FINDING MY WAY HOME

Chapter 24

Sitting in our suite at Alaric, I look down at Kuronue drinking his bottle. He is so beautiful. Already his hair has grown long enough to brush his shoulders. When I suggested to Hiei that I could cut it to match his, his reaction was priceless. He snatched Kuro away from me as if I had threatened to cut off his head. I almost couldn’t stop laughing it was so funny.

I’m constantly amazed by my son. At six weeks old he is already developing his own personality. For the most part he’s a calm, quiet baby, aware of everything going on around him. When he’s not happy about something though, he sure lets us know it. I swear he even scowls sometimes. He’s already so much like Hiei, it’s almost scary.

He does have a little of me though. As he looks up at me I can see a twinkle of mischief in his beautiful golden eyes. Trying to contain my grin I chide him. “You think you’re hot stuff don’t you Kuronue? Don’t think I didn’t see what you did tonight. You turned the charm on your dad and he let you stay up late.”

Even as he grins at me, he yawns and his eyes begin to droop. Again I smile and marvel at the miracle that is my son. “Sweet dreams my precious.”

Setting the bottle aside, I rise and go into his room. Hiei gave up his private office so I could turn it into a nursery. The opposite of the fox nursery in the Ningenkai, this one is decorated all in dragons. As I lay him in his crib, Hiei comes up beside me and whispers. “Guess he had a big day.”

Nodding, I take his hand and we return to the living room. “Thank you for going with me to take my mom home. I know you’d prefer it if I never went back there, so I really appreciate it. My family was so glad to see us and meet Kuro.”

Hiei grunted. “Kurama, you know I’d never let you go into hostile territory without me. Speaking of which, you never told me what happened with Kento.”

Until now, I wasn’t even sure Hiei knew I’d seen my dad, but then Hiei makes a point of keeping an eye, or should I say Jagon eye on me, especially when we’re in Makai. One of my cousins was so impressed to meet Hiei, he had dragged him off to show him sword techniques. Hiei, overwhelmed by my Youko family, had welcomed the distraction.

While Hiei was gone, my dad showed up and asked to speak to me. “It went better than expected actually. When my mom left with us, I think he was scared he had lost the last member of his family. He thanked me for bringing her home and said he had spoken to the rest of the counsel, and though I was still banished, I had been granted permission to visit my family.”

Hiei just nodded and I continued. “He looked so old Hiei. I think even my mom felt bad for him. I know you probably don’t think he has any right to be part of our lives, but I can’t help but remember what a good father he was to me and Royce when we were young.”

Hiei sighed. “I might not have felt this way a year ago, but I’m beginning to have a new respect for the parent child relationship. People make mistakes Kurama. I’m sure as parents we’ll make a few, but I hope our son will know how much we love him and not hold those mistakes against us.”

I nod my understanding. “Me too Hiei, but this was more than just a mistake. He banished me from my home and family and told me never to return. I used to think I’d never forgive him for that. Then I think of you, who didn’t even have a father to make mistakes and it makes me grateful for mine, mistakes and all.”

Sitting beside me on the sofa, Hiei sighs. “For now let’s just play it by ear. If and when you decide he has earned your trust again, I’ll do my best to accept it.”

Smiling, I lean over kiss him. “Thank you Hiei. Now, take me to bed before our son wakes up again.”

I could see Hiei trying to hide a smirk. “It’s early Fox. I’m not tired.”

I shrug. “Oh, alright. I’ll just go downstairs and see if Mukuro…”

I laugh as I am roughly pulled to my feet and dragged towards our bedroom. “Like hell you will!’

XXXXX

As I put two candles on Kuronue’s birthday cake, the birthday boy himself came streaking out of the bedroom wearing nothing but his birthday suit. Hiei is only a few steps behind him. “Kuronue!”

Trying not to laugh, I snatch him up before he can get out the patio door. “Hold it right there you little demon.”

Laughter bubbled from my child. “Wanna play with Benji.”

Behind me, Yusuke comes in laughing. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full there Kurama. Bringing up demons can be an adventure, that’s for sure.”

With a sigh, I hand Kuro back to Hiei. “Then you better let Dad get you dressed. Benji is waiting for you.”

As Hiei took Kuro back to his room, I turn to Yusuke. “You have no idea Yusuke. Raising a fire demon cub in a penthouse apartment is more than an adventure.”

Yusuke’s eyes widen when I walk to the sofa and turn over one of the cushions, exposing scorch marks. “Holy crap Kurama, he tired to burn the place down?”

Moving to the chair, I show him another hidden burn mark. “I have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in every room, plants that spray water in every corner and am on a first name basis with three fire chiefs. Not to mention I’m sure the company that I use to repair all the damage he does is getting very rich off me. I don’t think there is a wall or piece of furniture in the whole place that he hasn’t burned at least once. Adventure Yusuke, would be an understatement.”

As Yusuke chuckled, Kuronue ran by. “Benji’s here!”

My mother smiles as she comes out of the kitchen. “He sure does love his cousin. He’s going to miss seeing him all the time.”

Yusuke’s head snapped around. “What’s she talking about Kurama?”

Shiori looked guilty. “Oops. I thought they knew.”

I nodded. “It’s alright Mother. We were telling everyone today.”

Hiei came up beside me. “We’re going home Detective, to raise our demon child in Makai.”

Yusuke didn’t look surprised. “I can understand that. Keiko and I have been talking about it too. We…”

Keiko’s sudden scream has us running outside. By the time we reach her up in my garden, Hiei is already there. My heart is pounding as I see them looking over the railing and no sign of the boys. Rushing to Hiei’s side, I’m not sure I can breathe as I look over. Relief floods me as I see Kuronue and Benji dangling dozens of stories over the street, wrapped securely in vines. Both boys are laughing as they push each other to make the vines swing.

Beside me Yusuke sighed. “Yep, I definitely think the Ningenkai is too dangerous for those two. Now, can you get my kid back up here Kurama before my wife has a heart attack?”

Thinking I’d just about had one myself, I call to my pets to deliver Benji to his parents and Kuro to Hiei and my waiting arms. Excited, Kuro wiggled. “Again! Again!”

Benji’s excited too. “Dad! That was awesome! You gotta try it!”

Chuckling, Yusuke ruffled his hair. “Trust me Son, I’ve been strung up by Uncle Kurama’s plants more than once. It’s not always fun.”

Keiko nearly shrieked. “FUN! I thought you boys were dead when you went over! Don’t ever do that again!”

I was about to scold Kuro too, but Hiei beat me to it. “Kuronue, that was dangerous! You scared everyone! Do you know you and Benji could have died?”

Hiei didn’t get mad at our son often, so when he did, Kuro knew it was serious. Big ruby eyes looked over at Hiei. “Sorry Dad, we didn’t mean to fall.”

Thinking Kuronue was in trouble, Benji tried to help. “That’s right Uncle Hiei, it was an accident. We were just wrestling, then we were falling. I was scared at first, but it was really cool when Uncle Kurama’s plant grabbed us.”

When Hiei grunted, I reached out and rested my hand on his shoulder. “Well, I think we’ve all had enough excitement for one day so you boys get to play inside the rest of the day. In fact, why don’t we all go in and have some birthday cake.”

The boys each wiggled away from their parents, then waived to the twins and Risa. “Come on! It’s time for cake!”

With a relieved sigh, my mother followed the children. When I too gave a big sigh, Hiei pulled me into his arms. “Everything is alright Kurama. Your safeguards worked. I’ve never been so grateful for your pets as I am right now.”

With my arms around him, I relax into his embrace. “Me either Hiei. Can we go home tomorrow? I don’t even want to wait until next week like we planned.”

Hiei kissed me before turning to follow our friends inside. “Anything you want my Fox.”

XXXXX

Working in my garden I’m amazed to realize five years have passed since Hiei, Kuronue and I returned home to Makai. It was the best thing for our family, and I’ve never regretted it for a moment. My mate has never been happier. Not only is he free from the Ningenkai that he tolerated for my sake, he is able to attend his duties at Alaric without leaving his family.

Kuro has thrived with the whole fortress as his home, school and playground. He still set fire to things until he gained better control of his power, but at least with walls made of stone we didn’t worry he’d burn the place down and kill us all.

Within a year of us returning, Yusuke moved his family to Tourin. This of course thrilled Kuro and Benji, who have become closer than brothers. Most days find Benji here at Alaric or Kuro at Tourin. It’s worked well since Keiko and I are their teachers and Hiei and Yusuke see to their training. Risa too has blossomed here in Makai. Though she frustrates Keiko to no end about her school work, she has exceeded all of our expectations in her training. The way she follows Yusuke around, wanting to know every detail of his work, I can see her ruling Tourin some day, if not all of Makai.

Though Kuwabara has resisted to date, he has been discussing the likelihood of making the move as well. In anticipation of this, Hiei has put Yukina and the children’s needs ahead of his distaste for Kuwabara and is making a home for them in the mountains north of us. It’s close enough to satisfy Hiei’s need to protect Yukina, without having Kuwabara too close.

Satisfied that the herbs I had been working with were coming along nicely, I rise and brush off my hands and brush my long read hair back from my face . As I turn to go inside I see Kuronue rushing towards me. “Father! I need your help with some flowers! They’re for someone real special!”

Hiding a grin, I give my seven year old son a curious look. “And just who is this special person you need flowers for?”

Kuro bites his lip and looks to the sky as he considers his answer. “Um… just someone I want to give flowers to. What kind would be good?”

Allowing him his little secret, I take his hand and lead him to a large flowered area of the garden. “Well, that would depend. Is his special person male or female?”

He hesitated a moment. “Male.”

I nod. “Do you love this person?”

Proudly, he smiles. “Oh yes Father. Very much.”

He looks so cute, I have to struggle not to laugh. Walking with him through the flowers, I describe each one as we pass them. “I see. Well then, we have many choices. Roses, especially red ones mean romantic love, like I have for Hiei. You can’t go wrong with lilies, they are a beautiful flower. If you want to tell someone they are special, without professing your love then an assortment of flowers would be nice. What do you think?”

He gave me a long look, then looked at the flowers. “I think lilies. Will you help me make a big bouquet?”

Kneeling with him before the lilies, I smile. “I will be here to help if needed, but I want you to harvest the lilies without harming them or the plant.”

Nodding confidently, Kuro reached his hands and his energy out to the plants. Every time I see my fire demon son use Youko powers I’m awed by how amazing he is. Carefully, he coaxes the plant after plant to give him their flowers. Smiling proudly, I gather greenery to complete the bouquet. “We’ll need to find something to tie it with.”

I watch as he looks around nervously. Suddenly he reaches up to pull the tie from his long silver hair. “Here Father, use this.”

I smile at his inventiveness. “That will work fine Kuro.”

Together we arrange the flowers, then I hold the large bouquet as he ties it. “Is that what you wanted Son?”

Kuronue was wearing a bright smile. “Yes Father, it’s perfect.”

Turning as if to go inside, I’m not surprised when Kuro stops me again. I suppress yet another grin as I watch him struggle to find a way to stall me longer. “Um… Father… there’s something I’ve been wondering. All my cousins have a mother and a father, but I have two fathers. Who is my mother?”

Momentarily stunned by the question, I stare at him. With a sigh, I lead him to a nearby bench. “Well, since I am the one that gave birth to you, I suppose I am your mother.”

Kuronue frowned. “How is that possible? You’re male like Dad, and the other dads, not female like the moms.”

Kuro is so much like Hiei, sometimes I forget he is my son too. “You’re right, I am male, but as a Youko I am also part female and can have a baby.”

His eyes widened. “Am I part girl too?”

Smiling, I shake my head. “No Son, though you have my Youko powers, you are just a normal demon boy.”

Comically, Kuro sighed in relief. “Glad to hear that! So, when do I get a sibling?”

I’m sure my mouth is hanging open, but I can’t seem to close it. Kuro doesn’t seem to notice. “Father, the way I see it, all of my cousins have a sibling except for me, and I want one.”

My mouth opens and closes, but for a moment the words won’t come. It took a couple tries, but I am finally able to respond. “Y.. you want a little b…brother or s…sister?”

I’m stunned. “I’ll have to think about that. Now, I think the rest of this conversation should wait for another day. Don’t you think it’s time we went inside?”

Pausing a moment, Kuronue looked over his shoulder, then nodded. “Yes, Father, it is time we went inside. Come on, I want to show you who the flowers are for.”

Grabbing my hand, Kuro pulls me along as he hurries towards the terrace doors. I can’t help but grin at his enthusiasm. Once inside he pulls me along to the ballroom. As he pushes the doors open there is a big cheer from inside. “SURPRISE!”

Dutifully, I gasp and smile at my family and friends gathered in the ballroom. Beside me, Kuronue holds the lilies out to me. “Happy birthday Father.”

Smiling, I kiss his cheek and take the flowers. “Thank you Son. So, I take it you were sent to distract me in the garden while everyone arrived? Believe me, you distracted me alright.”

I saw him grin proudly before my mother pulled me into her arms for a hug. “Happy birthday Shuuichi. Oh what lovely flowers. Kuronue, did you make these?”

Right behind Shiori came Iris. “Yoko, this is so much fun. This is one tradition I’m glad the ningens brought us.”

Returning her hug, I nod. “I agree Mom. Any tradition that brings our family and friends together is definitely a good one.”

I barely release her when my friends surround me. Yusuke swings an arm around me. “Damn Kurama, Hiei sure knows how to throw a party.”

On my other side is Kuwabara. “Yeah, and did you check out all that food?”

Chuckling at him, I disengage myself from them to get a hug from Keiko. “Happy birthday Kurama. I’m anxious for the band to start playing so we can all dance.”

No sooner did the words leave her lips than the music started. We all laugh at Yusuke’s groan when Keiko drags him off to dance. Turning back, I wink at Yukina knowing she too loves to dance. “Make sure you save me a dance little sister.”

With a shy grin she stretches up on her tip toes to kiss my cheek. “Of course I will big brother. Happy birthday.”

Beaming with pride, Kuwabara allows his tiny wife to lead him to the dance floor. Seeing a passing servant, I hand her the flowers and ask her to put them in a vase and display them someplace prominent. Then I turn to get hugs and kisses from the children.

After greeting most of the guests, I finally get a chance to look around. “Alright, where is my mate hiding?”

Even though my comment was barely more than a whisper, instantly, Hiei is beside me. “Right here my Fox.”

Though Hiei is not fond of large shows of public affection, he willingly accepts my hug and kisses. “Thank you for the ‘surprise’ party Hiei.”

Settling comfortably at my side with his arm around me, Hiei grunted. “Thank you for pretending to be surprised. When Kuronue asked if we could do this, I told him it would be impossible to sneak anything past you Fox, but he insisted on trying.”

Taking advantage of the opportunity, I walk towards the dancers. I know Hiei is indulging me because of the occasion when he allows me to pull him into my arms for a dance. “Your son did an admirable job distracting me as the guests arrived. Do you have any idea what he planned to talk to me about?”

Against my shoulder I feel Hiei shake his head. Smiling, I kiss his temple. “Let’s just say he and I had the same idea as to what you could give me for my birthday Hiei.”

Tilting his head back, Hiei gave me a quizzical look. “You mean the party wasn’t enough?”

It was my turn to shake my head. “Oh, the party and having all our family and friends together is wonderful, but I had something more personal in mind.”

Swinging me around to the tempo of the music, Hiei grunted. “I am not making love to you at your birthday party with our house full of demons and telepaths.”

I grin then give him a passionate kiss. “Though that is tempting, and will in the spring be necessary for my gift, that’s still not what I had in mind.”

Smiling at his confusion, I pull him close and whisper in his ear. “What I want you to give me for my birthday Hiei is… a baby girl.”

I’m sure Hiei’s expression is as comical as mine was when Kuronue suggested it. Recovering much faster than I did though, I find myself the recipient of a toe curling, cock hardening kiss. Around us the music has stopped. Kuronue is leading a chorus of “Happy birthday”, and I’m sure I smell cake. None of that matters though as Hiei and I kiss to celebrate our decision to have a second child.

THE END

Sorry guys, this is the end of ‘Finding My Way Home’. I know there could be more, but as you know from how long it took me to post this last chapter, I haven’t been doing much writing. Thank you all so much for the great reviews. I have read and loved every one of then.

Though I do have a new idea floating around in my head, I’m not sure if it will ever develop into a story. If it does, I promise to post it, and I promise to finish it. I know a few of you have messaged me about writing a new story, but just finishing this one has taken me forever. Feel free to keep sending me your ideas though. They may help me formulate my idea into an actual story.

Until then: TTFN, SFM