A/N: Well, as promise. Here is the first chapter of the sequel. This might even take longer than the prequel because, you know, there's no guide and the idea is originally mine. Disclaimer - I do not own anything from Digimon. Or Ecuratan. One word: FICTION!

Warning: MPREG. Guess which one! There's a poll. Poll ratings will not affect the story

Born out from Love

Paoshirou Hoshi

Mourning

It's been at least a month since Koushirou's attempted assasination. His mother was out of the hospital and preparing to move to Ecuratan, and move in to the Palace; Yamato and his beloved wife has grew into each other more and more. Yamato wonders how he ever manage to treat his Koushii poorly, and feels sorely bad for hurting him. But Koushirou's constant smile and declaration of undying love puts him at ease.

Ever since the vows under the legendary tree, the red-head is pretty much the only one who can calm Yamato down, if you don't count the blond Prince's second favorite person: Takeru.

Like whenever the young Prince and present King gets into a heated arguement, plus the mother, for example.

"As future king, how could you cut Count Michael's banquet short and leave earlier!? He is one of the high ranking nobles!"

Yamato huffed. "I already told you! Sir Micheal understood and I promised Koushirou I'd take him..."

"Koushirou, Koushirou," Complained the present queen "I dare say! He doesn't fit well as a future Queen, he is more of a distraction to your duties than anything else, he does not even respect our practices!"

"Do not speak that of Koushirou, most especially not in our room, or in front of him," Yamato snarled irritably. "or me."

Koushirou was blushing furiously the whole time as the royal family minus the peace loving one, Takeru whom nobody really had a problem with, stared each other down; for he was still in an inappropriate attire. He had just woken up when Yamato was putting on a dress shirt after pulling on a pair of pants, the blond usually woke before him. He only had a pyjama shirt on and a blanket sheet covering his sore unclothed bottom. He was too sore on both the backside, and... Intruded area that Yamato was just about to help him out of the bed and into their personal bathroom when his parents came in unannounced.

Koushiriou felt humiliated, to put it mildly. He clutched the sheets shyly.

Yamato finally stopped staring down his parents long enough to notice his Koushii's discomfort. "Please dismiss yourself, father, mother. You are making Koushirou uneasy."

Natsuko huffed. "Since when do we take orders for his convenience?"

"Since," Yamato started, stepping forward. "I will be King in the future, he will be my Queen. He will be respected just as I will be. There will be no tolerance to anyone who does otherwise. You, dear mother, must know this more than anyone else."

Koushirou gulped nervously. Yamato said mother like it was a curse and Natsuko looked like she detests Yamato addressing her as such. The blond rarely calls her 'mother', and both preferred it that way. Both preferred not to refer to the other as family.

The King interceded. "Yes, you will be King. As early as now, you mustn't be greedy with... Sharing." His gaze fell on Koushirou.

The red-head couldn't help gaping, turning ten shades of red. Yamato likewise but for a different emotion.

"FATHER!"

The King simply crossed his arms. "I did not mean for me," he snapped. "But you know it is a common practice for us dignitaries to... Lend our spouse for a given night, like when it comes to negotiations or making allies and other such reasons."

Natsuko made a face.

Koushirou shivered, absently pulling the blanket to cover his already clothed top. Yamato trembled, furious. "Absolutely not! And it is not about greediness, Koushirou is mine and mine alone! Out of respect not greed."

Koushirou had to smile in relief at that.

Natsuko was going to say something to continue the arguement when a knock came from the door.

"Excuse me, may I come in?"

The King stood straight. "Please enter, Jyou." Natsuko rolled her eyes.

Jyou entered with a grinning Taichi. Koushirou groaned inwardly. Why are there so many people coming in while I'm in this state? The King grimaced at Taichi discretely.

"Your Majesty," Jyou bowed automatically, to the King, then Natsuko and Yamato's way. "your highnesses,"

"Oh just speak up," Natsuko snapped. Jyou flinched up, startled.

Taichi broke out too enthusiastically. "Now, now, My lady, we are just here to remind you that Takeru is waiting out for us at the Courtyard with my family for our little outing, you musn't spite Jyou." He pointed out, nudging Jyou.

"Y... Yes, and Majesty, the Council awaits your presence." Jyou adds quickly.

Natsuko sighed. "Ah, yes. Though I don't see much a point in a wedding anymore." She muttered lowly.

"Then we shall talk none of it!" Taichi beamed and held his arm out to her. Natsuko rolled her eyes and placed her hand on the offered arm.

Jyou bowed to the King. "I shall escort you, Sire." He stood.

"A pleasure, Jyou." He places a hand on the bluenette's shoulder. Jyou did his best not to flinch. Taichi frowned before reluctantly turning aside and leading Natsuko away. Jyou led the King away too.

Yamato shut the door. He grumbled and huffed indignantly. "I swear, those two... Are just..." He sighed heavily.

"Hoeeeee... Gomen nasaii, Yamato..." Koushirou apologized, covering his face that was almost as red as his hair. "So sorry!"

Yamato looked at his beloved, his irritation turning to puzzlement. "And why must you be sorry?" He approached him. "Here, look at me, Koushii."

Koushirou shook his head furiously while he answered, "I am a humiliation to you in front of the King and Queen." He explained.

Yamato's heart swells and melted all at once, crawling up to him on the bed. He was touched he cared for his dignity that much. "That is not true, Koushii. Please, look at me." He placed his hands on the red-head's shoulders. "Koushirou..." he attempted to pry his hands away.

"No..." Koushirou didn't budge. "Just look at me; the state I was in when they came in, my hair is a mess, I am not even fully clothed, and I..."

Yamato finally managed to pry them away and before Koushirou can do anything about it, the blond kissed him firmly on the lips.

Koushirou struggled at first for he hadn't brushed his teeth yet and was sure he must have horrible morning breath, but soon stopped, melting into the kiss, pressing back passionately. Yamato pushed them both down to the bed before pulling away and resting his forehead on that of his lover's. He smiled softly and stroke his Koushii's red face tenderly and adoringly. "You are beautiful." Yamato finished for him. "Absolutely, Completely, Positively Perfect. My happiness," He eskimo kissed.

Koushirou's locks were mussed, his eyes half-lidded in daze, his face flushed like a strawberry. His breathing heavy. "Yamato..." He sighed happily. "Aishiteru..." He wrapped his arms around the blond's neck and nuzzled his face to the strong chest.

Yamato's heart skipped, his eyes clouded with lust. He slipped his hand under Koushirou's pyjama shirt, teasing the nubs. Koushirou's breath hitched and he moaned.

"N... No, wait... Ah... Stop..."

"But you are enjoying it..." Yamato pushed him back and undid the buttons, pushing the shirt open. "See? They are erect." He dipped down and flick a nipple with his tongue.

"Nghh..." Koushirou groaned involuntarily, gripping the sheets. "I... Ah... Have to... Shower... Ah!" He gasped and his face heated up more as Yamato bit on the erect nub before sucking roughly. He arched his back and bit back a moan, sparks of pleasure pulsing down the aroused area.

Yamato felt the sticky precum spilling down, he pulled away and smirk. "You do need a shower, you are getting dirty here." With sudden quickness, a rough hand grabbed the red-head's weeping erection and stroked it teasingly. Koushirou sobbed, his breath getting strained. Yamato's hand was unsuprisingly cold on his heated member.

"Yama...to... Stop... I am embarrassed." He covered his face.

Yamato laughed and took him into his mouth, sucking in rhythm to the hand still stroking one nipple.

Koushirou gasped. "Wa... Wait! Don't! Ahh, waah... YAMATO!" He screamed as his body tensed, and he cummed into Yamato's mouth. The blond milked him dry as Koushirou rode out his orgasm. Yamato licked his upper lips after, causing Koushirou's red face to get even more red at the possible implication.

"There is no need to be embarrassed. I am your husband." Yamato kissed Koushirou's stomach. "Right?"

Koushirou pouted, shaking his head. "No, a very sexually frustrated husband."

Yamato laughed and carried him bridal style. Koushirou yelped, grabbing Yamato's neck instinctively. "Let us get ourselves cleaned up."

"I can go myself. You already had one."

Yamato kissed his love's forehead. "I need another one. And I will not pass up the chance to bathe with you."

Koushirou eyed him suspiciously. "Just bathe?"

"Sure Koushii," Yamato chuckled. "Just bathe." He promised. Koushirou smiled approvingly.

Yamato massaged and lathered Koushirou's hair, and the red-head felt so relaxed and soothed. Yamato had this way with his hands, while it usually felt rough, Yamato had really smooth, soft hands. The gentleness of how the blond rhythmitically wove his hands through the red-head's soft hair. Koushirou could've fallen asleep then.

But a question kept plaguing him.

"Yamato?"

Yamato hummed, still into his work. He loved the feel of Koushirou's hair just as much as the younger boy loved the feel of Yamato's strong hands. Really, they could be there the whole day. "Yes, my love?"

Koushirou's heart swelled everytime he heard Yamato's beautiful voice call him such. All the same, the question plagued him though. "Yamato..."

"I'm listening." The blond doused the red-head's hair.

Koushirou held Yamato's hands and settled them over his shoulder. Yamato settled for nuzzling his face into Koushirou's damp hair. "I... I was thinking, you are going to be King, right?"

"Why?" Yamato smirked. "Do you wish to share my power that bad?"

Koushirou pouted. "Yamato, we been over this," He whined. Yamato laughed.

"I am teasing, you are just too adorable when you pout and whine."

"I do not... Oh, nevermind." Koushirou resigned. "I was saying that since you are going to be King... Don't you need an heir?"

Yamato's brows furrowed. "Hmm, yes, I do."

"Well, I've been studying history a lot and doing my own research," Koushirou swallowed. "and I found out in this article in the past what this Earl, Yoshiki, had to do to have his son, Iori, since he was married to a man named Oikawa."

Yamato pulled away and made to look at his love. "Koushirou,"

"I'll support you." Koushirou said hastily, not wanting to offend his man. "I understand it is in your culture, I won't hold bitter thoughts to you nor to your concubine or anyone else," He pinched his eyes shut to hold back tears.

Yamato had a vein mark popping. "Koushirou..."

Koushirou went on. "No, really. I am okay with it. I just have a request that maybe... we could..."

A hard kiss interrupted him and Koushirou's eyes went wide. Yamato pulled away.

"You didn't want to shut up," He said, as if in explanation. Koushirou blinked in confusion. Yamato smiled softly, amused. "I will not have a concubine. How on earth could I sleep with anyone else on our bed?" Yamato kissed Koushirou tenderly on the cheek. "How could I sleep with anyone else when I have you?"

Koushirou teared up. "Yamato..."

"Come now, let's finish and get dressed before either of us catch a cold."

Yamato had an appointment to attend to outside the palace. Not too hasty to leave each other, Koushirou accompanied him outside, walking in a slow pace hand in hand.

"So, what was the request?"

"Huh?"

"When you were babbling about concubines and being okay with it," Yamato said lazily as Koushirou blushed. "You said something about a request. What was it?"

Koushirou looked ahead, and answered without preamble. "I want to adopt."

Yamato blinked, staring at Koushirou, not expecting that. Although not opposing it either. "Why?" He stopped and pulled aside to speak with his wife properly. "I am sure you were taught that adopted children, although not too uncommon, cannot be an heir. So there would be no point..."

"I really want a family, and I thought it nice if I had a child that had two fathers like I did, though in a different a set of cirrcumstances." The red head answered. "The first one died when I was just recently born, the second one was my Uncle. He is dead now, too." Small tears brimmed up his eyes.

Yamato quickly embraced him. "I am sorry." He kissed both eyes to get rid of the tears. It tasted salty and something that just spelled Koushirou.

"It's alright." Koushirou smiled. "Anyway, even though they were both short period of time spent, having a father is a wonderful thing." Yamato flinched discretely but the younger male didn't notice or realize what he said or what it could mean to him. The blond didn't bring it up, he didn't want to foul the mood. "I want to give that to a parentless child, but the time spent longer." He finished. "Is... Is that acceptable for you?"

Yamato smiled and embraced Koushirou. "Yes, very. It will make you happy, and I, too, want to be a better father."

"Better..." Koushirou arched a brow then his eyes went wide in realization. "Oh! Yamato, g... Gomen! I did not mean to..."

Yamato kissed him. "I know." He assured. "Anyway, you are gonna have to wait on that request. Since I am not even officially an adult, nor are you, and our marriage is not even public knowledge yet, it will be too suspicious for us to be with child."

Koushirou beamed and embraced him. "I understand. Thank you, Yamato!"

"Just one condition," Yamato said, holding one finger up. Koushirou blinked, confused and a bit worried. Yamato smirked. "We are teaching the child to call you 'mommy', agreed?"

Koushirou's cheeks flared up yet again, pulling away. "Yamato!" He whined. "I am already referred to as your wife and the future queen! Must I be neglected from yet another male title? I am still a male, you know." He frowned. Yamato couldn't help it. He laughed.

"Just kidding... Well, maybe. We'll talk about it some more."

Koushirou went to his study after seeing Yamato off. He was reading books all day filing some information to ponder later into his laptop. He didn't realize it was evening... Until his stomach growled, indicating that he had missed lunch but his stomach wasn't planning to miss supper.

"Oh, Yamato is gonna kill me again for starving myself." Koushirou sighed and stood, opting to at least have a snack. Dinner wasn't for another two hours. Just then, the King entered. "O... Oh, Your Majesty, Uhm, Good evening to you." He bowed a bit deeply.

The King approached him. "Koushirou, is it all right if we talk?"

Koushirou felt nervous but managed a smile. "Of course, Sire. What about?"

"Well, for one thing," The King smiled, and Koushirou blinked. It was the first time he actually saw him smile. "Do not let Natsuko get you to believe that you are unsuitable to be Queen. I believe you will be much more fitting compared to her."

Koushirou blushed, shifting uncomfortably. "Uhm, t... Thank you, Sire, I will do my best. But please, I do not wish that you would compare me to her highness. She is herself, and I am just being myself. No two persons are exactly alike." He said firmly yet politely.

The King chuckled. "You are far too nice, far too polite and very considerate to be in a Noble Family, especially this one," He mused. Koushirou looked down shyly. "But then, so is Takeru. I think it is about time for a change and I am sure you and Yamato will be doing a lot of that."

"Sire,"

The King sat down on a Couch and gestured Koushirou to do the same. He did. "Now, for the matter of discussion. Do you really love Yamato?"

Koushirou was caught off guard by the question, but answered sincerely. "Yes. It took me a while to realize it, and it puzzles my mind still on why it took so much time for me to grasp it but I really do. I..." He blushed. "I can no longer imagine not loving him."

"I am quite happy to hear that, quite happy." The King sighed in relief.

The curious red head scrutinize him and pushed on bravely. "Sire, if you do not mind, I wish to return the question."

"Hmm?"

"Do you... Love your son?"

There was a moment of silence and Koushirou feared he had overstep his bounds. Then the King chuckled humorlessly, "I doubt he or anyone else would believe me, but... Yes, I do."

Koushirou's heart felt glad to hear that and wished Yamato knew this.

"I would surely wed that Witch Natsuko again just to have him as my son over and over again. I am proud of him." The King added, and Koushirou had to sweatdrop at that. "He is... A fine boy."

"Your Majesty, you must tell Yamato." Koushirou urged. "I am sure he will be glad to hear it."

"Are you sure? Do you even know if he loves me?" The King tested.

"I..." Koushirou kept silent. "Well... No, I am not sure..."

The King smiled sadly. Koushirou felt sad for him that he had to say something.

"He must love you, maybe in the deepest, hidden part of his heart but he surely does!" He said with resolve. "You are his father after all. I have faith Yamato does indeed have love for his father."

The King smiled warmly. "Somehow, I believe you. You seem to know even what my son doesn't know about himself." He stood up and went to the huge window nearby, arms behind his back. "My father, Yamato's grandfather, the one who chose you... He must have had a heavy heart when I had to marry one I didn't love. Maybe that is why he went to Japan, as if a Japanese fiancé would stop history from repeating itself, so Yamato would not do the mistakes I have done."

Jyou-san is... Yes, he was Japanese and the one the King really favored.

"But Sire, It wasn't for naught. It bore Takeru into this world, and he is such a fine person." Koushirou encourage, walking over to lay a hand on the King's arm.

"Thank you for such kind words. Still, I have hurt a lot of people." He faced the red-head. "Will you do something for me?"

Koushirou nodded.

"When Yamato becomes King, promise me that... You will make sure he will release Jyou from his punishment and free him from being bounded to this family." He pleaded. "I cannot do that, even if it is the King's power to do such, since I am the cause of his punishment and am not allowed to grant release. That is my punishment, you see."

Koushirou symphathize. "I am sure Yamato already intended to do that. He doesn't hold anything against Jyou-san, that I am sure." He promised.

"Good, tell Jyou as well, when that happens that he deserves to be happy with Sir Taichi. Do not let them think of me as a shadow over them."

Koushirou frowned. "Sire, I do not mind delivering this messages but... Don't you think it is best that they hear it from you?" He said pointedly.

The King smiled sadly. "I may not have the courage to do that." He admitted.

"May you try?" Koushirou urged. "If not to Jyou-san, or Taichi-san... At least tell Yamato yourself. He is your son, and... And I believe you owe him that much."

The King looked thoughtful, staring out at the moon. "Oh, believe me, Koushirou... I do not intend to let this night end without speaking to my son of this matter." The King turned. "If you'll excuse me."

Koushirou nodded and allowed him to pass, but before he went out the door, the King turned back. "Sire?"

"If it's not too much, may I... Hear you call me father at least once?"

Koushirou blinked at the request. The King thought it as an opposition.

"Ah, my apologies. Never you mind that silly request. Good evening to you, Koushirou." The King placed a hand on the door.

"Have a pleasant evening, as well... Dad."

The King froze for a moment and looked back at Koushirou's smiling face with wide eyes. He then smiled. "You were the right choice, and I am proud to have you as my son-in-law." He told him.

"I return the feeling likewise." Koushirou guaranteed.

The King nodded approvingly. "Take care of Yamato. All right?"

"I will."

The King left Koushirou's presence and the red-head never felt so happy. Maybe things will start looking up for Yamato and his father, at least.

"It is confirmed, the King is dead."

That was the horrible news Jyou delivered to the Royal Family, plus the Yagami siblings, after he examined the King's body the following morning. Koushirou felt his blood go cold and he clinged to Yamato for support. The blond held him up and made him sit, somewhat unmoved. "A... Are you certain, Jyou-san?" The red-head asked as Yamato placed his hands on either side of his koishii's shoulders, lightly massaging them to relax the shaking and disturbed male.

He didn't even seem puzzled of his wife's distress.

"I'm afraid that it is certain, Koushirou-sama." Jyou replied stiffly.

Taichi backed up the claim. "Jyou studied in a medical school before coming to work here for the Ecuratol family full-time. His diagnosis is reliable."

"Nevertheless," The bluenette interceded. "I called for a... Professional" he said with some bitterness at the word "to have a thorough look as well."

Koushirou's shoulders shook and bowed his head, covering his face with his hands; he sobbed. Hikari went over to rub his back, feeling a bit teary-eyed herself and Yamato opt to move away to look out the window.

Takeru didn't know what to feel or do, seeing as he wasn't biologically related to the man and wasn't sure if either his mother or brother required the comfort Koushirou oddly needed. The room was silent and grim for the moment.

Finally, the present queen broke the silence. "Well, as the custom goes here in Ecuratan, there will be a period of mourning all over the country." Natsuko said with dignity and firmly. "as royal dignitaries shall discuss and prepare for the coronation."

Takeru looked at his mother confusely. "But mother, mustn't the royal family mourn as well? After all, the King is..." He trailed off.

"Well, usually, the royal family mourns first, shortly than the country, before discussions. But," Natsuko sighed. "I don't much care to keep up pretenses and mourn when we can just get right down to business."

Taichi frowned. "My lady, with all due respect, that isn't proper for a queen to say." He reprimanded.

Natsuko glared at Taichi. "Oh, don't give me that." She scoffed. "Besides, I will not be Queen for long. Not a present one, at least. I wish to excercise my role while I have it. If I must be punish for my open indifference to the King's untimely death, then so be it. I am already being punished by being forced to stay in the country unless I am accompanied by the King, in any case. But I cannot be punished until after the coronation, when I am bounded by law to step down." She snapped. "As I am still queen, I require that you hold your peace."

Taichi grimaced and bowed slightly. "My apologies, my Queen."

Natsuko huffed.

"Mother, I am aware that you have ill feelings with the King, but still," Takeru shook his head. "How could you be so cruel?"

Natsuko looked sharply at her youngest. "Cruel? How exactly am I cruel?" She implored. "Did you forget what they have done, seperating you from your real father to live here and me from my true love, god knows where he is now!"

Takeru stiffened. "I apologize for offending you, dear mother, but he was Oniichan's father and you shouldn't be speaking lowly of him in Oniichan's prescence."

Yamato glanced Takeru's way briefly but didn't speak and just looked out again.

"I told you not to call Yamato..."

Takeru finally bursted. "He is my ONIICHAN whether you accept it or not! He is your first born!"

Yamato flinched but did not turn around.

"Takeru," Hikari stood up and rushed to her fiancé's side, leaving Koushirou to his thoughts. "Calm down, love." She embraced his waist from behind.

Takeru took breaths as Natsuko stared him down. "How dare you..." And then she glared at Yamato's direction. She stood up and stomp towards his direction. She forced him to face her and slapped him in the face. Yamato took it silently as everyone in the room gasps. "This is your fault! How dare you corrupt my son and make him disrespect me!"

"Mother!"

Yamato glared down at his mother. "You know... By the way you act, one may assume that this suicide may be faked to hide a murder, so I bide you to hold your tongue if you wish to protect your virtue."

Natsuko's blood boiled. "HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE ME! You are not King yet, mind you! I can still make sure Takeru takes the throne."

"Oh? And how do you plan to accomplish the feat?" Yamato leered at her.

Natsuko huffed. "I spoke to the council that you refuse to take a concubine. They are concerned for an heir. Takeru will be married to Hikari in months, sooner if he is to be annointed as King, in replace of you."

Takeru gaped. "Mother! I do not wish to be King!"

"Silence!" Natsuko snapped. "I am your mother and queen! You are bounded by law to obey my wishes especially if it concerns the country! So hold your tongue!" She leered. "Hikari cannot back down either as she has already given consent to marriage."

Takeru frowned, looking down. "I apoligize, Hikari..." Hikari shook her head and held him tightly.

Yamato looked at his brother sad expression before glaring back at his mother. "Can you not see the distress you are putting him through?! I love my brother and this country, and I will neither let you control Takeru like a puppet king and subject the country under your rule!"

"If you cannot guarantee an heir, the Council will have no other choice but to—"

The room is suddenly silenced by Koushirou's exclaimation. "Please!" That got everyone's attention. "Enough of this debate of hatred. I… I can't take it, I don't want to hear more of it! The King is dead… The father of this family… And all you are concerned about is power?! How can you be so heartless!" Koushirou stood up and rushed towards door.

"Koushirou-sama!" Jyou gasped, jumping back and bumping Taichi as Koushirou slammed the door open while he rushed out hastily.

Yamato blinked, processing the sudden outburst before coming to his senses. "Koushirou, wait!" He went after him.

Takeru heaved a sigh and leaned slightly on Hikari who supported him willingly. "I'm tired… I'll take my leave, as well." He held his fiancé's hand and made his way towards the door.

"Takeru, come to my room later. We must discuss…" Natsuko trailed off.

Takeru turned a growled at his mother. Hikari held him back. "Takeru, please…"

"Mother, please, have some respect for the dead!" He snapped. Natsuko flinched. "I can't look at you for now, I am… Disgusted by your actions, so leave me be for now…" With that, he dismissed himself.

The only people who remains were the queen, Taichi and Jyou.

Jyou approached the Queen calmly. "My Queen, you must be tired. Shall I escort you to your chambers then?"

The Queen turned to Jyou and slaps him across the face. Jyou jumped back, caught by surprise. Taichi rushed to the bluenette's side incase more blows would come. "Your Highness!"

The Queen leered at Jyou. "You are all to blame! I might've been able to love the King if it was not so plainly obvious how he desired for you instead! You are at fault!" She stormed out the room.

Taichi collected Jyou into his arms but Jyou pushed him away, crying silent tears. "Jyou-chi…"

"I never wanted this… I never wanted to be the object of his affections, King or not… I only wanted the opportunity… The position to be able to meet the one I truly loved… The chance for him to love me back…" Jyou sobbed.

Taichi looked at him longingly. "He did love you back… I love you back…"

Jyou shook his head. "Yet, how can I claim that love and accept the victory knowing I broke the lives of Yamato-sama's family… The one who introduced me to you…"

"He doesn't blame you for that, you know he doesn't. He told you so himself." Taichi assured, trying to embrace him again. But Jyou moved away again.

"Nevertheless, I…" Jyou reached inside his pocket. "I cannot allow myself to be happy… Unless Yamato-sama has been able to find his happy family." He pulled out the ring Taichi gave him not so long ago.

Taichi looked at him gravely, shaking his head. "Jyou-chi… Don't do this…"

Jyou shook his head, kissing the ring before handing it back to the man, not meeting his eyes; he couldn't bear to look into the eyes of the one who held his heart, who gave his own heart for him to hold… The heart he was breaking. "I'm sorry…" He whispered quietly and hurriedly ran out the room.

"Jyou, no!" Taichi called out in panic but didn't pursue. He looked down at the ring and tears showed in his eyes. "Why…? Why do you let our love die with the King?"

Yamato found Koushirou in their room, weeping uncontrollably on the bed they shared. He took a deep breath, and walked towards him. He sat down slowly, and reached over to rub his wife's back soothingly in comfort, despite needing comfort himself. Although, he wouldn't admit to this anyone else... Except maybe Koushirou.

When the red head felt the familiar warm hand moving against his back, he got up and immediately threw his arms around the Prince. Strong arms wrapped around his figure securely. "Shhh, shh, take a deep breath, Koushii. You'll choke." Yamato hummed.

"I— I'm so sorry Yamato!" Koushirou sobbed, shaking his head against Yamato's chest, trying to wipe his tears away. "I apologize for my earlier outburst... I'm sorry for being so weak that you needed to comfort me, when I should be the one doing that for you." Finally, the red head took in Yamato's instructions and tried to normal his breathing patterns.

Yamato shook his head. "You need not apologize, I'm here for you. And you being here for me is enough all ready." He guaranteed. "I appreciate your concern. Don't worry about me, I'll be... fine."

There was an edge to his voice that did not convince Koushirou at all. The red head looked up at him.

"Yamato," Koushirou said in a hushed, gentle tone. He reached up and held Yamato's right cheek. The blond flinched at the cold feel of it and the serious gaze his lover gave him. "Your father... He really loved you. You might not be able to believe it, but—" He trailed off at Yamato's sigh.

"Oh, I believe it," The blond shook his head, his expression portraying all kind of emotions. Sadness. Anger. Frustration. But the most evident one: Regret. "Father talked to me last night."

Koushirou's eyes went wide. Before he can say anything about it, Yamato got out of the bed and walked towards a window. The red head sat up, using his elbows to support himself. "Yamato?"

"He said... He said a lot of things. He apologized... For the pain he caused me, and Jyou... He told me that when I become King, I must release Jyou from the bondage of our family." Yamato scoffed mocking, although to whom, he wasn't really sure. "As if I wasn't already planning on doing so. Jyou did not deserve any pain from this."

Koushirou walked over to Yamato, placing a petite hand over his shoulder.

"But the one thing I'll never forget him for saying," The blond reached up a hand, placing it over Koushirou's. "Is that... He loved me. That he always loved me," There was a hard edge to that tone that Koushirou couldn't quite describe. "If anyone asked me, I'll deny that I ever said this but... I was happy. It was the happiest moment in my life, Koushirou! Even almost surpassing the day we made our vows under the Legendary Tree that I hope you'll forgave me for it."

Koushirou smiled sincerely, shaking his head. "What's to forgive? It's nothing wrong."

"I felt... Like there was hope to start over with him, to have that Father-Son relationship I always wanted, I was excited to start the new beginning between us when I woke up this morning! But..." Yamato looked down and his shoulders shook. Koushirou frowned deeply, clutching his beloved's shoulders. "That fool! He goes off killing himself! Right after I told him I loved him back, and that I forgave him for everything... It's like he's trying to make me hate him again!" The blond growled, punching the floor angrily, causing his hand to bleed.

"Yamato! Please, your hand!"

Yamato brought it to his face and examined it with a scoff. "Just a scratch, there's no pain. I am numb to pain after all this years, why should now be any different? I should be fine." He choked out.

Koushirou threw his arms around the blond's trembling shoulders and pulled him closer to him in desperation, tears falling from his eyes. "But Yamato!" He sobbed. "You're crying!"

Yamato turned his head to look at him. "I'm not cr—" despite his words, his eyes were already teary and eventually, it poured down across his cheeks excessively. No longer able to contain himself, Yamato brought his hands to his face and wept. "I love him, Koushii... I love him so much! Why did he have to do this after he told me that he loved me all this time?!" He growled. "I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HIM!" Yamato punched the floor once again repeatedly in rage and frustration.

"Yamato!" Koushirou reached furthur and grabbed Yamato's hands, pulling them back so both their hands were against blond's chest and the red head kept him closer to his slim form, despite Yamato still trying to fight it. "He must have his reasons, they might not be rational but— He really does love you, and for now, that should be all right." He said soothingly. "I'm here for you, Yamato, I won't let you go. We'll face this together, okay? Just please... Stop inflicting pain on yourself, and help the healing process. Just... Recall his words of love, and think nothing other than that." He suggested in a hushed voice.

Yamato took his own advice from earlier, and took calming breaths. He grasped Koushirou's hand, making the embrace tighter. He felt thankful for Koushirou... Without him now, he probably would've done the same thing his father did. He kissed the petite hands before falling into a quiet slumber, silent tears still spilling from his eyes.

A/N: Well? Love it hate it? Tell me which one is it. Hope it wasn't too much for a first chapter. Anyone hating me for the TaiXJyou cool off? Reviews are everything.

Paoshirou Hoshi.