Here's chapter 2. Now this fic is co-written by my very shy friend K'van and me. Whenever I run out of ideas, she's a great help. Unfortunately, I can only credit her here since she refuses to be officially acknowledged. Thanks for all the reviews; I didn't expect so many on the first chapter. I'm not sure if there will be anymore K/F. We write this fic whenever we get inspiration, so please don't anticipate something we cannot promise. We'll also take your suggestions that Seiun and Seishin might be switching responsibilities in mind. It might and it might not happen.

Disclaimer: We only own Seiun and Seishin. Everything else is Clamp's. Well, everything else but the plot that is. So don't sue us. We have better things to spend our money on than lawyers.

Heirs of the Clans: Chapter 2

Subaru had paced the length of the living room for about ten minutes now, nervously awaiting the arrival of his grandmother.

A chagrined smile touched his lips as he imagined the comments Seishirou would make about his bad pacing habits – picked up from Kamui during the Year of the Final Battle. The assassin was uncomfortable whenever Subaru began pacing, not that Seishirou actually told him that but Subaru could gauge Seishirou's feelings by the speed the Sakurazuka smoked.

The sound of the doorbell alerted him to the presence of the visitors outside the apartment.

Subaru took a nervous survey of his surroundings before going to answer the door. It would not do for his grandmother to discover that Seishirou lived with him. His eye took in the normal if slightly luxurious sitting room. After all, this was Seishirou's apartment before he had moved in and the assassin liked comfortable living. Fortunately, the furnishings were simple, if elegant enough to suit Subaru's tastes and character. Most importantly, there was no real trace of Seishirou's presence in this room.

About to open the door, he noticed a pair of house slippers next to the umbrella stand and shoved them hastily into the shoe cupboard. It would have been difficult to explain to his grandmother the presence as well as apparent constant usage of a pair of slippers that were several sizes larger than his feet. It would be even harder to conceal the inverted pentacle embroidered on them – a sign of Seishirou's strange sense of humor.

Keeping a slight smile on his face, to hide his nervousness, he opened the door.

"Subaru-san, it's nice to meet you again."

"Obaa-chan, it is my honour to have you visiting me." Subaru replied, realising that something was wrong. The stern face of the Lady Sumeragi was worried, although polite. And Subaru knew that he would not find out what was wrong until the formal pleasantries were over – something that annoyed him immensely.

"Subaru-san, there is a problem," his grandmother began half an hour later, once the trivial pleasantries she considered 'proper' was over and she was settled inside the apartment, a mug of hot tea before her, her handmaidens sitting on the sofa behind her.

"Yes, Obaa-chan?" Subaru waited, inwardly raging about his grandmother's love for traditions although he was well-accustomed to his grandmother's habits by now. He let a wry smile form. Living with Seishirou and spending time with Kamui had taught him to appreciate straightforwardness, seeing how much less time he spent on simple greetings.

"The child, your heir has gone missing." The anxiety in Lady Sumeragi's voice was thick enough to spread like butter.

"Missing?" Subaru asked, utterly stunned. He knew that his grandmother was escorting the child to him herself. For a child to elude the detection of his grandmother and her handmaidens while being under their escort…

His grandmother's voice cut through his thoughts. "Subaru-san, I am ashamed that I have been unable to guard your heir. However, I have several members of our clan searching for Yuka's child."

Subaru frowned. It took him a moment to recognize the name of his recently departed cousin. Yuka had been one of the most headstrong cousins he had ever met. She was almost one and a half decades his senior and was considered the one in charge of household affairs in the Sumeragi household after his grandmother had deemed her of age to take responsibility for such a task. She had been one of those who had mothered him and Hokuto when they were not forced apart by his lessons at onmyoujitsu. She provided what comfort she could, becoming a second mother when it turned out that the Lady Sumeragi was unsympathetic to childish dreams or complaints. He had memories of her marriage when he was about thirteen or so, since it was the only wedding he had made an effort to attend without Hokuto's insistence. Yuka had been the only Sumeragi who had strongly opposed to his strenuous training as a child, maintaining that children should be carefree, not saddled with responsibilities. She had tried to make up for his lost childhood with various games and treats, occasionally playing pranks on others just to get a laugh out of the serious Subaru despite the indignity of the act for someone her age. She was his favourite relative excluding Hokuto, since he could barely remember his parents.

"Is there any news of… the child?" Belatedly, Subaru realised that he didn't even know the gender of his cousin's only offspring, although he was pretty certain that he had attended the child's naming ceremony.

"She was last seen near forbidden territory."

Now Subaru could understand the cause for his grandmother's worry. His cousin's daughter was in Ueno Park.

"Why is she in Ueno?" Subaru blurted out the first question on his mind, so startling was the revelation of the child's whereabouts.

His grandmother flinched before favoring him with a look of impatience. "The girl is avoiding us but surely even she would not seek out the Sakurazuka itself."

Behind his grandmother, Subaru saw the expressions on the handmaiden's faces. Evidently to them, Yuka's daughter was quite capable of going to Ueno with the purpose of seeking out the Sakurazuka.

A phone rang then, interrupting the Lady Sumeragi's musing. One of the handmaidens retrieved a handphone from a pocket and answered the call. A look of horror and fear appeared on her face, filling Subaru with a sense of foreboding.

"Have they found the child yet, Chihara?" The matriarch of the Sumeragi clan inquired without turning around, missing the terror on her handmaiden's face.

"Lady Sumeragi... Yukino has seen the child's shikigami. It was near the center of Ueno's… sakura grove…"

"What!" Blood drained form the matriarch's already pale face, making it appear even whiter. "The fool!"

Subaru glared at his grandmother in shock. In all his life, he had never heard his grandmother degrade anyone in public. It could just be her worry, since the Sumeragi had already lost so many to the Sakurazukamori over the years; among those lost were his own twin Hokuto and his father. However, that she had just called Yuka's daughter a fool indicated a dislike of the girl as well. A part of him remembered that his grandmother was intractable and had done all she could for the good of the clan – leading to the nomination of those with the greatest potential for magic being groomed to be prospective future clan leaders. His father had been her favourite son out of five children because of his sense of responsibility although he had disappointed her by marrying someone she disapproved of. Yuka, the younger of Lady Sumeragi's first son's two children, had defied her grandmother's will whenever she could, provided that defiance was more beneficial than obedience. She was capable but possessed a mind of her own, preferring to do things her way than others. That Subaru had refused to marry and that Yuka's daughter was proving to be the next likely heir to the position of Clan Head must have galled his grandmother no end.

All this occurred to Subaru in the space of a few seconds. Resolving that letting his relatives search for the child was probably not for the best, he put forward the suggestion that he search for the child himself, thankful that the girl had gone to the one place where few Sumeragi dared to venture.

"Subaru-san, are you sure?" Now, the creases on the Lady Sumeragi's forehead deepened. "You have already suffered at the hands of the Sakurazukamori. You should not risk yourself further. Especially for a girl that follows her father so closely."

Filing the remark at the back of his mind, Subaru answered, knowing that logic would persuade his grandmother. "Obaa-chan, I have survived Sei… the Sakurazukamori for so long. My abilities should be enough to retrieve Yuka's daughter."

"But that is not on his territory, Subaru-san!" Lady Sumeragi's voice was frantic.

"I doubt that the Sakurazukamori will begrudge the removal of a Sumeragi child from his territory, Obaa-chan." Subaru forbore to mention that Seishirou had personally introduced him to the Tree and had forbidden the Sakurazuka from defying Subaru on the threat of several months' worth of meals. The Tree had hurriedly acquiesced to Its guardian's demands and Subaru had found a rather interesting if somewhat caustic acquaintance in It.

"Subaru-san!" His grandmother's protest was weak, since she knew that he was right and of all the Sumeragi, only he was able to combat the Sakurazukamori.

"Very well then, we will wait at the edge of Ueno, should you require our assistance." The tone of the Lady Sumeragi's voice brooked no argument. Regally, she clapped her hands and the handmaiden who had picked up the call stood and gripped the handles of the Lady Sumeragi's wheelchair.

Carefully, Lady Sumeragi was pushed to the door and before long; all four of them were headed for Ueno Park.


Leaving his relations at the periphery of the park, Subaru sought the familiar pathway by which Seishirou had always used to get to the Tree. As he made his way into the particular grove where the Sakurazuka was, he wondered how his heir would take to living with the feared Sakurazukamori.

Upon reaching the grove, the presence of a person before the Tree startled him almost instantly. Rarely did people venture into this grove, secluded as it was. Stretching out his other senses, he had no difficulty identifying the powerful aura emanating from the Tree's physical form, identical to the illusory form that stood before him.

"I didn't know you could take human form, Tree-san." His greeting was casual, masking his surprise.

"You don't know a lot of things, Sumeragi." The tan-clad figure of the Tree replied. "This is merely one of them."

"I know." Subaru replied, unperturbed. His senses had detected another aura nearby. An unfamiliar one that would have been eclipsed by the Tree's, provided he had not been searching for it. He knew it for the girl he sought because it contained such distinct differences compared to the illusion and masking spell over it. So the Tree was protecting the girl – how unusual. "Where is she?"

The Tree shrugged without replying.

Subaru was mildly annoyed with the Tree. Surely It wasn't stupid enough to believe that he could not sense the child. So that meant that It wanted him to get the child himself, a game that had to be played out.

"What? Your grandmother tangled with your heir?" Evidently, the Tree was not above making bad jokes at his expense.

The pun was noticed but ignored by the Sumeragi. "I would like to meet the daughter of my cousin who happens to be the only Sumeragi who dares to come here, of all places."

The Tree shrugged again. "She detests your grandmother. Is that any fault of mine?"

Subaru sighed then stalked to the tree where he had sensed the weaker aura. "Will you please show yourself? I promise that Obaa-chan won't be allowed to scold you."

The boyish face that poked itself out from under the illusion bore a surprising likeness to Seishirou. "Promise?" Golden eyes stared beseechingly at him.

When Subaru nodded, the child slid down the trunk.

"I'm Sumeragi Subaru, I knew your mother."

The child grinned back at him, a cheeky smile that bore little resemblance to the cousin he remembered. "Sumeragi Seiun. 'Kaa-san was always talking about you."

"She was?" The statement surprised Subaru, since he had not seen Yuka since Seiun's naming ceremony, several years back. His grandmother had disapproved of Yuka's husband and had done all she could to discourage Yuka from having further contact with the young Subaru and Hokuto.

The girl nodded vigorously, her short bangs shading her eyes, emphasizing her similarity to Seishirou. "Aa. 'Kaa-san said that the Old Bat was nuts and that you were a child without a childhood. And people like that always end up with bad problems."

Subaru blinked. Yuka had always been insightful despite little magical potential but surely his run-in with Seishirou had not been foreseen.

"They find it very hard to be happy." Seiun added as clarification upon seeing his puzzled expression.

Subaru's face cleared. "But I am happy." Silently, he added a 'with Seishirou' to the sentence.

"Then you're lucky. When you don't have a happy childhood, you usually become very ignorant. Anyone can take advantage of you." The words sounded like they had been memorized but Seiun understood the general idea of those words. She decided that she liked this relative of hers. Whenever 'Kaa-san talked about him, she always looked sad. She said that Subaru needed someone to look after him because he was too sheltered. While Seiun had no idea what that meant, she settled on protecting this uncle of hers from the Old Bat. It was what her mother would have wanted. She couldn't be held responsible for anything else.

Subaru smiled at Seiun. She didn't know how right she was. Seishirou had certainly taken liberties with him during the year of the Bet. The man had confessed to kissing Subaru on occasion whenever Subaru was unaware.

"Well, you two can continue to stand here and wrangle words out of each other. I'll just return to my real form." The Tree's illusory form began to fade. "By the way, I believe there's one very worried senior citizen at the edge of Ueno who is currently getting closer."

"Ack, must I see her?" Seiun looked pitifully at Subaru. At the older Sumeragi's nod, she sighed. "Okay, bye Tree-san. I must endure… I must tolerate…" the rest of her litany faded into muttering.

Subaru grinned. Seiun was very like Seishirou. A younger, less refined, more reckless and rebellious Seishirou.

"Come on. After this I'll show you my home," Subaru coaxed as they walked out of the grove towards where the Lady Sumeragi was waiting.

Seiun sighed then whistled. A raven remarkably similar to Seishirou's lesser shikigami alighted on her shoulder with a 'chack!' and a speculative look at Subaru.

"Is that your shikigami?" Subaru was curious; most shikigami of the Sumeragi were normally mystical creatures such as his own three-headed bird. Having a raven for a shikigami was unheard of in his clan, although he knew that other clans used other kinds of shikigami, such as Seishirou's hawk.

Seiun nodded. "'Tou… 'Kaa-san said that I should learn how to create and ally with one."

"I see." Subaru noted her slip of tongue. Apparently Seiun didn't want to talk about her father so he wouldn't push her.

All of a sudden, Seiun stiffened then bowed with a fluid grace that spoke of constant practice.

"Subaru-san, I see that you've found her." His grandmother's familiar, stern voice reached his ears and Subaru fought the impulse to bow like Seiun.

"Reckless child, why did you come here? I have told…" Lady Sumeragi's tirade was cut off when the raven on Seiun's shoulder took off, heading straight for her face, banking swiftly sideways when a handmaiden stepped forward to protect the Sumeragi matriarch.

"How dare you…" The handmaiden began when Subaru stopped her with a gesture.

"Obaa-chan, since Seiun is going to be my heir, I will handle her. There is no need for others," his voice full of the authority he seldom exercised, he directed a stern look at the handmaiden, before continuing, "to interfere."

The Lady Sumeragi gave him a searching look and inclined her head. "Very well, Subaru-san. I will leave Yuka's daughter in your care." She signaled to her faithful followers and left, without as much as a backward glance.

"Come on, Obaa-chan left your things at my house." Subaru turned to Seiun.

Seiun's mouth was agape. "Why did she do that? Why did she listen to you? And why did you call me your heir?"

Subaru's eyebrows drew together. "I'm surprised you didn't know. Obaa-chan gives way when I use my authority."

Seiun's eyes narrowed. "Why is that?"

Subaru raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Didn't your mother tell you who I am? I'm the Thirteenth Sumeragi Clan Head."

"No…" Seiun's tone was disbelieving.

"You're being brought up by me because you're my prospective heir for the position."

"What!"


Seishirou stopped in front of the ordinary house that belonged to his aunt. He had little contact with his mother's elder sister after Setsuka's death but the woman had made some impression on him during his childhood as a rather eccentric woman.

He was greeted by a young girl in her late teens when he rang the doorbell. Once he had introduced himself, she nodded and told him he was expected before leading him into the receiving room.

On the way, he surveyed his surroundings with the ingrained habit that had been drilled into him by his mother. Little had changed since he had last been here. The grounds were as spacious as they were some fifteen years ago. Tasteful decorations adorned the house here and there while careful placements of plants enhanced the appearance of the garden. Not as big as the Sumeragi Main house but enough to rival the houses of minor politicians.

"Please wait a moment. Grandmother will be along shortly." The teen bowed gracefully and left, presumably to inform his aunt that he was here.

Seishirou barely had time to sip the tea placed before him when a woman emerged from the doorway. "Seishirou-kun! How nice to see you!" Amber eyes twinkled from below snowy hair as his aunt embraced him.

"Nice to see you too, Miyuki-san." Seishirou forced himself to relax. He was unused to such affection from anyone excluding Subaru. "It's been a long time since I last saw you."

"Skip the formalities, Seishirou-kun. We both know I dislike ceremony." His aunt settled herself comfortably opposite him. Miyuki was an energetic seventy-year-old whose snowy hair fell nearly to her waist. Sparkling amber eyes served to add to the powerful charisma the woman had. Despite her age, she could still be considered a beauty, although she did not have fragile elegance of Seishirou's mother.

Seishirou smiled at his aunt. She was the one responsible for instilling a sense of humour in him with her constant antics that defied custom and propriety. He had no doubt that the woman before him constantly drove her children and household to distraction with her 'games'. "We both know why I have come."

Miyuki frowned. "Still in the family business, Seishirou-kun? That's why Setsuka stopped visiting me, I suppose?"

Seishirou inclined his head slightly. "All those involved know the cycle, Miyuki-san. My mother and I are no different."

"You do know that there are… other ways to pass on the position." His aunt stated, eyes boring into him. When Seishirou nodded again, she glared at him. "Take off those sunglasses. You know it's rude to wear them inside."

Seishirou smirked. He had a valid reason for wearing the shades. When he looked up and met Miyuki eye to eye, he heard a gasp of horror from his aunt.

"Seishirou-kun, what happened to you? How did that happen?" The sister of the previous Sakurazukamori reached forward to touch Seishirou's cheek lightly. Upon further examination, her eyes grew sad. "It's an old wound. It can no longer be corrected."

Seishirou nodded. "I lost it when I found who I cared for, Miyuki-san." He had no qualms telling his aunt about being able to feel. Her sense of humour would assure that she accept his choice while her sense of responsibility would ensure that she told no one about it.

"You did?" Now Miyuki looked delighted. "Finally." Delight turned to bewilderment. "Then why are you here? If you found someone… Is she incapable of children? It cannot be your fault, certainly. All Sakurazuka are so… healthy in that aspect."

Seishirou smiled. "Suffice to say it is both our faults, Miyuki-san." When he saw her confusion, he decided to stop teasing his aunt. "It is not a woman I care for."

Realization dawned on his aunt's face. Her hands flew to her mouth as her eyes widened. "I would never have figured you for someone like that, Seishirou-kun. So who's the one?" Childish curiosity burned in the amber eyes.

"Sumeragi Subaru."

His aunt stared at him in surprise then giggled. "You're pulling my leg, aren't you? The Thirteenth Head of the Sumeragi Clan is involved with my nephew…" Her voice trailed off when she saw no change in Seishirou's amused expression. "You're not kidding… You and the… Sumeragi… Clan Head…" She exploded into a fit of laughter.

Seishirou smirked back at her.

"Ooh… my aching stomach. This is… unbelievable. Give me… a moment to… recover, Seishirou-kun…" Miyuki's face was rosy with laughter. "The Sakurazukamori and the Sumeragi Clan Head… together… This is priceless…"

"I know."

"I'm sorry." His aunt wiped tears from her eyes. "Perhaps we'd better get down to why you're here. Oh, to have one in the Twelfth Sumeragi Clan Head's eye…" Another chuckle. "Saemi! Bring Seishin and his things please. Seishirou-kun, Seishin is to be your heir, isn't he?"

"Yes."

"Do you know of his background?"

"I have been updated about the basics. How is his mother?"

Miyuki sighed in exasperation. "As drunk as ever. I do believe that the silly woman sees the bottle as my son now." A sad smile crossed her face. "It's not as if I don't understand her grief but to lose herself entirely…"

"Grief can bring about many reactions." Seishirou said detachedly.

"You and your mother are so alike." Miyuki shook her head. "Always so logical. You must promise me that you will look after Seishin as though he is your own." She paused. "Your… partner will not object to Seishin, will he?"

Seishirou smiled a true smile few except Subaru saw. "Subaru-kun has his own heir to raise. We'll be raising them together, I believe. He likes children. We will not have problems."

"I see. Seishirou-kun, Seishin is very shy. You'll have to be careful how you deal with him. If my family wasn't so… problematic, I'd help you with his upbringing."

Just then, the traditional paper door slid open to reveal the teen Seishirou had seen earlier carrying a medium sized suitcase, accompanied by a child. The boy was small and dark-haired. His eyes were glued to the floor.

"Seishin-kun, this is Seishirou. He'll be adopting you from now on. He'll take good care of you." Miyuki said gently to the boy.

Seishirou made the smile he wore more kindly. "I'm your uncle of sorts, Seishin."

The eyes that finally met Seishirou's gave him a shock. They were large, innocent jade pools that seemed filled with grief. Almost identical to the luminous emeralds that belonged to Subaru.

The first thought in Seishirou's mind was uncharitable. : We have a long way to go. : Giving himself a mental slap, he tried to put the boy at ease. "You'll find it nice at my apartment."

"Do I have to go away again, grandmother?" The boy's large eyes focused on Miyuki. When she gave him a sad smile, his lower lip trembled and his eyes filled with tears.

: 'Good gods. He's a miniature Subaru!' : Seishirou could not help but groan mentally. It would take a lot to train Seishin to become someone capable of taking over his position, given the boy's obvious nervous and withdrawn temperament. "It'll be fine, Seishin. I can bring you back here for visits."

The boy's face brightened at that, changing into an expression more suited to a child of nine. "Thank you, Seishirou-sama."

Seishirou sighed. "You can just call me Seishirou, Seishin." : This is going to be interesting. There are three of us with names that start with the same word in one apartment. I wonder how Subaru-kun is going to take this. : "Let's go."

He stood and took the suitcase from the teen, then nodded his thanks to his aunt. Miyuki hugged Seishin before urging the boy to follow Seishirou, which he did reluctantly.

: 'How is it that the Sumeragi heir is impulsive and spirited while the Sakurazuka heir is shy and reclusive?' : Seishirou grumbled mentally as he slowly led his heir back to his apartment.

: Are you asking me? It's a pointless thing to do you know. I merely chose him because he is the most suitable in the clan. :

: Fine, see if I ever feed you again. : Disgruntled, Seishirou unlocked the door to his apartment. "Seishin-kun, give me a moment and I'll show you to your room."

The boy nodded and stood silently beside Seishirou as he locked the door. Seishirou heaved a mental sigh. Seishin was truly timid although he was capable of looking after himself. The assassin supposed that the loss of the boy's family was the reason why Seishin had turned out the way he did: quiet and effective.

"Here's your room. Pick a bed; you'll be sharing the room." Seishirou saw a look of delight appear on Seishin's face. Evidently, the boy had not been given such a spacious room before. He watched as Seishin moved tentatively towards the bed closer to the bookshelf in the room.

"Uncle Seishirou?" The voice was hesitant, nervous. "Can I take this one?" Seishin touched bed's comforter gently, as if he found it hard to believe that he could choose.

"Of course." Seishirou smiled kindly at the boy and observed the joy that showed on Seishin's face. He moved the suitcase to the wardrobe. "Come outside. I'll show you where everything else is in my home."

It was easy to tell that Seishin was loath to leave his new room but Seishirou felt that the earlier Seishin familiarized himself with the apartment, the more open the boy would be.

As he left the room with Seishin trailing behind him, he heard the front door being unlocked. A moment later, Subaru walked around the corner that hid the doorway.

"Seishirou-san! You're back!" A bright smile lit up the Sumeragi's face as he greeted his lover with a hug and kiss.

"Yes, I am." He returned the kiss with enthusiasm before turning to Seishin, whose mouth was hanging open with shock. "Seishin-kun, this is Sumeragi Subaru. He's my partner."

Subaru's greeting to Seishin was interrupted by a squawk and a familiar string of curses at the door.

Hastily, Subaru said, "I'd better go see what's wrong," and vanished back around the corner.

"…chan, are… that you can't dismiss it…"

A murmured response was heard.

The next moment, Subaru's well-known form was followed by a cheekily familiar face. Golden-brown eyes widened as they took note of Seishirou's commanding presence.

"You!"

"It's nice to see you again, Seiun-chan." Seishirou's response was calm.

"Seiun-chan, you know Seishirou?" Subaru inquired, surprise and curiosity in his tone. Then realization dawned. "Of course you do. Otherwise the Tree wouldn't have helped you."

Seiun bowed. "I thank you for your help one more, Sakurazuka-san." She turned to Subaru. "Uncle Subaru, Sakurazuka-san offered to hide me from the old… Lady Sumeragi's helpers."

"Ah."

"Subaru-kun, this is Seishin-kun." Gently, Seishirou propelled Seishin forward to meet the Sumeragi face to face. "Seishin-kun, this is Sumeragi Subaru, Thirteenth Head of the Sumeragi Clan."

If the shock on Seishin's face when he had kissed Subaru was considered a bad shock, the look now could be compared to stunned terror.

"Hello, Seishin." Subaru smiled at the obviously petrified boy, trying to ease Seishin's fear. He knew that the Sakurazukamori was the bogeyman of the Sumeragi so it would only make sense if it was the other way around for the Sakurazuka.

Slowly, as the two of them looked each other over, Seishin smiled shyly as Subaru gave him a warm smile. "It's… nice to meet you… Sumeragi-san."

: They really are alike. : The thought was unbidden in Seishirou's mind.

"Err… You two live together?" Seiun's voice brought Seishirou's attention to rest on the mischievous child.

"Yes." An amused smirk found its way to Seishirou's lips. He wondered what the child would make of this startling piece of information.

"Sakurazuka and Sumeragi. This is going to be fun." Seiun said sarcastically. "Tree-san was right," she mused. "He isn't as proper as I thought he would be."

"What do you mean?" Now, Seishirou's curiosity was piqued.

"He's not stuffy like the Old Bat." Seiun's reply was short and to the point.

Seishirou chuckled while Subaru looked puzzled. "What do you mean? And why are you saying 'old bat'?"

"Oops." A blush of embarrassment appeared on Seiun's cheeks. "I mean that you're nice. Better than those people who were looking from me."

"Seiun-chan, can you promise me something?" Subaru's expression became serious.

"Depends on what you want me to promise."

Seishirou noted Seiun's words with approval. The girl was disrespectful at times but she had a sharp mind.

Subaru grimaced. "Could you keep the news that Seishirou and I are… living together a secret?"

Seiun grinned. "I promise. You two remind me 'Kaa-san and 'Tou-san. I won't tell the Old Bat."

: 'Who's the mother, Seishirou?' : The Tree commented.

: Shut up. :

"'Old Bat'?" Subaru frowned in confusion.

"It's her nickname for your grandmother, Subaru-kun." Seishirou informed him, smirking.

"I… see. And wipe that smirk off your face, it's nothing to smile about, Seishirou." Subaru hit Seishirou's shoulder lightly before turning to the two kids in front of him. "Why don't you two get to know each other? You'll be sharing a room."

Seishin and Seiun eyed each other cautiously.

"Sumeragi Seiun." Seiun grinned at Seishin, deciding that she liked the boy. He was quiet but she suspected that once he got over his shyness he would be a great friend.

Seishin looked away shyly and murmured his name.

"Do you know where our room is?"

Seishin nodded in reply. Then, reaching out with a tentative hand, tugged at Seiun's sleeve and slowly walked towards their room, guiding his roommate.

Seishirou and Subaru stared as the shy Seishin responded softly to Seiun's questions, seemingly at ease with her. When the two of them vanished into their room, Subaru sighed.

"What's wrong?" Seishirou asked as he slid his arms around Subaru's waist, delighting in the warmth of his lover.

"I wonder how the two of them will turn out." Subaru sounded tired. "It's just so… strange. Having to bring up an heir. I feel like a parent."

Seishirou pressed a kiss against the back of Subaru's neck, feeling the Sumeragi lean into the touch. "That's what we are going to be. In a way." He sought out Subaru's lips as the Sumeragi turned his head slightly, meeting them in a gentle kiss before pulling away. "You're tired. Go get some rest. I'll bring you some tea."

"Aa…" Subaru moved towards the sofa and plopped down, resting his head on the soft armrest at one end.

"Here." Seishirou reappeared with a mug of hot tea and pressed it into Subaru's hands. "I need a bath. I'll join you later and then we'll bring the kids out for dinner, ok?"

Subaru set the mug onto the nearby coffee table and pulled Seishirou down for a quick kiss. "Don't take too long or Seiun and Seishin might be raiding the kitchen by the time you finish."

Seishirou's answer was another brief kiss before he left the room.


Subaru sighed as he waited for Seishirou. The kids were unpacking their clothes by the sound of it, with Seiun occasionally popping her head out to request or inquire about something. Meanwhile, he wondered what the two kids would turn out to be like.

Seishin really was very similar to a younger version of himself, although Subaru doubted that the boy would become the timid sixteen-year-old he had been. Something like that was simply not possible with Seishirou and Seiun. Seishin would still be quiet, but not timid.

Seiun on the other hand…

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Odd, who would visit at this time of the day?" Subaru pondered as he went to open the door. Salesmen normally didn't work in the evening. "I'm sorry but… Obaa-chan! What… What are you doing here!"

"Subaru-san I'm sorry for coming unannounced but I fear that I have left something behind when I was here earlier this afternoon." Unperturbed by her grandson's horror, Lady Sumeragi signaled for her handmaidens to push her into the apartment.

Shocked by the sudden appearance of his grandmother, Subaru stepped back reflexively, allowing his grandmother to cross the threshold.

"Do you have company, Subaru-san?" The question snapped Subaru out of his daze.

"What do you mean, Obaa-chan?" Subaru's mind was whirling, trying to think of a way to get rid of his grandmother before Seishirou finished his bath.

Lady Sumeragi indicated a large pair of shoes next to the shoe cupboard. "Those cannot possibly be yours."

"They… They belong to…" Subaru began stammering, at a loss for what to say or do.

"Subaru-san, speak properly."

Subaru gave up trying to keep the fact that he had not lived alone a secret. "I… I do not live alone here, Obaa-chan."

"Oh?" Lady Sumeragi was slowly pushed into the living room, where her handmaidens settled on the sofa once more. "Is she good company?"

The emphasis on the word 'company' was not lost on Subaru, especially since Seishirou and innuendo were often partners in the prelude for something more… active in the bedroom.

Wringing his hands in nervousness, Subaru sat stiffly on the edge of a comfy recliner that Seishirou liked to use. "It's not a she, Obaa-chan."

Almost at once, the face of the Lady Sumeragi became sterner. "Are you sure you're happy with your choice, Subaru-san? The knowledge of your… preferences would be used against you."

"I am happy, Obaa-chan. Much happier than I would ever be with an arranged partner."

"I see." The matriarch sighed. "I know you, Subaru-san. Are there any problems with your… friend's family?"

"He… he has no family, Obaa-chan. None except for… me." Subaru's apprehension was making him tremble as he dreaded the news he would have to break to his grandmother.

"Is he respectable? Do not be taken with him because he is alone, Subaru-san. You are old enough to know that many will use you as a means to power and you cannot afford to be taken in by their tricks." Lady Sumeragi looked forbidding with the frown on her face.

Subaru gulped. "He is trustworthy." Fervently hoping that Seishirou would take a long time in the shower, Subaru tried to change the subject, to no avail.

"What are you hiding from me, Subaru-san? Are you afraid that the clan will object? If I support your need for a… partner, the protests will be minimal." Lady Sumeragi was trying to be delicate and comforting – an attempt to redeem the hurt she had caused him by disapproving of his preferences years ago.

"There will be objections, Obaa-chan." Of that, Subaru was certain.

"From who?"

"You will object, Obaa-chan." Subaru steeled himself as he saw a frown on his grandmother's face.

"Why is this so?" Lady Sumeragi's tone became interrogating. "Why would I object? Surely if this man is worthy of your affection, I will not oppose his being part of the clan?"

Subaru gave up his pretense entirely. "He's the Sakurazukamori, Obaa-chan."

At his outburst, he faced three sets of blinking eyes. Lady Sumeragi recovered first; her expression was one of severe censure. "Subaru-san, if this is your idea of a joke, it is a poor one. I have taught you better than that. Have you forgotten what the Sakurazukamori has done to our family?"

Subaru hung his head, unable to reply.

Just then, Seiun chose to poke her head out of her room. "Uncle Subaru, do you mind if… Uh oh." She retreated immediately at the sight of the Sumeragi matriarch and the door banged shut.

"Subaru-san, perhaps your involvement with the Dragons of Heaven in '99 had affected you. I understand that one of them has a peculiar sense of humour. I will forgive this poor offense once. Do not do it again."

"Obaa-chan, I…"

The rest of Subaru's words went unsaid as a smooth, low tenor drifted from the vicinity of the hallway. "Subaru-kun, have you seen my…" The voice trailed off as the speaker walked into the living room and absorbed the sight of the three visitors.

Automatically, Subaru turned cringing as he anticipated his grandmother's imminent explosion, to see the worst possible scenario that could possibly occur. Seishirou was standing at the hallway that connected the bedroom to the living room with only a damp towel around his waist, his hair sopping wet and dripping moisture onto the floor.

A dead silence ensued.

The stillness broke when Seiun peeked out of her room. Seeing the almost frozen scene before her, she gave a low whistle before withdrawing back into her room and relative safety.

The Lady Sumeragi's face had begun to turn a curious shade of red during the stillness and she pointed at Seishirou, her eyes blazing with anger.

: This is not going to be nice. : Seishirou commented as he prepared himself for a verbal and possibly magical assault.

: Yeah. : The Tree agreed. : You have bad timing. :

: You don't need to remind me. : Seishirou's reply was resigned.

: Brace yourself. : The Tree added, just in time.

"SUBARU-SAN!"

Distantly, Seishirou wondered if the Lady Sumeragi's voice was capable of destroying Tokyo by sound waves alone. He estimated that the power in that single shout was equivalent to an atomic bomb. Idly, he guessed if she had been the Kamui in '99, Fuuma would never have survived the first battle with her.

Deciding that he was hardly in a position to defuse the situation, Seishirou left the room to get dressed, leaving Subaru to endure his grandmother's loud rant alone. As he walked out of the living room, he took note of the watching eyes of Lady Sumeragi's bodyguards following him all the way till he was no longer within their sights. He also was aware of the ofuda they had discreetly obtained from their pockets.

: As if they could even scratch you: the Tree spoke contemptuously. : Their combined abilities barely equal Seishin's in raw potential. :

: Damaging them wouldn't be nice though. : Seishirou said dryly. : They are Subaru-kun's relatives, after all. :

Even from the bedroom, the Lady Sumeragi's voice was audible. Clearly she had not even realised that he was no longer in the room. Seishirou wondered what his neighbours would think of the tirade as he slipped on more appropriate if casual clothing. He doubted that Subaru would be going out for dinner. The Sumeragi would be drained after the scolding.

When he re-entered the living room, the Sumeragi matriarch was still going strong and Subaru was beginning to look like he would collapse. Seishirou had heard enough to discover that Subaru had stood by him and that the Sumeragi would even give up his position as Clan Head if his grandmother tried to force him to leave Seishirou. However, the continued rage of his grandmother was wearing on Subaru's limits and he was taking on a sick appearance.

'Why can't you let the past go?" Subaru would shout in return to something his grandmother had shrieked.

"He is the Sakurazukamori! He's a murderer! How can you live with someone like that! You know your duty is to stop the use of dark onmyoujitsu!" Lady Sumeragi would scream.

"Seishirou-san isn't a murderer by choice! He has his duty as I have mine! It is my choice who I choose to live with, Obaa-chan!"

Sensing that Subaru was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Seishirou stepped in. "Excuse me," he smiled pleasantly at Lady Sumeragi. "But I believe that this is our home, not yours. If you don't mind, it would be best if you leave now." He added an element of threat in his words and activated the wards he had placed upon the apartment. Protective wards that had offensive spells woven into them. Wards that would cause severe damage to any he designated as intruders. "Preferably, before I have to do anything impolite." Seishirou added.

Lady Sumeragi glared at him but even an idiot could sense the danger that jeopardized the three visitors. After all, they were in the home of the Sakurazukamori. Calling the possible injuries the wards could inflict 'impolite' was a remarkable understatement. Moreover, courtesy could not be ignored and Lady Sumeragi knew that she had overstepped that boundary as well.

Decorously, she directed a glare at Subaru as she was pushed to the door. "Don't think that you have heard the end of this."

"Do take care." Seishirou said as he closed the door on her face, shutting out any more poisonous words she could utter.

"Seishirou… I…" was all Subaru managed as he sat down abruptly on the sofa. "I…" The strain in the low voice was enough to make Seishirou gather his lover in his arms when he reached the sofa.

"It's alright. I know. I don't mind your grandmother." He rubbed Subaru's back soothingly as the Sumeragi sobbed quietly into his shoulder. "She'll get over it."

: When Hell freezes over. : was the Tree's unhelpful comment.

: Shut up. : Seishirou retorted as he held the Sumeragi close, waiting for Subaru to calm down and relax.

"Is it over?" Seiun's voice was muted as she peered out from her room once more. "Oro…" She paused at the sight of Seishirou and Subaru in what was obviously a close embrace. "I'll leave you two alone. Do you mind if I order some take out?"

At Seishirou's nod, she smiled soothingly. "Ok, would Chinese be good?" When Seishirou nodded once more, she leaned forward and grabbed the cordless phone off its cradle and returned to her room.

Half an hour later, Seishirou went to answer the door when the doorbell rang. The delivered food was still hot and it was obvious that Seiun had called the same restaurant before and knew what to order since everything tasted mild. It also had the effect of relaxing Subaru even more when Seishirou gently pressed some soup and rice on the onmyouji.

Once the almost homely dinner was over, the kids quickly retreated into their room once more, ostensibly to complete their unpacking. Seishirou knew better. Seishin had been upset that Subaru was sad and had wanted to console him but Seiun had merrily pulled him back to their room, giving Seishirou a wink as she did so. Seishirou could not help but smile at the girl. Then, he spent the night comforting Subaru.

By the time morning came, Subaru was quite cheerful and relaxed. They spent breakfast discussing where to and when Seishin and Seiun would start schooling, much to Seiun's horror and disgust

-end chapter 2-

Do NOT under any circumstances expect updates soon after this. K'van has to brainstorm and I have to write 'Another Shot'. And we both have exams coming up. Please be patient with us. Our exams are MAJOR. We cannot afford to fail. Have sympathies. Reviews please!