deliciae

I Return to You : Chapter 10.

deliciae: First off, I'd like to thank the reviewers of last chapter. Second, I'm sorry for the delay of getting this up as there have been many things that kept me occupied where I wasn't able to upload this, such as getting ready to go on to my next college, and my Muse's persistent "deliciae, type!" ::smiles:: I mean, she kept me going with other fics, so it was quite a while until I was able to have some time to upload this. As for now, my Muse and father are on their way to see my mother, who was just admitted to the hospital for a heart attack, on the 22-month anniversary of my brother's death. Such, is the life… Hopefully all will go well in that aspect of my life, and don't fret readers, I'll try to continue typing, even if it takes me quite a while.

Disclaimer and warnings: please review prior chapters for this information.

Pairings: Kurama x Kuro; Youko x Kuronue; Yusuke x Koenma

/…/ Youko to Shuuichi

…Shuuichi to Youko

… Kuronue to Kuro

… Kuro to Kuronue

While Kurama had been gone on his errand, there had been no change in Kuro's condition, except it seemed that the chimera-human had slipped from his unconscious faint into the world of dreams. Deep, slumberous breathing filled the room, while Yusuke sat in a chair nearby the bed, drawn to sleep by the rhythmic sound.

Kurama opened the door gently, and a brown eye opened to see who it was. "Yusuke…" The plant-master called, and the Tantei slowly stood, his body still accustomed to slumber. Once out of the room, the door was closed, and Kurama smiled. "Take a break… I'll watch over Kuro for now." That seemed simple enough for the emotionally tired youth and he nodded agreement as he started toward the living room, where he'd try to continue his sleep.

Kurama slipped into the room, the book on chimeras in his hold. Yet, as he sat down at his desk, he was reminded of weeks prior, when he came in, to read a similar item—the list of names. A sigh slipped from his lips while he glanced at his mate, then he opened the thick book cautiously. The leather creaked from age and no-use, the pages were written in an elegant, old script. "The chimera is one of the most secretive of all the Makai species…" Kurama trailed off quietly after he read this line aloud; he agreed whole-heartedly with the statement, as Kuronue had been friendly, yet not truly open. From there on, the redheaded youth continued his reading, learning more about his mate.

When Yusuke had continued down the hall, he was unprepared to meet with the sight before him. Inside the living room, Koenma stood in his glory, but humbled by the roses in his arms. Lovely red to a virginal white were the ranges, and they took away the Tantei's breath. He had never expected this, and the demi-god held the flowers out, in an obvious peace offering.

"Yusuke… I'm sorry," the flowers trembled in their outstretched hold, and the brown-eyed youth looked at them, and then took them and their accompanying apology. With nothing said, Yusuke pulled his 'boss' into his arms, causing Koenma to squeak around the pacifier and then return the hug.

For a while, both lingered in the other's hold, not willing to give up this peace to return to the rigors of daily life. However, like most things, it had to end. Both pulled away, regret evident in their stance, and stood just at arm's length, no further. The Junior Lord bit his pacifier and closed his eyes before asking humbly, "Will you please… return with me?"

Yusuke blinked, at first startled, then he smiled. With the seriousness of the demi-god's tone, the Tantei leader had almost expected another proposal, one that he wistfully wanted. "Sure," the word slipped from his lips with a definite and eager sound. Amber-toned eyes opened and a true smile spread around the obscuring pacifier, filled with relief and adoration.

"Shall we go?" The two asked at the same time then laughed gently, their arms entwined as they headed toward the exit of the apartment. At the last second, however, Yusuke looked over his shoulder. The door to Kurama's bedroom was still closed, and he wished he were able to give a heartfelt thanks to the green-eyed thief. Yet, he knew that the other already knew. And with that, Koenma and Yusuke departed the room to return to the Reikai, happier than before.

The ancient book lay open, its words forgotten as the fox-human observed his mate. This was the second time the chimera had fainted; yet in the few seconds of awareness prior, there was something different in the dark-toned gaze. The look was malicious at best, and was openly directed at the two.

Hatred? Fear? Perhaps jealousy? The kitsune pondered, his green eyes wide with instant recognition. Yes, that had been jealousy in the cold gaze, but why? That was another question to be answered. And as it seemed, the solution wasn't about to be found now.

A groan brought Kurama from his musing, and lashes flicked as the luminous dark orbs finally opened. One of Kuro's lithe hands came up from the blankets and lied across his forehead. A nervous sigh slipped from the youth's lips then he asked, "How long was I out?"

Kurama paused as he estimated the time then replied, "I would say that you were out for about two hours." A confused look was in the green orbs, for he wondered why the humanized-chimera wanted to know. How Kuro knew he had fainted was another question that nagged at the kitsune, begging to be asked.

The next words were barely stated, faintly stated; yet the kitsune caught them. "What is wrong with me?" At this, Kurama felt helpless and even more confused than before. Both knew something was wrong, and what the exact malady was still unknown.

The redhead shifted in his seat, then stood. Kuro looked upward at his mate, and was briefly confused at the actions, until Kurama asked, "Do you want me to get you some tea, food? Anything?"

The dark-haired male licked his lips, struggling to decide. However, as he did such, the book that Kurama had been reading caught his eye. /Secrets of the chimera… hmmm/ Kuronue whispered into Kuro's mind, wanting to read the book. It was true that the thief knew much about his people, many secrets, yet many more were still unknown. Maybe this book could explain… But to get to it, a diversion was needed. And as such, it came in the form of the concerned offer.

"I really would like a bowl of ramen," the youth paused, and instantly Kurama replied, "I'll make you one." However, a shake of the head stopped the kitsune in his tracks, and Kuro continued his statement, "I'd like it from Hojo's. They make such good ramen there, and I've really been craving it."

Kurama almost groaned at the idea. Hojo's was a small restaurant about seven or so blocks away, and they did not deliver. Yet, if that was what the chimera wanted, Kurama was certain to please. With that, he responded, "Sure, I'll go and get it. You just stay here and rest, and I'll be back as soon as I can with it."

"Thank you," was the low reply to the statement, and Kurama smiled before he slipped from the room, unaware of the chimera's intent. Once the front door snapped close, the sound echoing through the almost-empty apartment, Kuro snatched the book up from the end of the bed, where it had laid, forgotten.

The scent of the book was old, and the pages worn, from what was at first identifiable from the volume. It still was open, having been forgotten on the end of a chapter. With an unknown curiosity, Kuro flipped the page, and began reading.

Kurama hurried back toward the apartment, a plastic bag containing the meal in his hands. If he didn't hurry, the food would cool, he kept reminding himself as he dodged people on the street in an effort to return home. Finally, he reached his apartment, heaving a sigh of relief as he unlocked the door and stepped in.

The door closed with a bang, almost startling the redhead; the loud sound echoed across the apartment. It was eerily silent, and Kurama was starting to worry. Kuro's ki was still present, however, and that much was reassuring; but it did little good to know that the ki was raging, pulsing angrily. Uneasily the youth went toward the bedroom, feeling much like he was heading for his doom. And as his hand pushed the door open, it appeared he was.

The bedroom was in disarray, pillows and blankets strewn here and there in a frenzy. Green eyes widened with shock at the state of his normally pristine room. The dark-haired aggressor sat in the middle of the melee, atop the bed, his back facing Kurama. "Kuro?"

A low growl slipped from the questioned youth, his shoulders taunt with anger. At that, the humanized-youko took a step forward, worried about his mate. His attempt was, however, stopped by the sudden throw of a scythe, which embedded itself into the nearby wall, less than six-inches away from his head.

Kurama gulped, worried by the vicious display. Despite the threat, he knew instinctively that Kuro, or even Kuronue, would never kill his mate. Maim, injure—yes, but kill? Never. Reassured by that feeling, the kitsune stepped forward, ignoring the gleam of another scythe in the other's hold.

The intensity of the situation seemed to magnify as Kurama closed in on the bed. Finally reaching it, the emerald-eyed youth was surprised by the dark youkai's impassive façade, and then realized it for what it was. A shield, a fake mirror, something that held back the truth. "What's wrong, Kuro?" The words were heart-spoken, soft, gentle; not at all what Kuro was expecting.

With that, the shield cracked, and all the emotions flooded toward the crack, forcing their way out and destroying it in the process. Tears welled up in the violet-blue eyes, slipping silently down the creamy cheeks, as Kuro fought to hold on to some composure, some sense of dignity. Yet, it fled when warmth suddenly surrounded the distraught male; Kuro burrowed into Kurama's hold, shaking and crying, babbling nonsense as he cried.

Soft, comforting words slipped from the redhead's lips as he consoled his mate. What had happened in the short span of time? He wondered, not saying anything other than words of concern. After a while, moments passed in silence, and Kurama looked down at his mate to check on him.

Kuro's dark eyes were red-rimmed, and tearstains were visible from their treks across his cheeks. A quiet hiccup slipped from the youth, and he looked up as he felt Kurama's gaze.

Without any questions asked, the dark male slipped from his love's hold, and grabbed the ancient book on Chimeras. A sleek red-toned brow lifted at this, then green eyes widened in shock once Kuro pushed the book into his hands. The book was open, almost where he had originally left it, yet that was not what occupied his attention. "…In the case of most male chimera heats, offspring are known to result if mating occurs during this ardent period…"

With those words, the entire world Kurama had known came crashing down. He looked up from the book, his face whitened, feeling dazed from this new knowledge. His brain felt on overload, and he looked away. Kuro trembled, uncertain of Kurama's reaction, not knowing how to read each motion or expression.

It seemed like time had slowed, and both were uncertain and in a form of shock. Hesitantly, the humanized-youko scooted closer to his mate, and pulled the worried chimera into his arms. Both hands rested over the slight bulge, and Kurama buried his face into Kuro's neck. A gentle smile crossed his face as realization came to settle within his merged souls. /A child…/

A gentle purr began in his throat, and instantly the unease slid from Kuro. With a smile on his own face, he clasped his hands over the paler ones of the plant-master. A child…

Both stayed in this position, oblivious to everything else, until Kuro's fingers slipped down and interlaced themselves with Kurama's. In response, the kitsune squeezed his fingers, and a soft chuckle slipped from the chimera. It was only then in this precious moment that Kuro began to talk, his voice soft and quiet. "The book says that the litter is usually between one and three kits, being born roughly nine weeks after the heat."

"And your?" The question seemed to hang in the air as Kuro took a deep breath then answered, "Four weeks; we have five more to go." From what it appeared was that Kuro would go through a human pregnancy month each week. That alone startled the youth deeply, and his hands once again splayed across his rounded belly, in a comfort-seeking and awed gesture.

Kurama had noted the distinction between weeks and months, and as his hands covered his mate's, he thought back to what he had learned in his sexual education classes on the human female pregnancy. 'Month four…' he thought, and then a deep chuckle sounded from within. /You can hear the heartbeat…/

Green eyes widened, then he smiled. Gently he pulled back from Kuro, who whimpered at the loss of support and heat, and instead laid Kuro down onto the bed. The chimera cocked his head questioningly, but did not verbally ask what the youko was up to.

Slowly the redhead pulled the tee-shirt up, and rubbed his hand over the subtle bulge. After that, he lowered his head to it, at first kissing it, then he turned his head and placed an ear against it.

He's listening to our child's heartbeat… There was a mystic quality to the demon's voice, and Kuro's breath caught as he watched Kurama. The emerald-green eyes met his blue-toned ones, and a loving smile crossed the youko's face, before he stilled. Kurama was for once thankful for Youko's hearing, to be able to hear past Kuro's heartbeat, and to that of the fast fluttering of his child's. With that, the child was no longer just a word or a situation, but instead, a living being, one that would be born in a mere month.

In a swift, yet gentle move, Kurama lain down, and pulled Kuro into his arms. He nuzzled the nape of the chimera's neck, pressing against the mating mark in a comforting gesture. "I love you…" the words were very soft, almost inaudible, yet the scythe-master heard them and a smile crept across his face. "I love you too, my Fox," the reply came, and both entwined their hands idly over the small bulge on Kuro's lower abdomen.

And, in this serene, loving moment, both slipped off into a dreamland, a world that could only compete with their current happiness.

TBC.