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[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion felt a warmth inside him as he listened to Momo, not the heat in his belly that Momo could ignite so easily, but a healing warmth that spread throughout him. Erion knew with a certainty that this was the place he belonged, here with Momo, where he could find hope as much as he could give it. Kageoshi's death, the funeral, and the trial had sapped a great deal of Erion's usual resilience and optimism.

As Erion watched, Fukuda reached out and cupped Momo's cheek with infinite tenderness, and Momo leaned his head into the touch with a soft smile. Momo turned his head slightly, and pressed a kiss to the inside of Fukuda's wrist. It was wonderfully affectionate, and spoke of the love and friendship that existed between Momo and this older man, and Erion found himself liking Fukuda instinctively.

Erion realized that he could not just walk over from where it was. It would be far too apparent that he had heard the conversation that way. Erion took a few steps backward, staying in the shadows and drawing in a little more shadow to conceal himself further. Once he was back in the corridor, Erion stepped out into the open and walked over to the alcove where Momo was seated with Fukuda, the two men in casual conversation. As Erion approached, both men stood, and Erion bowed with great politeness.

"My apologies, am I interrupting?" Erion smiled a little as he spoke, his voice soft and respectful.

"Not at all," Momo said, gesturing Erion to join them. "Allow me to introduce you. Hayashi Yuki, this is Fukuda Yohei-sama, a very dear friend of mine. Fukuda-san is in business, in Osaka."

Fukuda bowed slightly to Erion, who responded with a deep and respectful bow.

"I am very pleased to meet you, Hayashi-kun." Fukuda's voice was warm and very kind. "It's always a pleasure to meet a friend of Sakai-san."

"The pleasure is all mine, Fukuda-sama," Erion replied. "I have never been to your city, but I hope to travel there one day. Japan is so very beautiful, and I would like to see more than Tokyo."

"Shall we have a drink?" Momo said, and gestured for Fukuda to sit. Momo sat on the couch, gracefully guiding Erion to sit beside him, and Momo poured more sake for them all.

"What are you doing here, Hayashi-kun?" Fukuda asked in a tone of genuine interest.

Erion found himself understanding why Momo considered this older man a friend. Fukuda had a way of making one feel interesting and important, and Erion smiled a little as replied.

"I am a student, Fukuda-sama, at Nihon University here in Tokyo." Erion let his hands rest quietly in his lap, not reaching out to Momo.

Fukuda nodded, his smile warm. "It's always wise to get a good education, Hayashi-kun. That's very commendable."

Erion smiled shyly, and let the conversation move back between Momo and Fukuda. It gave Erion a chance to look at Fukuda discreetly. Fukuda had a warm and friendly face despite a few frown lines, and his hair was graying slightly at the temples. It was hard for Erion to estimate his age, but he seemed a bit older than the judge Erion had met earlier. Fukuda was tall and slender, with golden brown eyes that sparkled with lively interest as he and Momo chatted for a few more minutes. Only a slight bit of extra weight around his waistline gave a clue as to his age. He was quite handsome, the force of his personality adding to his attractiveness, and Erion found himself liking Fukuda a great deal because of the obvious love he had for Momo.

"I should take my leave now, though, Sakai-san." Fukuda stood, and Momo and Erion stood as well. "I'm glad I saw you tonight, and I'm glad to have met you as well, Hayashi-kun."

"It was an honor, Fukuda-sama," Erion replied, and meant it.

"Thank you, Fukuda-san, and I hope it won't be so long before we see each other again," Momo said.

They all bowed, and Fukuda walked back to the bar. Momo sat and Erion sat beside him, a little closer this time but still appropriate. Momo chuckled a little, and pulled Erion closer, tilting the young elf's face up for a gentle kiss. Erion could not help melting into the kiss a bit, his eyes fluttering closed briefly and then opening again as Momo cupped his cheek tenderly.

They broke the kiss, and Momo looked into Erion's eyes, his own dark eyes utterly entrancing. His voice was very soft as he gently lowered his hand from Erion's cheek. "How much did you hear?"

Erion just looked at Momo, not sure how much he should say, his cheeks turning slightly pink. He lowered his eyes, ducking his head in that small quick gesture that Momo was learning to read as confusion over what Erion should do.

"You heard everything, didn't you, Yuki-kun?" Momo's voice was still very soft, and Erion looked back up, taking a small quick breath.

"Yes. I didn't mean to listen, but I did hear you speaking to Fukuda-sama." Erion touched Momo's arm very lightly. "I really am sorry, Mamoru-san. I didn't realize if I walked the way I did that you wouldn't see me right away." He looked down, his cheeks flushing with shame.

"It's alright, Yuki-kun. In a way, I'm glad you heard. Sometimes it's easier for me to talk to other people about my feelings, rather than the one I have those feeling for." Momo brushed the backs of his fingers along Erion's cheek tenderly. "And I meant what I said to Fukuda-san."

Erion nodded, reaching for his cigarettes to give himself a moment to gather his thoughts, and once again, Momo lit his cigarette, touching Erion's hand lightly and making the young elf relax.

"I'm not the best at saying things in a proper way, so I'm just going to say what I feel." Erion looked into Momo's eyes. "I will be with you until you don't need me anymore, and every day that I'm with you, I will love you completely. We'll laugh, and love, and fight, and make up epically, and we'll wring every bit of living out of every day that we have together. And each night, I want the last thing I whisper to be your name, and each morning, I want the first thing I see to be you."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked around the bar as he entered with Momo, staying close as they walked to the bar. This was a new side to Momo, one that Erion had not encountered before, a confident and poised side that Erion found very sexy. The bartender greeted Momo with familiarity, but also with great respect, and he took Momo's black card and left to Erion's surprise.

Erion did not have long to think about that, however, because an older man approached and greeted Momo, again with great familiarity. Momo introduced him to Erion as Judge Nakahara Tetta, and Erion bowed deeply to show his respect. Nakahara-sensei made a small joke about Erion being lucky to have turned Momo into a boyfriend, and Erion smiled a little shyly.

"Thank you for your very kind words, Nakahara-sensei," Erion replied. "I think I am the lucky one to have found Mamoru-san." Erion bowed again, all elven grace, and Nakahara-sensei smiled, pleasantly surprised at the young foreigner's fluent Japanese and good manners.

The bartender returned then with a bottle of sake that Erion recognized as being of superior quality, as well as two glasses and Momo's black card. They wished Nakahara-sensei a good evening, and Momo led Erion to a small alcove. There was a small couch at the back of the alcove, with a table in front of it, and a chair to one side, and Momo seated himself on the couch, leaning back and lighting a cigarette as he draped his arm over the back of the couch. There was an open invitation in his eyes, and Erion moved around the table to sit next to Momo, in the open curl of his arm. Erion sat close, but not overly close, his thigh just barely touching Momo's thigh.

"This is very elegant, Mamoru-san," Erion said, his silver eyes slightly wide as he looked through his lashes at the other patrons, not wanting to seem rude as he satisfied his curiosity. He realized that this was a discreet meeting place for men of high position who did not want it known openly that they took male lovers. Most of the other young men were obviously companions of the members, although there were two who acted more like members, greeting the older men and speaking with them much like Momo had spoken to Nakahara-sensei.

Momo poured them each a glass of sake, and Erion took a small sip before taking out a cigarette. Momo leaned in and lit Erion's cigarette, touching Erion's hand lightly as he did, and Erion shivered a little. There was something so profoundly arousing about that small touch, and Erion realized this was a lovely game of seduction, played by very different rules.

"I've been coming here for some time," Momo said quietly. "I like it."

"The bartender seemed very surprised when you introduced me as your boyfriend." Erion also spoke quietly. The general hush of the bar seemed to invite that, with the dim lighting and the soft music playing at a low level. Everything was designed to make the night relaxing and serene, and Erion let himself get caught up in the flow.

Momo chuckled a bit, his dark eyes warm. "That would be because I'm known here as a player, which is why everyone is so surprised that I have a boyfriend." Momo said it in the tone of a joke, but the part about having a boyfriend brought a small bit of color to Erion's cheeks.

In an equally lighthearted voice, Erion replied, "Sadly, I'm a person of very limited experience."

Momo laughed this time. "Oh, you could have fooled me, Yuki-san."

Erion's blush grew darker. "I can count my lovers on one hand, Mamoru-san." He looked up at Momo through his lashes, and Momo's heart skipped a beat.

"Well, experience doesn't come from the number of lovers you've had," Momo said teasingly. "It comes from the skills each lover can teach you, and you've had some very talented teachers."

Erion's voice dropped to a throaty little purr. "I hope you're including yourself, Mamoru-san."

Momo laughed again, and they took a sip of their sake. Erion looked around again, the dimness of the room not really an issue for his elven vision, and he was surprised to see how many men were wearing wedding rings. A few had removed them, but there was always a clear mark where the ring had been that was as good as a neon sign to Erion.

"You know, I thought this might be a good way to get to know each other a little better." Momo let his hand slide over Erion's neck, teasing the little elf and feeling him shiver ever so slightly under the touch.

"There's not a lot to tell about myself," Erion said. "I'm not much of a mystery."

"Oh, I think you are," Momo replied. "For example, I know your Japanese name, and I know your first name but I don't even know your family name."

Erion lifted one hand to hide a giggle, his cheeks still sweetly pink. "It's sort of a mouthful if I say it in my own language, the whole thing, anyway. The English short version is Erion Iradil."

"And the long version?" Momo smiled and Erion thought he could fall into those mysterious dark eyes.

"Just remember that you asked," Erion said. "It's Erion en Nosse Sulandorn ar' Iradil. It means Erion of House Sulandorn and Iradil."

Momo chuckled. "That's a mouthful, alright. Why two last names?"

Erion shrugged lightly. "My mother has steadfastly refused to marry my father. She says it works as it is, so why mess with things?"

Momo looked a little surprised. "That's not an issue? That your parents aren't married?"

"Not really." Erion carefully stubbed out his cigarette in the fine crystal ashtray on the table. "We don't make a big deal about whether or not two people marry, and we don't differentiate based on sexual orientation."

Momo was silent for a moment as he lit a new cigarette. "Does that mean two men could get married? Legally?"

Erion nodded. "It's pretty common, actually." He looked up at Momo fully, his silver eyes gleaming like a cat's eyes in the dim light. "My parents are deeply in love, and that's all that matters to my mother. Besides, if they married, he'd take her name anyway, and she thinks his is pretty."

Momo's eyes widened. "Men take the family name of the women?"

"Oh, not always," Erion replied. He took a small sip of sake, savoring it. It was really excellent, better even than the quefirre Sand bought. "My mother's family has a very ancient lineage, back to the beginning of our family history. Traditionally, such an ancient name is the one that the couple will use."

"That seems complicated," Momo said, his fingers stroking Erion's neck lightly.

Erion smiled. "I suppose it is. I'm just used to it. My grandmother, my mother's mother, is Lady Iradil."

"That's Masato-san's mother?" Momo asked.

Erion nodded. He leaned a little closer to Momo, tentative, not sure if it was appropriate, but Momo just turned his head and pressed a gentle kiss to Erion's temple.

"Cornwall seems very complicated." Momo's voice was very dry, and Erion could not help a small nervous laugh slipping out.

"Old families, weird traditions." Erion looked up at Momo, his eyes bright. "But we shouldn't be so serious tonight. Or at least, I just want to enjoy drinking this very nice sake, and sitting here with you, and having everyone know that I'm your boyfriend."

"You like the sake?" Momo asked.

Erion nodded enthusiastically. "It's gorgeous, really. I'm just savoring it." He grinned a little impishly, ducking his head a bit. "It's special, like tonight."

"I'm glad you think tonight is special." Momo put his hand under Erion's chin and tilted the young elf's face up, pressing a chaste kiss to Erion's lips. "I think you are pretty special, Yuki-san."

Erion shivered again, the heat in Momo's eyes going straight to his belly. "Oh, I don't know if I'm all that special, Mamoru-san. I'm young, and I'm sometimes silly, and I worry about all the wrong things and forget about all the important things."

"And you have a beautiful smile, and when you laugh, it makes me want to laugh with you." Momo leaned back into the couch again, smiling and nodding at another man who walked past their alcove. "I'm feeling things I didn't think I'd feel again, because of you, so I'd say that makes you pretty special."

Erion blushed furiously, and he fumbled for a cigarette to try and collect himself. Momo lit his cigarette again, and waited with a small smile for Erion to take a deep drag.

"I don't even know if I have the right words to say this, so forgive me if I sound like an idiot for a moment." Erion looked at Momo, his cheeks still flushed. "Will it sound hopelessly stupid if I say I like coming back to the loft after class, and knowing you'll be home from work soon, and we'll spend the night together?"

Momo's fingers tickled the back of Erion's neck again, and Erion pressed back into the touch, the contact comforting. "It's not stupid. I like coming home, and having someone there. I like seeing you on the couch with all your textbooks around you, and your nose doing that little wrinkly thing it does when you're concentrating really hard. Most of all, I like feeling you next to me when I go to sleep." Momo paused, and then he leaned in a little closer, his next words very soft. "And the sex is really nice, too."

Erion started to giggle, his hand flying up to cover his mouth so he would not make a huge noise in this quiet place. "Okay, you're right, I was getting all serious again."

"I meant it," Momo said, with a smile that made Erion's knees go quite weak. "We could make a real night of this, and go to a love hotel or a hattenba later, whichever you prefer."

Erion looked into Momo's eyes, his own a little wide. He knew Momo would not offer to take him to a love hotel if he could not afford it, and the young elf also knew Momo would be deeply offended if Erion offered to pay even part of the cost. A small voice in the back of his head reminded him of all the men that had nodded to Momo, or smiled at Momo as they had walked to the bar, and Erion was quite surprised to realize that he really did not want to encounter any of them at a hattenba. This was something very new, this sudden twinge of jealousy. It passed as quickly as it had come, and Erion smiled at Momo, a sweet and radiant smile.

"A love hotel would be a little more private," Erion said, and he laid a slim hand on the arm of Momo's beautiful granite-colored jacket, his touch feather-light. From across the room, Erion could clearly hear someone murmur something about how happy Sakai-san looked with his new boyfriend, and he blushed a little, embarrassed that his keen elven ears had picked up a private conversation. Fortunately, Momo did not realize that Erion was able to hear the bartenders and other patrons quite well, and he attributed Erion's blush to his sudden attack of shyness.

"Then that's what we'll do later. But for now, let's have a little more sake." Momo refilled their glasses.

"I think I might go and freshen up," Erion said, leaning forward to barely murmur the words.

The restroom was as elegant as the rest of the bar, and utterly immaculate. Erion made sure to wash his hands scrupulously, and he tweaked one of the tendrils of hair framing his face back into place before going back out to rejoin Momo in the alcove, his every nerve tingling with anticipation of the rest of the night with his delicious lover.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Posted for Willow Darkling:

Momo roared a little after Erion, as the elf ran up the stairs for the third time, yelling that he'd forgotten something, and using his own key let himself into the loft to get it.

Momo rolled his eyes and got in to the car, lighting up a cigarette and starting up the car. He set the stereo a little loud and tapped his hands on the steering wheel as he waited for the youngster.

It was after work on the first Friday since they started living together, and Momo was trying to get Erion to the estate, as they had agreed on.

They were going to stay there for dinner, but then Momo would have to go home and stay at the loft for the night, because he had promised his uncle he would work that Saturday, to make up for all the days he had been MIA, after the trial.

Erion wasn't altogether happy about it, but he had said that it was not his place to tell Momo what to do, and then added that he would see whether he would spend the night at the estate, or go back with Momo.

And now he was taking for fucking ever to get his ass moving, so Momo could drive them to the estate.

Finally Erion came hurtling down the stairs, yelling that he had found it, waving a notebook as he ran, Momo recognizing the book as the one he used for his psychology notes.

They finally made it to the estate just as Vale, Yuji and Satoshi were starting to bring the food to the table, and Sand laughed at them as he took note of the fact that Erion still managed to arrive just in time to sit down and eat.

Momo laughed with Sand, while Erion just frowned at them, and then threw himself into Kansas' arms with a wide smile, proclaiming how much he had missed him, which made Kansas laugh since they had met each other at school that morning.

Erion kissed his imp for a few minutes, his heart hammering with his love for Kansas and the rightness of being in Kansas' arms, but then he heard Ryuu talking to Momo and ran to save Momo from the first degree interrogation that he was being subjected to by the four year old, Ryuu demanding to know why Momo had stolen Erion away, and whether he was going to leave him at home this time, or steal him again.

The three youngsters sat down with Ryuu and tried to explain the situation as best they could without going into too much detail, but that only ended up with Ryuu going wobbly chinned and demanding that Erion return home, at which point Willow stepped in and soothed her son, while she explained to him that Erion and Momo were in love and wanted to be together for a while, but that Erion would come home again some day.

Ryuu seemed to reluctantly accept that, and Willow whispered to the others that Ryuu would get over it in a while, he just needed to get used to the situation.

The dinner was happy and loud, and Momo rolled his eyes in pleasure once or twice as he ate the grilled salmon and soba noodles.

Satoshi praised the soba and proclaimed that Vale was getting very close to matching Sora's soba noodles, to which Vale blushed heavily and shook his head, answering that it would take him hundreds of years to make as good soba as Sora did.

After dinner, Sand, Kansas and Erion cleared the table together and then Satoshi joined them to do the dishes with Sand, while Momo stepped outside with Vale and Yuji for a cigarette.

They all sat down again for dessert, some pudding and berries, and Momo agreed with Erion that it was probably the best pudding he had ever had.

In the middle of dessert Satoshi suddenly got up and disappeared upstairs, returning a few minutes later with a pretty paper bag, his cheeks faintly pink and his voice a little shaky.

"Uhm, edo, I wanted to give you guys something, since we're all here. I was asked to deliver this to you, with great love and friendship." Satoshi said with a small nervous giggle and pulling out a rectangle box with a black bow around it he handed one box to Momo, and another to Erion and Kansas, and then put one on the dining table, saying,

"This one is for you, and this one is for the two of you. This one is for the whole family. And then Kohaku made these for you. He said you don't have to accept them, but if you want to he would be honored if you accept them."

Satoshi finally pulled out a pair of framed photographs, of himself, Matsu and Kohaku sitting in the studio and smiling brightly. He handed the frames to Momo and the youngsters, and Momo whistled a little bit when he saw the personal message and autograph from Kohaku.

After looking at the photograph for a bit Momo turned his attention to the box and opened it with a curious smile, while Kansas and Erion helped each other opening theirs.

Momo was quicker and pulled out of the box a very decorative and fancy CD and DVD set, Kohaku's signature logo on the front, and the name of his new album.

Momo shivered as he stared at the album title and then looked up at Satoshi with wide eyes,

"This is his new album. But it hasn't been published yet. It's not supposed to come out until on the Chinese New Year."

Satoshi nodded his head and smiled shyly,

"Yes, I know. This is actually a special collectors edition of the new album. Only one hundred sets like these will be published and then there will be a different special edition set made. These are numbered, and Kohaku wanted you to have the very first one, Momo. Kohaku kept the second one for himself, Kansas and Erion got number three and the family got number four. There are a lot of bonus features on these, that will not be on the special edition, but there are easter eggs and bonus tracks on both. The bonus track will be on all versions of the CD, even the regular ones."

Momo nodded his head as he scanned the song list on both the CD and the DVD, taking note of all the extra material that was included on the DVD. There was concert footage, music videos, studio sessions, featurettes, and behind the scenes footage.

Momo rose slowly and asked if he could put the DVD in, suddenly driven by some need to look at it, and Erion followed him to the living room.

The whole family trailed after them out of curiosity, but Satoshi trailed far behind them and stood at the edge of the living room, as Momo and Erion explored all the features on the DVD.

Suddenly Momo gave a small yelp and yanked the remote out of Erion's hands, saying loudly,

"Stop. Look, you see how the sakura tree in the background highlights? That's a hidden easter egg."

Erion hooted a little bit with surprise since he had not noticed the drawn tree in the background wallpaper light up, but when Momo hit play, they all jumped a little bit, as Kohaku's face suddenly filled the entire screen of their large flatscreen.

The rock superstar laughed into the camera as Matsu's voice told him, from behind the camera, to move back and stop being such an idiot, and then the camera backed away and Satoshi came into the frame, standing behind Kohaku and saying with a giggle that Kohaku couldn't stop being an idiot because he was just stuck that way.

Kohaku frowned at Satoshi and playfully yelled that he was only being an idiot because someone wouldn't give him his coffee, and at the same moment a voice off camera said,

"Kohaku-sama, your coffee."

Kohaku hooted and took a large swallow of his coffee, rolling his eyes at the camera and moaning sexually.

The sounds made Satoshi blush and he swatted at Kohaku's head, yelling at him to shut up.

Kohaku laughed at him and then cleared his throat, he grabbed Satoshi around the shoulders and spoke directly to the camera,

"Hello, everybody, my gorgeous wonderful fans. Since you are watching this, you obviously found the easter egg on this DVD and I sincerely hope that you will all enjoy this little show of my idiocy. This lovely, gorgeous little man is Mori Satoshi, my sound engineer. He's the one who makes me sound so pretty when I sing."

Kohaku squeezed Satoshi and kissed his cheek playfully which made Satoshi scream a little bit and try to pull away, but Kohaku held him tightly and continued,

"Sadly he's married, and his spouse is the luckiest frigging person in the world. I mean, look at him, he's the cutest little thing."

Kohaku gasped as Satoshi elbowed him lightly in the ribs and growled at him, and Kohaku mock coughed loudly, gasping as if he'd just had the wind knocked out of him.

Satoshi shook his head and growled at the superstar, his cheeks flaming red and his hands tugging the neckline of his hoodie up to his nose to try and hide his face,

"Are we going to do this, you idiot, or are you waiting for me to die with embarrassment?"

Kohaku giggled but then turned to the camera again, his face suddenly very serious, and his eyes dark with sadness.

"Well, yes. As I was saying, to you my fans. This little easter egg is supposed to be very serious and now I'm going to try and be serious. This passed spring I had the privilege of meeting a wonderful young man, at Mori-san's birthday party, and I could not help but feel a great deal of admiration for this young man because he was so very full of life and happy. He was a little angel, and his friends loved him so very much. Sadly this young man died this past October, by his own hand and I was blessed with the privilege to be allowed to attend his funeral. I watched my dear friends grieve for their beloved friend and I grieved myself.... oh, hell, now I'm crying like an idiot...."

Kohaku paused as he drew a shaky breath and brushed tears from his lashes, then looked back into the camera, his voice stained with his tears.

"I wrote a song about this experience and this horrible tragic loss, and Mori-san here wrote the music. The song is on the CD as well, in it's final version, this is more of a demo. This is for the beautiful angel, Kageoshi. I hope you will all enjoy this."

Bowing slightly to the camera Kohaku turned around and put on headphones, Satoshi already standing by the the microphones, with headphones, and the classic guitar that Sand had given him for his New Years present the year before.

Low and delicate the notes of the guitar filled the air, and then Kohaku's voice rose out of the music in a beautiful wave.

Momo's eyes filled with tears as he recognized the words from the letter that Kohaku had given him at Kageoshi's funeral, and Erion curled against his side, tears falling unchecked down his cheeks.

Kansas bowed his head and sniffled, so Sand moved up behind him and wrapped his arms around the little imp, smiling at Satoshi over his shoulder as Satoshi smiled shakily back and tugged the neckline of his hoodie up to his nose and tried to hide his face in it.

Vale, Yuji and Willow all sat together on the couch and cuddled with the children, Ryuu whispering to his mother how amazing his father looked on TV.

Sand felt something surge through his bond with Satoshi, and looked over his shoulder at the imp, as Kohaku finished the first verse of the song.

Satoshi was breathing shallowly and his face was crimson, his eyes sparkling with shyness and fear, and then Satoshi's voice mingled with Kohaku's voice and Sand whipped around to stare at the screen.

Sure enough, there the two artists stood, in front of their microphones and sang together, their voices mingling and complementing each other so beautifully and perfectly and there was not a single sign of embarrassment in Satoshi on the screen. His face was radiant with joy, and his spouses all stared with wide eyes as they sang the song to the end.

Sand let go of Kansas and almost stumbled when he walked over to Satoshi, wrapping his arms around his husband tightly and whispered into Satoshi's ear,

"Saiai, aishi teru."

Satoshi nodded against Sand's shoulder, unable to speak with the overwhelming emotions that poured through their bond from Sand, the elf for once in his life speechless with wonder.

Momo had sunk down on the floor with Erion in his arms as he cried through the song, and his legs were shaky when he struggled to his feet, and walked over to Satoshi, embracing Satoshi tightly,

"Thank you, Satoshi-san. Thank you so much for this gift. Please tell Kohaku-san that I love the song and I am absolutely certain that Kageoshi is thrilled about it too. Thank you both so much for this amazing tribute."

Satoshi nodded his head, his voice shaky when he answered,

"Both Kohaku and me feel honored to have known Kageoshi, even though Kohaku only met him that one time, and we are honored to know you. Kohaku said that if you approve and do not mind, he wants to dedicate this album completely to Kageoshi's memory, as well as the tour that will follow. He has also taken aside these sets for the Murai's, and then for your friends. If they want one you just let me know and I'll tell Kohaku. He wants to use this tour to draw attention to victims of sexual crimes and the need to change the law, so that boys and men can get justice too."

Momo nodded his head and hugged Satoshi again, telling him to tell Kohaku that Momo would be very honored if Kohaku dedicated the album to Kageoshi's memory and used his tour to draw attention to the crimes that had driven Kageoshi to take his own life.

The three youngsters sat together on the couch for the rest of the night and watched some of the DVD, and then moved up to the youngster's bedroom to listen to the CD.

Momo left late in the evening, and slept badly because he was alone in the bed for the first time in a week.

He spent the following Sunday at the estate with the family and Erion decided to spend the night at the estate, wanting to ride the train to school with Kansas the next morning. So Momo spent another night alone in his bed, and he lay awake for hours realizing that he missed the elf.

But before he left the estate, he asked if Kansas was alright with him taking Erion out on the following weekend, and when the imp said he was fine with it, because he was planning on going away with Sand that weekend anyway, Momo raided Erion's closet, to find suitable party clothes.

A week later Erion found himself all jittery with nerves and excitement as he dressed up in the fancy black jeans that Momo had taken him shopping for the previous Thursday after school, dress shoes and a white, skin tight, button down shirt, and a nice navy blazer over that. Momo had helped him pull his hair back into a pretty ponytail which allowed a few strands of hair to escape and frame his face perfectly, making him look utterly androgynous, but at the same time the clothes made him look masculine, even if it was a little on the feminine side of masculine.

Momo himself was dressed in very fancy black jeans with a black leather belt, the curve of his ass utterly perfect in the tight jeans, his snow white shirt setting off his golden skin so perfectly that Erion could not help but stare and over it all he wore a granite blazer, the sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows and his wrists adorned with a couple of bracelets, a beautiful steel watch and a leather cuff.

On his left finger he wore the golden ring he had given to Kageoshi, and on his right hand he wore a thick silver ring with a buddhist mantra engraved around it.

A slender golden chain hung around his neck and below his neckline, only the top button of his shirt unbuttoned.

Finally Momo wore nice black dress shoes, and his hair was made up to perfection, not a single strand out of place.

They rode the train to Shinjuku station and then walked through the tunnel to NiChome.

Erion felt a small thrill run down his back as they walked past the club where he had gone with Kansas, Satoshi, Sand, Kenji and Yori, when he and Kansas had been dressed up in girl's clothes.

But Momo walked purposefully past all of the clubs and bars that Erion knew, and past all the most well known places as well.

Erion couldn't help but admire Momo as he strode through the crowd, that bad boy swagger that he usually used nowhere to be seen. Now Momo walked with his back straight, his head held high and a very strong stride, which for some reason reminded Erion of the way that Yuji walked when he was at the academy.

Erion also noticed a lot of men nodding a greeting at Momo, and Momo nodded back at them all, with a familiarity that seemed to go beyond mere acquaintance.

But Momo did not stop to talk to any of these men, and he did not explain anything to Erion, so the elf just followed beside Momo, his heart hammering in his chest with excitement.

Deep in the heart of NiChome Momo suddenly walked up to what looked like a tiny apartment building, and pulled his wallet out to find a small black card.

Erion stood close behind Momo as Momo handed the card to a man who stood by a door with black glass windows, and a golden sign on the wall beside it, the name in kanji.

Momo bowed respectfully as he introduced himself and the doorman bowed back, looking at the card that Momo had given him.

"And your guest, Sakai-sama?" the doorman asked, and Erion bowed deeply as Momo introduced him,

"Hayashi Yuki-san. Give him your ID."

Erion gave a small surprised sound as he patted his chest to find his wallet, and pulled out a fake ID that Kansas had convinced Sand to make for Erion. The ID said he was already twenty, and therefore legal to drink, and the fake had been a compromise for the youngster since the family had registered him as a youngster in Japan, which made him too young to drink, while on Toril he was already at drinking age.

The doorman looked closely at the ID, which stated Erion's Japanese name, and his age as a year older, and then the man handed the ID back and pressed a button beside the door.

There was a small buzzing sound and the doorman pulled the door open for them.

Momo bowed again before entering and Erion imitated him, then followed Momo up a narrow, dimly lit staircase, to the second floor.

At the second floor landing there was another doorman, and he bowed as he welcomed them, greeting Momo by name, and opening a black door with the same golden kanji on it.

Beyond the door was a rather large room with a beautiful wooden bar in the middle, chairs lined up against the bar table and three very handsome bartenders catered to the small crowd.

The patrons were mostly men in their forties, and all dressed in nice suits and fancy clothes, which made them look like lawyers, doctors, judges and other such well off professionals.

In between the older men Erion noticed younger men, neatly dressed and pretty, and obviously there with the older men that they were sitting with.

Momo walked confidently across the room to the bar and slid the black card across the table to the bartender who came to service him.

"Good evening, Sakai-san. What a pleasure it is to see you again. It's been a very long time since last time. And who is this?" the bartender said with a friendly tone as he bowed and smiled at Erion.

"This is Hayashi Yuki, my boyfriend."

"Your boyfriend?" the bartender exclaimed with great surprise and then muttered as he took the black card off the table, "I never thought I'd see the day..."

Momo made a small face at Erion who stared a little wide eyed back, and then a very handsome older gentleman laid a hand on Momo's shoulder.

Momo bowed respectfully as the older man bowed only slightly, and said with a pleasant but surprised tone,

"Sakai-kun. I haven't seen you in months."

"Judge Nakahara-sensei, how pleasant to see you. I am sorry. I have been going through some personal things lately, and not really been in any condition to come."

"I am saddened to hear that, Sakai-kun. I hope your health has not suffered from this."

"Oh, no. I am getting better, thank you very much."

"Why don't you come and join me at my table. I have a couple of friends with me."

"Thank you, Nakahara-sensei for your generous offer, but I must decline. I am here with my boyfriend, you see."

"Your boyfriend?" the judge exclaimed in surprise and finally his eyes turned to Erion, and the young elf bowed respectfully when Momo introduced him,

"Yes, my boyfriend. Allow me to introduce you. Hayashi Yuki, this is my friend, Judge Nakahara Tetta."

"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Hayashi Yuki-kun. You are one lucky boy to have turned Sakai-kun into a boyfriend." the judge said with a teasing tone and Erion bowed again as he thanked the judge.

Momo smiled as he bowed to the judge, then turned back to the bar to take the bottle of very fine sake and two glasses that the bartender had left there along with Momo's black card.

They both bowed again to the judge as they bid him have a good evening, and then Erion followed Momo to a small couch nestled in a small alcove, and looking around Erion realized that the entire bar was partitioned off into small alcoves, that were occupied by small couches and tables, and all around the bar there were bar stools where the patrons could sit and chat with the bartenders.

A corridor lead to the right of the entrance and Momo whispered to Erion as he poured their drinks, that the corridor lead to the bathrooms and another seating area that was even more private than the one they were already in.

Momo leaned back in the couch and draped an arm over the back of it, lighting a cigarette, the look in his eyes inviting Erion to sit back and snuggle against him.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion reached out and rubbed Momo's back a little. "Well, there's not a whole lot we can do except hope your mother can shut him up." Erion slid in closer to wrap his arms around Momo from behind, enjoying the contact with his lover. "Come on, you want to eat?"

Momo's stomach growled a little at the mention of food, and he straightened up and turned around to hug Erion close for a minute. "You don't have to cook every night like a housewife," Momo teased, nuzzling Erion's hair.

"Mm, there's a thought. Maybe I'll cook dinner in nothing but an apron one night." Erion started to laugh when Momo moaned a little.

"You do that and we'll never fucking eat." Momo dipped down to kiss Erion. "But, yeah, I am hungry, baby."

Still laughing, Erion gave Momo a quick kiss and went into the kitchen, while Momo ran into the bathroom to take a fast shower. The rice was still warm in the cooker, and he filled the electric kettle to make the soup and set the beef curry to warm up. It only took a few minutes before Erion was putting a plate of curry, a bowl of osuimono soup and another bowl of rice in front of Momo, along with a cold beer. He fetched his dinner and sat down with Momo to eat, delighted when Momo dug in with an appetite. It was not exactly perfect, but it was better than Erion had expected it to be, and when Momo had a little more curry, Erion was ecstatic.

After dinner, Momo lit a cigarette and finished his beer while Erion put away the leftovers for Momo's lunch and set the dishes in the sink to be washed. The young elf wandered back over to find his own cigarettes, bending over the coffee table and looking for a working lighter, and Momo watched the sway of that pert little ass, the sweatpants hanging low on slim hips and Erion's sweater riding up to reveal the white tiger tattoo that covered most of Erion's back. Momo shook his head a bit, remembering when he had brought his old weight bench to the estate so that Erion could relax a bit in comfort while his tattoo healed. He had been surprised that the artist had done as much work as he had, and he remembered being more than a little impressed with the young elf's endurance.

But now, that sweet ass was far too inviting, and Momo growled a little as he rose up and spun Erion around, crashing their lips together in a possessive kiss as he backed Erion over to the workbench by the kitchen. Erion's arms slid around Momo's neck, and he returned the kiss with equal heat, moaning into Momo's mouth and bucking his hips forward to rub himself against Momo wantonly. Momo tugged at the sweatpants, and they slid over Erion's slender hips with the merest of tugs, and as Momo's strong callused hands curled around Erion's ass to lift him, the elf kicked the sweatpants free.

Momo sat Erion on the cool metal of the workbench, Erion peeling off his sweater as Momo gripped Erion's thighs and spread them apart. Erion arched his back, displaying himself with utter abandon, his plump lower lip between his pearly teeth as Momo looked around a little frantically.

"Fuck the lube," Erion growled. "Just do it, baby. Make me scream your name."

Momo spat into his hand, his own sweatpants pooled on the floor as he shoved them down unceremoniously, and he lined his cock up with Erion's pucker as he pulled the elf forward on the workbench. Momo's cock pressed into Erion, his strong hands gripping Erion's thighs as he slammed himself home, dragging a sweet howl from Erion as he was filled. Erion's legs wrapped around Momo's hips, and he let himself fall back against the wall, his slim hands gripping the edge of the table for leverage as he ground his ass down on Momo's cock, feeling Momo's hands slide around to grip his ass.

Momo pulled back and slammed forward, setting a furious pace as he pounded Erion's ass, slamming his cock into Erion's prostate as Erion arched his back, his panting breaths coming out as small screams. Erion had no idea what was underneath, and even less concern, his whole world shrunk to the feel of Momo's cock deep inside him. Erion's ass was clenching from the relentless assault, the burn just the right side of painful, and he managed to rear up, fisting slim hands in Momo's hair, his head falling back to let Momo sink his teeth into the tender flesh of the elf's neck. Momo bit hard and then sucked, working a deep mark into Erion's neck, the sensation so delicious that Erion howled.

Momo's mouth was hot as he moved his assault to Erion's ear, licking his way up the sweep to the tip, and Momo bit down and sucked hard on that sensitive point. Erion came undone, his cock twitching against Momo's hard stomach as his balls spilled, and his ass clenched so tightly on Momo's ass that Momo screamed.

"Momo, oh, fuck," Erion screamed, breathless with pleasure. His back arched as he ground down, wanting all of that cock as deep within him as possible, and Momo buried his face in Erion's neck and screamed again as his own balls tightened sharply, his hot cum spilling into that tight little ass. Momo managed another couple of ragged thrusts, letting Erion milk him dry, the elf shuddering with pleasure as he clung to Momo, tears beading in his silver lashes.

"Oh, fuck, Momo," Erion moaned, going slightly boneless in Momo's arms. Momo's knees were trembling as well, and he hung on to Erion for support as much as for anything else, his breaths harsh and raspy.

"Fuck, Yuki, you are too fucking hot," Momo managed. "Shit, I can't move."

Erion laughed a little, just as breathless. "Me? You're too sexy for your own good, koibito."

Momo shivered a little, loving the way that name just rolled off Erion's tongue, so sweet and wanton at the same time. Lover. That was how Erion saw him, someone Erion wanted to wake up next to every day, and Momo held the slender body of the silver-haired teen a little tighter. He was falling so in love with the way Erion moved, his bright smile, his ability to make sweet love one minute and fuck like the most depraved little pervert the next. Momo loved that Erion liked it hard and rough as much as he liked it gentle and slow, and he was momentarily overwhelmed by Kansas's utter generosity in sharing this gorgeous youth with him.

Erion's breathing had quieted down a bit, and he nuzzled his face into Momo's hair, angling for a kiss. Momo obliged, plundering that sweet mouth thoroughly, feeling his cock beginning to slip out of Erion and feeling a pang of loss. It was apparent that Erion felt the same way as he mewled into the kiss.

Momo looked at the young elf for a long moment, his face utterly expressionless. "Nice dessert," he said at last, and Erion threw his head back and laughed, such a carefree and joyfilled sound that Momo could not help but laugh with him.

"Fuck you, you pervert," Erion giggled. "When did I wind up on the menu?"

"When you waggled that pretty ass at me," Momo mock-growled, and Erion laughed again.

"Daisuki desu, koibito." Erion nipped at Momo's lower lip playfully.

Momo's knees felt stronger, and he stepped out of his sweatpants before lifting Erion and carrying the naked elf to the couch. "Daisuki desu, yuki no tenshi. I love you, Yuki-chan, my snow angel."

It was a little chilly in the loft, but Momo had no desire to move long enough to collect their scattered clothing. Instead he just snuggled closer into Erion, who did not seem to notice the chill. Erion's long thighs were folded on the outside of Momo's thighs, and he slid his arms around Momo's neck and leaned into Momo, their chests pressed together, the heat of Erion's skin penetrating the long sleeved shirt that Momo still wore.

Momo's eyes fell on Erion's bookbag, resting on the floor next to the coffee table. "You get your homework done, baby?"

Erion nuzzled Momo's ear. "Mm, yes, all finished, and I read the next chapter for each class already."

"You're really serious about this school stuff, aren't you?" Momo's hands traced Erion's spine lazily.

Erion sat up a bit, his silver eyes serious. "Yeah, actually, I am. I'm studying to work with abused kids, just like Kansas is. I want to help the kids that fall through the cracks, the ones everyone wants to pretend don't exist." Erion reached for the thin blanket that was folded along the top of the couch, and pulled it around his shoulders, leaning forward again so that Momo was wrapped in it as well. "You know about Kansas, right?"

"Yeah, I know," Momo replied.

"That's the shit that I care about. I mean, all that he went through, and he had to put up with being called a dirty little kagema when Satoshi rescued him, like any of it was his choice." Erion sighed. "Parents are overwhelmed, or just don't give a fuck, and then these kids pay the price for the rest of their lives. How many of them wind up dying from drugs or diseases, or working the streets as rent boys and getting the shit beat out of them by the men that pay to fuck them?"

Erion fell silent, and Momo held him tightly, rubbing the velvety skin of Erion's back under the blanket. After a few moments, Erion sighed and sat up, twisting to look for a cigarette.

"Sorry about that rant," Erion said a little sheepishly, as Momo snagged the cigarettes and offered Erion one, lighting it for Erion before lighting his own. "I get a little worked up about that shit. I just can't get myself to believe that no one cares."

"You don't have that where you're from?" Momo asked.

Erion shook his head. "Not where I'm from. It happens in other places around us, but not there. We cherish our children, and trust me, if someone were to hurt a child, they'd die for it."

"Where exactly are you from?" Momo wrapped his arms around Erion's waist, looking into the beautiful silvery eyes, entranced by the blue ring around them.

Erion chuckled a little. "You know where I'm from. Cornwall. It's a county in England."

Momo made a small noise. "So why did you send your parents a letter instead of calling them?"

Erion looked briefly startled. "There's no phone service where they are. There's a lot of moors and cliffs, wild land, and they don't run phone lines or cell towers around there." He shrugged a little, leaning back in and resting his head on Momo's shoulder. "It's easiest just to write to them. They don't get to town often."

Momo cuddled Erion for a moment longer while they smoked, the ashtray resting in easy reach on the couch next to them.

"So, is your older brother single? He's incredibly hot. I wouldn't mind meeting him the next time he comes." Momo grinned a little at Erion, who was looking slightly puzzled.

"I don't have an older brother," Erion said. "I'm the older one and I have a younger brother."

"He didn't look younger," Momo said casually, his fingers rubbing along Erion' spine.

Erion looked even more puzzled for a moment, and then his expression cleared and he grinned, his eyes bright. "You mean at the trial?" When Momo nodded, Erion's grin grew a little. "That was my father."

"No fucking way!" Momo's eyes went nearly round, and he sat up, nearly dislodging Erion and dumping him onto the floor. Erion whooped and threw his arms around Momo's neck, hanging on as he snickered. "He wasn't anywhere near old enough to be your fucking father!"

"I'm not joking, koibito," Erion giggled. "He's going to die when I tell him my boyfriend thinks he's hot."

Momo went pale, and then turned bright red. "You wouldn't. Tell me you fucking wouldn't."

Erion leaned in and stole a kiss, loving the taste of Momo, all smoky and with the hint of beer in there as well, just Momo. "He knows I'm gay. No one gives a fuck back home. My whole family knows, even my grandmother."

Momo shook his head trying to imagine what it would be like to live in a place where no one gave a fuck that he liked men, and gave up. "I can't believe I said your father was hot. You must think I'm some kind of pervert." He moaned playfully and tried to hide his face in his hands. "I feel so dirty," he added comically.

Erion grinned wickedly as Momo peeked out from between his fingers. "I'm the pervert here, since I sleep with Yuji."

"Lucky bitch," Momo murmured, and Erion burst out laughing.

"Come on, baby, it's getting late. Let's go to bed." Erion crawled off Momo and wandered over to collect their clothing that was scattered around the workbench, Momo watching Erion's ass sway as he walked. He put the ashtray back on the coffee table and followed Erion into the bedroom, pulling off his shirt and laying down to wait for Erion to crawl in next to him.

Erion snuggled up close, one slim hand dropping down to stroke the panther that ran along Momo's hipbone and down to his thigh. "I love this tattoo. Does it mean anything special?"

Momo looked slightly embarrassed. "It's a panther." He looked at Erion for a moment and then looked away, his cheeks slightly pink, and Erion fell in love with Momo all over again just for that moment of sweet awkwardness. Momo was so seldom anything other than confident and strong, and being allowed to see this made Erion's heart soar.

"It's a very nice panther." Erion snuggled closer. "I guess you can tell I like big cats." Erion stroked the panther again, and somewhere deep in the back of his mind, Nim'Cath rumbled with approval. "Mine has a name. I call him Nim'Cath, which means White Cat. Not terribly original, huh?" Erion snickered a little. "The dragons on my hips are for Kansas's dragons."

"My panther doesn't have a name," Momo said, and there was something in his voice that made Erion bite back any silly comments. Instead, he just wrapped his arm around Momo and waited.

"Sometimes, I see a panther. I know I'm wide awake when it happens, but everything feels sort of unreal, like a dream. It happens when I'm trying to figure something out, and the panther leads me where I have to be to find the answers I need." Momo looked at Erion to try and gauge the elf's reaction, seeing nothing but calm understanding on his lover's face. "I know it's real, because what I'm figuring out is real. It's shit that actually happens." Momo paused. "So you don't think I'm crazy?" Momo asked. "Please, yuki no tenshi, I don't want you to think I'm fucking crazy."

"I don't think you're crazy at all, edanamin, my man." Erion looked into Momo's eyes, willing him to see the truth. He took Momo's hand and guided it to let Momo feel the four parallel scars on his back, hidden by his tattoo. "You feel those? Nim'Cath made those, when I took him as my power totem. Not everything that happens in that place in between dreams and being awake is a dream. A lot of it is real. Satoshi is an empath, and he can absorb people's pain. I've seen him do it, when Akira was in trouble and needed help. He does it with Ryuu-kun. And Kansas has visions that are true."

Momo nodded, an odd expression on his face. "That explains a lot, actually, about Satoshi-san, they way he always seemed to know what was going on with all of us. We'd be over the house, hanging out with Kansas, and he'd just know shit. Like when Eric's grandmother died, back in Sweden. Eric didn't tell any of us, but Satoshi-san just hugged Eric and told him how sorry he was."

Erion smiled, relaxed and comfortable, and close to reverie. "We're all bugfuck crazy, or else we're all the sanest people we know and the rest of the world is crazy. Take your pick, but I'm going with my crazy and the hell with the world. Like Yuji says, embrace your honne."

Momo chuckled a little, astonished at how easily Erion had accepted what Momo told him. He wrapped his arms around Erion and pulled him closer, nuzzling his face in the silky hair of his young lover, feeling one long thigh being flung over his.

"Sounds good to me," Momo murmured. "Embrace our honne and fuck the rest of it."

[YuGiOh]

From TOSmail:

This story is in the wrong section. It should be in Het and the author listed it in Yaoi. Just thought I should let someone know.

Lady Sinistra

Story

Profile

This one is OLD.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion tucked his clothing away in the dresser and closet after Kansas left, feeling slightly nervous now that his living with Momo as Momo's lover was a reality. He unfolded the soft blanket he had brought from the estate, and made the bed up neatly, and then he wandered back out to the living room.

Momo had cleared away the empty beer bottles and sake bottles, and put everything away neatly to be brought down to the recycling station, and he was busy washing some glasses and cups in the kitchen when Erion came out. He stood there for a moment, just lost in admiring the sight of Momo, strong and well muscled, his jeans hugging the curve of his ass perfectly. Shaking his head a little as his own silliness, Erion walked into the kitchen and grabbed a dishtowel, drying the glasses and cups as Momo washed them. It made Erion think of Sand and Satoshi for a moment, and he smiled to himself.

"Are you hungry?" Erion asked as they put away the last of the dishes, Momo showing Erion where everything was kept. "Willow sent some food. She figured we'd be too busy to think about that." Erion looked at Momo with a wry grin. "She's also been teaching me a few simple recipes. She's got some strong opinions on people trying to survive on instant ramen and takeaway meals. I don't promise my cooking will taste anywhere near as good as Willow's or even as good as instant ramen, but hey, it'll be an adventure."

Momo looked at Erion for a long moment before starting to laugh. "That's the first time anyone's referred to dinner as an adventure." He pulled Erion into his arms and when Erion tilted his face up, Momo kissed him deeply. "I'm glad you came, watashi no yuki no tenshi. This feels right."

"I'm glad I'm here, watashi no koibito," Erion replied. "This is where I belong." He nuzzled his face into Momo's neck for a moment, breathing in the scent that was so uniquely Momo's scent. Momo's arms were strong and well muscled, and they fit around Erion so comfortably. It was not the perfect fit that was Kansas, but it was the fit that was right for this moment in time, and Erion let himself melt into the embrace a little.

They ate, and cleaned up, and then Erion pulled out his textbooks and curled up on the couch with Momo while Momo watched a movie. Momo's hand was buried in Erion's thick hair, toying with the nape of Erion's neck, and the young elf purred a little as he pressed into the touch. Momo peeked every now and again as Erion filled page after page with notes in his neat kanji, biting his lip a little from time to time in the most adorable way. Periodically, Erion would make a mark in the margin that looked very unusual, nothing like either kanji or romanji.

Finally, Erion closed his books with a sigh, and tucked everything in his backpack for the morning. He curled back in the curve of Momo's arms contentedly, watching the rest of the movie and stealing small kisses every now and then. Momo kept looking at the silvery head resting on his shoulder, still amazed that Erion was here with him. When the movie ended, Momo turned his head to press a kiss on that silver hair.

"I want to show you something." Momo stood up and held his hand out to Erion. He led Erion over to the coat rack by the front door, opening a door that Erion had never really noticed before to reveal a flight of stairs. There was another door at the top of the stairs, and Momo led Erion up and through the door, and out onto the roof.

"You can come up this way to see the sunrise," Momo said, almost shyly, and Erion turned and hugged Momo tightly.

"This is perfect. Thank you, my koibito. You're perfect." Erion lifted his chin, angling for a kiss, and Momo obliged, plundering the willing mouth with passion. Erion ground himself into Momo, and then giggled a little. "It's cold, Let's go back inside."

They went back downstairs, heading into the bathroom to brush their teeth, Erion's toothbrush laid out neatly beside Momo's, and Momo's breath hitched again at that small reminder that Erion was here, and his. They kissed and stroked and nuzzled as they undressed, and then Momo fell on Erion with a small growl, Erion opening up and welcoming his lover with fierce abandon.

It was still dark when Erion rose from his reverie, grabbed a pair of sweatpants, and moved silently through the darkness of the apartment to slip up the stairs to the roof. The first rays of sunlight made Erion's skin tingle with the familiar rush of power, but he missed the feel of Kansas in his arms, the heat of Kansas's power dancing with his. Nim'Cath was there, at the very edge of his consciousness, and Erion could feel his restlessness as the white tiger paced a world away. And for a moment, just a brief moment, Erion felt the weight of his collar grow greater as he shared his strength willingly with Tatsuya, his god and his loved.

"Guard him, Nim'cath," Erion whispered. "Whatever it takes, you will do. His life is more precious to me than anything." He could feel Nim'Cath's consent, and a weight lifted from his heart as he turned to slip back downstairs, his cock hard and aching.

Erion slipped back into bed, his sweatpants discarded and his cock pressing against Momo, and Momo pressed his ass back against Erion sleepily. Erion's lubed fingers pressed into Momo's ass briefly, and then it was the young elf's cock as Erion pushed Momo's leg forward and up to give him better access. Momo moaned a bit as Erion buried himself in Momo's ass, one slim hand reaching around to fist Momo's cock, and then Erion found Momo's prostate and white lights exploded behind Momo's eyes as Erion took him hard and fast, pulling out when Momo came, Erion's cum hot as it painted Momo's ass and back.

Momo shuddered and gasped as his orgasm wound down, and he turned to pull Erion close, remembering squeaking springs on the pull-out couch on those mornings when Kansas and Erion had greeted the sunrise together. For the briefest moment, Momo wondered how either Kansas or Erion ever managed to walk or even sit, and then he looked at the clock and sighed.

Erion started the tea while Momo ran the water for a shower, and they scrubbed themselves thoroughly and dressed quickly, each grabbing a cup of tea and a sweet roll that Willow had sent as a hasty breakfast. Erion made a note to pick up a few things on the way home from school so he could make a bento the next day, resigned to a cafeteria bento for lunch. He rinsed his cup and grabbed Momo for a last kiss, nibbling Momo's lower lip before shrugging on his jacket and swinging his bookbag over his shoulder.

"See you tonight," Erion called and dashed down the stairs to head off to school, Momo watching him from the window with a smile.

Vale looked at Kansas, a beautiful smile curving his lips. "Adalon was right, you know. You are going to be a most magnificent dragon." Vale guided Kansas back into his room and out of the cold. "The second step on the path to wisdom is to understand that the question is more important than the answer."

Kansas looked at Vale for a moment, his nose wrinkling just a little as he pondered that. "It makes sense, and at the same time, it doesn't."

Vale nodded, his green eyes so warm and gentle that Kansas moved closer to the elf. Vale reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bag of holding, fishing around in it for a moment before pulling out a creamy pale box. "This is yours, or so Adalon tells me." He reached into the pouch again and pulled out a scroll of parchment, handing that to Kansas as well.

Kansas sat on the bed, the blanket sliding off one pale shoulder as he unrolled the scroll. Kansas was only slightly surprised to see that it was written in meticulous kanji, but with a boldness and power that Kansas could feel. He read it aloud, his voice filled with wonder. "My greetings to you, young dragon becoming. I trust that Vale has given you the box I entrusted to his care. What lies within is my gift to you, to aid you on your journey. Use it wisely, and it will serve you well. The box itself was carved by me from a fang I shed during growth. It will keep my gift safe." Kansas paused to look at the box, wide-eyed. Then he returned to reading. "We will meet again soon, young one, and the small bronze dragon will be welcomed as well. Adalon."

Kansas opened the creamy box carefully, and inside, nestled on a bed of black velvet, was a perfect miniature crystal orb in a delicate net of mithral, suspended from a mithral chain. Kansas touched it lightly, and then looked up at Vale, his face showing his confusion. "A crystal ball?"

Vale shook his head gently, an expression of great reverence on his face. "Those are called Dragon's Tears, and they are among the rarest artifacts on Toril. They really are formed from a dragon's tears, you know, and they're one of the most powerful charms of protection in existence anywhere in the multiverse. When you walk among spirits, like you do, this will protect you, It can utterly destroy weak spirits, and even more powerful ones will be pushed back. They say they shine with the light of the sun itself to protect the wearer." Vale leaned in to kiss Kansas's temple with great tenderness. "I don't know where your path is leading, but wherever it is, she wants you to be safe."

Satoshi coughed as he sat up, and Sand sat up next to him, an expression of concern on his face.

"It is your lungs again, saiai," Sand said, and slid out of bed to open his closet, bringing down his basket of potions. "This one, my heart, the yellow one. When you feel your lungs growing tight, please drink the yellow potion. Eryn makes them, and she would be sad to know that you do not use them."

Satoshi made a small face at Sand. "I've been dealing with this all my life, Masato-chan. It's not a big deal. You always make such a fuss."

"And that is because I love you, cormamin, and we fuss over those we love. If it were Ryuu coughing so, or me, would you not insist we drink the potion?" Sand opened the vial and handed it to Satoshi. "Do you not yet know that your life is more precious to me than anything else? When you hurt, I hurt for you."

Satoshi looked at Sand, and the love in Sand's blue eyes left him briefly speechless. His own gorgeous eyes welled with tears of love, and he smiled that beautiful smile of his and drank the potion to please his husband.

Erion stopped on the way home from school, picking up a few things on his way home to the loft. He did not stop in the garage, not wanting to bother Momo at work so soon after his return, figuring Ine-san would not be very happy to have Momo distracted, but he smiled as he ran lightly up the steps and opened the door to the loft.

Erion set up the rice cooker he had bought, and busied himself cutting the vegetables for the soup he was planning to make. He also had some fish to grill, and some shrimp dumplings that only needed to be steamed. Willow had recommended a good soup base, and with the vegetables and some firm tofu, it would make a good dinner as well as a warm breakfast in the morning. After cleaning up from his preparations, Erion curled up on the couch with his textbooks, until the door opened and Momo came in. Erion dropped his book and stood up to hug Momo.

"Hey!" Momo laughed in protest. "I'm filthy! Let me wash up."

"I like the way you look when you've been working on the engines," Erion replied, his silver eyes bright. Still, he stepped back and let Momo head off to the bathroom to wash up.

When Momo came out, he was holding an envelope. "Did you ever read your letter from Kohaku?" Momo asked, curious.

Erion blinked a little. "I didn't, actually. It was hard enough to read the letter from Kageoshi. I just didn't feel up to any more letters, and then things got busy with the trial, and I forgot."

Momo opened his letter and sat down next to Erion on the couch. "I'm guessing they're pretty similar, so we can read mine together, if you want."

"I do," Erion replied, and curled up in the curve of Momo's arm to read with him.

The letter was simple enough, Kohaku expressing his profound sympathy to Momo on the loss of his young husband, and recounting how Kohaku had met Kageoshi at the estate and had been struck by the innocence and delicate beauty of the young teen. There was a second sheet of paper, and Momo and Erion looked at each other in surprise.

The second sheet was lyrics to a song, written by Kohaku about Kageoshi's tragic death, and the terrible grief that had wracked all those who loved the beautiful teen. It was written from the point of view of Kohaku as he witnessed the aftermath of that sad death, and how moved he was by the pain of those left behind. There was a note at the bottom from Kohaku, telling Momo that he had written that song in memory of Kageoshi, and he hoped that it would be a fitting tribute.

Erion and Momo read the lyrics twice, Erion's eyes shining with tears at the sheer beauty of the words. He looked up at Momo, his voice trembling just a little.

"It's perfect. It's something he would have loved, a song just for him written by Kohaku." Erion moved closer to Momo.

"It is perfect, and wherever he is, I hope Kageoshi is singing it." Momo brushed his hand across his eyes and wrapped his arms around Erion, holding tightly to the young elf, and the future.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion grabbed Momo after dinner and handed him his warm jacket. "Come into the garden with me. We need to talk about something."

Momo's eyes widened slightly, and he took the jacket. "Maybe I should grab a beer, too."

Erion grinned and patted the pockets of his own jacket. "I already did, but don't worry. It's just something I need to tell you, but it's not the end of anything."

Momo felt something in his gut relax a bit, and he followed Erion into the garden, past the spot where they usually smoked to the training ground. There was a bench in a sheltered corner, and Erion pulled Momo down beside him and tugged him into a kiss.

"Mm, you taste good, koibito," Erion murmured when they finally broke apart. He pulled a beer from his pocket and offered it to Momo, opening the other beer and taking a swallow before lighting a cigarette.

"So what's this about?" Momo asked, looking at his silver-haired lover. He lit a cigarette of his own, and Erion reached under the bench to bring up the ashtray he had stashed there earlier.

"You've been staying here long enough to have figured out that this family is more than a little different. Fuck, you've known everyone longer than I have." Erion looked into Momo's eyes, and Momo was reassured by the love in Erion's look. "We sleep with each other. Not all of us with everyone else, but it's got to be pretty obvious that the kids all have different fathers, and the same mother."

Momo shifted a little on the bench. "Yeah, that's a little hard to miss, especially with Hikaru-chan."

Erion laughed. "Willow likes having a blond in her horde of husbands. Anyway, there's a couple of things you need to know. The first is that even though Kansas is my betrothed, I also sleep with Satoshi and Yuji."

Momo blinked, and took a swallow of beer. "Just them?"

Erion nodded. "Masato's my uncle by blood. My mother is his sister. And Akira, well, I've known him all my life and I think of him like I do Masato, so that would be too fucking weird to even think about sleeping with him." Erion shuddered a little. "We're pretty open about loving more than one person, but we're not into creepy shit."

Momo laughed a little nervously, wondering how Erion would react when he found out that he was Satoshi's brother, and then he realized he was thinking about that as "when" and not "if." He took a deep drag on his cigarette. "Yeah, well, that's good. Creepy shit isn't my thing, either."

Erion leaned in and kissed Momo again, his eyes warm. "Sorry, koibito. You're mixed up with a bunch of crazy perverts, and I just thought you should know that up front, sort of." Erion laughed and blushed a little. "Well, almost up front, anyway, but better a little late than never. Anyway, the thing is, it works for all of us. Everyone has a primary spouse, and that's the pairings you're more used to. Yuji's primary spouse is Akira, and Satoshi's primary spouse is Masato. Willow is their queen, they say, and even though Kansas and I are exclusively gay, we think of Willow as a big sister, and she loves us as fiercely as she does the rest of her husbands."

"You know Yuji used to teach at my old high school," Momo said. "I swear at least ninety percent of the girls there had a crush on him. So did the three gay boys."

Erion started to laugh again. "Yuji's very hot, isn't he? Did you have a crush on him, too?"

Momo nearly choked on his beer. "Fuck, Yuki!"

Erion patted Momo on the back. "Sorry, I have a habit of just coming out and saying what I think. Never mind, I'm being a little silly to try and make this easier."

"It's okay," Momo said, shrugging lightly. "I'll just tell you that you're a lucky bitch and leave it at that."

Erion gave a whoop of laughter and hugged Momo impulsively, his eyes shining. "I must be, koibito."

The love in Erion's eyes made Momo suck in a quick breath, and he crashed his lips into Erion's lips in a passionate kiss. "I'm the lucky one, yuki no tenshi." He kissed Erion again, feeling the younger boy melt into the kiss a bit. "Was that all you wanted to tell me? Because it's fucking freezing out here."

Erion took a deep breath. "We have sort of a rule in the family. Sleeping with each other is one thing, but if we sleep with someone outside the family, we tell everyone about it. Not the actual details," he said hurriedly, seeing the look of alarm on Momo's face. "We just let the family know that there's been someone else that we were intimate with."

"Is it a problem?" Momo asked, lighting another cigarette, his fingers trembling just a little.

"Oh, fuck, no!" Erion reached up to cup Momo's cheek. "It's just sort of a full disclosure policy. Like when we were back home, and Masato was getting his tattoos, he and Satoshi slept with the tattoo artist, and then they came home and Satoshi told us all that they'd done that. That's all. No one is going to flip out, but it's just the way we keep it all straight. Kansas and I slept with someone when we were away last summer, and we told the family about that, too."

"So they know about after the funeral?" Momo asked.

"No, actually. The way it ended that morning, Kansas and I figured we'd see how things worked out, so we never said anything." Erion shrugged a little. "But now, I really think we need to tell the family about us. You and me. Because I don't know about you, but I want to be with you."

Momo looked at the young elf, his face glowing with his love for Momo, and he choked a little. "I want to be with you, too, Yuki. I'm going to tell you, though, I'm fucking scared to death to go back in there and tell everyone."

Erion flung his arms around Momo. "Kansas will sit with us, and the three of us will do this together. As long as Kansas is fine with it, everyone else will accept it. Trust me, Momo. And this way I can actually hug you and kiss you in front of everyone else without worrying. It's bad enough we have to be careful in public. I'm not going to fucking sneak around at home. Daisuki desu, watashi no koibito."

Momo wrapped his arms around Erion, holding the slim elf tightly. "Daisuki desu, watashi no yuki no tenshi." He kissed Erion, a long and tender kiss, leaving the little elf breathless when he was done. "Now I have something to tell you. Masato knows. He was the first to figure it out, from some things I told him. I also told Kansas, and Satoshi. When I was fourteen, I was in the hospital for my appendix. They did blood work, and I found out that my father wasn't actually my biological father. It took a while, but I finally managed to get the truth out of my mother. Mori Satoru-sama is my biological father. He had an affair with my mother, but he wouldn't leave his wife and Satoshi to marry my mother, so she just passed me off as my father's kid." Momo let go of Erion and lit a cigarette.

"But that's good, isn't it? I mean, you get along well with Mori-sama, and you've known Satoshi for a long time." Erion tilted his head a little.

"I don't think of Mori-sama as my father," Momo replied. "He's been a friend, and he's helped me out, but he didn't raise me. Not that my father was all that spectacular, unless you call beating the shit out of a kid good parenting, but he was the person I knew all my life." Momo shrugged a little. "And I'm not ready to think of Satoshi as a brother. I don't know if I'll ever be ready to do that."

"What did Satoshi say?" Erion leaned back into Momo's arms, offering the comfort of a hug.

Momo smiled a little. "He says he understands, and for now we'll settle for being friends, but if I'm ever ready, he'd be more than happy to call me brother. I just don't know how to feel about that, though. I met him once, when I was seven, but I had no idea who he was, or who Mori-sama was. I just thought he was so incredibly cool and amazing, and I wished I had an older brother like that." Momo snorted a little. "I don't know, maybe this is one of those things. You know, like it's meant to be. But whatever happens, I have to think about getting back to work, and maybe going to school to become a master mechanic. That's what I was planning to do, before everything went crazy. Now, I don't know. I need to think about that."

"Just don't forget that you're not alone, okay?" Erion nuzzled into Momo's neck a bit, his nose cold, and Momo yelped a little.

"I promise, I won't forget. I'm not the best at leaning on other people, though." Momo stood up and held out his hand to Erion. "I'll try, okay? Now, can we go inside and get this over with? It's fucking freezing out here."

Erion laughed, and they finished their beers quickly as they walked, arms around each other, back to the house.

Sand pulled Satoshi into a kiss, fierce and passionate, pouring all his endless love into the kiss as he plundered Satoshi's mouth. "And now we are all better," Sand said when they finally broke to breathe. "Or we will be, later, when I show exactly how much and in how many ways I love you."

Satoshi blushed a bit and laughed, but he ground himself against Sand hard enough to let Sand know that he was more than happy to spend the night howling in Sand's arms. They both looked a little surprised when Erion stuck his head into the kitchen with a grin for the pair of husbands. "Family chat in the living room, you two, if you can manage it."

"Such an impudent scamp," Sand laughed. "Go on, we will be right there."

Erion stuck his tongue out at Sand and darted away, laughing.

Momo was sitting on the couch next to Erion, Kansas on the other side of him, and they waited until the family had assembled, tea and fruit and chocolates set out on the low table for everyone. Ryuu led Aika and Hikaru to the corner to play while the grown-ups talked, Hikaru pausing to stare wistfully at the gate that blocked the stairs from his exploration. Willow had instructed Vale to search the storage attic in the garage and see if the gate from the old house would work here, and he and Yuji had dutifully installed the gate that same day. Not an hour later, Erion had gotten his head handed to him by Willow for vaulting over the gate as he came downstairs, and she drew him a very vivid picture of Ryuu coming to a horrible end as he tried to imitate the young elf's easy grace. Erion had turned bright red, apologized endlessly, and been hugged by Willow for being wonderful and setting a good example.

When everyone was settled, Erion looked at his family and took a deep breath. "In the interest of full disclosure," he began.

"Oh, fuck," Yuji snickered, and Erion blushed a little before he picked up again.

"In the interest of full disclosure, I need to tell you that I'm seeing Momo-san. As my boyfriend." Erion looked up at Momo and gave him a radiant smile. "We realized we both had feelings for each other that went deeper than just friendship, and Kansas and I talked, and then we all talked, and we decided that I should take some time and explore this. So I am, and I'm telling you now." Erion snagged a chocolate and sat back.

"Kansas?" Satoshi said, looking at the young imp.

"I'm completely fine, Satoshi, really. Like Erion said, we all talked about this." Kansas gave Satoshi a beautiful smile, and Satoshi's eyes filled with tears as he realized how much Kansas had matured. He had become a young man that anyone would be proud to know and love, and Satoshi had to bury his face in Sand's shoulder for a moment until he regained his composure.

Yuji too had tears of pride in his eyes as he looked at Kansas, and then he turned to Erion. "I'm glad you told us, and you know that we're fine with things as long as no one is getting hurt. If Kansas agrees to this, then there's no reason for us not to agree as well."

Sand leaned forward, and Momo felt his heart skip a beat. "I do have a few questions, Yuki-kun. Do you plan on staying at the loft with Momo, or are you both going to stay here?"

Erion looked at Momo, who cleared his throat nervously. Both Kansas and Erion reached out to take Momo's hands, offering their love and support.

"I need to get back to work at some point, and it's a rough commute from here to the garage, so I'd rather stay at the loft during the week." Momo gave Erion a quick look.

"I can get to university easily enough from the loft by train," Erion added. "But if it's okay with everyone, I'd like to stay here on the weekends." He looked at Momo, who nodded. "I'll study all week at Momo's and I won't slack off, I promise."

"That would have been my other question," Sand said dryly. "Your studies need to be a priority, Yuki-kun, and I would not like to see your grades decline. You have made us all proud so far, and I know that you will continue to do so."

"I'll make sure he gets out on time every morning," Momo said. "You have my promise, Masato-san."

"Well, this is your home, and it always will be, so if things change, you know you're both welcome here," Willow said. "And I'm glad you'll be staying here on weekends. I'd miss you both otherwise."

"You'll need to let your parents know," Vale said, curling up against Yuji. "The last thing I need is your mother after my head. I get in more than enough hot water on my own, and she's scarier than your grandmother."

Erion nodded eagerly. "I'll write them a letter. Will you give it to Nathe for me?"

Momo looked a little surprised at that, but Erion just squeezed his hand and gave him a look that promised an explanation later.

"So, is that it?" Yuji asked. "Are we good?"

"We'd be better if we put a warning label on certain people," Satoshi muttered so softly that only Sand heard him, but he smiled at the three youngsters on the couch.

"We're good," Erion said happily, and snuggled into Momo.

"Then I think it's time to get some young rascals to bed," Vale said, standing up with that careless grace of his. "We're an unusual family, Momo-san, but the one thing we can offer is abundant love. Don't be afraid to reach out and talk to any of us. We're still figuring out how this works ourselves, mind you." He flashed Momo a beautiful grin. "You'll figure us out quickly enough."

[Week 41: 7-17-11]

Pen Name: BronxWench

Story link: Almost Home

Type of fic: Flashfic

Rating: Adult

Fandom: Original > Fantasy & Science Fiction > General

Warnings: AFFO, ChallengeFic, M/F, MCD, NoSex, OC, Oneshot

[Possible Downtime for Hardware Upgrades]

DG, I'm still having a boatload of issues myself. I've refreshed, running FF5 on Win 7, and no joy here. My cache has been emptied multiple times, and I'm stuck with a Profile dropdowm menu locked open, no ability to access my setting, no RTE, and no SB or PMs...

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion sobbed a little himself, his silver eyes wide, and he clung to Momo tightly. "Don't be afraid, my sweet Momo, my beautiful man. You are melindoamin, my lover, and my heart made a place for you long before we made love. I want to do all of those things you said, and more. I want to wake up and feel you next to me, and I want to watch you when you work on an engine because there's this look you get when you do. Your eyes just light up and your hands are so strong and sure, and I love the way it feels when you touch me. I want to moan to you about how hopeless my homework is, and have you laugh at me for being an idiot. I want to fall in love with you, too. Amin mela lle, melindoamin. I love you, my Momo, my lover."

Momo gasped as large tears rolled down his cheeks. Cupping Erion's face between his hands, he nodded and whispered, "Daisuki desu, watashi no yuki no tenshi," and rolled them down on the floor, claiming the elf with a passionate kiss.

Erion returned the kiss tenderly, his silver eyes unable to look away from the dark and beautiful eyes of his lover. Momo too was losing himself in the silvery-grey eyes of the young elf, their lips tasting each other with sweet longing. Momo's fingers slid through Erion's hair, finding the exotic sweep of those pointed ears and stroking them lightly, coaxing the most delicate little moan from Erion as he deepened the kiss.

Erion's hands slid under the t-shirt, traveling up the golden skin past the black and red snake and up along Momo's ribs, his lips still pressed against Momo's lips, his tongue teasing sweetly. Momo continued to stroke Erion's ears, but lightly, a loving tease that made Erion press closer, his cock hard against Momo's thigh. There was no urgency in Erion's movement, though. His hands still traveled with slow deliberateness, mapping the curve of Momo's ribs with his fingertips and tracing the fine lines of Momo's spine.

The two youngsters lay tangled, kissing with infinite tenderness for several minutes, never breaking eye contact, and Erion was astounded by the depths of the love in those dark and beautiful eyes. Momo's hands left Erion's ears to move lower, tracing the line of Erion's jaw and then dipping lower to slide under Erion's shirt, the golden tanned skin warm under his hands. Erion moaned again very softly, his eyes filled with wonderment and love, and he broke the kiss long enough to whisper, "Melindoamin."

"Watashi no yuki no tenshi," Momo murmured, trembling a little as he looked into Erion's eyes, the blue ring dark around the silver.

"Do you feel strong enough to make love?" Erion asked very softly. "I just want to feel you against me and in me, but if you need more time..." Erion's voice trailed off as Momo smiled at him.

"I want to feel you, too, my Yuki. I'm strong enough," Momo whispered back, his lips brushing against Erion's lips.

They managed to crawl onto the soft futon, and Erion helped Momo ease off the long-sleeved shirt he was wearing, marveling all over again at the smoothness of Momo's skin. Erion's slim fingers trailed lightly over the scar above Momo's right nipple, and Momo moaned a little and arched, pressing into the touch. Erion smiled a bit and tilted his face up for another kiss, sighing sweetly as Momo obliged, their eyes remaining on each other the entire time. Momo's hands found the bottom of Erion's shirt, and he slid it up to reveal Erion's tanned torso, his tiger wrapped around his back and the heads of his dragons peeking over the waistband of his sweatpants. They broke the kiss long enough for Momo to pull the shirt over Erion's head, tossing it aside as he reached out to stroke Erion's sensitive nipples, making the young elf shiver a little.

Momo reached for the waistband of Erion's sweatpants, his strong calloused hands sliding over Erion's skin and coaxing another little moan from the elf. Erion wriggled a bit to help Momo get the pants over his ass, and Momo moaned at the sight of Erion's cock jutting proudly out from its silver nest. Erion kicked the sweatpants away after digging in the pocket and pulling out a small tube of lube with a slight blush. Momo just touched Erion's cheek lightly, and the elf leaned into the touch, his own slim fingers hooking the sleep pants and tugging them over the sharp rise of Momo's hips. Erion paused to stroke the panther that stretched down onto Momo's thigh, and then he straddled Momo, his eyes fixed on his lover's eyes.

"Please," Erion whispered. "I need to feel you in me, melindoamin."

Momo reached up to cup his hands around Erion's narrow hips. "I need that, too, my Yuki. Let me feel you around me, watashi no yuki no tenshi."

Erion squeezed a little lube on his hand and stroked Momo's cock with it, the lube warm from his pocket still. Erion used his slick fingers to coat his own pucker, and then he lowered himself onto Momo's thick cock, his eyes locked on Momo's eyes. His muscle was loosened from his earlier lovemaking, and Erion opened easily for Momo, the thick cock disappearing into the heat of Erion's ass until Erion's pert ass was snug against Momo's thighs.

"Oh, fuck, you feel so good," Momo moaned, his hands tightening around Erion's hips. Erion moaned in delight as he was filled completely by Momo's thick cock, and he rocked his hips slightly as he adjusted to the intrusion, biting his lip a little and looking so beautiful that Momo moaned a little, his eyes welling with tears of happiness.

Momo braced his elbows on the futon and offered his hands to Erion, who laced his slim fingers in with Momo's long fingers. The lean muscles of Erion's thighs flexed as he rose up until only the head of Momo's cock was still inside him, shivering a little as Momo's cock dragged across his prostate. Erion lowered himself just as slowly, setting a languid pace as he rode that thick cock, his hips undulating each time he was completely filled. Small tears of joy beaded in Erion's lashes, and he smiled down at Momo with utter sweetness.

They took their time, enjoying the feel of each other, and Erion was taken by surprise by how much Momo's dark eyes could convey. Unlike making love with Kansas, there was no bond between them, and yet it was so easy to feel the love that Momo offered, and to offer his own heart to Momo with just a look. It was more than enough to make Erion feel a heat growing in his belly, a heat that grew as Momo's cock glided over Erion's prostate each time the elf rose and fell. Precum beaded on the head of Erion's cock, and slid down, silvery in the dimness of the small lamp that was the only light in the room.

Momo released one of Erion's hands, reaching between them to stroke Erion's cock with the same sweet slowness as their lovemaking, and Erion gasped and moaned as he felt the heat in his belly grow even more. His eartips were rosy and his cheeks were flushed as he felt his balls begin to tighten, and Erion gave a sweetly wanton little moan, his ass clenching a little around Momo's cock.

Somehow, Momo found the strength to sit up, and he released Erion's cock, letting it get pressed between their bellies as Erion continued to ride Momo, his movements a little more erratic as his arousal built. Momo wrapped his arms around Erion, his lips brushing against Erion's lips as he murmured, "Come for me, my Yuki. Let go and come for me."

Erion's eyes searched Momo's eyes and found nothing but love in those mysterious dark eyes, and he pressed his lips to Momo's lips in a passionate kiss, his sensitive little nipples rubbing against Momo. Erion felt himself fall over the edge, and he screamed his pleasure into Momo's mouth as he pressed himself down to take all of Momo inside his ass, his cock twitching as his cum flooded their bellies with warmth. Erion's ass tightened around Momo's cock almost painfully, and Momo howled as his own balls emptied, and he filled Erion's ass with an endless stream of cum. His eyes were locked on Erion's eyes, and Erion flung his arms around Momo's neck and sobbed with pleasure as he shivered through the last of his orgasm, milking every drop from Momo.

Spent, Momo fell back onto the soft futon, Erion still held tightly in his arms, and Erion pressed his lips to Momo's lips, kissing him with breathless passion. Momo held Erion like that, feeling Erion's heart pounding against his chest, his own heart hammering just as hard, and he murmured again, "Daisuki desu, my Yuki, watashi no yuki no tenshi."

"Daisuki desu, watashi no koibito," Erion said, his eyes bright. "It sounds pretty in Japanese, too, maybe even prettier than in my language."

Momo chuckled a little, one hand straying up to stroke Erion's back. "I'm sorry, I didn't even ask if you minded. I'm so dingy."

Erion snuggled closer. "I didn't even notice. But we can shower, if you want. I can help. We'll be all clean and fresh for the sunrise."

Momo nodded, and Erion eased himself free of Momo's softening cock. He padded over to the dresser and found clean sleep pants and a clean t-shirt for Momo, and he grabbed his own sweatpants and another t-shirt for himself. Momo stood up carefully, swaying just a little, and Erion threw his arm around Momo's waist. Erion guided Momo over to the door of the bathroom that was shared between the guest room and the room next to it.

The bathroom only had a shower, and no bathtub, but there was a wooden shower stool, and Erion helped Momo to sit on it while he adjusted the water temperature until it was comfortably hot. Momo groaned a little with pleasure as the water sluiced over him, and he stuck his head under the water to wet it thoroughly. Erion poured a generous amount of shampoo into his hands and proceeded to lather Momo's hair thickly, his slim fingers massaging Momo's scalp and scritching gently. Erion tilted Momo's head back and rinsed out the shampoo, and then he washed Momo's hair all over again, Momo all but moaning with pleasure.

Erion washed his own hair as well, and then he soaped up a washcloth and began to wash Momo, his strong young fingers massaging Momo's muscles as he scrubbed away the dirt and sweat from Momo's golden skin. Momo reached out and caught Erion in his arms, pulling him down onto his lap and kissing the young elf tenderly. Erion fell into the kiss happily, and Momo grabbed the washcloth and began to soap Erion, making the elf giggle. Erion giggled even more as the soap made them slide against each other, and they rinsed off quickly.

Erion helped Momo to dry off, and then dug a fresh toothbrush out of the drawer for Momo, who groaned with pleasure as he scrubbed his teeth twice. Erion was toweling his hair mostly dry and Momo took the brush from Erion and ran it through the silver mane, letting the silky hair slip through his fingers as he brushed, and making Erion purr with pleasure.

Clean and feeling a great deal better, Momo went back into the guest room to dress, and Erion threw his clothes on quickly before ducking out to find thick socks for Momo and hoodies for them both. Then Erion slipped his arm around Momo's waist, and snuggled into Momo as Momo put his own arm around Erion's shoulders, and they headed off to Kansas's room to greet the new year.

[Cartoons]

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this is a kim possible fan fic, currently located in the avatar/ threesomes hope this is the right way to report this have a good day

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This is old, and might get picked up on clean-up, if it hasn't been noted already....

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand looked at his cell phone for a moment, and then he leaned over and gently shook Satoshi. "Saiai, wake up. Momo just called me. He needs our help."

Satoshi looked up at Sand, his eyes struggling to focus. "Momo?" he repeated.

Sand was already sliding out of the bed and grabbing for clothing, shimmying into boxers and jeans and fumbling for a thick sweater. "He said he is in the tunnel in NiChome. He sounded drunk, or ill. I cannot tell which."

Satoshi was reaching for his glasses, the urgency in Sand's voice getting through to him. "He called just now?"

Sand nodded as Satoshi pulled on boxers and cargoes, finding a thick long-sleeved t-shirt and a hoodie. "He really sounded quite frantic. His words were very slurred, and he sounded afraid. He said he would die if he did not get out."

Satoshi nodded. "I know that tunnel. It runs between Shinjuku station and NiChome. I can get us there pretty quickly."

Sand and Satoshi hurried downstairs, pulling on shoes and jackets and getting Satoshi's car from the garage. Satoshi navigated the streets with almost a sixth sense for party night traffic, and got them to the Shinjuku station parking area, finding a parking spot. Satoshi led the way to the tunnel, which was fairly busy with people celebrating the upcoming new year.

As Sand and Satoshi approached the NiChome end of the tunnel, they saw two police officers stooping over what looked like a body, and Sand's heart began to pound. They got closer, and Sand could make out Momo's face. The officers were poking at Momo a bit with nightsticks, not hitting him but prodding him and telling him to get up.

Sand hurried over, bowing with respect when the officers turned to look at him and Satoshi.

"I do not mean to trouble you, officer-sama, but I am afraid that this unfortunate person is my gikei. He has recently suffered a sad loss, and I regret to say that he has overindulged to forget his grief." Sand kept his tone very polite. "I am so very sorry that he has made a nuisance of himself on this very festive night. Could I respectfully request that I be allowed to take him home? I promise that he will be no further trouble."

The officers looked at each other, and the first officer turned back to Sand, looking at the calling card Sand had offered him, along with his identity card.

"Very well, Mori-sama. We will let you take him home this time, but if we find him here again, we'll have to take him to the station." The officer looked sternly at Sand, who bowed again gracefully.

"Thank you for your kindness, officer-sama. The very best wishes to you for the new year." Sand held his bow for the correct amount of time and then straightened, waiting for the officers to move away before crouching down beside Momo.

"Oh, fuck," Satoshi said, trying not to gag. "He stinks worse than I thought possible. Was he bathing in sake?"

Sand looked at Momo, his face crusted with dried blood, fresh blood still seeping from the cut above his eyebrow. Momo had vomited, and it was smeared on his clothing where he had fallen into the mess. His clothing was slightly torn and very rumpled, and there were bruises visible on his face and where his jacket and t-shirt had ridden up to expose skin.

Satoshi bit back another gag. "I can't believe this. I've never seen him like this."

Sand looked up at Satoshi, his blue eyes gleaming with unshed tears. Sand looked back down at Momo, noting his unhealthy color, and his heart skipped a beat in pure terror.

"Saiai, we need to get him home quickly. I do not know how much he has been drinking, but I do not like the way he looks, or the way he is breathing." Sand pretended to cough, muttering a fast spell to enhance his strength. "Is that his cell phone?"

Satoshi took the damaged phone from Momo's slack hand, looking at the blood smeared across it. "I have a blanket in the car. We can wrap him in that to keep him warmer."

Sand carefully scooped Momo up in his arms, the younger man not even responding to being lifted, and Sand's heart sank a little further. "Seldarine, Momo-chan, were you trying to kill yourself?" Sand murmured.

Satoshi turned around, his gorgeous eyes damp. "I've known him for so long. We can't lose another one, Masato-san. Not another one of the youngsters." Satoshi bit back a sob. "Kansas calls them the posse."

Sand carried Momo through the tunnel, and Satoshi hurried ahead to open the car and get the blanket from the trunk. He laid the blanket on the back seat, and Sand eased Momo into the car and onto the blanket.

"Ride in the back with him, a'mael, in case he gets sick again. He could choke to death on it." Satoshi jumped into the driver's seat, and Sand crawled into the back, holding Momo up in a sitting position, the youngster's head lolling onto Sand's shoulder as Sand pulled the blanket around him.

Satoshi made even better time back to the estate, and they pulled into the garage. Satoshi held Momo while Sand got out, and together they managed to get him to the edge of the seat so that Sand could lift him again. Sand murmured a quick cantrip to clean Satoshi's car, earning a grateful look from his husband, and Satoshi hurried ahead to open the door for Sand.

Sand toed his shoes off in the entryway, and Satoshi eased Momo's shoes off, putting them outside the door to air out. Satoshi had grabbed the blanket from the car, and when they had gotten to their room, Satoshi spread the blanket on their bed so that Sand could lay the unconscious youngster down.

"Oh, man, we have to get these clothes off him," Satoshi said, opening Momo's jacket gingerly. He and Sand worked together to peel off the filthy clothing, and Satoshi moaned a little when he saw the awful bruises on Momo's golden skin. "Who the fuck did this to him?"

"I do not know," Sand said, his distress plain in his voice. "He said that he was in trouble, but he was not very coherent, saiai. But these bruises..." Sand's voice trailed off, and Satoshi looked up at Sand. The elf's face showed his concern plainly, and Satoshi felt a rush of love for his husband, who had such a tender heart.

When they had gotten Momo fully undressed, Sand went into their ensuite bathroom and brought back a basin of warm water and a couple of washcloths. Sand and Satoshi worked silently, exchanging quick looks as they realized that some of the bruises were older and faded, underneath the fresh bruising.

"Do you think we should give him a healing potion?" Satoshi asked softly as Sand dabbed at the cut above Momo's eyebrow. "That looks nasty."

"I do not think we can risk it," Sand replied regretfully. "How would we explain it to him? I do want to give him an antidote, however. It is effective against most poisons, including alcohol poisoning."

"Which one is it?" Satoshi asked, opening Sand's closet and pulling down the basket of potions Sand kept on the shelf. These were specialized potions that Sand kept on hand, mostly the disease cures Eryn made up for him and a few others that Sand thought might come in handy.

"It is the pale green one," Sand replied, and Satoshi found the proper vial.

"You think he can keep it down?" Satoshi asked, looking doubtful.

Sand sighed a little. "I do not know. We will see if we can get a few small sips in him. Let me just empty this basin in case we need it."

Sand dumped out the dirty water, rinsing the basin and the sink thoroughly. Satoshi held Momo while Sand opened the potion and held it to Momo's lips.

"Momo-chan, it is Masato. You are safe now. We have you." Sand stroked Momo's hair gently. "Sip this for me. Yes, that is good." Sand managed to get a few sips of the potion past Momo's lips, and the youngster shuddered a little. Sand waited to see if Momo was going to vomit again, and when it seemed like he would not, Sand coaxed the rest of the potion down, relieved when Momo's color improved a bit.

"Thank you, saiai. I will find something for him to wear, and make the futon up in the guest room." Sand eased Momo down, and dug out some soft flannel sleep pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt, and then hurried into the guest room to roll out the futon and get pillows and blankets from the closet. When he turned to leave, a pair of sleepy faces greeted him.

"Sand? What are you doing?" Erion asked, his eyes cloudy. He leaned into Kansas, his arm around his beloved's waist.

"It is Momo," Sand said softly. "We got a call from him, and Satoshi and I went to get him. He is bruised, and he has been drinking, and beyond that, I cannot say. He has not been able to talk to us."

"Oh, fuck, 'lokiamin." Erion's eyes filled with tears, and he turned to look at Kansas.

"Shh, it's okay, baby." Kansas stroked Erion's cheek gently, and then turned to Sand. "What can we do to help?"

"Satoshi and I are going to dress him and bring him here to sleep. We need to watch over him. He has been sick to his stomach, and I do not know if that will happen again. I do not know if he has anything in his body beyond sake and beer." Sand sighed a little. "I do not know what has happened between you, but I would hope that you can put aside any grievances while we care for Momo."

Erion turned scarlet. "It's not..." he began, and then took a deep breath. "It's not a fight, really. It's more or less a misunderstanding, mostly. I sort of, well, Momo was upset, and we just thought we should wait it out."

"That was desperately unhelpful," Sand replied mildly. "I am going to help Satoshi dress Momo, and then bring him in here. If you could, please watch him while I deal with his clothing and clean the tub."

"Of course, anything we can do," Kansas said quickly, pulling Erion closer.

Sand carried a clean and dressed Momo into the guest room, and Kansas jumped up to help Sand lower him onto the futon. Momo moaned a little as Sand settled him, and Sand stroked his forehead tenderly.

"Watch him for me, and I will be right back." Sand left, and Erion turned to look at Kansas.

"He's got bruises, 'lokiamin. Look at him," Erion moaned, his eyes filling again. "Why did he do this?"

Kansas reached out and brushed the silver hair back from Erion's face. "Momo is always the strong one, the one who doesn't need anyone, remember? But no one's that strong. I learned that the hard way, when I tried to save you by pushing you away. I thought I could be strong and handle losing you, if it meant you wouldn't die in the accident with me, and instead I nearly killed us both right then and there."

"You think he just took on too much by himself and broke?" Erion asked, his eyes wide. His hand crept toward Momo and then stopped. "I just don't want him to wake up and start screaming at me again," Erion said, his voice small and sad. "I don't think I could stand that. I can deal with him not wanting to go to bed with me ever again, but I don't want him to look at me like that, like he hates me."

"Isilmeamin, don't be afraid," Kansas urged. "I told you, he doesn't hate you."

Erion took a deep breath, and stretched out a slim hand, tracing the lines of Momo's jaw and cupping his face gently. "He looks like shit."

Kansas rubbed Erion's back gently. "He does, doesn't he? But you know Sand. He'll make Momo rest, and eat, and he won't take no for an answer."

Erion nodded, his eyes fixed on Momo, the tears sliding down his cheeks.

Sand gathered up the pile of clothing and shoved it all in a plastic bag. "I will burn these tomorrow, but in the meantime, I think I will leave them outside. Seldarine knows where they have been."

"Did you notice that tattoo on his ankle? The one of the angel?" Satoshi asked.

Sand arched an eyebrow. "I did. It was very simple, but it was quite beautiful, I thought. No color, and only the slightest of shading to convey details, and yet it was quite powerful in its simplicity."

Satoshi nodded, his expression thoughtful. Then he shook himself a little. "Here, you might as well burn this blanket, too, while you're at it tomorrow."

Sand nodded, and added the blanket to the plastic bag. "I will make some tea. If he wakes, perhaps he can drink a little weak tea. Would you like a cup while I am at it?"

Satoshi leaned in and kissed Sand sweetly on the lips. Sand chuckled a little, cupping Satoshi's cheek with one hand.

"What was that for, my heart?" Sand asked, his blue eyes filled with love.

"For thinking about me, about Momo, about everyone else." Satoshi stole another kiss. "I should go sit with him."

"Kansas and Erion are with Momo right now," Sand replied. "You should get some rest, saiai. Our son will be in early to wake us, no doubt."

"I'll watch with you," Satoshi said, stealing a last kiss. "Now go make tea."

The four watched Momo as he slept, or more accurately, lay unconscious on the futon. When the sky began to brighten a bit, Kansas reached out his hand for Erion. "Come on, baby."

Erion got up and followed Kansas to their room, the two youngsters worshiping the dawn on the last day of the year. It was more subdued than usual, but Kansas pulled Erion into a tender kiss after the sun had risen fully.

"He'll be okay, loved. You want to go back and sit with him a bit, or you want to sleep?" Kansas stroked Erion's silvery hair.

Erion nuzzled into Kansas's neck with a small sigh. "I'll nap later, 'lokiamin. I feel like I should be there with him for now."

Kansas nodded, and led his elf back to the guest room to watch over Momo.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion gripped Kansas's hand hard enough to hurt when the verdict was read, the final tally of one hundred and one years making him sob softly. It was not enough, it could never be enough, but it meant that Taka would be off the streets and unable to prey on any more innocent youngsters, and Erion was grateful for that much.

Behind him, Erion heard his father mutter under his breath in elven, so softly that only the other three elves could make out his words, a fervent wish that every day that Taka continued to draw breath would lead to agony for the monster. The tall elf had decided to come to the trial for the verdict, sure his sons would need him there. Santhiel had raided Hawk's closet at the house, finding dress slacks and a blazer that fit him well enough, and Sand had contributed a tie to set off the simple dress shirt. Santhiel's waist-length silver hair was pulled back in a neat ponytail at the base of his head, covering his ears, and no one in the courtroom could have missed the resemblance between him and Erion.

Erion's gaze flickered over to Momo, sitting by himself in the rear of the room, his face an expressionless mask. Erion had tried calling Momo a few times after their night together, but Momo had not answered his calls, and his voicemail was not accepting new messages. Utterly frustrated, and not really expecting a response, Erion had sent a one-line text: Did you mean anything you said? He had signed the text Yuki no tenshi, and he had made no further attempts to contact Momo after that, instead throwing himself into his studies with total concentration, determined to make a perfect score on all his exams.

Even now, at the trial, Erion had not approached Momo. Eric and Ryo had tried, only to be rebuffed coldly, and neither Kansas nor Erion had enlightened them as to why Momo was behaving like a stranger. Erion saw Momo look at Santhiel as the tall elf slid forward on the hard wooden bench to grip Erion and Kansas's shoulders comfortingly, and then Momo looked away, his expression never changing.

"Stay strong," Santhiel murmured in Japanese, a slight lilt to his accent. Erion turned to look at his father, his silver eyes wide and tear-filled.

"It doesn't bring Kage-chan back," Erion murmured in reply. His gaze flickered to Momo again, just for an instant. "It doesn't make anything right again."

"It rarely does, aier," Santhiel said, not hiding his grief for the other parents that were present. He watched as the bailiffs approached Taka, and saw the young man struggle violently, screaming threats at everyone in the room in his high-pitched voice as he was dragged away.

Ogawa-sama, his face shadowed and looking older than his years, came back into the courtroom after Taka was taken out, and walked over to the cluster of parents who were hugging their sons. Kojima-sama had dropped to his knees and was cradling the shaken Takahiro, sobbing into his stepson's hair as he stroked him tenderly.

Ogawa-sama bowed very deeply and respectfully to the families, his face pale but determined. When he straightened up, he looked at Kenshin. "I have already filed the paperwork to legally disown that vile creature. However, before I filed the paperwork, I made sure to take control of his various bank accounts. The monetary compensation will be paid to each of you in full, as the very least I can do to restore some of the honor my family has lost because of him."

"I can't imagine he had enough on his own," Kenshin said, looking at his old friend somberly.

Ogawa-sama nodded. "He doesn't. All told, he had about twelve million yen." Ogawa-sama looked at Kenshin with a small crooked smile. "His grandparents were generous, and he rarely touched his money. I've talked with my family, and I've decided to sell the house, and everything in it, and cash in my retirement. We'll be moving to Nisaki, and starting fresh there. My older son will be doing the same thing."

"I'm sorry that it's come to this, Ogawa-san," Kenshin said, meaning it sincerely. "Our wives will miss each other."

"It's better this way, Murai-san. I don't want my younger son living with the shame of what that animal did." Ogawa-sama nodded a little. "We'll begin again, and we'll heal. I only wish that I could take back what was done to your families. Our lawyer will make sure that you each get the compensation that was awarded to you."

Ogawa-sama bowed again, very deeply, and the other families returned his bow, feeling pity for the man who had fathered Taka, and who had been so misled by Taka's careful facade.

Sand crouched down next to Kojima-sama and Takahiro, his eyes filled with admiration for the brave youngster. "You have done it, Aoki-san. You have made sure that a monster has been taken off the streets. I am so enormously proud to know you." Sand handed Takahiro one of his calling cards. "I know you will want to go home and rest with your family, but when you are feeling up to it, I believe I made you a promise to take you to see our stylist."

Kojima-sama looked up at Sand, startled. "That's very kind of you, Mori-sama, but not necessary."

Sand smiled gently. "As I told Aoki-san, it is a very small thing to do, and barely begins to express my admiration for his courage. It would please me greatly to make this inadequate gesture."

Takahiro nodded, looking up at his stepfather before looking back at Sand. "Thank you, Mori-san. I'd like that, a lot, actually." Takahiro looked at Kansas and blushed a bit in embarrassment. "It looks so much better on Tatsuya-san."

"Takahiro-san?" Erion waited until Takahiro stood up, helped by his stepfather who kept an arm around the youngster protectively. "I was wondering if I could ask a favor. It helps me to study with someone, and I was sort of hoping maybe you were looking for someone to study with, too. I know you're ahead of me, but I can read questions to you and check against your textbooks and notes."

Takahiro looked at Erion for a long moment, and then he smiled a little, a smile that reached his eyes and made him look like the youngster he was. "I could use a study partner, too, Yuki-san, so, yeah, I'd like that."

Erion smiled back, his silvery eyes warm. "You've saved my life. Tatsuya's studying for his own finals, and he doesn't have time to help me. He's got to be perfect for graduation in the spring."

Kojima-sama nodded, giving Erion a pleased look. "I think that sounds like an excellent plan."

Santhiel arched an eyebrow and looked at Sand. "I see he's studying hard, and taking his education seriously. Very good."

Erion blushed a little. "Masato-otooji makes sure I'm not goofing off, tousan. I'm going to make you and okasan very proud of me this term."

"I know you will, sochi-chan." Santhiel smiled at Erion with great love. "And I know Tatsuya-san will graduate with honors, and make us all enormously proud."

Kansas looked at Santhiel, seeing the pure love in his elven father's eyes, and he gave Santhiel a wonderful smile. "Thank you for your faith in me."

Sand looked around at the rest of the family. "Will you all forgive me if I say that I am grateful to put this matter to rest? It has been a long and painful journey to get to this point, and we have paid a very high price."

Satoshi nodded. "I won't argue with you." He looked at Sand. "I think we need to go home, have a good meal and just try to get on with our lives."

Yuji looked at Vale. "We'll go get the car and bring it around."

Vale and Yuji headed off to get the car, and Sand and Satoshi walked outside the courthouse, both of them breathing the crisp winter air with relief. Satoru was standing there as well, watching as Ogawa-sama gathered his family into their car, his face reflecting the strain of the trial.

Satoshi put a hand on Sand's arm. "Give me a minute, Masato-san." When Sand smiled and nodded, Satoshi walked over to Satoru, and the two men began to speak. Sand deliberately turned away and walked back toward the courthouse, making sure even his elven hearing could not pick up the conversation. He turned back in time to see Satoshi still speaking with his father, his posture relaxed and open, and Satoru seemed to be equally relaxed and friendly. Then the father and son hugged, not for very long, and Satoshi walked back over to Sand with the hint of a smile on his face.

"What was all that about, saiai?" Sand asked.

Satoshi shook his head, looking at Sand calmly. "I'll tell you later, a'mael. Nothing to worry about."

Sand smiled at Satoshi, delighted at the progress in the tentative relationship between his beloved husband and Satoru. "Then we will wait for Tatsuya and Yuki."

Erion hovered close to Kansas, watching as Eric made another attempt to talk to Momo. The tall Swede looked hurt when Momo merely glared at him for a long moment.

"Don't you have anything better to do than fucking haunt me?" Momo snapped when Eric refused to just walk away. "Aren't you supposed to be studying for your big graduation?"

"I thought we were friends, Momo-san," Eric replied, not bothering to hide the hurt in his eyes. "You don't answer your phone. I was worried."

"I don't need a nursemaid. I'm fine, so just piss off and do whatever it is you do when you're not fucking bothering me." Momo started to turn away, his face like stone, and Erion choked back a small sob and reached for Kansas's hand.

"Fine," Eric snapped back, at the limits of his patience. His heart had been aching since the day they lost Kageoshi, and he missed his funny little Rira more than he ever imagined possible. Now Momo was acting like he barely knew Eric, after all the times Eric had passed out drunk on Momo's living room floor. The young Swede was slow to get angry, but when he did, he got very angry. "You think you can go it alone, you just do that. Screw you, Momo. Don't call me when you fall on your face."

Eric stalked off, and Ryo gave Momo an inscrutable look as he followed Eric, trying to calm the taller student down. Erion made a small noise and shrank back a little, bumping into Santhiel who had been watching with some puzzlement.

"What's all this about?" Santhiel asked, reaching out to stroke Erion's hair.

"It's nothing that we can do anything about," Kansas replied, looking at Santhiel. "He was Kageoshi's husband, and he's taking it pretty hard."

Santhiel merely nodded, sure that there was much more that Kansas and Erion were not telling him, but Kansas seemed very aware of what he was doing, and Santhiel had great faith in Kansas's ability to keep Erion safe and happy.

The next day, Sand was pleasantly surprised when his cell phone rang with a call from Takahiro. The youngster was a little tentative, but Sand quickly made arrangements to pick him up and take him to see Kai. Kansas and Erion were more than happy to come along, which nicely solved Sand's perpetual transportation issue.

Kai took one look at Takahiro, pursed his lips, and muttered, "Imitation is not the sincerest form of fucking flattery when you butcher someone's hair." He heaved a huge sigh. "Okay, this needs fixing. Tell me what you like, and I'll work a little magic."

Sand coughed into his tea, and Erion pounded his back helpfully, grinning at his uncle.

Takahiro left a couple of hours later, his hair raven black once again, short on the side and with a faux-hawk on top, his smile positively gorgeous and a bounce in his step.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion curled up in his seat, trying to figure out what had gone so horribly wrong. Kansas's face was set, and he was concentrating utterly on the road, so Erion kept silent as well, trying to keep his misery bottled up a bit while Kansas was preoccupied. Last night had been incredible and wild and exactly the kind of fun Erion enjoyed. This morning had been tender and sweet, and Erion shivered a little as he recalled Momo's words, his exact words. 'Daisuki desu, watashi no yuki no tenshi.' Momo had called Erion his snow angel, and there had been something so right in how that felt.

Erion heaved a small sigh and shifted on the seat a bit to ease the ache in his ass. In all truth, Erion felt more than a little hurt by the way Momo had screamed at him and shoved him away. Erion had not meant to hurt Momo, or to do anything wrong, and he could not feel any anger from Kansas through their bond. In fact, their soul lights were as tightly twined as ever, not a hint of disruption in them. There was so much that Erion did not understand, and he tugged his jacket around himself a little tighter and forced back the tears that wanted to come, his throat tight and aching.

Kansas used the remote to open the gates to the estate, driving slowly down the road to the garage and pulling in. He turned off the engine and got out slowly, his ass still a little sore despite the ointment. Erion got out as well, also moving a little carefully, and lit a cigarette, his face pale with unhappiness. He followed Kansas as far as the back door, and then veered off into the garden to finish his cigarette, huddling on a bench and tucking his feet up so he could wrap his arms around his legs.

Kansas stopped and turned, looking at his elf curled up on the bench. "Isilmeamin, it's too cold to huddle out here. Come inside."

Erion looked over his shoulder. "In a minute. I just want to finish my cigarette."

Kansas walked over and sat facing Erion. He reached out and stroked the elf's cheek tenderly, but Erion just shook his head a little.

"You're cold. Go on inside, and I'll be right up." Erion took a drag on his cigarette, not even conscious of his shields going up. "I'm fine, really. I'll be quick."

Kansas sighed, and stood reluctantly. He was fairly sure he knew what was bothering Erion, but it was far too cold to talk in the garden, and so he went inside, leaving his shoes and jacket in the entryway and heading upstairs to wait for his elf.

Erion finished his cigarette and stubbed it out, scrubbing his hands over his face and standing slowly. He walked into the house, trying to make as little noise as possible as he left his own boots and jacket in the entryway. The last thing Erion wanted to do was to talk to anyone other than Kansas, and he was not even sure he was ready to talk to Kansas. It was all so muddled and Erion bit back a small sob as he slipped quietly up the stairs.

Kansas was sitting on the edge of the bed, and Erion just looked at him briefly before going to the dresser and rummaging through it for clothing. He settled on sweat pants and an oversized sweater, grabbing clean underwear and thick socks and turned to leave the room.

"We should talk, baby," Kansas said gently.

"I just want to take a shower," Erion said, his voice small. "We didn't shower, and I feel all sticky."

Kansas sighed again. "Don't keep it all bottled up, Erion. You need to talk to me."

Erion shrugged a little. "I don't even know what to say. I just want to shower." He hurried out of the room before Kansas could stop him, ducking into the bathroom and turning on the water before stripping rapidly.

In the safety of the shower, Erion took a deep breath and let the first tears fall, his heart aching and his shields firmly in place. He sank down to crouch in the corner of the shower, his back against the wall and his arms folded over his knees. Erion was so lost in his own misery that he never heard Kansas come in, until Kansas pulled Erion to his feet and wrapped his arms around the elf.

"Talk to me," Kansas said, his voice so tender that Erion's walls came crashing down.

"What the fuck did I do wrong, 'lokiamin? I thought he wanted to. I wouldn't have if I didn't," Erion sobbed, burying his face in Kansas's neck, his arms slipping around Kansas's waist.

Kansas stroked Erion's hair with infinite tenderness. "You didn't do anything wrong, baby. Last night was just something we all needed."

"It wasn't last night," Erion replied, his voice trembling. "We made love this morning, real love, not just fucking around like last night. Last night, he wouldn't even look at me, but this morning was different. I could see it in his eyes."

"I know," Kansas soothed. "I know it was different. It's okay, my love, you didn't do anything wrong."

Erion clung tighter, his wet hair falling forward to cover his face a bit. "I didn't want to make him so fucking mad. I just wanted to love him a bit, and he was so sweet. I'm yours forever, you know that, but I can share you, too. I share you with Satoshi, and Yuji, and Vale, and Sand. That's fine. You share me with Satoshi and Yuji. And we can share Haedrith, and that's fine, too."

"Of course it is," Kansas murmured, pressing a sweet kiss to Erion's temple.

"Last night was just, I don't know, maybe trying to forget how much it hurts. We all miss him so much, our little angel." Erion shivered miserably. "But I don't even know what happened this morning. It stopped being just about feeling sad and hurt, and it turned into being about really wanting him."

"You do?" Kansas asked, his hands sliding up to cup Erion's face and tilt it up. "You feel something more than just friendship?"

Erion looked utterly miserable as he nodded. "And I think he knows, and he hates me now. I'm not trying to replace anyone. I'm just... Fuck!" Erion took a shuddering breath. "I don't want him to hate me, 'lokiamin, and I feel like shit now for even saying that to you."

"Baby, listen to me. Momo doesn't hate you." Kansas pressed a tender kiss to Erion's forehead. "I love you, so much that sometimes I don't even know where I end and you begin. I know we'll love each other like that forever, and I also know that something happened between you and Momo this morning. Not the making love, but something here." Kansas touched Erion's chest. "You haven't betrayed us at all."

Erion nodded, his silver eyes red-rimmed and pale.

"Momo's hurt and he's just as confused, and he's feeling a little bit guilty. I've known him long enough to know that much. He's afraid he's betraying Kage-chan's memory by feeling something for you that's maybe more than just lust." Kansas looked at Erion, his eyes a beautiful stormy grey. "He doesn't know how to deal with that right now, and so he lashed out and pushed you away, but he doesn't hate you. He just needs time to think about what he's feeling, and about what happened this morning. Give him some time, and some space, okay?"

Erion nodded again, his heart still aching.

"How do you feel about him, isilmeamin?" Kansas asked.

Erion sucked in a deep breath. "He called me his snow angel. He said daisuki desu to me, and he called me watashi no yuki no tenshi." He looked deep into Kansas's eyes. "And I told him daisuki desu, and I called him melindoamin, my lover."

"Did it feel right when you said it?" Kansas pressed a soft kiss to Erion's lips.

Erion hiccuped a small sob. "Yes, it did, 'lokiamin. It felt as right as when you kissed me the first time, like it was supposed to happen."

Kansas pulled Erion close and stroked his hair. "Then if it's supposed to happen, it will." Kansas reached for the shampoo, lathering Erion's hair. "Give him some time to figure it out, okay?"

"You're okay with this?" Erion asked, his voice shaky. "I won't do anything you're not okay with, 'lokiamin. You're my forever, the rest of my soul. I'm not complete without you."

"I know that, my love." Kansas rinsed Erion's hair tenderly, and reached for the soap to wash his elf. "There's something else we need to talk about."

"The blood," Erion said, his voice a little less shaky, and he looked up at Kansas and met his eyes.

Kansas nodded. "Did that scare you? I felt something happen, but I couldn't tell what it was."

"We were so fucking drunk," Erion said. "But yeah, Nim'Cath got a little crazy. It's okay now, with him. He's fine, but he didn't approve of the blood." Erion reached for the shampoo and began to lather Kansas's hair, and the imp felt something inside him relax.

"It's just something that I need sometimes. Before I met you, I used to need it a lot. The way blood smells, and tastes, it just turns me on sometimes, and it used to make a lot of the pain go away. There isn't so much pain anymore, but I still like it, and so does Momo." Kansas let Erion rinse his hair, the elf's fingers gentle and deft. "It's something I'd share with you, too, if you wanted to."

"It's not my thing," Erion admitted. "I'm fine with blood in a fight. In fact, I want to see my enemy's blood. And Nim'Cath is fine with that. He calls them prey."

Kansas snorted a little as Erion began to soap Kansas thoroughly.

"Anyway, I don't mind that you like that, or even need that, although if it's because something hurts, I'd want to know," Erion said carefully. "Just because I don't get into it doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. Who did you used to do it with? Momo?"

"Satoshi," Kansas replied calmly, feeling Erion's acceptance and love shining forth through their bond. "He gets off on it as much as I do. If I feel like I need it, I can go to him. I just want to know that you're okay with that."

Erion leaned in to kiss Kansas, a sweet and tender kiss. "I'm glad you can share that with Satoshi. What you have with him is so special, and I never want you to lose that, so yes, I'm more than okay with it."

The two youngsters finished rinsing off, both of them wincing a little as they carefully toweled themselves dry, stealing small kisses and letting all the mixed emotions of the past night and the morning fade away. Erion reached into the basket of healing potions and pulled a couple of mild potions out, offering one to Kansas.

"I think I want to be able to sit today," Erion admitted a little ruefully. "You two were incredible last night, and I loved every moment of being that filled, but my ass really hurts."

Clean and dry and feeling whole once again, Kansas and Erion went downstairs to raid the kitchen, both of them suddenly starving. Erion had his head in the refrigerator and Kansas was setting up the tea maker when a familiar voice made them both spin around in amazement.

"Utinuae? Seldarine, it's good to see you both." Santhiel stood in the doorway of the kitchen, a smile on his lips that did little to hide the worry in his eyes.

"Atar!" Erion screamed, flinging himself across the room and into Santhiel's arms, Kansas on his heels. "When did you get here? Why are you here? Is something wrong?"

Santhiel gathered his beloved sons into a tight embrace, burying his face in their clean sweet hair. "I just got here this morning, and everyone's fine back home, and sends their love. I've just had this feeling that I was needed here, that you both needed me. It took me a while to settle things up at home before I could leave, or I would have been here sooner."

Kansas sobbed a little, his arms going around Santhiel. "I'm so glad you're here, atar. I really am."

Santhiel gave them a final tight squeeze and then released the youngsters stepping back to look at them, his silver eyes filled with love and concern. "Sand told me what happened, all of it. I'm going to stay at least until the trial is over. I know there's not a lot I can actually do, but I can at least be here if you just need someone to lean on." He reached out to stroke both their faces lovingly. "You're doing the right thing, and you're the most perfect sons any father could have. I love you both, and I'm so proud of you."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion's silver eyes widened a little as he tried to process what he was seeing, shaking his head a little to clear the fog of alcohol and post-orgasmic bliss. Somewhere in the back of Erion's hazy brain, Nim'Cath roared, and Erion sent him a sharp warning to shut up and back off, his tattoo tingling again.

Erion dragged himself to a sitting position, his head spinning a bit, and Kansas looked up, his lips as crimson as Momo's lips. Kansas pulled on Momo's arm, holding it out to the elf.

"Want some?" Kansas asked, and licked his lips slowly, his eyes dark with appreciation for the taste of Momo.

"I'll stick with beer," Erion said, waiting for his legs to decide they could hold him. "Ere' yulna agar en' gothrimlle. Wait, that didn't come out right. Fuck it, I want a beer."

Kansas just snickered a little as Erion slid off the bed and onto the floor, looking slightly puzzled. Erion tried to blow a raspberry as he pulled himself back up to his feet, only swaying a little once he was upright.

"Kiss my ass," Erion replied cheerfully. "Just for that, you can get your own fucking beer." He managed a wicked little wiggle of his slim hips, and sauntered out to the kitchen. He grabbed a beer, and decided to shove the rest into the refrigerator while he was there, not in any particular hurry to get back to the bedroom. He managed to get the beers into the refrigerator and cracked his beer open, taking a deep swallow and sighing happily.

The taste of the beer reminded Erion that he wanted a cigarette, so he grabbed a pack from the bag and went in search of a lighter on the coffee table, hooting a little when he found one. The sake bottle was sadly empty, and Erion sighed, until it occurred to him that a breath of fresh air might clear his head. Beer in one hand, cigarette in the other, Erion stepped out onto the landing outside Momo's apartment, sucking in a lungful of cold air and shaking his head a little.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Kansas yanked Erion by the shoulder, tugging the elf back into the loft and shutting the door.

Erion took another long swallow, finishing his beer, and then giggled. "You're so fucking hot when you're like this, you know that?" He put his beer bottle down so he could fist his hand in Kansas's hair and pull him in for a searing kiss.

"And you were fucking naked, you moron," Kansas said, but his eyes were dark with desire, and he pulled Erion in for another kiss.

When they finally broke to breathe, Erion reached for the bottle of beer, puzzled to find it empty. Then he brightened. "That's right, I came out here to get a beer!" He wiggled out of Kansas's arms and opened the fridge, grabbing two beers and closing the door quickly, giggling again. "You can get your own, smartass." He sauntered back into the bedroom, swaying his hips, and handed one beer to Momo as he climbed back onto the bed.

"You're so fucking hot, you know that?" Erion said, tossing the cigarettes and the lighter on the bed. He slid over to rub against Momo a little, and Momo snorted.

"You're fucking cold, you little shit." He gave Erion a playful shove, and Erion fell over, managing to hold his beer upright as he rolled onto his stomach, his pert ass in reach of Momo's hand.

"I'm not cold where it counts," Erion retorted, grinding himself against the mattress suggestively.

Kansas came back in, sliding onto the bed and slapping Erion's ass soundly. "Fucking insatiable," he muttered.

Erion grinned and reached for the cigarettes, lighting one and taking a deep drag. He released the smoke and swigged his beer, knowing that Momo was admiring the red handprint on his ass.

"You complaining, 'lokiamin?" Erion shifted to position himself more comfortably between Momo and Kansas.

"Fucking perverts," Momo muttered, lighting a cigarette of his own.

Erion hooted happily. "You have no idea." He leaned over and ran his hot tongue over the panther that crept along Momo's right thigh from his hip, his silver hair spilling over Momo's golden skin as he nuzzled the hollow of Momo's hipbone. "You're too fucking sexy, Momo-chan."

"Shut up and drink your beer," Momo retorted, but his hand crept down to fondle one delicate ear tip, making Erion give a wanton little moan.

Kansas could feel Erion's wild need, and he knew exactly what his little elf was angling for. He leaned over, his breath hot as he licked and bit Erion's other ear. "Drink your beer, baby, and if you're good, we can play some more."

"I'm better than good," Erion purred, but he took another drink of his beer, content to nuzzle Momo's thigh a bit and watch Momo's cock start to thicken. His cock was already hard, pressed into his groin as he wriggled a little on the mattress.

Kansas leaned over Erion and kissed Momo hard, all teeth and dueling tongues, and Momo moaned into the kiss. They broke apart, Kansas's hand straying to stroke Erion's ass, teasing at his tight little pucker almost absently. Erion just made that purring noise again, spreading his thighs slightly to allow Kansas better access but refraining from thrusting up against Kansas's fingers.

The three youngsters finished their beers and cigarettes, Momo's eyes never straying long from the sight of Kansas teasing Erion's ass open, the pucker relaxing visibly under Kansas's deft touch. Kansas looked over at Momo, grinning wickedly when he saw that Momo's cock was fully hard and beginning to weep a little precum.

"You want to fuck him again?" Kansas asked.

Momo swallowed thickly as Erion licked his panther again, the pink tongue flicking out to swipe at the head of Momo's cock.

"Lay back," Kansas told Momo. Erion straddled Momo, looking down at the gorgeous young man. He positioned his ass over Momo's cock and lined up his pucker before lowering himself all at once, taking Momo in to the balls in a single swift move, and Momo howled as he was enveloped in that velvet heat. Erion let out a wanton moan, his head falling back as Kansas reached around the elf to tease his sensitive nipples.

Erion flexed his lean thigh muscles, rising and falling a couple of times, watching Momo's face flush a little, and then Erion turned to look over his shoulder pleadingly. Kansas gave a wicked little chuckle, and looked over Erion's shoulder at Momo.

"You want us both to fuck him?" Kansas offered casually, and Erion moaned happily. "He can take us both."

Momo's eyes widened, and he swallowed hard. "He's pretty tight."

"I want your cock, too, 'lokiamin," Erion moaned, sinking forward to stretch out on Momo's chest, giving Kansas a perfect view of his ass, Momo's cock buried deep.

Kansas grabbed the lube, slicking his fingers and smearing Erion's ass liberally, sliding a finger in alongside Momo's cock to tease the tight ring even more. Erion howled a little, his silver eyes bright with pleasure, and he shifted, letting Momo's cock slide out of his ass until only the head remained buried in Erion.

Kansas moved in behind Erion, positioning his cock carefully against Erion's ass, sliding his cock along Momo's cock and pressing the head of his cock in just below the head of Momo's cock. Erion mewled at the intrusion, sucking in a quick breath, and then he nodded to let Kansas know he could move. Kansas pushed forward as Erion pushed back along Momo's cock, and Momo howled as he felt the already tight little ass get even tighter, Kansas's thick cock sliding alongside his cock in that maddening heat.

Erion reached down and fisted his own cock, his eyes glazed with the incredible sensation of having two cocks moving in him together, so perfectly filled that he was nearly breathless. Every tiny shift prodded his prostate, and fireworks were exploding behind Erion's eyes almost without cessation.

Kansas looked at Momo again, and nodded, and the two youngsters began to move in tandem, setting a steady pace as Erion moaned again, his head falling forward onto Momo's shoulder. Kansas tugged Erion's hand away from his cock, reaching between Erion and Momo to stroke his elf firmly, and Erion mewled, completely beyond words as his balls drew up sharply and he spilled on Momo's stomach. Erion's ass spasmed as he came, and Momo howled into the elf's hair as he felt himself erupt, his hot cum bathing Kansas's cock and pushing Kansas into his own explosive orgasm.

Erion slammed himself down as hard as he could, taking as much of both cocks as was possible into his ass, writhing as his eyes fluttered closed, his entire body shivering with the intensity of his orgasm. With a final soft scream, Erion collapsed in a boneless heap on Momo's chest, his silver eyes firmly closed and his hair fanned out against Momo's golden skin.

Translation:

Ere' yulna agar en' gothrimlle - Only drink the blood of your enemies

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion was vaguely aware of an ache in his hips where they had slammed against the hard edge of the metal workbench, but that faded into nothing compared to the exquisite pleasure of the substantial cock churning in Erion's ass and filling him magnificently. When Momo came, filling Erion with hot cum, Erion mewled and wriggled backward, grinding himself against Momo to try and milk every last drop from him.

Erion's cock was aching, and he shivered as Momo sank forward over him, suckling the tip of one ear and making Erion moan wantonly. Erion could feel the waves of sated pleasure rolling off Kansas through their bond, and he writhed a little, seeking any sort of friction for his cock, to no avail. Momo's heart was pounding hard enough for Erion to feel it against his back, his tattoo tingling a little. When Momo's breathing slowed down enough for him to talk, he managed to croak a single word.

"Bed."

Momo pulled his cock out of Erion, making the elf whimper a little with the loss. Erion took advantage of his sudden freedom to turn around, shucking the rest of the way out of his jeans and boxers. Fully naked, he bent and retrieved a beer from the case on the floor, opening it and draining it in one long drink. Erion turned his heated gaze on Momo, licking his lips, his expression hungry. Momo returned his look with equal heat, and Erion looked over his shoulder at Kansas, seeing an equal heat in his beloved's eyes.

Somehow, the three youngsters managed to stumble into the bedroom, falling onto the bed in a tangle, Erion trying to kiss Kansas over Momo's shoulder. Momo turned his head, running his tongue along the shell of Erion's ear and making Erion gasp. Erion's hand slid down Momo's side, moving around to cup Momo's ass as he nipped at Momo's jawline. Erion was struck for a moment by the raw sexuality in Momo, the alcoholic fog lifting long enough for the young elf to appreciate Momo's utter desirability.

"Want you, now," Erion managed to mumble, his heart pounding hard enough to make him slightly dizzy as he ran his hands down the golden skin. Momo rolled over onto his stomach, drawing his knees up and presenting the perfect globes of his ass to Erion, who moaned again with desperate lust. Erion could see streaks of Kansas's cum still painting Momo's ass, and he leaned forward to drag his hot tongue over that delicious skin, tasting his beloved as he laved Momo. Then there was lube on his hand, and Erion slicked his cock quickly before teasing Momo's pucker with his fingers, watching as the muscle relaxed almost immediately.

Kansas crawled over the bed to kneel by Momo's side, his own cock already starting to harden again as he watched Erion play with Momo's ass. Erion reared up and pressed his cock against Momo's ass, waiting for a moment until Momo pushed back slightly, and Erion sank the head of his cock into Momo's ass, delirious with the heat and the pleasure of being enveloped in the velvet tightness. Momo pressed back again, and Erion sank his cock to the root, hard and fast, his slim hands wrapped around Momo's hips hard enough to bruise.

Kansas was palming his own cock, his eyes hooded as he watched Erion plunder Momo's ass, driving into the older youngster with wicked thrusts, finding Momo's prostate and pounding it mercilessly. Erion was so aroused from having been taken on the workbench that it did not take long before he felt his balls beginning to tighten. Kansas leaned in, his breath hot against Erion's ear, perfectly attuned to his beloved's state.

"He likes it when you pull out and come all over his ass and back," Kansas murmured, pulling Erion into a burning kiss and plundering the elf's mouth.

Erion thrust a few more times, and then he pulled out as his balls jumped up, his cum spurting in thick ropes to decorate Momo's ass and lower back. Kansas fisted one hand in Erion's silvery hair and turned the elf to face him.

"Taste it," Kansas ordered, and Erion moaned with sheer abandon, his cock twitching a little as he leaned over Momo's shivering back to lick his cum from the black and red snake. Erion leaned over and swiped his hot little tongue over the head of Kansas's cock, tasting Kansas's precum mingling with his own cum. Kansas chuckled wickedly, yanking on Erion's hair to keep the elf from diving onto his cock.

"Not yet, baby," Kansas said sternly, and Erion growled a little before subsiding onto the bed next to Momo. Kansas slid off the bed to get beers for himself and Momo, and Erion amused himself by offering Momo his throat to bite and suck, his own slim fingers dancing along Momo's shoulders and sliding up to fist in Momo's hair.

Momo sucked down a gulp of the beer gratefully, and Kansas took a long drink of his own beer. Erion reared up and pulled Kansas into a kiss, tasting the beer on Kansas's tongue and moaning happily.

"Fuck, Kansas," Momo muttered. "You get that every night?" He looked at Erion with hooded eyes.

Kansas chuckled. "He's just warming up. Wait until he sucks your cock."

"Fuck me, 'lokiamin, and I'll suck his cock," Erion said, his eyes dark with need. "I want to taste."

Momo gave a strangled little laugh, his eyes sliding over Erion without meeting his gaze. Erion just pushed Momo down on his back, spreading Momo's thighs and slipping between them, his sweet ass in the air as Kansas crawled over behind Erion. Momo's hands fisted in Erion's thick silver hair as Erion feathered a hot breath over Momo's cock, watching it twitch and stiffen as he flicked the tip of his tongue against the sensitive cleft under the head.

Kansas spread Erion's cheeks, positioning his cock at the tight little pucker and plunging into Erion's ass. Erion howled with bliss, and dipped his head to slide his lips over the head of Momo's cock, one hand cupping Momo's balls so he could stroke the tender skin beneath them, pressing Momo's prostate from the outside. Erion slid his mouth all the way down until Momo's cock was hitting the back of his throat, his lips stretched deliciously around Momo's girth as Kansas pounded into Erion's ass.

Momo writhed and moaned as Erion relaxed his throat and swallowed Momo to the root, his nose buried in the soft black curls at the base of Momo's cock, his finger pressing more firmly as he hummed a little. Momo tightened his grip on Erion's hair, and pulled the young elf back off his cock until only the head was between those pink lips, moaning at the sight of Kansas slamming into Erion hard enough to redden the skin of Erion's ass while Momo used his grip on Erion to fuck the elf's willing mouth.

Kansas pulled out of Erion, slapping Erion's ass to get his attention, and when the elf turned his eyes to look at Kansas with lust-glazed eyes, Kansas growled, "Switch."

Erion reluctantly pulled his mouth off Momo's cock, letting it slip free with a soft pop, Momo releasing Erion's hair and watching as Kansas's mouth replaced Erion's on his cock. Erion scrambled behind Kansas, reaching for the lube and slicking his fingers, teasing Kansas's pucker and sliding one finger in as Kansas devoured Momo's cock. A second finger followed, and Erion thrust, hooking his fingers to find Kansas's prostate and making the imp howl around Momo's cock. Erion moaned, smearing lube over his cock and pressing into Kansas, unwilling to wait any longer to be buried in that delicious heat, and Kansas howled again as he was breached.

It was such a wanton sight that Momo moaned, his hips bucking to drive his cock into Kansas's talented mouth while Erion rode his dragon's ass with blissful abandon, their movements perfectly synchronized. Erion leaned forward to sink his teeth into Kansas's shoulder, worrying the pale skin and sucking a livid mark, finding the imp's prostate and riding it unerringly as Kansas drove Momo over the edge. Momo howled loudly as his balls drew up, and he spilled into Kansas's mouth, the imp swallowing all but the last mouthful of cum.

Kansas turned his head, and Erion dove in to fasten his lips to Kansas's lips, accepting the mouthful of Momo's cum with such a decadent little moan that Momo shivered. Erion savored the taste of Momo, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment, and then he looked down at Momo with a heated gaze, Momo's eyes skittering away to focus on Erion's silver hair as it tangled in with Kansas's black and blue locks.

"You taste good," Erion purred, and he returned to plundering Kansas's mouth, still balls deep in his imp's ass, his thrusts a little ragged as he felt himself get close. "Fuck, 'lokiamin, you want me in or out?"

"In," Kansas growled, and then screamed as Erion shifted his hips slightly to slam Kansas's prostate dead on as the elf let go, filling Kansas's ass with spurt after spurt of cum. Kansas's cock was dripping precum, and Momo moaned as he watched Kansas and Erion move with such familiar ease, torn for a moment between lust and a pang of jealousy that he had never gotten to know that with his tenshi. Erion shuddered a little, and let himself slip out of Kansas's ass, the lovers collapsing to the bed beside Momo.

Erion promptly crawled to the other side of Momo, nuzzling Momo's ear and suckling on his earlobe, fingers finding Momo's nipple and toying with it almost idly. Kansas pressed his hard cock into Momo's thigh as he pulled Momo into a heated kiss, Momo letting out a strangled moan as Erion's hand slid down to stroke the panther tattooed along Momo's right hip, following it as it stretched down along Momo's golden thigh.

"Pretty," Erion murmured, and nipped Momo's earlobe before suckling it again, his tongue hot as it soothed where the elf had bitten. Momo's cock was starting to twitch, stiffening a little, and Erion stroked it lazily.

Momo growled a little and sat up, grabbing Kansas and flipping him onto his stomach, pulling the imp's ass into the air as he moved behind him. Momo lined his cock up with Kansas's ass, and Erion shifted to nibble at Kansas's kiss-swollen lips, his own cock starting to harden again.

"Do you mind if I fuck him?" Momo asked Erion, his eyes still sliding past Erion's eyes.

Erion snorted a little. "Ask him. I don't tell Kansas what to fucking do."

"Does it look like I mind?" Kansas laughed. "Fuck me, you moron."

"Fucking perverts," Momo mumbled, and slammed his cock into Kansas's already loosened ass as the imp howled with pleasure.

Erion slid out of the bed, rummaging for a fresh pack of cigarettes and finding a lighter and an ashtray that was not overflowing among the debris on the coffee table. He sauntered back into the bedroom, his hips swaying as he crawled up to the head of the bed, watching Momo plunder Kansas's ass while he palmed his own cock lazily, letting smoke trickle past his pink lips.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion balanced the case of beer on one hip as he opened the door, trying not to drop the bag with the cartons of cigarettes while he fumbled with the doorknob. The action made him giggle a little, until he remembered that he was pissed off at Kansas for being a complete asshole and a perverted fucker. A breeze blew Erion's hair in his eyes for a moment, and he shivered as he finally figured out how the doorknob was supposed to turn, and slipped back into the apartment.

Once inside, Erion blinked to clear the tears from the wind out of his eyes, and then froze, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Momo was nibbling on Kansas's neck, and Kansas was moaning deliciously, one leg hooked around Momo's leg and his hands sliding under Momo's t-shirt. The t-shirt rode up to reveal the black and red snake that covered Momo's lower back, below the enticingly golden skin.

Erion blinked again, and the case of beer dug into his hip, so he set it down carefully and put the bag of cigarettes on top of the case of beer. Erion looked again as Kansas and Momo, and he pulled off his jacket, threw it on the floor, and shoved Momo as hard as he could.

"Fuck!" Erion screamed. "I can't believe you two perverted fuckers! You send me out to waggle my ass for this perverted old fuck to get beer and cigarettes and I come back and you two are fucking glued to each other!"

"Erion," Kansas began, but Erion just stepped backward.

"You two do whatever the fuck you want," Erion snarled. "I'm fucking out of here!"

The young elf turned to grab his jacket off the floor, but Momo grabbed him and spun Erion around to face him, his hands reaching for Erion's ears. Momo slid his fingers up Erion's ears to the tips and he rubbed the sensitive points firmly, his eyes filled with something Erion could not name.

The reaction was instantaneous. Erion let out the most wanton moan, his hands reaching for Momo's t-shirt and fisting in it as he pulled Momo in for a searing kiss. Erion's hips bucked forward, and he pressed his rapidly hardening cock against Momo's thigh with a growl of pure lust, his silver eyes heated as he nipped Momo's lower lip sharply. Momo rubbed Erion's ears again, and the elf's moan was even more decadent.

Erion had managed to toe off his boots, and he bucked his hips forward again, grinding himself against Momo's cock as he moaned, his head falling back to expose his throat. Erion lost his balance as the case of beer bumped the backs of his legs, and he tried to fling his arms around Momo, forgetting in his drunken and lust-addled state that he was clinging to Momo's t-shirt. There was a ripping sound as the t-shirt gave way, and Momo's arms dropped to snag Erion around the waist, catching the young elf and pulling him close.

Erion nuzzled into the golden skin of Momo's chest, all but purring as he breathed in the scent of the taller man, and Momo let out a moan as Erion's hot mouth fastened on one nipple, the elf's slim hands dropping to fumble with Momo's belt. Erion's teeth scraped over Momo's nipple, his tongue lapping to soothe it immediately, and Momo ground into Erion with a gasp, feeling Erion's hard cock pressing against his thigh as Erion turned his head to assault Momo's other nipple.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

"Chief Kitamura-sama, Mori-sama is here, with several young men." The young officer bowed deeply, his uniform immaculate.

Kitamura nodded. "Please bring them into the victims' interview room, and have tea brought in."

Kitamura watched as the young officer bowed again, and scurried off to do his bidding. Truthfully, after the death of young Murai-san, Kitamura had lost hope of prosecuting Ogawa for his crimes, vile as they were, and he could not imagine what had brought Mori-sama here. Mori-sama had mentioned compelling evidence, and Kitamura knew the lawyer well enough to know that he spoke only the truth. With a deep sigh, Kitamura stood and straightened his uniform jacket, thinking of his nephew.

Satoru sat in the interview room, looking at Takahiro and the other five young men steadily. "The only thing I ask of any of you is to speak the truth. We can do this. We can bring Ogawa to justice, if we stand together."

Takahiro nodded, the shadows under his eyes a tribute to how poorly he had slept. He looked around at his fellow victims, and the young men seemed to draw strength from each other. Takahiro turned around and looked at Satoru with a ghost of a smile. "We're ready, Mori-sama."

The door opened, and Chief Kitamura walked in, his face stern. Satoru stood, and they bowed to each other formally.

"You said you have additional evidence, Mori-sama," Kitamura said carefully. "I'm almost afraid to get my hopes up after Murai-san's death."

Satoru nodded, a grim smile on his face. "This is Aoki Takahiro-san. He lives in the house between Ogawa and the Murai family, and he is another victim of Ogawa. Not only was he a victim, he has the missing videos. Ogawa left them with Aoki-san." Satoru gestured at the other young men. "These are the other victims of Ogawa, tracked down with help from Aoki-san. They are all ready to press charges against Ogawa."

Kitamura looked at Satoru, his expression one of mingled hope and triumph.

"That's not all, Kitamura-san," Satoru continued. "We have a video journal belonging to Aoki-san. On it he recorded Ogawa making vile threats against all of these young men, against Murai-san, and against Aoki-san's seven year old sister, right before he beat Aoki-san."

"Please allow me time to review this new evidence," Kitamura said. When Satoru nodded, the Station Chief withdrew to his office, sending the young officer in to take orders for light snacks for Satoru, Takahiro and the others.

By the time Kitamura returned, the lunch had arrived but everyone was picking at the food nervously. Kitamura himself had no appetite, and was quite sure he would not want to eat for the rest of the day.

Kitamura looked at the pale faces of the six young men, all of them determined to go through with this despite the potential for public humiliation and possibly lost employment. In the face of such courage, Kitamura could only bow deeply to the young men.

"You realize that the charges we are allowed to bring in your cases are those of indecent assault," Kitamura began. "However, we will also be able to use the threats against your family members and loved ones to bring charges of intimidation and reckless endangerment in the case of Aoki-san's sister. There is also the matter of illegal drugs used in three of these attacks. And of course, there is the matter of the witness tampering against Murai-san, and the resulting death of Murai-san, which his parents are pressing charges for as manslaughter."

Satoru felt a surge of pride as all the young men nodded. It was Takahiro who spoke for them all. "We will all press charges, Chief Kitamura-sama, all of us."

"Then the arrest will be made tomorrow," Kitamura said, in a tone of great respect. "You all have my thanks for your courage and the honor you show to Murai-san's memory."

Satoru rode with Kitamura in his personal car, the driver another of Kitamura's quiet but efficient young officers. Behind them was another police car, with three additional officers, their uniforms crisp and their faces as grim as Kitamura's face.

"You realize it's going to be the lunch break when we get to the university," Satoru said quietly.

Kitamura smiled without any humor at all. "I'm counting on that. I think this deserves an audience, don't you? I want as many people as possible to hear the charges as I arrest Ogawa."

"So you'll be making the arrest personally?" Satoru asked.

"It will highlight how seriously we're taking this, don't you think?" Kitamura responded. "The Station Chief himself making the arrest? I want Ogawa's cronies to understand that there will be no sympathy for him, or anyone who wants to be like him."

"Aoki-san went to classes this morning. I asked him to stay close to certain of Murai-san's friends." Satoru took a deep breath. "This is going to be interesting."

Takahiro stood next to Erion and Kansas, his baseball cap pulled down tightly and his hands fisted in his hoodie. Ryo and Eric walked over, and over Ryo's shoulder, Erion could see Taka arriving.

"What the fuck are you doing with them?" Taka snarled, stopping a short distance from the posse and Takahiro. "Get your ass over here. I need you to carry this for me." Taka held out his backpack.

"Fuck off, Ogawa," Erion snapped, moving to stand in front of Takahiro, his silver eyes blazing. "He's not your slave, you piece of shit."

Eric and Ryo moved closer to Takahiro as well, covering him from the rear, while Kansas glared at Taka. Kansas's palms were a little damp as his hands clenched into fists, and he fought back a small wave of panic, wondering if this would escalate into something messy. Kansas was no coward, but Taka had a knack for using just the right tone of voice, just the right commands to bring back all of Kansas's past and the paralyzing fear of those dark days.

Taka looked at Erion, his eyes narrowing. "Watch that mouth of yours, gaijin, or I'll be happy to teach you a lesson in manners."

"With your fists or your limp dick, asshole?" Erion snarled. "I'd love a chance to break your nose again. I could use the practice."

Taka sneered and shifted his gaze to Takahiro. "What the fuck are you waiting for? I told you to get over here."

"No," Takahiro replied, his voice clear and firm. "Find someone else to bully. I'm tired of your shit." Erion could sense Takahiro's trembling, and the posse closed in a little tighter around him in response.

"Fine," Taka said, his voice dripping contempt. "Play with your new friends, and when they get tired of your shit, don't coming crawling back to me, you useless fuck." He turned and walked away, shoving another student as he went.

Kansas breathed a small sigh of relief, and Erion growled a little deep in his throat, almost disappointed that Taka had not lost control and swung at him. Erion would have loved nothing more than to have been attacked publicly by Taka, giving him the protection of self-defense so he could take out all his grief and rage on Taka. Shaking his silvery head, Erion turned around to look at Takahiro, managing a bright smile.

"Well, that was refreshing," Erion joked, throwing an arm around Takahiro's shoulders.

"We made a schedule," Eric said calmly enough. "At least one of us is going to be with you at all times when you're not in class, Takahiro-san. We'll walk you to class, and we'll be there when you get out."

Takahiro nodded, the relief on his face plain. "I feel like I'm going to throw up. I swear, when he gets like that, he's scary as shit."

"He's not going to touch you," Ryo said.

Kansas nodded. "He's not stupid enough to touch any of us, not when there's anyone else around that can say he started things. He's a bully, and an evil piece of shit, but he's good at keeping up that image, especially with professors around."

"So, we'd better get ourselves to class," Erion said, breathing out the last of the adrenaline from the confrontation. "I'm walking you to your first class, Takahiro-san."

By lunchtime, there was no small amount of buzz in the cafeteria as the posse arrived with Takahiro, heading for their usual table. Taka was not far away, tossing his backpack on a table with a sneer as he glared at Takahiro. Erion waggled his fingers at Taka in a mock wave, and Kansas gave Erion a small poke.

"Don't provoke things," Kansas muttered, giving Erion a stern look.

Erion made a little face. "Sorry, 'lokiamin. You're right." He was about to sit, when a silence fell over the cafeteria, and he looked around to see Chief Kitamura walk in, Satoru at his side and three uniformed police officers behind him.

Everyone in the cafeteria froze, watching as Chief Kitamura walked over to where Taka was sitting with two other young men. Takahiro paled a little, and the posse closed ranks around him quickly, offering silent reassurance.

Chief Kitamura raised his voice as he spoke, making sure that his words carried to every corner of the cafeteria. "Ogawa Takahiro?"

"That's me," Taka said, not bothering to stand and bow. "What's this about, officer?"

The lack of any respect did not surprise Kitamura, and he kept his expression calm as he looked down at Taka. "I am Station Chief Kitamura of Setagaya-ku Prefecture, and I am placing you under arrest at this time. Please stand, Ogawa, and place yourself in the custody of my officers."

"Arresting me? What are the charges?" Taka's voice was equally loud, the contempt in it plain for all to hear. "You trumped up some more false accusations?"

Kitamura smiled, and it was a chilling sight. "You wish to have the charges against you stated? Very well. Ogawa Takahiro, you are under arrest on the following charges. In the matter of Boy One, two charges of indecent assault and one charge of using an illegal drug to render Boy One helpless so you could commit the first rape. In the matter of Boy Two, one charge of indecent assault, In the matter of Boy Three, one charge of indecent assault and one charge of using an illegal drug on Boy Three. In the matter of Boy Four, two charges of indecent assault."

"Shut up," Taka yelled. "What the hell is this?"

Kitamura continued calmly, ignoring the outburst as his officers moved around behind Taka. "In the matter of Boy Five, one charge of indecent assault. In the matter of Boy Six, four charges of indecent assault. In the matter of Boy Seven, three charges of indecent assault, one charge of using an illegal drug on Boy Seven, one charge of intimidating a witness to a criminal proceeding, and one charge of manslaughter. In addition to these charges, you are also being charged with endangering the welfare of a minor child."

Taka stood, his face blotchy and twisted with rage. "These charges are a pack of lies, and when they get dismissed, like the charges from that lying little piece of shit that killed himself, I'm going to ask my lawyer to sue you for harassment."

Chief Kitamura gestured to his officers. "Take Ogawa to the station, and place him in solitary confinement. He will be permitted one phone call to contact his lawyer. Beyond that, he is permitted no visitors other than police personnel."

Erion wrapped an arm around Takahiro, putting his mouth very close to Takahiro's ear. "Thank you. You did this, Takahiro-san. You made it possible, and I owe you a debt I can never repay, but I can start by saying that I'm proud to call you a friend."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked up at Kansas, his silver eyes wide and filled with joy. "Do you mean that, 'lokiamin? Will you really marry me here, and we can really be husbands without waiting until I'm one hundred?"

"Of course I mean it," Kansas replied, his voice filled with his endless love for Erion. "There aren't even words to describe how much I love you."

Erion smiled, a beautiful radiant smile that made Kansas's heart soar. "I love you, my perfect Kansas. I'll be so proud to be your husband, and I promise I'll love you until time ends, and maybe even beyond that."

Erion wrapped his legs around Kansas's hips, hooking his ankles together to hold Kansas inside him for a little longer. The tender lovemaking had healed some of the aching pain in Erion's heart from watching the brutal videos. Erion had hated seeing the attacks, but he had felt a peculiar need, wanting to understand why Kageoshi had felt it necessary to leave this life behind, and now he knew. No matter how much Momo had loved him, no matter how much anyone had loved him, Kageoshi would never have gotten past the fear. He would have spent his life looking over his shoulder, waiting for that hated voice, those foul words to wash over him and crush his gentle soul once again.

Erion looked up at Kansas, who had lived through such terrible brutality himself, and who had emerged with a sweet innocence and a capacity for love that left the young elf breathless. This was his soulmate, the one he had been born to find, and Kansas completed Erion in ways that Erion had not even begun to fathom. It would take all of their eight hundred years in this life, and the eternity that awaited them after that, before Erion would come close to grasping the extent of Kansas's love.

"My blue dragon, my beloved," Erion whispered, his voice trembling with his love for this incredible man. "How did I get so blessed, 'lokiamin? You're all I could ever want, and I'll never stop loving you, not even after time ends." A tear of pure happiness slid from the corner of one eye, and Erion nuzzled his face into Kansas's neck with a moan of utter contentment. The small blue dragons tattooed on his hipbones seemed to wriggle a bit as Erion relaxed underneath Kansas, the last of his tension draining away.

Erion unhooked his ankles, angling for another kiss as he let Kansas's cock slide out of his ass, his fingers still laced with Kansas's fingers. Kansas plundered Erion's mouth with infinite tenderness, coaxing another sweet moan from his elf.

"Let me hold you, my love," Kansas murmured into the delicate sweep of Erion's ear, his hot breath making the elf shiver with bliss. "We'll get through this together, you and me."

"I know, 'lokamin," Erion replied, as Kansas slid to one side and settled on his back, pulling Erion to him and nuzzling Erion's silver hair as the elf rested his head on Kansas's shoulder. "I promise, baby, I won't hide anymore, or pull away inside myself. I'm sorry I scared you again like that. It's just that I don't always know what to do, or say. But no more hiding from you, okay?"

Kansas pressed a tender kiss to the silver head on his shoulder. "No more hiding, my moonbeam."

Erion relaxed into the strong young arms of his beloved Kansas, a sweet smile on his lips as he felt the limitless love wash over him, returning it fully as he let reverie claim him.

Sand poured two large whiskeys and brought them over to the couch where Satoshi was curled up, looking pensive. Satoshi looked up when Sand came over, managing a smile as he took the whiskey and sipped it.

Sand curled up next to Satoshi, running his fingers through Satoshi's amethyst hair. "It was a difficult night, saiai. How are you holding up?"

Satoshi leaned into Sand. "I'll be alright, a'mael. Being home helps." Satoshi took a sip of the whiskey.

"I cannot believe young Takahiro had such fortitude and foresight," Sand mused, sipping his own whiskey. "We may be able to deal with Ogawa after all."

Satoshi shot Sand a pained look, and Sand looked contrite. "I am sorry, my love. I should not dwell on that." Sand paused delicately. "Did the hug from Satoru-san comfort you at all?"

Satoshi shot Sand a small glare, as if to remind the elf that this was not his concern, but then Satoshi sighed a little and looked across the living room at the doors to the garden. "That's exactly how he used to hug me when I was younger, when I'd be upset about something. He'd pull me in just like that, with my head on his shoulder, and he'd stroke my hair until he could feel me calm down, and then he'd kiss my temple, just like that." Satoshi's voice was soft and wistful, and Sand let his fingers drift through the amethyst hair again.

"It looked so very natural, and right," Sand said, his own voice gentle.

Satoshi gave Sand a nod, his lips curved in a half smile, his eyes far away. "Sometimes, when I was a small boy, I'd think to myself that my parents didn't love me. I wonder if all children think that at some point, no matter how much we show them that we love them. Maybe that's why I try to tell Ryuu all the time how much I love him, so that he never has to doubt it, or to ask me if I love him."

Sand let his hand drift down to caress Satoshi's shoulder lightly, taking a sip of his whiskey as he watched his beloved husband. Satoshi's voice was still a little wistful, his expression nostalgic as he remembered.

"Anyway, whenever I'd be doubting whether or not they loved me, my father would sometimes just give me one of those hugs, and all my doubts would just disappear. I'd know that he loved me, just like that." Satoshi took another sip of his whiskey, leaning further into Sand almost unconsciously. "Even when I was grown up, he'd hug me like that if I needed it, and it would never fail to make me feel better, stronger and ready to deal with whatever was wrong."

Sand continued to stroke Satoshi's shoulder gently, enjoying the feel of his beautiful husband against him.

"I remember, a couple of weeks after I brought Kansas home, I was at my wits' end. He was impossible, so broken and crazy and I was ready to give up. I really was." Satoshi sighed a little. "It was late, but I went to my father's house anyway. He was up, and he didn't even ask why I was there so late. He just held out his arms, and he hugged me, and I could just feel the weight dropping off my shoulders. By the time I got back home, I was ready to deal with the little imp again. I felt so much more confident, and I guess that came across to Kansas, because we got past it that night, and the next night, and the next."

Sand's voice was very gentle, and a little wistful. "When he hugged you tonight, saiai, there was such a look of love on his face." Satoshi looked over at Sand, and the elf shrugged lightly. "I wonder sometimes, if he had lived, if my father would have had such love on his face when he held me. I like to think that he would."

Satoshi looked at Sand, his gorgeous eyes locked on Sand's blue eyes. "I'm sure he would have, my Masato." Satoshi reached up to touch Sand's cheek. "I'm sure he loved you without end. I can't imagine why he wouldn't love you like that."

Sand leaned in to kiss Satoshi lightly on the lips. "Thank you, cormamin. Kansas used his gift to let me talk to my father that one time, and I do think that he would have looked quite the same as your father did. At the very least, it makes me feel better to think so. I have always wished that I had a chance to get to know him, just for a little while."

Satoshi sipped his whiskey, curling into Sand's arms, letting the silence fill them both for a few minutes as they just relaxed together, shedding the strain of the day. Finally, Sand shifted slightly before speaking, his voice still very soft.

"One thing puzzles me, saiai. Your father referred to Kansas as his grandson?" Sand leaned forward a little to rest his cheek against Satoshi's hair.

"That's a long story," Satoshi said, looking into his whiskey for a moment. "The gist of it is that I went to my father to ask him about what would happen, legally, if someone bought another person, or if they were keeping another person as a slave, for sexual pleasure. I wanted to know what the punishment would be, according to the law. Of course, he wanted to know why I wanted to know, but I didn't want to tell him. I just kept telling him not to worry, but the truth is that I had seen Kansas, and I couldn't leave him there."

"Of course not," Sand murmured, his hand drifting up to stroke Satoshi's hair.

"Then, a few days later, I was back with more questions, about what would happen to someone like Kansas's owner, if it ever got out what he was doing. I didn't like what my father had to tell me." Satoshi shook his head sadly. "The law is pretty vague in that regard, and there wasn't a whole lot that could be done, not when the criminal codes pretend certain crimes don't exist. So, I told my father not to worry, and I left. Of course, I went and bought Kansas, and took him home, but I never said anything to my father."

Satoshi paused for a sip of whiskey. "After about a month of not hearing from me, my father showed up at the house, completely out of the blue. So, I showed him Kansas, and I explained what I'd done, and why. Kansas was almost fourteen, as skinny as you can possibly imagine, I mean emaciated. He was scared shitless of everyone and everything. When my father realized that I was determined to help Kansas, he offered to help me."

Satoshi smiled, that little half smile. "My father is the one who helped us get Kansas a name, and get him legal status here. He arranged for Yuji to become Kansas's legal guardian, because Yuji was already out of university, and had a steady job and a fiancee. It took a while, but Kansas started to come around, and my father came over a few times to see us. For some reason, I guess he just started seeing Kansas as his grandson." Satoshi giggled a little. "I'll never forget the look on Kansas's face the first time my father called him grandson to his face. I wish I could have taken a picture of that."

Sand held Satoshi for another few minutes, and then Satoshi spoke again, his voice very soft.

"When Kansas told me that he loved me, in the sexual sense, I went to my father and I asked his advice." Satoshi sighed a little. "You know what he told me? He told me to follow my heart."

Sand looked at Satoshi, his blue eyes filled with gentle love. "I think it shows great love for a father to do such a thing, to encourage his son to follow his heart. I would like to think that my father would have done the same thing."

"Maybe you're right," Satoshi said, and then he leaned into Sand. "Take me to bed, Masato. I think I just want to curl up in our bed and let this day end."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked at Satoshi. "I have to see this, all of it. I don't know if I can explain why, if there are even words for it, but I have to do this." Erion's eyes were very pale, but the blue ring was clear and distinct, and Satoshi nodded.

"I'll go stay with Tatsuya until you're done," Satoshi said, stroking Erion's cheek. Erion nodded his thanks, and Momo looked at Sand and Satoshi soberly, his face set like stone.

"I'll watch. I owe my tenshi to watch." Momo gestured for Erion to sit with him, drawing the young elf into his embrace. He looked at Hiro. "If you can't watch, I'll understand, Takahiro-san."

Sand cleared his throat with difficulty, his blue eyes hooded to hide his jumbled emotions. "I think I have seen more than enough. Takahiro-san, I would not ask you to relive any more of this." Sand held out a slim hand to the sobbing young man. "I think I could use tea and sake myself."

Hiro fell into Sand's embrace with another spate of wrenching sobs, and he let Sand lead him out into the living room. Sand handed Hiro a sake and then poured him some tea, while Satoshi wrapped his arms around Kansas, cradling the imp tenderly. Kenshin poured more sake for Satoshi, Sand and himself, and Kokoro choked back a quiet sob as she went to make more tea.

"Ogawa's a monster," Kenshin muttered, his eyes red-rimmed and swollen. "We welcomed him into our home. We treated him with respect and offered him friendship, and this is how he repaid us." He looked toward the kitchen to make sure Kokoro was not returning. "Do you think they'll play those at the trial? They'll kill my wife."

Sand looked at Kenshin with enormous sympathy. "I am sure the judge can review them in private, but I could not say for sure. Perhaps Mori-sama can petition the court for that. Ogawa's attorney will no doubt seek to disparage those videos, to claim that they are false, or taken out of context somehow, but I do not think that tactic will work, not when the other evidence gathered by this brave young man is presented." Sand laid a gentle hand on Hiro's shoulder, his blue eyes warm. "You showed great presence of mind, even under such dreadful circumstances. Thanks to you, we have a strong case to present."

Hiro ducked his head, unable to look at Sand, his cheeks flaming under the lookalike haircut, and Sand felt a sudden pang of sympathy for the young man.

"As soon as Ogawa is taken into custody, I am taking you to the stylist the family uses, and you can have your hair done the way you prefer, Takahiro-san." Sand held up a hand when Hiro went to protest. "It is a very small thing for me to do, and not even adequate to express my gratitude. It would please me greatly if you would permit me this small thing."

Hiro nodded, unable to speak for a moment, the relief at not having to wear his hair in imitation of Kansas almost overwhelming him.

Erion curled into Momo's side, his eyes pale as he watched Hiro being brutalized, and then it was the first of the two attacks on Kageoshi in August, while Erion was away. The depraved cockiness of Ogawa's bringing the camera to the Murai house to document his rapes left Erion shivering in grief and helpless rage. Erion wanted to scream as he watched Kageoshi, dazed and helpless, being savagely beaten and brutally raped, Ogawa hissing threats against Momo in between gloating at how much he was enjoying the small teen and taunting him about how he would be begging Ogawa to take him again.

Erion's cheeks were wet with tears as he shuddered, and Momo's arm tightened around the young elf. Erion snuggled closer, grateful for the contact, and he felt Momo bury his face in the back of Erion's thick hair, his breath hitching as he struggled to contain a small sob.

The second attack was worse, and Erion wrapped his arms around Momo's strong chest as Momo's face dipped into the back of Erion's neck again, the sobs slipping out this time. Kageoshi fought back this time, like a little wildcat, and even Satoru choked when he heard Ogawa's threats against the Murai family, his voice so cold and reptilian that Erion let out a stifled scream and hid his face in Momo's chest. They clung to each other desperately, Momo's grip on Erion almost painful, but Erion only clung tighter, his throat swollen with tears.

When the last video ended, Satoru shut the hard drive down with shaking fingers, removing it carefully and putting it in his pocket. Erion heard Momo's voice, so soft that it was barely audible.

"Aishi teru, watashi no tenshi. I love you, my angel." Momo breathed the words into the thick silver hair of the young elf, and held Erion tightly for a moment longer before he was able to open his cramped hands. The three men stood, all of them shaky and slowly made their way into the living room.

Satoshi stood up as they emerged from the den, and Satoru walked straight over to Satoshi, putting his arms around Satoshi and pulling him into a close embrace. One of Satoru's hands began to stroke Satoshi's hair tenderly, the comforting gesture the same one Satoru had used to soothe Satoshi when he was a child, and Satoshi's head fell forward almost automatically to rest on Satoru's shoulder. As Sand watched in utter amazement, Satoshi's arms slipped around Satoru, and he held on to his father.

"I'm sorry," Satoru murmured into Satoshi's amethyst hair, and Satoshi nodded slightly. Satoru pressed a tender kiss to Satoshi's temple, his eyes wet, and then Satoru released Satoshi from his embrace, watching as Satoshi stepped back.

Erion had flung himself at Kansas, his silver eyes wet as he buried his face in Kansas's shoulder. "Oh, 'lokiamin, I want to go home. Can we go home now?"

Sand had also stood up, and he embraced Momo, holding the younger man tightly for a long moment. Momo stepped back after a moment, and gave Sand the ghost of a smile.

"I don't know about anyone else, but I am going home and drinking myself stupid. I've got enough to get three people drunk," Momo muttered, looking sidelong at Kansas. "That should be just about enough."

Sand shot the younger man a slightly alarmed look, but Momo just shrugged as if to tell Sand that he would cope in his own fashion. Satoru cleared his throat a little.

"Sakai-san, maybe you could come with me and help me collect the rest of the evidence that Aoki-san has at his home?" Satoru suggested. "You could help Aoki-san get settled at my house, and we could have a drink afterward."

Hiro's head lifted slightly at that suggestion, and Momo looked at Satoru for a long moment before he nodded. "Yeah, I could do that."

Kansas stroked Erion's back lovingly. "We'll go home, isilmeamin. I'll take you home."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion's blood felt like ice in his veins. "No one wanted to believe our angel, about the camera, but he was right. He never lied. Can we use this? Can we make that fuck pay, for our angel, for Takahiro-san, for all the others?"

Erion looked at Satoru, his eyes the color of a stormcloud, and he waited until the older man nodded, his own eyes bright with unshed tears. The young elf nodded, looking grim and somehow much older, and he stood. "I'm going to go find my husband. I should have killed that sick fuck when he went after Tatsuya at uni, in the bathroom."

Sand shot his nephew a look, and got up to cross to Momo's side. "Momo-san, you cannot blame yourself. Nor can you, Yuki-kun." Sand raised his voice to make sure Erion heard him, the young elf already tugging his shoes back on. Sand kept his eyes on Momo, but the door did not open, and he knew that Erion was listening as well.

"Ogawa is a predator, and more than adept at concealing his tracks. He managed to hide his true nature from almost everyone, and only his victims knew for certain what he was. His threats ensured their silence, and I cannot find fault in their desire to protect their families and loved ones." Sand sighed a little, his voice soft but firm. "To lose yourself in blame is to let him win. You become unfocused, trapped in a web of indecision, and he gains. If we wish him to pay, and I think we are all of one mind, then we must put aside all thoughts of blame, all recriminations for not having acted in the past. The past is over, and we learn from it."

Sand put a gentle hand on Momo's shoulder. "I can think of nothing I want to do less than watch these videos, but it is time to take the offensive and take our battle to Ogawa. If these videos constitute proof, then we will shove this proof down his throat and watch him choke on it. And if the law does not do enough, then we will fight to change the law. It is all we have left that we can offer that young angel." Sand turned his gaze on Satoru.

Satoru nodded again, his face grim. "I'm willing to take this on. I'll bring this to the police, and they'll act. Chief Kitamura will see to it that they do."

Sand heard the door close, and he reached out to pull Momo up and into his arms. Momo stifled a sob and let himself be pulled in, clinging to Sand almost desperately, and once again, Sand was reminded of the times he had flung himself into Hawk's arms in the same manner.

"We will see justice done, Momo-san, I promise you," Sand said, stroking Momo's back gently as though he were comforting a younger brother. "Ogawa will not go unpunished."

Kokoro had moved next to Hiro, and she pulled him to her, ignoring his brief resistance. "Oh, Takahiro-kun, I'm so sorry. I've known you all your life, and Mari-chan as well. I don't blame you for any of this, but if you need to hear me say it, I forgive you and I know my Kage-chan forgives you."

Hiro's breath hitched, and then he began to cry, his whole body shaking with the fierceness of his sobs. Kokoro folded him into her embrace, crooning to him as she stroked his hair, her own cheeks wet.

Satoru looked over at Kenshin, his expression deeply apologetic. "I hate to ask this, Murai-sama, but do you have an office with a computer, where we could watch these videos privately? I'd like to be sure of what's on here before I bring it to Station Chief Kitamura."

Kenshin nodded, standing slowly. "I understand completely, Mori-sama. We can use my office. It's this way."

Erion spotted Kansas, the air around his beloved seeming to churn with the force of Kansas's rage. The young elf felt an overwhelming sense of dread, not from his bond with Kansas, but from somewhere else. It took Erion a moment to realize that Kansas was drawing on Tatsuya's power, and his own gift to touch the spirits, and Erion felt a strange tingling from his tattoo.

"Don't, 'lokiamin," Erion said quietly, wrapping his arms around Kansas and ignoring the stiffness of his lover in his arms. "Whatever it is you're doing, just don't. I can feel it, Nim'Cath can feel it, and you're scaring the shit out of me."

"That fucking bastard," Kansas hissed, his eyes almost as silver as Erion's with rage. "All this time, he's been stalking me, hunting me like prey? I'll show him what it's like to be fucking prey."

"Baby, please don't do this," Erion pleaded, his own eyes wet with tears. "Sand's right. If we let him get to us, if we let him make us like him, he wins. Don't let him win, Kansas. Don't let that fucker drag you down into the Abyss with him."

"I won't be dragged down with him. I'm stronger than him." Kansas remained stiff and unyielding in Erion's arms, and the young elf choked back a sob.

"Whatever it is you're calling, it's dark. It's darker than my shadows, and those are pretty fucking dark. Can you promise me that you won't lose yourself to whatever you're calling?" Erion forced Kansas to look at him. "Look me in the eyes and swear it to me, 'lokiamin. I lost you once, and I've found you, and I won't lose you again. It'll kill me if you become like him."

Kansas stared into the silver eyes of his little moonbeam, unyielding and hard with the power of Tatsuya running through his veins, and then he remembered.

"I won't lose you again. I'm sorry, isilmeamin, I'm sorry. I won't do this. I won't become like him." Kansas sobbed a little, and wrapped his arms around Erion tightly, sobbing into the silver hair, his heart aching with the memories of how they had been parted.

Erion gasped and then sobbed in relief, feeling Kansas relax into his arms, and the young elf clung to his beloved gratefully. "Thank you, 'lokiamin. You're shivering, baby. Come back inside with me."

Kansas let Erion tug him back into the house, but despite the cold that permeated him, Kansas felt a glow in his heart, and he knew he had made the right decision this time.

Sand looked up as Kansas and Erion slipped back into the house, stopping to take off their boots. He still had an arm around Momo, and Kansas was reminded of the way Erion would throw an arm around Falon when Falon was upset, or had banged himself up doing a reckless stunt.

Satoshi jumped up and hurried over to pull Kansas into a hug, and then pulled Erion in to join them. "We're going to watch the videos in Murai-sama's office before they go to the police," Satoshi said quietly. "Do you two want to see them?"

Erion looked up at Kansas, his silver eyes wide. Kansas nodded, sending a wave of love and reassurance through their bond, and Erion nodded back, their silent communication effective.

"We'll watch," Kansas said, his voice level and firm, and Satoshi found himself admiring the imp's maturity all over again.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion helped Ryo guide Hiro to the open seat in their row, giving the reluctant youngster an encouraging touch on his shoulder. Kansas and Eric just nodded as well, accepting Hiro into their midst without question. Erion could sense Hiro's unease, but he attributed it to fear of being sent away because he was friendly with that monster who had driven Kageoshi to such despair. Even in his thoughts, Erion refused to use that name, not a shred of forgiveness in his heart.

When it came time to offer the incense again, Hiro was trembling so badly that he dropped his stick of incense. Erion moved with that swift elven grace of his, and caught the incense before it could touch the ground, placing it back in Hiro's icy hands with a gentle pat of friendship.

"It's okay, Takahiro-san," Erion whispered very quietly. Erion placed his own offering after Hiro, his own hands trembling slightly.

Erion clung to Kansas through the meal, while Kageoshi was being cremated, his eyes pale as he picked at his food. Erion had taken only a few morsels anyway, knowing that he probably could not eat, and he looked over at Eric who had done the same thing. Kansas kept his arm around Erion the entire time, lending his little elf strength and sending him endless love through their bond.

When Kenshin and Kokoro returned to gather the family for the bone picking ceremony, Erion was slightly dismayed to see that the youngsters were included in the invitation. Erion knew it was a great honor, but he was terrified that he would break down, or drop a bone, or do something awful to disgrace himself. Kansas sent Erion a fresh wave of love and reassurance, and Erion took a deep breath and let himself be guided into the room.

It was even harder than Erion feared. While elves did not forbid cremation, it was not their preferred burial practice, and to see the ashes and bones laid out in roughly the shape of his beloved adopted brother was a shock for the young elf. He grasped Kansas's arm tightly and watched, tears streaking his cheeks, as the relatives used large metal chopsticks to carefully pick out bones and place them into the waiting urn. Erion's sobs were soundless, though, and his eyes were pale and wide. It did not help that Erion could feel Kansas's rage, his desire to tear the monster apart with his bare hands.

Erion watched as the relatives passed their chopsticks on the the next person, observing what they did even while dreading his turn. Still, this ceremony was very important, and Erion had read that it was a great honor to be asked to share in this part of the funeral process, and he was determined to show his Kage-chan this final bit of respect as a mark of his love. Erion watched as Hiro picked a bone and placed it in the urn, followed by Ryo and Eric, and then it was time for him and Kansas.

Erion snuck a quick look at Kenshin, and the kind man pointed very subtly to a bone that Erion could pick. The young elf took a deep breath, and lifted the bone with steady hands, placing it in the urn with gentle reverence before stepping away to allow Kansas to choose his bone. When all the bones were placed in the urn, including the hyoid bone which was placed by Momo, Momo sobbed and placed Kageoshi's gold ring in the urn. Kokoro nodded to Erion, and the young elf carefully added the pendant engraved with Selûne and her Tears, the symbol of his family that he meant to give to Kage-chan.

Then it was time to go to the cemetery, and Erion clung to Kansas as they walked to the family's tomb, his cheeks wet with an endless stream of tears. Erion still was not sobbing aloud, and Kansas stroked Erion's back gently, worried about his elf. Vale laid a slim hand on Kansas's shoulder, offering him support as well, and Yuji stood behind the young lovers.

Sand was standing with Satoshi, cradling his distraught husband, offering all his strength and love through their bond, and feeling the same endless love from Yuji washing over the whole family. Satoshi wept quietly, his grief profound at the loss of this young life, and Sand sensed a father's fear mixed in with this grief. Sand could not deny that the same fear had risen in his heart, and he was sure that Yuji and Vale felt as he did. It was a terrible grief, to bury a child, and Sand also knew that Satoshi carried in him the faint memory of the loss of his own siblings, making this so much harder for the gentle man to endure.

Kenshin urged Momo to place the urn in the family's tomb, and Momo did so, but that was the final thing that Momo could endure, and he finally gave in to his awful grief and began to cry. Momo's weeping was so hard that he went limp, Katsurou just managing to catch Momo before he fell to the ground.

Sand moved forward and gently took Momo into his arms, cradling the younger man and letting him weep as hard as he needed to into Sand's strong shoulder. Sand stroked Momo's back tenderly, offering the only solace he could in the form of comfort. This was not a pain that words could soothe, and Momo would live with it until time had eased the pain.

Sand led Momo to their car, and he and Satoshi took the grieving Momo home to the estate, allowing him to sleep for a full day and offering him all the love they could when he finally woke, his eyes swollen and red.

The return to university was difficult, and Erion looked at the empty seat beside him with a small sob. He approached his professors with great deference and politeness, and asked if they would mind if he chose another seat, the reminder of Kageoshi too much for him to bear. All of them agreed to allow the young foreigner to move, and Erion threw himself back into his studies with a singleminded intensity, not seeking to make any new friends among his classmates.

Erion did regret that Hiro returned to his role as Taka's shadow, not giving any of the group a chance to get him alone and talk to him. Whenever possible, Erion avoided the person he blamed for Kageoshi's death, but when Taka began to brag about how the charges had been dropped because Kageoshi killed himself, proving himself a liar, Erion snapped and went for him, murder plain in his silver eyes. The only one who could understand any of what Erion screamed was Kansas, who paled at the ferocity of Erion's curses as he spat in a wild mixture of elven and what sounded like a more sibilant and sharp version of elven. Comprehensible or not, the young elf's intent was clear, and Taka was visibly shaken. It took Kansas, Ryo and Eric to hold Erion back, and Kansas was terrified that Erion would hurt himself as he struggled to get free.

The three youngsters managed to get Erion into Eric's car, and Kansas had to hold Erion tightly to keep the young elf from flinging himself out of the car to go back and find Taka. Finally, Erion gave a shuddering gasp, and went limp in Kansas's arms, sobbing with a bitterness that was terrible in its intensity.

Kansas helped Erion into the house, stroking his lover's back tenderly while Erion sobbed as though he would never stop.

"Shhh, we're home, baby," Kansas soothed, as Erion kicked off his shoes and hung his coat up, his face wet.

"Why is he still breathing? He shouldn't be allowed to breathe anymore," Erion sobbed, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. "He should have been burnt with our tenshi, and his soul taken to the Abyss to be torn apart for the amusement of the lowest demons, over and over, until time ends."

Kansas paled slightly, worried that Erion had been pushed beyond healing, but Erion turned to Kansas and looked at him.

"I'm sorry, 'lokiamin. I'm sorry," Erion sobbed, and threw himself into Kansas's embrace. "I don't want to be like him, and I'm not going to let him make me hate him enough to become like him. I'm sorry, forgive me."

Kansas hugged his elf, sobbing in a mixture of grief and relief. "I forgive you, isilmeamin. I forgive you a thousand times and I love you endlessly." Kansas took Erion in to the living room, and cradled him on the couch, letting the young elf cry himself out, his own heart aching terribly.

Erion looked at Hiro, his face pale. "The last time? He did it to you?" Erion reached out to pull Hiro into a hug. "Takahiro-chan, I'm so sorry."

The gentle hug made Hiro begin to sob harder, and Erion held him tightly, feeling horrible that they had not reached out to Hiro sooner, had not seen the signs and acted.

"Other boys?" Sand asked, keeping his voice gentle. "Aoki-san, how many others?"

[RECAPTCHA Adventures]

I want to know why I get recaptchas in kanji... I mean, really...

[Week 39: 7-3-11]

Pen Name: BronxWench

Story link: A Plague in the Alienage

Review Replies: Review Replies

Type of fic: Flashfic

Rating: Adult+

Fandom: Games > Dragon Age: Origins

Warnings: Anal, AFFO, ChallengeFic, M/M