Kohaku had not attended a celebration in a very long time. So, when word had reached him about the ball in Sularia, he was too tempted to refuse to go. With all the surprises that’s entered his life recently, he believed he owed it to himself to relax for once. If he wasn’t worried for Nelanna’s safety and her family’s, he was focused on the woman in his house. He had finally realized his feelings for Miyuki, and despite their first time together, nothing had become any more simple. For some reason, she seemed to be kinder to him since then, but he could tell that something was bothering her. Kohaku was well aware of her stubbornness, and he wondered if that was the reason for her silence. He had hoped that taking that leap with her would progress their relationship in a good way. But, now he wondered if it really hadn’t helped anything at all. He wished she was more open with him and tell him what was on her mind, what she truly felt. How was he supposed to know how to fix the issue if she wouldn’t tell him what it was? Was he supposed to read her mind? There was no doubt that she was one of the more confusing women he’s ever had a relationship with, but despite the difficulty, he still loved her.

So, he asked her to join him at the ball. He was hoping it would be a change of pace for her as much as it’d be for him, and perhaps they could grow a little closer—leave their troubles at home and let the night carry them away. And, for the first time in a long while, he decided to wear the clothing native to his home. An extravagant kimono, light purple in color with a darker purple cover. Fur lined the collar, while the length of the entire outfit reached his ankles. Even during the occasion he carried his katanas on each hip. He was always prepared for the unexpected. Thankfully, Miyuki had also chosen to wear a kimono, one that matched her natural beauty in every way.

Kohaku guided her to Sularia until they stood on the snow covered ground where the celebration took place. He was briefly taken back to the place of his birth, where snow fell without pause. It was always so cold, and finding shelter was difficult. Now, he stood in the snow without having to worry about freezing to the bone, nor starving to death. His amber eyes set on an unused table, and with a swift beckon for Yuki to follow, he led her to it. Being the gentleman he was —most of the time— he pulled a chair out for her to sit in and asked, “Shall I bring us something to eat?”

Why couldn't she pinpoint exactly how she felt about this man? It was no longer so easy to see the black and white of the situation. He killed her brother, but she didn't want to kill him. Something had changed between them, and it bothered her that she didn't know what it was. Miyuki's emotions were still all over the place. There were days where she would disappear from his home and spend a solid hour crying and five more to allow the evidence to be washed away. Others she would snip at him, but nowhere near as cruel as before. Then, there were days where she preferred his company to the stifling silence of her own mind. It was one of these days, during a luxurious and relaxing bath when Haku brought up the event in Sularia. She was quiet for a long time before answering with a simple "yes".

Miyuki had not been to Sularia yet, not being very fond of the arid climate. She did not like the effect it had on her tail, making it quite static-y and wiry. Picking out a dress closer to the traditions of their home proved to be a bit more difficult than she cared to admit. However, there was one dress that stood out, reminding her of springtime. Soft colors dyed the silk to appear as shadows and sunlight playing in a forest of cherry blossom trees. The haneri was white and almost sheer, the obi was deep red with a black obijime. At the back, hanging off the obi was a long length of spider silk that shimmered with gold dust. There was no tamoto, the sleeve hugging her arms instead. It was gorgeous, accompanied by a pair of earrings that appeared to be a branch of cherry blossoms. She pinned her black hair up into a tight bun, decorated with a few scattered blossoms.

Her makeup was more on the simple side, going with kajal liner to create a cat-eye effect and left it at that. In silence, she followed the handsome kitsune to the desert city. Upon seeing the snow that lazily fell from the sky, Miyuki stared up with held breath, remembering the last time she saw her mother smile before the boys were born. Once more, Haku had her attention as he motioned her to follow, pulling a chair for her in a very gentlemanly manner. The act almost caught her by surprise. This was what she had difficulties with the most. His gentleness, the loving and tender side that she had not expected to discover. Mutely, she nodded. "Wine too, please?" While Haku was gone, Miyuki had a sudden thought as she randomly began counting on her fingers until her entire body went rigid, her eyes wide as she was forced to consider the impossible. "No…" She whispered to herself fearfully. It just could not be possible… Could it?

“As you wish,” Kohaku said simply to Yuki’s request for wine. Once she was seated, he pushed the chair in its proper place under the table’s edge so that she could feast and drink with ease. With a soft smile, he turned away and walked over to where the food was made available. The lovely aroma of various meats and vegetables and fruits filled his nostrils, feeding his appetite. With a pleased hum, he slowly walked along the side of the tables, amber eyes gazing over the seafood and beef, the pork and chicken. Then the greens and fruits used too make a balanced meal. Even deserts were laid out, tempting his sweet tooth. But he restrained his temptation and instead searched for the drinks. He would wait to eat once Yuki was ready, so he wouldn’t make her uncomfortable. Some people aren’t comfortable with their company feasting without them, after all. It was strange in some cases, but whatever.

“This is why I love these celebrations. It brings all of the sexy men,” a familiar voice spoke. Kohaku sighed heavily as the white-haired Kitsune approached him with her usual suggestive grin. Her yellow-green eyes dropped to examine his choice of attire, although he knew she was really imagining him beneath it. She was always looking for opportunities to do something inappropriate. “I haven’t seen you wear our clothes in a while. It suites you far better than those elvish clothes,” she said, lifting her pipe to her lips for a quick inhale. “I can’t dress like this my whole life,” he replied flatly. The only reason he chose a kimono for this occasion was for Yuki. She was fond of their traditional attire from their homeland. In all honesty, he became tiresome of it with being as old as he was. And, whenever he wore a kimono he felt like he wasn’t letting go of the past, as if he was trying to wear his old skin.

Kimiko hummed and stepped closer, slowly, with her eyes locked on him as if he were her next meal. Was she more horny than usual? His eyes dropped to her other hand, and there he spotted a glass of wine. That explained it. “Did you come alone?” She purred, her body only inches from his now. He turned his head away with an annoyed sigh, “You know I didn’t.” Her eyes averted, and when her grin grew, he knew she spotted Yuki. “Ah, wannabe assassin,” Kimiko said. “How is that working out? Does she still hate you?”

“That,” Kohaku turned his head back to look down at her, his lips forming a charming smile of his own. “Is none of your business.” He shoved her away and walked past her, nearly laughing aloud as a huff sounded behind him. She wasn’t the only one who loved to tease. The male fox finally found the wine and poured a glass for himself and Yuki, then once more made his way through the crowd with silent grace. At the table, he set the glasses down and took his seat across from Yuki, resting his elbow on the surface with his cheek in his palm. “Kimiko is here,” he informed her, face neutral.

Her ears swiveled in his direction as he approached, carefully composing herself before he could see her face. There was no need to alarm him before she had indisputable proof. Until then, she was just freaking herself out. As the wine was set before her, Miyuki’s hands reached out to idly play with the stem. A groan escaped her at the mention of Kimiko before she could suppress it. The kitsune had made it clear to Haku she did not like that woman, even allowing a civil conversation about it with him. So the warning was much appreciated. ”I hope she doesn’t ruin anything tonight,” she mumbled as she lifted the wine glass to her lips. ”Did she say anything?”

It wasn’t out of curiosity that she asked, more for small talk as she worked up the courage for deeper topics. She fidgeted with the wine, rotating it over and over as nervousness settled into her stomach. ”Um… Haku?” Once more, she lapsed into silence as she struggled with the question. Unfortunately, or maybe in this case rather, fortunately, before Miyuki could continue her efforts, Kimiko sauntered up. Miyuki eyed the smiling woman wearily, not trusting that mischievous glint in her eye. ”Wannabe assassin dating her target? And I thought you hated his guts.” ”I do,” the kitsune responded smoothly, her gaze hardening as she tried to prepare for whatever came out of the woman’s mouth next. ”If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were falling for him!”

Kimiko slid into a chair as Miyuki rolled her eyes and took another drink of her wine. This was the last thing she wanted, the last thing she needed. To be teased and ridiculed by this… No, she promised to be civil with his friends. ”Kohaku is such an amazing lover, especially in bed. So responsive to your every need. The sex is to die for.” If it wasn’t for the fact that Kimiko was eyeing Haku flirtatiously, she would have caught the reddening of Miyuki’s cheeks as she recalled their rather primal mating. To keep herself from fidgeting in her seat, Miyuki downed the rest of her wine and set the glass down a bit harder than she intended, causing other guests to stare for a moment. ”Haku, would you be so kind as to refill my glass?” Her voice was soft as she pleaded silently with her eyes at him, knowing full well that Kimiko was eyeing her up, judging and gauging her up.

When he was gone, Miyuki rounded a hard, stern gaze to Kimiko. ”Are you insane? What the hell is wrong with you? For once, a day can be peaceful, but you saunter in and tease and goad… You poke and prod. Why can’t you leave well enough alone and allow us to actually enjoy ourselves without being at each other’s throats?” Miyuki’s hands were fisted, and she had ended up standing in the middle of her rant without realizing it. Tears glinted in her eyes, which she began to blink away when she noticed them. What was wrong with her that she was getting so emotional so easily? The impossibility reared its ugly head in her mind, her face turning white as a sheet. Her stomach churned threateningly, trying to prove the one thing that will change their lives forever. The one thing that will tie her to Haku for life.

Kohaku gave no words of agreement to Yuki’s wishes, instead he simply sipped from his wine. He knew that Kimiko was trouble, and the moment she noticed he and Yuki were at the celebration as well, any chances of their night going well had vanished. Kimiko wasn’t always such a troublemaker; she was serious, or kind, or supportive, or even loving when it mattered, when it was needed the most. It was her true side, and it was that which kept Kohaku from cutting all ties with her. Despite her insufferable games and drama, she was very dear to him. She’d helped him through his toughest times, before and after Mai’s loss. Granted, most of her methods involved passionate sex, but it worked. And when it didn’t, she resorted to something else. She always knew exactly what would help him.

“She said nothing worth repeating,” he replied flatly to Yuki’s question. This night was meant to be for him and Miyuki, for him to hopefully break through that tough shell of hers and at least get a glimpse inside. He wanted to know what was on her mind, what could possibly be bothering her. Because, despite what she might believe, he truly did care. He was tired of the constant arguments and fights, the disagreements and verbal jabbing. Kohaku wanted to be able to get along with her, to see eye to eye and work something out. He wanted to fix whatever problem lay between them that he couldn’t seem to see. Winning her affection, or even trust, was not so easy. But it was a start.

At the call of his name, Kohaku glanced up at Yuki. She was fidgeting with her wine glass, a look of anxiety on her face. He creased his brow slightly. Rarely has he ever seen her appear nervous. Even if she was feeling it, she always tried to hide it. Now, she made no attempt to do so. When she couldn’t seem to finish what she meant to say, Kohaku prepared to encourage her to continue. But, of course, Kimiko had to approach them. He wanted to slam his head against the table with frustration, but he resisted by rubbing his temple with an annoyed sigh. She was holding a full glass of wine, not the near empty one he’d seen in her hand before. If she was still drinking, that meant trouble. With alcohol clouding her mind, it was near impossible for her to know when to quit with the games and teasing. She often took things too far, and didn’t even realize whenever she crossed a line. And, it made her more dramatic than her usual self. Another headache.

Her lips were in a giddy grin, her eyes spelling trouble. She was quick to bring up Yuki’s presence with Kohaku, and he instantly saw where the conversation was headed. He shook his head lightly, choosing to remain out of it unless Kimiko started going too far. Part of his heart seemed to splinter when Yuki claimed to still hate him. But, what did he expect? He knew it wouldn’t be easy to get her on his side. He had just hoped something had changed by now. Perhaps it was too much to ask. Kimiko started her teasing with an accusatory remark. “Kimiko,” he warned between sips from his drink. The white-haired Kitsune took a seat between him and Yuki. He set his glass down, amber eyes watching her closely. Kimiko proceeded to brag about her experiences with him, her eyes gazing upon him as if he were a delicious meal. His brow twitched, his patience wearing thin. He didn’t appreciate her bringing up their private and intimate sessions, especially in front of Yuki. “Kimiko,” he warned a second time, voice threateningly low.

Suddenly, Yuki set her empty glass down. Well, not exactly. More like slammed it. Kohaku blinked at her with raised brows. He was surprised the glass didn’t break. Was she upset? He could understand if she was annoyed just as he was, considering how much she disliked Kimiko. But she seemed almost… He blinked when she spoke to him, a simple request. But it was the pleading look in her eyes that told him what he needed to know. She was actually asking him to leave here with Kimiko. He glanced at the drunk woman next to him, then stood from his seat and gingerly took Yuki’s glass. A soft and understanding smile was offered to her. “As you wish,” he said tenderly, hoping she spots the caring glint in his eyes.

The red fox shouldered through the crowd, keeping his eye on the two ladies at his table as he made his way to the wine. Upon arriving, he took one of the many bottles that’d been made available and poured it into her glass, filling it to an acceptable degree. Then he made his way back, but paused several feet away. He was within Yuki’s sight, hoping she would call him over if she needed him for anything. But unless she asked for it, he wasn’t sure she was ready for him to return yet. Perhaps she wanted to tell Kimiko how she really felt about her, not wishing him to hear whatever she said. She had promised to tolerate the white fox, but he never made her promise to like her. So he waited and watched. The sight of tears swelling in her eyes almost returned him to her immediately, but she blinked them away. Then, her face paled.

He walked up just in time to hear Kimiko speak, “Sweetheart, if it wasn’t true then why are you so touchy about it?”

“Kimiko, just stop it,” Kohaku all but growled. He took her by the shoulder and pushed her away from Yuki, causing her to stumble back a step. But of course, it didn’t take her long to regain herself and pout, “But, Kohaku.” He shot her a dangerous glare, warning her to quit with the games. Then he turned to Yuki and gently placed her newly filled glass onto the table. “Are you alright?” He asked. She looked like she’d seen a ghost. What did Kimiko say to her?

It was true, Miyuki would admit to herself and no one else. The fact that it was true was the entire problem! She had come here to end the guy’s life only to fall in love with him? Who does that? Was this some sort of Stolkholm Syndrom? This shred of truth ate Miyuki up inside until she felt sick every night before bed as guilt consumed her. Guilt and regrets. Promises broken, agendas abandoned. Like a knight in shining armor, suddenly Haku was before her, concern written on his face, not that she knew. Miyuki couldn’t focus on anything before her as she felt the churning of her stomach preparing for the ejection of the impure substance.

She knew it was Haku’s hand on her cheek as he inquired to her health, yet she barely managed to shake her head minutely. ”No…” The word came out as a breath. Yet, the drunken kitsune did not know when to back down. After she regained her balance, she closed the distance between the three of them, her hands reaching up towards their heads. Miyuki’s own hand reflexively shot up to deflect the incoming, harmless hand as the words worked their way past her inner thoughts. ”Now, be good little foxes and smoochie smooch like we all know you want.” Turning toward the woman with a scowl, words on the tip of her tongue, Miyuki inhaled for a retort. Instead, her stomach chose that moment to violently contract without any further warning. Crimson liquid gushed from her mouth, splattering across Kimiko’s perfect breasts. Screams erupted around them as guests sprung to give the trio a wide berth. The thin vomit trickled down her cleavage, staining the beautiful, slutty dress.

Kimiko gave a gasp of horror as she froze from shock. Once more, Miyuki’s stomach heaved, forcing the last of the wine from her system. Miyuki panted for a few tense seconds before spitting and straightening herself up. Her lavender orbs took in the damage she had done to the other kitsune before finding Kohaku’s shocked amber eyes, horrified by what she had done. This was too soon, too sudden. Slowly, she took a step backward, shaking her head. Then another. Despite Haku attempting to soothe her, Miyuki fled. Blindly down past the colorful people streaming toward the buffet, shouldering past those returning to the dance. She skirted around children having snowball fights, pausing momentarily to watch her curiously. When she felt she had found a secluded area, lost in a tall maze of hedges, Miyuki suddenly stopped, tears bursting forth as she buried her face in her hands.

The kitsune allowed herself to crumple to the ground into a sitting position as she sobbed. Kohaku was no very far behind, cautious as he approached her. Yet, as he knelt beside her, Miyuki threw herself into his arms as she continued to cry, burying her face into the fabric of his kimono instead. Eventually, her emotion was finally spent, the sobbing faded into silence as she remained in his embrace. ”It all makes sense now,” she began, voice barely audible for only Haku to hear. The silence dragged out before she plucked up the courage to further explain. ”She couldn’t stomach it either…” Again, the silence drew on between them. ”Always thought it weird… How Mother couldn’t keep wine down…”

Haku tried to reassure her that she was just sick with a sensitive stomach. Hollow laughter erupted from her as she tried to figure out how to best explain it to him without admitting it to herself. Somehow, to say it aloud made it all the more real. The more real it was, the more impact it had on their future, and she wasn't quite ready for that yet. "Well… You're half right. For a few months at least…"

Kohaku’s hand touched her cheek while amber eyes examined her face. She was pale, very pale, with worry, or perhaps even fear in her widened gaze. Yuki didn’t look well at all. The male considered every possible reason he could think of. At first glance he had assumed Kimiko said something, but he found it hard to believe anything that came out of her mouth would cause Yuki to react like this, even if she was at her worst. Miyuki was a strong woman, perhaps because of her stubbornness, but it wasn’t any easy feat to harm her otherwise. No, nothing Kimiko could have said would have caused this. Her whispered reply only made him frown with worry, his thump tenderly rubbing her cheek. Maybe he needed to take her home.

Then, someone’s hand pushed his head forward. Kohaku barely managed to resist in time to prevent himself from being forced to kiss Yuki. His eyes whirled on Kimiko with a twitchy brow. “What the hell!” He snarled. Could she not see that now was no good time for such jokes? Oh, of course she couldn’t. This was drunken Kimiko; she couldn’t see a damn thing clearly, much less think about the consequences of her own actions. Yuki turned on Kimiko as well with a look of fury. For a moment he allowed himself to be relieved, hoping she’d reverted back to her usual self. But that hope was smashed when she suddenly regurgitated her wine, directly on Kimiko. The white-haired Kitsune gasped with unpleasant surprise. He stumbled back a step with wide eyes, concern and shock written all over his face. What happened? Had she been sick? Why didn’t she say anything?

She barely had a moment to catch her breath before more followed. Then, she straightened herself, and her horror filled eyes met with his own. “Miyuki,” he took a cautious step towards her and rose his hand a little to reach for her. She retreated back a step, shaking her head gently. Her eyes were wide, so full of fear. Why was she looking at him like that? “Miyuki,” he repeated softly, hoping she would allow him to soothe her. But she didn’t. Yuki turned and ran. His heart dropped.

“Oh, me dress! My beautiful dress!” Kimiko stressed while attempting to wipe the thrown up wine from her bosom with a thin dining rag. Kohaku ignored her and chased after Yuki without hesitation. He followed her tracks through the snow, past the tables for feasting, the buffet, and the joyful dancers. When she finally entered his sight, her form having fallen to the ground, he slowed. Should he dare go any further? Would she even accept his offer to help? He swallowed from uncertainty, but allowed his feet to cautiously carry him towards her. The sound of her sobs struck a thorn in his heart. Confusing riddled his mind as he tried to figure out what was wrong on his own. Slowly, he knelt beside her, knees digging into the cold snow. She was quick to throw herself into his arms, hiding her face and tears in the folds of his kimono. He gingerly wrapped his arms around her, one gently rubbing her back in a comforting manner.

Why was she crying? Kohaku couldn’t understand. It only made him wish to know what she’d been feeling even more. If this was how she felt the whole time, then he needed to mend whatever was broken as quickly as possible. Even if it had nothing to do with him, he couldn’t resist his strong desire to help her. He didn’t want her to suffer. No more. Nor more.

After a while, the sobbing subsided. She spoke quietly, her words almost unheard even with his sensitive hearing. He creased his brow slightly from confusion, but waited for her to finish. She explained that her mother hadn’t been able to keep wine down for long. That couldn’t be why she was upset… “It’s nothing to cry over,” he said softly, yet his mind still swirled with cynicism. She wasn’t so sensitive as to weep from something like that. Despite his hope against he, he knew there had to be something else. “Some people can’t hold their liquor like others. You’re stomach is just upset.” Her empty laughter made his heart drop, confirming that he was wrong. His brow furrowed from her reply. What did she mean her stomach will be sensitive for a few months? His eyes looked over her, as if that would give him the answer. And, it wasn’t until they crossed over her belly that his eyes widened and heart stopped. No… There was no way… She wasn’t… “W-what do you mean?” She can’t be… She can’t be! But, it all made sense. Her response, her mother, the wine, the horror in her eyes when she looked at him.

When her lavender eyes flicked up to catch his reaction, she could see the growing horror to match her own just moments before. Miyuki rolled her eyes at him, forcing herself to sit up and face him, her hands on her hips with slight agitation. ”Don’t be so dense, Haku!” He knew full well what she meant. She could see the proverbial wheels of his mind working out exactly what he was trying to avoid. If she hadn’t been running through the same thoughts before Kimiko showed up, they wouldn’t be having this conversation now. It was Haku’s turn to feel the dread as the mind tried to find a logical answer that did not revolve around a woman’s uterus.

A movement behind Haku drew her attention away from the male kitsune. Kimiko was marching up, still quite steamed about Miyuki’s accident. ”My beautiful dress! You meant to ruin it!” She stood up calmly, made calculated steps toward the drunk woman and stood quite still before her in silence for precisely five seconds. Miyuki’s hand lifted and slapped Kimiko’s cheek, turning it red almost immediately. ”I’m sorry, Kimiko. But I need you to shut up for just five minutes! You can’t pant after Haku every time he’s in the vicinity, say lewd things and expect to get what you want. Especially in the condition you seem to be in.” Her voice was soft and even as she firmly spoke to the drunk woman.

”If you can’t see past yourself and see the distraught state we are in, then we need you to leave. Haku and I are in the middle of a major…” Miyuki’s confidence faltered, her voice trailing off as she looks back at Haku, biting her lip. Her heart felt as it was going to break out of her chest. Finally, she took a deep breath. ”I’m pregnant.” As she was gazing at Haku, it was more like she was telling him rather than Kimiko. Still, her gaze returned to the drunken one. ”That is why I got sick and potentially ruined the dress. It looked really good on you, too.” ’If you want to reveal yourself as a slut,’ she thought to herself.

Miyuki seemed deflated as she made the final turn into the center of the maze and sat down on the nearest bench. There were so many things she needed to say, decisions to be made, and things to do. Having a pregnancy now only added a time limit to everything, one that was quickly going to come to an end sooner before anyone knew it. ”I don’t know what to do…” she whispered, primarily to herself than the other kitsunes who were having a silent argument. ”From the moment I stepped foot in Revaliir… Nothing has gone right.”

Kohaku blinked, taken aback by Miyuki’s sudden stern tone. It was like she was scolding him for not piecing it together. But he had, and only wanted confirmation. He supposed that was it. In response, his entire body went deathly still. His blood, even his heart felt like it was frozen over. Horror, dread, regret, guilt, disbelief. He was swarmed with so many emotions and scornful thoughts towards himself. What the hell was wrong with him! How could he let something like this happen? How could he be so stupid! All he wanted was a family, with children of his own. But… not this… not like this! He wanted a wife who loved him as much as he loved her, a faithful woman who’d stay by his side through thick and thin. Instead, it was a woman who hated his guts. He’d killed her brother and she swore revenge. To become pregnant with her enemy’s children… how could he do this to her! What kind of life would that be for the kits? Living with a mother who hates their murderous father, and will likely hate them just as well for it. They didn’t deserve that. And that’s just assuming they survive…

Cold horror struck him. What if she doesn’t go through with it? Kohaku felt almost sick at the thought of her getting an abortion. Not just because the children were his, but because they’re innocent. They deserve a chance at life. Even if she doesn’t want them, they should be given a chance to have someone who does want them. They could be given a wonderful family, he would make sure of that. She just needed to get through the birth…

His ears swiveled back when footsteps approached from behind. The smell of wine and flowers was carried on the breeze. Almost instantly the fear which froze him in place turned to burning anger as soon as she opened her mouth. Slowly, he turned his head to look back over his shoulder. His eyes were like daggers, directed solely towards Kimiko. Was she honestly so drunk that she was entirely incapable of reading any situation? The red fox was prepared to open a portal to her house and shove her through it. Or better yet, a random forest. That way she won’t find him and Miyuki so quickly. They needed time alone for a while.

But, he kept himself where he was. Miyuki stood in his stead and approached the dramatic Kitsune. She raised her hand, and slapped Kimiko. The drunken woman stumbled back a step with wide eyes. It was clear she had not expected that. In fact, she appeared utterly bewildered, as if she couldn’t even fathom why Yuki hit her. Kohaku found it oddly satisfying to see her wearing such an expression. Good for Yuki. Hopefully she slapped the fog from Kimiko’s brain. His old friend slowly lifted her hand and rubbed her reddened cheek, completely silent while Yuki went on. The tone she used was surprisingly calm. It was almost chilling.

He blinked as Yuki turned to look at him, her words fading with her voice. His heart instantly snapped when he set his eyes on her expression. The fear in her eyes was so apparent, along with so many other emotions he couldn’t quite place before she spoke again.

I’m pregnant…

Those words filled him with so much dread. His heart dropped to someplace on the ground, leaving him with a hollow sensation. His breath could no longer pass the lump in his throat. She looked away, and his amber eyes slowly fell to his hands that rested on his thighs. He looked defeated, almost broken. It was as if his whole world crumbled before his very eyes. Kohaku wasn’t sure how to feel, nor what to think. What was he supposed to do?

Kimiko, however, seemed shocked by the reveal. Without his knowledge, her gaze immediately fell onto Kohaku with a hard glare. It seemed the fog in her mind had finally cleared some, enough for her to realize the situation, and what he had done. “Are you serious!” She nearly shouted as she marched over to the male. He slowly lifted his gaze to meet hers, and he found no desire to explain anything to her. Not now. “How could you be so stupid?” She started, fists on her fine hips. “It wasn’t intentional,” he replied quietly. Why was he defending himself?

“No shit! This is exactly why self control is so important! Letting yourself fall to your urges without planning first causes disasters. I taught you better than this!”

His eyes fell again. Kohaku knew she was right. It was a miracle he hadn’t sired countless children by now from all the women he’d slept with before he got with Kimiko. Yes, she used… questionable methods, and was the one that showed him what enjoyment can be found in pain, but it had other uses as well. Her… kinks aided with building his self restraint. And it kept him from making this mistake. All it took was one time and everything fell apart. Just once did he let himself lose control… He ruined Miyuki’s life, his, and the lives of their children. How funny it was that all it took to change everything was a single mistake, and now many will suffer for it.

“Kohaku,” Kimiko brought his attention and eyes back to her. She crossed her arms over her chest, yellow-green pools still stern. “You were an idiot once. Don’t be one again. Fix this.” Again, she was right. It was his mistake, so he needed to be the one to take full responsibility for it. Yuki should not continue to suffer from it. And the kits… He knew how hard it was to grow without knowing either parents. Having one is far better than none. He could raise them himself, make things right by ensuring they have long, wonderful lives. He could protect them, guide them, teach them. Granted, he would raise them all by himself, for he doubted he’d ever open his heart up to another chance for love. But they would know their father, not live constantly wondering who their parents were and if they didn’t want them.

“Well?” Kimiko pushed. He slowly rose to his feet, looking in the direction Yuki’s footprints vanished to. “Please, Kimiko, leave us be. There is much for us to discuss,” he said quietly, sadly. She stared at him for a moment, then let out a heavy sigh and waved as she walked back towards the party. Kohaku took in a deep breath to help build the courage to approach Yuki. Would she even listen to him? He just needed her to get through the pregnancy, to have the kits. Then, he would take them away for himself. So won’t have to worry about any of them ever again.

Cautiously, he followed her trail around a corner, finding her seated on a bench. The sight of her made him even more frightened of the future. “Miyuki,” he whispered as he took a wary step closer. “May I… May I have a seat?”

Her ear swiveled in his direction when her name was whispered, yet her eyes remained glued to her lap. Nevertheless, Miyuki nodded her answer, allowing the father of her kit or kits to sit next to her. Everything seemed to be crumbling from her fingertips. From her mission of revenge, to her control. Whenever Kohaku was around, even her fury seemed muted. Somehow, someway, he calmed her which infuriated her even worse. Around and around she went with this, until she was fit to snap. Miyuki was tired of it all. And now, an unknown amount of tiny lives depended on her.

Growing up with her father as a strong, dependable role model, she could not imagine a world where her children would not have their father to look up to. Her mission to kill Kohaku was now officially over, permanently. The decision was made for her, as some kind of joke from some higher being if she was to hazard a guess. Now, it was a matter of what these feelings for him actually meant. Does she stay and nurture attraction into love? Or should she leave and regret her life choices? It sounded as if her mind was already made up, with the way the heart and subconscious thoughts seemed to be in alignment. Miyuki sighed as she leaned over, resting her head on his shoulder.

”What… seven weeks from now? What will happen, Haku?” she whispered. She was now in an hourglass, sand pouring on her, weighing her down as the seconds passed. There was still so much to do. Miyuki was not ready to be a mother. It was never even a consideration for her after her mother’s passing. Her lip trembled as she fought the fresh wave of tears. ”I’ve lost it all, Haku… My freedom… My revenge… It’s gone. Isn’t it?” Damp cheeks were moistened anew as her vision blurred. Miyuki pulled back to gaze up at his amber gems, only to lose control of her emotions. She began to cry as she threw herself into his arms, burying her face into his neck.

”I hate you… I hate myself… I hate our situation!” she spoke through the tears. ”I can’t do it like this. But I’ve lost the time. And… And…” Her voice broke. Miyuki was lost in a sea of emotion, drowning in his musky scent. A scent that drove her wild yet comforted her at the same time. ”There’s something about a child that makes everything more… enjoyable, Little Snow. Remember that, when you are married. Okay?” Mother’s words whispered through her mind, words she had forgotten and never understood…. Until now.