Disclaimer: As usual I don't own this. Before you read this story, I highly recommend that you all read Dysfunctional Brotherhood as this is a sequel of that story. You could try reading this without reading the other story but there are references that are introduced in the previous story. I'm not a romantic person, so I am doing my best with this, but as you will find, this is not a fluffy "love" story. So it can get kind of brutal, hence the mature rating. The characters, the male characters at least, are by the Dynasty Warriors 7 designs. I'm evolving here. And for those who think Zhou Yu is too "feminine" (after watching a few cutscenes his femininity sort of decreases. The CG artworks are a little misleading) he in my mind is a little more masculine, so just try to picture a little more masculine version of that design. Also, I will say this and this is what I fear the most: I have toned Xiao down. Mostly because the only time I have seen her was in DW6 and DW7 (both have contrasting figures-I like 6 better). Plus, I cannot write her too childishly and not feel dirty or awkward. And I like to thing that Zhou Yu needs some sort of mental stimulation when having a conversation with her. Enough of this prerequisite crap, on with the show!

Chapter 1: First Step is Admitting It

"In a consumer society there are inevitably two kinds of slaves: the prisoners of addiction and the prisoners of envy" -Ivan Illich

"Dammit, Dammit, Dammit!" Sun Ce whined, fussing with his imperial robes. Sun Ce didn't like the robes. He much preferred warrior attire than this stiff crap. But, as the head of the Sun family and the leader of the Wu warlords, he felt obligated to wear this clothing in front of his subjects in these peaceful times. Well, Wu territory was not really in peace, but Sun Ce's advisors and administrators, namely Zhuge Jin and Lu Su, made it appear to the citizens that Wu was stable.

Nevertheless, he felt it was a stain on the way his father ran things. The late great Sun Jian always had a ruffian appeal and rarely wore such nice clothes except for special celebrations.

"Sun Ce you don't have to tie it all the way up, if it makes you uncomfortable," his wife called, approaching him.

Sun Ce sighed, "Remind me again why I have to wear this?"

"You want to convince Lord Zhou Yu that you have grown up."

"Zhou Yu," Sun Ce scoffed, "Like I need to impress him."

"He's your friend and sworn brother."

"Which means nothing except he can hit me with a reduced chance of getting executed."

"Except," Da Qiao responded lightly, "he is married to my sister. And I haven't seen her in half a year. So am I to assume you will behave?"

Sun Ce rolled his eyes and groaned.

"At least for his sake," Da Qiao lifted the small bundle in her arms. Sun Ce smiled down at his son. The warlord lifted the small boy into his arms.

"What do you think Shao?" Sun Ce asked the baby. "Is mommy being a little bitchy?"

Da Qiao placed her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes.

"I think mommy's a little nervous," Sun Ce smiled in a patronizing way, before handing the baby back to Da Qiao.

"They haven't met him yet. I'm just curious what they will think."

Sun Ce undid a few ties on his robes, "Shao's a baby. Your sister is sure to be thrilled."

"I know," Da Qiao sighed, but she sounded unsure about something.

Sun Ce flicked a speck of dust from his shoulder and straightened the silk. Sun Ce wasn't worried. It always seemed that he was never worried. Da did enough worrying for the both of them.

"Do you think Lord Zhou Yu will agree?"

"Why wouldn't he?"

Da's eyes widened, not sure how to answer that question. She always thought Zhou Yu was a dutiful person and had a kind heart…somewhere, but he always came off…aloof. It was always hard to tell what he was thinking or feeling.

"He'll agree on both matters," Sun Ce laughed, "I may not have seen him in over half year, but I don't think he has changed that much."

Yes, Zhou Yu has not been at Wu palace for over a half a year. After Sun Jian died, Zhou Yu had decided to leave the area for a while to tie up some loose ends with himself and his family. He and Xiao Qiao were staying at one of his uncle's compounds while Zhou Yu was collecting his thoughts. Xiao Qiao had written her sister a few times detailing what she was doing at Zhou Yu's uncle's cottage. Apparently, the cottage was very beautiful and was nestled snug in a forest, where there were nature trails through the terrain. She would walk through those nature trails frequently, even sometimes with Zhou Yu. Da was glad Xiao was enjoying herself away from Jiang Dong. Yet it was only through a letter that Da was able to tell her sister that she had given birth. Shao was born a few months after Zhou Yu left and this would be the first time they would all be back together in a while.

Sun Ce eased himself on an upholstered couch, "I just wonder why it took half a year for Zhou Yu to get what he needed done."

Da sat down next to her husband leaning against his shoulder, Shao still cradled in her arms, "A lot has happened to you and to him since he arrived two years ago. I think he just needed some time to himself. I'm sure it was not a reflection on you."

Sun Ce brought his arm around her shoulder and kissed her on the tip of her nose, "I know you're right."

"I'm always right."

"God, that's disturbing…"

"What is?" Da brought her head back staring up at Sun Ce quizzically.

"When you said that you reminded me of my mother…"

Da Qiao gave him the "pissed off wife" look that every husband dreaded. Sun Ce had fought thousands of men and defeated Lu Bu, but this look from his wife caused him to reel back.

"Look I'm sorry, sweetie, but all I can say is-"

A servant knocked on the door and called, "My Lord, Lord Zhou Yu and Lady Xiao have just arrived."

Sun Ce jumped up, clapping his hands in a childish manner, "Yay! My brother's here!"

"Jeesh, Sun Ce!" Da scolded, "You'll wake the baby."

"Girl, if he's my flesh and blood, fireworks in his nostrils won't wake him."

Sun Ce and Da Qiao made their way to the courtyard, where they were to greet Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao. Sure enough, the two were heading towards the steps. Maybe Sun Ce was wrong. A half a year away seemed to change something. Zhou Yu was always a pale person, but his skin now seemed even paler, like white marble. His eyes were keener and just as striking as they always been. He was known to wear his hair in a ponytail or sometimes straight and loose when not on the battlefield. But now, his hair was combed back; several strands of his hair braided together (probably by Xiao Qiao) and tied in the back, melding with the rest of his luxurious mane. If anything, though, Zhou Yu carried himself well and straight, better than ever, creating an imposing, regal aura around him. To anyone else, it would be off-putting to see this kind of change, but Sun Ce knew the man well enough to know that, although his appearance changed, he was still the same Zhou Yu. And, dammit it all, he was still flawlessly handsome.

Sun Ce loved his wife dearly, and was very attracted to her, but even he had to admit that in those last short months Xiao Qiao had developed into a heart-stopping, beautiful young woman. Her soft brown hair was held in it's usual ponytail, but the strands had straightened in a somewhat mature look, but still had that youthful quality that matched her innocent personality. Xiao was filling out her curves a little more, turning into the desirable figure of a mature married young lady rather than that of a shy, inexperienced newlywed. Any hot-blooded man had to be either a eunuch or dead NOT to find Xiao Qiao desirable or arousing.

"Da!" immediately, Xiao rushed over to her sister. Da hugged Xiao as best she could with Shao in her arms. Meanwhile, Sun Ce rushed to his sworn brother.

"Hey Zhou Yu," he greeted with a smile and shook the man's hand, "It's been a while."

Zhou Yu smiled, "It sure has. Congratulations by the way."

Zhou Yu gave a nod towards Da Qiao, where Xiao Qiao was cooing over Sun Ce's son.

"Yeah, thanks. I tell you the kid is starting to take after me."

"He's already an oversexed pain-in-the-ass?" Zhou Yu asked his brow raised.

"God, it's so good to have you back," Sun Ce grinned, patting him on the back. "Come on in. Da and I want to talk with you two before we see the others."

Zhou Yu's lip curled slightly in a light smirk and gestured towards the entrance to the palace, "Lead on."

The five relatives entered a small sitting room where a maid served them tea as they sat and chatted for a little while.

"Was the trip difficult?" Da Qiao asked.

"No it was relatively smooth," Zhou Yu answered before thanking the maid for the tea.

"Ah that's good."

"So," Zhou Yu began, "I have a feeling you have something to ask us, otherwise we wouldn't be here privately."

"Yeah," Xiao Qiao began, "Da said you have a few questions."

"Well…" Sun Ce started off glancing at his wife. "Do you want to tell them?"

"No you should," Da whispered back with a smile.

"Alright," Sun Ce turned to his friend and sister-in-law, "We want you two to be Shao's godparents."

Zhou Yu spat out his tea while Xiao Qiao gasped in delight.

"It would be such an honor!" Xiao Qiao exclaimed her smile bright.

Zhou Yu's eyes widened in horror, but he made no verbal response. Instead, he glanced at his wife.

"Shouldn't we discuss this first?"

"Oh for the love of…Zhou Yu, it's just an honorary title really," Sun Ce explained sensing his friend's concern.

"But godparents? You do know what that means don't you? If something were to happen to both you and Da Qiao, he would be under our jurisdiction."

"Jeesh Zhou Yu, relax. You just got here. There's nothing to worry about," Sun Ce was amused at how much Zhou Yu was still so tense and so serious. Zhou Yu swallowed and physically relaxed, but his smooth brow was furrowed.

Xiao Qiao glanced over at her husband, "For god's sake, Zhou Yu, don't furrow that brow. It always makes me stressed to see you that way!"

Sun Ce laughed, "I'm glad you haven't changed much, Yu."

"Forgive me," Zhou Yu said quietly, smiling a little, "The trip may have been a little tiring after all."

Talk about tiring, Zhou Yu was bound to be exhausted after seeing everyone again. The party was long and loud and the most exciting part was seeing Ling Tong and Gan Ning bicker and fight like an old married couple. The wine flowed, but Zhou Yu refused to drink. Sun Ce even drank lighter. He set out to give a good example for his newborn son.

Xiao Qiao who sat with her sister and watched the rowdy family get together and welcome Zhou Yu back into the fold, couldn't help but feel relieved. Zhou Yu was nervous about returning. He was a man who didn't like change. Yet now, when he was with familiar friends he loosened a little.

However, Lian Shi, Sun Quan's "gal-pal", was so drunk that she spread herself on Zhou Yu's lap and full on, open-mouthed kissed him, much to his shock. Xiao Qiao went red with fury but her sister restrained her, "She and Quan have had a falling out. Cut her a break."

Poor Zhou Yu stood as still as a statue, deathly afraid to move, even as Lian Shi passed out on the floor.

"She's done that twice with Ce so far, and trust me, Ce wouldn't dare go to her. Zhou Yu is the type of man who wouldn't either."

Said gentleman cautiously sat down next to Xiao Qiao, "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"I'm sorry too."

"I sometimes hate that we're the only sober ones here," Zhou Yu whispered, rubbing his forehead.

"It makes you the stronger man," Xiao Qiao responded, popping a dumpling into her mouth.

Later, Zhou Yu disappeared, probably went to bed. For most of the tail end of the party, he was on high alert in case some other person attempted to kiss him, that combined with the fact he spent the last few days traveling, he must have been exhausted.

When Xiao Qiao got to bed, Zhou Yu was already asleep, lying on his side facing towards his end of the bed. Xiao Qiao crawled in next to her husband, but didn't go to sleep right away. She kept the lanterns lit and lay in bed, thinking, nervous.

"Lord Zhou Yu? Lord Zhou Yu," she called, sitting up in bed. She heard him grunt and groan.

"Are you awake?"

"I am now," Zhou Yu replied groggily, but not moving, "What's the matter?"

"What do you think of Shao?"

"Shao?" Good god, it was too late for this.

"The kid's not much of a conversationalist and he just sleeps and eats from your sister's breast," the mumbled sarcasm caused Xiao to glare down at him. "What do you mean? He's a baby."

"A baby," Xiao Qiao repeated, her breath catching, "I'm worried about the responsibility."
"You didn't seem so worried this evening."

"If something were to happen, would we be prepared to take care of him plus any number of children we might have?"

Zhou Yu's eyes snapped open. That got his attention. Sighing he rolled on his back, "Is that what this really is about?"

"I-I guess."

"You guess," he laughed with mirth, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Nice segway. Can't we wait to talk about…that?"
"You don't like the idea do you?" Xiao Qiao got up from her bed and paced around to the end staring, at him.

Oh boy, answer it carefully, Zhou Yu thought, "I don't know...maybe."

"Maybe?" she raised her voice slightly, "So you agree we can start having children."

Zhou Yu's eyes widened and they flitted about the room, not responding right away. Xiao cocked her head and put her hands on her hips waiting for his answer.

"Well, not right now!" Zhou Yu answered.

"Well, of course not right now. But in the near future maybe."

Sensing this was going to be a long conversation Zhou Yu got out of bed and stood, pulling his white sleeping robe tight around himself. He wasn't comfortable having an intense conversation while lying down, not matter how tired he was.

"I don't even know about 'near'," Zhou Yu said as softly as he could. Xiao had a mixture of mortification and disappointment in her face.

Zhou Yu groaned, "Oh come on. I was never a guy who thought it would be a good idea to have a family. It was only by a technicality that we are married. But kids? I'm not a children type person."

"You're no fun."

"I don't think children are supposed to be fun."

"Sun Ce handles kids very well," Xiao responded with a small pout.

"That's because he's just one oversized kid!" Zhou Yu explained in exasperation.

"Besides that, face it Xiao, you are still so young. You need to…mature a bit."

Uh oh. That was not the right thing to say. Zhou Yu closed his eyes realizing he made a mistake. Xiao Qiao stomped her foot into the ground, "Ohhh! You're such a grump! Fine! I hope you're sterile…"

"And I hope you're barren!" Zhou Yu bit back and immediately he wished he could take it back. Being sterile in this day and age bruised a man's ego, but a woman being barren was just as devastating. Men mainly only wanted to reproduce to have heirs, but women had special bonds with their children no matter the circumstances. It was well known that women at a certain age have an intense desire to bear children and to know the joy of giving life. However, women who were barren would always be set with that emptiness and, more often than not, they were sent to brothels, simply because they could provide year-round services without the chance of becoming pregnant. They had no other use to some men in this highly patriarchal society.

Xiao pursed her lips and shook her head in dismay, her eyes misting over. Zhou Yu hung his head and ran a hand over his pale face.

"Xiao…I'm sorry…I was out of line," he apologized, his voice softening.

Xiao raised her hands in surrender, "You know what? I think that's enough."

"What?" Zhou Yu's eyes followed his wife as she began gathering a few clothes, "Where are you going?"

"In another room. If you don't think I'm mature enough then obviously I shouldn't be sharing a marriage bed with a man."

"Get back here," Zhou Yu ordered, but the girl wasn't stopping.

"Nope," she picked up her brush from her small vanity chest. Zhou Yu's jaw clenched and he rushed over to her, pushing her against the wall and pining her there. Xiao dropped the brush, her lips parted in shock at his nearness and his smoldering eyes boring into hers. She knew that look, and it became more apparent as he pressed himself against her. She gasped a little before bravely saying, "So this is how it's going to be?"

In the short few years they have been married, Xiao knew Zhou Yu had an unsettling habit of becoming aggressive in situations like…this. But that didn't stop her from being confused and horrified. His face was lit with frustration and anger, but it was obvious that wasn't all he felt. His other intense feeling was obvious by that something hard pressing firmly into her belly. Xiao's breath hitched. No matter how many times she had seen this...violent duality, it usually terrified her. If things went further those feelings usually changed only slightly.

His breath was hot on her face causing her body to heat up, despite what she wanted to feel. Slowly, Zhou Yu's snarl faded and the vein pulsing in his forehead diminished. He leaned forward to the crook of her neck and inhaled her scent, causing her to shiver. She always smelled delicious, but recently he felt there was something…odd about her scent. It was still intoxicating nonetheless. He was so caught up in this situation that he had forgotten what they were arguing about. Chances were, he would forget the whole thing by tomorrow.

Xiao Qiao turned her head away and squeezed her eyes shut, waiting in nervous anticipation, but he breathed out and stepped away, "I'm sorry…"

Xiao's gaze lowered to see if what she was feeling was what she thought she felt. She gave a muted gasp when she saw the evidence. Zhou Yu cleared his throat and adjusted himself through his robes, eyes turned away in embarrassment and shame.

"If you wish to leave, then do so," he said flatly, jaw clenching.

Xiao mimicked his position by pulling her robe closely together as she regained her wits and temper. Sensing Zhou Yu was now okay to approach a she stepped forward and pressed herself to him, letting her head rest on his strong chest. At that position, she listened to his rapid heartbeat. Sun Ce was right. Zhou Yu must have high blood pressure, but the pulsing of his heart seemed to calm a little as he drew his arms around her.

"Relax," she soothed in a whisper, speaking more to his heart than to him, "You're home now."

Zhou Yu's sigh ruffled her hair. He bent down to bury his nose and mouth into her hair and to kiss the top of her head.

"Let's get some sleep," he whispered into her hair. Xiao Qiao nodded against his chest before he guided her to their bed.

A/N: Well what do you think? Just so we are clear, I like Lian Shi. I really do. I just find it odd that Sun Quan was able to bag her. She probably wears the pants in the relationship.