I LOVE MY LITTLE SISSY!!!

['Nuff said.]

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Sojiro watched as Gesshoku and Kamatari toasted to one another. They were having another baby. The two of them were overjoyed with themselves. He was envious. They had gotten on with their lives, started a family. And they were so happy.

It wasn't fair.

He didn't begrudge them a second child; he was actually quite happy for them. He just wondered when Harusame would stop being so afraid of him and when he would have the nerve to propose to her. He wanted a chance for a family of his own and all the other good stuff that came with it.

"I'm so excited for you!" Harusame squealed enthusiastically, "This is wonderful!"

Sojiro's cerulean gaze turned to his pretty young companion. She was wearing the exquisite kimono that she had bought that morning. It was silk, finely crafted, and a rich shade of charcoal gray. It had been embroidered with little blue birds and the obi was a perfect match, a smoky blue in color. Around her neck and resting on her collarbone was the sapphire charm he had given her for Christmas five years prior.

She looked positively stunning.

It was hard to resist the urge to sweep her into his arms and kiss her. He felt dreadful, lusting after her like that, but who could resist? She looked over at him, batting those long eyelashes shyly, a smile on her lips. Was she trying to do this to him? Was it all some sort of scheme to get…To get what? She had told him that she didn't want to be with him yet.

He was thoroughly confused.

"Isn't it great, Sou?" She asked breathlessly, "Aren't they fantastic parents already?" He could see excitement in her earthy eyes. She was positively thrilled for them and it showed.

"They are wonderful parents." He smiled politely, his thoughts a million miles away from their friends, "And they will give this baby the world."

"Thanks, guys." Gessho smiled, her cheeks rosy, her eyes shining. "I feel so stupid that it took this long to realize it. I've been busy with Kietsu -a lot busier than usual now that she's all over the place exploring- and I didn't even notice. I guess I only thought about it now that I want a baby."

"We'll, I'm happy for you!" Harusame chirped.

"We're happy too." Kamatari beamed. He was feeling fiercely protective of his mate; already worrying over her delicate state. She was the world to him and he didn't want anything to happen to her. But he was delighted at the idea of another child. If some one had told him, years ago when he worked for Shishio-sama, that he would have not one, but two children, he would have laughed in their face. But he did love her something powerful and he was glad they had reproduced.

She smiled at him and he drew her face up for a kiss, his fingers under her chin. He didn't understand why she thought she wasn't pretty; she was positively shining. She had those warm brown eyes, always full of laughter. He could see the good in her every time she looked him in the eyes and to him she was beautiful.

He couldn't wait to get her alone later.

They decided to call it an early evening, seeing as all of their thoughts were scattered in a thousand directions. The day had not quite gone as planned, even though it had pleasant results. Instead of lingering at the restaurant, the two couples returned to the Aoiroten-onsan as soon as dinner had been finished, both of the men having plans for their respective women and not realizing the women had the same plans.

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"Sojiro?"

"Yeah?" The young man yawned sleepily. They had gone for a walk after parting ways with Kamatari and Gessho, admiring the clear, February sky. They had held hands for most of the stroll, he very aware of her close proximity. He relished having her so near, their skin in contact; he could smell the haze of cherry blossoms that had followed her all evening. It drove him wild.

"C-can you…Can you…" She hesitated, blushing deeply; he could see the bright color of her face even in the pale moonlight.

"Can I what?" He looked at her, a sudden desire to kiss her seizing him. She looked some sort of wood nymph; wrapped in a blue travel cloak, her hair shorn short, her eyes wide. Her face was lit with that wonderful blush; her lips parted slightly.

"Can you…let go of my hand…?" She whispered.

"I'd rather not." He was feeling brave that night. Rather than let go of her hand, he took the other too, staring down at her, his boyish face slightly pink.

She looked down at the ground, trying to avoid his gaze. She had felt audacious earlier in the evening, but now he was taking control and she shied away. Then she looked up and her gaze met his bright blue eyes. She could see herself reflected in them; see all of his sorrows and all of his hopes.

It was under the watchful gaze of the moon that he leaned over to kiss her fully for the first time; his lips softly meeting hers, parting them slightly; tasting, searching, exploring. It was a surprisingly chaste kiss -he was a polite man, after all- but still caused her to blush deeply to the very roots of her hair.

"I love you." He told her softly, his fingers tightening around hers, "I…I really do love you."

She nodded silently, her wide eyes telling him she loved him just as much. He smiled gently, his heart still pounding at his own boldness. He had expected her to slap him or much worse, but she had responded in turn, returning his inexperienced kiss.

His heart sang with joy. He wanted to propose, but well, that would have to wait for another time. He had had enough bravery for one day, yet that evening had been plenty.

Tightening his grip on her hand, he led her back to the house.

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"Can you believe our luck?" Gessho stole across the room to the window, looking out at the starry winter sky. "We don't have to wait nearly as long and we don't have to go through the drama of trying for it."

Stop pacing…Are you warm enough? Do you feel okay? Do you need anything? A million more thoughts raced through Kamatari's mind, but he simply nodded, saying "Come over here to me, Darling." He was reclined on their bed, watching her every step as she moved throughout the room, changing out of her kimono, combing her hair.

"Why?" She shot him a teasing glance over her shoulder.

A charming smile crossed his face. "So I can hold you in my arms, kiss you and tell you sweet things because I love you."

Feigning reluctance, she settled beside him on the bed, slightly away from him. This was a game she played often enough when she knew he was feeling particularly randy. She liked him to think he was the one who was in charge when really he was at her mercy.

He reached over, touching her cheek, brushing back her hair. She barely moved, even though she was melting at his touch. His fingers were so soft, his skin so smooth. She had loved him since the day she met him and had always dreamed of being with him like this, even when he was still a woman.

"Don't tease, Koishii. I just want to talk." He said softly, "I'm not in the mood for anything else."

"All right." She slid over closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "What do you want to talk about?"

"We're having another baby. I think that gives us plenty to talk about." He put an arm around her, holding her close to him. "You feeling okay?"

She nodded. "I feel great. Are you excited?"

"Of course I am. I love the little lady and I'll love this baby too. You're the only woman who would ever give me the chance to be a father." He kissed her forehead, "I love you, Koishii. Thank you for giving me wonderful children."

She cuddled up to him, her arm around him, her hand resting on his chest. "Even if you didn't love me like this, I would have been willing to have a baby for you. I would do anything for you."

He looked at her for a moment, knowing she was telling the truth. He was quiet for a long time, holding her protectively. He hadn't realized just how devoted to him she was and it made him feel like a jerk; knowing she would have thrown her life away for him and get nothing in return. "I never would have asked that of you. You know I'm a better man than that, right?"

"I know. But I love you that much. I have loved you forever. When you were working for Shishio and I met you, you were so sad and lonely. You tried to hide it. You and Sojiro aren't that different, you know. He hid everything with those smiles and you…You gave your heart away and you didn't know how to get it back. You tried to hide yourself in your cheerfulness. But I knew. I could see how lost you were and it made my heart ache."

"Do I still make you sad, Darling?" He rubbed her back gently, "I never want you to hurt because of me."

"You make me sad when I can see you hurting and not know how to help you. But mostly," She smiled mischievously, "You make me extremely happy." She nuzzled her head under his chin, nearly causing him to start purring. More than anything, they both liked just being together.

"You make me happy too, Gessh." He stroked her cheek, comfortable with their current situation. It always began this way, when he held her in his arms. Then he would seek faith in her kiss and comfort in her heart. He was a man who needed a lot of reassurance and she gave it to him. "Things aren't going to change at all because of this baby, are they?"

"Of course things will change. But between you and me? Never. Love doesn't need to be divided; it simply grows so that there is enough." Her finger traced along his collarbone; she could feel when he swallowed, feel the pounding of his heart. "You will always be number one in my heart."

He shivered with pleasure, his throat constricting, eyes filling with tears. "Don't do this, Darling. Don't make me feel like an animal tonight. I don't want to lust after you when you're in this state. It seems wrong." He felt horrible, terrible, like everything he ever hated. He loathed that dirty lusty feeling.

"Don't cry, Love." She cradled his head in her hands, wiping away his tears, kissing him softly on the forehead. "It's okay. Nothing you feel for me is wrong. You're my husband; you're allowed to desire me."

"You've got my baby inside you; I shouldn't be thinking naughty thoughts." He whispered, "I'm above all that. I'm not like that. I'm a good boy."

"Oh, Kamatari, don't be like this. I know you're a good man. I won't ask you to do anything you don't want to do." Her hand ran lovingly across his cheek, her eyes meeting his as she looked up at him. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable. Here." She took his hand, moving it down to her stomach, "Let the baby know you love it."

"You've gained weight, haven't you? We didn't even realize…" His smile was whimsical; his eyes gleamed with pleasure as he pulled her onto his lap, hugging her, his arms around her waist. He remembered last time; that soft feel of her tummy as Kietsu grew. "I must be as blind as you."

She giggled. "No, Love, you haven't seen me naked in a long time. And I didn't even think about it because I always gain weight this time of year since we're not as busy running around. Not as much business, not as much to do. I get lazy in the winter."

"Yeah, you do." He teased, tickling her mercilessly in the rib cage. She laughed, snorting a little, clinging to him the way she did in her sleep. This prompted him to tickle more and soon she was collapsed on the bed, sprawled out on his lap, begging him to stop.

"No! Stop; Kamatari, you're going to kill me! Stop it; Stop It; STOP IT! I'm going to vomit if you don't stop! Please…" Tears streamed down her face, "I can't stand it!"

"I'll stop." He kissed her fully on the lips, teasing, taunting, and getting her all flustered. "I was just having fun." He said innocently.

"Maybe fun for you…" She pulled him down on top of her, returning the kiss. "I find this more fun."

He smiled, holding her close, keeping her safe. It wouldn't be much longer until her couldn't hold her like that and that thought saddened him. Keeping her safe was the one thing he could always do and he never wanted to let her down. He nestled his face into her hair, whispering that he loved her, but got no response.

She had fallen asleep beneath him.

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Sojiro held Harusame in his arms that night, keeping her close as they slept. She had her back to him, but her small body fit nicely into the curve of his. He had lain there awake for a long time, marveling at the fact she would allow him to touch her while she slept. He couldn't believe how wonderful she was.

I'm going to make you so happy, Harusame. I'm going to be the most wonderful husband ever. We'll have a wonderful life.

Just as soon I figure out how to propose.

He sighed, tightening her grip around her. He would never let her go. He loved her far too much. He just had to figure out how to prove it.

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You know, that tickle scene is me. I'm so damn ticklish. Josh desensitized me once, then so did Evil, but it comes and goes. You can't touch me without me laughing. I'm hopeless.

We got a router. So now I'm posting this from MY laptop. Huzzah!