Chapter 7

weeks later

Weeks had passed by and still they weren't sure if the seed had taken root or not, but they didn't want to ask Watanuki.

Fay woke up first this particular morning. He rubbed his eyes as he got up from the futon. He had been wearing Kurogane's clothes recently since they were perfect for him after a sexual romp,they hung off his lithe frame. This morning though,even those felt a little tight. He stripped down to his undergarments and ran a hand down his body. His stomach was sticking out a bit and he fought the urge to wail.

He hadn't been paying much attention to his body, having gotten used to spending his time roaming the halls, having tea with Tomoyo and then spending most of the rest of his time with Kurogane. So seeing a little weight gain wasn't unheard of since they weren't running for their lives of trekking across unpopulated terrain anymore.

Fay needed a mirror to see himself in. He conjured one so he could see his full body from a few angles.

With all of Fay's shuffling, Kurogane stirred and when he noticed he was alone in bed, he sat up to stare at the mage. "...What are you doing"

"WAH~! Kuro-rin! I'm so fat! Look at me!"

Kurogane dug the flat of his palm in one eye before taking a second look at the blonde. "What the hell are you talking about? You're still a twig." Throwing off the blankets, he walked up to Fay, trying to figure out what Fay was seeing.

"No! I'm fat look! Even your clothes fit tight."

Tilting his head to the side he eyed the blonde's stomach. "...It's just a small baby bump...and my clothes aren't tight, you're exaggerating again."

"What you mean small! It makes me look fat! You have no idea-baby bump? That means I'm..." Reality had finally sunk in,in a good way.

Kurogane smirked as he watched realization sink in. "Seems it finally happened. And you gained five pounds maybe."

"Yeah us...parents." Fay grinned before pressing his lips fully against the other's.

Kurogane returned the kiss, arms moving around the blonde. It was strange, but he was happy.

Fay pulled away shortly after and leaned his head against the other's chest. "I can't believe it,it's really happening."

"It doesn't feel strange?" He asked, not sure if he could be as calm knowing another person was growing inside of him.

"Not yet it doesn't." Fay had to admit,he had never heard of a man carrying a baby before,except for male seahorses,but he was not a seahorse,he was a mage.

"Give it time." He grinned and gave Fay another kiss. "Now, put some clothes on. We should get out of the palace today. Since in a few months you won't be out of these rooms."

Fay kissed back. "I'd like that,it looks like it's going to be a nice day today." He then proceeded to get dressed.

Kurogane scratched his head as he watched Fay dart about their room, stripping off clothes as he went. Shaking his head he went to grab some pants.

"You ready to go yet Kuro-rin?"

Kurogane tightened his sword to his waist. "I'm ready." He stood in dark pants with a red tunic over top with Shirasaki's symbol.

"Think I should bring my bow in case?" Fay looked over his shoulder to the bow and the quiver of arrows in the corner.

"...Why?" They were only going into the city.

"I don't know...you have your sword."

"I always carry my sword." He countered. "Besides you can use your magic now."

"Fine you made your point." Fay reached for Kurogane's hand.

Taking it in his metal hand, Kurogane led them out of the castle and past the main gate. It was warm with a light breeze. It felt nice and even he felt light hearted after the news earlier.

The warm breeze blew Fay's bangs and hair ribbon lightly. He was in such a good mood he couldn't really sense the ominous presence lurking nearby.

"Any place in mind?" He asked as he was just willing to walk around and stretch his legs.

"As long as it's with you,I don't care." Fay too was glad to be able to see a change of scenery.

"You never give me a straight answer." But Kurogane couldn't bring himself to yell at the wizard for the time being.

Fay smiled goofidly. "I know." Just as he leaned up to kiss other,that's when he finally sensed it. "...Do you sense it too?"

Kurogane paused and looked out towards one of the cities entrances. It was blocked from their view of course, but the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. "It feels ominous whatever it is, but no one's panicking so either they've not told anyone yet and it's being handled or there's no one to report it."

"It's the no one's there to report it that scares me,"

Kurogane agreed. "We might have to cut today short." When he passed a soldier he explained what he thought was happening and sent the man off to the palace and to warn the castle.

"I wouldn't say no to a little work out." Fay smirked glancing sideways at Kurogane. "But you,can you still fight?"

"I should hit you for that." He glared. "What about the baby?"

"Don't you worry about that,I'll cast a spell to protect the baby at all costs,besides I'll be with you,I'll be okay."

Kurogane wasn't so sure, but they had no other choice. "Then let's go."

It didn't take them long to find the source of the ominous aura. Fay's eyes widened when he saw it. "Kuro-sama...you've lived in Nihon longer...have you ever..seen one this..size?"

As they stood beneath the walls of the city they could see something large and black moving just over top. "Yes, but it's rare." He unsheathed his sword and took a stance. A loud roar broke the peaceful day, making the city go silent. It was eerie not hearing the usual drone of noise that permeated. When the oni finally came into view it towered over the wall before a long tail swung behind him and

slammed against the wall, making the top of it crack and chunks fall to the ground below.

Fay looked at the size of the oni before casting a spell to make sure the baby inside of him would be safe. Then he too took a stance. "I told you I should have brought my bow."

It was a small protective charm, similar to the one that had been put on Kurogane years before. "Bows don't work on something this big."

"Fine. I'll see if I can stun it so you can cut it." Fay raised his left hand and his magic sparked at his finger tips. He aimed it at the the oni,but the beast came charging at him full force. There was no room for Fay to run,he wouldn't have the time to produce a barrier and he didn't think there would be anyway for Kurogane to get over to him in time to help him.