Chapter 15 Amoroso (Or, in a loving tone)

Yukina was in labor for fourteen hours before she gave birth to her healthy baby girl. Tetsuya and Tomiko stayed with Asuka and Kurama for a couple more days while their mother helped Yukina get acclimated to life with a newborn. Because of Asuka's and Kurama's encouragement, Tetsuya attended the pre-tryout practices and even smiled when Asuka picked him up.

Shizuru came directly from Genkai's retreat to pick up her children. She looked tired but still radiated joy. "Thanks again, Asuka," Shizuru said as she held Tomiko in her arms.

"We loved having them. There was lots of singing around the piano. Tomiko has a beautiful voice. You should think about lessons for her if you haven't already."

Shizuru kissed her daughter's temple. "Hear that? Asuka says you have a beautiful voice. That's a high compliment."

Tomiko smiled.

"How did everything go?" Asuka asked. "Did Kuwabara do okay?"

Shizuru laughed loudly. "I love that you asked if my brother was okay instead of Yukina. He was a nervous wreck. At one point during a contraction, Yukina yelled at him because he was panicking."

Asuka laughed as well. "Yukina is so strong."

"She is, and she said she can't wait to see you."

"Did they decide what to name the baby?"

"Not yet. Maybe they'll have it figured out by the time you get there."

Asuka looked at her watch. "Speaking of which, I should get going now to beat the traffic out of the city. I'll walk down with you."

"Sounds good."

Asuka, Tomiko, and Shizuru walked down with their bags out of the apartment. Tetsuya was still at practice.

Everyone said their goodbyes and Asuka got into the car. She pulled out her phone.

Asuka: Shizuru picked up Tomiko, and I'm about to leave for Genkai's

Kurama: I love you. Text me with how you're doing. Remember, it's okay to feel sad when you see her

Asuka: I'll try to remember that. Thank you, Love

Kurama: I'll miss you

Asuka: I'll miss you too. Luckily, I'll only be gone for two nights

Kurama: :-)

The drive to Genkai's was peaceful. Asuka exchanged the crowded city for winding mountainous roads. There was still snow on the ground.

Along the way, Asuka listened to one of her favorite soundtrack mixes, which was from the two The Lord of the Rings movies. Her encounter with Miyazaki and Joe Hisaishi made her wonder how many other creatives in the world possessed some type of ki. Was Howard Shore among them? Did his ki burn bright when he wove together his art?

Unless she met them, she'd never know. But the possibility existed, and that made her feel warm inside.

"What are we fighting for, Sam?"

"That there is some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for."

Asuka wiped away a tear.

Hours later, she arrived at the entrance to Genkai's retreat and turned the car onto the widened gravel path that had been put down after Genkai's death. Memories flooded Asuka as she drove up the path. She had learned and grown here. She had trained. She had first tasted the warmth of Kurama's lips in Genkai's spare bedroom and the press of his body while she slept. Her house was a refuge—and always would be.

Help me be strong, Genkai.

After several long minutes of driving slowly up the gravel path, Asuka arrived. She got her bag and stepped into the fresh mountain air.

It was chillier than in Tokyo, and remnants of snow still lingered on the ground and on the roof. Asuka closed her eyes and breathed deeply. It smelled like pine and wet snow. Earth and dreams.

"Yo! Asuka!"

Asuka opened her eyes and found her friend-turned-brother standing on the porch with a wide grin. She smiled and slipped off her shoes before she stepped up to greet him. "Hey, Papa."

Kuwabara sheepishly laughed before he pulled Asuka into a big bear hug. "You should've seen Yukina. She was amazing. I've never seen anyone be so strong, and I watched Yusuke fight Sensui."

"Are she and the baby sleeping?"

"No, they're awake and inside."

"Well then, let's not keep them waiting." Asuka's heart pounded as she entered the opened door. Kuwabara slid it shut behind her. Then…Asuka peered around the wall.

Yukina was sitting on a couch that now occupied the living space, with her daughter latched to her breast. Yukina looked up at Asuka and beamed.

"Yukina," Asuka said as she approached. "You're glowing."

Yukina laughed gently and then looked back down at the baby she held in her arms. The look of adoration and love was unlike anything Asuka had seen on Yukina's face before, and it made Asuka's heart tug painfully.

"Oh, are you done?" she asked the baby softly. "Come here."

Kuwabara was there in a flash with a burp rag. Yukina smiled sweetly at Kuwabara before she took the rag and placed it on her shoulder. She patted the baby's back until she burped.

"Would you like to hold her, Asuka?" Yukina asked.

"I would love to."

Asuka reached under Yukina's hand to support the baby's neck and gently adjusted the tiny girl in her arms. Her hair was nearly black, except for a twinge of royal blue color that shimmered in the light of the nearby lamp. "Oh, Yukina. She's so beautiful."

"Asuka," Yukina said, smiling, "I'd like you to meet Maeko Genkai Kuwabara."

Asuka looked up, and her eyes widened. "…Maeko?"

"Yes. Because without you, I would've been hunted down for being a yokai, and this sweet girl would not exist. Thank you."

Asuka pulled the baby close to her chest and inhaled the fresh, newborn smell, and cried. The tears streamed down her face as she held Maeko close. Yes, there was grief that she would not hold her own baby like this (that was ubiquitous), but the more overpowering feeling was that something so beautiful, so precious, was named after her.

"Yukina," Asuka said, as the tears kept flowing. "When did you decide on that name?"

Yukina looked at Kuwabara and then said, "We've always known that would be her name, but we told Shizuru to keep it a secret so we could surprise you."

Asuka closed her eyes and kissed the baby's feather-light hair. "I'm…I have no words. I'm beyond honored."

"I love you, Asuka," Yukina said.

"I love you, too. And I love Maeko. I promise to be the best aunt I can possibly be."

Yukina's eyes glistened.

"We know you will," Kuwabara said.

Asuka kissed the top of Maeko's head again. The baby sighed and snuggled into Asuka's shoulder, which made the tears start flowing again. You're so beautiful, little Maeko. I love you. "How are you feeling, Yukina?"

"Tired and sore, but doing okay. It's nice to see my feet again."

Asuka chuckled.

"Are you okay holding her for a bit?" Yukina asked. "I'm going to go sleep."

"As long as you like."

"Well," Yukina yawned. "She'll need to eat in another hour-and-a-half. When she starts getting fussy, come find me?"

"Sounds good," Asuka said.

"I'll come too," Kuwabara said. "See you later, Asuka."

"Later."

Yukina and Kuwabara got off the couch and went down the hall, leaving Asuka with Maeko. Asuka adjusted herself and the baby so she could lie back on the chair and close her eyes. Not to sleep—just to enjoy the silence and soak up the feeling of a deeply sleeping baby on her chest.

Until Maeko sneezed.

"You alright there, little one?" Asuka asked gently as she looked down at the baby.

She seemed alright, but just in case, Asuka leaned forward and grabbed a blanket with one of her hands, and tucked it around Maeko. Then Asuka settled back into the couch and closed her eyes again. She breathed in the scent of the new baby and promised Maeko over and over that she'd do everything in her power to love and protect her.

Asuka started crying again. The tears slipped out from under her lashes and streamed down her face.

Asuka's phone buzzed.

Kurama: Hello, Love. Did you arrive?

Asuka: Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, a while ago. Got caught up in everything

Kurama: That's alright. How are things?

Asuka: Well, I'm snuggling a new family member while Yukina and Kuwabara take a nap, so it feels pretty good

Kurama: :-)

Asuka wanted to tell Kurama that Yukina and Kuwabara named the new baby after her, but she decided to wait. It was a conversation better held in person.

I love you, Yukina. Thank you.

Asuka held Maeko with reverence and in the quiet until she stirred and sneezed again. Asuka took the baby off her chest and looked down at her.

Maeko's black eyes roamed around the room before they settled on Asuka.

"Hi," Asuka smiled. "I'm not Mama, as you know, but I'm your aunt. And I love you very much. Are you feeling hungry now?"

The baby yawned.

"Let's go get your mama."

Asuka readjusted Maeko and walked down the hall, where Yukina and Kuwabara were. She slid the shoji screen open to find Kuwabara snoring obnoxiously, and Yukina curled up beside him. Yukina rolled over and opened her eyes. When she saw Asuka, she nodded and stood up. Then she crept out of the room and slid the shoji door shut.

"Hi beautiful," Yukina said to her daughter. "Food time."

"She sneezed a couple of times while you were sleeping."

Yukina smiled as she took Maeko from Asuka. "That's okay. Newborn babies sneeze a lot. It helps them keep their noses clear."

"Oh, that's relieving to hear." Asuka followed Yukina back to the living room, where they both sat down.

Yukina adjusted herself and helped Maeko latch. After a few attempts, Maeko got settled and began feeding properly. Yukina sighed. "Thank you, Asuka. That's the best sleep I've gotten in the past two days."

"You're welcome. I loved spending time with Maeko."

Yukina looked down at her daughter and smiled. Then she looked up at Asuka. "How are you?"

"Pretty good," Asuka said. "I'm sure you heard Kurama whisked me away for a holiday and it was so romantic. I didn't want it to end."

Yukina stared at Asuka for a moment then said, "Asuka? I know things have been hard for you. Please don't lie."

Asuka was stunned into silence. Of course, Yukina knew. Asuka's eyes shifted, and she bit her lip. Part of her wanted to emotionally dump and say everything she'd been feeling and thinking. Part of me is jealous you have a baby. It's not all of me…but it's part of me. I'm trying to move past it…but it's a struggle. Asuka still felt the sentiment was ugly. Especially when Yukina had named the baby after her. She couldn't bear to say it. So instead, she deflected.

"I've been having weird dreams," Asuka said. "A long time ago, when I told Kurama everything that happened in the Raekai, I told him that maybe I was supposed to die when I destroyed Enma's weapon. I told him that maybe something had changed my fate. When I told him that, I had a vision of three dragons coming up out of a lake. They felt so familiar. Lately…I've been dreaming of that lake. And I've been seeing one of the dragons."

Yukina nodded, her face grave.

"Yukina," Asuka breathed, "the dragon keeps calling me. It keeps saying, 'you must return' but I'm not sure where. Or why. But I keep getting this feeling like…"

"What is it, Asuka? You can tell me."

Asuka allowed the thought she'd been pushing out of her mind to fully formulate. "…Like I'm on borrowed time."

"And what does Kurama think?"

"He's scared. Really scared. It's almost like he believes if I go digging for answers, I'll find out something he won't like."

Yukina's eyes went wide. "Do you think the same as him? Do you think you'll find out something you won't like?"

Asuka hesitated before she said, "Yes."

"Oh, Asuka."

"But the thing is, Yukina. Something just feels wrong. I can't ignore it anymore."

"What are you going to do?"

"Well, while I'm here, I'd like to go to the mountain and do some meditation. Maybe if I try to access my power, I can get a clearer vision of what I'm supposed to do and where I'm supposed to go. And…I need to go to the Raekai."

Yukina frowned. "Would you like someone to come with you?"

Asuka shook her head. "No, but thank you."

"Okay." Yukina hesitated a moment before she said, "Asuka? Just remember. We love you. All of us. If you need help, please ask us. You're family, and you're not alone."

Asuka nodded and wiped a stray tear. "I just finished giving that same lecture to Tetsuya. But I guess I need to hear it, too."

"We've been through a lot together."

"We have."

Asuka and Yukina chatted for another forty minutes while Maeko continued feeding. Asuka told Yukina about her trip to Tahiti and about Tetsuya. Yukina told Asuka about the birth.

"Are you done?" Yukina asked Maeko sweetly. "Why don't you go to your Aunt Asuka? Mommy will be right back." When Yukina stood, she winced. She brought Asuka a burp cloth.

"Are you okay, Yukina?"

"Yeah, I'm just feeling sore. I need to change my ice pads."

Asuka understood. She received Maeko into her arms and put the baby on the burp cloth. Yukina went to the bathroom while Asuka tapped Maeko's back.

A few minutes later, Yukina came out of the bathroom. "Hey, Asuka? Do you want to go outside for a bit? It looks like it's warmed up and it would be nice to get some fresh air."

"That sounds great."

Yukina nodded. "I've got a thick onesie suit for Maeko. I'll go get it."

Asuka stood with Maeko and gently bopped her up and down until Yukina returned.

"The cold doesn't affect me, of course," Yukina said as she zipped Maeko up, "but I'm not sure how much of Maeko is yokai and how much of her is human. So, I think it's better to assume she'll react like a normal human baby."

Asuka kissed Maeko before she went and got her jacket. Then, the three of them went to the garden outside in the back. Even though spring hadn't started yet, it was still serene, and Asuka and Yukina talked while they strolled.

"I miss Genkai," Yukina said softly. "She was so kind to me and I felt so safe living here with her."

Asuka gave Yukina's shoulder a squeeze. "I miss her, too. I think about her all the time."

"I think she would've liked to see all her grandchildren, don't you?"

"She'd probably huff about all the noise, but all of us would know better."

"Yeah." Yukina's head abruptly twisted toward the forest. Her eyes narrowed. Then she shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Will you take Maeko?"

"Sure," Asuka said, confused.

"Thank you."

Yukina gave Maeko to Asuka, then threw her arm outstretched toward the forest. Ice shot from the ground and encased a tree near the edge of the clearing.

Asuka opened her mouth in shock. She'd never seen Yukina use her powers like that before. She didn't even know Yukina could use her powers like that.

Yukina marched toward the tree, her face taut with anger. She folded her hands and looked up at a high branch. Asuka followed Yukina's gaze.

Hiei?

"If you want to meet your niece, just say so," Yukina scolded. "I'm tired of you hanging out in the trees and watching. It's weird."

The ice broke. Hiei jumped and tried to run away. But Yukina stopped him again by encasing his feet in ice.

"Don't even think of running. And don't say that you aren't my brother," Yukina said as she stood in front of him. "I've known for so long. I kept hoping you'd say something, but you haven't. Why?"

"Tch," Hiei said. He moved his face away and glared at Asuka.

Asuka held up one hand in a defensive gesture. "None of us told her. She must've figured it out for herself."

Yukina's face softened. "I'm really glad you're my brother."

Hiei scowled again.

Yukina regarded him for a moment and then threw her arms around him. Hiei stiffened, then let his body relax. After Yukina hugged him, she released her ice. "Asuka, will you bring Maeko here?" Yukina asked.

Asuka walked toward them, her eyes twinkling. "It's been a long time, Hiei."

He frowned at Asuka before the tiny baby distracted him. Yukina took Maeko and cradled her. "She looks just like you, Hiei."

"That's what I thought," Asuka said with a smile.

Hiei looked down at Maeko. She was breathing softly and sleeping peacefully in Yukina's arms. Hiei's face changed as he stared down at his niece. Then, the corner of his lips pulled into a small smile. "She is strong."

"Very strong," Yukina said.

Asuka heard the door to the house slide open behind him.

"Eh?! Hiei?!" Kuwabara shouted.

Yukina shot a fierce glare at her husband, but it was too late. Kuwabara's voice startled Maeko awake, and she wailed.

"You idiot!" Hiei hissed at Kuwabara.

"What are you doing here?!" Kuwabara's voice carried over Maeko's cries.

"Kazuma!" Yukina said. "Your voice is disturbing Maeko!"

Kuwabara's expression changed when he realized what had happened, but he still gazed at Hiei, confused.

"My brother came to meet his niece," Yukina said calmly. She bounced Maeko up and down and shushed her.

"Wait…your brother?" Kuwabara looked from Yukina to Hiei, and then back again. "Your brother…is Hiei?! Since when?!"

"Since forever, you idiot," Hiei huffed.

"Why didn't I know about this?! Did you know about this, Asuka?!"

"I knew," Asuka said. "I think you're the last person to know."

Kuwabara gaped. Asuka shrugged.

Yukina bounced Maeko until she settled. "Seriously, Kazuma," Yukina said, exasperated.

"Sorry," Kuwabara said sheepishly.

"Stay with us for a bit," Yukina said to Hiei.

"I should go."

Yukina gave Hiei a look.

"Well, I suppose I can stay for a little while," Hiei said.

"Good," Yukina said. "Let's go in."

"Do you want to hold her?" Kuwabara asked Hiei.

"No."

Asuka fought the urge to laugh.

Author's Note:

Sweet Yukina. I just love her.

Asuka told Yukina her fear that she's on "borrowed time". Is Asuka right about that? What does that mean exactly? Also shoutout to Hiei for being the butt of my jokes in this chapter. Love you!

Hope everyone is well. My daughter has come down with almost everything imaginable from being in school this year. Last week it was the flu! I also caught it. Currently unable to breathe through my nose and I sneezed so hard my ears popped but it's...fine (it's not. Currently going out of my mind).

Anyway. Shoot me a comment if you feel so inclined!

-Arielle