Disclaimer: I do not own any of the main characters used in this story. Some of the minor ones do belong to me. This story is rated M for violence, bad language, and graphic boy on boy action. Not to mention large and random doses of drama.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: UNEXPECTED SURPRISE

Kurama and his fire demon both stopped when the recognized the frail and blind older woman sitting on the steps of the temple with a bundle in her arms. Inaya turned to them with a small smile on her withered face. "Sometimes, fate gives us that which our hearts have desired, though not necessarily in the form we would have liked. Nor at the time we would have wished for it. Fate, young fox and fire demon, have given you a great blessing by finding each other. Now, there is a new blessing I must bestow upon you."

Kurama's eyes were wide with surprise at the old woman's visit and curiosity of what was contained within the bundle. "Hiei…"

"Car, got it hun," Hiei finished and flitted off at his high rate of speed to retrieve the car. The reception, after all, was to occur soon. Most of the guests would be there by the time they arrived.

Kurama held out a hand and helped Inaya up. "Hiei and I will speak to you in the car on the way to our reception. That way, we don't have to worry about curious eyes or ears getting in the way. Also, we'd love for you to join in our celebration."

The car pulled around and Kurama thanked the gods once again that Hiei was a quick learner and had only crashed his car twice when learning to drive. Kurama opened the door for his elder and slid in to the backseat with her. He leaned up and pecked Hiei once on the cheek before turning to Inaya.

Inaya smiled softly. "As Yoko Kurama, how many women did you take to your bed?"

Hiei's lips drew in to a thin line and his eyes narrowed, though he remained silent. Kurama began to tally up the numbers. It was hard to remember some of the lovers he had only kept around for a short time. "Three women total, but all for reason."

Inaya held up a hand. "I meant no offense. One of the women you took to your bed was the daughter of a noble. She became pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful daughter. That daughter fell in love and married a fire demon. They had a child. Down the generations, every male has had silver hair and golden eyes. This tiny little fox with silver hair and golden eyes is your descendant." Inaya held the child out to Kurama.

Kurama took the infant and cradled it with gentle care. "Where are this child's parents?"

"The father was killed a month ago. It took of all the mother's strength and will not to immediately follow her mate. She gave birth to this little boy just a few hours ago and then joined her mate in death. This infant has no surviving family… save you and your mate. He remains unnamed. I helped the mother through her difficult delivery and then came here as soon as I could."

Kurama gazed at the sleeping face and the tiny tuft of silver hair at the top of the infant's head. "I'll raise him as my own son." He gazed up at the old woman with a smile on his face. "He's stolen my heart already."

"Kurama…" Hiei growled.

Kurama gazed up at his mate, and now husband, with eyes of emerald fire. "Would you want a child to grow up the same way you did Hiei? Especially when we can prevent all that suffering."

Hiei let out a sigh of defeat. "Fox, I would never wish a child to have that difficulty. Thank you Mother Inaya, for the compassion to bring him here."

Inaya let out a deep sigh. "I look after all my dears." She put a hand on Kurama's cheek. "I know that the two of you will be lovely parents. Hiei, this will not be your first child, nor will it be your heir. This child will, however, be the force to bring three elements in to balance."

"This child will grow up side by side with Yusuke's children. His son will be the one to take over Raizen. You're telling me that this child will be on Yomi's board of advisors in my place and eventually be named his heir," Kurama stated.

"Smart fox," Inaya smiled. Her eyes crinkled. "Hiei, you will provide your mate with a daughter of pure fire in a year." She stepped out of the car when it parked in front of the building being used for the reception. "Never forget that you provide your children with a past and a future." She kissed Kurama on the cheek. "You've grown so much over the years, the both of you. I have watched for the last decade from the shadows, guiding you when I could."

As soon as the elder woman was gone, Hiei wrapped an arm around Kurama's waist and gazed down at their new baby boy. "I'm not sleeping with a woman."

"There's artificial insemination. That means you don't have to touch the woman we choose in a year or two." Kurama smiled softly down at the little bundle in his arms. "What should we name him?"

"Your descendant, your choice, as long as we agree that I get to name our daughter."

"Agreed." Kurama began walking up the steps to the reception with Hiei beside him. "We're going to have to skip our honeymoon to get the house prepared for this wonderful surprise."

"That's fine." Hiei smiled at the child. "I'm a father…"

A huge smile broke out on Kurama's face. "I'm a mother."

"What is his name?"

"Sage." Kurama carried their child in the hall where the reception was to take place and wasn't the least bit surprised when they were surrounded by friends at once.

Hiei growled when someone got too close to their fragile infant, a true protective father after all. "All touching and pinching of the cheeks is off limits until further notice!"

Kurama laughed. "Let us get to our seats and then we'll make an announcement and explain the whole thing."

Hiei led the way and helped Kurama in to his seat. "Everyone, my husband and I have an announcement to make!"

Kurama smiled softly. "We're parents!" he yelled so all could hear them.

A large roar of approval lit up from the crowd of their friends. Even Kurama's stepfather stood up to cheer the news. Kurama took the blanket from the baby and saw the white christening robe that decorated him. The infant began to wail at the noise. That's when Kurama realize his eyes were not yet open. He rocked the child softly. "Sh… Mommy and Daddy are here to protect you… always."

The meal was soon served and the hall calmed down from a loud roar to a dull murmur as their guests stuffed their faces. Hatanaka approached his stepson with a smile. "Let me hold my grandson."

Kurama handed over the child with a smile. "His name is Sage."

A small, yet sad, smile decorated his features as he cradled the infant in his arms. "He's so small. Little Sage, you should have come a day sooner to meet your grandmamma. She would have loved to see you."

Kurama leaned his head against Hiei's arm. "He'll hear the stories of her kindness, compassion, and patience."

Shuichi looked at the baby in his father's arms. "I'm an uncle?" A broad smile decorated his face. "That is like… fucking awesome."

"Watch your language," his father scolded before handing the child back to his parents. "I'm very proud of the both of you." He proceeded to give them his blessings and then wandered back to his table.

"I want to pinch the baby's little cheekies," Keiko crooned as she rushed up to them. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"He's a boy and his name is Sage," Kurama smiled and handed over the baby. "Keiko, I'm so happy! Our children are going to grow up side by side."

Keiko let out a squeal of excitement. "I know, it's going to be great. Yusuke and I were already thinking that this weekend we could throw a late baby shower for the two of you. There's a lot that you're going to need."

"We don't even have the basics yet," Kurama sighed. "We'll have to go to the supermarket on the way home."

"Oh! I'll have Yusuke come and give you a few diapers and two bottles. The formula is already mixed up in them, so it should last until you can get more after the reception." She took a rattler out of her back pocket and placed it in the tiny clutches of Sage, who wiggled it around happily and let out a coo of happiness when he heard it make sound. Keiko passed the baby back.

For the rest of the reception, the baby was passed around under the careful supervision of Hiei and Kurama. The only time the child was not within their line of vision was when the requests for a dance between the newlyweds became more demanding than the requests to see the baby. Hiei left the baby with Yusuke and Keiko, knowing he could trust the couple before pulling his fox out to the dance floor.

Kurama and Hiei spun elegantly together, graceful in their movements. Kurama couldn't help the smile that was plastered on his face. Hiei couldn't control the way the edges of his mouth kept turning up away from the normal scowl in to a small smile.

"Kurama…"

"Yes love?"

"I'm picking the color of the room. Yellow is not a valid color option for our son."

"Neither is black," Kurama shot back with a teasing smile.

"I was thinking that… I know someone who is an expert at painting murals. I thought she could cover all four walls in a mural."

"Will she be available to paint for the next three days? That's all the time we have before the baby shower and I want the nursery to be done as soon as possible."

"Don't worry love, I have my own connection too." Hiei pulled Kurama in to a passionate kiss. "Now… Can I have the chance to hold my own son?"

Hiei and Kurama retired to their seats once again with their son. Hiei held Sage in his arms, talking to him normally rather than the annoying baby talk he'd heard the others use. The screaming of the infant instantly quieted.

Kurama leaned his head against Hiei's shoulder with a small smile. "He recognizes our voices already."

"Of course he does," Hiei agreed. "He's not just any fox, he's our fox baby. Sage is smart; he's special."

"Do all parents say that about their children?"

Hiei shrugged. "All I know is that we have the most beautiful, unique, and smart baby in the world."

Kurama laughed. "You're going to be a great daddy."

"You're going to be a better mommy."

Kurama shook the rattle. "Mother always knows best."

AUTHOR'S CORNER:

Yay, Kurama and Hiei have a baby! Okay, that kid is going to be spoiled. I can already tell. Anyways, the story is far from over. So, what do I ask in return for such a wonderful and cute chapter? Reviews!!!!!! Was the bundle what you all expected? I'm sure someone must have guessed it!