Chapter 14 - Spirit Mates

His father had laid it out simply for Hiroshi that he had to forget about that yellowhair and start minding his own clan. Hiro felt nothing but shame for skipping out on the gathering now, his father was right…he'd let his fear and emotions control him and he'd let everyone down. Even though he realized how much K meant to him while on that mountain, he knew that K couldn't be his fully. And even if K felt the same way towards him (which he was going to find out today), they would have to keep it their feelings to themselves. K had his own clan after all, he was a chief, and he was going to be a father.

He couldn't exactly ask K to give that up.

Hiro knew he'd have to be satisfied with knowing that his spirit mate wasn't that far away. He had to be strong. Their spirits would always be connected in some way that only the gods understood. And for now that's all they had. Yuki might've been right about many things during that ordeal on Mount Hotaka, but he wasn't ready to dishonour his family over it. But at least he'd made it through that test and passed. Right now Hiro couldn't help but want his father to appreciate him for who he was, no matter what it took.

Even if he had do things he didn't want to do.

He'd become much closer to Yuki since everything, but the man seemed just as grim now as he was the last day on Hotaka. Yuki explained to him that Shuichi learned about his promised mate and that he'd been upset, but he'd understood. And Shuichi told him that they had their love and that's all that mattered, that no one could ever really come between them. Still, Hiro overheard a roaring fight between Papa and Yuki; he overheard the chief threaten to exile him from the clan. For a few days Yuki disappeared and Hiro was sure he'd left them for good. He'd spent a few days consoling a crying Shuichi only to see the blonde man return a few days later. Hiro listened with surprise when Yuki said he too would go through with the ceremony. Was he doing it for Shuichi?

It had been at least two weeks since he last saw K. He'd given him some space and let his father cool off. But now it was time to see him, he had to see him even if his father wouldn't like it. He wasn't ready to give that up, not yet. Walking for a good hour, Hiro finally came to the outskirts of the Winchester camp. It wasn't that far from the main Uesugi cave and was situated in the grassier area with fewer rocky hills. As his eyes scanned the terrain, he saw so many 'strangers' building homes, doing daily chores, cooking, playing…all normal things down below. Standing there with a spear end planted in the ground, wearing only a breechcloth, the summer breeze playing with his hair; he held a hand to his brow looking for K…Claude, over the midday sun.

He'd come to see his friend, to see his face and to hold him dearly. "…maybe K loves you too…" He'd thought about Yuki's words on the mountain and he had to find out from K for himself.

From across the tall grass towards the water, there he was. His golden mane shinning under the sunlight, tanned, body clothed only in a cloth as well and he was even more filled out. He'd been taking care of himself. Hiro wore a mellifluous smile; K was as handsome as ever. And K walked alone as he came strolling up a small grassy knoll, a spear gripped in his hand. His heart swelled and Hiro called out to the man.

K looked for the voice, his eyes settling on Hiro. He grinned broadly and ran to meet up with Hiro. Upon reaching him they dropped their spears and hugged urgently.

"Hiroshi…" K breathed through his lush mane. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you're ok. I was so worried. Your mom told me that my visits were upsetting your father. So, I…I didn't come around for awhile. I felt so guilty...how is Yuki? Did you get my gifts?"

Hiro didn't understand all the words that K said. "Yes, I got them," he said still clinging on, afraid to let go. He didn't have the heart to tell K he'd given the liver to Yuuji to devour though, it just wasn't his thing. "It's alright now; Yuki is good but everything is tense. I'm fine…it was my own fault don't be guilty. I was so stupid. I shamed my family and now I have to do fix it." He sighed. It felt so good to be in K's embrace again even if it felt forbidden somehow.

"You never stupid," K said switching to Hiro's language. "Your father…worry."

The brunette huffed. "Yeah…I know." Hiro pulled back reluctantly, his eyes studying K's face. "I'm grateful you were there when I got down off that mountain. I thought about so many things up there," Hiro mentioned quietly. "But, I also came to tell you that…that we can't be together as much anymore. Y-you have your clan and your mate…and I…I love you." Hiro breathed out in a rush at his revelation.

K watched him in silence, a series of expressions crossing his face.

Recovering and finding his bravery Hiro added, "My spirit will always be with you…yours with mine. I know I saw your spirit on the mountain…I would have died without it, without you…but we have obligations…you're going to be a clan father." He sighed. "I don't want to get in your way. Please understand even if this hurts so much that I can't understand it," Hiro pleaded.

K took Hiroshi's hand gently to inspect that cut on his palm, it was healing well he noticed. Curling Hiro's hand closed, he placed a gentle kiss to his fingers. "I love you too Hiroshi, mammoth spirit. You would never get in my way but I understand," he told Hiro softly once more switching to his native tongue. "But you deserve to have your mate, she deserves you…your father wants you to obey. There are traditions, believe me I know. But even after all that, I will still love you. Ok?" K explained as best as he could, he hoped Hiro understood. How could he say that what he feared the most was seeing Hiro put through that kind of ritual again? If it meant he had to spend less time with Hiro because of his ignorant father, then that's what he'd have to do to keep Hiro safe.

Hiro fell into another hug with K, overjoyed that he loved him back! "We live so close together, so it doesn't mean we'd never get to see each other. My father still wants me to go on that hunt you organized a couple months from now, I'll still help with healing if you need it, you can even visit…my mother likes you. I just can't be so reckless and run off like that again."

Chuckling K replied, "I will hunt you down if you run off."

Hiro laughed.

"Does your father know you're here?" K questioned looking around.

"No," Hiro said his eyes beginning to twinkle. Maybe they could be together now because Hiro didn't know when the next time they could be. His loins stirred. He couldn't deny K, "Can we…? What about your mate?" He wanted to identify his boundaries.

K explained to him that he'd been learning all about his clan while he was recovering. And he explained that pleasures were also not forbidden after having rites either. But K expressed his worry about Hiro getting into trouble. "I don't want you to get hurt again…"

So they kept it a secret…

Months later K and Hiro and the passion they shared still burned brightly, spending precious time making love in the peach garden, under a tree overlooking the water. It had become their special place. And for the first time in Hiro's life, his pleasures became a private love affair. He told no one and went about his routine like usual, except that his cot stayed empty by choice now. A few questioned this with concern, but it was like, no one else in the world could satisfy him anymore, nor did he feel that he had to find out. His father was pleased and the chaos he'd felt in his mind lifted. Everything didn't feel so crazy anymore. He'd even met K's mate, whose tummy was growing larger everytime he saw her.

Hiro paused organizing his herbs on a patch of soft summer grass alone when he recalled their first introduction with red cheeks…

He'd smiled and bowed with his hands clasped together, "May Gaia bless you."

"I have heard of these gods, but I only believe in one god thank you," she muttered curtly.

K's eyes widen and he looked puzzled at his mate, "Hey, now…" he looked at Hiro embarrassed and claimed, "She's just temperamental with child."

Hiro wasn't sure what she meant, except that she mentioned gods.

But Judy huffed at her mate, "I am not!" then she looked at Hiro, "I'm sorry I'm not approaching this well at all. How can I be so rude to someone that's so close to my Claude," she continued and snuggled up next to K, threading her arm through his possessively. "Hiro, thank you so much for saving his life."

Mystified by Judy's body language, Hiro replied, "He was lucky."

"Heh, yes I was very lucky. So lucky that I was just going to show Hiro my lucky fishing spot," K said hastily as if trying to find an escape.

Hiro smirked at this, K's mate was being possessive, and he couldn't blame her. But Hiro was cool about it and said, "Please, don't feel threatened." He then produced a gift he'd brought for her. "'Senburi'…relief from baby," he said in K's language and pointed at her tummy. He handed her a pouch full of leaves and stems of the little white flower. "Senburi stands for, it is bitter even after it's been boiled a thousand times," Hiro explained in his own language. "I wish you a safe journey into motherhood…K really does have the most beautiful fertile mate." He bowed to her again.

K seemed touched by his words and explained what he'd had said to Judy in their language, so she might stop with her unapproachable tone.

The woman stood silent and took the senburi. She softened and studied Hiro in wonderment. No matter how hard she tried to act like a bitch, the man stayed eternally pleasant. "I think I misjudged you," she said and smiled coyly, "Maybe Claude will have you stay with us one night, perhaps he'll even share..."

Oi?!

K gaped at his mate. He wouldn't have that at all! He didn't want to share Hiro! It wasn't like he could share Judy; she wouldn't let anyone touch her while pregnant. He scowled at her then and said, "I think we've had enough of an introduction. Hiroshi," K looked over at him, "…she thanks you for the senburi."

Judy crossed her arms and stalked off in a huff.

Coming out of his reverie Hiro resumed working on his medicines, and thought about how K had told him that Judy could proposition him and he would have no say if she agreed. Hiro found that kind of female power astonishing! As they talked of sex, K was sure to point out that sex being forced onto a person was looked down on in the worst way; people should never be forced to pleasure. Hiro totally agreed on that. The ways among the Winchester clan was not so different from his own; maybe people from other lands weren't so different after all. But K had explained that there were always social standards and people needed to act with some common sense. Then K revealed to him about Judy and his friend Ark. K explained how jealous he'd gotten and that's why he'd thought Ark was the one that tried to kill him. When he'd asked him about how he felt now, K admitted that he wasn't so jealous anymore and that he'd overreacted.

Hiro had to wonder. Maybe K's loyalty wasn't something that came easy and if someone misused it, they lost it—even if Judy had every right to be with another man—she'd abused that loyalty, that trust somehow. Hiro knew that even in his own clan, emotions always got involved with pleasure. One had to be careful how blatantly they used the god's gift. Hiro began to wonder if he was exploiting it with K. He truly hoped not…how could pleasure be wrong between two people that loved each other?

But then he too had to admit he felt envious of Judy at times…

Even though he'd been spending more time with Ayaka as well, he couldn't say that he loved her yet. She was sweet though and he really began to enjoy the time they spent together. The other guys in the clan would smirk at him and call him 'lucky' and they bet he couldn't wait for next spring. Hiro had to laugh at that, maybe this rites thing wasn't so bad. She seemed genuinely interested in listening to him talk about herbs and plants. More often lately Ayaka would even bring him little gifts and Hiro found himself enjoying that.

And the other day she'd actually kissed him. He'd had been wondering what was taking her so long to act in a more affectionate manner. But she told him that pleasure was something she would save until the day they had their rites in the spring. Hiro had to smirk at her catch hook, her ploy to keep him in suspense. He had to admit, he was curious. But what bothered him the most was how the kiss they shared felt.

Empty…

His body didn't react, nor did hers. He could tell.

Just when he was about to give up his chore of organizing his herbs, since all he could do was think, Yuuji and Sakura wandered over. "Heya Hiro!" his brother called out.

"Hey Yuj…Sakura. Where are you two coming from?" Hiro asked nonchalantly. Hmm, that was something else Hiro noticed lately, his brother and Yuki's promised mate were glued to the hip. Both came to sit on the grass next to him and Sakura reached over to inspect a pouch of herbs.

"We just came back from helping your father find some slate," Sakura answered.

"Yeah, father wants to make new weapons for that hunt. I think he wants to show off for the Winchester clan. I get to come to right?" Yuuji wondered of his brother.

Hiro grabbed the herb pouch out of Sakura's hands, "No touching," he warned her, "Everytime you two come near me its disaster. I really don't want to smell like fish mint again," Hiro groaned. He glanced over at Yuuji, "I don't know Yuuji, why don't you ask father?"

"I did but…" Yuuji said quietly.

"He said no didn't he?" Hiro filled in the blanks.

"Your father is a scary man," Sakura enlightened everyone.

Hiro chuckled and shook his head at that, no kidding. "Hunting is dangerous Yuuji, you could hurt yourself. We're not going after rabbit; K's been tracking a whole herd of deer, he said the males had racks the size of spears," Hiro explained as he poured hot water into three wooden bowls.

"I would be a great hunter," Yuuji pledged. "Aww, come on…I heard that the Winchesters have an all male ritual before they hunt. It's incredible Hiro, I want in!"

Sakura giggled, "You're such a pervert."

Yuuji actually giggled too and murmured something to her in her ear, the girl blushed. Then Yuuji pat her knee tenderly.

Staggered, Hiro watched them in amazement. So Yuuji was in love with Yuki's mate! And the feelings seemed mutual, wow…this was really something Hiro thought adding camomile to the bowls. He handed them both some tea. "Where'd you hear about this ritual Yuuji? What's the big deal?" Hiro asked when he'd found his voice again. He was curious because K had yet to explain this hunting ceremony.

Yuuji sipped his tea which was scalding hot and made a grand display of spitting it out and letting his tongue hang. Sakura cooled it off by waving her hand in front like a fan.

Hiro blinked stupidly. These two were made for each other!

But forgetting about the mating ceremony and Yuki and all about whether this chosen mate practice was wrong, he waited for Yuuji to explain.

"Geez, Hiro why'd you give me scalding hot tea?" he whined.

Sighing at his belligerent brother he said, "Stop trying to show off." Hiro smirked at his jab and smiled innocently at Sakura.

Yuuji glowered at his brother all hard done by. "I was not," he muttered and blushed.

"Come on Yuuji tell him about what Tatsuha said. Oh, never mind I'll just say it," Sakura looked around and leaned in to whisper, "We heard that all the men get to take the chief, that because he's chosen by their god or whatever…that they honour her—can you believe they think their god is a woman?" she added bewildered and giggled.

"Yeah, that's so weird," Yuuji agreed and blew over his tea this time before sipping it.

Hiro sat there speechless.

"But yeah brother, K was talking to Tatsuha…they seem to talk about all this ritual stuff and gods together," Yuuji continued.

"He's very curious that leader," Sakura pointed out.

"What?!" Hiro finally spat.

"Oh, I know Hiro…that's the coolest ritual I ever heard of. Apparently they believe a male seed strengthens the body and spirit. Father once said something like that remember, during our rites Kiyoshi gives men the power to create life with their mates?" Yuuji explained totally calm.

"Yeah…I remember," Hiro stammered. "But…but all the men? K would…he can't, no man can take that much!" He had to talk to K right away! That seemed impossible!

"Wait, what? No, not all the men, geesh Hiro what's the matter with you? …only the one's going on the hunt," said Yuuji smiling at Sakura.

Wearing a vacant face Hiro knew he heard Sakura say 'all' men. Phew, he sighed but then he looked up Yuuji again and blasted, "Does father know about this?!"

"Yeah I think so…he doesn't seem to care, but our clansmen that are going on the hunt weren't invited. I mean, it is their god they're worshiping not ours. But I still want to be there!" Yuuji urged. "I don't imagine all men have to participate…but it'd still be fun to watch."

Hiro screwed up his face, "Sakura is right, you are a pervert."

Yuuji just stuck out his tongue at his brother.

All three laughed.

"Oh look, there is the chief now," Sakura exclaimed her green eyes flashing.

Cranking his head around Hiro saw K wander into their camp. But instead of coming over to them, he headed for his fathers hut. Hiro felt a twist in his belly, what was K up to now? He swore half the time the man came to see his father or talk to his mother and give them tokens or gifts. Was he trying to win over his father? It was interesting and scary all at the same time. Once he overheard his father telling Papa Uesugi about this new technique for knapping stone into larger weapons, he mentioned that that yellowhair showed him how. And another time he saw his mother's craft group all brushing their teeth with charcoal! At first he thought K pulled a prank on them and he howled laughing at the sight. But when he'd asked what they were doing, she told him that Claude told them it disinfected their gums and made their teeth whiter! That was something he never knew about and he wasn't exactly sure it worked. So he tried it when alone and, well, he had to admit his teeth felt much cleaner after a good rinsing.

And then there was the blowgun K introduced to his clan. Made from young hollow bamboo or cane about four feet long, inserted with sharp tiny projectiles. Hiro had come upon K one day, encircled by his clan folk all listening as he explained how to use it. Hiro stood there and chuckled, the man was full of surprises. But he'd added his own knowledge to this blowgun and invented darts tipped with curare, a poison derived from chondrodendron type plants. For the first time since he'd returned his father told him he was proud and wished him luck on the big hunt.

But even after all these great things his father still shunned the Winchester man. Hiro couldn't understand it.

"I wonder why father can't just like the chief, K is nice and he's shown us so many awesome things," Yuuji mentioned out loud. "And you know Hiro, why is it you're always acting like such a girl when he's around?" He also pointed out with mischievous glee.

Hiro spat out his tea this time, "I do not!"

"He's blushing," Sakura announced to the world.

Yuuji chortled, "She's right your cheeks are pink brother," he teased and ruffled Hiro's hair.

Hiro beat his hand off and sulked, "Knock it off." What was this? Gang up on Hiro day?

"Ooo, there's Ayaka Hiro, she's looking all minx today," Yuuji said, "It must be something in the family, eh Sakura?" He twirled some of her hair; she was Ayaka's first cousin after all.

Looking back again Hiro saw his intended mate, only just as K came out of his father's home they bumped into each other. Watching with wide eyes he saw K bow to her and apologize. Hiro overheard him call her 'Hiro's pretty mate'. Only as K turned and headed towards them, Hiro caught Ayaka narrow her eyes at K's back. He caught his breath, what was that about? Did she not like K or maybe she sensed something? Women were keen that way, Hiro thought and sipped his now cold tea carefully.

"Is Hiroshi healing all that ails you?" K asked teasingly and sat down with them, happy he was able to visit Hiro today. Visits were always so far and in between.

"Nope, but Hiro burnt my tongue," Yuuji complained with a smile.

"Only Yuuji could say that with a happy face," Hiro droned but he looked at K, "They were just telling me about the hunting ritual…why am I finding this out from them?" He couldn't help sounding a little indignant.

"I think that is our queue Sakura," Yuuji muttered and got up. "It's been fun Hiro, get me in ok…oh, and you're cheeks are pink right now…hehe." He winked at K and turned to leave.

Hiro threw a wooden bowl at Yuuji, but it only sailed past his head. "Get outta here!"

K blinked. "Did I miss something?"

"No…he's an idiot. So tell me already…is it true? You have to offer yourself that way?" Hiro inquired softly, watching K's eyes.

"You make it sound bad when you say it that way Hiroshi. It's a custom we've done since I can remember, although it's my first time. It's hard to explain…but it's the one time that all men connect with god…Her. To give her their life essence, so she will strengthen us and bring us luck. If we fail this hunt Hiro…families could starve," K disclosed seriously.

"I didn't understand how important it was," Hiro murmured.

K smiled softly at Hiro. "I was going to talk to you about it today, right now in fact. But it seems as if people have beat me to it," he said with a sigh. He'd remember not to tell Tatsuha anything too important next time.

Oh. Hiro asked, "So, what did have to see my father about?"

"He asked me to come give him an update about the deer tracking," the blonde explained.

"He did?" Hiro asked incredulously. His father was cooperating with K, he huffed with surprise.

Smirking a little K nodded, "Yup, he asked me to look out for you during the hunt too."

"He did?" Hiro repeated in even more shock now.

"Yup." K laughed now. "Anyways, I want you to come to the hunting ceremony. I want you to be there, so you can see for yourself. I want you to be a part of it Hiro…it wouldn't be anything without you," K took Hiro's hand, "Will you accept Aurora's blessing?"

Touched, Hiro found himself nodding, "Alright…but K?" He put on his serious face, "Aren't you going to be in pain? I mean, it's not 'all' the men is it?"

K screwed up his face, "Geesh Hiro, only a few men in the hunting group and not all of them either. What's the matter with you?"

Hiro chuckled, "You sound just like my brother."

A/N: Lots of stuff happening in this chapter as far as feelings. Prehistoric love affairs XD And yup you got an idea of what the next chapter is about :P Now I WARN you...if you don't like group activity, you may want to pass over the kinky stuff and read only the plot stuff. It's a really long chappie, and it's not all smut..but most of it is :P It's not violent or anything and I'd like to think it's sorta tastefully done, mostly, but NOT all XD Err yeah I'll shut up now XD It's smut no matter how I put it.

Reviewers:

Dancingwaffle: Teehee love that name :P But yeah the father's.. it's sad how much of this stuff really still goes on today. The fathers will just have to learn the hard way...Hiro and Yuki will make a revolution:P Heee, that thought entertains me lol Thanks hunnie for you comments! -squishes-

chocho: Ahh I understand you now. Wow a very religious family...kinda sucks when you're all around it and have to live with it everyday. You know I agree with you.. I can't understand how a belief can run your life either. But why is it that people need to believe in something to give them strength? I guess it's human nature, but I hear ya hun. My family isn't overly religious, and personally I think religion is a big scam...you know for money and power etc. Anyways.. I could go on about that all night.. so I'll shut up now :P Thankies so kindly for you comment! -hugs-