[$] Don't Make Me, Because It Isn't Real (w/ Zelici )

[ShadowEternal]

Even though Sano was on autopilot, his fingers flying across the keyboard as words flowed into his ears and onto the computer, a strange feeling of nostalgia enveloped him. As a young boy with eyes unclouded by the burdens of being the Dog Warrior and overseer of the Cat, there was a favored tree his father always read to him under. It never bore fruit and it barely cast shade, but his father never chopped it down. It had always been a strange presence, but whenever he was having a bad day, he would sit beneath it and take a nap. By the time he woke up, it was like all his worries disappeared. Though, he hasn't had the opportunity to relax there as of late.

*

Hayate's eyes could barely focus on Travis as his entire being shook. "I forgot. I can't believe I forgot. Quiet. Too quiet. They'll come. They're coming. I should have have known. It's been too quiet..." His voice got smaller and smaller as he went on until he just stopped.

Then, as his sight finally focused on Travis' face, his eyes shone pure dread. "I haven't spoken to or heard from my family since the moon festival when I sent them the barrel of moon wine..." He looked down. "My parents are...well...you know... But everyone else... I'm supposed to check in with them but... It's been months since then. And the main household hasn't even so much as sent a letter. Do they already know what's going on? Do they care? Are they going to stop me? Why hasn't there been so much as an appearance from anyone?"

*

Orion chuckled at how proud Kagami looked at his praise. Honestly, how did this dorky demon come to seize his heart so strongly? Well, maybe a goofy love was well overdue. It wasn't like the other simply lusted after his body. Well, maybe at first, but that wasn't the case now.

He tore a chunk of raw meat and stuffed it into his mouth. Letting out an appreciative sound as he savored the fresh blood and soft flesh. "Now that I think about it, I am a beast. I've had to be a humanoid for so long...I've almost forgotten it. I wonder..." He pushed a bit of his hair out of his face and stretched. With a shy glance Kagami's way, he morphed into his mountain lion form. He was bigger than the average kind, but his fur was shinier and softer to the touch. And if you looked close enough, his fur was slightly thicker around his neck and belly.  

[Zelici DragonSquire]

Travis gently placed his hands on Hayate's face and met his terrified gaze. "We'll get through it together," he said firmly. His voice was firm, calm, and reassuring. They would see this through together. He wished he knew how to control the powers the was supposed to have but there was no one to teach him. So he would deal on his own. But he shoved that thought out of his mind.

He had never known someone whose extended family kept such a close watch on before. But then he'd never know anyone like Hayate before. "If someone comes and tries to stop us then we just defy them. We'll run if we have to. Okay?" He said.

He gently kissed Hayate. "I'd really like to marry you," he said. The thought popped into his mind and it would likely distract Hayate enough to make him calm down. Or at least shock his brain into a less terrifying thought path.

"Will you marry me?" he asked.


***

Kagami ate his cooked meat while his mate ate his raw meat and he was happy. And though he felt a surge of determination from his connection to Travis he paid little mind to it at the moment. His focus was on his lover.

He had almost asked 'you wonder what?' but Orion transformed before he could. Probably for the best. His breath stopped for a moment. Orion was still as breath taking as ever. He took in the sight before he got up and touched his mate. Gently petting the ears and wrapping his arms around Orion's thick neck.

"You are amazing, love," he said.

He shifted into a larger than normal panther and rubbed up against his mate. He was slightly smaller than Orion because he was younger, but he was powerfully built. He liked the form of a panther. Sometimes he could pull off the form of a mountain lion, but today he felt like a panther would suit. And if it didn't he'd just change forms. His rough tongue flicked over Orion's muzzle to clean the blood off.  

[ShadowEternal]

It wasn't like Hayate was weaker than his family in the main branch. Quite the opposite, so the fear was purely psychological. Being raised in that toxic environment was actually what made him the bitter person he was when Travis first met him. The Cat Warrior had forgotten about it with the urgent task at hand. But now that he was with child, would he be allowed to keep it? Would his family try to take it from him? Travis couldn't control his powers just yet, so who would stop his family? No doubt his Guardian would be tied up with his own kits.

Hayate's mind was going through so many details that Travis' voice was starting to be drowned out. But out of nowhere everything stopped, his mind silenced. "What?" He asked for clarity, only to find himself stunned. "Y-you...like normal humans? Marriage. Like...an official ceremony?" A smile creeped across his face. "...that's a nice distraction. And, um...we're already mates, so...y-yeah." He covered his face with his hands out of embarrassment.

*

Orion smirked with pride as Kagami marveled at his bestial form. "Hey, I take good care of my body. The mark of health and strength begins with how well your body intimidates others." He licked his paw and then rubbed it over his head to smooth a patch of fur up there, not that he needed to.

He paused as he saw the other;s panther form. They contrasted each other heavily and made them a rather comical couple, but this was the future he choose, so it clearly didn't bother him. He purred as his mate cleared the blood off his face.  

[Zelici DragonSquire]

There was the smile he was aiming for. Travis smiled back at Hayate. He had successfully managed to snap Hayate out of whatever panic attack he had been having. "Excellent. What kind of ceremony would you like?" he asked. He was determined to keep Hayate on this thought path towards a happy future.

Though in his own mind he couldn't help but think he was going to have to find someone to teach him how to use his own powers. They were inside him. He had tasted what he could do, but he had to be able to so much more. Maybe if he could use his powers better Hayate wouldn't get so scared.

And then there was the Cat Warrior's family to deal with. Hayate seemed terrified of them. It was bizarre to Travis who couldn't even begin to imagine what it was like to be afraid of his own family.

***

Kagami made a pleased sound while he tried to remember how to make this form speak. He settled for telepathically communicating until he remembered.

"Let's go. Wouldn't want you to get fat from that meal," he teased and ran up into the forested mountain. He climbed a tree and leapt from one heavy branch to another.

***

The Nature God cut off speaking mid-sentence and blinked in surprise. He had reached the end of the information he had eaten. He looked at Sano who would no doubt want to know what had happened.

"That is all I ate," he said.

His time here was done. Unless Sano surprised him and asked him to eat the rest of the old scrolls. He found that unlikely. Humans liked their old things.

More likely he would be going back to his tree. Back to fading slowly away without anyone really caring.  

[ShadowEternal]

Hayate was still getting over how red his face was from the marriage proposal. Thoughts of human ceremonies entered his mind as he went through all the historical events, wondering which one Travis would want. Then he recalled a previous movie he acted in. A white dress... Does Travis want to see me in one? Or would it be a white tux?

"Um, honestly, I'd be happy with the ceremony of your homeland. I...don't want any ties to mine. I have nothing but bad memories of mine. I want to be all of yours." His ears burned hot as he said it, hiding his face again as he felt he said something embarrassing for even someone else to hear.

*

Orion laughed lowly as Kagami teased him. "If anything, I wouldn't want you to have too little stamina for later." He purred, watching as the other jumped up the tree. As the sun's rays cast down between leaves, he swore he saw something behind his mate, but it disappeared before he could focus on it.

"Hey-" He stopped himself from asking, shaking his head and put it from his mind. Whatever he saw held no ill intent. If anything, he could sense the opposite, which was weird. So he cast it out of his mind and leapt up the branches. It had been a while since he climbed up anything anyway. It was nice to feel the breeze in his mane.

Gazing across the woods, he got a faraway look as he remembered climbing to the heights of the mountains where humans seldom went. The view of the sun rising over the cloudline as a cold, yet refreshing breeze filled your lungs. "Hm...I think I want to give birth to the kits on my mountain. What do you think?"

*

Sano stopped as the nature god stopped once more. Had that much time passed again for another break? But then he learned that that had been all the knowledge it had eaten. Silently, he skimmed through what he had just written. For a modern conversation, it was near flawless and easy to read. When he thought back to all the work he had to do simply translating it... "Hm... Hey, are the scrolls actually filling, or is it almost assimilation since it's paper and you're a Nature God?"  

[Zelici DragonSquire]

Travis was grinning at Hayate. He had never seen anyone's face get so red so fast before. He hugged the cat warrior and waited for him to make up his mind. He was fine with whatever Hayate wanted.

Travis chuckled with amusement. "That leaves a lot of options since my country is known as the Melting Pot," he said. He rubbed Hayate's back as the man hid his face. Even though his hands couldn't fully hide all that blushing face and his red ears.

"How big of a ceremony then? You must have some friends or family that you care about. It can't have been all awful," he said.

*
Had he heard right? Orion wanted more sex? More sex like they had been having? s**t. He was going to have to think up more moves if this kept up. He had almost used all of his. He almost stumbled as he leaped from branch to branch.

"I have plenty of stamina," he responded while he plotted on what to do. He didn't want to suddenly be a disappointment. He didn't realize that Orion was starting to see through his disguise. He paused when Orion did and jumped onto the same branch as his mate.

"I am willing to make the journey if that is what you want. By the time they are born our charges should be able to take care of themselves for a short time," he said.

*

The Nature God was rolling around on the floor in play when Sano spoke. He had decided that since he had gone through all he had eaten and he didn't want to go back to his tree and be alone again yet, he would play around in here for a while.

So that is what he was doing. Rolling across the floor with his arms above his head like he was a log. He stopped midroll and propped himself up on his elbows and answered.

"It is both. The paper tastes good and makes me feel satisfied for a short time and it goes back into nature because I am a Nature God," he responded cheerfully. " Assimilation is a funny word," he said as an afterthought.

The Little Nature God jogged over to Sano and placed his hands on his knee, looking up at him excitedly. "Does that mean you are going to let me eat the rest, Sano-kun?" he asked with a excited smile.  

[ShadowEternal]

"That's fine. It's still better than having anything to do with my family." Hayate then chuckled. "Besides, wouldn't you think our entire group is a bit of a 'Melting Pot' anyway?" He fell silent when asked if he had any family or friends he would invite. "Well, it's no secret that I had no friends in the entertainment industry. Besides, they'd just gossip and make a huge scandal out of it. The two closest people I would even consider friends are, surprisingly, Mirelle and Sano. Maybe even the village headman's daughter. But that's a bunch of awkward conversations right there."

He sighed, leaning up against Travis. "Family...they don't know me. Only the Family Head ever spoke to me directly. The rest would just scorn me from afar, judging me without even attempting to know me. If I did send them an invitation, it would be just to show them I found happiness despite their actions and treatment." He fell silent at that. "Actually, can we do that once we're officially married?"

*

Orion wasn't really the sort to be direct about something. So when he told Kagami about wanting kits, he hoped the other had gotten the hint. He truly felt safe with the demon and even if he was seeing strange things, he trusted the other. And yet... "Yeah, by that time, Hayate should have given birth already." He then blinked. "Ah, speaking of giving birth, is there any family history I should know about? Seeing as most demons are usually mixes, older bloodlines tend to crop up more easily when mixing with new blood. That way, I can have the cave prepped with anything we may need to care for our kits should anything usually pop out." He asked with a gentle smile.

*

Sano watched the Nature God roll around in a playful manner. It was adorable and reminded him of his Guardians back when they were puppies. "Ah, interesting. Such things have always piqued my interest." He stated, making a note in a different document on the computer. "Hm?" He chuckled. "Yes, it is funny to some people."

The Dog Warrior put a hand under his think as if he was in deep thought, but smirked because he already knew his answer. "This temple is pretty big. Too big for just my Guardians and myself. "I see no problem with you staying. And you're a better translator than myself." He gave a roguish grin. "Feel free to eat any of the scrolls that have piled up on the floors. But leave the ones on the tables and on the shelves alone, please. Those aren't complete documents and are still in the process of being compiled." He cautioned, looking around the room.

With a yawn, he stood up and stretched. "Oh yeah, aside from paper, what else do you eat? It's late, so I should get dinner ready."  

[Zelici DragonSquire]

Travis chuckled. "I guess.. that is true. And we are all men and are apparently having babies. I'm working on wrapping my mind around that. I never thought I'd be a father. And to add to it, two of us are demons, I'm American, and you are Japanese," he said. He ran his fingers through his hair and swallowed the tiny bit of panic that had started welling up.

He chuckled again and said," So we invite Sano and Mirelle, and your village headman's daughter,"he said. He looked thoughtful. "So what is the village headman's daughter's name anyway?" he asked.

He really wished he had a laptop. Had they brought one when they came here? He glanced down at Hayate's stomach. There was no outward evidence of their child. Not yet. He wondered how he would react when Hayate started showing. Maybe he would be used to it by then?

"And yes, we can send them pictures, even a video, of us being happy. And then find a place to raise our family," he said.

*

Oh no. Kagami felt a crushing sensation as he realized Orion knew. He knew. He knew. He knew. Or he suspected.... What was he supposed to do? How was he supposed to explain what he was when he didn't fully understand what he was?

And their kits....He looked at Orion and sighed his shoulders slumping as he did so. And he felt so uncomfortable he had no doubt it showed.

And he changed to his real shape right there. He looked like crushed mirror glass in the shape of a person. His body scraped and tinkled when he moved. He kept his face turned away so Orion wouldn't see the glowing purple of his eyes.

"Fine. This is what I am. A demon made of broken mirrors," he said. His voice communicated how unhappy he was that he was telling Orion. He would have rather ignored the fact that he wasn't a simple mirror demon caused by an old mirror gaining a soul or something like that.

He let his legs hang over the side of the branch and watched them dangle.

*

The Nature God smiled even more. He could stay! He could stay here with Sano! And he got to see Sano's smile again. It had been so long. Then his eyes got even bigger and he looked around. There were so many scrolls all around the room. He'd never be hungry again. And he would have company! He was so excited.

"I'll leave them alone! I promise!" He said. He took a few steps back when Sano stood up and looked thoughtful. "It's been a while since I've eaten anything. That paper was my first meal in a long time. I like fruit. Your father used to leave me banana skins," he said fondly. He rattled off a few things that sounded like they belonged in an organic compost heap.

"Can I have a whole banana?" he asked, looking up at the Dog Warrior hopefully. He had to look a long way up. Sano had really grown and he had gotten really small.

Then he frowned and looked down. "But..more than food... I need at least one prayer every so often. I-If you could offer a prayer...every so often to me...I-I would be very happy and I'll do whatever chore you want. A-A-And I'll make your garden grow better. ... Though you probably don't need help with that...." he rambled shyly.  

[ShadowEternal]

Hayate watched in slight amusement as Travis freaked out. "Uh, no, let's not invite Mirelle, actually. I'd hate to get into a fight on my wedding day. Or every day after that. Sano can come, but...it still feels weird to think of him being there." He then blinked as he realized the Travis didn't actually know the name of the girl from his youth. "Her name...is...Shion. It's Shion."

It felt weird to say her name again. Before, when he was still cursed, he felt he was in love with the girl. But now that he had Travis, he could see it for what it was: desperation. A need to cling to one who had everything he didn't, and almost had it taken from both of them. Had Sano no intervened back then, how many who were living today would be dead now?

He banished the idea from his mind. The dark past was in the past. He had a bright future that he could now look forward to and a family in the making. With a smile, he grabbed Travis' hand. "Hey, Travis. Kiss me?"

*

Orion tilted his head in wonder as Kagami took on his true form. It explained the trick of the light he saw whenever he looks up at his mate. And yet...he couldn't help but laugh a bit. "Kagami, I'm sorry, but...I already knew what you were. Remember, when Travis shattered his own soul and Hayate locked away his own memories? At that time, you reintroduced us to Hayate and said you were a mirror demon." He sighed, looking off a bit. "Honestly, I should have gotten mad at you back then, but we had bigger concerns at that time." Like how that whole scenario was a giant dream...

Orion put a hand on Kagami's shoulder. "If I had any problems about what you were, do you really think I'd be willing to have your children? Besides, I've been around for awhile. Once I met your father, who I have seen before in his youth, I was already piecing it together. But at the same time, my Divine Eye isn't as strong as it used to be, so it kicks in randomly." He smiled and kissed his mate's cheek to comfort. "It's okay, Kagami. I love you, no matter what you are. Who you are, is my mate and the demon I love."

*

Sano raised an eyebrow at the Nature God's enthusiasm. "My father huh? I faintly remember him saying something about you. Guess that means we might have actually met before and I just forgot because I was a kid..." He then chuckled at the question. "Of course you can. Prayers, huh? Well, once week, the locals come up here to pray. How about I make a miniature shrine for you in the main prayer room, that way you can absorb some of the energy we receive? A power alliance, or sorts?"

He stretched a bit as he headed towards the door. "As for helping out...you're already practically family. Don't sweat and help out where you can. You're welcome here." Ah, speaking of family, when was the last time I saw my wife? I should probably put in an appearance before she gets angry. Bless her heart, she forgives my temple duties, but I would like to keep her happy.

He decided to drop in on Hayate and Travis. "Hey, think you two can hold the fort down? I need to go down into the village and check on my wife."  

[Zelici DragonSquire]

Shion. It was a pretty name. And he was going to meet her. What kind of person had managed to worm her way into Hayate's heart before him? He wasn't jealous, just curious. Very curious.

Travis laughed. "I dunno. Maybe you guys can remain civil for the wedding," he said. At least they agreed on Sano coming. He didn't know Sano well, but the least they could do was invite him since he was currently giving them shelter and food. They were safe for right now.


The rest for a kiss made his heart melt and he grinned. He didn't say anything, just pressed their lips together and kissed his mate. He held Hayate close while he kissed him. He was never letting the other go. After a bit he pulled away and looked at their entwined fingers. While kissing the other man he had done it.

"Would you like another?" he asked. And then Sano popped in. Travis blushed a little. They weren't caught in a compromising position, but they were being intimate. He shook it off quickly and hoped no one noticed.

"Yeah. We can do that. Do you mind if I get Hayate more food?" he asked. Then he said,"Take your time and spend some time with your wife," he said. He wondered why Sano lived separately from his wife, but didn't pry. It wasn't his business.



*

Kagami did not appreciate being laughed at. Being in his true form made him feel more exposed than being naked in any other form. But the glowing of his eyes eased and his tense back relaxed. Orion still loved and accepted him. Even though he had lied all this time.

The sharp edges of the broken shards that made up his body didn't cut Orion's hand when he touched him. Instead, his whole shoulder automatically became smooth as unbroken glass to keep Orion from getting hurt. Kagami was warm to the touch just like normal. He turned his face to look at Orion, his eyes looking like smoothed amethysts in a face made of broken mirrors. They showed his love and gratitude.

"Thank you and I love you too," he said simply. His cheek reacted the same way as his shoulder did when Orion touched him. The cat demon's kiss landed on smooth, warm mirror glass.

"I wonder where my father is. Or my mother for that matter. My mother wasn't as accepting as you are," he said and closed his eyes, the last of his tension leaving him.

He looked so at piece. Orion had known all along. Everything was okay. Being strange wasn't going ruin their budding family.

"I am a mirror demon. Just not the kind most think about," he said.

Then he grinned. "I want to introduce my father to our kits one day. When he found out I had fallen in love with you, Father had laughed so hard. He said I'd never win you, let alone get you to notice me." he said with a laugh.

As he calmed his shape changed. Instead of being made up of jagged pieces, his body smoothed and became one piece. There were the spider web marks of cracked glass all over him, but it looked like those cracks were under another layer of glass. And his body reflected everything around him.

*

The Nature God smiled his gratitude. A small shrine in the main prayer room would help him regain his strength. And then he'd be worthy of his name again. He wondered if Sano even remembered his name. Probably not. He had been so small.

"Thank you, Sano-kun! I-I will do my best!" he said. Family. It had been a long time since he was told he was part of the family. He was a very happy little god. He followed Sano all the way to the temple gates to see him off, but he couldn't go any further. He was connected to the grounds here.

"Have a good visit!" he called after him.  

[ShadowEternal]

Hayate thought on it a bit. "Of course I'll be good on our public wedding day. But like I said, Mirelle might try to strangle. She's a snake, after all." He sighed as Travis granted his request. Such a thing used to disgust him to the highest degree back when he didn't know emotions true range. And now he found himself constantly craving it from Travis in a way that felt like the man gave him life. Actually, he did give him life, a real one where he could be happy without fear of being tricked. His heart was now filled with warmth and he would fight to keep it that way.

Then Sano pooped into the room, surprising him and making him sit back with a blush on his face. "You're married!? She stays in the village?"

Sano looked up and to the side a bit. "Yes, I am. And you could say that." When asked about food, he nodded his head. "Help yourself to whatever's in the pantry. There's also a garden out back if you want to use it. You are my guests." He then walked off.

*

Orion gave an apologetic smile as he realized laughing may not have been the right initial reaction, but...it was how he felt. Their age difference made a lot of stuff that Kagami worried about seem trivial. But at least his love for the other came across properly. "What, your father actually leaves that cage of his?" He asked in wonder. Now that he thought about it, Kagami didn't much talk about his family, almost in the same way the Cat Guardian didn't talk about his lost kits around Hayate. "Not everyone is meant to be parents. But each life matters because they while matter to someone out there. Hayate is proof of that, wouldn't you say?"

He blinked in surprise as Kagami's body took a slightly different shape; less jagged edges and more of a solid, singular form. It showed him that he did succeed. His mate understood that his laughter was not meant in harm, maybe in slight jest. "Well, you gave me a hell of a reason to start looking at you. 'Who is this young demon who thinks he can casually talk to me?'" He chuckled. "But that young demon was always behind me, stronger every time I turned to look back. Soon, he wasn't behind me anymore, but at my side, as an equal." He put a hand over his stomach with a smile. "And now I'm trying to have his kits." If one paid attention, you could spot a faint blush on his face. "Every moment with him has me always smiling, and when he looks at me, I can't help but want to be ravaged by him. I'm almost like some love-sick hume. But demons love much more deeply." He glanced at Kagami from beneath his eyelashes.

*

After making sure everyone in the temple was okay, he walked down into the village. Several of the villagers greeted him, a few remarking how it'd been some time since he came down, and more hurried to hand him free items while asking for continued protection. The Dog Warrior had a stern look on his face that was the complete opposite of the carefree nature he had on the mountain. Unlike Hayate, he was revered as a mortal God, though he has no idea how this came about. The Dogs have always been loved as loyal workers who kept all bad things at bay. But it made for a lonely existence.

On the other side of the village, there was a slightly smaller shrine, but it was similar to the one he lived in. Outside, the place looked worn and old, and long overdue for a new paintjob. This and the Dog Temple were the two places the villages had decided it was improper to step foot in. His for being holy grounds and this place...as being a cursed realm. "Keira, I've come for my monthly visit. How are you today?"

There was silence until a tall woman stepped out of the shadows. She had short hair that stuck out like a porcupine's back with sharp, narrow eyes that could see anyone's weak-point. Both her ears had multiple piercings, one of which went from for earlobe to her bottom lip. She had a long, thin pipe in her mouth that was steadily letting out a stream of smoke that smelled of a fireplace. Clothing-wise, she wore black and silver kimono that hung low, barely concealing her ample cleavage. This also meant you could see multiple scar-like lines covered her body that were actually tattoos. Stare too long and you would swear you actually saw it move. "Still with the monthly visits, Sano?" She sighed and breathed out the smoke from her mouth. "So, what do you want this time?"

Sano stared at her in silence, looking over her form, but not in a normal way for a husband. He looked like something sizing up a stranger, or someone he hadn't seem in so long they might as well be. She didn't didn't get angry over his initial silence, this was normal. But she did notice that...something was different. "Who is at the temple this time?"

Sano rose his eyes to meet hers. "It's...the Sheep Warrior-in-Training, Travis, with his Guardian, Kagami. He also brought along his mate: the Cat Warrior, Hayate." Her eyes widened in shock. "Their Guardians are mated too." He watched her carefully as it was her turn to be silent, puffing her pipe in deep thought.

"Is that so? I take it young Hayate is under-going the trial to fully break the curse?"
"That is it exactly, and he wants me to side with him."
"And? What do you plan to do? Probably nothing as always. You're just a dog who only knows how to obey his master."
Sano sighed, hurt by his wife's truth. After all, their marriage was an order by his master. "That may be so, but I do like you. So...so..."
The woman raised an eyebrow, curious to this strange change in her husband's nature. "So... Ugh!" Sano stepped forward and stood very close her which, even having a full head over him in height, made her step back. "Wha-!?"
"Keira, please come live with my in my, no, OUR temple! You may not have a problem being down here, but I do! I don't like being so far away from my wife! I don't like how you're forced to live in darkness either! If Hayate can break free of his curse, then I can have the courage to demand you have my children as well!" Sano shouted with a flushed expression. "Please, come home."

Keira stood there in silence, shocked that Sano came all the way out there just to say that. She closed her closed and took a long draw from her pipe before handing it to Sano and making him hold. Then, before he could say another word, she kissed him and the smoke in her lungs filled his. When she pulled away, the excess smoke wafted out of his nose as Sano exhaled a small cloud with his breath. "Look who grew a pair. I like the influence this Cat Warrior has had on you. Very well, I'll join you shortly. Let me get my things.

*

Sano returned to the Temple on his own, going around and asking everyone at the temple to come to the main entrance so he could show them something.

{Can you guess who Keira really is?}  

[Zelici DragonSquire]

((No, I can’t, and I have tried so hard.)) ((Wait. Maybe… Sano’s Master’s daughter?))



As he kissed Hayate and held him close, Travis inwardly smiled. Things had certainly changed and they were going to change even more. His mind quickly changed from pondering the future to immersing himself in the present. Hayate was warm and firm against him. Hayate’s kisses always felt and had a taste of desparation in them. Like he was trying to make up for what he had been starved of and store some for if it was ever gone again.

And Travis didn’t know how to relieve this fear except to give him what he wanted, as much as he wanted, whenever he wanted. Maybe one day, that desparation would disappear. He didn’t know if he’d mourn or rejoice that day.

When Sano came in, Travis just felt more confused and ignorant. He hadn’t known Sano was married, but Hayate not knowing made him feel a bit better. Amusment kept in. His arms had suddenly become Cat Warrior free with Sano’s arrival and Sano was looking away like they had been doing something other than kissing. Both of these men were so …. What was the word? Conservitive? Formal? Maybe both.

When Sano was gone, he grinned teasingly at Hayate. “You look like you were caught doing something naughty. Planning to go further than kissing, hmm?~” He crawled toward Hayate and gently kissed his neck. “I don’t mind~”he sing-songed and smiled. And then he stood and kissed his beloved on the forehead.

“I’m going to go find the kitchen so I know where it is. I’ll be back soon. After you rest a bit more maybe we can go for a walk and explore the place,” he said. And then he left. He did manage to find the kitchen and the garden and was throughly nosy. Both places were impressive. He felt a pang of homesickness for Hayate’s house and he wondered how long it would be until they could go home. And then there was his career. He’d fired his agent and by doing that, cut himself off from work. No one knew where he’d gone or why.

Shaking his head, Travis decided to talk to Hayate about it instead of worrying by himself. His mate was a very successful actor and author. He probably had more than enough money for them to live on, but Travis wanted to make his own and make a name for himself.

He was on his way back to Hayate when he bumped into Sano and was asked to go to the main entrance. He was curious and agreed and then hurried back to Hayate’s side. “Hayate, has Sano been in to tell you to meet in the main entrance?” he asked.

He took Hayate’s hand and helped him stand.

Once they were in the main entrance, Travis looked around. There were a lot of people. Some people who he thought weren’t completely human. They were all standing or milling around the large space. “I wonder what Sano wants to show us,” he wondered aloud.

***

Kagami put his prefered form back on while his mate spoke and then he slowly backed Orion against the trunk of the tree. He pinned him there with his body and looked into his eyes. His own eyes smouldered. “And I want you to have them,” he said and kissed his mate again. He continued kissing Orion as he slowly made love to him in the branches of the tree.  

[ShadowEternal]

{Honestly, it's been a while that I forgot. So, I'm just gonna wing it based on what I read previously.}

Hayate let out a low sigh as Sano left to go meet his wife. He was still surprised that the Dog Warrior had kept such a thing so quiet. It made him wonder what made Sano have to go to such lengths. But any further thoughts were shoved away at the sound of Travis' voice. "Wha- Uh!" His face flamed red as he was accused of having impure intentions before Sano had interrupted them. "NN-no way! I just...not when I'm in this state!" Hayate let out a heavy sigh, one hand on his stomach. "I just wanted to be closer to you..." He admitted with a blush.

He relaxed at the kiss to the for head and watched Travis leave. "I'll be...right here." As he watched the Sheep warrior disappear into the hall, he couldn't help feeling lonely already. So as he waited, he decided to mind himself and make sure there weren't any strange changes brought about by his being pregnant.

It wasn't too much longer when he heard the passing of several footsteps, like some gathering was happening. So Hayate appreciated the clarity he got from Travis upon the other's return. "I- No." He shook his head. "I didn't really hear much from in here, just a lot of people walking around." He took his mate's hand to steady himself as he stood. "Well, let's go see what the Dog finds so important to gather everyone.."

*

Orion let out a soft gasp as he found himself pushed up against the tree. "Hm...then I suppose we best get busy." He commented one last time before he was silenced by Kagami's kiss.