FINDING MY WAY HOME

Alright everyone, I’m not sure I should have done what I did at the end, but I did. Sorry, this chapter is shorter than I planned. I wrote more, but I’m not happy with it, so I’m going to think about it a while and see what comments you all leave. Since so many of you are gracious enough to leave such great reviews, maybe you will help me figure out how to proceed. As always, thanks for reading and reviewing.

Chapter 21

Looking around our living room, I have to smile at my family and friends. Much to my horror, the girls insisted on giving me a baby shower. Shiori of course was immediately on board, as was Iris as soon as she learned what a baby shower was. When they realized how upset I was as a man to be having a baby shower, they compromised and included they guys to make it more of a party.

We’re using our apartment for the shower since I’m coming up on my sixth month and possible early due date. A couple of weeks ago I saw the doctor Yukina recommended, and protocol was put in place in the event the baby is premature. To prevent me from doing too much at the party, Hiei insisted that our housekeepers be present, and that the food be catered.

It’s been a nice party. Though Shiori and Iris have been getting along better since Hiei put them in their place, there are still times when they vie for my attention. It’s as if they are competing to see who is my real mother or my favorite mother. Today is no exception. When it came time to open gifts, they each wanted to sit by me to help with the presents. Surprisingly, Yukina came to my rescue insisting that it be Hiei who should be the one at my side, and made my mothers take chairs on either side of the sofa. Close enough to see everything, but not so close as to crowd me.

As Hiei and I open the mountain of gifts, Yukina instructs the person who’s gift we are opening to come sit with us on the sofa. She and Kuwabara gave us a messenger style diaper bag loaded with every possible essential we could need for the baby, as well as a supply of diapers… lots and lots of diapers. Seeing my eyes widen at the huge amount of diapers, Kuwabara laughs. “Oh, that’s just enough to get you started Kurama. You’ll go through a hell of a lot more than that before that baby is out of diapers.”

I’m sure my eyes must reflect my horror at the thought as I thank them and move on. The next gift is from Keiko and Yusuke. They gave us bottles, formula and all the little things we will need to feed the baby. “Keiko, thank you. When I saw how many kinds of bottles and formula there were in the store, I had no clue which I should get.”

When I see Yusuke grin, I know he’s going to say something stupid. “After you’ve bought gallons of formula and washed hundreds and hundreds of bottles, you’re going to wish you grew those boobs I was hoping you’d get to feed that baby.”

Wisely, he ran as Keiko swung at him. Botan and Koenma were next with a huge stack of wrapped boxes. In them was an entire wardrobe of clothes in sizes from newborn to toddler in every color of the rainbow, some for a boy, some for a girl and a few that could be for either. As I wonder if I will ever get through them, I laugh. “This baby should have enough clothes to last first few years of it’s life.”

Koenma sighed. “My wife started shopping the day we found out you were pregnant and I’m not sure she’s done.”

We all laughed and everyone shared shopping stories as several of the little outfits were passed around. After that we opened gifts from the friends and family that had made the trip from Makai to attend the party. Iris had gotten word to Uncle Jasper who came with his mate Leon and my cousins Celly and Yumi. Toya and Jin had been here earlier. Even Mukuro and Yomi, who rarely came to the Ningenkai, were here.

When Hiei rose to unwrap the big box they had given us, Mukuro sat beside me. “I have to confess, since we didn’t know what a baby shower was or what we were supposed to get you, we enlisted Keiko and Yukina for help. I hope they picked well.”

Seeing the picture on the side of the box, I smile. “It’s perfect Mukuro. It’s the one I was admiring a few weeks ago when we went shopping.”

Mukuro gave me a puzzled look and whispered. “What is it?”

Everyone laughed as I answered. “It’s a baby carrier that converts to a car seat to keep the baby secure when we travel in the car. It also converts to a stroller. That’s a kind of fancy Ningen baby carriage.”

Standing behind me, Yomi leaned down. “Forget the baby thing, I’m still finding it hard to believe you’re actually pregnant Kurama.”

I couldn’t help but grunt. “You and me both old friend. At my age, I didn’t think anything could shock me anymore. This however has been so traumatic, I don’t know how Hiei can stand me.”

As he retook his seat beside me Hiei scoffed playfully. “Me either Fox. It’s a good thing you’re cute.”

That made me smile. I lean over to give him a quick kiss before thanking Mukuro and Yomi for their gift. Thinking the gifts were done, started thanking everyone again, but Shiori interrupted me. “Not so fast young man. Did you really think Iris and I didn’t get you anything?”

Looking between them suspiciously, I wait. Iris smiled. “Shiori and I realize we haven’t helped your stress level with the way we’ve been acting.”

Shiori picked up where Iris left off. “In our defense, it’s just because we love you so much.”

They must have rehearsed this as Shiori continued. “So for your gift we decided not to compete, but work together. Kazuya, now please.”

My father signaled for Kuwabara to follow him out to the entry by the elevator. A moment later they came in with a baby cradle. Rising, I go for a closer look. It was made of polished oak. The bedding is quilted in a multitude of colors. Looking closer, I see the little quilt is actually done in tiny patch work with each piece being a different adorable animal or beautiful flower. Turning to them, I’m almost speechless. “It’s exquisite. Thank you both, so much. Did one of you make the quilt?”

Iris nodded. “Shiori introduced me to something called a sewing machine.”

Astonished, I looked at Shiori and she smiled. “We conspired while out shopping one day. We picked all the fabric, then when you two would go out, I’d pick Iris up and we’d work on the quilt together.”

Putting an arm around each of them, I give each a kiss on the cheek. “It’s something I’ll cherish forever. Someday if he or she ever has a child, I’ll pass it down.”

Iris grinned at Shiori then smiled at me. “Well, if you pass the cradle down too, then it will be used by four generations.”

When I frown confused, Shiori explains. “That is the baby cradle your grandmother passed down to me when you were born. Kazuya refinished it while we worked on the quilt.”

My eyes widened. “It was your baby cradle? Wow, this is the most incredible gift. The best part though is you did it together. I love you both so much.”

As the girls gushed over the cradle, Yusuke and Kuwabara helped by setting up the car seat and stroller. Seeing it, Yusuke laughed. “Kurama, this is really cool, but how are you, Hiei and the baby going to fit in your Z?”

Realizing he was right, my eyes got wide as I look at Hiei. “What was I thinking? We can’t put the baby in a sports car, and we sure can’t take it on the motorcycle. What if there are other things we forgot? We’re not ready for this baby Hiei. What if…?”

With a hand full if my red hair, Hiei pulled me in for a kiss. All he has to do is touch me to calm me and kissing is even better. Pulling back, he grunts. “Relax Fox, and come with me.”

Taking me by the hand, he leads me to the elevator. As my mothers and some of our friends follow, I realize I’m not the only one who is curious. As we go down in the elevator, I have a comical vision of a side car on Hiei’s motorcycle in my head. When the doors open to the garage and we exit the elevator, I’m relieved to see his bike and my car safe in their usual spots. Just past my car though I see what Hiei brought me down here for.

In the spot next to my Z is an SUV with a giant white bow on it. It’s a beautiful blue Mercedes M-Class. I give Hiei a look of what must be disbelief as I get a closer look at the car. Not only is it an M-Class, it’s the top of the line, fully loaded ML63. Hiei must have clicked the remote, because it beeped and the lights flashed. A moment later the rear door opens on its own.

When Hiei steps forward and opens the driver’s door, I slip into the leather driver’s seat. Running my hands over the steering wheel and interior, I look at him. “Hiei, this is gorgeous. How did you do this?”

He shrugged. “I took the checkbook from your desk and told them it was for my husband, Shuuichi Minamino, and they gave me this.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the cute look on his face. Turning in the seat, I pull him close and kiss him. “Hiei, this is so thoughtful. It never even crossed my mind we needed a bigger car.”

I can hear the others opening doors and getting in to check it out, but I only have eyes for Hiei. “Well, I started thinking about it when we had to borrow Yusuke’s car to bring Iris home from the temple. Since then either we’ve gone out in twos or we’ve walked so it didn’t come up again, but it will as soon as the baby comes. Besides, my Youko mate doesn’t fit well in your Z, especially pregnant.”

I grinned. “Well, let’s see how your pregnant Youko fits in this.”

Still holding his hands, I change forms. After giving him another kiss, I turn to sit behind the wheel again. “Look, I fit. Well, my ears brush the roof a bit, but it’s really comfortable. Thank you so much Dragon. This is a beautiful car and just right for our growing family. I just love the color too.”

I could see my mate was trying not to blush. “I couldn’t let everyone else give you presents and not get you and the baby anything.”

Yusuke leans up from the back seat. “Damn Hiei, this is one kick ass SUV. It has everything and then some. Back seat media players, panoramic sun roof…”

As he continued Shiori came up and touched Hiei’s arm. “Hiei, just so you know, all those gifts were for you too, not just Kurama and the baby.”

Hiei smiled shyly and pretended to whisper to her. “I know Mother. Don’t tell Kurama, but the car is for me too.”

She giggled, then surprised him by kissing his cheek. “Hiei, I couldn’t have asked for a better mate for my son than you.”

Behind her, Iris nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. I haven’t known you as long as Shiori has, but even in the few weeks I have known you, I can see how much you love my son.”

Before they can embarrass him more, I turn to the others. “Alright everyone, there is a feast up in the apartment waiting to be eaten. And as you know, the limousines I hired to bring you are waiting to take everyone home, so feel free to drink as much as you want. So, let’s go enjoy this great party.”

As Hiei locked the car, I lean down and whisper. “I can’t wait for everyone to be gone so we can go for a drive in our new car. I love you Dragon.”

Holding hands as we follow the others to the elevator, he whispers back. “I love you too Foxie.”

XXXXX

A month has passed since the baby shower and I’m still pregnant. As ready as I am for this to be over, I’m grateful the baby has had another month to grow. When my swollen belly bumps the counter as I put the breakfast dishes away, Iris giggles. “It’s amazing how much one month has made. You are already bigger than any Youko I’ve ever seen, and you could still have two months to go.”

The task was already awkward enough as a Youko because I’m used to my shorter human form and her teasing didn’t help. With a frown, I sigh. “Don’t remind me. I don’t even want to think about how big I’m going to be by then.”

Passing me the glasses to put away, she smiles. “If that baby is not a Youko, which at seven months I doubt it is, then I’d say you’re going to get a lot bigger.”

I’m sure I looked like a teenager as I rolled my eyes. “Thanks Mom, that makes me feel much better.”

Turning from the glass cupboard, I must have misjudged the distance at this height and hit my head on the hood over the stove. Stunned for a moment, I stagger back and grab my head. “Ahhh!”

Rushing to my side she takes my arm. “Kurama! Are you alright? Come sit down.”

Taking a seat in one of the dining room chairs, I close my eyes and rub the sore spot on the side of my head. “Damn, that hurt.”

When I open my eyes, golden Youko eyes are looking back at me. “Do you want me to call Hiei?”

I look at her a moment, then frown. “Who are you?”