"There are so many fragile things, after all. People break so easily, and so do dreams and hearts."- Neil Gaiman

.

.

.

.

.

.

Of Impulse and Fey

.

.

.

.

.

I was walking down a familiar dirt trail, the moon full and high overhead. I purposely quieted my steps both for stealth and to enjoy all of the sounds within the urban forest. My head would dip to the floor now and again trying to locate any hint of the putrid stench that first brought me into this place. Walking a little longer, I reached a small clearing and lifted my head to gaze at the beautiful moon and stars. Breathing in the crisp clean air, I allowed to feel the pangs of longing in my heart. Home. Oh how I missed it dreadfully. I sat after realizing that I wasn't in the right mindset to search anymore tonight. It all seemed like a dead end anyway. Lulled by the peaceful setting, I lugged my great body to lie on the cool grass.

The wind rustled lightly through the trees waking me up from a doze and I decide with a large yawn that it is time to head back. Audibly snapping my jaws together, I rise to stretch. My nose snorts in alarm as the gentle wind is tainted with a foul odor. A twig about twenty yards away breaks and I dash toward it quickly. She was close! Transforming into a taller form, I lunge into the bushes and felt a searing pain from my left shoulder down to my elbow. Screeching in agony, I crumpled to the floor. She towers over me in triumph with a sick twisted grin on her features. "It's all over. I win!" She cackled with glee whilst holding her glowing blade with both hands, ready to deal the final blow. Bracing myself for the end, I heard several voices and hurried steps filter through my pain-filled daze.

"Shit," the queen mutters. She heard them too. Her silhouette runs into the opposite direction of the concerned citizens and, transforming back into a smaller being, I follow suit. It's hard to go back to the house; my movements are slow and tormented. Finally hauling my body up to the house's front porch, I vaguely worry about the blood that is spurting down my arm. I pray to the ancestors that I didn't leave a bloody trail behind me. I transform once more into the body that is capable of twisting the door handle and stumble inside. The sweet scent of lavender and tealeaves cleanses my nose of the wretched stink of the queen and my ears are touched with a prettily hummed tune. Not wanting to disturb the peace, I cautiously walk to where the presence is strongest.

I see myself huddled into the cream couch with the moonlight spilling into room. The light enveloping me in an ethereal glow. My eyes glow eerily in the dark as I stare into space. I hear myself sigh before watching as I place my forehead atop my knees. Physical pain temporarily forgotten, my heart yearns to go and take myself into my arms. Instead, I speak.

"Why are you sitting alone in the dark, human?"

I snapped my eyes open. What the hell was that? I pushed myself up into a semi-seated position shaking my head clear of the first dream I've ever had, erm well, I say dream very loosely. Natsuki had propped herself on her elbow playing with my hair and watched me intently. "Natsuki…?" I didn't know what to say, hoping she would fill me in on what had occurred. "That was what happened that night. You let me into your walls and relaxed the barriers enough to get everything through to you," she said, still playing with my hair. A particular tug caused me to shiver, but I didn't pull away. I felt exhilarated at my progress, but so exposed. I trust her now like I trust Reito, and with that power, she could completely destroy me. "Are you alright, tonzae?" Her eyes clouded over with concern and she made to sit up fully. Reacting, I wrapped my arms around her middle, effectively countering her balance, and we both landed back on the mattress with a soft thud. I decided to tell her the truth.

"I'm scared," I whispered while burying my head beneath her chin, "Other than Reito, I have never trusted anyone so whole heartedly."

"Why didn't you trust your parents?"

I shook my head, "Because I'm adopted. I thought that at any time I screwed up royally they would take me back to the orphanage. And when I worked at Nine Tails, I did it to test their love- stupid idea, I know" I said hurriedly at the particular intake of breath I received, but continued on, "I tried not to upset them too much, because I thought they would want to cut ties with me if I did something too terrible. And when they disappeared…" I sobbed but forced back my tears to finish, "…I-I thought they really left me because they didn't want me anymore."

"Oh tonzae," she said while gathering me close into her arms- as close as my pregnant belly would allow anyway. I cried silently as she stroked my tan locks and said various comforting things in her mother tongue. Even though I didn't understand a word, it sounded so beautiful to me that I was lulled into a light sleep.

…

"Oof!" I jolted awake, "looks like someone's hungry." Natsuki chuckled and helped me up to sit. "Let's go downstairs and bother Reito." I grinned mischievously. He hated cooking for me with my newfound pregnant palate because, and I quote, "everything is absolutely atrocious!" Upon arriving in the kitchen, Reito already started on lunch for him and Natsuki but knew better than to make anything for me. I giggled as I saw him blow out a steady breath as he braced himself for my incoming order. He turned to look at me with eyes that clearly said nothing that will make me gag like last time, please? Lucky for him I wanted Nutella crepes again. "Nutella crepes for me. And oh-" I was amused as he relaxed then visibly stiffened, "and could you put a little orange zest or marmalade?"

"Finally the lady of the house is back to eating properly!"

He turned back to put the finishing touches on his and Natsuki's ramen noodles to start on my order. As I sat down on the island, I replied with a Cheshire cat smile, "That may be so, but you haven't asked me what I want to drink yet." His mixing spoon clattered on the floor and he looked at me with a face that one could only describe as sheer horror. Oh if I had a tail~

Natsuki laughed and began to devour her bowl. After adding half a tub of mayo, of course.

…

Finally able to go for the walk I had been craving, I allowed my feet to wander where they wanted. I let my mind do the same. So much has changed since the fateful night I brought Natsuki into my home. "Our home," I corrected myself automatically. Hearing leaves crunch under my feet, I snapped from my reverie to find myself in the neighborhood park. The color of the leaves were of bright yellows and reds, autumn settled beautifully in our area and the cold wind blew delicately around me. Carrying body heat for two people, yeah, the breeze was very much appreciated. Taking my favorite little path through the park gave me a chance to go back to my musings. Natsuki let me practice our mind thingy before letting me go outside alone. Both she and Reito were wary of my walk, but I was adamant in going. They could've walked with me, but they decided to continue working on their search for the queen instead. Anyway, it has definitely become easier to use our mental bridge to communicate.

I'm still not sure how I like it though. I still like being private in my thoughts and so far I haven't lost the mental wall Natsuki always reminds me that I have, but even I can feel it breaking. This heavy wall is beginning to crumble in its foundation, and it has crumbled enough to let Natsuki in. I sighed, perhaps it was time that I let all control go. Maybe it was time to bring down these walls and let love in. Yes, it is time. Finding myself by the children's playground, I subconsciously laid a hand over my belly. Immensely happy at being freed from my mind and the wonderful prospect of a family of my own up ahead, I stroked my belly affectionately. The baby shifted in its position curious at the sudden feeling of joy that surged within me probably. After cautiously settling on one of the swings, I started to sway gently in my seat. The baby shifted again and I suspected that it liked the feeing. "I hate having to call our baby it," I whined mentally.

"I know tonzae, I want to know the gender of our child as well. But it is too…'risky' as Reito says." My ice queen replied like silk, I shivered in delight.

"Oh Kami-sama, I don't think I'll ever get over that."

"Over what, Shizuru?"

"As odd as it sounds to me, the sound of your voice in my head is amazing."

She chuckled and unexpected lust hit me so hard I lost my breath. Almost immediately, a foreign feeling of want mirroring my own flooded in me and I knew that I needed to get home as fast as pregnantly possible. I mean the thought of sex while pregnant is weird, but damnit I am horny leave me alone!

"Can you make it back to the house in twenty?"

"I can make it in ten."

I shuddered as she laughed again. Oh Kami-sama I needed to get home stat. Rising from my seat, I started back home with hurried steps. As I soon as I exited the park and my feet settled on pavement rather than dirt path, a chill followed by a suspicious shadow came over me. "'Zuru-chan, It's so nice to see you again." Shit.

…

"Marguerite, fancy seeing you here," I replied, turning to face the teal haired woman. She looked…unwell. She was thin and pale, and her eyes were flat and devoid of emotion, yet she wore a smile as warm as a sunny day. Something is terribly wrong here. "It's nice to see you again, my love, but it seems like your tastes have changed." My stomach felt sick, but I was careful not to show any signs of my discomfort. "I thought it was time to settle down," I said to evade her scathing jab at my sexual preference. If I outright said that my partner is still female, she would challenge Natsuki for my affection and to be the parent of our child. I'll not be giving her an opportunity. Give this snake an inch and she will run a mile. "I see," she took a step closer and I barely squashed the urge to take a step back, "Well, it looks like you're far along. How much longer until the little tyke breathes air?" To hell with civility! I thought, defensive with her rude attitude toward my unborn child. Whether she meant to be rude or not, I want to go home to my wife and make love to the woman who I am making a family with and I am going now. "Soon, and I have another engagement I must attend to. Good day," I said and began back home again, but she ran to block my way. "No, 'Zuru-chan, you won't be going anywhere else but with me."

…

Natsuki felt the distress radiating over Shizuru's mental connection before it went eerily still, the situation similar to how she felt immediately after the last of her comrades perished here on earth, "Natsuki, what's wrong?"

Shivering when a sickeningly sweet voice filled her head, "I win." The alien ice queen stood helplessly as the shock of realization hit her like Vaeastrian's meteor, Shizuru was gone.

A/N: Hello everyone~ I apologize for the wait and for the rushed feeling of the chapter. I hope everyone had/ is having an awesome new year! I wish you all well on your resolutions if you have any and hope that I'll be able to stick to mine ^^; See you soon for the next installment~