Epilog Part 1
300 years later Patience was currently the worst enemy of two pacing demons waiting outside a set of two double doors. The two new kings of the Northern Inu Kingdom and Eastern Youko Kingdom were both silently abiding their time for the news they'd been waiting for, for the past five hours.
Two hundred years ago, InuTaisho and Yoko Kazo and both decided to step down from their reign as rulers and past the torches down too their sons. Since then word had gotten out about Kazo being an Omega and he was given the fair option of giving the kingdom over to his sons or allowing the counsel to decide on the lands faint. Naturally he went with the first choice giving both Kurama and Sesshomaru full power over the territory.
InuTaisho continued to rule for the next fifty or so years at first but the lack of time he spent with his mate convinced him that it was time that he too stepped down and passed his power over to his eldest sons. Since there was no reason to having the rulers live in two castles the decision was made for the Joint Clan to have InuTaisho's castle since it was the largest and they would reside in the other.
As for Ryuukotsesui, a deal was made in the form of an appropriate punishment for his crimes. Although his intentions were for the welfare of Fiorello, it was set that he would be flogged for each and every person slain during the invasion. The total being 197 lashes. The dragon lord agreed to the pact and immediately accepted his punishment the following day. He did not whimper nor complain once while the whip burned in his back. As for the soldiers who so viciously murdered the innocent lives, He sought out each and every one, slaying them before the entire army as show of what happens when you disobey and order.
Soon after he drew up a treaty to be sighed between the kingdoms to be joined as one power nation ruled by himself, Yoko Kurama and Sesshomaru. Peace and trade flourished all around. Benefiting the people and other travelers from far off.
It took some much needed convincing but Kurama was eventually able to pursue his twin brother to join their Joint Family. At first Fiorello was hesitate about joining the pack because he was still uncomfortable being in Sesshomaru's intimidating presence. However over time he'd grew to love the dog demon as well. Over time Sesshomaru became attracted to the red fox and courted him into the pack. The mating took place in the same room as with Inuyasha and Koga's markings. Now the five of them have all be happily mated and conjoined for the past 250 years.
"My patience wears thin with this constant lack of information." Lord Sesshomaru mumbled folding his arms.
Lord Yoko Kurama agreed. "Indeed. I'm debating on whether or not I should blast the damn door down or simply walk inside."
Standing against the wall chuckling under his breath was the previous king of the Western Territories. InuTaisho shook his head at the way his much older sons were now in the same exact place he was in all of those years ago.
"Do you find something amusing Father?" Kurama asked with a lift of his eyebrow.
"Why yes I do my son."
"Then please share it." Sesshomaru said becoming slightly annoyed with the sealed doors. "I'm in need of some form of entertainment."
Taisho kicked off the wall taking in the incredible change of attire on his sons. Kurama once known for always wearing his carefree tunics turned toward the taste of short sleeve kimonos of matched patterns on each side. As a way to honor the Rose house he's informed every tailor to stitch in a red rose on the breast area of each one. With Sesshomaru he still wore his kimonos to cover his entire body they were less bulky than before and he too ordered each tailor to imprint a silver crescent moon on every designed kimono in his drawers. The main change in his appearance was in the way he kept his hair. He no longer opted for it to hang down his back instead choosing to keep it bound on his head.
He wanted to cut it to the small of his back but he received threats from each Beta that if he did he'd go celibate for the next hundred years.
"You two are just like me. Remember when we were waiting for Inuyasha's birth?"
Yes Sesshomaru recalled that day very clearly. Back then he never would've considered himself to be in the same position as his father. He could see why all the anticipation was killing him back then. The dying need to know what was happening behind those closed doors was mind raking.
"I will no longer wait for the news. I'll open the door and see for myself." Kurama fussed putting his hand on the door to open.
Suddenly the door cracked just when he placed his hand on the knob. One evil crystal eye peeked out seething with a deadly glare. "If you so much as step one foot in this room Yoko Kurama so help me I will rip it off and you'll never see it again." The door slammed shut.
Of all of the blasted arrogance. "The last I recall I was king here." Yoko said surprised at the tone his father took with him. Even if Kazo no longer ruled he was still a force to be reckoned with. He was thought to be an Alpha after all. And for good reason.
"How do you put up with his attitude Father?" Asked the new dog king.
Taisho sighed. "You have no idea." He groaned thinking about how the past three hundred years he was still rendered a pile of mush after each bout of love making. Kazo still insisted that they needed to make up for all of the time they lost. That included rutting in their real forms which nearly terrified Koga and Inuyasha into an early labor when they caught them mating in the forest.
The sight of a giant white dog mounting a large silver fox was an embarrassing position. Kurama and Sesshomaru and scolded them for months on that incident. The only one who caught and cheered them on was Fiorello.
Taisho and Kazo still rutted in their beast forms every now and again but just not so close to their own territories. They tried doing it deep in Ryuukotsesui's kingdom and thought they'd get away with it... And they almost did until Kazo howled his climax to the skies. Ryuu had transformed into his dragon form flying through the sky like crazy because of the surge of youki that burned his forest. When he spotted his current allies rutting in his lands he threatened to set them both a blaze if they did such a disgraceful act again.
Kazo purred if he wanted to join their fun and Ryuu snarled at him evilly before flying away.
Taisho wondered if he'd want to join them since they outlawed the punishment for Joining more than two demons in a relationship. They've been asking but received no direct answer.
Another hour pasted between them the three demons pacing and grumbling under their breathes about meltiing, burning, or simply kicking the door in. The only thing that kept them from doing so was a 7 foot tall silver haired Youko with a taste for blood of anyone who dared to open it.
"How have you been faring with the lost Father?"
This was a hard question to answer for the Inuyoukai since it had happened seventy years ago. Kazo and Taisho had been trying to have more children for a long time. Seventy years ago they'd finally succeeded in getting him pregnant but he'd lost it . For some reason his body was unable to carry the child full term. It was a heavy lost for both demons but they learned to move on keeping the tiny spirit in their hearts. The child would've been a tiny girl. "We're staying strong. Hopefully we'll give you boys another brother or sister soon."
"Hn take your time father." Kurama said placing a supportive hand on his shoulder. "You two have thousands of years left to have children."
"But that doesn't mean I wish to see tiny Taisho's and Kazo's running about." Sesshomaru added in indifferently.
"Oh hush."
It was another hours outside of the double doors. Finally after the full seven hour wait, the doors opened up and Yoko Kazo ermerged out taking a deep breathe. He turned his blue eyes to each anxious face.
"Well?" They echoed loudly.
Kazo glared at each one of them to shut their mouths and to wait to hear him out. Now silent, Kazo nodded his head and smiled. "They're tired but everything went fine. We had a bit of trouble with Inuyasha but he's fine."
Sesshomaru frowned. "What has happened to him?"
"Don't worry my son. He's fine. However he's probably the most tired. So don't be surprised if he's a sleeping when you go inside."
Kurama nodded his relief. Out of their mates, Inuyasha had been the one to have the most difficult pregnancy. His mood swings and increased appetite were the worst to deal with too. "What about—"
Kazo held up his hand. "No more questions. Just go inside and see for yourself." He stepped to the side letting the two impatient fathers inside.
A far off look flew across Kazo's eyes as he watched his two oldest children walk inside. They were no longer little boys anyone. It almost seemed as if time just suddenly flew by and out sprouted these dignified warriors. His tiny kits were now fathers themselves about to raise their own family. Where did the time go?
"It'll be ok Kazo."
Said demon sighed. "But when will I have that chance again?" He questioned more for himself than to his mate.
"Soon love. It'll be soon." Taisho kissed his cheek and ushered him inside.
Sesshomaru and Kurama both stood completely shell shocked from the towering layers of pillows, thick quilts, blankets and spread sheets thrown over like a tent. They looked at Kazo who answered, "It's the nesting phase."
Oh ok. They nodded and maneuvered the best they could through the massive self-made construction of softness. Sesshomaru had to toss a couple of pillows to get through until finally…
Nestled in a close knit circle of Koga, Inuyasha…and Fiorello were seven very tiny pups weeping and peeping quietly. All three Betas were silently whispering soothing motherly words to their beloved babies, nursing or stroking their hair, or tails to ease their whimpers. Kazo thought it was best if all of them were nude so there would be no form of constriction of any kind.
The babies were either learning the proper function of their limps, peeping tiny cries for attention, nursing or sleeping quietly.
Sesshomaru stared down inwardly astounded that those small bodies actually belonged to him and his family. The tremendous desire to protective every new face was so strong it surprised even him. Each and every one of those pups were his children and he was their father. There was a time when his pride would've only be reserved for his own self but now it swelled to a wider capacity for those little souls.
Kurama smiled down feeling like the proudest demon on earth. There laying on the softest of blankets were his kits. All of them. His family had grown wonderfully from the original four to now twelve. Being the head parent he truly had his work cut out for him in protecting his children and mates.
Signing his exhaustion Fiorello glanced up with tired green eyes and greeted the audience of demons. "Bonjour mon amors." He whispered while stroking the two tiny heads of his sons. The first born was a silver haired Youko kit with his green eyes and one set of magenta stripes on his cheeks. He had a short, bushy little tail stretched out between his legs. The precious little Omega was every bit like his quiet, daunting father. The other was a crimson haired Inuyoukai that also inherited his green eyes but held most of Sesshomaru's features. He held the blue moon on his forehead, the pointy ears and the one set of blue stripes on his cheeks. His appearance wasn't as intimidating as his father. He held more of a flowing calmness in his Alpha aura. "They are sleeping now mon amis." Fiorello said quietly. Besides the occasional whimpered peeps and squirms the babies were indeed asleep.
At the top of the mother circle nursing one on his chest and the other napping on his other side was Koga. The wolf demon yawned blinking up at the four faces looking down at him. "Hey everybody." He mumbled softly. "Meet the little ones." The tiny little soul nursing on his father's chest was a black haired Youko kit with three blue stripes on each cheek and a black tail on his little bottom. His eyes were the same dark amber as his fathers which gave him an erotic appearance of a deadly assassin. He was the perfect Alpha. Sleeping down the other side was a sweet little angelic female version of Sesshomaru napping on her mother's chest. The tiny jewel was practically the dog king's double. The only difference with her was that her eyes were the same pale sky blue as Koga's. Their little princess. "I'm afraid you guys might have to wait with seeing these two. This little guy's greedy and his sister's getting her beauty rest." His yawned signaled that he might be joining her in the dreamland of peace and quiet.
Finally laying totally wiped out from his troubling birth process was Inuyasha lying on his side cuddling his litter of three pups together. Half lidded gold eyes peered up at the smiling faces up above. He frowned at each one of them before grunting quietly, "These will be the only pups you get out of me." And kissed each forehead lovingly stroking their soft piles of pale hair. The one positioned closet to his face was a white haired imagine of Sesshomaru with puppy dog ears on top of his head. One set of magenta stripes graced his plump cheeks but he held no moon upon his head. He was a easy going little Alpha who demanded very little attention. The smallest one in the middle was a gentle whimpering white haired Youko kit. Her eyes were the exact same as her mother's big golden gaze. Big and full of a fiery innocence blazing in their depths. She was as sweet and angelic as any little spirit with porcelain skin nearly transparent as snow. She completed radiated with the blood of an Alpha. The only little dominate princess.
The final child at the bottom was the one that caught everyone's attention the most. Kurama and Sesshomaru were stunned at their youngest child and had no idea what to make of him. On top of his head a shocking pile of plush white hair on his head and pointy ears. However he held the same crystal blue eyes as his grandfather. At the bottom of his tush was a swishing silver tail. Astounding. It wasn't as if it truly mattered but they both wondered who sired this boy? It was almost as if…both of them sired him. White Hair, Silver tail, Crystal blue eyes, Pointy ears?
At the pointed confusion on their faces glanced down his little Omega son. "Don't worry he's yours." He said settling down, pulling the babes closer. "Now if you guys don't mind. We're all tired and," He yawned. "Would like to get some much needed rest."
"Oui mon amors. We shall see you all another time. For now." He kissed his son's heads. "We all require rest."
Koga eased the now sleeping kit from his nipple setting him next to his slumbering sister. "You'll see these little guys again."
"Wait! I want to see my grandpups!" Came the sudden bellowing deep voice that startled the seven babes awake. The mothers quickly went to work on settling them down whispering, kissing and stroking their head or tails to calm them down. Thank the gods above they were able to get each one back to sleep.
Koga sneered evilly. "I swear to everything that's holy if you guys don't shut that bastard up I'll kill him myself."
"Yea." Inuyasha tucked his children's faces into his chest to seal them from all the noise. "Tell Uncle to take his baritone voice somewhere else."
"Oui. Pere's voice is far too harsh for the ears of our bébes." Fiorello wrapped his tail over his sons kissing their heads.
Ryuukotsesui stumbled into the birthing bed room panting from the obvious quick flight he took to get there. "I'm sorry—"
"Shhh!"
"But I only—"
"Shhh!"
"I just—"
Inuyasha sat up with his head peeking over the pile of blankets and sneered, "Shut the fuck up old man. If you wake up my pups again I swear I'm kicking your ass from here to next moon cycle. Damn." And he disappeared.
Kurama and Sesshomaru instantly became hostile at the strained distress being on their mates and children.
"Uncle it would be wise to either keep silent or be gone. I will not have you upsetting my kits or my mates." Kurama warned.
Sesshomaru's eyes promised a guaranteed death of the dragon didn't head his brother's warning.
"S'il vous plaît mes amours." Fiorello started sweetly. "Let mon Pére pass. I want him to see his petits-enfants."
Hearing the plead of their tired mate, the two reluctantly stepped aside and allowed the tall demon lord to approach the crowd little colorful pillows, blankets and quilts set up as a nest. Quietly this time Ryuukotsesui peeked over the edge of the structure. Seeing the seven tiny bodies curled up against their mothers sent his heart into a flutter of joy. In total he saw 3 Youko kits, 3 Inuyoukai pups, and 1…1…1 with a little of both it appeared. "Ah they're beautiful my sons. Very fine babes you've all had." He whispered gently.
He stayed for a moment longer until coming out to join the others in the hallway. "I apologize for earlier. I had a few issues to take care of before coming here. Congratulations on the births." He offered his hand to Kurama and Sesshomaru to shake.
Long ago they never would've thought that they would be so close to this gray skinned demon without worry of an attack. Neither did they think they'd be calling him Uncle and accepting his hand in gratitude for being able to make it. Thing sure have changed for the better over the years.
"Merci Uncle."
"Gracias Uncle."
He nodded at them than turned his attention to the two demons standing by the wall. "I think this calls for a celebration. I believe that a nice bottle of sake is in order."
Sesshomaru shook his head. "As tempting as that sounds I'm not up for it." His eyes longingly looked toward the door. "I'd much rather stay here with my mates and pups."
"As do I." Kurama's gaze was also trained on the door that held his family. "I don't feel comfortable leaving them alone."
"Come now boys. There are thousands of guards, servants, nurses and whomever else in this place. Surely you can spare a couple of hours."
Kazo touched the dragon's arm shaking his head. "It's only natural for them to want to stay Ryuu. Their mates are very vulnerable right now as well as the kits. They won't be at ease until all of them are back to their normal health."
Shrugging his head Ryuu agreed. He smiled unconsciously grabbing the hand on his shoulder giving it a squeeze. "I suppose you're right." A distant expression flashed in his eyes. "If I were in their position I doubt I'd be the same." He hadn't told anyone but he'd been feeling lonely again since Fiorello moved to the Eastern Kingdom to be with his mates.
Kazo winked returning the squeeze and walked off. "Come on. We can at least have a few drinks. I'm in need of something strong anyway."
Sesshomaru and Kurama made a mental not to thank Kazo for giving them a free pass out of leaving their family alone and went back inside to gaze at their growing family.
When the door shut close, Taisho turned to the dragon demon with a pair of stern friendly eyes taking in the way Ryuu watched the sway of Kazo's hips walking down the corridor. "See something you like Ryuu?"
Snapping out of his lustful daze like a horny pup, Ryuu fixed his composure dusting off his arms. "No I do not." He answered snootily.
Taisho sighed. "Ryuu why are you doing this to yourself? It's obvious you're still in love with him. So why not join us and become a clan of our own."
"Because I'm not sure I deserve it yet. I'm still ashamed for what I did to him…"
"But he's told you countless times that he's forgiven you for it. Kazo holds no ill will towards you. So why are you continuing to punish yourself even though you have his forgiveness?"
"I….I don't know." Because he didn't want anything to go wrong and they not want him in the clan any longer. Ever since he'd caught the two rutting in his lands a while back, they'd been pressuring him into creating a Joint Clan like their sons. As flattered as he was about it, there was still a part of him that wasn't comfortable with doing it. His heart ached from the loneliness but he'd be damned if he lost his only friends when he's slowly began to gain their trust.
"Well we can finish this discussion at the Tavern. You're buying."
"I figured I would be, since it seems my gold is the only kind working." He said sarcastically.
Taisho slapped him on his back playfully. "That's the spirit!"
Ryuu rolled his eyes allowing the dog demon to walk him down the hall.
Unknown to the older demons, Sesshomaru and Kurama had stayed beside the door listening to their conversation.
"He's still hesitate." Sesshomaru noted.
"Yes he's just getting used to having companionship." Kurama stepped from the door. "Enough of that for now. They're grown. They'll figure it out themselves. Our focus should be on the ten people here."
"Of course."
Walking back over to the nest of canines, the older brothers peeked over it again to see that Koga, Fiorello and Inuyasha had fallen asleep. That was to be expected from the agonizingly long labor. Kurama reached down to stroke the cheek of each baby inhaling their fresh scent. He released the wonderful smell out with satisfaction. There was no doubt these young ones were his and Sesshomaru's.
"We will need names for them Yoko. We can't have pups running about without titles."
"Yes I know."
"What do you suggest?"
"Numbers."
Sesshomaru sent him an evil glare.
Kurama waved him off. "I was kidding little brother. But I think we should wait in naming them until they are older. Then we'll pick what's appropriated based on their behaviors."
That seemed reasonable enough. With five boys and two girls there were bound to be some rough housing in the near future…And he looked forward to raising every single one of them.
"You're acting like a spoiled brat."
"And what do you call yourself?"
"A well refined gentlemen."
"With a refined smart mouth."
"All the better to bite you with my dear."
"Go to hell."
"I'll make sure to take you with me. I'm sure the devil has a reserved seat for you."
"Oh and he doesn't have your name engraved on the highest seat?"
"Nope because that belongs to you."
"Bite me!"
"When?"
Kazo growled turning his head away from the smug faced dragon. "Wretched beast."
"Spoiled brat." He shot back.
InuTaisho watched his mate and friend go back and forth for the past hour laughing at their antics. It was just like old times with it being just the three of them. Instead of going to tavern in one of the kingdoms they settled for one a little ways away from Ryuu's kingdom. It was practically the only way they could get some peace from the locals since nearly everyone knew who they were. Today they didn't feel up to being kings. So they went in disguise with low ponytails and common clothing.
Ryuu picked up the empty bottle and turned it upside down. The only thing come out was a dusty drop. "Dammit Kazo. Did you have to drink the entire bottle?"
"I know you did not go there dragon. I only had three cups. You're the one drinking like it's some new fashion."
"How dare you accuse me of being a drunkered!"
"Yes one who drinks like a sailor than accuses others of his crime?"
"Go to hell!"
"Yes yes yes. You're told me that one when we got here. Come up with something more original."
"Brazen child…"the insult came in a huffed pout.
"I heard you."
"I'm sure you did with those giant appendages on your crown."
Kazo's mouth hit the floor and his ears twitched at the insult sagging against his head. "You're so cruel."
Hearing the defeated tone, Ryuu watched Kazo sink into his chair playing with the cup in his hand. Those beautiful eyes dimmed down to a dull sky blue. That was something he'd always hated seeing. "I'm sorry."
Kazo pouted. "No you're not."
"Fine than I'm not."
"Bastard."
Taisho laughed again. These two were a piece of work when put together. He really needed to convince his friend to join them. With entertainment like this who needs to leave home?
Just than one of the tavern workers approached the table. "Will you care for anything else sirs." Came from the timid question.
"No I believe these two have had enough." Taisho said.
"Very well." Pink eyes stared curious at the arguing Ryuukotsesui and Kazo. "Are they ok?"
"Yes they're just being children."
"Oh…I see."
"HEY!" Suddenly the owner of the small little pub came out of nowhere grabbing the servant by the arm. "You're supposed to be working not having conversations!"
"I-I-I'm sorry sir. Please forgive me."
The big barreling demon pulled the creature toward an stairwell. Seeing where they were going, the dark tanned Youko demon began to struggle. "Please sir I'm sorry. I won't do it again."
"Yea I'll make sure you don't bitch." The fat nasty beast pulled and tugged on the elegant creature harder leaving bruises. "Stop struggling dammit!"
"Please please! I swear I'll work harder sir. Please don't hurt me again!"
"I said let's go—"
"I think she says she doesn't want to go. So does as she says and let her go." Said a very menacingly calm voice from behind.
The owner turned bored beady black eyes toward a very tall gray skinned demon with long jet black hair. Looking down at the cowering brown skinned Youko, than back at the tall demon who didn't even look that strong, the owner thought he'd take his chance. "This piece of trash belongs to me so unless—"
Ryuukotsesui punched the man in the jaw snatching the Youko to him. "I don't repeat myself for anyone you fool. I'll see to it you're punished for having slaves work in here."
The ugly owner sat up rubbing his swelling jaw and spitting out six fangs. "And who the hell are you?"
They were going to kill him for this. "Lord Ryuukotsesui."
The entire enclosure gasped and whispered nervously. So when they looked at him than at his table mates they all began to quickly clear the area immediately. All of the man's customers filed out of there as he bowed his head repeatedly. "Please forgive me my lord. I had no idea who you were. But this bitch—"
A swift kick connected to his jaw knocking him out.
"I don't tolerate name calling." Ryuu tucked the Youko under his arm and ushered her toward the table. "You won't have to worry about him anymore my dear."
Kazo was having a full blown giggle fit when the two came back to the table.
The pretty dark tanned, pink eyed Youko threw two long arms around Ryuu's neck and said in a deep husky voice, "Thank you for saving me."
Ryuukotsesui blinked. And blinked. And blinked. And blinked. And blinked until his eyes became dry.
Taisho's mouth hit the floor.
Now Kazo's giggles transformed to a hearty laugh. "Oh Inari!" He cracked up pounding the table with his fist. "That's priceless!"
The brown skinned Youko with lovely raven hair and bright pink eyes looked among the demons wondering what was exactly going on. The dog demon and the one learned to be Lord Ryuukotsesui were both openly staring very rudely.
"Please excuse my comrades." Kazo managed between snickers. "They presumed you…you were…"
"A vixen?" The Youko finished knowingly.
"Yes!" Kazo fell into another fit of laughter. He laughed for a full fifteen minutes before he was able to wipe away the giggle tears and speak probably. "Excuse the rudeness of my speechless mate and friend. I'm Kazo. This is InuTaisho and you're already acquainted with your savior Ryuukotsesui."
"Oh!" The Youko fell out of his chair smacking his forehead against the ground repeatedly. "Please forgive me your highnesses. I didn't mean to sit at the same table as royalty."
Ryuu finally snapped out of his beauty struck daze to pull the Youko off the ground and back in his sit. "There's no need for that. We're all here for entertainment. Not to be noticed by the locals." He used the pad of his thumb to wipe off the smudge of dirt on the smooth coco cheek. "There. All clean now." He smiled. "So now that we can see your face can you tell us your name?"
The Youko blushed with shifty eyes from the handsome dragon. "It's…It's Sakura."
"I see. Because of those pretty pink eyes?"
Sakura covered his face bashfully and nodded.
"Ah a fine name for a very beautiful soul such as yourself." Ryuu lazily took in the smooth tanned skin, the long braided jet black hair and the bright pink eyes hiding behind those hands.
"Oh sir you're a bold one aren't you?" Said the shy fox.
"Only in the presence of rare beauty." He flirted.
Kazo rolled his eyes resisting the urge to vomit. So he only became bold in the presence of beauty? Than what the hell was he? An ugly bald headed goblin? Feeling the little green monster rear his ugly head, Kazo looked over at the still drop mouth Taisho staring at the handsome Youko and elbowed him in the ribs. That little sneak attack did not to deter the dog's shock of learning the gorgeous Youko was a male instead of a woman.
"Sirs?
Kazo lifted an eyebrow.
"If it's alright…may I leave here with you? I don't have anywhere else to go and it won't be for long. It'll only be for a little while I swear."
"Of course!" Ryuu kissed the demon's hands. "You may stay with me if you wish."
"Oh thank you so much sir. I really appreciate it"
"My pleasure beautiful. And please no more of this sir nonsense. You may call me Ryuukotsesui or Ryuu for short."
"Yes sir - I mean Ryuu."
Having heard enough Kazo kicked back his chair standing up from the table. "I'm going out." He all but growled angrily stomping out the tavern.
The sudden change in behavior startled the new Youko and even Ryuukotsesui. InuTaisho was still staring at the male fox with his mouth wide open.
Since the dog was useless, he'd have to be the one to talk to him. "Excuse me Sakura." He mumbled heading out after his friend.
Sakura nodded not really understanding what's going on. He turned his bright pink eyes toward the dog demon still staring wide mouth at him. Feeling embarrassed again, he shyly covered his face. "Please sir. Could you stop staring at me like that?"
Taisho didn't answer. His mouth was agape so wide Sakura was afraid he'd catch flies or other creepy crawlers in his trap. He blinked between his fingers at the strange acting demon. "Your highness?"
No reply.
"Sir?"
Nada.
Ryuu sniffed around for the missing Youko until the scent lend him over toward a tall tree on the edge of a forest. The truck was thin enough for him to see a slender silhouette standing behind it. Noting the perking silver ears and the bristled attitude of that swishing tail, he was sure it was Kazo. Why the hell was the fox having an attitude all of a sudden anyway?
He cautiously walked toward his friend, being careful not to startle him into bolting away. The heavens know once he takes off there's no catching him. "Do you wish to explain your abrupt departure?"
Kazo tugged a locket of his hair out of his ponytail and started stroking down its length ignoring the dragon's presence.
"With those ears Kazo, I'm sure I don't need to repeat myself." He hoped the insult were at least her him a smart remark but he got nothing. Odd to not have a fired up comeback read to split his brain in half. He should have bleeding ears by now. "Kazo what's wrong with you?"
Kazo cut his suddenly dark diamond eyes at the object of his anger. "Oh you wish to know?"
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't."
The fox stroked his hair some more casually adding more strains. "Hn as if you care. Why don't you go back inside and fondle over that…that
beautiful fox. I'm sure he'll love to hear just how
beautiful he is over and over again. You and Taisho seem to make that quite obvious."
Unbelievable. So that was the reason for him throwing a hissy fit in there? "Ah I see." Ryuu bent down to eye level with the fox grinning from ear to ear. "You're jealous aren't you?"
"Teh, please. As I, the Almighty Yoko Kazo would be jealous of anyone."
"Feed that load of nonsense to someone else fox. I've known you far to long to know when you're lying."
Kazo released his hair smacking against his shoulder. "You know nothing."
"I don't blame you mind you. I mean I am a very handsome devil. It's only natural you'd be jealous when I'm interested in another." He teased.
Someone didn't find it all too funny though. "Go to hell Ryuu." Kazo growled giving his back to the gray demon.
Now Ryuu knew when Kazo was kidding around and when he was being serious. Currently he was in his serious mode. "Kazo?"
No answer. Damn he was in serious mode.
"Does it bother you that I called Sakura beautiful?"
Kazo shrugged. "What does it matter? You can do what you want." He hugged his torso as if to protect himself from something. "It's-it's not like me and Taisho care what you do…you can call whomever you want beautiful. You can sleep with whomever you please. You can…mate with whomever you—"
Without warning two thick arms shot out wrapping about his waist, pulling his back flush against a tall thick chest. Ryuu buried his face in the silky soft hair hugging the demon close. "Kazo you know you and Taisho mean everything to me. You've always meant the world to me." He sucked in the wonderful scent that was only Kazo's, while nuzzling his nose closer. "You're still and always will be the most beautiful demon in my eyes. Nothing will ever change that."
Kazo snuggled into the warmth. "Then why?...why won't you accept our proposal and join us?"
"Because I'm not…I don't think I deserve too. Not just yet."
"Ryuu…" Kazo sighed laying his head back on the dragon's shoulder. "How many times must I tell you to let the past go? I've forgiven you for it. We all make mistakes. So...so stop punishing yourself for a crime that's long since forgotten."
"You ask the world of me. If I were to make love to you I would still see that terrified face looking up at me." The arms tightened. "I never want to see that face again. I would die before I harm you like that."
"I know you wouldn't. You've changed over the years we've grown back together. So much so that Taisho and I just want to do what we should've done all those years ago." Kazo turned around in his arms to cup his friend's face. "I want us to be together again. Just like when we were younger. I want to be…with InuTaisho…and with you."
Emerald eyes searched down at the set of clear blues pleading with him to reconsider his decision. "I have to know something before I answer."
"What is it?"
Ryuu's gray hands lifted to cover over the white ones covering his cheeks. "If I chose to become joined with you and Taisho…will it be for good? I don't want to be some pity mate you do wish to try and coax to ease your guilt than to toss aside once you see I'm fine. So I'm asking you now…Will it be forever?"
Kazo nodded. "Yes yes yes. It'll be for all times." He wrapped his arms around the taller man's neck. "If we do this I swear it'll permanent. You'll never have to worry about being alone anymore. You'll have me and Taisho….Even Sakura if you wish it!"
"Whoa slow now." Ryuu chuckled softly returning the warm embrace. "I never said anything about even wanting to rut with the Youko. But just…just give me some time to think this over some more now that I have my question answered."
"But how much time will you need? Can't we just get it done tonight?"
"No. I need to get myself mentally stabilized before I can become one with you and Taisho." He pulled back to study his face. "I just want a little time Kazo…that's all I'm asking."
It wasn't exactly what he wanted to hear but at least it was a start.
If time was all his friend was asking for…than time is what they'd give him…But for how long?
TBC: Hmm will Ryuu finally decide to join them? Will or should the handsome Sakura be included? Twosome? Threesome?...Foursome? ^_^ Did you like the babies? What's going to happen next?
