Author's Notes and Warnings:  Well, here we are!  At the final chapter…I was so nervous at the beginning of this story, I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew…  But because of your support, I was able to continue and give you a story that you enjoyed.  THANK YOU everyone!  *on hands and knee, bowing, head to the ground*  Thank you!

And in the tradition of one crazy onna, I'm once again embarking on something bigger than I probably should.  The Weiss Kreuz crossover.  I'm working on the first chapter that will be posted in the WK section of FF.net.  I will simultaneously work on the FY chapter, which will be posted in the FY section…  If you're interested in the WK part of the story, please leave your email in the review of this chapter and I will let you know when I post it.  If you're not the review type, you may contact me at moon_raven@hotmail.com and I will email you.  Okay?  Wish me luck everybody!  This will be my first WK fic. *X_x* It would be nice if YOU guys were to mosey on to the WK section and support me there too?  Ne? Ne?  *great big puppy dog eyes*

Special thanks to Hitari for being the best Beta anywhere in the fandom and for Xellas M. for being the best friend anywhere!   Hugs, blessings and eternal gratitude to my all reviewers!!!

IcaBob: There, there…don't cry.  I'm gonna make it all better, I promise.  Thanks for all you reviews!

Kawaii: Arigatou, Kawaii!  You've been great since forever!  Thanks again for all your support!

Ryogazgal:  Maa, maa…can't write if you beat me to a pulp, ne?  I'm afraid I'm not too familiar with Angel Sanctuary…I heard it's a bit dark and I really don't like dark anime.  You should see me when I finish 'X' the movie…nearly smashed the CD, I was that upset!  As for the WK crossover, I'm a Ran/Ken and Youji/Omi fan.  Of course Tas/Chi will be there, ne?  Arigatou!

Chibi Star Fighter: Thank you!  Not that want to be the cause of your tears but it's a great compliment to the writer when you can make the reader cry… Thank you very much!  As for episode 33…I'm pretty sure you're gonna cry…I did…

Hitari: *glomps Hitari-chan* You're the BEST!  My stories won't be half as good without you, no da!  Um…gonna beta my WK fics? *puppy dog eyes*

TigerBlak: Er…if you kill me off, I can't write more fics for you, no da… *LOL* Thanks for always providing such cool reviews!  (((HUGS)))

Shadow Priestess: Happy ending? Yep, yep, yep!  *LOL* Ya know, Tama-kun did that in the OAV too when that Hikou took Miaka away…He was so cute!

Eeyaatoe: Thank you, no da!  I can' have the boys all sad now, can I?  Not to mention you guys, huh?

Xellas M.: Have you noticed that Nakago is the cross between Eiri and K?  Hm…when I have him make an appearance in the sequel, do you think it'll be confusing?  ((((HUGS)))) 

Mikazuki: *cracks open the smelling salt* Daijoubu? There, there, *pats Mikazuki-chan on the back* Hang in there, Okay?  It'll be better, soon.  Arigatou for reading and reviewing, no da!

Fujimiya Maru: Thank you!  One happy ending, coming right up!  And when are you planning to write more FY fics?  I really thought the two you have up are really kawaii…

Sakata: Thank you, thank you, thank you… I will definitely have the two bishounens have fun but…could you send the chibi monk patrol anyway…? *waggling eye brows madly*

Bitter Silence: Thank you deja-chan!  I fixed it, that I did!  Oro?  Did I just sound like the dubbed Kenshin?  *giggles*  See what this fic is doing to me?

hcbenitez: Um…I can't fit a H/N lemon in here but I'll give them an opportunity and I'll let your imagination take over, okay?  *grins*  Thanks for your reviews!

Chisama:  Welcome back, no da!  I haven't heard from you in a while, I'm glad you like it!  And it's fixed, no da!  *giggles* Love the 'holy hell!' btw…

Ayako: *nods knowingly* Ah…Ayako-chan's been reading my mind, no da.  Z dude, huh?  *grins*  Thanks for your reviews!!!

Basic disclaimer…don't own nobody…

Additional lemon warning…LEMON ahead!  ~.~

Songs Of The Heart – Chapter 11: Life

By Moonraven


Chichiri blinked at the brightness and brought his right arm up to shield his eye. To his left, he could hear giggling sounds and he wondered absently if hell shouldn't be darker and gloomier.

"You idiot! Couldn't you think of something else besides throwing the both of you off the damn building?"

Chichiri winced as a very hard and heavy object crashed down on his head. "Itai, no da!" He shouted and rubbed vigorously at the bump that was slowly growing. He swallowed hard as his vision cleared and the very image of hell itself appeared in front of him.

All kinds of exclamations came to mind but died on his lips as the ugly old woman floating on a cloud glared at him.

"Nani?" He asked when he finally found his voice. "Who are you?" Her voice was familiar but Chichiri swore he had never seen her. Or had he…? Something tugged at the edge of his memory but the harder Chichiri tried to grasp it, the more elusive it became.

"Taiitsukun! Taiitsukun!" Several floating young girls with greenish hair circled around him. "She is Taiitsukun, silly Chichiri!" They all chimed at once, giggling and poking at him. He batted them away futilely and sighed in resignation when one of them brought her face nose to nose with him. She blinked and suddenly her lips quivered and tears formed in her eyes. "You forgot us, Chichiri?"

Chichiri stared at her in disbelief. This was all so familiar but he couldn't put his finger on it. The sense of homecoming struck him hard when he looked around the room but he couldn't remember where he had seen it or why he should feel this way. This was definitely not hell, he thought.

"Of course it's not hell, you silly twit! And whose concept of hell are you going by anyway?" The old lady, if you could call her lady, scowled at him. "And yes, you can call me lady!" She added menacingly.

"Ugly lady, ugly lady!" The girls squealed and ran off in different directions as she turned her glare on them.

"I am so angry with you right now Chichiri, I could spit fire!" She continued sternly as she peered at him. Then to Chichiri's surprise, her expression softened and she sighed and shook her head. "But I'm more proud of you than I have ever been, Suzaku no Seishin-Senshi (*) Chichiri. Even if your method has taken thousands of years off my life force, I'm still darn proud of you."

"Suzaku…" Chichiri murmured…this was all so familiar…

He looked up at the ugly old face again and then something clicked. It was as if the final puzzle had been found and he took a sharp breath. "Taiitsukun, no da." He said. Looking around he spotted the girls behind pillars and he called to them, laughing. "Nyan-Nyan!"

The girls squealed and floated to him in hoards and Chichiri found himself glomped by at least five or six very giggly celestial beings.

"You remember us, you did!" They shouted gleefully.

"Oh, you silly things, get off him!" Taiitsukun's raspy voice sounded right above him. The girls squeaked and rushed to the side but their happy expressions remained plastered across their faces.

Chichiri got up and brushed the seat of his pants. Not that there were dust in the controller's home on Mt. Taikyoku of course, but more from the force of habit.

"Well?" She demanded as she looked darkly at him.

"Well what, no da?" He asked innocently.

"Why didn't you just teleport away? Why die with him?"

Chichiri frowned and thought about that. "I didn't have all my wits with me, no da. Without all of my memories, my powers were not all that strong, no da. I guess I just didn't think of it." He shrugged.

"You FORGOT?" She sputtered. "You died because you FORGOT you could teleport? What kind of an idiotic excuse is that? You teleported there, didn't you? You even used your powers to separate yourself so you could be in two places at the same time! How could you have FORGOTTEN to teleport OUT of there?"

"Anou Taiitsukun, I barely had the strength to maintain the last spell, no da. When I fused back to being one ME again, I was somewhat disoriented, no da." He sighed and frowned as he thought about his choices. "Even then…" He stopped and bit his lips.

"Even then…what?" The old lady prompted.

"The person I was didn't want to live, no da." He said quietly. "He wasn't sure he deserved life, no da." He looked up sadly at his old mentor. "I'm not sure I deserve life."

"Oh, Chichiri. Why do you always have this issue in every single one of your lives? Does that not tell you anything?" Chichiri looked away abruptly, he didn't like the pity he saw in her eyes.

"How do you feel about Hikou taking away Kouran?" She asked harshly.

Chichiri turned sharply towards her. "He didn't take her away, no da. The flood did that."

"But if he hadn't kissed her, she wouldn't have broken off the engagement. You wouldn't have been on that ledge and you may have been able to save your family and Kouran. Wasn't that what you thought?"

"Yes, but…"

"But you forgave him." She told him.

"Yes, but…"

"Even if he didn't kill any one, you had thought him responsible."

"I did, but…"

"It's the same thing, Chichiri."

"Will you LET me finish my sentences?" Chichiri shouted at his old teacher. "It's not the same thing."

Taiitsukun looked miffed that he raised his voice at her but she didn't comment on it. She huffed and rolled her eyes before saying softly, "Forgiveness knows no difference, Chichiri." She floated closer, her expression softened. "Chichiri, through all of your lives I have watched you forgive everyone who had ever done you wrong. I have watched you love them and have watched you die for them. Yet through all of your selfless deeds, you are doomed to relive the very same agony. Why do you think that is?"

"No." Chichiri shook his head. "I killed them. I killed those innocent kids, I remember now. I couldn't control the rage and I couldn't control the power that rushed out of nowhere. I should have known...I shouldn't have been so angry…"

"Chichiri! They were beating the crap out of you and Hikou! You were 15 years old! You couldn't have known about the power! Even I was surprised you could tap into it. It wasn't your fault!" Taiitsukun looked like she could almost cry. Almost.

Chichiri struggled with that, still not willing to relinquish the blame. "Seven people died." He muttered.

"But you saved hundreds. Look at all the children you saved from abusive homes and from having to live on the streets. Look at the people you saved with your sacrifice. Enough, Chichiri, stop torturing yourself. Whenever you do this, you hurt Tasuki as well."

"Tasuki…?" Chichiri looked up quizzically. What did Tasuki have to do with any of this?

"How do you think he feels every time you torture yourself like this? What do you think he's feeling right now?"

Chichiri frowned as he remembered a conversation he had with the redhead.

"If other people can forgive you, why can't you forgive yourself?"

"People hadn't forgiven me, Tasuki. Some of them had just forgotten."

"Then you too can forget."

"Alright, alright, never mind." She waved her hands dismissively. "I have someone who wants to meet you. Someone who's as proud of you as I am. If you won't listen to me maybe you'll listen to him."

Taiitsukun turned her cloud towards the large doorway to their right and Chichiri gasped in shock.

"Suzaku-sama!" Chichiri whispered as he dropped to his knees and touched his forehead to the ground. This was his God. This was Suzaku, coming to see him and Miaka wasn't even there. Chichiri was near panic, grief forgotten.

"Rise and face me, Chichiri." Suzaku's voice echoed in his head.

Chichiri got slowly to his feet and swallowed hard before he lifted his eyes to the reverent face of the beast god Suzaku.

The human form of Suzaku smiled at the former monk and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Such selfless acts are redemption enough, Chichiri. You have served me well."

"But I…" He hadn't done anything…

"Will you take on another task?" Suzaku asked gently, not allowing him to finish.

"Yes. Of course." He wanted to bow again but Suzaku took his chin and held his head up firmly. He looked directly into Chichiri's eye and the monk felt the gaze pierce deep into his heart, his soul. He felt loved…he felt life.

"Live."


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


It had been three weeks. Tasuki stared numbly at the smooth black headstone gleaming in the morning sunlight. Black. It was what Chichiri always wore. Tears stung the back of his eyes as he caressed the sun-warmed stone tenderly. He'd wait. He'd promised. Even if he didn't know how long he'd have to wait…or why he was even waiting…

He looked down at the string of beads clutched tightly in his hand and wondered how these round bobbles could ever sooth away the pain in his soul. He unclenched his hand and caressed the smooth surface of the larger green beads with his thumb. Chiri… Tasuki closed his eyes and sighed as he heard footsteps coming towards him. Hastily he put the beads away and silently willed them to pass him by so that he could spend what little precious time he had left alone with the memories of his love.

It would soon be time for him to join the NG meeting that would determine the fate of 'Chichiri'. Since very few people knew who Chichiri really was, very few knew he had died and they would all be at that meeting today. It would seem simple, tell everyone the truth that Chichiri and Houjun Ri were the one and the same. But Ryuuichi had brought up the halfway homes and the children that Chichiri would not want to abandon. Ryuuichi had suggested that they continue as if nothing had happened to Chichiri and HE would supply the money to run those facilities. Because everyone wanted to help, arguments rose as to who should contribute how much. Hence, the meeting.

A cool breeze rushed around him and Tasuki watched it pick up dried petals and swirled them in tiny little cyclones before dissipating and leaving them scattered about. The wind also carried something else that rooted Tasuki to the spot. It was the achingly familiar scent that had his stomach muscle clenching tightly. The scent of Chichiri. Tasuki looked around him half expecting to find his lover staring at him coolly. All he found were four pairs of eyes, regarding him somberly.

Tasuki frowned and turned back to Chichiri's headstone. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth against emptiness he felt in his chest. Gods, he wanted Chichiri so badly…


Footsteps continued as the four men tentatively approached him. Tasuki took a deep breath, preparing himself to meet company. He watched passively as the redhead from the Koneko no Sumi Ie walked towards Chichiri's grave, holding a large bouquet of flowers. Tasuki knew that he should've remembered the man's name but he couldn't care less at the moment. The tall redhead turned grave eyes towards Tasuki, silently asking permission and after a few numb moments, Tasuki nodded. The other three men followed the tall redhead and came to stand around the grave, next to Tasuki. Tasuki wondered absently how they came to be here together.

Tasuki remembered the brunette standing close to the redhead. He seemed different now that he was no longer smiling and being carefree. Tasuki's eyes widened slightly when he saw the brunette slip his hand in the tall redhead's hand but kept silent. He turned sullen eyes toward the smallest of the four who stood next to him. Omi. He wondered if Omi had captured the man he loved.

"We won't take long, Tasuki-kun. We just wanted to pay our respect." Omi said quietly.

Tasuki nodded. Then he became more alert as a thought struck him. "Ne, Omi. How many people knew that Houjun and Chichiri are the same person?" He asked, his eyes going to the other three men who were now turning towards him and Omi.

Omi frowned and looked at the redhead who nodded almost imperceptibly. Ran…that was his name…

"Just the four of us as far as I know." Omi said. "I had the hardest time tracking his activities. He's…was…very good."

Tasuki nodded. He'd heard that Omi was the best and if HE had a hard time, then their secrets were safe. "Can I ask you a favor?" He asked as he kept his eyes on the stark white letters spelling Houjun's name.

"Aa." It was Ran who answered after a brief silence. Tasuki gathered that he was probably the boss or something.

"Don't tell anyone. Please."

Ran narrowed his eyes but didn't say anything. Omi nodded, his eyes sparkled as he realized why. "You're thinking about the children's home and the other shelters."

Tasuki nodded. From the corner of his eyes, he saw the other men looked briefly at each other, then Ran answered. "Aa."

Tasuki couldn't help smiling. Maybe they WERE related. At least he wasn't glaring today.

"Thanks." He said softly as he looked up and smiled gratefully at the four men. His chest tightened almost painfully when he saw the brunette sidled up to Ran and the tall redhead snaked his arm around the boy's waist and pulled him closer. He was glad that they had each other. He wished Chichiri were with him.

Youji walked up to Omi and ruffled his hair gently before dropping his hand to the boy's shoulder. "C'mon, Chibi. We should get going."

Omi leaned against the tall blonde's chest and nodded. Tasuki smiled as he realized that Omi DID get his man.

"Ken…" Ran's voice called softly as the brunette left his side and approached Tasuki. Ken smiled uncertainly and hesitantly embraced Tasuki.

Tasuki froze at the unexpected gesture but his heart was warmed by it. This generous stranger was offering him comfort. He timidly hugged back and before Ken released him, the kind brunette whispered, "He was an amazing man, Tasuki-san. What he did will be remembered for a very long time." Then he went back to Ran's side.

"Thank you." Tasuki said hoarsely, his voice full of emotion.

Ran nodded to him gravely and pulled Ken with him as he turned and walked back up the walkway. Youji wrapped his arm around Omi's shoulder and gave Tasuki a small nod. "Ja." He said quietly as he turned to follow his friends.

"We'll make sure he gets fresh flowers every week, Tasuki-kun." Omi said as he gave Tasuki a small wave. "Bye."

"Bye, Omi. Thanks." Tasuki said. He watched enviously as they walked away, each with the man they loved. He looked back at Chichiri's grave accusingly.

"You better hurry up and find me, you bastard." He said as he crouched in front of the grave and traced his fingers along the lines of Chichiri's name. "Forever can get lonely when you're not here."

"How about some company, then?" A warm, silky voice said from behind him. Tasuki spun around on his heel but in his half stooping position, he lost his balance and fell on his rear on top of Chichiri's grave. He grunted and snapped his head in the direction of the snicker but all thoughts of scathing replies vanished as his voice froze in his throat.

Zanshi.

The man stood a few feet away holding a single stalk of purple flowers in his hands. He looked relaxed in his white shirt and dark green pants, leaning against the lamp post, but Tasuki felt a touch of uncertainty that kept the man from coming any closer. Tasuki couldn't help the quickening of his pulse as his eyes roamed the slender figure in front of him. He shouldn't feel this way and he hated himself for it.

"What are you doing here?" Tasuki asked roughly as he got up and brushed the seat of his pants. His heart hammered in his chest as the blue haired man straightened and walked slowly towards him.

"I came to say goodbye." Zanshi said quietly and held out the flowers as his proof.

Tasuki gripped the headstone hard as Zanshi stopped mere inches from him. He nearly cried when the unmistakable scent of Chichiri engulfed him and he looked around desperately.

"Are you alright?" Zanshi asked worriedly.

Tasuki turned to the man and nodded. "Yeah. I…um never mind. How…I…You knew Chi--- I mean Houjun?" This was bad. Very bad. What WAS it about this man…?

Zanshi gave him an amused smile and nodded. "Yes." He placed the stalk of flowers on top of the head stone and turned to smile at Tasuki. "So do you."

Duh! Tasuki rolled his eyes before he could stop himself and grimaced. Zanshi chuckled quietly beside him and the sound made Tasuki's heart flutter erratically. The redhead was acutely aware of the strange man standing next to him. Even though many questions and comments flooded his mind, only one was impersonal enough for Tasuki to voice.

"Nice flowers." Tasuki grimaced again and shook his head.

Zanshi looked at the flowers and smiled. "Purple Hyacinth..." Then he looked at the dark headstone thoughtfully. "It's about time I learn to forgive and let go," he muttered under his breath.

Tasuki frowned. What was there to forgive? He wanted to ask Zanshi how he knew Chichiri but he was afraid to. Recollections of his conversation with the man at the club came to him vividly and he feared that Chichiri was the 'friend' Zanshi was talking about. He also feared that their friendship might be deeper than he'd thought.

Tasuki glanced sideways at the quiet man, hoping he would elaborate his statement without the redhead having to ask. To his surprise, Zanshi was looking directly at him, his mahogany eyes gleaming with amusement. Those eyes…

"N---Nani…?" Tasuki stuttered and swallowed.

Zanshi grinned at him. He brought a hand to gently caress Tasuki's cheek and the redhead drew in a shaky breath as tingling sensations washed over him.

Move away, move away, Tasuki willed himself silently but he couldn't. He was rooted to the spot as he stared into those laughing eyes that had such a familiar shade of brown…why did he feel so familiar…so comforting…? And why was he so drawn to this man when he was in love with Chichiri?

With the thought of his lover, Tasuki found the strength to tear himself away. "Look, Zanshi---"

"Not…Zanshi" Zanshi interrupted, eyes twinkling at Tasuki's confusion. "I'm no longer death, no da." He added softly as he reached for Tasuki again.

No da. Tasuki stared wide eyed at Zanshi as he took a fearful step back and promptly stumbled and fell on his butt. Again. He stared up at the mysterious man in front of him, shaking his head in confusion.

"What…what do I call you then?" He asked breathlessly, fearing he knew the answer yet hoping at the same time.

Zanshi stepped closer and offered Tasuki his hand. "Don't you know me, Tasuki?" He asked lightly. When Tasuki just gaped at him silently he laughed and cocked his head to the side. "If you don't know yet, you can call me Saisei."

Saisei…Rebirth. Return to life. Reincarnation…

Tasuki's heart skipped a beat as tears clouded his vision.

Masaka!


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


"What do you mean you can't get in?" Tohma asked impatiently. "I gave you the keys and you came back with those boxes. Explain 'can't get in'." He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Today was NOT going well.

K sighed and rolled his eyes. "I told you. We got in the front room with the keys, no problem. That's where these things are from." He pointed to the boxes. "But inside his room there are two other rooms that we can't get into!" He looked to Nuriko who nodded and shrugged.

"But those rooms have no locks." Ryuuichi said with a puzzled frown.

"Yeah, that's what WE said." He looked from Nuriko to Shuuichi, both of whom promptly nodded in support.

"Well, maybe they're just stuck." Tohma added. At least THAT was what Chichiri told him when they were missing Kuma.

"Yep, that's what WE said too." Again, the nods from Nuriko and Shuuichi.

"Maybe you didn't try hard enough." Eiri commented dryly from his place by the window.

K narrowed his eyes at the tall blond and almost pulled out his gun. Hotohori shook his head and smiled. "They had Nuriko with them. If HE can't open it, then it didn't want to be opened."

"N…Nani?" Nuriko shivered. "Y…You mean…Chichiri's ghost?" He scrambled to Hotohori's side and clung to his arm. "You know, something felt odd in that room. I should have known he didn't want us meddling in there."

"Oh, for crying out loud!" Eiri muttered and pulled out a cigarette. He looked up to see Shuuichi opening a cardboard box and said harshly, "Don't touch that!"

He went to the young man and took the box from the boy then went back to the window, muttering something under his breath as he dug in his pocket for his lighter.

"Anou, Yuki. That's the box from our closet." Shuuichi said. "What's it doing in Chichiri's room?"

"I gave it to him." Eiri said as he lit the cigarette. He glanced quickly at Ryuuichi and found the man looking at him with a sad smile.

Eiri raised his brows at the singer. "I didn't throw them away." He said defiantly.

Ryuuichi looked away, his lips quivering. Tohma glared at the blond and put a comforting hand on his lover's shoulder. "I shouldn't have told you to." Ryuuichi said quietly. "I was afraid he'd be upset if he saw them. I didn't know that those drawings were actually helping him, no da." He moved away from Tohma and rummaged in one of the drawers in Tohma's desk. He pulled out an old 11x17 manila envelope and ran his hand over the surface tenderly. "I found that out about three years ago." He hugged the folder to his chest and stared at the smooth surface of the desk as he spoke.

"It was a bad night. He was in a lot of pain though it wasn't physical. He came out of the nightmare and after a few moments, got out his drawing stuff and drew this." He looked at the folder clutched to his chest. "It was beautiful, but the most amazing thing was that he calmed down right away. He didn't really remember the nightmares; he never did, but the drawing… He wanted to throw it away but I managed to get him to give it to me. I knew that it was very special to him even if he denied it…" He trailed off as he opened the envelope and pulled out a sheet of paper. "This was how I knew he was waiting for Tasuki." He turned the paper around so that everyone could see.

Collective gasps could be heard as everyone in the room stared open mouthed at the drawing in Ryuuichi's hand. Then there was silence. They unconsciously moved closer to the drawing, their eyes never leaving the image.

Two men stood in the middle of the drawing, wrapped in each other's arms with blissful expressions on their faces. One was slightly taller, with bright orange hair and a long dark coat. He had his arms wrapped protectively around the other man whose hair was a peculiar shade of blue. The latter carried a long staff made of brass or gold and was wearing some kind of a costume with a big, bellowing blue cape. He had his cheek resting on the redhead's shoulder and they could see clearly that he had a scar that sealed his left eye shut.

"Masaka!" They said in unison.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"How…? Why…? I…" Tasuki couldn't even begin to organize his thoughts let alone voice them. This couldn't be… No, no, no, he was imagining things. Yep, that was it. Chichiri died. That was that. This must be some kind of grief-induced hallucination or something…

Yet wasn't he sensing Chichiri's presence all morning? Hadn't Zanshi always reminded him of Chichiri, even when they had first met? But that's not logical. No, no, no. That's not possible…was it? But then again, everything around Chichiri was 'impossible' yet…

Tasuki shook his head to clear the jumbled mess and glanced uncertainly at the other man. He was glad that Zan…no, 'that man' hadn't come any closer. He needed a few minutes to sort this out. Hell, he needed a whole lifetime to understand this.

"I promised I'd find you, Tasuki. Don't you remember?" 'The man' asked softly, still standing a few feet away.

Tasuki stared at the man in disbelief. His brain told him that this man couldn't possibly be Chichiri but his heart and soul seem to reach out to the man. They knew him completely…implicitly.

"How…?" Tasuki started again and swallowed. His heart pounded in his chest so hard he thought it would burst out just to be near the blue-haired man.

"Would you believe I have friends in high places?" The man asked with a smile. "It seems that my deeds in this life have earned me lots of merit points, no da." He said lightly but the expression in his beautiful mahogany eyes told Tasuki that he wasn't as relaxed as he would've liked the redhead to believe.

Tasuki just blinked at him with his mouth hung open. He really didn't know what to say…

Chichiri was beginning to get nervous. This was a really bad idea. It would never work. Then Tasuki threw himself into Chichiri's arms and they both fell onto the ground. Chichiri struggled to sit up and found Tasuki planted firmly on his lap.

"Oh my god, oh my god…it really IS you. I can't believe it. It IS You. It IS you." Tasuki mumbled repeatedly into Chichiri's neck as he sat astride the man, holding him tight. He kissed along Chichiri's neck and took a hold of the man's face between his hands and rained kisses on Chichiri's face. "That day… Oh god, I fucking died when you did that!"

Chichiri laughed and kissed the redhead back. "I died too, no da."

"Baka!" Tasuki scowled as he held his lover's face in his hands. "Don't you EVER do that to me again, you asshole! Saving the fucking world is all good and fine but next time you do it with me! Got that?"

Chichiri only had time for a nod as Tasuki claimed the rest of his face again, especially his lips. When Tasuki got to Chichiri's eyes, he pulled away abruptly. Tasuki's eyes roamed the familiar yet strange features as he caressed every inch of Chichiri's new face.

Yet it wasn't really new. Now that Tasuki knew they were the same person, he could see clearly now that they had exactly the same features except for the hair and eye color. And the loss of one eye.

"You don't like it?" Chichiri asked Tasuki softly as he turned and kissed the inside of Tasuki's wrist. "I can't very well come back as Houjun, no da. I think all of Japan must have seen me die by now."

"I still can't believe it. You only see shit like this in those fantasy movies and stuff. I've never thought I would live it." He looked apprehensively into Chichiri's eyes. "Are you…like…an angel or something?"

Chichiri laughed and hugged Tasuki to him. "No, Tasuki, I'm not an angel, no da. I'm as human as you are, although a little…gifted." Chichiri shrugged and was about to go on when Tasuki interrupted him

"A LITTLE gifted?" Tasuki asked, incredulous. "You fucking returned from the dead! I'd say that's a LOT gifted."

Chichiri laughed and shook his head. "That's not my doing, no da. Soon I'll tell you all about the beast god Suzaku and his 7 celestial warriors, no da; a cemetery is hardly the place. Then you'll understand better. But until then, do you think you could love me the way I am now?" Chichiri asked uncertainly.

"Fuck, Chiri, I think my heart knew it was you underneath all that blue hair even if my head didn't. How could I not love you?" He leaned his forehead against Chichiri's and looked deep into those amazing eyes. "You're a fucking hero man!"

Chichiri kissed him and smiled. "Ah…Houjun's the hero. I'm just plain old…" He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Hmm…plain old…me. I need a name, no da." He looked to Tasuki for a suggestion.

Tasuki thought for a few moments when a thought struck him. His face lit up and he laughed out loud. "I know the perfect name for you."

Chichiri looked at him suspiciously but didn't say anything.

Tasuki continued to laugh and got off Chichiri's lap. He helped Chichiri to his feet and half dragged the man with him as he hurried to the path.

"Matte, Tasuki." Chichiri laughed. "Where are we going, no da?"

Tasuki turned and pulled Chichiri into his arms and kissed him soundly. "You'll see." He said with a playful wink. "You're different, Chiri. Not just the way you look, it's the way you…feel. I'm so damn happy to hold you again but more than that, I'm happy because YOU'RE happy. I've never seen you like this."

"Aa." Chichiri said and glanced back to the grave. "I've finally learned my lessons, no da. I learned to forgive myself and to let go." He looked back to Tasuki and smiled. "I'm going to learn to live as well. Will you help me?"

"Hell yeah!"


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"Ohayo!" Tasuki exclaimed as he barged into Tohma's office with Chichiri in tow. The rest of the greeting died on his lips as he stared at the group of men and Mika converging around Ryuuichi, gaping at something the man was holding. They turned towards him slowly when they heard his voice and when they saw Chichiri; they gave a surprised squeak and pointed to his companion with trembling fingers. Tasuki looked confusedly from the group to Chichiri who just shrugged helplessly.

"T…Tas…Tasuki-c…chan." Nuriko stuttered but couldn't get anything out. His quivering hand still pointing to Chichiri until Hotohori took a hold of it.

Tasuki frowned at the group and put his hands on his hips. "What the hell is the matter with you?" He had meant that collectively and not just Nuriko.

"Who's your friend, Tasuki-kun?" Ryuuichi asked as he stared fixedly into Chichiri's eyes.

"Ah!" Tasuki pushed Chichiri in front of him to present the man to the 'Chichiri Committee'. "This is going to be our Chichiri." He said happily.

"NANI?" Chichiri and the committee said at the same time.

"C'mon! We need to present the public with Chichiri; they've been bugging us for years, you said. Now we can. My friend here…er…" He looked to Chichiri for help but the man was too busy gaping at him. "…er…yeah, my friend here offers to be Chichiri, right…friend?"

"Are you crazy?" Chichiri hissed under his breath as he pulled the younger man to him. "I can't work…HERE!" He looked meaningfully at the redhead. Coming for a quick peek was one thing, working there, as Chichiri was something else entirely.

"Why not?" Tasuki asked. He pulled Chichiri to the side and whispered, "No one's gonna know anything."

Chichiri glanced towards Ryuuichi and Eiri and found them both staring at him intently. The deafening silence caused him to look around the room cautiously. To his consternation, they were ALL staring at him rather strangely.

"Not gonna happen!" Chichiri gave Tasuki a hard look and nearly choked when he saw that the box containing his drawings was there.

Eiri saw the look and followed Chichiri's gaze. He raised one brow, Mr. Spock's style, and smiled. Well, for him it's a smile, for everyone else, his lips twitched slightly.

"I think he'd make a perfect Chichiri." Eiri said quietly and Chichiri turned his attention to his onetime friend. "I can see it already." Eiri added as he gave Chichiri a small smile. "Chichiri had ALWAYS wanted to dye his hair blue."

"Did NOT!" Chichiri said indignantly before he could clap a hand to his mouth. He stared in horror at the wide eyes around him and groaned.

"Nice going, Chiri." Tasuki rolled his eyes. "And you were worried I was going to give you away."

Chichiri was saved from having to reply by a very urgent knock on the door. A young man Chichiri remembered as Ted poked his head in and bobbed it up and down in apology.

"Gomen, Seguchi-san, but there is a young lady and a gentleman wanting to see Tasuki, sir."

Tasuki frowned and looked at Ted.

"They said they're old friends but won't leave any nam…HEY! You can't come in here!" Ted was yanked back out and a small girl with reddish brown hair stepped in. Beside her was a tall young man with short black hair. They looked around the room expectantly and gasped when they saw the occupants.

Chichiri groaned and covered his face. It's not that he didn't want to see Miaka and Tamahome; he just didn't know how to explain his resurrection to the group. Reluctantly he looked up from his hands and found Miaka looking at him with tears in her eyes. She didn't say anything and neither her nor Tamahome made a move to come any closer. The rest of the people just stared confusedly from the new comers to Chichiri.

"Miaka-chan." Chichiri said softly as he gave her a gentle smile. He couldn't break her heart by ignoring her.

"Chichiri!" Miaka sobbed and ran into his opened arms. "We thought you were dead. We saw the news, it was horrible!" She cried into his chest and Chichiri patted her back soothingly. He looked over her head to see Tamahome discreetly wiping the corners of his eyes before smiling back at him.

"Taka said you could get out of it but…but the funeral and everybody said you were dead…Then we saw Tasuki…" she broke off as sobs robbed her of her voice.

Chichiri sighed, so much for keeping this from everybody else. He looked around the room and noticed that Sakano had already passed out on the armchair. Mika was clutching tightly to K but they both looked like they were rather enjoying this whole thing. Chichiri shook his head mentally. Trust those two to find amusement at a time like this.

Shuuichi was standing slightly behind Eiri with the tall blond as a shield but the face that poked out from behind the tall man was full of curiosity and not fear. Eiri himself had on one of his patented 'I'm-so-bored-I-could-die' looks. Chichiri had to smile at that. Not many things could ruffle Eiri Yuki, not even someone coming back from the dead…. as someone else. Next to them stood Tohma and Ryuuichi. The latter man had tears running down his face but his smile was brighter than any smile Chichiri had seen on the man in a long time. Ryuuichi knew who Chichiri was…and he was happy. Chichiri smiled at him over Miaka's sobbing form as he gently cradled her. Ryuuichi leaned happily on Tohma who pulled the younger man firmly against his chest.

Chichiri's attention turned to Nuriko and Hotohori. They were staring wide-eyed at Miaka. Chichiri smiled. With the arrival of the priestess, the seishis would soon get their memories back. That would include Tasuki…

He turned to his lover but the redhead was staring with an open mouth at Miaka as well. Tasuki frowned and turned his attention to Tamahome, then back to Miaka again.

Tamahome came up to Chichiri and gently took his fiancé from the blue-haired man. "Didn't I tell you it's not easy to kill Chichiri?" He said softly into Miaka's ears as he lovingly caressed the back of her head. He looked at Chichiri and said, "That WAS a close one though. Even I had my doubts. How DID you get out of it, Chichiri?"

"Anou…" Chichiri bit his lip and thought really hard. Nothing. He sent a telepathic message to Tamahome and Miaka letting them know that the others didn't have their memories yet but he guessed it was a little too late.

"Yes do tell, Chichiri." Eiri said quietly from his corner as Shuuichi moved into his arms.

"Well…er…um…" Chichiri looked around the curious faces and threw up his hands. "RATS!"

He KNEW this whole rebirth thing was a bad idea.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nine months later at the Annual Japan Records Awards…

"Damn it, you'd think that they would at least stay to receive the awards." Nuriko glared at the prestigious awards he held in his hands. One was for Song of the Year. That went to Chichiri for 'To You, I Will Always Return'. A song he wrote for Tasuki not long after he came back from the dead.

The other award was for Tasuki. He had won the Newcomer of the Year award. Nuriko shook his head in disgust. All their lives they had waited for this moment and here it was, and Tasuki wasn't even here. He sighed and looked at Hotohori who was busy brushing lint only HE could see from his tuxedo. Nuriko smiled and sidled up to the former emperor of Konan.

Hotohori looked down at his braided lover and pulled the smaller man close. "It was hard for Chichiri, I think. He was never one for public appearances. It was a wonder Tasuki could get him to come, let alone announce to the world that they're lovers." He bent down and kissed Nuriko tenderly. "You're not sore you lost the best song award to Chichiri are you?"

Nuriko shook his head. "To someone else I would raise hell but to Chichiri? Nah." He smiled and leaned his head on Hotohori's strong chest. "But I wouldn't mind if you would take me somewhere quiet and console me." He suggested softly.

Hotohori chuckled deep in his chest and picked up the smaller man. "That, I can do." He carried Nuriko to the waiting limo and they both got in. "We really don't need to be here. I think I saw Tohma and Eiri sneak off with their respective winners." Nittle Grasper's 'Lost Love Returned' had won Album of the year and Bad Luck had received Band of the Year award. All in all, NG labels was the biggest winner of the night.

Nuriko pouted. "So we're the last to leave?"

Hotohori pulled Nuriko onto his lap and kissed him deeply while pulling on the smaller man's shirt. "Hm…last but never least." He murmured into Nuriko's ear as he slipped his hand underneath the smaller man's shirt.

Nuriko moaned and glanced nervously in the driver's direction and was relieved to find that both the glass and the curtain were in place. Nuriko gave a small purr and was about to pull off his shirt when they heard frantic tapping at the windows.

Hotohori uncharacteristically growled and pulled his coat over Nuriko before lowering the window slightly.

"Hotohori!" Miaka squealed. "Have you seen Nuriko?"

Hotohori narrowed his eyes at the priestess of Suzaku. Before he could form a reply, Nuriko poked his head between the priestess and the former emperor.

"Nani, Miaka!" Nuriko asked, exasperated.

"I just wanted to tell you that I like your song just as much as Chichiri's. She said smiling and leaning back into Tamahome's chest. The tall man smiled apologetically at Nuriko and wrapped his arms around his fiancé.

"You interrupted us for that?" Nuriko whined. "I was about to GET some, Miaka!"

"Nuriko!" Both Miaka and Hotohori cried at the same time. Tamahome rolled his eyes and pulled Miaka away.

"C'mon, Miaka, let them be." He winked at the two in the limo and dragged his red-faced priestess home.

Hotohori closed the window and pulled the braided seishi against him. "Now, where were we?"

"You were about to comfort me." Nuriko said, his voice breathless from anticipation.

"No…" Hotohori said as he pulled Nuriko's shirt off. "I was about to love you."

"SUGOI!"


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Tasuki snuggled into the warmth of Chichiri's arms and rubbed himself suggestively against the other man. Chichiri laughed and pulled Tasuki on top of him as he kissed the hollow of the younger man's throat. His tongue lapped teasingly at the pulse while his hands roamed Tasuki's back and buttocks.

"You're insatiable, no da." He whispered as Tasuki moved between his legs and ground their erections together.

"It's you, Chiri, not me." Tasuki said huskily. "I just can't get enough of YOU."

"I've created a monster, na no da." Chichiri arched up as the redhead licked and nipped at his nipples.

Tasuki laughed. "Only because I didn't remember… Now that I do, I seem to recall teaching a very sexy monk a thing or two." He demonstrated deliciously and Chichiri moaned in appreciation. "Besides," Tasuki continued when he came up for air. "You weren't complaining in the shower and ya weren't complaining before that…or before that…and ya certainly didn't complain in the elevator…" Tasuki kissed his way to the throbbing organ between Chichiri's legs and kissed the weeping tip gently. "In fact, I recalled some very vocal demands from a certain blue-haired former monk, no less."

"Ah…" Chichiri moaned again as Tasuki swallowed as much of his arousal as he could. The former bandit bobbed his head up and down while his hand kneaded the tight sac at the base of Chichiri's shaft.

Tasuki pulled away and looked up at Chichiri with a small frown. "But if you're tired, I could stop."

"NO!" Chichiri said quickly and blushed at his own hentai-ness. (*giggles*)

Tasuki raised his brows and grinned, his fangs poking out adorably. "No?"

Chichiri laughed and rolled onto his stomach and arched his back enticingly. "No. To coin your phrase, no da, I want you to fuck me into the floor, na no da."

Tasuki chuckled and covered Chichiri's naked form with his own. "Damn it, Chiri, I love it when you talk dirty!"

"Stop talking and start fucking, no da." Chichiri urged and thrust up, rubbing Tasuki's erection against the crack of his rear.

"Damn it, Chiri…" Tasuki gritted his teeth as Chichiri continued to rub against him. He barely had time to apply the lube and prepare Chichiri when the blue-haired man impaled himself on Tasuki's burning erection.

Tasuki groaned at the tight heat and he barely stopped himself from cumming right then and there. Chichiri moved under him, his hips raised and pushed back so urgently that Tasuki lost all control and he began pumping frantically into his lover, his hard member piston in and out repeatedly.

They'd had months to get to know each other's bodies and there were times when their lovemaking would take hours. This was not one of them. They were both so aroused that within minutes, they'd found their completion.

Sweat slick bodies entwined as they lay panting in each other's arms. "Fuck, Chiri. When ya tell me to show you how to live, this ain't what I thought you had in mind!"

Chichiri laughed and nuzzled Tasuki's neck. "But you hoped." He chuckled softly.

Tasuki bared his fangs in a feral grin. "Yeah, I hoped." He bent and kissed Chichiri's upturned face tenderly. "I love you, Chiri. I don't care which lives we're in, so long as I have you, I'm happy."

"I know, Tasuki." Chichiri caressed the younger man's cheek lovingly. "I feel the same way, no da, that's why I will always find you, Tasuki. Always. For all of eternity, no da."

"Hai." Tasuki said softly and pulled Chichiri close. They fell asleep with Chichiri's award winning song in their heart.

I hear the wind call your name
The sound that leads me home
It sparks up the fire - a flame that still burns
To you, I'll always return


I know the road is long but where you are is home
Wherever you stay - I'll find a way
I'll run like a river - I'll follow the sun
I'll fly like an eagle - to where I belong

I can't stand the distance - I can't dream alone
I can't wait to see you - Yes I'm on my way home

Now I know it's true
My every road leads to you
And in the hour of darkness darlin'
Your light gets me through

You run like a river - you shine like the sun
You fly like an eagle
You are the one I've seen every sunset
And with all that I've learned
Oh it's to you - I will always return


Owari~

Arigatou, minna-sama!!!!!  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

'I Will Always Return' is a long by Bryan Adams for the animation "Spirit".

(*) Seishin-Senshi = celestial or star warrior from JEDI Japanese-English Dictionary Interact. I like it so I'm using it…

See you in my upcoming fics!  Don't forget to leave me your email so I can let you know when I post the WK part of the story! 

Hugs and blessings to all!