Sakura: Thank you, readers, for your wonderful reviews!
Die: *sits* :3
Sakura: You look happy.
Die: I am, I'm in this story!
Sakura: ... Me and Die own nothing!
Chapter 3
As Daichi and Manjoume wandered around the festival grounds, the elder ravenet sulked. "You can go back to Judai-sama, Manjoume-san," Daichi murmured, instinctively knowing what was making the other so much more prickly than usual. "I don't mind."
"No, you need my help with this," Manjoume declined, "I've been to at least six of the seven countries outside of Ayora, so I can help talk to the visiting folk." Just then, a pair of dragons and a pair of demons—both well dressed, so they had to be nobles—walked by them, seeming to be in a heated argument. The dominant dragon—a male with shining white scales on his chest, shoulders with frail looking wings, lower arms, knees, lower legs and ankles; his hair was a chestnut brown, falling over his handsome face in waves over his cold sapphire eyes—was arguing with a blond demon with dark bat wings and horns growing out of his hair. There were two other blonds, both submissive and shaking their heads at their respected mate.
"It'll be fine, Manjoume-san," Daichi replied, impulsively kissing the other male quickly on the cheek before walking over to the four and bowing. "Hello, and welcome to Ayora's capital of Aorta. I'm Misawa Daichi, Captain of the Guard here."
"Pleasure to meet you," the dragon man replied, bowing in return to Daichi.
The demon he was arguing with stared dumbly before also stating a "Hello".
"I am Seto Kaiba, the King of Dragon Country." The blond dragon with black wings and scales moves to the side of Seto. "And this is my mate, Katsuya."
"Nice ta meet ch'ya! You can call me Jou." The blond bowed to Daichi, who returned the gesture.
"It is an honor to meet you," Daichi replied diplomatically. "This here behind me is Manjoume Jun, my mate-to-be. Shall we escort you to Haou-sama's palace?"
"Yes, we would like that," answered Seto.
Daichi was just about to turn when the demon Seto was arguing with growled, "Hold on a minute! Give me a chance to introduce myself!"
"My apologies, my Lord," Manjoume stepped in. "Would you please give us your name, and that of your mate?"
The blond demon growled in approval. "I'm Mariku and this is my bitch-mate and hikari-pretty, Malik." Malik nodded his greeting, giving a warm smile.
"Thank you, would kindly follow us to the castle? I'm sure Haou-sama would like to meet you." Manjoume gestured to the castle off into the distance.
"Of course," Malik answered, glaring pointedly at his mate. "We would love to."
Judai squirmed in bed, opening his chocolate eyes. "Jun-kun?" he whispered, searching for his mate before he frowned, drooping at the fact he was alone in the bedroom. "So it was all a dream, just like last time..."
A chuckle drew Judai's attention to the door, the bluenet from before standing inside the door-way, though he was dressed differently. "Had a good dream?" he asked, his voice lighter than an hour ago.
Judai cocked his head cutely. "Who're you?" he asked, wondering if this was one of Ryou's patients.
"Hello, Judai-chan! It's nice to meet you again," the boy—who he noticed was the same age as him, meaning he wasn't the one from before—bowed, "I'm Johan."
"Again?" the brunet parroted, pouting in his confusion.
"Yes, you met me before you were kidnapped, about fourteen years ago," Johan answered, "Manjoume-san and Daichi-san wanted to see you before they went into town at Haou-sama's request, but you were still asleep."
Judai, confused as to how this person knew his mates, looked around the room more thoroughly and came to a startling conclusion. This wasn't his room back at Ryou's home. "Wait, then it wasn't a dream?" he yelped, chocolate eyes wide. "I really did find my Jun-kun and Dai-chan?"
"Yep!" Johan replied, walking over to the bed and sitting down next to the brunet.
Judai beamed, ecstatic, before a thought occurred to him. "But then where are they?" he asked, a pitiful note to his voice.
"They're on an errand for your brother, Haou-sama," the bluenet reassured. Judai still didn't really look convinced. "If you want, we can look for them." Johan moved so the young prince could get up.
"Please!" Judai cried, jumping out of bed and bounding to the door. "I want my Dai-chan and Jun-kun!"
"Judai, I know you're excited," Johan tried to reason, "but you should calm down. You just returned after so many years, and Manjoume-san and Daichi-san might be in the castle even as we speak. If we leave without telling someone, they'll panic."
"I don't care!" Judai stated, fire in his chocolate eyes. "I want to be with my Jun-kun and my Dai-chan!" The door opened just then, revealing the two people Judai wanted, Manjoume rubbing his nose as if he had just sneezed. "Jun-kun!" Judai cried, tackling the ravenet happily and nuzzling his collarbone affectionately. Manjoume stiffened before returning the hug with hesitance. Johan looked confused while Daichi gave his older lover an understanding smile. "Dai-chan!" the youngest cried upon realization that both of his mates were there and tugged the other ravenet into his embrace as well. Johan had to giggle at the cute scene while Daichi gave a startled yelp and Manjoume warmed up to the hug.
Manjoume relaxed into Daichi's arms, his arms tight around Judai. "Judai-sama," he chuckled lightly, "I did tell you I was coming back, didn't I?"
"But I thought that was a dream!" Judai whined, the argument logical in his mind.
Manjoume chuckled, reaching over to pet the fluffy chocolate locks of his youngest intended mate. "Judai-sama, even if it was a dream, I would never leave you if you wanted me to stay." Johan had to coo at the cute scene, causing the three to remember he was there. Manjoume coughed in embarrassment. "Well, um... I think Haou-sama wanted us to gather in the main throne room to meet the Kings and Queens of the Seven Countries..."
Judai pouted. "Aw, but do you have to leave me alone again?" he whined, clinging to the older boys stubbornly with his puppy-dog pout already turning down his bottom lip.
"Not this time," Daichi answered gladly, "There are two specific people among the royals who are tripping over themselves to see you safe."
"Who?" Judai asked, cocking his head cutely and blinking.
"We don't know who they are, but they did look to be from Magic Country-"
"Ryou!" Judai cried, looking pale from worry.
"It's all right, Judai-sama," Manjoume soothed, ruffling the fluffy chocolate hair. "We'll go see them right now, would you like that?"
"Yes! I must have made Ryou so worried!" Judai had his lovers dragged to the door, Johan following behind in concern.
Manjoume just fought back a smile. Ah, it's good to be home with you again, Judai-sama...
"Karen! Where are you, girl?" Jim cried, looking for his long-time friend Karen the Crocodile. "I need to get back lil turtle, wher- OW!" The Aussie tripped on something that looked suspiciously like stone steps. When he looked up, the sight of a sinister temple made his mouth run dry. Oh shit! "Karen!" he yelled, scrambling to his feet, "Karen!"
A low growl came from behind him, and he turned to see a large jet-black wolf with yellow eyes staring at him, its fur bristling as it dropped the blue tapestry in its mouth and carefully set its paws over the edges of the fabric. "I thought I told you not to come back here, Jim Cook," it snarled, ears twisting back.
"My apologies, Kuro-sama, I had no intentions of disobeying you. I'll leave at once," Jim moved to leave, knowing that Karen would be all right, but a growl from Kuro stopped him in his tracks.
"No!" the wolf snarled, lunging forward with eyes glowing. "You disrespected my Ryuugi-koi once, I won't permit you to do it again!"
"And I won't," Jim promised, staying as calm as possible.
"You won't," the wolf promised darkly, its own dark aura of magic swirling around it, "because I'll ensure you never insult anyone again!"
Jim started to feel immense pain before Kuro's words fully left its mouth, he hunched into himself as his form changed to something more beast-like. Kuro snorted at him disdainfully, tucking its tail up and picking up the tapestry before running off again, changing day into night.
Yami gave an impressed whistle at the large throne room. It was very tasteful in decor and design, at least by a Mage's standard. A quick look around showed that he wasn't the only one amazed by the room as the royals and nobles of the Seven Kingdoms each gave the room their own approval. Not really a surprise, seeing as it was a blend of all their cultures.
The double doors opened to reveal the golden-eyed king every royal had wanted and dreaded to meet, behind him a fine bluenet male. One of the women present, the new Queen of Human Country, made great haste to him with her purple-black hair flowing behind her. From what the star-haired king could see, Haou wasn't too pleased to see her, and the noble behind him further retreated into the king's side.
"Hane-koi!" she squealed, glomping him delightedly. "Oh, it's so good to see you again, my Hane-koi! Don't worry, I already made all the arrangements!"
The brunet raised an eyebrow, pushing her off him. "For?"
She giggled, taking his hand. "Our wedding, silly!"
"I'm sorry to say this, Lady Rei," Haou responded, removing his hand from her grip with forced gentleness, "but I have no desire to wed you." The woman gave a dramatic gasp of shock as the men from the kingdoms—other than Human—gave Haou silent looks of approval. The bluenet sighed in relief but tensed greatly when a tall man, well-muscled from training and dressed in finery fit for a king, came up behind Lady Rei with a polite smile forced on his face.
"Come, my Lady," he murmured, taking the girl's hand. "Haou-sama must have a reason for inviting us here, ne?"
"No!" she yelled, stomping her foot childishly. "Hane-koi is mine! We were promised to each other!"
"I will acknowledge that, Lady Rei," Haou stated through clenched teeth, quickly losing his patience with the girl, "but the conditions of our contract stated I would only go through with the affair provided I did not meet my destined mate, and if I found said mate after the consummation, I could immediately file for divorce and pursue my mate."
"I don't see any mate!" she spat triumphantly, eyes gleaming. "You can't evoke that clause, Hane-koi, unless there is a mate you can produce and prove yours!"
Haou gave the seemingly clever girl his best glare, "He's taken ill and can't make it tonight," the king lied through his teeth—though he kept his voice, tone and face in a steady poker face—and hoped the bluenet behind him would take the hint and leave.
She smirked. "Prove it. They say the destined mate of one of your kind can use any power their mate has, so prove it, otherwise I'll declare war on Ayora for failing to fulfill your contract!"
Haou's expression told all who were smart that he didn't care about her childish threat. "Only when full mating has occurred," Haou corrected the ignorant girl, keeping his ear on Jehu's progress to the hidden door made for such occasions. The man behind Lady Rei seemed to be trying to get a look behind the hosting king.
Her eyebrow twitched as she growled, unwilling to concede defeat. In fact, she was so unwilling that she darted forward before anyone could stop her and pressed her lips to Haou's. Haou was quick to remove her and was doing well to hold back the grimace of disgust wanting control of his face. The double doors opening again brought everyone's attention—save Lady Rei's companion—to the four people standing there.
"Judai!" came two cries as Ryou and Yugi pushed their way through the crowd towards the brunet. They each gave him a hug before Ryou went into his famous 'Beserk Mother Mode'.
"Where have you been, I was worried sick about you!" the white-haired male scolded, his hands on his hips and his eyes gleaming dangerously. "And how many times have I told you not to wander off like that, you only end up getting lost, and Kami knows that you just attract trouble like a magnet! I'm surprised you're still in one piece!"
Judai shrunk back at the scolding words, his eyes tearing over in guilt. "I'm sorry, Mama!" Manjoume bristled at the sight of the younger royal's tears, standing protectively in front of the brunet.
Ryou blinked at the sight of such a dark entity protecting the brunet but recognized it was time to back down before his head was forcibly removed by the silver-eyed man glaring at him. "It's all right, Judai, you're safe now."
"Jun-kun…" Judai hugged his mate from behind, happy Ryou didn't attack him.
Manjoume smirked at his youngest lover's exuberance, reaching around to pet the fluffy chocolate locks. "I'll never let you get hurt, Judai-sama," he whispered, twisting to press a quick kiss to the royal's forehead. "I promise."
Daichi just shook his head at the cute scene between his mates, though was holding back chuckles at Manjoume's overprotectiveness. Judai turned then, beaming at the soldier. "Dai-chan!" he chirped, running over to tackle Daichi, nuzzling his collarbone happily. Everyone looking at the random scene had to chuckle—in humor or nervousness—at the cuteness.
"No, no, get away from me, NO!" Jehu cried, and Haou whipped around with topaz eyes gleaming dangerously to confront whoever it was who was threatening his secret love.
Lady Rei's companion seemed to ignore the cries of his prey and that glare burning a hole in his back as his grip on the bluenet's arm tightened. "My, my, Jehu-chan!" he exclaimed in a sickly-sweet voice, "You've grown over the years..." A perverted smile only Jehu and Haou could see found its way onto the noble's lips as his eyes gleamed evilly.
Haou's jaw tightened and his elements responded to his anger by attacking the man, only his ice element pushing the terrified Jehu towards the ruler. "If he does not want you touching him, then you don't touch him, got it?" the brunet growled, darkness swirling around him defensively while a little bit of it broke off to inspect the bluenet for any injuries.
"What he wants isn't relevant," the man stated coolly, everyone in the room shocked that someone was daring enough to challenge Ayora's king. After dusting off imaginary dust from his still-perfect clothing, he answered, "Because he's my property."
Jehu whimpered at that, and Haou's hair almost seemed to bristle like a dog's hackles. "I found Jehu and his brother abandoned in the forest fourteen years ago, Jehu on the brink of death and Johan crying his little eyes out, clearly unable to nurse his brother back to health. I do believe any claim you might have held over him was forsaken in that instant."
"Well, that can be explained easily." The noble brushed off the accusation as if unimportant, a fake polite smile on his face. "They were stolen from me by thieves. The mongrels even told me after they were captured that he was dead and the baby sold off somewhere." The atmosphere of the room was getting cold and dense—figuratively and literally—as the two glared at each other. Lady Rei was confused, since she never met the ridiculously girly (in her opinion) bluenet in her life!
From the other side of the room, a loud growl broke the silence, and when they turned, it was to see a large hulking black-furred beast, its muzzle twisted into a snarl and its large paws planted firmly on the ground with claws extended while its tail stood upright, bristling at the challenge.
"Did somebody piss off the Night Wolf again recently?" questioned the muscular Queen of Beast Country. Her subjects withdrew as they looked for anyone missing from their party, while Johan looked at the grotesque beast that seemed eerily familiar to him.
The beast's tail drooped under the stare and it slowly padded forward to stand forlornly in front of Johan, head lowered shamefully with its ears to either side. "Jim!" the younger bluenet cried as realization hit him. Jim gave a pathetic whine at Johan's cry, thinking his mate was disgusted with his cursed form.
Johan hugged Jim's head, gently petting his ears. "Aw, Jim, what did you do?" he murmured, brushing his cheek along Jim's soft raven fur. The beast gave a little whine again, nuzzling his mate's stomach sadly with his muzzle.
"Johan," Haou ordered quietly, "go take Jim to my study. We'll ask him later." The youth did as ordered, leading his mate to the study. Haou turned his attention, keeping Jehu close—and a closer eye on the obvious Prince Tatsuya—as he finally greeted his guests. "Thank you for coming, and before something else tries to ruin the evening, I would be honored to welcome you all to my kingdom and home. Feel free to do as you please, within reason, of course."
"You are most kind," Seto stated. "Thank you."
Haou nodded, slightly pleased when the other rulers repeated the pleasantry. As soon as he realized the human prince was staring lecherously at Jehu, however, he let out a low growl and stalked off with the bluenet, grabbing Judai by the arm as he passed and dragging them both to his study, Daichi and Manjoume close behind.
"What do you think happened to Jim?" Daichi asked, hoping to distract his king before elemental chaos ensued... again.
"He likely antagonized Kuro the Great Wolf again," the royal stated, barely keeping a hold on his temper.
"Again?" Jehu asked, calming down from the... unwanted meeting with his former master. His grip on the golden eyed king tightened at the thought of the human prince.
"It is Jim's story to tell, not mine," the king stated, fury seizing him again when he felt his intended shudder fearfully.
"Calm down, Haou-sama," Manjoume said calmly. "The castle is shaking and I'm sure most of our guests don't want it falling..."
Golden eyes closed, their owner taking a huge breath before letting it out. He almost seemed to be warring with himself for control, desperate for a push towards sanity and calm. A comforting squeeze from his intended fully calmed the king down, giving the bluenet a thankful smile for the encouragement.
"How do you think Johan is taking this?" Judai asked, trying to keep up with his brother's long strides.
"Who knows?" Manjoume asked, striding forward to lift Judai into his arms since he was better able to match the king's pace. They reached the doors to the study in no time, the doors pushed back by Haou's freed arm. The group blinked in unison when the sight of Johan kneeling beside the transformed Jim, who was on his back, as he rubbed the furred belly of his future lover gleefully. Jim's shaggy black tail wagged on the floor as the beast panted, tongue lolling out of his mouth much like a dog's would in the same position. A cough from Haou announced the group's presence, Johan giving a startled jump from the unexpected sound while Jim growled at the group for having stopped his belly rubs.
Manjoume's silver eyes traveled thoughtfully over Jim's form, taking note of the sharp teeth and claws. I bet that body's good for fighting...
"What happened?" Daichi asked, looking at the two curiously.
"Jim wasn't calming down, so I thought I'd rub his belly," Johan answered sheepishly. "It works for dogs, so why not?"
Jim let out a little grumble almost as if to say 'I'm not a dog', but he turned his head to press his muzzle against his love's arm. Johan pet the horrific head in response, while Haou situated himself behind his work desk.
"Jim," the king commanded, "can you speak?"
The beast looked at Johan, who gave him an encouraging nod. "Not... really..." he ground out in a growling voice. "It's... really... hard."
"Then may our comrades and I explain to everyone?" A snort confirmed Jim's acceptance. Johan smiled softly, pillowing himself on his love's broad shoulder as he waited for the story to begin. "As you all know, like Jehu and Johan, Jim wasn't born in Ayora. He came from somewhere overseas, he didn't say where, that didn't believe Kuro-sama existed and the story of her lover a myth." Haou nodded to Yusuke, who arrived sometime after Jim's sudden appearance.
Manjoume nodded, hushing Judai when he looked like he was about to protest. Hibiki, who was holding Fubuki's hand as he too came in, shrunk closer to the brunet when he caught sight of the beast and Haou in the same room.
"As such, he wouldn't join us when we would give thanks to Kuro-sama and her lover after a victory," Yusuke continued, delivering the story in such a factual way that no one could help but feel he spoke the truth and held the weight of knowledge upon his brow. "Kuro-sama is a very allowing goddess, but if there is one thing she will not stand for, it is the disrespect of her lover."
"When Jim finally did indulge in thanking the gods," Haou told them, "he thanked her but neglected her lover. For that, she appeared before me for the first time since she stole the Seven-Sided Star... all to rip his eye out in front of the entire company."
"Then why did she turn him into this?" Johan hugged his love when Jehu emphasized the horrific beastly form of Jim.
"Kuro-sama is well known for keeping a grudge, as well as promises..." Haou seemed to tense at what he just stated.
"Is something wrong, Haou-sama?" Yusuke asked quietly, well aware of the side attempting to sneakily press against him for comfort.
"It's just that... never mind, it's not important." Haou brushed off Yusuke's concern.
"If you say so," the greenet replied, unconvinced, before turning to Fubuki. "Bucky, I'm tired. Can we go back home?"
"Well, you now know," Haou made to stand, everyone following suit, "If you'll excuse me, I have royals and nobles to properly greet. Have a good night."
Edo panted harshly, warring with himself. He knew he shouldn't go back, that the spirit possessing Ryo was obviously dangerous, but he just... he was... ugh, he couldn't even admit it to himself in his head!
But first things first, he had to warn Haou. If Hell Kaiser was on the loose, looking for a way to destroy the Star, then Yubel was fully awakening and the Kingdoms were about to war again! He'd warn Haou—even if it killed him—and then return to Ryo. Hopefully it won't be too late...
The bluenet was once again subdued within Hell Kaiser's mind, chained there docilely while the spirit set about fixing the mistake his host had caused. He smirked to himself, his Black Magic telling him he was close. "Oh Edo," he purred, "your ass is mine."
Though Ryo wasn't fighting back, he was carefully and very quietly planning his escape from this mad man's fierce grip. Hold on, Edo, get to Haou-sama safely, please! he prayed, doing his best to appear as docile as possible. He did have years of practice.
Hell Kaiser licked his lips at the sight of the boy cowering in the corner of the hut unaware of his presence. Oh, he imaged that the younger male was so tight...
But the sight of villagers held him back as Edo drew their attention to himself. The wicked spirit cursed when they gladly offered his prey help and protection. The evil man had to hold back his magic so the simpletons didn't notice him and send an escorted message to the king. No need to draw attention to himself when grabbing one measly boy would solve multiple problems.
Especially since Edo was so over-confident that he refused a companion after obtaining a horse from the villagers (after promising to return the equine afterwards, of course). Hell Kaiser smirked to himself in anticipation as he prepared himself to acquire his prey.
The silveret was a few hours outside the village before Hell Kaiser struck. Before he knew it, Edo was on the dirt floor of the one of the forest roads with the elder on top smirking gleefully in lust. The horse, startled by the attack, ran full gallop back to its home.
He leaned forward, running his tongue along the silveret's ear. "You taste fearful," he stated darkly, smirking. "I like that."
"Let me go, dammit!" the warrior cried, struggling against the stronger male.
Hell Kaiser laughed, a cruel sound. "No, I don't think I will."
The silveret warrior let out a growl, "You're too late!"
The villain gave a look of confusion. "Why? I have you here, and that's all that matters." He harshly nipped at his captive's throat, drinking in the pained cry he had elicited.
"I already sent word to Haou-sama ahead of me before I left. So have fun getting past his guard, you bastard!" Edo exclaimed, happy at the enraged snarl the possessed bluenet gave at the news.
Hell Kaiser had never wanted to kill someone so much in his life. "You little bitch!" he growled, "you little whore, you think you're so smart by going around me, don't you?"
"Very," the younger answered cockily, giving the mad man one of his famous smirks.
"I'll teach you!" he growled, raising his hand to hit the smaller male when he let out a yelp, clutching at his chest as his body's heart condition spiked and his host began fighting him for control.
Edo took the attack as a chance to escape, and wiggled out of Hell Kaiser's grip before the elder could stop him and ran as fast as he could. Though he was calm on the outside, Edo was praying to every deity who'd listen for Ryo to live. And that the attack killed the bastard, leaving Ryo free, just to be safe.
Kaiser snarled, easily wresting back control when Edo wasn't nearby to give Ryo a reason to fight, and used his magic to teleport in front of the other boy, catching him without expending any effort.
Edo wasn't going to lose this time; the younger bit down hard on the spirit-possessed man in hopes of being released.
"Edo!" a voice cried in pain, through the arms constricted on the silveret. But wait, that wasn't the harsh cadence of Hell Kaiser, it was-
The silveret let go of his bite at find Ryo's eyes not glazed and hardened by the evil possessing him. "What's going on!" he cried in frustration, Ryo holding the younger even more tightly thankful for his safety.
"I don't know," the bluenet admitted, reaching up to caress the silveret's cheek gently with his thumb, "but when you're like this, it's easier to fight off that asshole." To keep you safe.
"Well, then we must stay together!" Edo cried in determination, "if my presence keeps him at bay, then we'll just have to travel back together."
"No!" Ryo cried. "He comes out when I sleep... and I can't let him just hurt you to save myself some peace of mind."
"But-!" Ryo placed a finger over Edo's lips, silencing him instantly.
"As soon as I say so, run," Edo made an attempt to protest but the elder cut him off, "I mean it, Edo! I'll hold him off as best as I can, just run and don't look back. Haou-sama has to know the dangers first hand. More than just his life's in danger with Yubel's revival!"
"I don't want to leave you," the Phoenix whispered softly, "not like this..."
"Better me than someone else," Ryo reasoned, "at least my heart holds him back some."
"Your- your heart?" Edo stuttered, sapphire eyes wide. "What's wrong with your heart!"
"It's something I've had all my life but never knew about till when that bastard possessed me fourteen years back when Koharu-san poisoned me..." Edo looked more worried than before. "I honestly don't know what's wrong, but I can honestly say I'm glad I was cursed with it."
"Are- Does- When-" Edo swallowed back the half-formed beginnings in his mouth. "Do you know how it'll affect your lifespan?"
"No," the former soldier stated sadly, then gave his future love a weak smile.
Edo's heart was crashing in his chest and he hugged the elder close to him. "Don't make me leave you!" he whimpered, "Don't make me!"
"If you don't, you'll be taken by the psycho for sure, and I can't have that!" Ryo turned his comrade back to the path he was heading before Hell Kaiser stopped him. "Run, and don't look back."
"No," Edo whispered, grip tightening in the other boy's cloak, "I won't leave you to die."
"But you must," Ryo asserted, "I'll find you again, even if it takes eons." The mercury-haired male looked ready to cry. Ryo turned the boy away from him and gave a strong push as he shouted, "Run!"
Edo didn't hesitate to follow the order, but his heart wanted to just run back. I'm sorry, Ryo, he thought, so very sorry...
"Boy, this day has just been one excitement after another!" Fubuki exclaimed as he fell ungracefully onto the bed he used to sleep in years back.
Hibiki nodded, standing in the doorway. "Are you sure about this?" he asked awkwardly. "Dusty, Price, and I don't mind staying at an inn."
"Hey, if you're going to be our mate, we at least need to give you a place to call home!" Yusuke shook his head at energetic way his lover pointed that out, even if he was more than pleased the youth was staying with them.
The redhead looked down, blushing and worrying his bottom lip with his teeth. "So which room will I be sleeping in?"
"Any room you want," Yusuke answered before the thief could scare the poor boy farther.
"I'll just stay in there," he murmured, padding over to the couch and curling up on it.
"Oh no you don't!" Fubuki cried, jumping in front of the startled boy. "You are my future mate, not some unwanted house guest ya wouldn't say 'no' to! I have plenty of rooms for you to choose from, you taking one isn't a bother!" Yusuke sighed at the shocked expression on Hibiki's face, wondering if this would break him or let some of Koharu's old spirit to shine through.
The redhead looked startled before softly crying. "No one's ever been so nice to me before!" he sobbed, tawny eyes gleaming as he buried his face in the brunet's chest.
Fubuki looked ready to panic when the younger's face came to his chest for comfort, but quick thinking on his part caused him to hug the boy as he cried out his joy. "Shhh, it's okay now," he soothed, lifting up the smaller boy, "I won't let anything happen to you." Yusuke smiled softly at the scene and began to pet the younger's red hair lovingly.
"I-I think I'm starting to believe it..." Hibiki snuggled into the warm embrace while soaking up the attention being given his hair like a dry sponge.
"Believe what?" the guard asked gently, not pausing in his stroking.
"That I'm safe and protected by you," came the sweet reply.
Yusuke leaned in to press a gentle kiss to his youngest lover's forehead. "Always," he promised.
Sakura: Suke-kun, you are so sweet!
Die: MINE! *cuddles Yusuke to her chest*
Sakura: Well, if we're glomping the bishies... *Glomps Jim*
Die: *petting Yusuke* So pretty :3
Haou: *ends chapter before he goes mad*