A/N: Jeez, 9 pages! Oh well, this isn't the end yet, folks! Enjoy~

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story. Many thanks to Milaya Milen Zeal for helping me write this!

Steal My Heart

Chapter 6

X*X(1 Month Later)X*X

Joshua was lying in bed, having just woken up from his nap after having sex with Neku again. Feeling the increased pressure on his bladder from the baby, the silverette was about to get up to relieve himself, but found he couldn't get up due to the arm that was wrapped around his waist. Struggling to get up from the tightening grip, he hissed at his mate, "I have to pee!"

"…mm?" Neku opened one eye tiredly, before he relented sleepily and released the smaller male. Joshua scrambled to the bathroom, and then relieved himself. Deciding a shower might just be a good idea, he started up the taps and turned on the shower, waiting patiently for the water to heat up before stepping in with a content sigh. Once the silverette was thoroughly soaked, he began to lather himself up with soap while humming a vague tune. Just as he started humming, though, a pair of arms came around his waist, hands resting on his stomach gently. Joshua jumped slightly, startled by the silent entrance from his mate. Soon after, however, he leaned into Neku's hold.

"Hey, I didn't hear you come in," he whispered.

"Obviously…" Neku murmured as he moved his fingers across Joshua's stomach lightly. The smaller kitsune shivered as small shocks of pleasure ran along his spine from the touches.

"Something wrong?" Neku asked quietly, a small smirk audible in his voice. Joshua rolled his violet eyes; of course Neku had discovered how sensitive his swollen stomach had become earlier, and now he was using it to his advantage since Joshua's pregnancy scent was such an erotic scent.

"You know exactly what you're doing," the pregnant bearer snorted, but the statement was more teasing than anything.

"Oh, do I?" Neku asked softly, equally teasing as he began to nip on Joshua's throat.

"Mmmhmmm," Joshua hummed, tilting his head to give Neku more access.

"And why would you say that?" his mate murmured as he let one hand slip down to his hip.

"Remember earlier?" the younger breathed, his breath hitching slightly at the touch.

"Hmmm…nope. Can't say I do," was the cheeky response as Neku's nails lightly scratched at his hip. "Care to remind me?" Joshua smiled in amusement as he pressed himself close against his mate, rolling his hips back and teasing Neku's half-hardened cock. The taller kitsune hissed softly, before he smirked and moved his hand around to reach for Joshua's flesh.

Joshua gave a soft moan at the firm grip on his member, and he gave a small thrust into the redhead's hand, urging him to continue. Neku chuckled softly, as he nipped on the shorter kitsune's ear as he moved his hand slowly. "You like that, huh?" Joshua nodded weakly, shivering lightly when his ear was nipped. "So…you want more?"

"Yes… Please, Neku!" Joshua whined pitifully.

The redhead smirked as he adjusted his hold. "Put your hands to the wall." The pregnant bearer complied, bracing himself on the shower wall. Once his mate was in position, Neku reached over and slipped two fingers into him. Joshua moaned softly at the penetration, and lowered his head in between his arms. A small chuckle rumbled from Neku's throat, just before he arched his fingers upward.

"Ahh-ha!" Joshua moaned loudly, feeling those fingers brush against his prostate.

"Ready?"

"Fuck me senseless," the silverette panted in response. Neku chuckled as he pulled his fingers out before adjusting Joshua's hips briefly, before he slammed right into his mate. Joshua immediately arched his back forward, throwing his head back with his lips parted in a silent cry.

After giving Joshua a moment to adjust, Neku took hold of his hips and began to thrust into him, striking his prostate on every motion. Joshua cried out with each powerful strike to his prostate, his ears twitching like mad from the stimulation. Noticing the movement, Neku smirked and leaned over, nipping on his mate's ear, flicking his tongue out at the sensitive tip.

"Ahhh!" Joshua wailed, gritting his teeth together to try not to cum too soon. Neku, however, seemed intent on the opposite, as he let one hand curl down around his mate's cock, stroking it in time with his swift thrusts. "F…FUCK, N-NEKU!" Joshua screamed in ecstasy, releasing his cum into the shower's water as it flowed down the drain. He clenched around his mate tightly in the process with a groan.

Neku moaned loudly, before he, too, released with a choked cry. "F…fuck…"

The smaller kitsune gave a soft whine as Neku released inside him, his arms beginning to shake from exertion as he continued to brace himself against the shower wall. Once he had caught his breath, Neku pulled out and moved Joshua back with him, supporting him quietly.

"…You wear me out," the silverette finally mumbled, an amused note to his voice.

Neku didn't reply immediately, but finally, he quipped with a small smirk, "You do a lousy job complaining."

"I wasn't… I was merely teasing," Joshua giggled tiredly.

"Uh-huh…" And that was all Neku had to say about that as he kissed Joshua to his temple.

The pregnant bearer purred softly at the affection, leaning into his mate's hold. "We better get out before the water turns cold," he pointed out quietly.

"Hm…suppose so…" Neku murmured, shrugging his shoulders.

"Stubborn as ever," Joshua chuckled, his eyes drifting closed.

"I don't think you mind," the redhead chuckled, before he reached over and closed the taps.

"…Fair enough," the younger male smiled softly, but then he jolted into full awareness when he fell a jab in his abdomen.

"Joshua?!" Neku got out, immediately wrapping his arms firmly around his mate.

Joshua's ears flicked a few times, and then he murmured, "I think…the baby just kicked…" He moved his and Neku's hands to rest on his abdomen, and then there were another couple of quick jabs against their hands.

Neku's eyes widened in surprise, before a small smile came over his face. "Heh… hey little one…" he murmured, rubbing Joshua's stomach lightly.

Joshua smiled as well, leaning against his mate's chest. "I can't wait to have our baby…"

"Unfortunately, you'll have to…the little one isn't ready yet, after all…"

"True…" Joshua sighed. "But you can't blame me for being excited…"

"Anyway," Neku said after a moment, "let's get dried off and dressed before either of you get sick, ne?"

"Good idea," the pregnant bearer agreed. Neku nodded and guided his mate out of the bathroom, and back to their shared room. "Hopefully the little one will let me sleep," the smaller kitsune complained jokingly.

"Let's hope," Neku agreed, as he set his mate down on the bed. "Do you want me to get you something?"

"Maybe later, but for now, let's rest," Joshua murmured. Neku allowed a small chuckle as he settled behind Joshua and wrapped his arms and tails around his mate, while also pulling the blankets over them both. The silverette took Neku's hands, and guided them to rest over his stomach, a small smile curving his lips as he fell asleep. A small smile played over Neku's face as he got himself a little more comfortable, breathing quietly with his mate held securely in his arms.

X*X*X*X*X*X*X

About an hour before the sun was to rise, Neku blinked his eyes open and looked down at his mate for a moment. Said silverette was still fast asleep and had turned around in his sleep sometime during the night.

"…"

After a moment of just watching him, Neku briefly kissed Joshua on his temple, before he slowly and silently slipped out of the bed. Once he was sure that Joshua was still asleep, he headed out of the room quietly. After a small trip down the hall, Neku finally reached his destination, and after a moment of thought, he knocked lightly on the door.

"…Mom? You up?" he called out softly. There was a soft groan from inside the bedroom, and after a couple of minutes, Roxas opened the door and stepped out, dressed in a robe.

"Hey sweetie, what's going on?" he asked with a yawn. "Sorry, your father kept me up…"

"It's fine…" Neku mumbled softly. After a moment, he reached up and fiddled with his bangs. "Um…can we talk…in private, please?" This got the blonde's attention, and he perked up.

"Is the garden okay?" the neko suggested. "As long as we're quiet, no one will hear us."

"Yeah…sure…see you there?"

"Of course, I'll be down soon, I just need to get dressed," his mother smiled. Neku nodded and, after his mother went back inside, he headed for the garden to wait. Roxas was quick, throwing on a pair of boxer briefs and some pants and a shirt before joining Neku in the garden. Taking a seat on the bench with his son, he asked, "So, what's on your mind?"

"Well…" Neku murmured, as he settled down on the ground by the lake, his tails twitching a bit behind him. "Um…I was thinking…um…well…"

"It's perfectly fine, Neku, you can tell me anything," Roxas assured the redhead, placing a calming hand on his shoulder.

The young kitsune nodded his head, but it took him a few moments before he was able to speak. "…I want to get Joshua something…for when the little one gets here…but…"

"You're not sure just quite what to get," the blonde guessed.

"…" Neku nodded his head silently.

"Don't worry so much," his mother smiled. "Your father was the same way when I was pregnant with you. He actually made me a necklace with a locket on it that now holds a picture of the three of us when you were a newborn. I don't wear it often, but I do keep it in the bedroom where I can look at it every day. My point being that I feel Joshua would love it if you made him something from the heart that can be for the baby."

Neku didn't respond to that, but the way his tails were twitching and swaying indicated that he was clearly thinking on that knowledge very hard. Roxas noticed how hard his son was thinking on it, and chuckled.

"How about this? Joshua loves music, doesn't he?"

"…yeah, he does…" Neku confirmed with a nod.

"Then how about a music box? Something with a gentle melody that the baby can fall asleep to," the blonde offered.

At that, Neku's ears twitched in surprise, and he blinked, twice, before a small smile came over his face. "…yeah…that would work…" he murmured.

"Then there's your answer," the neko grinned. "You may need help from Joshua's mother, Eleanora Kiryu, however. She used to make music boxes and teach music, as well as write her own music before she mated with Noboru."

"…I see…" Neku said with a nod, before he frowned. "But…how do I…? I mean, I can't just leave, right?"

"Actually, I can start to help Joshua with the nursery, and tell him that you need to tend to something important with Axel," Roxas said. "While Joshua and I are busy with that, you and Axel can go to the Kiryu home and ask for Eleanora's help. Noboru shouldn't be a problem, as he's willing to do anything to keep his son happy."

At that, Neku allowed a small smile and nodded. "Right…that would work…" he agreed. His mother smiled softly, and pulled Neku into a hug.

"My little boy's growing up," he whispered. "Thank you for talking with me."

"Mooom!" Neku whined, blushing a little in embarrassment as he wriggled out of the hug. "Seriously…"

"What? Your own mother can't hug his son?" the blonde laughed. "Don't worry too much, okay? I won't do that in front of Joshua."

Neku pouted a little, but he said nothing in response, before he rose to his feet. "I should probably check on Josh…before he starts to panic that I'm not there."

"No worries, I understand. Pregnancy can make a bearer quite clingy and needy," the neko shrugged, and then stood as well. "Speaking of panicking, I'd best return to your father before he starts to freak out that I'm missing."

"Yeah, probably," Neku chuckled, as he started heading off. Right after he'd left, Axel burst into the garden, his emerald eyes wide with fear, and then settled into relief when he saw Roxas.

"Fucking hell, Rox!" he growled, slumping over as he relaxed a bit. "I didn't know where you were when you weren't in bed when I woke up!"

"Chill, Ax, I was only talking with Neku," the bearer soothed, going over and kissing the older redhead's cheek. "He needed to talk with me about something important."

"And that would be…?" Axel asked, quirking a brow.

"I'll tell you in the bedroom, so let's head up there," Roxas assured his mate. The pair then headed up to their bedroom, Roxas comforting Axel as they went.

Meanwhile, Neku reached his shared room with Joshua and reached to open the door. Right before he could open it, however, he heard sniffles and whimpers coming from the other side.

"…ah crap…" Neku grumbled, before he sighed and opened the door. "Hey," he called out as he walked in, closing the door behind him. Immediately, Joshua's head perked up, and he looked at Neku, tears streaked down his cheeks and his eyes red and puffy from crying.

"Neku…?" he whispered.

"Hey…" the redhead murmured as he walked over. Silently, he pulled the silverette against him and wrapped his arms around his mate. "Ssssh…I'm here now…it's okay…ssshh…" The silverette trembled in Neku's arms, trying his hardest to stop crying. Eventually, he did, and he took a deep, shuddering breath before finally speaking.

"…Where were you?" he croaked.

"I just had to talk to my parents for a bit," Neku admitted. "I didn't want to wake you. I'm sorry…"

"I got scared when you weren't here," Joshua whimpered, burying his face into the crook of his mate's neck and inhaling deeply to calm himself further.

"It's okay, sssshh…" Neku shushed him, as he ran his hand through the silverette's hair. "It's okay…I'm here…shush now…ssshh…" Joshua soon settled in his mate's arms, grateful he was back.

"I missed you," he mumbled into the redhead's neck. "I feel so pathetic when I get like this…"

Neku eventually sat down on the bed, gently rocking Joshua in his arms. "I know…I'm sorry." There were a couple of kicks from the baby, which both parents felt.

"Seems the baby's upset, too," Joshua giggled with a hiccup.

Neku sighed softly as he reached down and rubbed his mate's swollen abdomen. "It's okay, little one…Daddy's here now…ssh…" he murmured softly. Joshua relaxed completely at the soothing touch, and felt their baby calm inside him from his mate's words.

"I think he hears you," he whispered.

Neku looked at his mate curiously at those words. "'He'?"

"With how strong he kicks, he's got to be a boy," the silverette reasoned.

"Uh-huh…sure," Neku murmured, not sounding too convinced about it, but he didn't question it any further. "Anyway, shall we head downstairs for breakfast?"

"Probably a good idea," Joshua agreed, and got off the bed with some help from Neku.

"You wanna change into something easier before we go?" Neku asked after a moment of thought.

"Yeah, I'd better," the pregnant bearer nodded, and went to the closet, changing into a pair of maternity pants and a maternity shirt. When he emerged, he looked at his mate. "Shall we?"

"Let's," Neku nodded, holding out his hand for his mate. Joshua accepted the offered hand, and the pair headed downstairs to the dining hall, where Axel and Roxas were waiting.

"Good morning, you two," Roxas greeted warmly.

"Ready for a small trip, Neku?" Axel asked his son.

"Huh? To where?" Neku asked, playing dumb for the sake of the surprise for the silverette beside him.

"It's a surprise," the older redhead chuckled.

"Don't worry, Joshua, you and I will be working on the nursery today," Roxas soothed the youngest kitsune, noticing the worried look that came over his face.

"O…okay," Joshua murmured, subconsciously tightening his grip on Neku's hand.

Of course, Neku noticed and returned the squeeze gently. "It's okay," he assured. "I'm not leaving forever…I promise I'll be back as soon as possible."

"Okay," the smaller kitsune nodded, kissing Neku's cheek.

"Now come and eat, boys," Roxas smiled. "After all, Joshua, you're eating for two these days." This made Joshua blush lightly, but he nodded regardless as he and Neku sat down to eat.

The redhead smiled softly, briefly squeezing the other's hand, before he turned to his food quietly. The group ate in a comfortable quiet, and once they were finished, Axel had Neku follow him to the stables. Once they were gone, Roxas joined Joshua.

"Ready to start looking at decorations and ideas for the nursery?" the blonde asked him.

"But I thought Axel doesn't want me to leave the palace for my own safety," the silverette frowned.

"That's why we have a catalogue of ideas and some paint samples," Roxas replied with a grin. Excitement began to grow in the pregnant male, and he smiled back.

"Okay, let's go," he said.

X*X(With Neku & Axel)X*X

"So, your mother told me about this idea for a music box for Joshua, and I think it's a good idea," Axel told his son as they rode through the trees to the Kiryu home.

"…was Mom's idea, really…" Neku mumbled softly with a half shrug.

"Still, I like it," the youkai lord smirked. After a few minutes of silence, he said, "I haven't seen Joshua besides at mealtimes. Is he doing well?"

"Little bored at times…but yeah. He's doing alright," the younger redhead said, choosing to emit the fact that Noboru and his wife had actually trespassed (again) to try and take Joshua back. He had a feeling his father already knew, but he certainly wasn't going to bring it up.

"Good to hear. And the baby?" Axel inquired.

"The little one's healthy… I'm a little surprised Joshua's not bruised on the outside from the force of the kicks…" Neku said solemnly. "Also…Joshua seems to think the little one's a boy because of it…"

"Wouldn't surprise me," his father chuckled. "Your mother was the same way. He was fully convinced you would be a boy, and sure enough, he was right. You were a strong kicker back then, too."

"…I was?" Neku asked curiously, his ear tilting up slightly.

"Yup. Towards the end of Roxas's pregnancy, you did leave a few bruises. The only thing I've noticed, though, is that Joshua is a bit bigger than Roxas was at this point…" Axel replied thoughtfully. "Maybe he's having twins?"

"Is that actually possible with bearers?" the lord's son asked with a small frown. "I thought bearers couldn't carry more than one child at a time…"

"Well, your mother is a twin, but his brother, Sora, passed away before you were born due to illness," the elder redhead explained. "Your grandmother, Cloud, was also a bearer, so it's definitely possible."

"Really? I didn't even know…" the younger redhead murmured.

"I know, but we didn't think to tell you because it happened before you were born," Axel sighed. "But anyway, how would you handle twins?"

"I'm…not sure…I hadn't really considered the possibility…"

"Don't worry too much, Neku. I'm sure your mother will be able to find out while we're gone," Axel assured him. By that time, the father and son had reached the Kiryu home, and Eleanora came out to greet them.

"Lord Axel, Young Lord," she greeted, dipping her head respectfully. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Neku turned to his father briefly, before he turned to the silver kitsune and decided to bring up what they came for. "Mrs. Kiryu, we have come to request a favor of you."

"Oh? And what kind of favor would that be?" she inquired curiously.

"If you have some time, I wish to request your aid in constructing a music box," the younger redhead said solemnly.

"This is for my son, isn't it?" the female kitsune guessed with a smile. Neku's only response to those words was a solemn nod. "Then it would be my pleasure, Young Lord."

"…Thank you," the redhead said with a polite nod.

"I can absolutely start making that music box right away, actually. I already have a song in mind," Eleanora giggled. "It's a lullaby from when Joshua himself was an infant." Suddenly, a glowing, golden cat ran into the clearing, stopping before Neku.

"You must return to the palace now. Joshua needs you," it said in Roxas's voice, and then vanished in a burst of golden sparkles.

"…!" Though it certainly didn't show on his face, a bout of panic hit Neku at the news and he glanced to his father briefly, before he turned to Eleanora. "I'm sorry…I'll come by soon to pick up the music box."

After exchanging a quick nod with Axel, the two redheads turned and began rushing back to the palace.

'What the hell happened?! Dammit…Josh, just hold on…!'

X*X(With Joshua & Roxas…)X*X

"So, what do you think of this for the nursery?" Roxas asked the younger bearer, showing him a paint sample on the wall, but the silverette merely shrugged. Concerned, the blonde knelt in front of Joshua as he sat in the rocking chair and took his hands in his. "What's on your mind, Joshua?"

"…I miss Neku…" the smaller male sighed. "I know he said he would be back soon, but I don't like when he's gone… And he should be here for this, too…"

"I understand," the neko smiled in understanding. "How about we take a break and talk for a bit?"

"Okay," Joshua agreed.

"So, has the baby started kicking yet?"

"Yeah, but he's pretty strong, and quick to give two in a row every time."

This piqued Roxas's interest, and he reached towards Joshua's swollen abdomen and asked, "May I?" At Joshua's nod, the blonde placed his hand on his son's mate's stomach, and felt the described kicks, smiling at the pressure on his hand. "You think it's a boy, huh?"

"I know it seems silly, but because he's so strong, I think we're having a boy," the silverette murmured.

"Actually, I'll be honest with you, Joshua. You're bigger than I was when I was this far along with Neku. And the fact that the baby gives two kicks in quick succession like that? I think you're having twins," Roxas told him, and Joshua immediately stiffened at the news.

"…Are you serious…?" he whispered, and the neko nodded.

"My mother was a bearer, and I had a twin brother who passed away before Neku was born. I guess having twins skipped Neku, but not you," the blonde explained. Joshua began to tremble, and the strong smells of panic and fear began to emit from the silverette. Knowing Joshua needed Neku for this now, he swiftly sent out a messenger cat using his light magic, and then began to try and comfort the young kitsune.

X*X*X*X*X*X*X

The moment they reached the palace, Neku vaulted off his horse and, without looking back, rushed inside and towards where he knew his mother and Joshua were. As soon as he reached what was to be the nursery, he took only a moment to look around the room before running to his mate's side.

"Joshua!" Said pregnant male whimpered softly, desperately trying not to cry. Roxas stepped away from Joshua to tell Neku in a soft voice about how Joshua now knew he was expecting twins, and that he was beginning to panic because of it. Once his son nodded in understanding, the blonde left, closing the door quietly behind himself.

"Joshua…" Neku murmured, sitting by the other's side and wrapping his arms around his mate's shoulders. "Hey…Josh, look at me…" Joshua whimpered as he latched onto Neku, a choked sob escaping him.

"…I'm scared, Neku…" he whispered in a terrified voice.

"Shush now… It's okay…I'm here now…ssssh…" Neku murmured as he rubbed Joshua's back and gently rocked his mate.

"I don't know if I can do this," the silverette breathed, struggling to reign in his emotions.

"Josh, calm down…sssh… Deep breaths, come on…" his mate urged him gently, rubbing his head and lightly scratching behind an ear as he rubbed circles along his back. Finally, with a violent shudder, Joshua slumped against Neku, no longer crying, and now breathing a bit more regularly, if not shakily. Neku continued to shush him, repeating softly, "Deep breaths…in…out… Ssh…" as he held him close. The pregnant male complied, taking in deep breaths and letting them out so he would calm down further.

This continued for several minutes, until eventually, Joshua murmured, "Thank you…" Neku shook his head softly to show it was nothing, as he settled back, letting Joshua rest against his side without a word of complaint. About a half an hour passed, and then the smaller male spoke again. "We're having twins, Neku…"

"…I know," the redhead murmured softly.

"I didn't think we would," the silverette whispered. "…Are you happy?"

Neku didn't respond immediately, running his fingers through Joshua's hair. "…yeah…" he admitted after a moment. Joshua's lips curved into a tired smile.

"I'm glad," he mumbled, snuggling closer to his mate. "I love you, Neku."

"…love you, too…"