Time passed fast. Soon came Kinno and Shura's first Saturday date.

Needless to mention Kinno was charmed and over-enthusiastic with everything. His sweetheart had taken him to Gandara, and a gallant troop of escorting guards opened way to them, loudly announcing Prince Shura in the company of his official fiancé.

Everyone was nice and kind to Kinno. He received presents and knew lots of noble youkai and officials. He started to feel like a real princess.

Of course there was some trouble - Kinno met several ex-customers of his. Old customers, from the times during which he had sold far more than cucumbers... Such fact caused a lot of embarass till his loving Shura came up for help. Gandara's Prince immediately passed a decreet - Any youkai who dared to mention Kinno's past in either spoken or written form was to be given a summary condemnation and taken to Gandara's dungeons to become a prisoner for life. It was a fate every demon in the Makai was aware to be worse than death. Therefore all gossiping and rumouring ceased at once after the passing of this noble law.

Kinno could not deny he felt extremely proud of his darling and of the love he dedicated to him. His lollypop was indeed too sweet and too kind!

Shura made him get acquainted to their vast palace and the innumerable ways, corridors, quarters and elevators. Then Kinno had lunch with his prince and his gorgeous father. The blond youko loved every second of it all. Like the week before, when they had first met, King Yomi was super-nice to him!

Kurama's son was so happy he thought he could burst out at any minute. It was as if he had suddenly found a beautiful treasure in youkai form, as well as another sweet family to love and be loved by. It was too much for a poor youko who had been just a slave till time ago...

Nevertheless he came back early from Gandara that Saturday. He had had fun, but he must confess all the time he kept himself concerned about his daddy and the kids. He was very nervous and worried mainly about Kurama's mood.

His father seemed to take Hiei's absence pretty well in the first two days. by then Kurama still played with the kids and even smiled, insisting everything was fine, and that there was nothing to worry about. The silver youko had tried to appear strong and take his lover's ausence well, but... When the third evening alone came, it was clear to Kinno that his daddy had found the limit of his endurance.

It was at this point that Kurama started to care less about the kids. He stopped playing with them, and let all house chores to Kinno alone. Kurama did not seem to care about himself also. He did not bathe, he did not brush his long hair like before, he even forgot to eat. It was Kinno who had to take his father food, and insist that he had some.

All Kurama did the whole day was to sit in the grass on top of one the mounds around and stare blankly at the horizon, following the path cut through his territory, always waiting to meet a short figure clad in black walking back to him.

Days had passed, and yet Hiei did not come back.

Days passed and Kurama became more depressed careless in the process. He was not even talking to the kids any longer.

It was Kinno who needed to care for Hyoko and Ikki, feed them, bathe them and put them to sleep. The silver youko remained sitting in the lotus position atop his hill, sunk in the high grass, day or night. He did not even move while he watched the sandy path below with glassy, expectant eyes. Kinno, who had sneaked closer to his father one of those nights to check if he was alright, even witnessed his daddy whine very softly as he imagined there was no one around to hear.

He thought about missinghis first date with Shura, but it was their very first one! He was very worried and stressed because of his father's sorrowful mood, but if he stayed, he knew Shura would suffer. Then, to avoid having two broken-hearted instead of just Kurama, Kinno needed to beg his friend Hikaru to baby sit Hyoko and Ikki during his date.

At least Hikaru seemed to be contented enough when he was told of his official engagement to accept the task. Contented? Well, in fact it was the first full beam he ever saw across Hikaru's face since they had first met. His grey-furred friend appeared to be very satisfied that it had all ended well for Kinno and Shura. However he did not spare Kurama of his harsh criticism when he was told about the silver youko and Hiei's separation. He affirmed that separation could be devastating for the little kids.

Kinno agreed; Hyoko and Ikki werer very sad, not to mention himself.

He needed to talk to his daddy and offer him advice very soon, before their little family was definitively ruined.
 
When Kinno brought the kids back home from Hikaru's place, they tried to cheer Kurama a little. But the silver youko just kept on his dejected mood, and the children gave it up. They kissed their father goodnight, and to their surprise, Kurama did not even care to kiss them back...

The boys became shocked. Kinno took them away to their den and put them in their little beds avoiding the subject, making lots of plans about how much fun the following morning could be to try to make them happy again. But it was too late - Kurama's mood was had affected them deeply already.

Hyoko and Ikki begged Kinno to try to do something to help their daddy go back to normal. They wanted Hiei ji-chan back as well. Ikki complained Hiei had just started teaching him to wield a sword; he could not have his classes interrupted right then! And Hyoko sobbed and whined that he wanted everybody happy and together like before, or he would run away to live with Hikaru oji-san.

"What happens if daddy Hiei never comes back?" Hyoko asked his blond brother softly, while Kinno pulled the covers over his chubby, little body. "Do we have to go away too? I like it here! I don't want to go away!"

"I don't have anywhere to go. I don't want to live on the streets again." Ikki complained, cuddling around one giant pillow and huddling tight.

Kinno patted the kit's spiky-haired head and heaved a sigh. Then he stroked Ikki's arm under the covers. It was hard to try to succor their little brothers when he had his own doubts and fears himself. He had heard bits and pieces of conversation enough to have an idea about why Hiei and Kurama had fought about. Everything was been going along so well! How could that silly argument and Hiei ji-chan's jealousy be enough to ruin everything?

He must confess, Shura's papa was indeed a very sexually atractive youkai; and he was also so gallant! But Hiei ji-chan did not need to be worry about him and daddy Kurama!

Kinno did not asnwer his brothers at once. He just remained silent in the darkness for a while, sitting in between his two lying brothers. He knew their eyes were locked on him, demanding an asnwer. But there was no sure answer he could give...
 
Kinno did not want to leave either. He wanted his happy and crazy family back and all together. The blond youko blinked and noticed his eyelashes wet with tears that flooded his eyes but were not yet enough to roll down his face. He sniffled his cry and tried to hold back his feelings. He needed to play cool, or his concern would frighten  the kids further.

"Everything will be alright, kids." And Kinno actually had to struggle his cry back as he continued. "If daddy Kurama leaves we'll still be together. We can live with Hikaru; you like him, don't you?"

The boys who looked so much like Hiei and Kurama nodded. But Ikki sunk his face against the pillow, avoiding staring at Kinno, and Hyoko sobbed.

"I ran away because my daddy was too bad! I like daddy Kurama! I like daddy Hiei! I want them back together like it was before!"

"I came live here because it was fun. Now everything is too sad. I want dad Hiei back also!" Ikki protested, mumbling against the pillow.

"I want daddy Hiei!" Hyoko cried louder, pouting and cuddling around himself in a tight furry ball.

Kinno looked at one brother and then the other, shocked, trying to think of something to console them, and yet finding nothing. There was no use he could lie or pretend. They had seen it all happen with their own eyes; they knew it was a rather grave situation.

"Don't worry, babies. I am sure Hiei ji-chan is coming back. "

"Dad Hiei doesn't like us. He left and did not even say goodbye. He won't ever come back!"

It was on hearing Ikki's angry complaint that Kinno realized how sad and betrayed those two must be feeling. Now he really needed to get into action and do something!

He shushed the two, and told them to try to sleep. Thanks to Hikaru and a short excursion up the nearby cliffs the kids were tired enough not to fight sleep. Kinno took the chance when they started to snore very softly, and left them on tehir own, heading straight up the hill where his father stayed. Someone must do something, and it seemed it must be him.

When he arrived he met his father still gazing into the night, his eyes fixed on the path below. He still waited, unmoving and extremely sad, immersed in the darkness.

Kinno had to convince his daddy that all that waiting and sulking would take him nowehere.

He did not make a sound till he was sitting right next to Kurama. Even then, the silver youko did not move in the slightest. He acted as if he were still alone, and did not deviate his eyes from the dark horizon before him. And Kinno knew why. He was just too eager to see any evidence Hiei might be coming back. He could not yet believe a whole week had passed, and he remained alone, abandoned, walked away...

Poor daddy... He was suffering too much from his broken heart. And Kinno knew how much it hurt. The pain that had filled his chest when he had been forced to stay away from Shura was maddening... No one deserved to feel such suffering, let alone his dear daddy!

Kinno sighed in and out aloud, trying to make his father aware of his presence.

It was useless. Kurama's golden eyes kept fixed straight ahead, as he gazed into the dark emptyness of the night.

"Wanna something to eat, daddy?"

After a little while Kurama shook his head slowly.

Kinno insisted. He asked it again, adding he had prepared a delicious soup. He was very worried. His father had lost weight - It was very visible. Kinno was not even sure whether he was eating anything for he past three days...

Again, the son received the same kind of silent and dejected answer from his father.

"The kids are sleeping. They had a great time at Hikaru's, daddy." Kinno smiled, and he leaned forward, to look into Kurama's sullen eyes. The silver youko turned his head to he other side, and Kinno's smile faded at once. It hurt to see how bad his daddy was. "Is it hurting much inside, daddy? You miss Hiei ji-chan, don't you?"

The tall silver youko sucked air in, as if it were difficult to breathe.

"He left because he wanted. He will come back when he wants to. I don't care; I am not missing that narrow-minded shrimp at all."

Kinno had to press his hand to his mouth not to chuckle at his father's reaction. The haughty silver youko had declared exactly the contrary of his thoughts. Kinno already knew his daddy well enough to pinpoint to the fact he hated to show his feelings. He knew Kurama was suffering, but yet to see the stubborn way he tried to hold on to his pride was even funny... He looked a lot like Hikaru in that matter - Both would prefer to be caught with their pants down than to be forced to swallow their pride and admitt they had made a mistake.

"Well, the kids are missing ji-chan too much. And I am too. You have to do something, daddy!"

Kinno clinched to Kurama's arm, holding tight and tugging at it, to call his father's attention. Then when he was sure Kurama was looking at him he rested his head on his shoulder and smiled supportively.

"You gotta go after Hiei ji-chan, daddy! I can take care of the kids! It's been 8 days since he's been away!"

"No way I am going after Hiei! I have my pride!"

Kinno shook his head as he heard his father's foolish words. His smiled turned bittersweet as he caressed Kurama's knee.

"You're so vain, daddy... What's the use of your pride if you're lonely and sick at heart like this?"

Kurama's ears prickled up, and he glared at his son. But Kinno continued, determined to put an end to that stalemate.

"Do you sleep with your pride, daddy? It's better to lose face once in a while and have someone to cuddle to than be alone. Now that I have Shura, I know I would do anything for my love... Anything..."

"How dare you speak to me like that, punk?"

Kinno did not let his daddy's intense voice intimidate him.

"I love you daddy! You are suffering, and I don't like to see you suffering! Hiei ji-chan must be suffering a lot too! You have to get together again!"

Kurama said nothing, but he seemed to relax a little, maybe starting to accept what Kinno was telling him. The golden youko started to fondle Kurama's hair, always smiling, sweetly cooing over him, telling him the best thing to do was to let his heart take over his pride.

"If Shura had argued with me and left me, I would go to the end of the worlds after him, never minding my pain or my exhaustion, just to make him come back to me." He kissed his daddy's cheek, and even though Kurama shuddered with the contact, Kinno knew it was not repulse, like he used to claim before. It was only love, and joy that they were so close, like father and son should. "I would do everything for my love, daddy! Anything! I've made sex with so many youkai, and it was only with Shura I found real happiness. I found love with Shura; it is the only thing worth fighting for!"

Kurama sniffled. But he said nothing.

"Daddy! Hiei ji-chan is as proud as you! If you don't go after him, he will never come back! Daddy! You gotta do something or our little familiy is going to become history!"

Kurama lowered his head, hiding his face from Kinno with his hand. His tail waved softly behind him, brushing the grass, and he kept his ears very low now. His broad shoulders gave way to the sadness, and his haughty posture became bent, almost defeated under the weight of his pain.

He hated to admit it but that blond bimbo seemed to be right in his assumptions. Hiei would never return... If he did not go after him, Hiei would assume he had found consolation in Yomi's arms and did not care any longer...
 
He took a quick glimpse at his son's amorous expression. His smile was very encouraging.

"Do you really think I should go after Hiei?"

"Sure daddy! I told you I'll take care of the kids! And Hikaru will help! I can even take them to Gandara. Shura's papa won't deny us help and protection if we need! Go after what is important, daddy! Go get Hiei ji-chan back! He's too cute to be left on his own!"

Kurama chuckled very softly with Kinno's comment. He had to admit his kid was bloody well right. He must fight to bring his cute-ass youkai back before someone took hold over his possession. It was much better than to stay home sulking.

And in case his worse fear happened, and Hiei did not want to return... Well...

At least he had the kids. He would not be alone.

Kurama got on his feet slowly. He placed his hands on his hips, and breathed deeply,  staring at the dark skies above. He still hesitated. Kinno was nice and kind, but he  was too airheaded, and he could not risk the kids...

"If I go after Hiei, do you promise to behave?"

Kinno jumped up, happy with the prospective Kurama might be accepting his advice. He grabbed his daddy in a fierce, euphoric embrace, and started licking his face, up and down, insistently, the way foxes kissed.

"Calm down, puppy! We're still negotiating! You have to promise me you will be very quiet and nice and won't bring trouble home!"

Kinno clinched happily to Kurama.

"I do! I do! I promise I'm gonna be nice, daddy!" Kinno lapped his tongue all over Kurama's face again, stroking him with so much energy it tickled the tall silver youko. "Don't worry 'bout the kids, daddy! I'm gonna be very good to them, and I'm gonna take extra care of them! Hikaru will help! Shura will help! Even papa Yomi will help!"

Kurama tried to shun Kinno away a little, but soon saw it was useless and preferred to relax and enjoy his son's sweet and wet foxy kisses. He pondered for a while, thinking on his plans for the journey. It would be easy to follow his fire-youkai lover. He could leave his territory in the morning, after kissing each of his kids goodbye. It would take him a longer while to find Hiei - his partner was too much faster than he. But if he insisted on following his trail he would indeed meet Hiei, sooner or later.

He must start thinking right then on what to tell Hiei, and how to ask him to come back in a way he could not deny it.

"I'm going to bring Hiei back." Kurama spoke to his son then, very decisively. "I'm gonna do anything, everything, to get him again! And we're gonna be a happy family forever!"

Kinno cheered his father, crying out a joyful "Yiipee!"

"But I count on you, Kinno!"

"Yep, daddy!!"

Kurama faced his son. He frowned slightly, trying to guess if it was a proper attitude... But anyway it was the only attitude. Who else could he ask to baby sit his kids? Yomi? Hn... If at least he had his mother there; but Shiori was far away in the Ningenkai...

"Ask your friend skuink for help..."

"Skunk?"

Kurama snorted.

"Your friend Hikaru! His nick is skunk didn't you know?"

"I know, daddy, but Hikaru doesn't like to be called Skunk; it hurts him a lot..."

Kurama made an appeasing gesture, He conceded; anything would do, providing he could arrange things for the better before he left.
 
He started reciting Kinno orders and reccomendations, very concerned that he was forced to let him alone with Hyoko and Ikki. At least he knew his younger sons were responsible, but he was not sure for Kinno.

"Don't go to Gandara, unless Shura or his guards come to escort you. Don't forget to bath and brush little Hyoko everyday, and I want you to cook wholesome meals! No junk food! And don't you dare to bring Shura in while I'm not home! Watch your language in front of the kids!"

Kinno agreed, filed with joy that his daddy had finally made the best decision. Now he knew soon Hiei ji-chan would be back to them!

It was then Kurama stared very seriously at his son.

"And the most important thing is: Don't you tell Yomi that Hiei and I are apart!"

Kinno's smile disappeared. Disappointed, he faced his father for a moment before fearfully looking down.

"Well... Daddy... I'm so very sorry... I already told everything to Shura's papa..."

Kurama hissed out a very annoyed curse.

"Oh... Hell... Fortunately I'll be outta here in the morning..."
 
 

To be Continued...