[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

"I love you, and when you're ready to offer it, I'll wear your ring proudly." Vale kissed Satoshi, and watched his eyes close. When Satoshi's breathing evened out, Vale slipped into reverie, clinging tightly to his lover.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale listened to Satoshi, hardly daring to breathe as his lover poured out his heart, all the pain in his voice cutting through Vale like a knife. His all too vivid imagination painted pictures at the man spoke, and the pictures mixed with the memories of seeing Sand for the first time, in the bowels of that ship, beaten, raped, and stripped of hope. Vale had gathered Sand up, and now it was Satoshi's turn.

Vale reached out, careful to avoid touching the scars that caused his lover so much anguish, and cradled him close, planting the gentlest of kisses on his lips. "I love you. I wouldn't have come here if I didn't want to love all of you. It wouldn't have been fair if I only came for Yuji, and I would have broken you all even more if I took him away. I knew that already." Vale sighed softly. "What makes someone beautiful, Satoshi, is the quality of their heart. What you did for Kansas, what you still do for him, that's beautiful. When you took my necklace, and joined my family, it meant something to me that I'm not sure I can explain. You are mine, and I would die for any of you."

Vale ran a hand through Satoshi's wet hair, and then pulled him close and kissed him again. " I'm afraid, Satoshi. I'm afraid that I'm going to break this perfect family, where you've all made a place to be whole together. I'm terrified that I'll ruin it all, but I can't help what my my heart tells me." Vale kissed Satoshi again, a little longer this time. "I want you, Satoshi, and Kansas, and Willow, and Yuji. I want to watch Ryuu become a man, and see Aika grow to be a beautiful woman. I want to open a portal, and take you all to my home, and show you a land where dragons exist. I want to love you all with everything that I am. That's what I can offer, and I hope it's enough, my love."

Vale stood carefully, bringing Satoshi with him to his feet. He led Satoshi to the bed, and sat him down, taking the towel that Satoshi had discarded, Vale gently dried his hair and his body. Then he laid Satoshi down, and slipped out of his own towel, and curled up beside his lover, letting the heat of his body warm the chilled man.

"Tomorrow, will you play for me?" Vale gestured at the guitar in its stand. "I would like to hear you play, my love." He nuzzled closer, wrapping strong arms around Satoshi. "But for now, let me hold you and love you."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale scrambled out of the bath, letting the water out and wrapping the towel around his waist. If nothing else, he was certainly getting a great deal of exercise. Vale looked at the tub, muttered one of Sand's cleaning cantrips, and snatched up his discarded clothing on the way back up the stairs. He made his way to Satoshi's door, his keen hearing registering the sound of muffled crying.

Vale opened the door and slipped in, closing the door behind him gently. "What did I do?" he asked, his voice forlorn. "I know I'm not supposed to apologize, but I've upset Kansas tonight, and now you. Should I go and find Willow, and see if I can ruin her night as well, or should I just go?" The elf slumped back against the door, his damp hair curling around his face as he let himself slide to the tatami mats.He propped his elbows on his knees, buried his fingers in his hair, and waited, miserable and utterly lost.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale was still shuddering with the intensity of his release as he carefully helped Satoshi ease back down to sit on his heels. The angry red marks from the chains dismayed Vale almost more than his own loss of self control, and he looked at Satoshi, surprised by the faint smile on his face. Vale reached out to pull Satoshi into his arms, just as they both heard Yuji growl through the wall, and Kansas's answering scream of pleasure.

Vale felt his cheeks burning as he caught Satoshi's face between his hands. "I'm sorry, Satoshi. I wasn't... was I too rough?" Vale gently kissed Satoshi, nibbling softly on the piercings in his lips and tugging them with his teeth. "I suppose we need that tour of the bath, don't we?" Vale tried on a smile, and when Satoshi nodded, Vale slid off the bed, holding out a hand to help Satoshi up. The green haired man stumbled a little, exhausted by Vale's relentless assault, and the elf felt his cheeks darkening even more. Satoshi threw on a robe, and Vale shrugged back into his jeans and pulled his tank top over his head.

Vale threw a strong arm around Satoshi, and they found their way downstairs to the bath. They quickly undressed, and Satoshi got out towels for them both. Then Satoshi led Vale to the shower stall, guiding the elf under the hot water and the two of them lathered each other thoroughly, scrubbing off the traces of their lovemaking. Finally scrupulously clean, they wrapped towels around their waists, Vale combing out his long blond hair with his fingers.

Satoshi then led the elf into an adjoining room where the bath waited. Vale was entranced by the spacious bath, more than large enough for two, and he watched as Satoshi opened the tabs and filled it. They took off their towels and slid in, and Vale felt the heat relaxing him almost immediately. It seemed to relax Satoshi as well, and Vale moved to sit beside him, cradling him against his chest and stroking the pine green hair.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale gasped as the ball stud rubbed against his cock, probing the cleft on the underside as Satoshi pinched his nipple and tugged it hard enough to make Vale writhe. Vale was close to letting go and coming, and he was not ready, although that tight little mouth was incendiary. Vale bucked and pulled back on Satoshi's hair, pulling his cock free of that sweet mouth. All clumsiness was gone as the elf flipped Satoshi on his back, his eyes green flames as he pinched hard at the base of his own cock.

"Lube," the elf gasped, and took the tube that Satoshi handed him. Vale smeared a small amount on his fingers and parted Satoshi's thighs, running his fingers over the cleft of Satoshi's ass until he reached the puckered opening. Vale swooped down, sliding his lips over Satoshi's cock as he pushed a finger into his ass. Vale engulfed Satoshi's cock, sucking hard and then swallowing when the cock hit the back of his throat, a second finger pushing into Satoshi's ass. Vale slid back off Satoshi's cock until only the head remained in his mouth, his tongue laving the head and probing the weeping slit. At the same time, Vale curled his fingers and pressed on Satoshi's prostate, and Satoshi howled and bucked, slamming his cock back down Vale's throat. The elf took him in, a throaty purr sending waves of sensation back up Satoshi's cock. Vale's fingers continued to thrust into Satoshi's ass, scissoring to further stretch him as Vale continued to devour his cock, cheeks hollowed below sculpted bone as he sucked as hard as he could. His free hand crept up until he found a nipple ring, and he tugged and twisted it mercilessly as Satoshi whined in ecstasy.

Satoshi howled as he felt his balls tighten, and he writhed helplessly as Vale continued to thrust, suck and twist, the combined assault too much for the green haired man. He could not even form the words to let Vale know he was about to come, reduced to incoherence by all the sensations overwhelming him. He stiffened, his back arching, and he filled Vale's mouth with wave after wave of cum, the elf sucking every drop down eagerly.

Satoshi slumped onto the bed, reeling from the intensity of his orgasm, but Vale was not yet done with him. Vale flipped Satoshi once again, turning him onto his stomach and lifting his hips so that his pert ass was in the air. Vale positioned himself, his cock breaching Satoshi's ass with a deft push. The elf paused after his head had vanished past the pucker, rubbing Satoshi's stomach with one hand while the other gripped a hip tightly. Satoshi mewled and pushed back, letting Vale know he was ready, and Vale bucked his hips, sliding forward until his balls were pressed against the pale globes of Satoshi's ass. Vale leaned forward over Satoshi's back, nipping sharply at the back of his neck while his hand moved from Satoshi's stomach to torment the other pierced nipple. Vale began to move then, pulling almost all the way out before slamming back in, flesh slapping against flesh as the elf moaned with abandon. Satoshi was so hot, and so tight that Vale knew he would not last long, and so he simply rode Satoshi's ass hard and fast.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale pressed himself against Satoshi, feeling the heat of the man even through the layers of fabric that still separated them, and let Satoshi pull him down for another devouring kiss. The feeling of the pierced lip as it slid along the curve of Vale's ears sent the elf into a delirium of arousal, every nerve thrumming. It was impossible to focus on anything but the sensation of Satoshi against him, pressing on his straining cock and Vale decided that he needed them both naked, now, right now.

"Clothes," Vale managed to gasp, his fingers fumbling with the waistband of Satoshi's pants. Normally so deft, the elf could not seem to get his fingers to move fast enough, and he let out a small breathy chuckle. "Help," he admitted, his lips nuzzling Satoshi's ear.

Vale took a shaky step back, and began to peel off his own clothing, finding that easier to manage. The silk shirt slid off, and Vale pulled off his socks gratefully, watching as Satoshi opened the waistband of his pants. As Vale's lust-fogged brain struggled to function, he remembered something, and he peeled off his own tank top before reaching for Satoshi and stripping off his shirt. There they were, rings piercing the man's nipples, and Vale moaned as he ran slim fingers over them, tugging experimentally. Satoshi mewled and his hips jerked as he pressed himself into Vale against, grinding hard against the elf.

Vale remembered that he had been trying to get naked, and he managed to get his pants open with one hand while the other threaded through Satoshi's hair to pull the man into another fierce kiss. He shoved at his pants, wriggling his hips as he freed himself from the constricting cloth, a sigh escaping him as his erection sprang free. Vale stroked his cock once, shivering with need, and he released Satoshi and yanked his pants off. Than he reached for Satoshi's pants, tugging them down past his hips and helping to pull them off. Satoshi's sweetly curved ass, still covered by his underwear dragged a wanton moan from Vale, and he pressed himself against those rounded globes eagerly as he reached around to palm Satoshi's cock through the fabric.

"So many layers," Vale laughed, nipping at Satoshi's shoulder as he peeled back the fabric, rubbing himself like a cat against the skin he had revealed. He pulled Satoshi to face him, shoving the underwear down and supporting the man as he stepped out of them, and then Vale ground his cock against Satoshi's cock, gasping as he felt Satoshi's nipples rings scrape against his skin. His lips found Satoshi's lips, his tongue dancing across the piercings before plunging in to play with the ball stud that so fascinated the elf.

"Please, your mouth," Vale murmured as he broke the kiss. "Can I... can you?" Vale climbed onto the bed, pulling Satoshi with him, and sprawled on his back, his legs parted as he watched the man crouch between his thighs, tongue darting out to lick at the precum weeping from Vale's cock. Vale remembered a word he had heard, and he buried his fingers in Satoshi's pine green hair as he gasped, "Fuck, yes, more..."

The ball stud felt like nothing Vale had ever experienced as it rubbed against the slit in the head of his cock, and Vale yelped with pleasure. When Satoshi slid his lips over the head of Vale's cock, and that stud rubbed along the underside of his cock, Vale's eyes fluttered closed and his back arched in wanton bliss, driving himself further into that moist, maddening heat. Vale's fingers tightened a little more as Satoshi drew him further and further in, and Vale moaned wantonly.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale kissed Willow with equal passion, letting a small moan escape him as her fingers threaded through his hair, stroking an ear on the way. She tasted like whiskey, and Yuji and somehow sweet as well. Vale's eyes had begun to darken with lust by the time they broke apart, and he sighed his pleasure at the contact, a telltale bulge in his jeans.

When Satoshi held out his hand, Vale took it willingly, rising gracefully off the couch. He looked back at Kansas and Yuji, and felt his heart swell to see the imp kissing Yuji. It was both sweetly erotic and powerfully arousing, and when Vale turned back to Satoshi, he knew that his eyes had to be practically glowing with heat. He let Satoshi lead him upstairs, watching the sway of his hips and feeling himself hardening even more. One slim hand stole up to stroke the curve of Satoshi's ass, and the elf could feel the man tremble.

They got upstairs, and Satoshi turned to look up at Vale. Vale kissed him again, his tongue playing with the ball stud in Satoshi's mouth as he ground himself against the man. Satoshi responded eagerly, his hands sliding under Vale's tank top to tease the elf's nipples, and Vale growled a little.

"Your room?" Vale murmured, his hands gripping Satoshi's ass tightly as he shimmied his hips and ground himself into Satoshi.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale fastened the chain around Satoshi's neck, happily surrendering to his kiss, the multiple piercing a new but pleasant sensation for the elf. He felt Kansas's hand slip out of his, and he let him go, knowing that he needed the reassurance Yuji could provide. There was just enough room left on the couch for Vale to sit, and he did, pulling Satoshi down onto his lap and kissing him again.

This felt right. This was what the family was supposed to be, all of them loving and sharing, and Vale let himself relax even further. When he and Satoshi broke for air, Vale could not help but laugh. He ran his fingers through the thick green hair and then nibbled Satoshi's lip again, running the tip of his tongue over the piercings. He had felt the ball stud in Satoshi's tongue, something unique to his experience, and Vale found himself wondering idly what that would feel like against his cock. However, that wa something for another time. His first night in the house, and Vale did not think it wise to try and sleep with everyone right away. Not to mention that he had promised Kansas that he was not here to disrupt things.

Still, it felt good to have Satoshi on his lap and leaning against him, Kansas curled up with Yuji, and Willow watching them all as she leaned on Yuji. He caught Willow's eye and smiled, a radiant grin of utter contentment. Vale knew he would still need to tread carefully, to make sure he did not throw off the balance, but it seemed much more likely that this would work. When Yuji looked up from kissing Kansas, he smiled his sweet, silly grin, and Vale's world was complete.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale looked at Kansas -- Tatsuya -- and smiled, a warm and loving smile. "Then I'll have someone to talk to about dragons, won't I?" He fastened the necklace around a slim throat, and reverently touched one tattooed thigh. "I think Satoshi is right, and I think they'll guard you well, but I hope you don't mind if I help to guard you also." Vale gently lifted Kansas's shorts and fastened them around his waist. "You and your dragons are very beautiful, and thank you for showing them to me."

Vale pulled Kansas down to the bench and wrapped his arms around him again. "You're easy to talk to, Kansas, do you know that? I don't worry too much about sounding like I'm crazy if I tell you that my dragon friend would like you. She's a silver dragon, and when she wants to, she can take human form, but her eyes are always silver. Her name is Adalon, and I think she's at her most beautiful in her true shape. Maybe one day, I can take you to my home, all of you, and you and I could go meet Adalon. She doesn't like large groups of people, but she does like visitors. But for now, I think we've probably got everyone downstairs worried."

Vale tilted Kansas's face up and planted another gentle kiss on his lips. "We'll make this work, and we'll figure out how not to be afraid together." Vale stood and held his hand out to Kansas, delighted when fingers laced through his. They walked down the stairs together to join the rest in the living room.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale cradled Kansas in his arms, stroking the trembling young man gently. "Kansas, how could I not love you? Oh, little one, I didn't come here to hurt anyone, especially not you." He used the sleeve of his silk shirt to dab at Kansas's wet cheeks. "I can't ask you to trust me right away, without knowing me a little more. But I can promise you that I love Yuji, and I love who he loves, and I'd die before letting any one of you be hurt." Vale smiled just a little. "It would be a very messy death, because my best spells tend to involve fireballs and incendiary clouds and meteor swarms, so I'd probably take most of the bastards with me."

Vale ran a hand through Kansas's black and blue hair. "A dragon I know once told me that being afraid is the first step on the path to wisdom. Personally, when you're a dragon, I don't thing there's much you're afraid of, but it makes sense to me. You know, I have a necklace for you, too. I was hoping you'd want to be part of my family as well. We're not the most noble or most ancient family, but we're known for being honest and loyal. That's not too bad a thing."

Vale reached into his pocket. "The dawn star is the last star we see as the sun rises every morning. It's a sign of hope, and of new beginnings. Do you think maybe we can try a new beginning between us? Give being a family a chance? Maybe even start to love each other?" He kissed Kansas very softly on the lips, a gentle brush. "I'm going to need someone to give me a poke if I'm doing things wrong, you know. And at least now someone will know what I'm talking about if I mention buggering a balor again."

Vale held out his hand, the necklace lying on his palm. "I'd like very much if you were a part of my house, Kansas. I'd be proud, as a matter of fact. Kansas of the House of the Dawn Star. It sounds pretty good." Vale smiled at Kansas, hoping that even if he did not take the necklace, he would at least take a chance.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale chuckled ruefully. "No, I don't suppose you've ever seen a balor, have you? It's a kind of demon, and on a scale of one to ten for nastiness, I'd put it at about a twelve." He moved a little closer to Kansas but still kept enough distance between them to remain non-threatening. "I didn't go on that vacation expecting to fall in love with Yuji. I didn't expect Yuji to fall in love with me. The last thing I want is to damage what you've built between you, the four of you." Vale sighed. "So, tell me, Kansas, what did I do wrong? Do you think I want to take Yuji and Willow and Satoshi away from you? Because I don't."

Vale risked moving a little closer to Kansas, but still more than arms length away. He knew he could reach the younger man if need be, if he thought Kansas was going to hurt himself, or do something foolish, but he was fairly sure that Kansas did not know just how fast an elf could move.

"Kansas, I want to be a part of this family, if I can. I want to fit in, not break it. Will you help me? Or should I go?" Vale watched Kansas, his heart aching. "I won't take Satoshi away from you. I won't take Yuji away from you. I'm not asking you to fall in love with me, but if you should know that I do feel love for you, because Yuji loves you." Vale sighed again. "I'm afraid, too, Kansas. It would be so easy to break this, to ruin it, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did that. I can't say this to Yuji, because I can't bring myself to tell him how afraid I am of making a mistake. I can tell you, because I think you understand."

Vale took a quick breath and closed the distance between them, sitting on the bench and gathering Kansas to him. "Talk to me, Kansas. Help me fix what I've done wrong."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale was trembling with relief when Yuji accepted the necklace from him, and he stroked Yuji's cheek lovingly. "I'm glad, my love."

When Willow knelt in front of Vale, he was surprised to find he was still trembling as he fastened the chain around her slim neck. Her kiss was slow and soft, and Vale wondered if she would deepen it, but she did not. He heard her comment, and looked at her, his green eyes slightly moist from his sudden rush of emotion. Thanks to Wench, he had an idea of what she meant, and his heart swelled with love for this gentle woman with her generous heart.

"Willow? If I'm understanding that correctly, I am," Vale said. "It's about the heart, not the gender, at least for most elves."

Vale waited, as Yuji asked, for Satoshi to decide. When Satoshi also accepted the necklace from Vale, the elf could not hide his joy. The last thing Vale had wanted was to disrupt this family, and it seemed that he had not, that they had room in their hearts for one slightly puzzled but loving elf.

"Satoshi, thank you," Vale murmured. He touched Satoshi's cheek gently, and smiled. "I didn't know Ryuu meant dragon, but Yuji showed my a picture. Ryuu's eyes reminded me of a dragon I met once."

Then Kansas jumped to his feet and stormed up the stairs, and Vale looked at Yuji and Willow in dismay. "Oh, no, I have to go to him!" Vale was on his feet and halfway up the stairs before anyone could react, his heart clenching in his chest. He knew that Kansas carried some pain within him, some terrible hurt. Somehow, he had made it worse. He had threatened the imp's stability, and he had to fix this.

Vale paused to listen for Kansas, his keen sense of hearing directing him to the roof. He found the stairs that led to the rooftop terrace, and he hurried up them, opening the door slowly.

"Kansas?" Vale said, as softly and as gently as he could. "Please, can I talk to you?" He could see the slight form, a cigarette between his lips, puffing furiously, as clearly as if it were daylight. "You can go tell me to bugger a balor later if you want, but can we talk first?" Vale waited, barely breathing, to see if the imp would at least listen.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale's eyes widened when Willow informed him that he would be sleeping in the master bedroom with Yuji, and that she would be moving to the spare bedroom. He snuck a quick glance at Yuji, and noted a slight embarrassment in his eyes, which made Vale feel a little uncomfortable. It had never been Vale's intention to replace Willow in any way, and although the love between Yuji and Willow seemed strong, Vale felt slightly queasy. To cover his unease, he took a sip of the whiskey Yuji had poured for him.

"I don't want to disrupt anything," Vale said carefully. "I hope that some nights, I'll be the odd man out." He looked at Willow, wishing that she would understand that he intended to share Yuji equally. Then he looked at Yuji, and smiled.

"I'm very ready to wear a symbol of our union. I hope I'm not presuming when I say I feel a part of this family already. I feel welcomed, and loved, and that makes me happier that I could have imagined." Vale would have said more, but Satoshi and Kansas joined them. As Yuji got their drinks, Satoshi promised Vale a tour of the house in the morning, and his mention of a rooftop terrace made the elf's eyes light up.

They settled in comfortable silence for a moment, sipping their drinks, and Vale was struck by how very right this seemed, to be sitting beside Yuji, and surrounded by Yuji's other lovers. There was just something about the man, something in his boundless capacity to love others that made him so very easy to love, and Vale cherished being a part of this unusual but perfect family.

Kansas looked a bit forlorn, though, and Vale would have asked him what was wrong, but Kansas spoke first. "Did I hear someone mention gifts?"

Vale laughed and jumped up. "I almost forgot again! I wanted to bring something for each of you, just something small to show you how I feel." Vale hurried over to his suitcase, and rummaged for a moment, coming out with several packages. He returned to the couch and curled up next to Yuji.

"I'll start with you, Kansas." Vale handed the blue and black haired imp a wooden box inlaid with tiny glittering tiles and rounded gemstones. When Kansas touched a tile or stone, the box made a sound or sent a small burst of color into the air that coalesced into an image of a fantastical creature. "It's a puzzle toy, of sorts. You can make light shows, or music, or both, and if you touch this place," Vale tapped a diamond shaped inlay, "it'll remember what you tap after that until you touch it again. We call it an imp box." The elf grinned mischievously. "There's a secret, too, but you have to figure it out to get the prize." He kissed Kansas on the forehead as he stared at him, wide-eyed.

Next Vale turned to Satoshi. "I actually wasn't sure this would work here, but it does." He handed Satoshi a delicately filigreed cylinder with a small ruby in the center on one side. When Satoshi tapped the ruby, a blue flame appeared. "It'll light anytime, and anywhere, even in wet conditions, and it won't ever run out. There's a case for your cigarettes, too." He handed Satoshi the matching case, and kissed his cheek.

"This is for you, Willow." Vale handed Willow a leather bound volume, the pages all fine parchment. "It's a book of elven poetry. It's in my language, and in yours. The poems were written a very long time ago to commemorate the poet's love for his lady." Vale's cheeks were slightly pink as she took the book from him with a smile. He leaned over Yuji to plant a light kiss on her lips. "I have things for the children, too." He handed Willow an elaborately carved and articulated wooden dragon, tiny bits of inlay making the dragon shimmer. "For Ryuu, because he's got wise eyes like a dragon," he explained. "This is for Aika." He gave Willow a feather-soft silken pegasus. "Some of the moon elves ride these wonderful creatures. They're rare, and magical, and very beautiful, like she is."

"For you, Yuji, I brought this." Vale's eyes were dancing as he handed Yuji a bottle filled with a ruby colored liquid. Small golden flecks danced in it. "It's called Elverquisst," the elf explained. "It's made from rare summer fruits, and magically distilled to include the essence of sunshine. We drink it at our autumn rituals, because when you taste it, it's like tasting one perfect summer's day." Vale was blushing a little more. "It's also sometimes shared at celebrations, like unions."

Vale reached for one last thing, a velvet pouch. "I wasn't sure about this part, but the way you've all welcomed me..." His voice trailed off, and he looked at the four people sitting around him. "I'm what we call a sun elf, and it's been our tradition to have a symbol of our family, our house. My family uses the anorongil, the dawn star as our symbol." He opened the pouch and drew out a silvery chain with a small shimmering gem set in a many-rayed star of the same metal. "The metal is mithral." He looked at Yuji. "Will you wear this?" He carefully fastened the chain around his lover's neck, and then kissed him softly on the lips.

"I have one for each of you, if you'll accept them." Vale looked at his lover's family, hoping they would agree.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

" I've missed you," Vale confided, lathering Yuji's back and massaging his shoulders. "Every night, my reverie was filled with you. I walked in my memories of each time we made love." Vale nuzzled into the back of Yuji's neck, wrapping his arms around his lover. "I'm sorry I took so long. I promise, I'll stay this time, until you send me away."

Yuji turned Vale around so he could wash the elf's long blond hair, listening to him all but purr as Yuji massaged his scalp with his strong musician's fingers. Vale's head fell back, the mark on his long throat vivid against his pale skin. Vale let Yuji rinse his hair, and then he turned around to face the man. Long fingers crept up to the mark, and green eyes filled with laughter met Yuji's own eyes. "You claimed me. I'm yours." The elf laughed in delight. "I love you, Yuji. Don't send me away too soon."

They finished showering and toweled each other off, rediscovering the feel and taste and scent of each other. Vale stopped to kiss where he had dried, until Yuji caught his face between his hands and pulled him into a kiss. "We'll need another shower if you don't stop," Yuji warned.

Vale laughed again, wrapping his arms around Yuji and pulling him into a warm embrace. "You need to eat, first. Willow will want to know you're feeling better, and Satoshi, and Kansas."

They padded back into the bedroom, and Vale looked ruefully at his clothing. The boxers were a total loss, and Vale simply shrugged and reached for his jeans. "Oh, and the children! They're even more beautiful in person. Aika sat on my lap." Vale made it sound like Aika had done something marvelous. "I have presents for them. I have presents for everyone." Vale blushed a little. "I never took mine off," he said, touching the silver charm Yuji had placed around his neck back before they had left the vacation house. "I brought it back to you, like you asked."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale let out a wanton moan as his fingers wrapped around his cock. Yuji's punishing thrusts and repeated assaults on his prostate had the elf's head whipping from side to side, blond hair clinging to his damp forehead as he pumped his fist furiously. Yuji leaned down and licked Vale's ear before biting the pointed tip sharply, and Vale howled as his balls drew up sharply and a hot stream of cum shot out to spatter Yuji's stomach and chest. His back arched as he spasmed around Yuji's cock, and it was Yuji's turn to let out a strangled groan as the heat and tightness combined to push him to the brink.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale fell into the kiss, pouring all of himself into letting Yuji know just how much Vale had longed for this. His fingers continued to stroke the edge of Yuji's ear as he nipped at his lover's lower lip.

"I'm no dream, Yuji. I'm real, and I'm here," Vale whispered, kissing away the tears from Yuji's lashes. "I love you. I'm here for as long as you want me to be here, I promise." He slid onto the bed next to Yuji, pulling him into a tight embrace, and kissed Yuji again. He slid the sheets down, wanting to feel the silky skin under his hands as he continued to plunder his lover's mouth.

Yuji's hands found the buttons on Vale's shirt, and he fumbled with them, still sleep blurred and clumsy. Vale let go of Yuji's ear for a moment, and simply ripped the shirt open so Yuji could push it off his shoulders. The tight tank top had been pulled loose from the waistband of Vale's jeans, and Yuji's hands slid underneath, to stroke the fine muscles of Vale's back. Vale moaned into the kiss, the feeling of Yuji's hands on his skin translating into a growing bulge that pressed against Yuji insistently.

"Please," Vale moaned, and Yuji reached for his jeans, opening them and pushing them down past Vale's slim hips. Vale kicked them off the rest of the way, his socks sliding off with them. He pushed Yuji onto his back and straddled him, the tight knit boxers he was wearing barely containing his cock. Yuji stroked the bulge, and Vale bit back a wail of pure need. He reared up and peeled off the tank top, tossing it away as Yuji's fingers found his nipples, pinching and tugging them.

Vale could feel Yuji's own erection pressing against his stomach as he leaned forward to nuzzle his lover's ear, nipping lightly along the shell. Yuji was busy rolling back Vale's boxers, his hands hot against the curve of Vale's ass, and he coaxed another wanton moan from the elf.

"I need you," Yuji rasped, his breathing ragged, still trying to convince himself that this was more than just a dream. He was answered with a radiant smile and a flurry of kisses as Vale wriggled, urging Yuji to remove the boxers altogether.

"Yes," Vale hissed, as Yuji tugged at the offending garment. Neither one of them could grasp, in their lust-addled state, that the boxers were not going to slide past Vale's spread thighs, and the elf, utterly frustrated, reached down and tore them away. He slid down, trailing hot kisses along Yuji's stomach until he reached his cock, and without hesitation Vale slid his lips over the head and down the shaft, relaxing his throat as Yuji's cock hit the back of it. When Vale's lips reached the base of Yuji's cock, he purred, his tongue laving the underside.

Yuji bucked, the vibrations shooting straight up his spine, and he reached for Vale's head. The elf was faster, though, sliding his mouth back off Yuji and straddling his lover, green eyes all but glowing in the faint light of the room. Vale had no patience for anything, needing to feel Yuji fill him, and he reached down to guide his lover's cock to his ass. As Yuji watched, Vale lowered himself, eyes fluttering closed in bliss as he impaled himself in a single urgent motion.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale breathed in the smell of the meal, and just for a moment, lost himself in the feeling of being home. The bustle of sitting down to a meal, with Aika sitting in her chair beside him, the way Kansas hovered over Ryuu and helped him so lovingly, soothed Vale initially, until Kansas and then Willow told him about Yuji. Strange dreams and nightmares, and drinking himself to sleep? This did not sound like the strong man that Vale had met at the vacation house, and for a moment, the elf wondered if he should just ask to see Yuji now, and not wait a moment longer. He took a few bites of the food, but as delicious as it was, he could barely taste it. Willow had brought him a knife and fork, and to cover his dismay, Vale watched her and Kansas deftly eat with the pairs of chopsticks.

"Did he tell you the dreams?" Vale asked, looking at Willow. Kansas had gone silent after he said what he felt needed saying. Vale looked at Willow, quietly desperate. If Yuji had been an elf, Vale would have known exactly what to do. Vale would have rushed to his side, and proceeded to make love to Yuji until the pain faded, and the love was all that was left. In so many ways, Yuji behaved like an elf, but he was human, and Vale did not know if he could reach him like that. He looked at Willow through golden lashes, his green eyes dark with sorrow.

"I've brought you all pain, and I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Vale took Willow's hand for a moment and held it, feeling the fine bones beneath the skin. He would have said more, but the door opened again, and he heard Satoshi's voice, and saw Ryuu slide out of his seat to run to his father. As Satoshi came in carrying Ryuu on one hip, Vale stood up, and relaxed into Satoshi's warm embrace. Once again, he was being welcomed, and no one seemed to blame him for Yuji's state except himself. But Satoshi promised to take Vale upstairs after they ate, and Vale returned to his meal, feeling some relief.

"I wanted to be here sooner," Vale said softly, feeling like he needed to explain. "I needed to arrange for my absence from my work. My assistant's very capable, more than he thinks he is, actually, but there was so much Nathe wanted me to handle first." Vale spread his hands helplessly. "I'm also on the council that governs my guild, and that took more time to deal with. If I don't see any parchment for a month, I'll be thrilled. I've missed him, all of you, so much that I thought I'd go mad." He took a sip of tea, needing to do something with his hands. "I just want to make this better for him, and for all of you. If I'd known, I'd have told Nathe --" Vale broke off quickly, looking at the children. "I'd have told Nathe he was able to do this alone, and I'd have come sooner."

It was Aika who took matters into her own small hands by reaching for the blond elf. Vale looked at Willow, and when she smiled, he lifted the tiny girl onto his lap, crooning to her. "In my language, you would be called Mela, which also means love," he told her as she watched him with her father's eyes. Vale cradled her against himself, and offered her a tiny bit of rice, as he had seen Kansas do with Ryuu, and when Aika took it, Vale's smile returned.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale could not help laughing as Kansas launched himself into Vale's arms, wrapping his own arms around the elf's neck. Being greeted so warmly banished any lingering doubts about whether or not he had done the right thing.

Kansas was chattering furiously, and led Vale to where he could pull off his boots, which he did with great relief. As Kansas yelled about slippers, Willow came into the foyer, and her face lit up. Vale caught her in a tight embrace, burying his face for the briefest of moments in her hair. When she told him that she had nearly welcomed him home, Vale felt such a rush of love for the generous, beautiful woman that he was speechless. He put on the slippers she offered him and let her tug him into the living room. He could smell something delicious, and then Willow stopped in front of a gorgeous child who looked at him with Yuji's perfect eyes.

"Aika," Vale repeated, the name falling like a prayer from his lips. Vale turned his attention to the small boy that Willow introduced as Satoshi's son, Ryuu, and Kansas swooped the boy up so Vale could see him better. "Ryuu... Willow, such beautiful children," Vale breathed softly. Like most elves, Vale cherished children and it was the way of his people to treat them gently and lovingly. He reached out a slim hand and touched each child's cheek, amazed by the velvety feel of their skin.

Vale let Kansas tug him into the dining room, and finally found his voice as he sat where Kansas indicated. "I'm so sorry I just came by like this, but I couldn't figure out a way to reach you. My home is..." Vale wondered how much he should say, or even how much they knew, and then he decided that Yuji would have no secrets from them, not the way he had been welcomed. "My world doesn't have things like your telephones. The only way I could have reached you would be to use a scrying mirror, or something like that, and I don't think you have those here."

Vale knew he was babbling a little, but his joy at actually being in Yuji's home was overwhelming. "Willow, Kansas, I don't know what to say, except thank you. I show up on your doorstep, and I feel like I'm home." He gave them a radiant smile. "I've missed you all so much. I see you all every night in my reverie. And now I have two new faces for my dreams." Vale laughed as Aika reached for a lock of his long blond hair, tugging on it with a thoughtful look. "She's so beautiful, Willow. I see you both in her."

Vale looked into Willow's eyes. "How is he?" he asked softly.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale stepped back slightly as the door opened, and the beautiful young man with black hair streaked with blue looked up at him in wonderment. Vale just smiled, delighted that he was at the right house as he recognized Kansas. Kansas said his name in a breathy little voice and fell back a step.

"Kansas, it's good to see you." Vale held out his hands, joy making his eyes almost glow in the light spilling out of the foyer. "I've missed you all so much." He gestured at the suitcase by his side, suddenly feeling a little shy and awkward. "I thought I would take Yuji up on his offer for me to visit, but it's a little hard to give advance notice." The blond elf felt a small blush beginning to color his cheeks.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

North Carolina, January 9, 2011...

Vale looked at Sand and Wench, perplexed, as they stood in front of the portal. "Am I crooked?"

Sand arched an eyebrow. "Whatever are you talking about, my sun?"

"Willow asked me why I couldn't be straight." A delicate frown creased Vale's forehead, as Wench began to snicker. He looked at her, indignant.

"Vale, my dear, Willow thinks you are only attracted to males," Wench explained, trying not to laugh at the confused elf.

Vale looked no less confused. "But you and I have made love, with Sand and without." Vale thought for a moment, and then began to blush. "Oh, but she only saw me with Yuji!" He looked slightly panicked. "Does that mean... oh, will Yuji think..."

"Hush, Vale." Sand laid a hand on his lover's arm. "Do not worry about that. We need to return to Neverwinter, and you can research the portal." Sand turned to Wench for a moment. "If Vale is going to visit Yuji, what does he need to know?"

Wench smiled. "Vale, you have a focus for the portal?" When Vale smiled widely, Wench continued. "Then the only other thing I would suggest is perhaps clothing."

"I have clothing," Vale said. "I have several new robes at home."

"Elven clothing might look a bit odd in Yuji's country, Vale." Wench grinned. "I think we need to go shopping."

Vale looked apprehensive, but Sand's face lit up. "You want to fit in, Vale, and not draw undue attention to yourself. This is absolutely necessary, then, to obtain the correct garments, since I think kilts might not be the thing, either."

Wench signaled for a car. "We'll have it back well before checkout," she promised as she slid behind the wheel. Vale was deathly pale as he climbed into the rear of the vehicle, while Sand got in the front with Wench.

"Put that strap on," Vale insisted, as he strapped himself in firmly. His one car journey with Wench behind the wheel had left Vale deeply suspicious of her qualifications to be operating the infernal thing. Sand had been attending Pittwitch, and so had missed the hang gliding part of the vacation. Not for the first time, Vale wondered if that had been intentional.

Sand was a great deal paler by the time they reached the place Wench referred to as a mall. Sand murmured a few words under his breath as the car came to a stop, and Vale was quite sure that the nearly inaudible spate of Ilythiiri was remarkably filthy.

"Keep your hair over your ears," Wench cautioned. "We'll have enough to do with clouding the memories of the clerks where we're shopping. I don't need too large a crowd. If that happens, however, let me talk?"

Sand shot Wench a dubious glance, but held his peace. Wench led them into a shop filled with clothing, and Sand immediately cheered up. He ran his long fingers over fabrics with a smile.

Wench waved a young man over. "My friend has lost his luggage, and we need to replace everything. He'll need two suits, half a dozen dress shirts, casual pants, casual shirts, underwear, socks, shoes, boots, everything." Wench smiled brightly and held out a piece of plastic, and the young man looked as delighted as Sand.

"Madam, right this way," the young man murmured. He led Wench to a comfortable chair. "Latte for Madam?"

"Oh, yes," Wench purred. She sipped latte and watched as the elves plundered the shop, an amused smile on her face as Vale protested, Sand insisted, and the young man made larger and larger piles on the counter.

"Wait!" Vale spotted a display of silk ties, and began to sift through them, finally starting to get into the spirit of the thing. "Yuji had one of these. I should get one, maybe."

"You will need more than one, to match the shirts," Sand advised. The elegant moon elf had picked up quite rapidly on the clothing customs of Wench's world, and was shopping like an expert at this point. "I will choose some for you. You go choose undergarments."

Vale insisted on buying the same type of tight boxers that Yuji wore, much to Wench's continued amusement. The dress shoes made him laugh, and he was entranced by the boot selection. As a courtesy to such good customers, the young man even ran across to a luggage store and came back with an elegant suitcase in sleek black leather. The clothing was packed into the suitcase, Wench retrieved her piece of plastic, and the three happy shoppers clambered into the car, the elves forgetting their terror in the excitement.

Back at the house, Wench kissed Sand and Vale fondly as they stood in front of the portal. "Be well, my loves, and be happy." She waved as they stepped into the portal and vanished, before she got into the car waiting to take her to the airport.

Neverwinter, 21 Hammer...

"Do you have everything?" Sand asked, flicking Vale's hair into place before planting a soft kiss on his lips.

"I think so," Vale replied. He tugged nervously at his clothing. He was wearing black jeans, a tight black tank top, a dark grey silk shirt half unbuttoned over the tank top, and a long black wool jacket that hugged his narrow waist and flared out over slim hips. He had black motorcycle boots on his feet, which felt a little more awkward than the doeskin boots he favored, but which looked better with the jeans.

"Do you have the money Wench gave you?" Sand tugged a little at the jacket. "Remember, you will need to exchange that paper for the paper they use in Yuji's land."

"I remember," Vale insisted, impatient. "I'm a mage of the Cloaktower. I'm not an idiot!"

"No, you are not," Sand agreed. "But you are going to see your lover, and when you do, everything else is going to fly out of that head of yours, my sun." Sand took Vale's face between his hands. "Go, and be with him for as long as you need to, and I will be here when you need me." He kissed Vale, a deep and passionate kiss, his tongue plundering the blond elf's mouth. With a final nibble of kiss-swollen lips, Sand released him, and watched as Vale picked up the suitcase and stepped through the portal...

Tokyo, January 21, 2011, 7:30 pm...

Vale stood outside the house, his blond hair spilling over his shoulders, his suitcase resting on the ground beside him. He looked one more time at the photograph Yuji had given him, and at the house. It was the right place, he was sure of it. Vale could feel his heart begin to hammer in his chest as he raised his hand to knock on the door.

[Closing up the house]

Vale watched as Yuji left to join Willow, Satoshi and Kansas, his hand firmly on the silver charm Yuji had hung around his neck. The warmth of the others, their welcome into their partnership, left Vale feeling euphoric, even though every step Yuji took away from him tore at the elf. He looked at the photograph, and the address written on the back in Yuji's hurried scrawl, and a smile covered his face. He could open a portal to this place easily, and he doubted he would even need the Cloaktower's help.

Vale picked up his pack, and walked over to meet Wench and Sand. The smile on his face told them most of what they wanted to know, but Sand asked anyway. "You'll go to him?"

"Yes." Vale looked at his lover. "Thank you, my moon. I would have let him go, but you knew better."

Sand tipped up Vale's chin. "I see he's learned where you like to be marked." Sand pulled Vale into an embrace. "I am happy for you, my sun."

Wench arched an eyebrow. "Only one mark?"

Vale burst out laughing and tugged his kilt up to display the one on his inner thigh.

[The final ball!]

Sand poured a cup of chocolate. "I will ask if it is your gown you wish to change. Otherwise, I will need to dispel the enchantment."

[The final ball!]

Sand chuckled dryly. "I will not argue that, my dear." Sand took Samantha into the kitchen. "Was that tea, coffee or the chocolate? I am sure you are quite chilled by now."

[The final ball!]

Sand returned the kiss, and when he finally broke away to give them both a chance to breathe, he smiled at Samantha. "I hope you will consider that an earnest expression of my admiration, my dear."

[The final ball!]

Sand placed a slim hand under her chin and tilted Samantha's face up. Leaning forward, he placed a delicate kiss on her lips, feather light. "I presume much, I know, but really, my dear, I could not let you leave without at least that much."