Cat: Woooooah snap, you don't update in 3 months and people start to get antsy :P Well we had our reasons... mostly me really. My computer caught a virus or something like that and everything crashed

Aya: And of course, lazy me, Cat is the only one with all our writings.

Cat: Lazy Aya. I was without this rotten piece of technology for a good few weeks until roomi # 3's boyfriend fixed and ( Thank God ) retrieved this lovely chappie ; Then there was the editing and trying to change my major...

Aya: Don't forget moving apartments... that took up quite some time. Mm hmm... a whole weekend!

Cat: And then work, getting drunk, all that jazz. Anyways' here it is, the much awaited chapter 20... In this one the gang all takes a trip to NYC where they join the smash hit "The Producers" on Broadway :D I'm Ula (of course) and my chiri baby is Leo. Er, Tasuki can be Max and Aya... one of the old ladies

Aya: OLD:Slap: And Kristall, I now ask that you partake in Cat's icecream and all her junk food for being the 100th review! You were quite right that it would help, seeing it inspired us, except we were still chapter-less because of Cat's technological problem

Disclaimer: Yo! We don't own FY... or Steak and Ale or FIU or anything! XD

CHAPTER 20

"And that's how we came here, na no da." Chichiri finished, taking in a deep breath as he ended the retelling of the events.

Cat nodded as the story came to its end, the mug of coffee still cradled in her hands as she stared at the wall. Aya was still clutching to Tasuki in her towel, the two hadn't separated since the Seishi had arrived. The room was silent. The only audible noise came from Cat's room where Harper had begun to whine due to his isolation.

"Well, it's late." Cat began slowly, frowning as she got to her feet. She left her mug on the kitchen table, not bothering to wash it. "I've got a test tomorrow morning and work afterwards," She tapped the table lightly, her mind trying to think of something. "Well, I guess you two will be staying together so that leaves the sofa open."

At the mention of the sleeping arrangements Cat made eye contact with the monk seishi. "I'll bring you some pillows and a blanket." And without another word she grabbed up her bag and made straight for her room, closing the door behind her so that the anxious golden retriever could not find his way out.

As soon as the door closed Aya and Tasuki both turned to look at Chichiri. They held looks of something that seemed to be pity, but Aya's was more bordering on anger. The older man finally got to his feet, feeling uncomfortable since he was being stared at. He walked towards the kitchen where he was out of sight there.

"So, are ya gonna stay in that towel all night?" Tasuki asked, a smirk on his now less contorted face. The effects of the mace had all but worn off, the tale having taken some time to recount.

"What are you thinking about, hentai?" Aya drawled out as she sent a hand to brush back some of the bandit's fiery locks. She had been missing him so much for the past few months and now that he was back all she wanted was to be in his arms. She completely forgot about Vereor and even the pregnancy test.

"Well, I think we'd better leave Chiri to his sofa," Tasuki gently grabbed Aya's hand giving it a slight kiss before he got to his feet, leading the girl up as well. "Let's go to bed."

Aya gave a quick nod, leading her man by the hand to her room. The pair quickly vanished behind the door, leaving Chichiri alone in the living room.

Cat finally emerged from her room, nearly throwing the sheets and pillows onto the couch before sprinting back. Chichiri barely caught the sound of her approach and by the time he managed to enter the living room she had already gone back into her room.

He let out a heavy sigh, sitting on the sofa with his head cradled in his hands. He awaited the next opportunity to talk to the girl, hoping she would leave her room for a late night snack, but as time went by there was no sign of that ever happening.

Cat found herself seated at her desk in her pj's, her textbooks sprawled out before her along with numerous loose leaf papers and pencils. Harper lay next to her, facing the door. Cat sent a hand to scratch the dog every once in a while, glancing at the door as well.

Wow, it's nearly one… I'd better go to sleep.

She mentally told herself, looking from her alarm clock to her empty bed. She finally closed her books, turning off the desk lamp and getting out of the chair. She let her hair down from the restricting bun she had it in, quickly selecting her work outfit for the next day. She was just about to plop into bed when she heard her door opening, Harpers growling alerting her as well.

Cat remained silent, simply restraining her dog as Chichiri peeked inside. "Can I come in?" At the girls huff he added quickly. "Please?"

"Fine." Cat said as she moved her dog away from the door, scowling as she forced him into the closet. She quickly sent a hand to brush back the locks that the struggle had caused to fly in her face. "What do you want?" She asked, placing her hands on her hips as soon as she finished her task. She stared coolly at the man, waiting for his retreat.

But Chichiri did not leave, he had wanted to for a moment, sensing the intense mental death threats the girl was sending out, but he refused to let another night pass by with apologizing. "I need to tell you something."

"Well, since there aren't any rivers around I guess its okay." Cat said bitterly before she could stop herself. As soon as the words left her mouth she regretted them, but she would not take them back.

"I'm sorry, about everything I've done and said that has hurt you." His voice was soft but it still retained great power. He kept his gaze on Cat, making sure that she heard what he was saying.

"You were right, I have been living in the past, I didn't see what was right in front of me." He made his way towards her, coming to stand right in front of her. When she turned her face away from him he gently placed his hand on her cheek, moving her back to face him.

Cat shook her head, the tears she had been trying to hold down becoming more difficult to control. She had always been easy to cry, especially when it came to emotional situations. "I," She bit her lower lip, her eyes scanning the man's face. She pushed him back, a few tears escaping and making their way down her cheeks.

"I just can't believe you anymore! You say these things and yet," Her hands were bawled up besides her as she tried to search for the right words to say, she wanted to hurt him, make him feel her pain. "You can't move forward, you'll never be able to! I can't live like this, fearing that you'll toss me aside if you discover something about me you don't like."

Chichiri gulped down the lump that had formed in his throat as he listened to the girl's shouting. Every accusation struck a deeper blow.

"Just stay away from me; you came to get Vereor, right?" Cat finally looked at the man again, shaking slightly. "Once he's gone you'll leave and I'm staying here, where I belong!" Her voice quivered as well, the intense emotions she was feeling not allowing her to keep the composer she so loved to posses.

"I can't stay away! I love you!" Chichiri cried out, he closed the gap between them, his hands grasping onto the girls arms. "I can't go on without you…"

Silence fell on the small room. Both Cat and Chichiri were breathing heavily, all the emotions and yelling having tired them out considerably. Cat felt flush and when her eyes became locked with the man her condition did not improve.

Without warning she shoved him away again, collapsing on her bed. She remained seated, trying to calm her nerves, she refused to met the mans gaze. "Just leave." She whispered, trying to convince not only Chichiri but herself that this is what she truly wanted.

But Chichiri was not easily fooled, and he was not ready to give up. He instead took a seat next to the girl and wrapped his arms around her. "I'll never hurt you again." He promised her.

Cat weakly tried to wiggle away from the man, but she found herself too exhausted and comfortable to succeed. She simply gave in, the barrier she had been perfecting for the past three months dissolving in the span of a few minutes. Chichiri's hold on her loosened once she stopped struggling, she took the opportunity to nestle her head on his chest.

"You promise?" She asked softly, peace returning to her only recently tumultuous mind. She didn't need an answer, just the sound of his heart beating and the warmth of his body were enough to reassure her but she soon found her face tilted up, the man's warm and soft lips placed upon her own. She had never felt as she did now, the kiss that had been stolen by Vereor, her first, was nothing like what she felt now.

Her heart raced and her face blushed and as soon as they parted she drew a breath, her eyes sparkling slightly as she gazed back at the man she loved. "I'll forgive you on one condition." She proclaimed as soon as her voice returned to her.

Chichiri seemed slightly puzzled at her statement, waiting for her to ask him the condition.

"You'll let your hair grow out?" She asked as she softly twirled his pony tail between her fingers, her trademark smile in place once more.

Chichiri gave a slight laugh, nodding his head. "I promise."

A blaring alarm resounded in Cat's small room. She hesitantly opened her eyes, rubbing at them before she gave the clock a glance.

I must have hit the snooze button; I missed my first class…

The girl mentally scolded herself as she sat up; she remained still for a while, trying to coax her body into standing up. Before she could move any further though a pair of arms wrapped themselves around her shoulders, bringing her to fall softly in Chichiri's embrace.

"Where are you going, no da?" He asked as he nuzzled the girl's neck, not wanting her to leave his side.

"I have class in an hour," Cat told the man, fighting the urge to burst into a bout of giggles due to the tickling sensation. "I've got a test so I can't skip." She added, her voice clearly showing her disappointment. She snuggled closer to the monk, her own arms moving to embrace him.

"I thought you said you had to go?" Chichiri asked in a puzzled voice. He had ceased the caresses and was now watching her.

"I've still got some time, no need to hurry." She said, letting out a long and content sigh as she closed her eyes again, taking in the moment. The couple continued to embrace until Harper's whining caused them both to get up. Cat moved towards the closet where the animal was still contained, cursing him for killing the mood as she let him out.

"Now listen," She started as she waggled a finger at the golden retriever. "Chichiri is a friend, friend." Cat said in a commanding yet soft voice. "So don't be mean to him while I'm gone, kay?" As she finished her command she gave the dog a kiss on the muzzle, turning back to Chichiri who was busy putting on his shirt.

"Oh, that reminds me, we've gotta go shopping today. Can't have you running around in that." She said with a nod of her head, making the plans certain in her mind. She didn't say another word, running about the house as she made her breakfast, fed the dog, got dressed, gathered her books and brushed her teeth.

Before Chichiri could ask or say anything she was already heading out the door. "Aya will be up," Casting the girls room a glance a smirk came across her lips. "Eventually. There's plenty of food in the house so please make yourself at home. I should be back in a few hours so I won't be gone too long."

She turned to head out the door her hand reaching for the door knob to close it when she spun back around quickly. She leaned up on her feet, reaching to give the man a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll see ya later." She said with a smile, the monk providing his own as he watched her close the door.

Aya awoke not too long after Cat had departed for school. She lay in bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling as she thought of her current situation. Besides her lay Tasuki, he was sound asleep. Aya moved out of the bed as softly and quietly as possible, hoping not to disturb the slumbering bandit.

She then got ready for the day, feeding the Siamese which had been lying next to her for a portion of the night. After she finished feeding the cat she left the room, closing the door behind her. When she turned back around she found Chichiri sitting at the kitchen table, a content smile on his face as he stared off.

"Morning," Aya called out slowly, a yawn escaping her mouth. She moved towards the monk, pulling out a seat and plopping down in it. "Did you sleep well?" She asked with a sinister smirk on her face. She had noticed the unused blankets and pillows on the sofa; clearly the man had spent the night somewhere else.

Chichiri blushed slightly, his eye moving away from the girl. "Yes no da." He replied as he took a sip of the water he had been drinking.

"Good, you're going to need lots of energy for today." Aya brushed back a few stray locks of hair. "We've got clothes shopping to do."

The pair conversed over breakfast, cereal and orange juice. Chichiri was slightly wary of the meal at first, not used to it. He soon realized how hungry he was though and finished it off, happy that the girl had served him the food. Tasuki awoke not too long after they had finished eating, the dogs barking at some distant noise having awoken him.

"Damn animal," Tasuki huffed as he made his way to where Aya had placed a bowl of fruit and toast for him. Harper growled fiercely, backing away from the man as he made his way past him. "That one kept me up too." He said as he pointed a finger at a terrified Snickers, the dogs barking and growling having upset the older animal.

"That's Snickers for you, I'm sure you'll get used to it." Aya stated as she took her multivitamins. She looked slightly embarrassed as she did, though neither man would have any ways of know the significance of her doing so.

Later that afternoon Cat nearly tripped running up the stairs to her apartment. Once she reached the front door she quickly stuck her key in, opening the door quickly and peeking inside. Once she spotted Aya and the boys she quickly entered, shutting the door behind her.

"Hide! My brother is coming!" Cat announced as she dropped her bag, grabbing Chichiri and Tasuki by the arms, leading them to Aya's room and instinctively shoving them inside and closing the door behind her.

Turning to Aya she took a breath, the feat of running from the bus to her flat obviously not what she was used to. "He's brining us lunch, wants to hang out for a while."

Aya nodded as she stood still, not entirely sure of what to do. The girls didn't have another moment to converse; the sound of the door being opened alerted them that Cat's older brother had just entered.

"Hey Aya," Aaron said as he closed the door behind him, he had two large brown bags of Chinese takeout in his arms which he promptly set down on the dining room table. Harper wagged his tail as he sat down at the table. "I hope Chinese is fine, I got you some honey garlic chicken." He offered as he looked at his younger sister.

"Oh, that's great, thanks!" Cat said quickly running to the kitchen to get plates and utensils.

"There's plenty for you too Aya." Aaron stated as he smiled at the other girl. Aya only nodded, taking a seat.

Once Cat brought the plates and what nots the trio set to eating. At first the girls were terrified but as time went by and no accusations were made they lightened up. Soon Cat and Aya were telling the man stories about their week, laughing at jokes and having a merry time in general.

Chichiri had made himself comfortable on Aya's bed, waiting for Cat's brother to leave. Tasuki on the other hand was next to the door, listening in on what they were talking about. "Wonder how old he is." He mumbled, wishing he could open the door to get a peak at the man.

"Twenty-two." Chichiri provided from his spot. "I wonder if he visits to check up on them, no da." The two Seishi fell silent after this, hoping that the visitor would soon depart so that they could be let out of the dark room.

Just when the girls began to clear the table disaster struck. Aaron had been leaning back against his chair, satisfied with the large meal, and just giving the apartment a look around. The half eaten bowls which Aya had served the boys and herself in still remained on the table.

The man frowned as he took this in, turning to his sister who was just about to tell him she had to go to work. "Why are there three bowls?" He asked, pointing to the dishes. Both Aya and Cat were speechless, each horrified girl staring back at the man as if they had just witnessed him grow horns.

"What do you mean?" Cat asked, unable to produce an excuse.

"There are only two of you," Aaron stated, pointing at each girl in turn. "So why is there an extra bowl?" His finger was now pointing in the general direction of the dinner ware.

Cat stood perfectly still, her face growing red and her eyes starting to glisten. Her mind was playing out a scene of her brother discovering Tasuki and Chichiri and the chaos that would certainly follow the discovery.

Aya was just as terrified, but she was quicker to react. "I was really hungry this morning so I served myself two bowls. I started jogging in the mornings so I need the energy." Aya blurted out the excuse so quickly and loudly that the uncomfortable silence that followed made her wish she had not said anything at all.

Aaron seemed satisfied for a moment with the excuse until he saw the blankets and pillows on the couch. "What the hell is going on here?" He asked accusingly, raising the pillow up and shaking it in the direction of his little sister.

Cat cursed herself for not having put away the incriminating evidence. But her anger at herself soon turned towards her brother for being so sharp. "Look, we don't have to explain ourselves to you! If we've got an extra bowl or blankets out what does it matter? No one comes here, we don't have boyfriends, so quit harassing us!"

Cat's ranting didn't stop her brother from going to her room and investigating, he opened the closet door and seemed to want to check Aya's room next but Cat quickly began to shove him out.

"Thank you for the food but now because of your little investigation I'm going to be late for work," Cat said as she lead the man towards the door. "I'll see you tomorrow!" And without letting Aaron have another word she closed the door in his face, nearly collapsing as soon as she had.

The girls took a few moments before they had composed themselves enough to let the confused Seishi out of Aya's room. After Cat called in sick for work, and Aya had gone downstairs to check if Cat's brother was still lurking around somewhere, they all piled into Aya's car.

The Seishi had been very wary of the vehicle at first, entering very slowly. Tasuki sat next to Aya in the front while Cat and Chiri sat in the back. "Seat belts!" Cat called out, buckling Chichiri while Aya did the same.

They had dressed down the boys as much as possible. Chichiri was missing his kesa, kasa, prayer beads and at the begging of Cat his staff. Tasuki was minus his coat, gaudy jewelry and tessen.

Aya gave the two Seishi a good look over before turning on her car. "Good enough, at least they're not walking around with weapons.

In the back Cat nodded in agreement. "Let's go to the mall, there are plenty of stores there."

With their destination set Aya drove out of the parking lot. The men had been fine, but as soon as they set out on the city roads and hit 40 miles Tasuki began to grow anxious. "Slow down, womin!" He said, his voice boarding on hysterical tone.

"Daaa." Chichiri called out from the back, clutching onto the seat.

"Hey, I'm only doing 40! I've gotta keep up with traffic, ya know?" Aya said, trying to slow down a little but realizing there was no way if she wanted to make it to the stores before they closed.

"Don't worry, cars are really safe. They've got airbags and this one has good brakes." Cat tried to reassure the boys, holding one of Chichiri's hands. "Plus Aya's a good driver." She added, smiling at the monk.

Chichiri averted her gaze, slightly embarrassed at his fear of what she seemed to find so normal. Tasuki had also calmed down considerably, looking out of the window and taking in the new and odd scenery. They had only been in a different world once and that had not been for long. They had certainly not had time to take in the sights either.

"It's really," He moved his amber eyes from building to building and then to all the people scurrying about. "Big."

"It's a big city, totally different to what you're used to." Aya said, her eyes on the road but sparing Tasuki a glance now and then. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of the fiery Seishi's expression; it was much like that of a child at Disney world for the first time.

The conversation continued in the car, the girls told the boys a few things about Miami and how life worked in their world. The boys tried to take the information in but since it was too much they simply just nodded and stared out the window. Before long they had reached their destination, filing out of the car and entering the crowded mall.

Shopping was a rushed and very hectic experience for the Seishi. They were taken from store to store, shoved into dressing rooms with arm-full of clothes and then cross examined by the girls with their new outfits. Neither of the boys were sad to hear that the store was closing, thankful that the experience was over.

Their dinner choice was easy: Steak and Ale. It was Aya's favorite place and they served large enough portions to satisfy everyone. It was as close to American cuisine as they could think of that would satisfy their men and themselves. It was four orders of prime rib that night, with Aya's being the largest.

"It isn't on the menu," Cat growled at her as the waiter looked at them, confused.

Aya shook her hand. "Nonsense! I had it all the time back in the old days. It's an extra dollar per ounce. Thirty ounces, the salad bar, and roasted potatoes, please. And leave a menu for dessert."

Chichiri leaned into Cat, sitting next to him, and whispered. "Is that a lot, na no da?"

Her wide eyes answered for him. But it was her turn to order, and the eight-ounce prime rib was enough for her with a side dish of mashed potatoes.

"And the two guys will have the sixteen-ounce, with a baked potato with everything on it. No sour cream for him," Aya said as she pointed to Tasuki.

The waiter left with the large order and they separately got up to get a salad. Cat and Chichiri left first, leaving Aya and Tasuki alone for a few minutes.

"Ya sure yer not gonna get sick eatin' so much?" Tasuki looked at her with concern. "Ya do look a lot thinner. Haven't been eatin' good?"

Aya flushed and looked at her napkin. "No, I have… it's just I'm really hungry tonight. And I don't look thin at all." She gave him a playful swat, gasping when he caught her hand with his own. She looked up into his amber eyes. "I missed you a lot… but somehow I knew I was going to see you again."

"'Course. I don't give up so easily, Aya. V's gonna pay for that little stunt he tried to pull with ya. Chiri was boiling over… he wasted no time in goin' back to Taiitsukun's."

Aya chuckled at the image of an enraged monk. "The way things are going, I'm sure he'll be making up for his lost time." Her eyes shifted away a moment as she glanced towards the salad bar where the other couple was finishing up. Cat was helping Chichiri decide on a dressing. "There's so much I want to show you here… but there's not enough time, is there?"

Tasuki took his drink, staring suspiciously at the carbonated content. "Well, 'till V shows his ugly face. Ya showed us a lot today. Noisy, crowded, an' the whole place stinks." He winced at his words, but realized Aya did not disagree.

"You're right… Guess we'll have plenty of time until that coward comes back to bother us." She grinned up at him. "And after that…"

Tasuki leaned forward. "Ya comin' back with me." He made it obvious there was no question to it, but his face still held the hope that she would agree with him.

Cat and Chiri appeared before they could continue, their plates piled with a variety of greens. Cat beamed at the two, then gave her friend a piercing look. "Had a good chat?"

"You sure you're going to have enough room for the meat?" Aya ignored her, taking Tasuki's arm and dragging him up with her as she pushed him out of the booth. "Let's get ours. I'm starved."

The conversation did not continue. Aya had enough trouble explaining the greens Tasuki was unfamiliar with and then the dressings. Cat and Chichiri began to dig into their meals.

Cat stabbed one of her tomatoes, dipping it into her ranch and then holding it out for the monk. "Try this one. I bet you'll like it." She grinned up at his face.

Chichiri was startled at the sudden tomato in front of him. "D-daa?" he questioned, which he knew would make Cat grin broadly. He took the fork, slowly examining the food before eating it. The savor was definitely odd to him, but it was enjoyable with the fruit.

When the group settled back, their topics strayed into a much lighter area. Cat and Aya explained what they were doing at school and what their favorite class they had taken so far was. It was difficult to explain their situation between schools, especially without bringing up "the separation" but they successfully avoided it.

"We really have to find some things to do here in Miami in the meantime. I mean, I know we're looking for him… but we know it's not going to be easy," Cat said.

Chichiri shrugged, looking between the girls. "Well," and his voice suggested he was entering a topic they wouldn't want to stay in long. "I'll be scouring for Vereor's energy signal when I meditate, no da. It might not be too long."

There was a brief silence before the girls nodded and continued with their food and chat.

Remarkably, Aya ate most of her food. She left some potatoes and never went back for a second serving of salad like she planned to, though. They left the restaurant satiated and were all quiet on the short ride home.

Aya did not park, and Cat took the signal to get out of the car with Chichiri. "I'm too tired to go anywhere else," Cat said as an excuse. She waved to the two in front. "We'll just hang around the apartment and wait for you guys. Don't go too far since it's getting late."

Tasuki looked out the window at them, clutching at the door frame. "We're not gettin' out of this abomination yet?" He looked back to the driver.

Aya kept her eyes on the road as she pulled out. "I wanted to take you one more place. It's not far, I promise. And I won't go fast." She grinned at him as he leaned back and pretended not to be disturbed by the automobile.

Cat and Chiri soon found themselves in the apartment, Harpers barking greeting the couple. The dog was still wary of the monk, never having been fond of strangers and especially men. The large golden retriever looked menacing with his teeth barred as he growled at the man.

"Harper!" Cat said as she gave him a swat on the head, the dog instantly ceasing and gaining a look of embarrassment. "You have to be a nice to him, I already told you he's a good boy." She said, smiling at the title she had imposed on Chichiri.

When the dog began to wag his tail slightly Cat took this as a sign that he would behave. She moved off to drop her bag and shed her light sweater on the kitchen table. She quickly spun around, a large grin pasted on her face as she observed Chichiri who was trying to move past the dog. He stopped in his tracks, his head titled as he watched her, puzzled. "What is it?"

"I've gotta tell you something." The girl said, grabbing the man's arm and leading him to her room. Once she had closed the door and taken off her shoes she faced the man again. "It's about Aya." Chichiri, who had already taken a seat on the bed, watched the girl curiously. "What about her, no da?"

"Well, she's," Cat plopped down next to the Seishi. "She's going to," She looked back at the monk, still smiling. "She's pregnant."

"D-daa?" The monk asked, completely taken aback by the revelation. He had stared straight in front of him, imagining what Tasuki would say if he knew that Aya was carrying his unborn child.

"She's going to tell him tonight, that's why she left with him." Cat let out a sigh, happy beyond belief for her friend. "I just can't believe she's going to have a baby in six months."

"Six months? She's already that far along, no da?" Chichiri asked the girl as he took off his own shoes and tunic, leaving his undershirt on.

Cat simply nodded her head, leaning back on to the bed. "Yah, I can't believe it either." She stared up at the ceiling, wondering what Aya was feeling at the moment.

"They're going to have their hands full with a baby, no da." Chichiri stated as he too leaned back, coming to lie next to Cat. A moment of silent passed between the two, though it was a comfortable one. Chichiri looked over at Cat, his features softening as he took in her own. "Do you like children, no da?" He asked, turning over on his side slightly to better face the girl.

"I love kids." Cat said quickly, her brown eyes still on the ceiling. "They're so adorable." She would have continued her praise of infants if she had not felt that she was being watched. She caught Chichiri's examining her in the corner of her eyes, turning on her side as well in order to better view the man. "What's with that look?" She asked cautiously, frowning slightly as she waited for an answer.

"It's nothing, no da." Chichiri gave a soft smile, a hand coming to push away Cat's usual strand of stray hair from her face.

Cat felt her face turn red at the touch of the man's hand; she was still not used to the physical contact which had until a few days ago never existed. Cat wished that the moment would never end, both of them adoringly watching the other, love filling the small room.

Cat boldly moved into the man's arm's, snuggling into his embrace. She gave him a kiss on the cheek before resting her head on his chest. "I love you so much." She mumbled as she listened to his heart beat, feeling warm and comfortable.

"I wish you could stay here, but I know you wouldn't be happy." Cat's words broke the comfortable silence, Chichiri shifted slightly at the statement. "I'm happy wherever you are." He said, moving so that he could see the girls face.

"I know, but it wouldn't be fair to keep you here, I mean," She took in a deep breath, collecting her thoughts. "I don't know if you would even consider staying here, since you brought the mirror with you and all, I guess it's the only path to take." She sounded slightly depressed as she admitted her worst fears.

"You don't want to come back?" Chiri asked, watching the girl intently.

"I want to be with you but I want to stay with my family too." As Cat's words faded the sound of the upstairs neighbors moving about the apartment filtered in. Fearing that she had upset Chiri she continued on. "But I will go with you, it's just, can't you take your time finding Vereor?" She meekly posed the question, hoping she didn't' come out as demanding or uncaring of anyone but herself.

Chichiri didn't respond vocally a first, stroking the girl's hair softly as reassurance. "Just for a little." He said finally, looking down to find that the girl accepted the terms, settling back into his embrace.

The ride was a lot shorter. Aya pulled into a parking lot and got out. She followed a path she was familiar with, keeping close to Tasuki.

The seishi continued to look around them and their quiet surroundings, noticing the lights of the buildings were off. "Should've brought my tessen. Aya, this isn't safe at all." He grumbled low, keeping his paranoid eyes out into the shadows.

"Not much happens on campus. Don't worry too much." She led him towards a pond she frequented often between classes. There was a gazebo overlooking the water, and she was obviously leading him in that direction.

Tasuki was growing just a bit restless in his unfamiliar surroundings. Especially with Aya next to him, he felt vulnerable without a weapon. He finally realized they had entered the gazebo, and was led to a bench. He looked out, frowning towards the large buildings.

"So ya come 'ere to study. Does anyone live here?"

Aya shrugged her shoulders. "They have dorms… somewhere. Not sure where those students stay. I'd never be able to live that way."

They elapsed into a comfortable silence. Tasuki took Aya's hand, running his thumb over her fingers as he stared off. She felt as if he were looking for some words. "Aya," he finally breathed out softly. "Are ya gonna stay here… to continue yer studies?"

Aya watched his face as she replied, "I want to go where ever you are… and I don't think you'd fit in too well in my world." She noticed the relief fall away from him when he turned to her. "But afterwards… You know, after Vereor and all, what are we going to do?"

"We? Obviously we'll be together!" Tasuki's fangs poked out in his grin. "We can spend some time with Kouji an' the others…" That phrase made Aya's smile drop a moment, and he tried again. "But eventually I'll build a place for us, ya know. Kouji wouldn't mind taking care of the stronghold an' the bandits."

Aya nodded her head. "Yah, a place for us..." her voice trailed off.

Tasuki could be dense, but it wasn't difficult to pick up on her mood. "Aya, ya alright?" He reached out for her other hand, clutching tightly. "There'll be an us, right?"

Aya, startled, looked up. "Of course!" Tasuki still did not look pleased. "I just… was wondering. I mean, I don't know what you want. As far as a family… a whole family, I mean.." she tried to get one hand free to emphasize, but he seemed to understand. Or he just didn't want to let go.

"There'll be kids, 'course," Tasuki said eventually. "If ya want ta have 'em, that is. I.." He faltered.

Aya bit down hard on her lip, not meeting his eyes. "I do… I really do, Tasuki. As long as you want them, too."

"Every house needs a kid or two causing a mess sooner or later. We'll definitely have our hands full with a little Aya sneaking into neighbor's houses."

Aya did not laugh like he thought she would. Instead, she continued to fidget under his gaze. Finally, she met his amber eyes, saying softly. "Is sooner better? Like, real soon?"

Tasuki stopped rubbing her hands with his own and stared. He let the silence elapse, and for a moment Aya thought he was terrified of the situation. "How soon would ya like?" He finally said, blinking in complete innocence.

Aya's answer was muttered and she looked away. Suddenly one of her hands was released and the seishi had gently gripped her chin to look at him again.

"How soon?" Tasuki repeated.

"I'm already pregnant, Tasuki," Aya stated clearly. His hand dropped from her chin. "Three months. I can't give you the exact date, but I'm three months pregnant." Once she said it, it was kind of easier to get out. She bit her lip again, feeling her eyes already well up at his silence.

"Pregnant." Tasuki repeated slowly. Aya was seconds away from slapping that look from his face. To her it felt as if someone just randomly said "Ah, pregnant, I see" in a very nonchalant way. Tasuki caught her hand with little effort. "Pregnant," he repeated, with a widening grin. He stood up, pulling her up with him and then hugging her. "Yer pregnant!" He pulled her to arm's length. "An' ya waited this long ta tell me?"

Aya blushed, trying to look away from his face once again. It was no use, she was facing him directly now. "Well, I wanted a good moment. Tasuki, it was really hard for me… I found out a bit ago, and without you…" she tried to hold back the tears, but it was useless.

Tasuki hugged her again, chuckling deeply. "It's okay, Aya. I'm sorry, but it'll all be good. I'll never leave ya again. You or our kid or… Our kid!" He was excited to Aya's ears, which made her feel a lot better. He lessened his hold on her, but kept her close. He looked down at the short girl, one of his hands coming to rest on her slightly rounded belly. "'m going ta be a father," he said, beaming.

"And 'm goin' ta have ta get used to a fat Aya, now." This time, Tasuki forgot to catch Aya's incoming hand.

The night extended for the couple awhile longer; they remained in the gazebo. Tasuki's enthusiasm brought Aya's mood back up. Before they had arrived in their lives again, she repressed her thoughts on the baby and only thought enough to eat healthy and take vitamins. Besides that, she tried not to think of the fact that she was carrying the child of the man she loved whom was in a complete other dimension.

Now being with that man once again, and having him excited, she felt satisfied. Tasuki was calmer on the ride home, not releasing her hand at all. When they walked through the door, the lights alerted them that the others were still up.

Cat stuck her head out of her room, wide-eyed and curious. It didn't take long to decipher Tasuki's toothly grin. "You told him!" She squealed, jumping into the living room and hugging her friend. "I'm so happy for you both."

"I was hoping we'd be free of Tasuki's children for awhile longer, na no da," Chichiri teased as he came behind the darker girl.

Tasuki gave Aya a one-armed hug. "Ya should be scared of Aya's half as well, Chiri." He did not move away from his woman's playful swat.

Chichiri shook his head slowly, but smiled nonetheless at their antics. "Congratulations, na no da."

Cat pulled Aya away from her man, chattering away about plans now that everything was settled. "You will need a new wardrobe, because you won't fit into your small clothes with that belly!"

Aya scrunched up her nose. "It is obvious already, isn't it? I mean, when you're looking for it…" She rested a hand on her stomach. "This is just going to get worse," she whined.

Tasuki came in to swoop her up. "Worse? How can ya say that. I think ya'll look cute chubby."

"Let me go!" Aya cried, giving her legs a few weak kicks. It was hopeless.

The bandit looked over his shoulder as he headed towards their bedroom. "G'night ya two. Don' stay up too late." He grinned as he took Aya into the room. As the door closed, they heard his voice speak to her. "Ya need yer rest for the babe!"

Cat: I do hope everyone's happy now :P Now lets see how long it takes us to make the next chappie... Don't hold your breaths