New Life Old Bonds

By Babbling Brook42

Rating: R – for language

Disclaimer: See Prologue. 

Japanese words uses:

Hai – Yes


Chapter 12 – Family United Once More (Tasuki's POV)

I feel Suzaku's power fade from me.  I take a step to catch my balance after it washed through me.  I don't feel much different.  I guess that is to be expected since I already have my memories.  My eyes immediately go to Chichiri beside me.  He is sinking to his knees.  A quick glance around the room as I move down beside him tells me the others are reacting in similar ways.

"Are you alright?" I ask after wrapping him in my arms.

The "no da" at the end of his answer is music to my ears.  It worked!  My love reunited with himself.

"Welcome back," I whisper in his ear and hug him tighter to express what I cannot put in words.

I am overjoyed to have him completely back.  I do not realize I am crying till he turns in my arms, looks up at me with those mahogany eyes, and brushes the salty liquid from my face.

"I remembered the other two times no da," he says.

"That is what this was for," I say.

"No, I remembered parts of our lives as Chichiri and Tasuki in our past two lives," he says stroking my cheek.  "When your sister Ru-shi first introduced us and when I saved you, I knew we were connected.  You were always in my dreams."

He smiles sheepishly and a light blush colours his cheeks.  I will have to ask him about those dreams later.  Right now I have a revelation and blurt it out.

"So that's what y'r cryptic comments back then meant."

I feel him shake with soft laughter at my denseness.

"Awe!  So romantic," exclaimed Miaka suddenly beside us listening to our conversation.

"Miaka!" I yell at her angered at the interruption.

"Hotohori?" Chichiri asks directing our attention to Nuriko hovering over Hotohori's crumpled form.

"Is he awake?" Miaka asks.

Nuriko settles his lover so his back rests against Nuriko's chest.  He brushes Hotohori's hair away from his face.

"Come on love, wake up.  Your fears were wrong," Nuriko coos to Hotohori.

"Should Mits take a look at him?" I ask fearing for the regal brunet. 

My question needn't 'ave been asked as our unconscious member wakes before I finish asking.  His hand rubs just above his right eyebrow. 

"Nuriko?" he wearily questions.

"Here," Nuriko says resting his chin on the others shoulder.

"I love you," he says.  "Always have and always will."

Nuriko chuckles and hugs his emperor. 

It is quite a touching scene.

"Damn it, did ya find each other in the other lives?" I impatiently ask.

I have been dying to know if my little princess found her prince after I died.  She had such high standards for a husband and begged me to not force her to marry anyone who did not meet them.  I being the doting father I was gave in to her wishes.

Hotohori puts on an impassive expression and flows to a standing position pulling Nuriko with him.  We all watch them intently.  Nuriko twitters hanging from his arm.  Slowly the corners of Hotohori's mouth curve into a smile.

"We did," he confirms.

I cross my arms satisfied.

Nuriko releases the arm and flounces to me.

"Oh, Pappa!" he exclaims with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

I just manage to catch him as he jumps into my arms.  His arms entwine around my neck.

"You died before I found him and missed my wedding," he says with bottom lip pouting.  "But, Daddy was there and did a wonderful job," he assures giving Chichiri a wink.

Chichiri is laughing at us, and I scowl at him. 

"Don't fret, you were a good Pappa, and I won't hold you dieing against you." 

Nuriko brakes into a giggling fit.  I drop him to the floor and threaten to flame his annoying ass.  This ends with me being hurled into a wall.

"What are you talking about?" Tamahome asks after hearing Nuriko's proclamations. 

For the rest of the evening we start sorting through our past lives and informing Miaka and Taka of them over our delivered dinner. 

Hotohori and Mitsukake, an ex-soldier and a doctor, visited our town two years after I died and stayed.  Hotohori met and fell in love with my daughter and asked Chichiri for her hand.  They had four children and died of old age.  Mitsukake became the personal physician to our city leader – Chiriko.  There he met Shori and married her. 

In Ireland, Nuriko was a warrior and one of the chief's sons of another clan that was forced into fighting Hotohori's clan because of an agreement with a third clan.  They were a small clan with Nuriko as their greatest warrior.  They did well in battle.  Hotohori saw their weakness and exploited it.  He captured Nuriko and held him hostage.  His life would be spared as long as they stayed out of the fight.  During his time as a hostage, Nuriko spent a lot of time with Hotohori, and they fell in love.  Once Hotohori was victorious he had to return his "captive."  The druid Chiriko gave them the answer to their dilemma when he brought a treaty request from Nuriko's clan.  Nuriko's fathers offered one of his daughters for peace between the clans now that the third clan was defeated.  After negotiating, it was settled that Nuriko would stay with Hotohori, but at the insistence of Nuriko's father, one of his daughters must marry Hotohori. 

~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~ 

I come home late and exhausted from the whole thing. 

"Where ya been?" Kouji asks when I enter and fall onto my bed.  My face impacts the pillow perfectly.

"With friends," I mumble into my pillow. 

"Your lover?" he asks.

"He was there," I answer kicking off my shoes.

They thud as they land beside my bed.

I don't even try to deny the fact we are lovers.  I have spent too many nights at Chichiri's for Kouji to think anything else.

"Who else?" Kouji asks sounding wounded.

"Miaka, Taka, Doukun, and some other people ya don't know," I say crawling under my covers not bothering to remove my clothes.

"Ya spend all y'r time with y'r new friends," he bemoans.  "I understand ditching me for y'r boyfriend that ya NEVER tell me about, but you ditch y'r best buddy since … since … forever for people who you just met."

If ya only knew.

"Ya have meet most of them," I point out but he prattles on with his own line of thought. 

"Talking of Miaka, she has not been around since she had the baby.  When am I going to get to see the new bundle of joy?"

"Tell ya what, I promise I will spend tomorrow with ya since I have been neglecting ya."

"Damn straight!" he belts out.

"An' I will check with Miaka an' we can visit her."

"Really?" he says sounding cheerful at the prospect.  "An' y'r boyfriend?  When ya going to tell me more about him, or better yet introduce him ta me?  Ya never took ta someone like ya have him."

"He is special," I say pulling the covers over my head.  "He's the one I will spend the rest of my life with."

"Whoa!  That special," Kouji says and tosses something at me. 

I peek out from under the covers and scowl at him. 

"Then I definitely got ta meet him.  Make sure he is worthy of my buddy," he says grinning.

"I'll see what I can arrange but only if ya let me sleep," I growl.

"Deal."

~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~ 

Tuesday afternoon I slip into Chichiri's office closing the door behind me.  He arches an eyebrow at me.

"No one saw me," I say.

"Doubt if they would no da," he smiles.

"How are y'r co-workers taken y'r new speech pattern?" I ask languidly sitting in the spare chair.

"I have managed to keep the no da's to a minimum, so I have only received curious looks.  So what brings you here na no da?" he asks leaning back in his chair.

"You," I seductively purr.

He laughs and waves his index finger at me.

"Now, now… this is neither the time nor place for that," he points out.

I grin predatorily at him but stay in my seat.  I know he is right.  This visit is because I need to talk to him not to make him sing my name in pleasure. 

"Kouji insists he needs to give his approval of my new boyfriend," I say.

"I already told you that decision is up to you no da," he says.

"He also wants to see Kazuna, and I thought I could kill two birds with one stone," I smirk shrewdly at him.  He waits patiently for me to explain.  "I called Miaka and arraigned for Kouji and I to have dinner at their place tonight.  She promised not ta cook.  I thought ya could be there too, and I could introduce ya ta him in a controlled environment.  If he refuses to keep quiet about it, ya can wipe his memory."

"Da! I can't do that, Tasuki!  No da," he protests almost coming up from his chair.

I laugh heartily at his reaction.

"I know," I assure as my mirth dies down.  "But having him meet ya there is better than a restaurant where he can make a scene."

"Agreed," he says.  "I'll be there, no da.  What time?"

"Seven thirty," I say standing.

"You could have just called me with the information na no da," he points out setting his elbows on the desk and leaning forward to rest his chin on his folded hands.  He gives me a playful smile.

I step up to his desk and lean over so my face is close to his.

"I know, but I wanted ta see ya," I smirk and kiss his tempting lips.  I pull back from the undemanding kiss and move to the door.  "See ya tonight, love," I say with a wink.

I open the door and dash down the hall and on to my next class.

~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~ 

Kouji and I walk up the stairs to Miaka and Tamahome's place.  I have not told him who else he will meet tonight.

"Miaka eats a lot.  So, don't be surprised if she empties the table of food." I warn.  "Be sure ta get what ya want before she does."

He looks at me like I am crazy.

I let him think what he likes and let myself into their place without knocking.

"Miaka, Taka, we are here," I call stepping into the entry.

We slip off our shoes.

"Great, Ta…," she exclaims entering the hall to greet us and fumbles to catch the slipup of names, "to see you two."  She hugs first me then Kouji.  "Sorry, I should have brought Kazuna over, but I have been so tired since her birth."

"I am sure y've had a ton of things ta keep ya busy and visiting college students is not high on the list," he assures her.

Miaka laughs at Kouji's statement.

"Taka said that dinner will be a bit.  So, come in, sit down, and I'll show Kazuna to you," she says beaming with happiness.

We follow her to the family room where Chichiri is sitting on the couch with one arm draped along the back and Kazuna cradled in his other. 

"Houjun, this is Kouji, Genrou's roommate," she introduces.  "Kouji, Ri Houjun, but I believe you already know that.  Genrou told me he taught your history class."

Kouji nods dumbfounded but quickly recovers.

"Hai, he did."

Houjun nods his greeting.

"You always sat beside Genrou, no da," he says gently smiling.

"Hai," he responds taking the chair Miaka directs him to.

I drop into the spot next to Chichiri and lean over to check on Kazuna.  She is asleep but squirms a bit.  I wrinkle my nose at the foul stench she emits.

"Damn, Miaka, she needs her dipper changed," I say before being clobbered by Miaka.  "Hell…"

I get clobbered again.

"What did I tell you about cussing in Kazuna's presence?" she demands with hands on her hips and foot tapping impatiently.

"Not to," I answer cringing in fear of the protective mother.

She nods satisfied and smoothes her cockles.  Chichiri is chuckling at the entire exchange.

"Thank you, Houjun, for watching her," she says lifting Kazuna from his lap.

She leaves the room, and I lightly punch Chichiri in the side.

"Ya should've come ta my rescue," I pout.

"Why no da?" he asks merrily.

I cross my arms over my chest and face forward.

"I think ya love her more than ya do me."

My eyes focus on Kouji's reaction to the statement.  His eyes open slightly, but I can see he is still uncertain if the statement truly means what he thinks it does or if I am just playing. 

"I know better than to challenge Miaka especially concerning Kazuna," Chichiri says slipping his arm from the couch back to my waist and pulling me to his side.  "No use for us both to feel her wrath no da," he whispers nuzzling my ear playfully.

"Good thing I love ya," I say turning my head to look at him with a smirk, "else I'd have ta flame ya."

I give him a quick peck on the cheek and look back to the shocked Kouji.

"So how long has this," he waves a finger to Chichiri and me, "been going on?" he demands in a squeaky voice.

"Since Kazuna was born – so close to three weeks," I answer. 

Kouji looks at us cuddled together on the couch.  His mouth searching for what he wants to say next.

"Ya drool over him for the first semester then don't tell me when ya hook up with him.  That is just so unfair, Genrou!"

Miaka reenters the room with Kazuna and takes a seat.  She looks at us and smiles.

"I take it, she knows," he says playing on the how unfair angle.

"Of course she knows," I say being sure to sensor out my normal profanity.  "She is the one to get us together – remember."

"Who else knows?" he asks crossing his arms childishly.

"Just the few of our mutual acquaintances," I answer, "and now you."

He is slightly appeased but not fully.

"Remember what ya told me in class about how the last history teacher lost is job?" I ask.

He nods.

"Well that is why I didn't tell ya right away," I give him part of the truth.  "I was not in any of his classes when we started seeing each other, but it still looks a bit too coincidental.  I don't want to take the chance of him loosing his job over me, so we are not telling many people until next fall at least."  I can see the wheels turning in Kouji's head.  "So, now that ya know, will ya keep it quiet till then?"

"Shi…" Kouji begins but glances at a slightly scowling Miaka and slurs it into "sure."  "Sure Genrou, I won't tell.  Hate ta see y'r love life ruined."

"Thanks, Kouji, y'r the best," I say happy that it went so well.

"I know," he says.  "Ya do know I require monthly bribes ta keep from blabbing," he says leaning casually back in his chair.

"How about I don't beat the … ya know what out of ya," I glower at him. 

He laughs and consents to my demand.

~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~ 

A few weeks before finals, Chiriko and I plan a group outing.  We thought it would be great to spend a spring afternoon at the park with everyone – well actually I thought it would be fun and convinced Chiriko into helping me.  He called it bullying, but he knows I don't mean anything serious by it. 

When we invited the others, they all thought it was a great idea especially the part about inviting our other loved ones from our past and present lives.  I can't say I was without ulterior motives in this plan.

"How many people did ya invite?" Kouji asks as we carry boxes of food to the blanket Chiriko is setting out.

We descend the gentle slope till we enter the shadow of a large maple.

"There's quite a few coming," I respond.

Miaka, Tamahome, and Chichiri crest the ridge with their arms loaded.  Chiriko waves happily at them.

"We brought a few more blankets," Miaka says setting down Kazuna's carrier.

I help Tamahome and Chichiri with their boxes of food while Chiriko and Miaka spread out and secure the additional blankets.

"Did they make it?" I ask Chichiri in a soft apprehensive voice after pulling him aside.

"They did no da," he looks at me solemnly.

I am ready to ask where they are when he continues.

"But, they decided there were more interesting things to see in town than meet my lover na no da."

I couldn't believe it.  The two people who Chichiri calls family, other than us, came to town but are not coming.  My anger starts to rise.  I open my mouth to voice my opinion when I catch the amused glint in his eyes.  He is teasing me. 

"You lying… manipulative…," I sputter for more words to vent my irritation at him without causing Miaka to clobber me, "tease," I finish.

He smirks teasingly at me. 

"So where are they?" I ask bordering on demanding.

All former apprehension at meeting Hikou and Kouran is forgotten as I confront my suddenly mischievous lover. 

He closes his eyes and looks like he is searching for their location.  His eyes open.  I anticipate his answer.

"Don't know no da," he says too cheerfully.

"Don't give me that," I growl.  "Ya do to."

I reach out to grab his shirt, but he takes a step back avoiding my hand.  Mischief filled eyes laugh at me as I lunge forward at him again.  Once more he avoids my grasp.

"Genrou-chan, I don't know why you are so upset no da," he lightly says before dashing away through our group of friends.

"Chiri, I'm going ta catch ya an' pin ya to the ground till ya fucking tell me," I threaten him as I give chase.

The next thing I know, I am on my back, gazing up at green leaves, and gasping for air.

"What Miaka say about cussing in front of Kazuna?" Nuriko asks as he looms over me.

I sit up with one knee to my chest.

"Damn it, Nuri…," is all I get out before I am back on the ground.  "That hurts," I add once the world stops spinning around me.

Warm gentle hands help me to sit up.

"Tasuki, you all right no da?" Chichiri asks supporting my weight from behind.

"I will be if da…."

Chichiri's hand swiftly claps over my mouth while he hums a warning in my ear.  I look up at Nuriko standing with hands on hips waiting for me to slip.

"… If Nuriko will stop hitting me," I finish once Chichiri removes his hand.

Kouji and the others are watching our little exchange and snickering.

"What'ch looking at?" I growl irritated and embarrassed.

"Just a hot-headed baka," Tamahome answers.

I make to lunge at Tamahome, but long winding arms wrap around my chest securing me from behind before I do more than lean toward my irritant.

"Tasuki, calm down na no da," Chichiri purrs in my ear.  "We have friends to greet no da."

I realize that our group has grown and it looks like everyone is here… even Hikou and the woman with him I assume is Kouran.  I momentarily freeze as all my previous anxiety pours over me.

Can I get along with Hikou after…

I let that thought hang unfinished.  The past is the past, and I have to leave the feelings from that time there. 

This time Hikou is only Chichiri's best friend.  There're no hard feelings between them because of Kouran.  This time Hikou has Kouran and Chichiri has me. 

I can't help but light up with a goofy smile at the thought. 

"Relax no da," Chichiri tells me as he pulls me to my feet.  His fingers lightly trace down my spine to offer support.  "Their opinion of you cannot change my feelings for you na no da."

"I know," I say straightening my shirt with a swift tug here and there at the hem.

He knew what I tried so hard to hide from him, and I realize that Chichiri's earlier teasing was to get me to forget my apprehension that had been building since last night.  He knows me too well.

Chichiri's hand rests on my forearm momentarily in a feather light touch.  Every cell seems to dance with his caress.  His fingers drift down my arm till he entwines our fingers. 

"Come," he smiles at me and gently tugs at my hand.

I follow slightly behind him as we walk up to Kouran and Hikou. 

"Houjun," Kouran greets him with a carrying sweet voice and a brilliant smile.

"Kouran," Chichiri warmly returns the greeting.  "Hikou.   You found us with no problem no da."

"No problems," Hikou assures.

"And we found what we were looking for at the store you sent us to," Kouran says.

The entire conversation their eyes keep dancing from Chichiri to me.  They are both full of curiosity.  Kouran's is bubbling and excited while Hikou's is more cautious.  As Kouran finishes her last sentence her eyes lock onto me.  I try not to fidget.  I tell myself they are no one special and to calm down.  Come on… if I can face Nakago without my Suzaku granted powers then I can face my lover's best friends.

"Is this him?" she eagerly asks.

Chichiri squeezes my hand reassuringly as he answers.

"This is Kou Genrou."

I bow to each of them as introductions are made.

"It is nice to meet you," Kouran says.

She beams her excitement as she grins at me.

"Time to eat!" Miaka announces interrupting before things have a chance to become awkward.

We settle down on the blankets.  The box lunches immediately are passed around the group.  I accept mine.  Instead of opening it, I glance around those gathered. 

Eishi* sits with Chiriko, Mits and Shori.  I am glad she accepted Chiriko's invitation.  The two of them have become good friends since we met her.  She has even warmed up to me after our horrible first meeting.  She catches me watching them and smiles at me.  I return a cheeky grin which causes her to shake her head in amusement.

Hotohori and Nuriko brought Korin.  The female Nuriko clone is enjoying herself.  She has settled beside Miaka and Kazuna.  She is talking with Miaka like they have known each other for years.  Well, she has known of us for year.  Nuriko had let too many references slip in his sister's presence that she pressed him for an explanation. 

Kouji draws my attention away from my observations.

"So who are all these people?" he asks.    

I point out and name those he has not yet met.

"The guy beside Taka, is Miaka's brother Keisuke.  He is talking to is Seishuku Saihitei."**

I open my box and sample my food.

"The purple haired man giving Taka a hard time is Chou Ryuuen.  He is Seishuku's boyfriend."

Kouji takes the information in without any show of shock.

"I wondered about them.  They seemed really close," he says.

"They are," I say.  "The girl with Miaka is Ryuuen's sister."

She is now glancing at other members of the group.  She seems interested in one person in particular as her gaze seems to return again and again to him.

How very interesting?  I'll have to talk to Nuriko later… and maybe I should warn Chiriko… maybe…

I fight the mischievous grin and continue.

"The man with Doukun is Myojuan Sensei.  He's the doctor that tended to me after the accident.  And beside him is his wife Shori."

"I thought he looked familiar," Kouji says.  "Who's the girl talking to Doukun?" he asks.

I stuff food in my mouth to hide my excitement.

"That's Eishi," I say after swallowing.  "She works at the hospital and goes to the same university as Doukun's brother."

Kouji nods.

"That brings us to Hikou and Kouran.  They are Houjun's friends/family."

Soon our childhood friends start exchanging stories about Chichiri and me like we are not even there.  Both groups seem anxious to learn of our early exploits.  What else are friends for but to embarrass you? 

As they finish eating, the rest of the group moves around meeting and talking with the others.  I sit beneath the tree.  I lean my head back and watch the others socialize.  Chichiri squeezes our joined hands, and I look over at him.  He motions over to Chiriko, Eishi, and Kouji.   I smile as I watch Kouji trying to impress Eishi.  She is doing a fine job of putting him in his place while Chiriko laughs at their exchange. 

"She does not seem to be too receptive to him no da," Chichiri says.  "Maybe they are not destined to be together this time no da."

I chuckle.

"No, no.  They are just fine," I say.  "Ru-shi turned him down, insulted him, argued with him and ignored him for a year before she agreed to marry him." 

"I remember their insincere spats and jibes, but I don't remember them ever acting like that na no da," Chichiri says.

I watch Eishi walk away toward Miaka with Chiriko in tow.  Kouji sputters before indignantly stalking toward us. 

"Trust me, this is the way they court each other."

Kouji throws himself to the ground beside me.

"I just don't get her," he says irritated and glairing at Eishi.  "She has to prove whatever I say is wrong or insults me.  Doukun must be crazy to date her."

"They're not dating," I lazily say.  "They're just friends."

"Really," Kouji says.

That one word tells me he is happy to lean that fact but does not want anyone else to know.  I only smirk and give Chichiri's hand a squeeze.  I'm glad Chiriko agreed to help me introduce the pair to each other.

The next few hours we spend playing games across the green expanse around us.  Of course, Tamahome and I get into a fight over the Frisbee.  It turns into an excellent demonstration of martial arts as we try to beat the shit out of each other.  The others watch us as we kick, hit and block.  I dodge an attack but miss step.  I catch my foot on the uneven earth and fall to the grass.  My ankle twists under me.  I immediately pull my knee to my chest, wrap my arms around it, and curl in on myself as I wait for the pain to fade.

"Genrou!" Tamahome says as soon as he sees I am down by my own lack of sure-footedness.  "Are you all right?" he asks squatting down beside me.

The concern in his voice does not surprise me.  It might seem we don't like each other.  But, if looked through the lens of real brothers it all fits.  We pick on, we teas, we torment, and we beat up each other like many brothers do, but if anyone else threatened or injured one of us, the other would be there to help.

My only response to his question is a grown before Mits is beside me.  His gentle hands wrap around my leg.

"Let me see," he says as he pulls my leg closer to examine.

He pokes and prods; I yelp and squirm.

"Just twisted," he announces to everyone's relief.  "You had better stay off of it for a few hours."

I suddenly am swept up in Mits' strong arms and carried to the tree.  I loudly declare I am not a kid as he sets me against the tree and props my foot up.

"Now stay there," he orders.

I cross my arms and momentarily pout while the others go back to the game.  I soon let that go and enjoy the shade and watching Chichiri run to catch the rotating disk.  His ponytail bounces up as he falls back to the ground after snagging the Frisbee mid air.  His eyes scan to find one of his teammates to toss it to.  He looks so happy and lovable.  I smile with the pleasure and joy just watching him gives me.

Approaching soft footsteps draw my attention.  I look up to see who has come to visit the invalid.

Kouran smiles at me.

"Mind if I join you?" she asks.

"No," I answer.             

"Houjun has always been like a brother to me," Kouran says after sitting down beside me.  "When his parents died, it was only natural that we took him in."  She pulls at a blade of grass.  "I know our support helped him through those rough times.  When he told us of his new job, I worried about him.  I worried about him moving to a new town with no friends, no support.  I know he is a grown man who can take care of himself… but I just worry about him," she says with a little shrug.  "I can't help it."  She glances at me and gives me a sheepish smile.  "When he came to visit over break, it only added to my worry," she says looking at the others playing.  "He was different – lost.  But when he told us about you – I hoped you would be the one he was looking for."  She places her hand on top of mine in a friendly manner.  The warmth of her hand soaks into my skin.  "It's good to seem him so happy and carefree again.  You and your friends have given him something he never truly found among my family."

I look at her questioningly.  She gives me a most heart warming smile.

"A place he truly feels he belongs.  You have given him a family of his own."

She squeezes my hand.

"Thank you, and take care of him."

"I will," I respond choked with emotion.  I clear my throat before continuing.  "I will take care of him, as much as, he takes care of me."  

"Then you are both in good hands," she responds before standing.

~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~ 

I tap my pen against the desk as I read over my notes once more.  An irritated growl escapes my lips.  I've been studying for the past two hours, and all the facts are rolling around in my mind ready to slip away.  I toss my pen irritated and lean back in my chair.  I rub my eyes and forehead to relive the stress.

"DAAA!" exclaims a chibi Chichiri standing on my desk.

I force my chair back a meter at the surprise arrival.

"Shit, Chiri, ya scared me.

"Da, Da," he says hopping into my lap and nuzzling into my chest.

"So ya relearned an old trick?"

"Hai," he affirms leaning back to look up at me adoringly.

"What'ch doing here?" I ask placing a finger on the tip of his nose.

Suddenly with a poof and smoke, he is normal size, straddling my lap, and holding my finger lightly between his teeth.  The chair groans at the sudden increase in weight.

"You need a study break no da," he informs me.

"Maybe I do," I give him a fang baring grin.  "What'ch have in mind?" I ask slipping my arms around him.  "An' why didn't ya use the door?"

"Less rumors this way," he says as he leans closer.  "And, I wanted to surprise you."

I watch his sparkling eyes.  They tell me just what kind of study break he has in mind.  He stops with our noses millimeters apart.  I fight the urge to close the distance.  He has initiated this round, and I will let him direct it even if my body is crying out against the wait.   I don't have to anticipate long.  He grins before running his tongue over my lower lip.  The excited flesh tingles at his touch.  His lips replace his tongue giving light slow caresses.  My eyes drift shut at the wonderful assault.  A moist pressure of a kiss blesses one eyelid then the other.  I open my eyes brushing his retreating lips with my lashes.  

"Hmm…," I purr, "I think a study break is just what I need."

"I thought so no da.  I could feel you frustrated ki on the other side of campus," he says nuzzling my neck and running delicate touches down my chest.

He nips in a highly sensitive spot on my neck.  I gasp and throw my head back in delight.  I can feel his lips tighten in a smirk as they press lightly against the spot once more. 

My hands clench the kesa draped over his back from his left shoulder.  I arch into him to feel more of him against me and to encourage his wonderful worship of my neck.

"Chiri," I moan as his lips return to mine and his hands slip under the hem of my shirt.

His kiss is more demanding but just as sweet.  His lips and tongue tease and pull at my own.  I return the gesture biting gently on his lower lip.  I give it a tender tug letting my fangs drag across it before releasing the magnificent piece of flesh.  As soon as it's free, I passionately claim his entire mouth.  My hand leaves the kesa and supports his head as I drive him back toward the desk with my devouring kisses.  His arms wrap around my neck holding him close to me.

I place a few light kisses on his cheek as I lean back to catch my breath.  My breathing is labored with the activity and excitement that only Chichiri causes.  Damn he is beautiful.

"You look warm," Chichiri says with an impish grin.  "Taking off your shirt might help no da," he suggests, desire clearly evident in is playful voice.

"Umm," is all my pleasure loaded brain can manage to get out as I let my love pull my shirt off over my head.

My fingers move to the kesa's buckle and let the cloth fall to the floor.  I eagerly unfasten his dress shirt buttons wanting to assault his chest in the way he is tormenting mine.  I hungrily grab his lips with mine and force the shirt down his shoulders.  I growl when it will move no farther because his hands are holding onto my shoulders.

He laughs into the kiss.  

"Bit impatient, aren't we no da," he murmurs before letting his arms drop to his side so I can strip him of his damned shirt.

I hum triumphant dropping the shirt and crushing our naked heaving chests together.  I taste his lips with elation.  My tongue joins in the dance seeking out his.  He is just as feverishly into the activity as I am.  My hands drift down his back and cup his rear as I kiss his beautiful arched neck.  I pull him forward.

"DAAA!" he gasps as my actions pushes our testaments of desire against each other.

He tilts his head forward from its thrown back position and locks passionate and wanton mahogany eyes on me.  I want to melt right then.

He is feverishly loving my lips and neck.  I gasp his name as he slowly grinds our groins together.

Suddenly he stops, and I morn the loss of action.  He looks up all passion gone from his face.

"Your sister is coming," he says before I can ask what the problem is.  "Shall I ward the door or do you wish to see her?"

Pros and cons weigh themselves out in my mind.

"If ya don't mind, love, I would like her to walk in on us and die of shock," I grin evilly.  "Only if you are comfortable with it," I assure.

"They will have to find out about me sooner or later, no da," he concedes.  "I just didn't expect to be so… so… indecent."

"Not like we're in the middle of actually fucking.  If it helps, ya' can put ya'r shirt back on," I suggest.

"No time," he says capturing my lips in a heated kiss as the door knob turns.

Our arms wrap around each other, and I am lost in another moment with my love.  So lost I forget about my sister.  A thud of a closing door brings my attention to her standing just inside my doorway.  She leans heavily against the door with eyes wide and mouth open.  I give her an unconcerned look while Chichiri continues to nibble my shoulder that is away from my sister.

"Yes, Meru.  You want something?" I ask lacking my usual irritation at her presence.

Her mouth opens and closes once, twice, three times before freezing half way.  Her hand rises to point at us.

"B..B… boy," she stutters out.  "You're making out with a BOY!"

My head whips away from her, and I moan in ecstasy as Chichiri teases my collarbone and shifts his hips in a very suggestive way.   I am ready to take him now on my desk with my sister watching, and I think he knows that.  

He lifts his face from my shoulder gives me a quick peck before acknowledging Meru's presence.  He calmly and nonchalantly addresses her.

"Nice to see you again, Meru," he says with a polite grin.

Meru lets out a small squeak before falling on her face passed out.

I laugh so hard I have to cling to Chichiri to stay upright.

"Damn, Chichiri, you're good," I say as I calm down.

I look at my fallen sister, and the laughter roars out of my mouth once more.  Tears roll down my cheeks at my merriment.  I rest my head against Chichiri's shoulder till I can control myself.

"It is not nice to cause your sister to faint no da," he says in his advisor tone.

"Shit, Chiri, ya know what hell she puts me through.  It's about time I got back at her," I say leaning back and dabbing the moisture away from my eyes.  "Anyway, I have warned her she should knock.  Never know what ya might walk in on."

Chichiri smirks at that.

"Well, as long as she was warned," he shrugs.  "What are we to do with her now?"  

~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~

I already know who is at the door before the soft knock comes.

"Come in," I call.

My sister slowly opens the door.  She glances around and sees Chichiri sitting behind Kouji's desk.

"You remember Houjun-san," I say ignoring her apprehension.  "He is a friend of Miaka's, and was kind enough to help me study for finals," I tell her with as innocent a face as I can.

She looks at me and him several times trying to decide if what she remembers seeing earlier was real or a dream.  To end her last visit, Chichiri transported the unconscious Meru back to her room.  I am sure she was so disoriented when she woke. 

With her gone, Chichiri and I finished our "study break" to the satisfaction of both parties involved.  Afterwards, Chichiri offered to help me study since I was reluctant to return to the books he had pulled me away from.

She swallows trying to find a nice way to broach the subject without sounding crazy.

"What the hell has brought you to my room?  And it had better not be a fucking waist of my time," I growl.

She can't look me in the face without blushing.  I have to hold in my laughter.

"Mom wants to know when you are done with finals and can expect you home," she says barely looking at me.

"Done tomorrow, but I'm not fucking coming home till they kick me out of my dorm," I say enjoying her reaction.  Then I hit her once more.  "Nice to see ya leaned some damn manners and knocked.  What brought this on – hell freeze over?"

Chichiri hits me with a small warning ki blast under the joined desks as my sister turns bright red and looks anywhere but us.  I give him a brief pouting glare which he returns with a look telling me to behave.

"Just thought I would do something to surprise you," she says trying to regain her usually attitude but could not quite pull it off.  "I have to go."

~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~ 

Several days later Chichiri, Taka, Kouji and I are hauling boxes our of my dorm room, while Mitsukake, Nuriko and Hotohori are helping Chiriko move out.  We load up Kouji's car first with his belongings.  Thankfully, he has been taking stuff home over the past several days and there is not a lot left.

I, on the other hand, have not graced the door of my home since the last break and have several boxes.  Chichiri helped me pack the last of my things this morning.  I love him.

We are able to load most of my belongings in Taka's car and take them to my house.  Kouji will return to the dorm to retrieve the last of them.  We park in front of my house.  Tamahome starts pulling out boxes from the backseat and hands me a couple boxes. 

With arms loaded, I turn to my house.  I take four steps when another car parks before my house.  A glance shows it to be Hotohori and Nuriko.  I continue into the house as greetings are exchanged.  Before the door closes behind me, I hear Nuriko taunting Tamahome as they unload my belongings.  I smirk at the familiar and comforting sound.  I head up the stairs and to my room.  I set my load of belongings in one corner and am startled by the voice from my doorway.

"So this is your room no da?" Chichiri says standing just inside the doorway and examining my semi-privet niche in my parents' home.

His eyes scan everything from the posters on the wall to the childhood racing car alarm clock.  His eyes stop on the bed, and he smirks.  It is an expression that says he has just seen something cute, yet holds future taunting for someone – most probably me.  I glance at my bed to see what caught his attention.  Shit, a small brown teddy bear sets before my pillow.  I snatch it from my bed, drop it to the floor, and kick it under the bed even if it is too late to keep it from being seen. 

"My nieces are always leaving their toys in here," I grumble and shift my weight to my other foot.  "The boxes are probably getting heavy," I say trying to divert his attention from the stuffed animal.  "Just set them over there."  I point to where I set the other boxes down.

"Da," he sighs and moves to add his load to pile.

I am amazed at how many things he can express with the one small word.  This one is agreement as he realizes how heavy the boxes are getting as he stands there, as well as, acknowledgment of where to put them.

A ruckus in the hall alerts us to the others bringing in my other belongings.

"Uncle Genrou!" happily shouts the small blur that enters my room and latches onto my leg.  Large brown eyes look up at me adoringly.  "You're home!  I missed ya."

Nuriko sets his large stack of boxes in the middle of the floor, rests his folded arms on the top box and coos, "Aaahhhh, don't you two look cute."

Before I can growl at Nuriko, my niece is looking around me to my bed.

"Where's Mr. Cuddles?" she innocently asks.  "He was here earlier."  She places her small fists on her hips when she notices Mr. Cuddles's foot just peaking out from under the bed.  "Dar 'e is!" she gleefully exclaims as she bends down and pulls the bear out from under the bed.  She gives it a large hug before hopping onto my bed to better look me in the eye.  She turns serious.  "You should take better care of your toys," she says with all the earnestness she can muster. 

"Mr. – Cud – dles?" Tamahome manages between chuckles.  "Yo-u  hh-ave a stuffed b b-bear named Mr. Cuddles!"  Tamahome is almost on the floor in his laughter.

I glance at the others.  Nuriko is failing in keeping back his own laughter, and I can see the mirth in my lover's eyes.  I feel the flush of embarrassment run up my face and react to it by lashing out at my tormentor.  The feel of Tamahome's neck between my hands as I shake him is therapeutic.

"Genrou!" calls my third sister's voice as she comes up the stairway.  She stands in the doorway looking disapprovingly down at me "horsing around" with Tamahome.

"What?" I growl at her releasing Tamahome who is still snickering while he rubs the back of his head.  I roll back to a squatting position and look her in the eye.

"I'm leaving Suki with you."

"WHAT!" I exclaim.  I have not been home more than five minutes and they are already imposing.

"I have things to do and can't take her with me," she says casually.

"Ya can't just come in here and dump y'r daughter on me anytime ya like.  I have a life with things to do!" I yell at her.

She does not flinch.

"You're just going to spend the day unpacking," she says.

"How do you know?" I spit back. 

Soft whimpering precedes a very small voice. 

"Don't ya want t' spend time wif me?" Suki asks.

Ouch! 

I turn to look at her, which is a mistake.  Large tears hover in her eyes, and she looks so crestfallen at me not wanting to spend time with her.

"Ya'v been gone fer so long, Uncle.  Don't ya like me anymore?"  She sniffles and rubs at her nose with her sleeve.

All eyes in the room are focused on the small face.  All laughter has stopped.  The air is full of apprehension.

"Gen-li?"*** Chichiri whispers getting his first good look at her since she came into the room.

She looks up at me before hiding her face into Mr. Cuddles.  My heart crumbles into tinny pieces.

Damn!  Damn, damn, damn!  She's crying.

"I like ya," I say to Suki as I squat down before her. 

She sniffles and peeks over the bear at me obviously hesitant to believe me.  

"Ya don't wana stay wif me," she accuses.

I'm a gonner.  I glance at my sister, and her smile tells me that she knows I will do it.  She did before she even entered my room.  I even bet that she sent Suki up here first to be sure I did.

Shit.  No way out of this.

 "I like spending time with ya," I say trying to make amends.  "I'm not happy with y'r mother for not checking if I could."

I glare at my sister hopping she will get the point before turning back to Suki.

She sniffles a bit more as she takes in my words. 

"Can ya?" she asks with hope in her eyes.

I rest my hand on her head.  I ruffle her red hair a bit before answering.

"Sure, but I do have things ta do, so I can't play with ya all the time," I say.

She releases the bear.  It drops to the floor as she launches herself at me.  Her small arms wrap tightly around my neck.

"Dat's ok," she says giving me a hug.

"Knock, knock," Kouji calls out from behind my sister.  "Who's there?  Kouji and Doukun with the last of Genrou's stuff."

"I have got to go," says my sister moving to let the others in.  "Nice to see you again Kouji," she adds before moving down the hallway.

The others shuffle into my room taking up what little space there is.  Boxes are quickly stacked, and we exit for the larger area of the front yard.  Hotohori, Mitsukake, and Miaka with Kazuna wait for us by the cars.

Suki clings to me as she is surrounded by strangers.

"Our tasks are now complete," Hotohori says.

"Thanks," I say to everyone.

"You are coming to our place this evening for dinner," Nuriko says or more like orders all of us.  "It is an end of the year celebration," he adds.

We all assent to being there although I have to put a rider on my attendance.

"It will depend when my family responsibilities can be passed on," I tell Nuriko as we watch Suki checking Kazuna out after Miaka coaxes Suki to them.

"You and Chichiri come when you can," Nuriko says.

The others take their leave.  Miaka waves to Suki as they get into the car.  We wave as they pull away.  I turn and head back to the house.

Suki latches onto my hand as we walk.  She examines Chichiri who is walking slightly behind us.

"Who are you?" she asks Chichiri when we enter the house.

"My name is Houjun no da," Chichiri says bowing to her.

"I'm Suki," she says bowing back.

"It's nice to meet you no da," Chichiri says squatting down to her level.

She giggles and lightly hooks her finger over her lip

"You talk funny," she says still holding my hand.

"Hai, no da," Chichiri responds lightly tweaking her nose.

She moves closer to me but giggles.

I move to go up the stairs when Suki tugs at my arm.

"I'm hungry," she states.

I let out a sigh and glance at my watch.  It is close to lunch time.  I trek to the kitchen to look for something to eat.  Suki dances happily before me.  She enters the kitchen and rushes to the refrigerator.  She grasps the handle.  Her small face scrunches in determination as she gives it a mighty tug.  The door swings open, and I stand behind her to examine the contents.

There are a few boxes of carry-out and a carton of milk.  I pick up one box and cautiously sniff.

"Eeegad!" I exclaim quickly tossing the box into the trash.  "Hell, there's nothing here."

I check the cabinets and find nothing easy to fix.  I slam the last door shut.  Suki looks at me with wide eyes.

"I just called for delivery," Chichiri says entering the room.

"Thanks, Chiri," I say.

We head to my room and work on unpacking the boxes while we wait for the food to arrive.  Suki sits on my bed and listens to the tales Chichiri spins for her.  The sound of the doorbell interrupts us.

"Poof," followed by a squeaky, "I'll get it no da," precedes my chibified lover's dash out the door and down the stairs.

Suki is wide-eyed at the transformation.  She mutters something about a playmate and is soon chasing after him.  He has definitely won her over. 

I follow imagining the horrors two chibis can cause.  I enter the hall.  A normal sized Chichiri shuts the door with the food cartons in hand.

"Let's eat!" exclaims Suki happily as she jumps up and down.

~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  ~=88=~  

 "She's asleep," I say slipping to the spot on the couch by Chichiri.  "You sure wore her out."

After lunch, a chibi Chichiri and Suki ran around the back yard… and the house… and my room… and over me playing tag and Suzaku knows what else.  However, the end result was one tired Suki.

"Me too na no da," he says before yawning.

He leans his head on my shoulder and snuggles up to my side.  After slipping one arm around his waist, I brush back his long blue bangs and place a kiss on his forehead.

"Daaa," he sighs hugging me a bit tighter.

"Love ya," I whisper.

"I love you too," he says lifting his head.

He catches my lips in a lazy undemanding kiss.  He rests his head back on my shoulder.  I rest my cheek against his crown.  It felt good to finally be alone with him.  My thumb absentmindedly strokes his side as I breathe in the scent of his hair. 

"I was thinking we could take off to the mountains or something when you finish teaching summer classes," I softly say.

"Ummm, that would be nice no da," he says.  "Kouran and Hikou want us to visit sometime too.  They thought the rest of the family should meet you no da."

I can feel his cheek pressed against me pull back in a smile.

"When do you start your summer job no da?" he asks.

"I talked to Kouji's dad last night, and I start back stocking shelves on Wednesday," I answer.

Chichiri lets out a light hum of acknowledgment. 

I look up at the sound of small feet nearing the room.  Suki, clutching Mr. Cuddles, enters the room.  She sleepily walks over to us, climbs onto the couch and onto my lap.  She settles in between Chichiri and me.

"I don't wana be alone," she says snuggling between us and leaning against Chichiri. 

Chichiri frees one arm and wraps it around her for support.  A light tug settles her firmly against him.

Her eyes quickly close, and she is in dream land once more. 

"She always did like you best," I teas Chichiri.

He gives me an impish smile before leaning his head back on my shoulder.

I watch Suki cuddled up with us and remember other such times in our past life.  Some memories are of a young auburn haired girl and others of a purple haired one.  No matter how much I complain about it, I enjoyed raising Gen-li and Nuriko.  There are no words to express the pride and joy I felt helping them grow and learn. 

"Do you want to try raising a boy this time or stick to girls?" I ask Chichiri.

There is no response.

"Chiri?" I ask as I look down at him.

His eyes are closed and his breathing is slow and even.  He really did tire himself out too.  I close my eyes and rest my head against the couch back.

"We'll just see what life gives us this time," I think before the warmth of the two sleepers lulls me into their world.

THE END  T_T   - I hope it lived up to your expectations.


Author's Notes and Review Responses:

* Incase your need a reminder, Ru-shi/Eishi is Tasuki's sister from their second life.

**I have found conflicting information as to Hotohori's real name.  Once site says it is Seishuku Saihitei.  Another says that Saihitei is his imperial title.  For lack of a birth name for him, I have used it Seishuku Saihitei.    

***Gen-li was Genrou's niece he and Chichiri adopted in their first life.

There you have it all my lovely readers… the conclusion of New Life Old Bonds.  SIGH   I am sad that this tale is over, yet I feel very content at putting the finishing touches on what is my longest story ever.  Up to now, I think it is one of my best works.  I have really enjoyed writing from the individual's POV and am finding it difficult to change back as I work on new stories.  .  Oh, well.  I hope you have enjoyed the winding path I laid out as much as I have putting it together. 

A reader early on asked if Tasuki's niece Gen-li would be a part of the story.  All I could manage was a cameo at the end.  She just did not fit in anyplace else.  However, I thin she helped make the end.

I had toyed with the idea of Kouji regaining his memories too, but it would not work logically without many of the other's remembering and that just makes for too neat of a package and a lot of explaining. n_nu  I love tying up loose ends, but there are some that need to be left free to make the story real.  This is one of them.  Maybe in the future he will…. 

*BIG KISS* to everyone who reviewed or will review plus a couple of *glomps.*  There are a few of you that reviewed a bulk of the chapters, and I am highly impressed.  *Glomp*  Thank you for sharing your opinions. 

As for future stories in relations to the world of NLOB, I have two started but no idea when they will be ready to post.  One is Nuriko and Hotohori's side of the story (which has momentarily stalled) and the other is Tasuki and Chichiri's second life.  Right now that is the one I am focusing on.  Also… drumb roll Chibi-Kaz has taken to fleshing out Tasuki and Chiri's third life.  I have seen the prolog and look forward to seeing the story completed and posted as she has time. 

For now … so long.  *sniffle, sniffle*

Babbling Brook

Arsronus Liadon:  Was the ending big, fuzzy, warm and fluffy, über-happy?

mikazuki senshi: Thank you.

Akennea: Yes, he did, and the reason I never had him say it previously was so that one moment would be more poignant.  ^____^

Unofficail Schwarz: Hai, I make up the incantation up, na no da.  I thought Hotohori's fear would be a reasonable one for the story plot. 

Minerva Teller of tales: Thanks for your understanding support.  Hope you enjoyed the last chapter.

Kouryou Sanomi: I am glad someone liked the chibi Chichiri.  It was my attempt to show that his more playful side still existed, and it was just cute – or so I thought.  ^___^

DreamFeathers: Your reviews always make me smile and giggle.  ^_^  Thank you. 

Chichiri is adorable in all forms na no da!  I was trying for maximum cuteness with the chibi at Taiitsukun's.  For me writing for his chibi form is the hardest.  It is hard to switch from serious to childishly playful – don't know why though.  I tend to be a bit like that in real life.  O.o

If this chapter causes the same reaction as the last, you might want to have Chiri's kesa washed.  ^_~

tutseti: Happy you reviewed.  *wipes tear from eye with a little sniffle* I have tried my best to give their relationship justice.  Glad you approve.

Akirasamiji: Thank you.

Akennea: *chuckles* Impatient ne.  Hope this is quick enough for ya.  ^_~

Mato: *blush* Thank you so much for you high opinion of my work.  Your comments are greatly appreciated.