it with a tiny sob of happiness. Takara beamed again as Erion put the candy in his mouth and she patted his cheek like a grandmother.

"It's very nice, Takara, thank you," Erion assured her, and kissed one velvety cheek again before putting her back down.

Satoshi was waiting to hug Erion next, kissing his cheek lightly, his gorgeous eyes full of love. "Welcome home, Yuki-chan. It's so good to have you here."

Sand gathered Erion into a hug as soon as Satoshi released him, hugging his nephew tightly. "Cormamin lindua ele lle, ai'er. My heart sings to see you."

Erion looked at Sand and Satoshi, small tears of happiness and relief beading in his lashes. "Diola lle, thank you. I'm so glad to be home."

Hikaru looked at Ryuu, who nodded, and the half elf flung himself at Erion, jumping at the last moment to be caught in midair. "Toror'alta!" Hikaru said happily. "Anikisan said you were coming home, oniisan."

Erion smiled at the enthusiastic little blond, still cheerfully jumbling three languages together indiscriminately. "Anikisan?"

Hikaru waved at Kansas. "Ryuu says so, too." He gave Erion another hug and a quick nuzzle, and then wiggled to be put down.

Ryuu walked over to Erion, his perfect little face solemn as he tugged Erion down until Erion was kneeling, eye level with Ryuu. Ryuu threw his arms around Erion and hugged him very tightly, holding on like he was afraid Erion would slip away. Ryuu held Erion like that for over a minute, Erion delighting in the embrace. Ryuu finally loosened his hold and looked into Erion's eyes, his dark eyes exactly like Satoshi's gorgeous eyes.

"Chichi and tousan didn't say anything why we were going out so suddenly, but I knew in my heart that you were hurting. So, chichi took me to the temple, and I prayed that you'll be alright. And then I bought you this." Ryuu held out his hand and Erion opened his, his eyes widening as Ryuu placed a small omamori in the young elf's palm. It had a small prayer for good luck in love and marriage on it, and was meant to be hung on a cell phone, and Erion looked up at Ryuu.

"Thank you, my precious dragon," Erion said softly, his eyes shining.

Ryuu leaned in to kiss Erion's cheek, his lips soft and gentle. "I'm so happy that you're home, onii-san. I've missed you, and we'll make you all better. I promise."

"I feel better already, otoutosan," Erion told Ryuu, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as he realized that this was still his home, and would always be his home, and that there was nothing he could do to lose that. He bowed his head for a moment, and then Erion stood, looking at his family with tears in his eyes.

"Thank you, all of you, so much. I've missed you all, and missed this." Erion gestured around himself. "I love you all so much. I don't think I'll ever have the right words to tell you all how much I love you."

Kansas reached out as Erion swayed a little, slightly overcome by his emotions. "Are you alright, my love?"

Erion nodded. "I think I just need to lay down for a little bit." He leaned into Kansas. "Is that okay?"

"Of course it is," Kansas reassured Erion. "Come on, I'll walk with you." He felt Erion's slim fingers lace with his own, and he took his beloved elf up to their room.

[Sesshōmaru/Kagome story]

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Please remember that if anyone does have a copy of this story saved anywhere that you not pass it around. We ask that you respect the author's decision to remove the story.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion took a shaky breath, and then a second, deeper breath. He steeled himself for what he needed to do. It was clear to the stricken young elf that Sadao was the one Momo was meant to find, the one Erion had prepared him to love. Now Erion had to break Momo's heart, and his own in the process, to finish what he had begun.

"Back home, there's a tower, the highest point in Evereska." Erion's voice was husky. "I used to love to go up there when I was an elfling. I wouldn't tell my parents. It was my secret place. Sometimes I would go out on the roof, and climb on the parapet wall and hold my arms out and pretend I was flying." He paused, wiping his cheeks and looking at the wetness on his fingers with a puzzled expression. "I never realized my father had one of his eagle riders stationed down below, to catch me if I fell." Erion took a shaky breath. "I'm not an elfling anymore, and there's no one to catch me."

Momo tightened his arms around Erion, and kissed the back of his neck, his lashes wet. "I'll catch you," he whispered. "Whenever you need me to, I'll catch you."

Erion turned his head to look at Momo over his shoulder, his eyes dark with pain. "I just didn't think it would hurt this much when it was time to hit the ground. I'm sorry." Erion managed a strangled laugh that sounded closer to a sob. "I say that a lot, don't I? I'm always sorry, but it's never enough."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. You left everything that you know, and the one you love for me. You threw yourself into this with all of your being and I'm the one who's fucking it up. I'm the one who hurt you, again and again. You have nothing to be sorry for. It's always more than enough when you say you're sorry, because you mean it every time. Please, Yuki-chan. Don't hit the ground. Lets just not hit the ground. Please?" Momo's voice was wet with the tears that streamed from his eyes.

"Amin hiraetha." Erion's voice broke as he repeated the words in Japanese. "I'm sorry, I think I want to sleep now."

Momo wrapped Erion into his embrace and whispered, "Yes. Lets sleep and all will be well in the morning. I love you, watashi no yuki no erufu."

Erion curled in on himself as he stared blindly at the wall, trying to will himself not to cry. Momo tightened his arms around Erion, and Erion gave in to the sobs at last, his body shaking with his grief.

Momo clung to Erion until the elf had sobbed himself into an uneasy sleep. Momo tried to stay awake, to watch Erion, but he slipped into a light doze after a while, his own grief and hurt taking its toll.

Momo dozed until the sky began to lighten, but Erion never stirred, his silver eyes closed fully. Momo unwrapped himself from the young elf and opened the shades, pulling down the covers so that Erion would be bathed in the first rays of the sun. Momo curled up on the floor next to the bed, his cheeks wet as he watched Erion lie there, pale and cold. Momo was barely aware of his own fingers as they stroked Erion's arm tenderly, one finger tracing the delicate peach tattooed on his wrist. Finally, utterly exhausted, Momo let his head fall forward onto the edge of the bed, and he fell deeply asleep.

Momo did not stir when Erion finally roused, slipping out of bed silently and padding down the hall to the bathroom. Erion showered with as much haste as he could manage, the water never quite getting hot enough to banish the chill from his bones, careful to avoid looking at his reflection in the mirror above the sink as he brushed his teeth.

When Momo woke, stiff and sore, Erion was closing a duffel bag. He was already dressed in slim jeans and one of his chambray shirts, his silver hair loose around his shoulders. Erion was singing under his breath, not having noticed that Momo was awake. Momo listened, not understanding the words that Erion sang, but hearing the heavy sorrow in the young elf's voice.

"E' dae amin naa waite,

e' eresse amin naa fane.

Amin rana e' marde an dome,

amin feitha ten' lisse' seere.

Ilya nat'ea quelluva yallume."

Erion's voice faded, and he took a deep breath, his head bowed. Momo gripped the bed and stood, aching from the uncomfortable position he had been in for far too long. Erion watched him as Momo reached out a hand, and the young elf stepped backward a half step, his eyes a dull grey.

"I didn't mean to wake you, Momo-san," Erion said, his voice slightly ragged.

Momo felt his heart fall at the careful formality. "You're leaving?" Momo asked, looking at the duffel bag and then at Erion. "Just like that? Just disappearing? Were you even going to wake me up to say goodbye?"

"It seemed the easiest way," Erion said. "I don't know what else to say to you right now. Please forgive me."

Momo felt his eyes well with tears. "Don't shut me out now, Yuki, please."

"We were only living on borrowed time, but it was so sweet while it lasted, wasn't it?" Erion drew a shaky breath. "I want you to be happy, Momo-san."

"Yuki-chan, don't go like this, please," Momo said, but Erion just shook his head with a sad smile.

"I promised 'for as long as our love shall last' and I think we've pushed things as far as they can go. But if we can, I want us to stay friends. I don't want to lose you altogether. I can't bear to lose you altogether. I just need some time to learn how to live without you." Erion stroked the ring on his forefinger, and looked up at Momo.

"No, I can't live without you. I don't want to," Momo said, his voice sharp, and then his voice softened. "Yuki-chan..."

There was the sound of a car pulling up, and Erion glanced out the window and reached for the duffel bag. "That's the taxi now. I'll call you, I promise."

"Don't go like this," Momo said. "Please."

Erion paused, and reached out to touch Momo's cheek very gently, his fingers icy, as Momo's tears began to fall again. "As much as it hurts to leave, it would hurt more if I stayed. We both know that, and it's better if we do it like this, before we start to forget how much we did love each other."

Momo stared with tears streaming down his cheeks as Erion turned and walked out of the room, and as he heard the soft click of the bedroom door closing, he closed his eyes and screamed at the top of his voice until his lungs ran out of air. Then Momo sank to the floor, his sobs nearly silent in the stillness of the room.

Erion threw the duffel bag over his shoulder and hurried down the stairs, Momo's scream ringing in his ears and tearing at his heart. He pulled his doeskin boots on quickly and went to leave his key on the small table in the foyer. Erion paused, and then slipped his silver ring off his forefinger, and laid it down next to the key before closing the door gently behind himself.

Erion stared out the window of the taxi without really seeing anything that went past, until the taxi pulled up at the gates of the estate. Erion paid the driver and added a tip, and got out, shouldering his duffel bag as he entered the code to open the gate. He got as far as the garden, and dropped his bag on a bench before digging out his cigarettes and lighting one with a shaking hand as he looked up at the house.

Erion pulled out his cell phone and pressed a number, listening to the ring until his call was answered. "I want to come home, 'lokiamin." His voice broke, and he sank down onto the bench, forlorn. "I'm in the garden. I can't go any further, not alone. I didn't know it would hurt so bad. Please come and take me home, my dragon."

Erion's song:

In shadow I am wrapped,

in solitude I am veiled.

I wander in night's hall,

I wait for sweet repose.

All things shall fade at last.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Nathe frowned slightly as he watched Vale go through the stack of parchment on his desk. Unless he had other plans with Yuji, Vale had been trying to spend time at the Cloaktower every seven days, corresponding to the week used in Tokyo as opposed to the tenday Nathe observed. The odd pattern of Vale's visits served to keep the rest of the governing Council on their toes, which afforded Nathe some amusement as well.

Today, however, Vale seemed oddly distracted. He was reading methodically through the stack, which was unusual in and of itself, and though Vale was near the end of the pile, only one sheet had been crumpled and tossed at the brazier. Even then, there had been no accompanying growl about the varied uses of balors and their propensity for buggering mortals. The absolute point of no return had been reached for Nathe when Vale stood, stretched to pop his back, and went over to make tea for them both.

"Right," Nathe said briskly. "Whoever you are, nice try, but I think I'd rather have Vale back, if it's all the same to you."

Vale looked up, startled. "What in the Nine Hells are you talking about?"

"We've worked together for what, a little more than two hundred years?" Nathe asked. "In all that time, I don't think I've ever seen you make a cup of tea for yourself, let alone make tea for me. Not to mention that you've nearly finished the paperwork without a single tantrum, and you haven't threatened my life, Nevalle's life, or anyone's life, for that matter."

Vale chuckled ruefully. "I suppose you have a point." He let Nathe push him away from the tea kettle, perching on the edge of his desk instead.

"So, what is it?" Nathe reached for a flagon of dwarven whiskey and added a generous measure to both mugs of tea before handing one to Vale. "I know we've all teased you about being calmer these days, but you're practically moribund. I've been debating calling in a cleric to see if you need resurrecting. When's the last time you went on a hunt?"

Vale took a healthy drink of the whiskey-laced tea. "I suppose it's a side effect of settling down. I'm a married elf, several times over, and we have children. I help with the music academy, and try to help out at home as well." Vale shrugged a little. "Or maybe it's just me being overly paranoid."

Nathe chuckled. "As you've taught me, there's no such thing as overly paranoid."

Vale smiled faintly, but his green eyes were solemn. "How would you say I compare to Sand, in terms of arcane skills?"

Nathe's own eyes widened slightly. "That's an interesting question. Before Sand did his little trick in the Weave, though, I'd have said you two were remarkably close in terms of your respective ability to create mass mayhem. He always dabbled in high magic, and you didn't, which gave him a slight edge, but not a huge one."

Vale nodded slightly. "And now?"

"Why is this important?" Nathe asked, and then waved off Vale's response. "We've been friends for too long for me to question you. Sand has become something I don't think I can even define. How many of us could survive walking in the heart of the Weave?"

"And if you needed help of an arcane nature, who would you ask?" Vale took another drink of tea, his eyes locked on Nathe.

Nathe drained his mug, and reached for the flagon of whiskey, ignoring the kettle. "I see." He filled his mug, and then filled Vale's mug as well. "I suppose part of it is not fully grasping the nature of arcane magic. It's not really used on the Plane you live on now. But using Sand for most things is like using a fire giant's war hammer to deal with a mosquito. You might as well ask Mystra herself to help."

Vale knocked back a deep swallow of whiskey. "I love Yuji, and the rest of the family, and I'd do anything for them. But since I tripped the false memories, since I broke so spectacularly, it's felt different. I think everyone is still worried that I'll fall apart again, that I'm somehow fragile and need to be sheltered."

Nathe looked at Vale shrewdly. "That's not all, is it?" He added more whiskey to Vale's mug.

Vale shrugged again. "It's not like I can sit down and talk to anyone about it, except for you, and I haven't wanted to dump this on you."

"Dumping the day to day management of the Cloaktower on me did rather use up your quota of assistant abuse," Nathe retorted dryly. "But asking a friend to listen hardly counts as dumping things on me, and it's not like you could talk to too many people about this. I will say I'm surprised you didn't talk to Yuji, though."

"What do I say to him?" Vale asked plaintively. "Yuji tries to protect me, like he does with everyone else in the family. I'm afraid I'd sound ungrateful or worse if I talked to him about this."

"It would help, just a little, if I had a better idea what 'this' actually encompassed," Nathe said. His tone was gentle, and Vale managed a half smile.

"I know I'm not entirely over what was done to me back in Evermeet, on a purely personal level," Vale began, running a slim hand through his hair. "I don't doubt my abilities as a sorcerer of the Guild. I never have. Magic's never failed me. I also know I can manage the details of keeping the Cloaktower and the music academy running smoothly, and do them both perfectly. But there are days when I have no idea why Yuji even loves me, although I will say that I never doubt that he does love me. Or I look at Hikaru, and I'm terrified that I'll screw him up somehow, that I'll be distracted at the exact wrong moment and something horrible will happen. Some days, even making the morning tea is hard. So, old friend, with all that going on in my head, why does it still hurt so much when everyone turns to Sand for arcane help?"

Nathe took a deep breath. "In the over two hundred years that I've worked with you, I've never seen you take foolish risks, not with us. We're not children, Vale. We know this isn't a tea party, and danger is part of the job. But every time something's been really dangerous, you've been out front. First one to walk in, with that gleam in your eyes that makes us all pretty sure we're walking back out again. We'd follow you into the Abyss because you're that good at what you do."

Nathe paused to take a deep drink from his mug. "But this, this is your personal life, and because we're old friends, I'll be blunt. Until Sand came along, you didn't have a personal life. Until Yuji came along, you still used the Cloaktower to define who you were. This is the first time in your life that you're Vale first, and everything else second. I'd say your reactions were pretty normal, and the kind of thing most of us learn before we reach one hundred. You just never had that chance to be a normal young elf."

"Never say that you aren't a master of understatement," Vale said dryly. "Normal young elves are outside my experience. Hells, even Erion's barely in the same Plane as 'normal.' He's growing up far too fast as well, and I don't know how to help him."

"Yes, you do," Nathe said, arching a brow. "You're just afraid to offer."

Vale opened his mouth to reply, and then shook his head ruefully. "You're right. I'm afraid because if he rejects my help, I'll never quite know why. Is it because I'm too screwed up to help, or is he being stubborn, or does he really get it? Does he understand how these things work, while I'm still floundering around?"

"And even worse, if he accepts your help, what if you can't fix everything before dinner?" Nathe looked at Vale, shaking his head slightly. "You're so hard on yourself, Vale. No one should demand this much from themselves. Sand makes mistakes all the time, and he moves on. You have to learn not to be afraid to make a mistake." Nathe reached out to grasp Vale's shoulder firmly. "I know how much you love them. Let them love you back, and try letting yourself believe that you deserve to be loved."

Vale knocked back his whiskey with a sigh. "I'd rather hunt balor lords. It's easier."

"Well, I can't offer balor lords, but stick around for the hunt today. We can't actually go, but we can live vicariously." Nathe grinned. "It should be interesting, at any rate."

"Is this the raid that Nevalle's new Captain of the Nine planned out?" Vale groaned.

"The very same," Nathe agreed. "Felton's little pet project."

Vale ran his hands through his hair. "I planned on staying for this one anyway. Seldarine, it's got the potential to go horribly wrong. How are we set up?"

"We've supplied a team of four to the Nine, to perform the actual raid on the Luskan safe house in the Docks District, along with whoever the Nine sends. Probably Greycloak troops," Nathe said. "We have another mage standing by with Lord Nevalle. Nevalle should have the Luskan ambassador with him in the throne room at Castle Never. Once the raid is complete, the mage in the throne room will feed details to Nevalle, so he can confront the ambassador."

"Stupid," Vale said dryly.

"You don't need to tell me," Nathe agreed. "I'm not entirely happy with the intelligence gathered by the Nine, either. The safe house is one of the older houses on the Docks, and most likely has cellars with private access to the water. That area was full of smugglers until we cleared them out, do you remember?"

Vale nodded thoughtfully. "That was well before Nevalle's time, or Nasher's, for the most part. In fact, Nasher's friend Vengaul was trading on the old stories to enhance his reputation. Fucking Bloodsailors."

The obscenity made Nathe grin as he finished off the flagon of whiskey, sharing it out between their cups. "I'm still not happy about the fact that we can't go, but Felton says we're too recognizable."

Vale ran a hand through his emerald and gold hair. "Well, I suppose I am, but I can still use a glamor." He shot Nathe a quick look. "You, on the other hand, are completely unremarkable."

Nathe threw his head back and laughed. "Go bugger a balor."

Vale could feel some of the tension that had become an almost constant companion bleed away as he gave his assistant a wry grin.

"I might as well finish the fucking paperwork," Vale said, and reached around to grab the much diminished pile of parchment, scrawling his name as needed and dropping the sheets on the appropriate piles.

Nathe checked each sheet as Vale finished with it, slipping one or two sheets onto different piles and arching a brow at Vale when he appeared about to object. Vale bit back his remarks and just chuckled, returning to his own stack, content in the easy silence.

Vale was nearly down to the last sheet when the door flew open, and Antha burst in, her face pale. She handed a small mirror to Nathe wordlessly, and hovered in the doorway. Vale watched Nathe's face, alarmed when Nathe paled as well.

"What?" Vale demanded.

Nathe looked up at him, fury warring with grief in his eyes. "It was a trap. It was a buggering trap, Vale. The Greycloaks never showed, but Felton went ahead with it anyway. We lost the whole team."

Vale turned to Antha. "I want Felton here, now. Let him cool his heels in my office. If he gives you any shit, tell him this is not a request."

Nathe sucked in a harsh breath, and Vale turned to look at his assistant.

"Shall we show these Luskan bastards what we can do when we're in the mood for mass fucking mayhem?" Vale asked, his grin feral and cold. Nathe returned the grin and put his hand on Vale's shoulder, and Antha watched them wink out before heading off on her errand.

Yuji looked at his watch, frowning slightly. Vale was usually back from the Cloaktower long before dinner, but here it was, nearly time to eat, and Vale had not returned or sent word. To make it worse, Yuji felt their bond suddenly grow muted, Vale pulling up his shields and retreating, and Yuji felt his heart skip a beat as his anxiety grew. Erion and Momo had drifted into the living room, still damp from the pool, and toweling each others hair and wrestling a bit. Sand, Satoshi and Willow were still in the pool with the children, and Yuji could hear Takara and Hikaru shrieking with glee, almost in competition to see who could be loudest. Aika's sweet voice rang out in a demand for peace, seconded by Ryuu, and for a brief moment, silence reigned, until Michi let out a little shriek of her own.

Yuji was debating stepping through the portal himself, already halfway down the hall when Vale emerged from the portal. Vale walked into the living room, brushing past Yuji gently and heading straight for the drinks cabinet to grab a full bottle of whiskey. He was still in his Cloaktower robes, smeared with ash and spattered with blood, and Yuji's eyes widened in shock and dismay. Erion reached for Momo's hand as Vale deftly snagged Erion's cigarettes as he passed, and the blond elf stalked out into the garden without saying a word.

Yuji hastened to follow Vale, and Erion tugged Momo into the garden as well, towels and horseplay forgotten, staying back a bit from Vale and Yuji. Momo watched Vale, wide-eyed, completely unaccustomed to seeing the blond elf in such a state. Vale had always felt like the calm center of the family to Momo, until now.

Vale had opened the whiskey, taking a generous swallow straight from the bottle before lighting a cigarette. He turned his head as Yuji came out, and Yuji could see the glitter of grief in Vale's green eyes.

"I lost a team today," Vale said. His voice was quiet, but the pain in it made Yuji gasp a little. "It was supposed to be a raid on a Luskan safe house, no more than six men. That's what we were told. Nevalle's new pet Felton set it up." Vale paused to take another long drink of whiskey. "Do you remember Nestus and Kersta? From the troll hunt?"

Yuji pulled Vale into a hug, not caring about the state of Vale's robes. "Oh, no, my love, I'm so sorry." Yuji could feel the tension in Vale's muscles, the elf holding himself firmly in check. Yuji held Vale like that for a few minutes, until Vale was ready to talk again.

"Nathe and I went in hard. We took out nearly twenty Luskans and a couple of Hosttower mages, recovered our people, and razed the safe house to the ground." Vale sank down onto the bench, still wrapped in Yuji's arms. "The fucking bastards made sure we wouldn't be able to resurrect our people. I left Felton for Nathe to handle, because I swear to you, Yuji, I wanted to kill him with my bare hands. What they did to my mages, my friends..." Vale let his head fall forward onto Yuji's shoulder. "I have to write to their families. Will you help me find the words?"

"I'll help, my love. Are you alright?" Yuji asked, cupping Vale's face gently.

Vale managed a wan smile. "I'm not going to break, a'maelamin. It's not the first time I've lost people, and it won't be the last time. We all know the risks." Vale kissed Yuji gently.

Yuji held Vale's face firmly, his gorgeous eyes looking into Vale's green eyes. "I'm not afraid you'll break. I just want to know if you're alright. And that you know I'm here, if and when you need me. I'm your strength, like you are mine."

"I know, my love, and thank you for always being here, and for being my strength," Vale replied, and Yuji could feel the tension draining away from Vale. "I'm alright, I promise. I'm going to go nuzzle our children and change for dinner, and then kiss our wife and apologize for not being here to help her."

"You might want to clean up a bit," Yuji suggested. "Willow will have your head for soup if the kids see you like this."

Vale sat back a bit and looked down at his bloodied robes. "Well, fuck," he muttered and added a few words in elven.

Momo watched as the blood and soot disappeared from Vale's robes and Yuji's clothing as well, and his hand tightened around Erion's hand. Erion shot Momo a sympathetic look, knowing that the cantrip had unsettled Momo. For the most part, Vale and Sand used very little magic around the house, in deference to Willow's request, so even that small display was unusual.

"Amin mela lle, Yuji, ten'oio." Vale offered Yuji a soft and loving kiss, one slim hand sliding into Yuji's silky hair.

"I love you, my perfect Vale, forever," Yuji replied, returning the soft kiss with infinite tenderness.

Vale stood and took another long pull from the bottle of whiskey before capping it and tucking it under a bench. He paused to drop Erion's cigarettes back in the younger elf's lap.

"Being asked to grow up all at once sucks, ai'er." Vale looked at Erion. "I'd tell you that it gets better, or that it's worth it, but that's just bullshit. Sometimes it doesn't get better, and I never thought it was fucking worth it. I still don't, as a matter of fact." Erion's eyes widened, and Vale smiled slightly. "What's true is that you're not alone. None of us in this family are alone. Don't be afraid to reach out if you need us. Both of you."

Vale walked away, his back straight and just the slightest sway in his hips, pausing to scoop up Hikaru and Takara as he headed for the stairs. Ryuu and Aika followed and chattered happily as Vale's sweet laugh rang out, the blond elf letting the love of his family ease his heart as it always did. At the top of the stairs, Vale put Hikaru and Takara down, dropping to his knees as Ryuu pulled him into a long hug while Aika petted her tousan's hair lovingly.

It was the end of the semester, and Momo had taken his last final. Erion had finished up a few days earlier but had spent the rest of the week shepherding anxious first year students through their first finals. Erion took his duties as a class representative very seriously, and as a result, his assigned class tended to follow him around campus.

It had been a slightly rocky start for Erion as a class representative. Despite his consistently high grades and his participation on the track team, Erion was still so obviously not Japanese. One boy had actually gone to Yoshida Chie to protest his assignment to a foreigner, asking to be reassigned to someone else. Chie had fixed him with her stern gaze, and told him that if he was refusing assignment to the class representative with the best academic record, he was obviously not serious about his studies at Nihon University. Flustered, the boy had asked if that would be noted on his record, and Chie had assured him that it would indeed be added to his permanent record, right after his parents were notified. Chie was not very surprised when the boy came back to her a couple of weeks later to apologize and thank Chie for convincing him to remain with Erion.

Erion found himself enjoying the class he was assigned, and he quickly became comfortable with the group. At least two of the girls regularly brought him treats and goodies from home, even though Erion had managed to casually mention his boyfriend in conversation several times. Momo thought it was actually adorable, especially when Erion would turn bright red as Momo teased him about his new girlfriends. When Momo showed up one day to pick Erion up, though, the boys all drooled over Baby Boy while the girls agreed that Yuki-san's boyfriend was just as handsome, and the number of home-baked cookies doubled.

But for now summer beckoned, and Erion was ready to relax and enjoy himself with Momo, without the pressure of exams and non-stop studying looming over both their heads. They had gone out to celebrate that evening, a casual dinner and some drinks, one of those nights where they had both laughed and joked non-stop. In fact, the past couple of months had been like that, happy and loving, and Erion could not remember ever feeling this relaxed and peaceful with Momo. It was idyllic and utterly perfect, and Erion wanted it to last. They had even been tossing around a few ideas for a getaway together, debating spending the money on a hotel or just going for day trips from home. Erion did not care either way, as long as he was with Momo.

Erion wandered into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, reaching for a cold beer. "Hey, koibito, you want a beer?"

Momo made a frustrated little noise, and Erion peered around the refrigerator door in time to see Momo bang his cell phone against his forehead with an irritated growl.

"Baby, what's the matter?" Erion's silvery-grey eyes were wide, and filled with nothing but love and concern, and Momo just let himself get lost in them for a long moment, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Yeah, okay, grab me a beer," Momo said, swallowing thickly. "Let's go upstairs, Yuki." He looked at the concern in Erion's eyes, and he bit back a sob as he led Erion up to their room.

[RECAPTCHA Adventures]

Now I feel much better about Recaptcha's frequent forays into kanji with me. Couldn't do espruar, could it?

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

::checks notes, clears throat nervously::

Just thought I'd let our faithful readers (yes, we know you're out there, both of you, and we love you!) know that sadly, we are out to lunch for a while. I'm not quite sure when we'll be back, but I certainly hope we will be back!

::rattles papers, sniffles and shuffles off::

[Found a story with the wrong disclaimer]

Actually, the disclaimer on this story is fine. It disclaims the fandoms by name, and clearly states that no profit is made...

[Week 52: 10-2-11]

Pen Name: BronxWench

Story link: Ritual

Review Replies: Review Replies

Type of fic: Flashfic

Rating: Adult+

Fandom: Games > Dragon Age: Origins

Warnings: Anal, AFFO, ChallengeFic, Fingering, HJ, M/M

[Ratings Spam]

I'm really sorry that you're experiencing this sort of thing. Our admin staff are the ones who can really look into this properly, but I'd urge you not to take the ratings to heart too much. For me, at least, ratings don't affect whether or not I choose to read a story for enjoyment. I've clicked on some with many high ratings, and been completely disappointed. Others that may have no ratings have been gems. But yes, it does sting to see those low ratings, and I do understand. When it happens to me, I tend to view it as part of being a site moderator. That's what I tell myself, and I go right on writing.

[Are stories without adult content allowed on the site? [ADDED]]

And we now have a FAQ!

[Are stories without adult content allowed on the site? [ADDED]]

There is no requirement for a story to have adult content for it to be published on AFF. And yes, that is exactly why we have the "NoSex" tag. If a reader simply must have sex, then they should not read stories with a NoSex tag. Pretty simple!

[RECAPTCHA Adventures]

Lambda, isn't it? (Which sets off whole new chains of flashbacks...)

[Flashbacks in Fiction]

Gene Wolfe is utterly incredible and that book is simply breathtakingly good. And yes, he carries his narrative flawlessly in terms of his character's amnesia.

Another writer who handles both POV changes and flashbacks wonderfully is Mary Doria Russell. The Sparrow and Children of God are among my favorite books ever.

[BronxWench's Review Replies - Original Fiction]

Review Responses for AFF Monthly Challenge Prompt for September 2011: Harrison Winter

From Melrick:

An interesting twist on the old haunted house story. I've always wanted to write my own, and I will one day! Good use of the word prompts, too. Good job!

I'm the one who should be thanking you for setting up the monthly prompts! The various prompts were fun, and I really enjoyed working them all into the one submission. The haunted house story, well, let's just say I had a wildly misspent youth when it came to my reading choices.

From JayDee:

That's an awesome ending. I'm not biased or anything. Good build up too, introducing the Harrison character and showing his confusion at her. Heh. Playing with fire

Thank you! I managed to avoid both elves and slash for once, and wound up with a succubus and a dead guy. Funny how that works out...

[Unable to View Stories]

Your stories are visible once again, and thank you.

[Unable to View Stories]

Both of the stories you list were hidden because they each contained an Author's Note as a chapter, with no additional story content. That is a violation of our Terms of Service and the associated Posting Guidelines.

You received an email on 9/27/11 for each story at the email account associated with your AFF account detailing this information.

Once you have removed the Author's Note chapter from each story, let us know and we can review the corrections and make the stories visible again.

[Grow some balls!]

Unless of course you have brass balls...

[One of our users needs YOUR help]

I guess if we bombard them with reports they act, if only to shut us up. Works for me, as long as they do the right thing.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand and Satoshi said farewell to the last of their guests, and hurried out to the limousine that had been reserved for them. Once inside the privacy of the limo, Sand pulled Satoshi over for a sweet and lingering kiss, his blue eyes filled with love for his new husband. Satoshi giggled a bit, but fell into the kiss, his fingers sliding into Sand's silky hair. It was unhurried and tender, and Satoshi found himself enjoying every moment of it until the limo pulled up to the gate of the estate.

Sand used a remote to open the gate for the driver, and nibbled lightly at the beautiful rose-gold ring in Satoshi's lower lip. The driver pulled around to the front of the house, and Sand stepped out, holding out his hand to Satoshi. The driver smiled slightly as he pulled away, watching in his rear view mirror as Sand scooped Satoshi up easily and carried him over the threshold.

Satoshi started to giggle again when Sand carried him into the house, but to his surprise, Sand did not put him down. Instead, Sand carried Satoshi straight through the portal, which left them just outside the front door of the Neverwinter house.

"I asked Nathe to shift it slightly for tonight, saiai," Sand said, and he carried Satoshi over that threshold as well.

"You're crazy, Masato-san, do you know that?" Satoshi was slightly relieved when Sand put him down, pulling Satoshi in for a kiss.

The moon elf was radiant, his eyes sparkling. "I am crazy indeed, completely head over heels crazy in love with you, saiai. Tonight, I am simply the happiest person in the entire Multiverse, except perhaps for you, cormamin. I will concede that you are as happy as I am."

Satoshi started to laugh again and swatted at his husband playfully, but he was a bit relieved when Sand held out a hand. "What? You had Nathe make another portal?"

"Oh, no," Sand smiled. "I will teleport us there myself. Just hold my hand."

Satoshi shivered a little, but took Sand's hand. Portals were bad enough, but Satoshi could explain them to himself as doorways. When Sand teleported them, it was something else entirely, and Satoshi could never quite get used to the feeling of being one place one second and somewhere else entirely the next second.

Sand was adept at teleportation, however, and they arrived on the path to their little tree house, the soft lights of Suldanessallar welcoming them both. Satoshi leaned into Sand, his arm around Sand's waist, as they walked over the delicate bridge. For some reason, Satoshi never felt uncomfortable about openly touching Sand in this city in the trees. It just felt so right here, in this place that was theirs and theirs alone.

When they got to the tree house, Sand scooped Satoshi up again before he had a chance to protest, and stepped over the threshold.

"There, saiai. I have carried you over all three thresholds that we can call ours, and we are properly wed now." Sand kissed Satoshi deeply, and Satoshi melted into the kiss, utterly astonished and delighted that Sand had thought to observe even that small tradition.

"This is perfect, poldoramin," Satoshi said when Sand let him up for air. "This whole day and night was perfect. I don't think I could have had a better wedding day, Masato-chan."

Sand's smile was dazzling. "Then I am more than pleased, for that was my goal, saiai. I wanted this day to be as perfect as our love."

"Only one thing would make it more perfect," Satoshi said, watching Sand with a mischievous gleam in his gorgeous dark eyes. "We're wearing entirely too much clothing and we're not in bed."

Satoshi turned and ran up the stairs to their bedroom, Sand following closely behind, and they did manage to get their hakama and kimono on the chair at least before they tumbled into their bed, the stars lighting them both as they consummated their marriage, for the first time, at least.

A day or so after the wedding, Kansas sat up, the faint light at the horizon his signal to get ready to greet the sun. He yawned and grabbed for sleep pants, tugging them on as he stepped out onto the balcony, scratching his head a bit and stretching to pop his back.

Just before the sun actually rose, there was a soft sound, and Vale stepped out onto the balcony, slipping his arms around Kansas from behind. Since Erion had moved in with Momo, Vale had become a occasional participant in Kansas's dawn worship, given that the blond elf was generally up just before dawn himself.

Kansas leaned back into Vale, the blond elf's warm skin silky against his back. Kansas felt the slight tingling as the sun's rays bathed him, but it still felt muddy and somehow precarious, and Kansas was reminded of the dream he had had the night before.

Kansas turned around to Vale, but instead of the usual soft kiss they would exchange, Kansas reached up to touch Vale's cheek softly.

"I need a favor, Vale. It's sort of an odd request." Kansas looked into Vale's calm green eyes.

"Anything, alasse'amin, my joy," Vale replied, his smile gentle and filled with love.

"I think Tatsuya wants to invite Adalon to his world," Kansas said hesitantly. "At least, I dreamed that last night, Tatsuya asking for her advice." He looked up at Vale. "Do you think she would agree to go to his world?"

Vale smiled and ran a hand through Kansas's hair. "I don't see why she'd refuse. She's intrigued by Tatsuya, and she's indicated that she considers him kin of sorts." Vale shrugged lightly. "I'd be happy to ask her. The question is, how do we get her there?"

"I can take her in," Kansas said. "The thing is, I want you to come as well. You know Adalon better than anyone, and Tatsuya can be a little difficult sometimes, especially when he feels like he might look weak to someone."

"We'll ask her now, then." Vale went back into the bedroom and waited for Kansas before digging in his sleep pants for a small pouch. He pulled out a smooth gem, and stroked it lightly, and an image appeared above it, a very small silver dragon.

"Erthevorastrix?" Adalon said, her rich voice soft but still resonant with power. "And the ulhardarastrix, the blue dragon as well as my sorcerer? To what do I owe this honor?"

Vale smiled. "Greetings, vorelorndarastrix, most beautiful silver dragon. We actually have been asked to convey a message."

"Such impressive messengers," Adalon said, her voice lit with both amusement and fondness. "I am of course inclined to hear any message delivered by you both."

Kansas took a deep breath. "It's actually a message from Tatsuya, Lady Adalon. He says that he needs your advice and he's inviting you to visit him. In his world." Kansas looked at the small image of the dragon nervously.

"I see," Adalon said, her tone thoughtful. "I am surprised that it is time so soon, but time seems to move faster than I expect, and more often than I would like. It is no matter. I will be pleased to accept his invitation. Is it a good time for me to come to you?"

Vale looked at Kansas, who nodded. "I have a feeling that sooner is better," Kansas admitted.

Adalon nodded. "I will need a brief time to prepare, and I will come to the estate, if that is acceptable."

"We'll expect you," Vale agreed, and the small image faded. He looked over at Kansas, love and concern in his green eyes. "Do you have any idea what this is about?"

Kansas sighed a little. "Do you remember when I got sick? It was more than the flu, which I guess you might have figured out already. The dragons got loose. Migime and Hidarime." Kansas gestured at where his tattoos were. "They broke free, and they took a great deal of Tatsuya's power with them. Since then, I've been feeling like crap myself. I'm tired all the time, and sometimes I get dizzy spells. The dawn worship isn't helping, either. I feel good for a little bit, and then it's just gone again."

Vale reached out and pulled Kansas into a hug. "I could feel something was different. Usually, it's like sparks running up my spine when you greet the dawn, but lately it's been almost nothing."

Kansas nodded. "It's better if Erion's here, but even Yuki can't do it all. Tatsuya needs to find a way to restore some of his power, and soon. The magic's not stable there anymore, and I'm no help."

Vale stroked Kansas's back gently. "Well, then, alasse'amin, we should shower and I'll make us something substantial for breakfast. When Adalon gets here, we can go to Tatsuya."

"You know how to get there?" Kansas asked, his arms around Vale's slim waist. It felt good in Vale's arms, and Kansas was not ready to let go just yet.

"I'll follow you," Vale replied calmly. "The first bond I forged here was with you. I can find you anywhere, my Kansas. Not that I expect that idiot moon elf to ever remember that." Vale's voice was filled with love despite his words, and Kansas chuckled. "As far as getting back here, if anything goes wrong, well, that's easy enough. I grab you and follow my bond to Yuji. Adalon can find her own way out, trust me on that."

"Are you sure? That's Tatsuya's world. He's a god there." Kansas nuzzled into Vale's chest.

"Adalon is very ancient, and very powerful. I have my suspicions about her, but I'm not stupid enough to ask her outright." Vale grinned at Kansas. "Let's just say that if I'm right, Tatsuya has nothing to worry about from Adalon's visit, and this'll go very smoothly."

Adalon arrived a couple of hours later, appearing in the garden as she did when she would come to see Ryuu. She had chosen to arrive in her humanoid form, and Vale gave an inward sigh of relief. There was no telling how a very large silver dragon would register on things like radar and tracking satellites, and Vale preferred not to have to clean up that mess.

Kansas bowed very deeply to Adalon, and when he stood, she cupped her hand under his chin and smiled at him with great warmth.

"You do not need to bow so deeply to me, ulhardarastrix, blue dragon. You have such a noble soul, and we share a gift, that which lets us see beneath the surface of things, and taste what is to come." Adalon stroked Kansas's cheek with tenderness. "We have no need for such formality between us, erthethurirl, my friend."

Kansas trembled a little, struggling to find the words to respond to Adalon. "Thank you, my Lady Adalon. I'm honored that you think of me as a friend."

"Good, and so you will call me Adalon, as erthevorastrix, my sorcerer, does." The transformed dragon looked over at Vale and nodded. "I assume you will be guiding me?"

"Kansas will guide you, Adalon. I'm following him myself." Vale reached out and took Kansas's hand. "We might want to go to your room for some privacy, alasse'amin. I've told Yuji what we're up to, and we won't be disturbed."

Kansas led the way to his room, and he looked at Vale nervously. Vale smiled and gave Kansas's hand a reassuring little squeeze.

"The magic of Tatsuya's world is very physical, very intimate," Vale told Adalon. "I think it would make the most sense if Kansas lies on the bed, and you and I are next to him. The proximity is enough, and we can hold hands."

Adalon nodded pleasantly. "There are many places where such things hold great power. Let us get comfortable, then."

Kansas stripped off his t-shirt, as did Vale, but that was as far as either of them went. Adalon was in a long sleeveless shift, and she waited until Kansas was settled before curling up at his side and taking his hand. Vale was on Kansas's other side, his silky skin warm and comforting, and he too held Kansas's hand. Kansas took a deep breath and closed his eyes, and let himself fall into Tatsuya's world.

Vale opened his eyes, and smiled a little. Although Kansas was not beside him, Vale turned his head to see Adalon, still in her humanoid shape. Sand had told Vale that Tatsuya's world had a way of unveiling visitors, and Adalon was certainly no exception. She might have been humanoid in shape, but her skin was fine silver scales, and her eyes were molten silver, the pupils slitted. Her silver hair hung free to her ankles, and shadows clung to her like gossamer wings.

Vale wondered briefly what he looked like, and then shrugged off the thought as silly. Instead, he looked around. They stood on a hill, green and rounded, and in the distance there were mountains, their tops lost in the clouds. At the very top of the hill stood a beautiful gazebo, with sheer curtains that revealed ornately woven garden furniture covered in thick silk cushions. Delicate flowers in white and silver-blue decorated the gazebo, their sweet fragrance perfuming the air. A slender figure stood outside the gazebo, waiting with surprising patience.

"I do believe that is our host," Adalon murmured to Vale, her silver eyes amused as she looked at her sorcerer. "Shall we present ourselves?"

"Of course," Vale said, offering his arm to Adalon.

They walked the short distance up the hill and stopped when they were a few paces away from Tatsuya. The young god was in one of his long black skirts, the sides slit to his hips, the pale skin of his muscular thighs showing as he took a step forward. His thick hair was that shade of raven black that shines blue in the sunlight, and his eyes swirled, blue and silver, in his beautiful face.

"Welcome to my home," Tatsuya said, the faintest echoes of thunder in his musical voice. He bowed very slightly, a god in his realm.

Vale bowed with great respect, and Tatsuya paused to admire this other powerful elf, this golden archmage. Vale's hair hung to his waist in thick waves, golden and bright, and his pale golden skin was complimented by the deep emerald green of his sheer loose pants. His eyes, too, were emerald green, slanted and elegant above perfect cheekbones and full lips. An emerald circle rested in the hollow of his throat, glittering with every breath that Vale took. There was a tangible cloak of energy that surrounded the beautiful elf, dormant for now.

Adalon nodded her head regally, her hand still resting on Vale's arm lightly. "I thank you for inviting me, young god, kosjurathaer. Your realm is beautiful indeed, and suits you well. Let there be peace between us in this place."

Tatsuya nodded, and there was the faintest suggestion of relief in the way his shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly. "I can offer refreshments while we speak." Tatsuya turned and held the sheer curtain open as Adalon and Vale entered the gazebo.

There was a table in the center, holding a teapot and beautiful porcelain cups, and platters of fruit and tiny pastries. Vale held out a chair for Adalon, and once she was seated, Vale moved to another seat, waiting for Tatsuya to sit as well.

"Shall I pour the tea?" Vale offered, and Tatsuya smiled at the elf and nodded. Vale poured tea for them all and served it around, graceful and serene. Vale sent a wave of love and reassurance through his bond to his beloved little imp, hoping Kansas could feel it, to let him know all was well. Things were going very smoothly, much more smoothly than could be expected when two such powerful dragons met, but Adalon had offered peace, and Tatsuya had accepted with his offer of food and drink. It was proper protocol, the forms correctly observed, and now Tatsuya could speak freely to Adalon. Vale was intensely curious as to what would unfold, and he watched quietly.

"I do not know if the little mortal told you, but I wish your advice." Tatsuya began the conversation a little stiffly. "You offered me friendship when we met before, in your home. Now I am asking for your help, if you meant that offer."

Adalon inclined her head slightly, taking a sip of tea and nibbling a pastry. "I have eaten at your table. Our friendship is not an issue. Ask of me what you will, thurirl."

"This world of mine exists because I wish it to exist. It is my magic that sustains it, and it is the little mortal, Kansas, who sustains me." Tatsuya looked over at Vale. "My power was largely contained in my dragons, twin brothers who were both my totems and my lovers. They were bound to me, but those bonds were weakened when I helped that foolish elf rescue his brother."

Vale hid a smile at the reference to Sand, although Vale would never have questioned Sand's decision to rescue Hawk.

"When Kansas was sick, the dragons took advantage and freed themselves. They fled this world, and with them, my hold over my magic was nearly destroyed. My loved was able to help me regain some control, but it is not enough. My magic is not stable, and Kansas does not have the control over his portion of the magic that is required." Tatsuya held his head high, still proud despite being forced to seek help. "Kansas needs to be stronger, so that he can control the magic here, and so that he can hold on to the power that he gains when he greets the new sun each morning."

Vale's eyes widened slightly. He had felt the diminished energy, but he had not thought it this bad. Adalon looked over at Vale, and Tatsuya watched Adalon, wary and hopeful at the same time.

Adalon took another sip of tea, and finished her pastry with surprisingly delicate nibbles. While she did so, she looked around, taking in the beauty of this world that Kansas and Tatsuya had created. As much as this was Tatsuya's realm, Adalon felt Kansas's hand everywhere, and she knew the young human held great power here.

"What aid I can offer must go through Kansas," Adalon said, her voice grave. "It is all that is permitted me, but I believe it will be enough for now. I am still bound by ancient treaties that limit my ability to aid you directly, Tatsuya. Still, the treaties were old before humans walked among us, and so Kansas is outside their scope."

Tatsuya stood, his fangs showing as he smiled. "Thank you, Adalon, for your help. It has been a very long time since I was able to call one of my own a friend. It feels... good."

Adalon inclined her head. "I am pleased as well, my young god. It is a rare thing to witness a god becoming, and I believe you will prove to be a worthy power."

Tatsuya escorted them all to the base of the hill, where they had first arrived. He nodded as Vale bowed deeply once again. Tatsuya nodded to Adalon, and then actually bowed slightly before opening the way home for his visitors. As they were leaving, Vale looked back, his last sight that of Tatsuya transformed, his wings spread as he roared his triumph to the sky.

Vale opened his eyes, once again beside Kansas in the imp's room. Adalon sat up, her eyes on Kansas.

"Young one, do you still have the scale I gave you?" Adalon asked. Kansas nodded and got up, a little stiff, and crossed to his dresser, retrieving the scale and handing it to Adalon with reverence.

Adalon took the shimmering silver scale. "Kansas. There is a way, my blue dragon, for you to use this scale much the way the moon elf wields his telkiira. I have already given you a Tear of mine, and so I know that you will be able to use this."

Adalon held out the scale to Kansas, who took it back reverently. The scale was warm from Adalon's hand, and Kansas looked at Adalon, his slate grey eyes fixed on her silver eyes.

"Place it against your chest, my young dragon." Adalon waited and watched.

Kansas placed the silver scale flat against his skin, and he felt a tingling begin, very much like what he felt during dawn worship, power racing along his skin like lines of current. The power seemed to all converge on the scale, and Kansas's eyes widened a little as the scale shimmered and then faded into his skin, disappearing altogether.

"As I told you, we are kin, you and I." Adalon smiled at Kansas. "I can aid you freely, and so I have. My scale can hold the power that you gain each morning from your worship of the new sun. It will also allow you to focus your power in Tatsuya's world, to control the magic of that place so that you may aid Tatsuya in maintaining control."

"Thank you, Adalon," Kansas said, his eyes wide. "I can feel it already." He looked over at Vale, who nodded, Kansas's power evident to him as well.

"This world is important. The why is not known to me yet, but it is vital that it be preserved." Adalon looked at Kansas solemnly. "Old wounds will be healed, old wrongs righted, but only if this place exists. I will aid you both, you and the young god, and between us all, we will restore the balance."

Adalon turned to Vale. "There is one last thing, I think, erthevorastrix. You are a golden elf, a sun elf, and such names were not granted idly."

Vale looked at Adalon, and smiled suddenly, understanding her completely. He turned Kansas and smiled. "Allow me to infuse the scale with some of the power of the sun."

Vale held out one hand, the palm facing skyward. A small glow began in his palm, gradually increasing until it appeared that Vale was holding a miniature sun in his hand. Kansas watched, a faint grin forming as he felt the raw energy in that tiny orb.

Vale looked into Kansas's eyes, another wave of love and reassurance traveling through their bond, and Vale brought the glowing orb over to Kansas's chest. The orb lifted off Vale's hand and floated gently over to where Kansas had placed the scale, and Kansas's eyes widened as he felt the rich energy fill him as the orb sank into the scale. Somewhere deep inside him, Kansas heard Tatsuya's scream of joy as Kansas's power filled him once again.