Well I'm back from holiday hell and ready to get crackin! So without any further detainment please enjoy live and let die part two. Yes there is a time skip like maybe a few months mmkay? So chill and read it.

-Dante's Daughter-

Lily White

It had been months since the encounter with Ichiro. The grounds of the castle and mind of Hiten had since returned to normal, or something like it. Souten and Manten had returned from their cousin's home upon hearing of Hiten's recovery. Still a little malicious and ill-tempered of a man, he was now subdued as he had been before. It seemed Yura had been a good influence on him as Manten had suspected. Though she often was distracted with windows and sunsets. She would stare till called on, then smile and claim it was nothing to worry about and that she was just thinking.

The days had changed from summer, to fall and were now into winter. Souten still played outside, not minding any bad weather really. She was a strange child compared to her brothers. Manten claimed she took on their mother's personality much like himself, unlike Hiten who modeled himself after their more somber father. Needless to say she kept things light, usually busying herself with keeping Yura company. Being that Souten was for so long the only woman in the house, Yura had become a very welcome change for her.

Her feet padding softly Souten walked up behind her now sister in law. Quietly wondering about her as she painted at her mother's old easel. Licking her lips she muttered a soft 'um' in an attempt to gain attention.

"Yes Souten," Yura said smiling as she peered at the child from behind the canvas. "What is it?"

"Well, I was just looking for you is all." She said sweetly as she stepped around to Yura's side. "I wanted to know what you're painting."

"Come and see then." She whispered as she gestured to the easel.

On the canvas was a sunset, a view most often seen from the windows in the main hall of the castle. "It's beautiful. Mom used to paint on this too, Hiten told me." Souten said in amazement. "Is this why you always look out the windows Yura-chan?"

She laughed and smoothed the little girl's hair down. "It might be." Yura sighed and frowned a little as her eyes once again turned thoughtful.

"Yura-chan? Are you okay?" Souten asked touching her arm with her hands. "You look sad again."

"Oh, nothing to worry about dear. Sometimes when situations change in your life you think about things is all."

"Are you not happy with brother Hiten? Is he getting bad again?" The dark haired little girl asked as her eyes cast down. "I would hate for him to do anything to you right now considering the circumstances."

Yura smiled and picked up Souten setting her in her lap. "No child. I'm fine as is your brother. Don't worry so much about these things."

"What do you think about?" She asked. "When you look away and get all quiet…what is it?"

"Lots of things Souten. I think about Hiten, and our life. Mostly about where it's headed." She said simply.

"Do you think about the baby?"

"Frequently." She said resting a hand on her swollen stomach. "I think I dote on him most of all."

"How do you know it's a boy?" Souten asked leaning her head on Yura's belly and listening.

"I don't…I just don't like referring to my child as an it. So I give him a title." She yawned and shooed Souten off her lap as she stood. "Let's go and find something to cook for dinner shall we, your brother's will be back soon from checking on the villages at the mountain base and will no doubt be famished."

Downstairs the rooms were calm and still. The silence of winter now on the mountain made the use of houselights much more necessary considering the darkness that the clouds brought. Yura hoped the cold would be short as she didn't want to bear her child in the brunt of the wintry months. She figured January, near the end he would be born. A sobering thought as the last thing she wanted was for the happiness she felt at having a child would be swept fast away.

She still hadn't spoken to Hiten about the bargain. In his disillusioned mind he was still certain the entire experience was a dream, a maniacal hallucination brought on by his insanity. For Yura it was still fresh. She hadn't even wanted to be pregnant, she wanted to wait a while, find a plan or some kind of loophole to avoid handing over her offspring to Ichiro. Unfortunately, it came to pass that she was with child when she met the ivory skinned man. Had she know then that there would be little time to prepare she may not have made the deal.

"Hey! Anyone home?"

"In here Hiten." Yura called as a gust of chilled wind entered behind her husband and brother. "You're back early."

"Looked to snow, didn't want to get caught in the mess." He replied kissing her softly. "How are you?"

"Fine, fine…stop your worry. I'm pregnant, not ill." She said turning back to the soup pot over the fire. "Besides I've had Souten here to help all day."

"I chopped the vegetables." She beamed proudly from her spot at the table. "I made tea too, do you want some brothers."

"I'll take that offer." Manten replied sitting down with a sigh. "Honestly Hiten you run me ragged sometimes."

"Not my fault I'm the fitter one." He smirked. "I'll have some too Souten." Smiling he ruffled his sister's hair before taking a seat near Manten.

The calm that ensued almost unnerved Yura, suffering in silence was not her favorite activity especially since she knew her husband was more than aware of her apprehensive mood. The perfect husband he always made her days easier, helping in any way he could. He was attentive, and loving in every way. As much as she appreciated it she cursed him for being so wonderful. Secrets she did not want to keep were always reflected in his eyes. The guilt alone made her cry when she could find a moment alone.

Dinner was always nice since they all sat together. Souten would always chatter away in attempt to be involved with the adult conversation. Her childish innocence was a welcome distraction from the problems in life. During these times Hiten would watch Yura, his once happy lady that made his life so rich. Her eyes held a sadness that he couldn't quite place, no matter what he did for her it seemed she placated him with smiles and gratitude. He even wondered once if perhaps she stayed with him for pity's sake. A thought most hated, but frequented none the less.

"I'll handle the dishes and cookware." Hiten said as the kitchen emptied and only they remained. "You've done more than enough."

"Hiten I can handle it. Really." She insisted filling a basin with water from the pump. "You shouldn't worry."

"Yura." He stood behind her wrapping his arms around her body kissing her neck softly. "I love you, and I want to help out. Please let me help in any way I can."

"Oh Hiten." She thought resting her hand on his. Smiling she sighed. "The baby moves more every day. I think it must be a boy as energetic as he is. Little girls are usually calmer." She turned around facing him, her belly getting a little in the way. "Come January you'll be a daddy."

"I look forward to it." He said caressing her stomach. "Have you given names any thought?"

"A bit. I was thinking perhaps of Yukio or Kiyoshi." She said dreamily

"And should it be a girl?"

"Haru or Kita."

"I like Haru, and Kiyoshi." He said absently. "Are you happy with things Yura? Is this life what you expected? Am…am I what you had expected?"

"Everything is as I figured it would be. And you, Hiten. How could I ever want anything more?" Turning back she leaned on the basin staring at the soapy water. "I think it's just the winter. In the cold months moods sometimes are not so joyous."

Hiten nodded as she smiled stepping away from the messy dishes and kissed him softly on the cheek. Her a peculiar temperament these days always left him uncertain as to why. All he could really do was be kind and wait for her feisty nature to return at full force. Standing now by the window in the kitchen she eyed the grounds. A thin sheet of white was slowly covering the grass and stones. By morning there was going to be at least a good foot of it.

Looking back at her husband she could see he was occupied. Manten and Souten were calmly relaxing in the main room as she stepped from the kitchen to the front door opening it just enough to slip through. Pulling her kimono tighter to shield her body from the frosted air. Smiling with relaxed eyes she raised her hands feeling the gentle brush of the flakes on her fingers and palms. Like iced lace the delicate pieces sparkled as they wafted down. With a soft almost childish giggle Yura spun on her toes kicking one leg in the air as the flakes clung to her hair and eyelashes.

From the kitchen window Hiten couldn't help but feel happy for her. Her ebony hair and red lips prominent against the glistening white backdrop complimentary as though painted to be so. She paused in her mirth spying him behind the glass a truly happy smile on her face. White, delicate and soft she was his wife and soon to be mother of his child.

"Yura…" He said to himself as she continued on playing in the snowfall, his hand pressed to the window glass.

"My Hiten." She thought turning away to watch the snow falling from the sky. "You are so happy, I need to find a way to fix this. I will not lose you or our child to Ichiro." She paused her thoughts as she allowed a few tears to slip. "Why is it there is never anyone to give you advice when you truly need it?"