A/N: Nice! I finally managed to get something going for me! With Milaya Milen Zeal's help, I managed to come up with a fic idea, and now we're cranking out this baby! Enjoy~

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story. Many thanks to Milaya Milen Zeal for helping me write and come up with ideas for this!

Steal My Heart

Chapter 1

It was almost midnight in the land of Shibuya, where many types of youkai resided. All was quiet outside of the main part of the city, even at the Sakuraba palace, where it was usually busy, even at night. But despite the quiet, that didn't mean there was peace.

A shadowy figure darted through the trees, slowing down as it got closer to the palace, where the powerful owners of it resided, and then stopped when it reached the edge of the forest, remaining in the shadows. Nine long, silver tails flicked slightly at the tips from the adrenaline running through the shadow's veins. The figure looked around carefully, watching to ensure the coast was clear before leaving the safety of the trees to break into the Sakuraba palace.

The moonlight revealed the figure to be an older male, his short, silver hair practically glowing in the moon's light, just like his matching fox ears and nine fox tails. His violet eyes cautiously scanned his surroundings, and his ears twitched as he listened for any signs of danger. The kitsune scaled the rough, rock-covered wall surrounding the palace, and once he reached the top, he slid aside a flat stone covering a hole into the treasure room. Silently, the silverette slipped inside, landing lightly on his feet in the luxurious room. The thick, plush carpet sunk slightly beneath his feet with each step he took, getting closer to his target treasure.

It was a platinum music box that was shaped like a treasure chest, with the Sakuraba family crest inscribed on the front. Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and white diamonds adorned the top and sides, and the kitsune in the room knew that once it was opened, it would play the most beautiful and soothing of tunes. Carefully, the kitsune took the music box, and once he lifted it off its stand, he gently placed it in his loot bag. Preparing to make his escape, the thief headed back to the hole to leave the way he came in, but despite the various priceless jewelry and gems around him, he ignored them in favor of heading out for home to show his success to his mate. He was almost at the tree line when suddenly, crimson foxfire shot up in a ring around him, preventing any escape. The silverette paled considerably, and then turned as footsteps approached to see the owner of the palace, Lord Axel Sakuraba, step through his own flames. The redheaded kitsune approached the thief, his emerald eyes narrowed with barely suppressed rage.

"Noboru Kiryu. Why did you break into my home and steal my family heirloom? It's a valuable piece meant to be passed down to my son," the powerful youkai demanded in a low voice, his tone deadly. The nine red-furred tails flicked back and forth with his anger.

"I offer the most sincere of apologies, Lord Axel," Noboru said, getting down on his knees and bowing his head in submission. As formidable a fighter he was, Noboru knew he was no match for Axel. The elder kitsune was a powerful one, and the foxfire at his control was deadly.

"Apologies mean nothing from a thief," Axel growled. Noboru thought quickly, as he was often able to, and came up with an idea.

"May I offer a treasure of my own instead, then?" he asked, daring to look up at the redhead.

"What treasure do you speak of?"

"Anything you want that I have collected over the years. I offer your treasure back, and in exchange for my freedom, you may have anything from my home," the silverette offered. Axel pondered the thief's offer, taking his time to answer. He knew that Noboru had a young son, who, when he came of age, would be the perfect mate for his son, Neku. The fact that the toddler was a bearer was hidden knowledge, Axel only finding out from the gossip at the medical center while getting Neku checked for whether or not he was a bearer himself. Fortunately, Neku was not, so arranging them to be mates would be simple once the thief's son was old enough. That would be his choice, but only when the toddler came to be eighteen, which would be in sixteen years. It would be well worth the wait, though. And he was completely certain that his own mate, Roxas, would agree with his plan.

"I accept your offer, Noboru Kiryu," Axel finally stated evenly. "However, I will collect this treasure in exactly sixteen years from tonight. By then, I believe you'll have enough for me in order to settle this."

"I understand, Lord Axel," Noboru nodded, and waited until Axel motioned for him to stand before doing so. Once standing again, the pair shook hands, sealing their deal.

"Now go. Do not trespass into my home again, thief, or I will have you executed," the redhead threatened, and the silverette nodded hastily, giving back the music box before fleeing as soon as the foxfire died down. When Noboru was far enough away, he slowed down from the desperate sprint he'd been going at to a more relaxed pace.

"Gods dammit," he hissed, leaning against a tree trunk to try and calm himself. "What have I done?" After a few minutes, he sighed heavily, and then continued on towards home. Finally, he reached his and his mate's home, a decent-sized cottage in the forest, where hopefully, their son would be fast asleep by now. Quietly, he entered the house, and found his mate, Eleanora, waiting up for him in her rocking chair. Her own long, silver hair, ears, and tails glowed slightly in the faint moonlight from the windows.

"How did it go?" she asked as he closed the door.

"Not well. I got caught," he muttered, ears folding back as his tone became bitter. The female silverette gasped, and quickly got up.

"How did you make it home alive?" she demanded, her pale blue eyes watching his expression closely.

"Lord Axel spared me because I returned his treasure and offered him whatever he wants from here in return," he hissed, frustrated. Eleanora inhaled sharply, knowing what this meant.

"When will he collect?" she inquired, concerned for her family's well-being.

"For some odd reason, he gave me sixteen years from tonight, and then he'll collect," Noboru told her.

"That long?" his mate frowned. "Why?"

"Even I don't know, Eleanora," he sighed. "Is Joshua asleep?"

"Yes, he fell asleep about three hours ago. He tried to wait up for you, even though I told him not to," she sighed. "Should we tell him about this bargain?"

"Not until he's old enough to understand. Right now, he's too young," the taller kitsune answered, shaking his head. "I just hope that this doesn't affect him too greatly…"

X*X(With Axel…)X*X

After Noboru had fled, Axel teleported with a burst of foxfire, ending up in the treasure room, where he placed the music box back where it belonged. Once it was back in its proper place, he headed towards his and his mate's bedroom, where the blonde was waiting for him.

"Is everything okay?" Roxas asked, his cat ears twitching and tail tip flicking back and forth.

"Yes, now they are," the redhead smirked as he sat down on the bed.

"What do you mean?" the neko inquired, blinking his sapphire eyes curiously. Axel then explained what had happened between himself and Noboru, and the plan he had come up with. When he was finished, Roxas nodded. "That's a good plan. Neku will be shocked when the time comes, but I'm sure he'll come to accept it."

"Exactly. He'll have to, seeing as Noboru's son is a bearer, and they're hard to find these days," Axel nodded. "Now, get some sleep, Roxy. We'll need it to keep up with our little boy's energy tomorrow."

"Call me Roxy again and no sex for a week," the blonde snorted, curling up against Axel's side as the kitsune chuckled, kissing his mate's neck softly.

"Love you, too, Rox," the redhead purred, holding Roxas close as the pair went to sleep.

X*X(16 Years Later)X*X

X*X(Joshua)X*X

A silver-haired teen was busy hunting, his nine silver fox tails still to keep silent, and his matching ears pricked up and rotating every now and then in order to catch the sounds of prey nearby. His violet eyes watched his surroundings carefully, keeping an alert gaze for any movement. Finally, a large rabbit came into view, but before it could get away, the teen shifted into fox form and launched himself at the rabbit, snapping its neck between his jaws and killing it instantly.

"Great job, Joshua!" Noboru praised his son as he joined him from another spot, also in fox form. "Looks like it's rabbit for dinner tonight." Joshua's tails wagged happily at his father's praise. "Let's get this home so we can prepare it, hopefully before Axel comes to collect tonight."

"Are we certain he'll come tonight?" the teen inquired, dropping the dead rabbit so he could speak. "I mean, it's been sixteen years since you tried to steal his music box. You'd think by now he wouldn't really care."

"Oh, he'll be here tonight, I know it," his father sighed heavily. "Lord Axel isn't one to dismiss something like that." Joshua sighed, knowing this collection would affect his family greatly. After all, the thief life was how Noboru made money to provide for Joshua and Eleanora. If most or all of the loot he'd gathered over the years was taken, they were screwed. With that saddening thought in mind, the pair left for home, the rabbit in tow. When they returned, Eleanora smiled happily at the size of the rabbit as she accepted it from Joshua.

"Thank you, sweetie. This will make a perfect stew," she told him. Joshua shifted back, and smiled at his mother briefly before heading to his room. Concerned, Eleanora looked at Noboru, but he shook his head.

"He knows this collection will affect us greatly," he explained softly. His mate gave a small sigh, and then left to prepare the rabbit for the stew.

X*X(With The Sakuraba Family)X*X

It was almost dusk, and Axel and Roxas were in the stable, preparing for their trip out to the Kiryus' home to collect their 'payment' for Noboru's near theft sixteen years ago. With them was their son Neku, who had to stay behind so they could surprise him. Unfortunately, he wasn't too happy about staying home.

"Why not?!" the kitsune demanded hotly, his tails snapping out angrily. The 21-year-old had orange-red hair that spiked back in a way similar to his father, but his eyes were a dark blue, which were currently brimming with anger. "Why can't I come with you?!"

"For the last time, Neku, it's supposed to be a surprise as to what we're bringing back," Axel growled, his voice firm. "Now stop acting like a brat and be patient. We'll be home before midnight."

Neku growled in annoyance as his wider than normal ears pressed back at being called a "brat", but he knew that any comment he made would only reaffirm his father's words. So, with an aggravated cry, the kitsune whirled on his heel and stalked off further into the mansion. "Fine! See if I care ever again!"

"Oh, you'll care all right," Axel snorted quietly once their son was out of earshot.

X*X*X*X*X*X*X

Finally, it was dusk, and the Kiryu family knew Axel would be arriving anytime soon. They ate their dinner in a tense silence, and once they had finished, they all perked up as the sounds of hooves approached along the forest floor. When they stopped, Noboru motioned for his family to follow him outside. The trio went outside, and was greeted by the sight of Lord Axel and his mate, Roxas, riding horses and surrounded by six guards that were also on horseback.

"Noboru Kiryu, I'm here to collect your debt for your crime sixteen years ago," Axel stated evenly.

"Yes, Lord Axel," Noboru nodded. "Take whatever pleases you."

"If that's the case…" the redhead smirked, trailing off briefly. "Then I'll take your son with me, and your debt will be paid."

"What?!" Noboru and Eleanora gasped, and Joshua's mind began to panic. His body started to go numb, and he looked at his parents for help. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do. Fighting was not an option, nor was denying the powerful kitsune. With a terrified whimper, Joshua stepped forward, and bowed his head as his ears folded back.

"Perfect," Axel nodded, satisfied, and then motioned to the guards, who brought forward another horse, this one without a rider, and gestured for Joshua to climb on. The young silverette obeyed, fearful of being beaten for disobeying. He cast his parents a despairing look as Lord Axel signaled to his guards to head back to the palace. As they rode, Joshua became more and more anxious the closer they got to the palace. He sniffled quietly, wondering why the hell Lord Axel would take him from his family. Suddenly, Roxas was riding alongside him, giving the young silverette a sympathetic look.

"Yoshiya?" he said softly. Joshua blinked, surprised that the lord's mate knew his birth name.

"My name is Joshua," he muttered.

"I understand," the neko nodded. "I know this is hard for you right now, but I promise that things will improve over time." Joshua didn't say anything, just looked away and sniffled again, but Roxas remained by him regardless. The blonde's hope was that his presence might be somewhat soothing to the young kitsune, considering he was also a bearer. Finally, they reached the Sakuraba palace, and the small group headed for the stables, where everyone dismounted, including Joshua, and the guards took the horses Axel, Roxas, and Joshua had been riding so they could be put away for the night. Kindly, Roxas guided the young kitsune with himself and Axel to the entrance to the palace. It was there that they were met by none other than Neku, son of Axel and Roxas Sakuraba. Joshua felt his heart skip a beat at the taller kitsune's appearance. Neku had darker blue eyes than Roxas, but despite being a kitsune, his ears were slightly larger than the typical kitsune's, but this was probably due to his mother being a neko. His nine tails waved slightly behind him, and his pale skin seemed to glow softly in the moonlight. Apparently Joshua had been staring for a bit too long, however, as Neku narrowed his eyes at him.

"…what're you looking at?" he mouthed soundlessly, as one of his tails snapped out at the air.

"Sorry…" the smaller male quickly apologized, his ears folding back. Axel frowned at Neku's behavior, and shook his head at his son.

"What? He started it…" Neku grumbled, reaching up and fiddling with his spiky bangs as he put one hand on his hip.

"Stop being so rude, Neku," Roxas chided. "After all, he's the surprise."

Neku immediately stopped moving at those words. "…beg your pardon?"

"You heard me," Roxas said. "Joshua here is to be your mate." Even Joshua stiffened at that, shocked.

"…" For a long time, Neku said nothing, his arms hanging limply by his side as he stared at his parents, possibly to try and figure out of they were joking. When he found no such thing, though, his hands curled into fists. "…are you kidding me?"

"No, Neku, we're not kidding you. This is exactly why we didn't want you coming with us. This is Joshua Kiryu, and he will be your mate," Axel stated firmly, leaving no room for argument. Not that there was no actual argument from his son.

"HELL NO!" was the immediate response, followed by the snapping of Neku's tails against the floorboards (cracking one of them in the process). "How dare you go behind my back and arrange this…this…" he snarled, struggling to find the correct words to use, before he shouted: "I'm not doing it!"

"Neku Sakuraba!" Roxas growled, glaring at the furious kitsune. "Your father and I had this planned for a while, and your attitude isn't going to help things! Whether you like it or not, Joshua will be your mate, and you're going to get along with him!" As Joshua watched and listened to the exchange, he became almost terrified of Neku's strength when he cracked a floorboard. Finally, he spoke up.

"I don't want to be bonded to someone who obviously hates me without even knowing me," he hissed, narrowing his violet eyes at Neku irritably.

Neku returned the glare at Joshua, before he said: "At least we can agree to THAT!" before he turned to his parents and said viciously: "I don't care what you say, I'm not doing it! Find someone else for your stupid 'surprise'!" And then he whirled around and ran, his tails still snapping wildly behind him.

"Running away as always," Axel sighed heavily, before turning to Joshua. "I'm very sorry about Neku's behavior, Joshua. I'm sure things will work out in the end, but for now, Roxas can take you to your room."

"…Why me?" the silverette frowned, tears shimmering in his eyes. Roxas noticed this first, and quickly ushered Joshua to his new temporary bedroom. The blonde sat the young kitsune on the plush bed, and wrapped his arms around Joshua in a comforting hug.

"Joshua, Axel chose you to be Neku's mate. As much as you both deny it right now, I promise, you will be happy together," he murmured. "We won't arrange the mating ceremony until you two have become close enough for us to consider it. It won't be fair to either of you if we do it too soon."

"But why does he have to be so angry?" Joshua whimpered. "It's not like I chose this…"

"Neku's always been…very…quick to anger, especially when he doesn't get his way," Roxas sighed. "But he'll come around, that much I can assure you." The kitsune sighed shakily, but nodded anyway. "We have some clothes for you in here, and there are towels in the bathroom. I would recommend taking a hot bath to relax yourself, and then try to get some sleep, okay?" Joshua nodded again, and Roxas stood. "Axel and I will be in the room across the hallway if you need anything, okay?"

"Okay," the teen whispered, and once Roxas left, he decided to follow the blonde bearer's advice and take a hot bath before bed. After all, gotta make the best of this situation, huh?

X*X(With Axel and Neku)X*X

Axel followed his son's scent through the hallways all the way outside to the garden. Once out there, the crimson-haired kitsune went over to Neku, prepared to either deal with him lashing out again, or to be pissed off but staying seated.

"Neku," he said, announcing his presence.

"…"

Neku didn't budge. The only sign that he'd even heard his father was his ear flicking back briefly.

"Neku, I know you're angry with us for going behind your back like this, but you need to accept this," the older redhead told him. "It will become easier over time, I promise, but this has also been hard on Joshua, not just you."

"So send him back," was Neku's response. "He doesn't want to, I don't want to, so what's stopping you?"

"He's a bearer, Neku," Axel growled, frustrated. "You don't seem to realize how rare and hard to find bearers are these days. I got lucky with your mother, but I want to see you happy with Joshua, like I am with your mother. Like I said, it won't be easy, but you'll both adjust over time."

"A bearer," Neku scoffed. However, before Axel could say anything else, Neku added: "So what?!" before vaulting to his feet and whirling around to face the older kitsune. "You act like a bearer's my ONLY option! What if I don't WANT to?! What if, oh I don't know, prefer someone else?! What? You gonna FORCE me to do it?! Do I even have a choice here?!"

"I know you want a family of your own, Neku, and that you hate the idea of being stuck with a woman," the older kitsune stated evenly, trying to keep his own temper in check. "This I've learned over the years as your father. Having a male bearer as your mate seemed like the best option." He heaved a sigh, his ears flattening out to the sides. "Besides, I just want to see you happy with someone…"

"And how does that excuse you from making such a decision without consulting me FIRST?!" was Neku's immediate reaction. "This is still MY future we're talking about, you know?!"

"Gods dammit, Neku!" Axel snarled, his patience snapping as his tails whipped at the air behind him with anger. "For the final time, Joshua is staying, he WILL be your mate, and you WILL get along! And if you don't like it, tough shit! I'm looking out for you, but you obviously are too narrow-minded to see that yet!" Neku jumped at his father's shout, and for a moment, it looked like he was about to say something, but he swiftly shut his mouth again. For a long time, he just stood there, unmoving, before he silently lowered his head, letting his bangs hide his eyes.

"…" Realizing his mistake, Axel calmed himself, and then sighed heavily.

"Look, Neku, I'm sorry for yelling," he apologized, rubbing his spikes nervously. "How about this? Give it one year with Joshua. One year, and if you guys are both still miserable, then I'll take Joshua back. But that's only if BOTH of you are unhappy. If Joshua has feelings for you by then, or vice versa, then he stays. Until then, you both must spend some time together daily. Do you understand?"

"…" Neku didn't respond to the man's words. After almost a minute, though, he silently began walking back to the palace. However, as he passed Axel, he hissed three icy words under his breath…

"…I hate you…"

And then he went inside without another word said.

A/N: Again, many thanks to Milaya for helping me write Neku's portions of this fic! R&R, peeps!