A/N: Yeah, so I just got a Samsung Galaxy Tab from Korea. Planning to use it for typing purposes mostly so let's hope this means more updates.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but this story

Reunion

The night seemed like it was going to last forever. Yamato tried his best not to think about it anymore until morning, he needed rest for all the work he was sure to be busy with the next following days. Not to mention the coronation ceremony that must take place before the year ends. By December, a New King must be appointed. And he was gonna make sure it was him, as to not cause his brother or Hikari any burden.

In total, he had less than five months more to plan for the Coronation, and that's in the midst of the days for the funeral procession followed by the burial next week. Somehow, it didn't seem like such a long time when he thought about all the work needed to be done.

Needless to say, he managed to fall asleep with a single sleeping pill. Koushirou, however, did not take one. Therefore, he was still awake come midnight.

No matter how he tossed and turn, how much he snuggled into Yamato's arms, or even how much he stared at Yamato's calm sleeping face or counting the strands of those blond locks, his eyes just didn't want to remain close.

If anything, new tears kept pouring that kept him from really closing them.

Sighing deeply, Koushirou finally decided to get out of bed and have a stroll outside the Palace. There was a terrace leading outside with stairs, so he planned on going out from there. He really didn't feel like worrying any Palace guards of his whereabouts. Even if Yamato told him that with the Dark Masters long gone there were no longer any real threat to anyone in Ecuratan, it diden't mean the blond lost his protectiveness towards the red head.

Of course, Koushirou couldn't say he minded... Much.

"I say, Ecuratan does not seem to be starting off good this year." An Official spoke to his female companion. "And I fear that the Royals are in a bit of a situation."

Koushirou stopped in his tracks when he heard voices and opt to hide in the shadows. It wouldn't do if he was caught by any visiting nobles, either. Plus, he would be lying if he said he wasn't curious about what this officials have to say, especially if it might concern the Ecuratan Royal Family, and to an extent, Yamato.

"I'm afraid I'd have to agree with you, for once." The lady sighed. "I mean, just thinking of his Highness Prince Yamato and his resolve of not accepting a Concubine in favor of Koushirou-sama is of great concern."

The red head felt his blood run cold, his feet frozen to the floor. His frightened heart says go, but his curiosity makes him stay.

"It would mean that Takeru-sama might take the throne, and while I have nothing against him as a person, him to be King is... Questionable."

"I must agree. Yamato-sama has been learning the Role of being King since he was a child, and I have yet to heard of Takeru-sama taking up any education likened to it."

"How true. But his bride to be is an actual female, I suppose. Prince Takeru just has to be educated in the short time if he is to be King if there really isn't a choice."

Suddenly, a new voice joins the conversation. "If you two would politely cease your private, and probably contraversial, gossip about the Royal Family," Count Micheal walked into the scene. "I might just be kind enough as to not mention this to anyone, even if Prince Takeru is a good friend of mine."

"C-Count Micheal!" The two officials bowed to the higher ranking noble... Well, higher ranking compared to them.

"At ease, my friends. I think we have little to worry about. Prince Yamato shows great love for his wife with his resolve not to take up a concubine, and they are the first Royal Couple to have that kind of love these last two decades. It must be a sign of good things to come." Lord Micheal smiled. "Let's have a little faith."

"Forgive me for disagreeing but... An heir must come from an Ecuratan family blood, halve or not. And it certainly is unacceptable for an adopted child to take the throne. And that is the only way they are to have a child, as far as I can see."

"And it certainly can't be that even if Prince Yamato does take the throne that he would appoint his heir as one of Takeru-sama's offspring when he has one. An heir must be from the King himself, not a relative."

The Count simply smiles confidently. "Well, all answers revealed in due time."

And then, the group seperates.

In all honesty, Koushirou was grateful for the Count's vote of confidence. But he wasn't sure he could do anything that can support the noble's faith in them... At least, not without help.

When Koushirou made his way outside, he looked around for the Tree. The Legendary Tree. He and Yamato discovered that it didn't really have a fixed location. It just showed itself to whoever it favored. And whenever they went out on a stroll in the forest, they always seemed to find it.

And just like the other times, Koushirou found the tree with no trouble.

He took a deep breath and put his hands together, looking earnest and hopeful. Him being a Japanese, the culture of believing in the Spirits of things was still in him. "Great Tree of Legend, I beg that you hold true to the promise of Happiness. The promise granted to individuals whom so vowed their love underneathe you. I love Yamato Ishida more than life itself, and I have faith he returns that love. We made our vows under you and have kept it thus far," The red head looked up to the tree, not at all thinking it foolish to be talking to a glowing tree. "Now I beg that it holds true, the Promise of Happiness."

At first, nothing happened. Then it shone brightly, basking Koushirou with its light. Bestowing to him a blessing of favor as it did to no one before, as their was no one as trusting to its power in a long time.

A blessing to be revealed in due time.

The light prove too much for Koushirou's eyes to handle, it blinded him. At one point it might have even made him lose conciousness...

...For the next time he opened his eyes, he found himself back in his bed room, with Yamato scowling down at him.

"Y-Yamato!" Koushirou sat up abruptly, paling. Yamato pinned him back down at the bed. "Uwah!"

His oceanic blues eye twinkled with irritation. "Do you have any idea what it felt like waking up without you by my side, and opening the door next only to see Taichi bringing you back, all cuddled up in his arms?" He growled vehemently. "Honestly, if I haven't known that he was going through a relationship strain with Jyou, I might've beat him senseless..."

"I... I see... Good for him, then..." Koushirou sweated nervously.

"Yes, good for Taichi. Not so much for you," Yamato inched his face closer and whispered directly to his ear. "Someone's gonna be punished."

The next thing the red head knew, he was stripped and Yamato was preparing him for penetration. And when Yamato was through with him, Koushirou had a sore back side for the rest of the day.

Old habits die hard... Although, Koushirou couldn't say it was completely horrible. Just... Mostly.

The days that followed, there was the period of mourning for the entire country. It made him feel silly, but Koushiro seemed more shaken up about the whole thing compared to his husband. But Yamato tells him it wasn't a bad thing, and he couldn't show to the public how shaken up he really was because he must always remain dignified with his head held high. It did vex Koushirou, however, that the council somewhat approves of his distress for they see it as proof that the red head is sincere of being one with the Royal Family and that his loyalty to the throne isn't too questionable.

They equated his mourning to an act of loyalty? Is he the only one who thought that sounded a bit shallow? Not that he'd ever betray Yamato's family in any case, but that was beside the point.

Ever since day one of the funeral procession till the day of burial, there was always a form of tension.

*Lady Natsuko kept casting glares towards their way, especially with Yamato's birthday fast approaching, and therefore so was the announcement to the public of their marriage since at least one of them were officially of legal age by then, and since the Council have yet to make any real decision to change anything, Yamato was still scheduled to take the throne come December and Koushirou to walk with him as his Queen.

*Both the blond and red-head rulers to-be also noticed Jyou and Taichi's relationship condition. The brunnette tries to act normal, but Yamato wasn't his best friend for nothing. And Koushirou knew Jyou well enough when his gloominess was his normal gloominess, or when it was out of character gloominess. Once, he even forgot to add a -sama while addressing the red-head, which Koushirou didn't really mind but he knew that the bluenette would berate himself for... At least it was just both of them when he did it, though.

*Yamato and Koushirou knew it was completely unnecessary for Jyou to be punishing himself, and to an extent, his relationship with Taichi. But the brunette Lord requested, quite irritatedly, to leave their business to them. He just didn't want Jyou to feel like he was forced to stop the drama and go back to Taichi's arms by a command or say-so of the blond Prince... Even if that is what the Brunette Lord so desperately wanted.

*Takeru and Hikari supported Yamato's claim to the throne whole-heartedly, which led to more arguements between the younger blond and his mother. Despite Yamato's irritation and concern for Takeru's behalf, he stayed out of it... Mostly because Koushirou made sure he did. Lady Natsuko's only defense, and a strong one at that, is that if Yamato cannot guarantee an Heir by December, Takeru must take the throne.

*The younger blond did his best to fight this by skipping his King Lessons as much as he can. But five months was sufficient to learn enough even if he did cut some classes, so he really did hope that by some miracle, Yamato and Koushirou figured something out.

The two were both debating over whether or not to consider artificial insemination, at one point.

At the day of the burial, Koushirou had a hard time leaving the gravestone. He lost two fathers in his lifetime already, but it doesn't make it any easier going through a third. Yamato didn't really like seeing his Koushii so depressed, and was running through his mind for ideas to cheer up the red-head.

It wasn't till much later that the idea presented itself to him. He and Taichi left Koushirou with Jyou for a moment while they took a little stroll.

"You know, what with your birthday coming up, this really came up in terrible timing." Taichi muttered darkly, kicking a pebble instinctively. "Of course, not that you used to looked forward to your birthdays, but still. The concept applies."

Yamato rolled his eyes. "I'm just glad it's not Koushirou's birthday coming up. Nevermind that I don't know what to get him yet, I doubt he can get over this quick enough for that. And it would be his first birthday celebration with me, so it has to be special," Then, he looked down thoughtfully. "Although... I will not disagree with you, this is really such a bad timing. I only dreaded my birthday because I always thought Father saw me as nothing more than a nuisance and hated his required prescence on those days. But the night before his death, contrary to what you said, I might've even looked forward to this particular birthday. Since I am coming of age, he was to give a profound message to mark the occassion, since the King and Queen both has to remain silent during the Royal Prince's birthday as to not steal the attention..." Yamato sighed deeply. "But I guess... I'll never hear it.

Taichi sympathize with his friend, and tried to cheer him up, starting off with his trademark goofy smile. "Hey, I can always play stand in and represent King Hiroaki. If I do say so myself, I'm an excellent Ambassador. Like, I'll even hold the scepter and everything and give you all the praises that, you know, I don't really think you deserve'" He teased.

"Tempting, but I think I have to pass on that oh so generous offer of yours," The blond said dryly, but appreciating the attempt to cheer him up nonetheless. "Thanks anyway, but I suppose a celebration is not really necessary. I can stop any festivites on my behalf that day if I wanted to, with everything going on."

Taichi snorted. "Yeah, good luck running that by Takeru... Or even Koushirou. Your first birthday with him, no way will he let you get through it without a party."

"You could be surprise," Yamato shrugged. "Besides, there are more than just partying to celebrate me being an official adult."

Taichi thought about that and grinned, punching Yamato's shoulder. "You are a naughty Prince, aren't you?" He laughed."Just go easy on him." He thought about that. "What am I talking about? You never go easy on him!"

"That is not true," Yamato huffed indignantly. "I only ever go hard on him now if I think he deserved it."

"Oh please, I doubt all the causes of punishment are justifiable."

The blond wave a dismissive hand. "Birthday celebrations aside, what do you think I should do? Koushirou distresses over Father's death every time it comes up. Even if he tries to forget it, it just hits him hard again when the thought comes up." He sighed. "Like pouring alcohol to an open wound."

Taichi winces. "Oh, I know that pain all too well... Whenever I think about Jyou..." He caught himself.

"Well? Go on, finish what you started." Yamato prompt. Koushirou told him not to pry into Taichi and Jyou's situation unless one of them brought it up first, this situation factored to the condition. "What about Jyou?"

"Like you don't know," Taichi scowled. "Just... Just stay out of it!"

Yamato glared at him. "Oh, I highly doubt I can stay out of it when I'm really involve with it." He snapped. "I just want to help, you blockhead."

"Listen you-"

The two were interrupted by two body guards coming up to them. They bowed slightly before getting to the point. "Your highness, we are aware this might be a bad time but... Two expected guests seem to have arrived at the Airport earlier than scheduled and requires someone to fetch them and bring them to the Palace."

Taichi and Yamato narrowed their eyes. "So they are expected guests... Arriving unexpectedly?" Taichi drawled out.

The body guards looked chagrined, but they nodded.

"Perfect. Just what I need," Yamato sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Well, don't just stand there. Remind me who they are, I cannot remember everything with all else I must think about. And I certainly cannot just allow anyone into the Palace without identification."

One bodyguard looked to his phone for reference. "The names given to me are... Willis Hawkins, and Izumi, Yoshie."

Yamato's eyes widened. Then he smiles widely. "I think I just found an answer to my problem."

Jyou cleared his throat when Koushirou seemed to have finally stopped paying his respects. He knew the red-head didn't mean to make him feel bad, but seeing how depressed the future Queen was for the now late King Hiroaki's death, it just made him feel guiltier than he already was.

"Excuse me, Koushirou-sama, but don't you think it was about time we returned to the Palace? The rest of the Royals have already left for the Palace."

Koushirou stood up and faced Jyou, rubbing his eyes. "I suppose that would be a good idea," He agreed. "But Yamato told me to wait for him, and he and Taichi have yet to return."

Jyou stiffened at the mention of Taichi's name and had to remind himself that Koushirou wasn't asking about their situation. Then, two body guards came up to them. They bowed, mostly to Koushirou, before speaking. "Jyou-san, Koushirou-sama, we've been instructed to take you back to the Palace."

Koushirou and Jyou cocked their heads.

"Instructed? By whom?"

"By his Highness Yamato-sama."

"But Yamato told me to wait here for him."

"There was a change of plans, something came up and it was urgent that he went ahead of you. Sir Taichi has accompanied him."

Koushirou frowned a bit. Somewhat hurt that Yamato didn't bother to tell him he was leaving, even via sms, but he figured it must've been really urgent.

Jyou and Koushirou were taken back to the Palace longer than usual, since the driver was instructed the take the longer route. The bluenette found it questionable, but Koushirou was too tired to think of it as odd. Feeling sad and crying took a lot out of a person.

Jyou accompanied Koushirou to the hall leading to the quarters. "Would you like me to pour you some tea, Koushirou-sama?"

"No, thank you, Jyou-san." The red-head sighed deeply. "I really just want to lie down and rest before dinner. If you see Yamato, tell him I..."

Suddenly, he felt hands drop over to his shoulders. "Tell me what?"

"Gah!" The red head yelped, jumping in surprise. He looked behind him and pouted. "Yamato!"

Yamato smirked, poking Koushirou's cheeks with his index fingers. "Aww, you don't seem happy to see me."

"It's not that I'm not happy to see you, just unhappy with what you did as a greeting." Koushirou huffed indignantly. Jyou found it odd, however, that Yamato seemed... Somehow off, yet not in a necessarily bad way. Just out of characcter.

The blond ignored his Koushii's complain. "Well, if you're not happy to see me, I know certain people who you would most certainly be esctatic to see." He held his hand.

"Yamato, you don't usually use words like ecstatic," Koushirou narrowed his eyes, an eye brow arching up. "If you, Taichi, and Takeru-kun are up to something again like that time you hid my laptop..."

Yamato pulled him along, "It's nothing like that, I promise. But like that time, however, you have to close your eyes. It's a surprise." He smiled.

Koushirou rolled his eyes, but submitted and let his husband guide him. "No tricks, okay?"

"No tricks, Koushii. Jyou, you can come along. You need a reason to smile, too."

The bluenette had no clue how the surprise could involve him without it involving Taichi, and wondered how that was gonna make him smile, but since Yamato said so, he obliged... With reluctance.

When Koushirou opened his eyes, he furrowed his brows. "Yamato, this is our room. And I'm too tired to... Do it with you right now." His cheeks heated up.

"And why would I need to be here for that?"

Yamato rolled his eyes. "That's not what I had in mind. And I made you stop, but that didn't mean you could open your eyes. Now go on, close them again." He demanded.

"Any longer I'm gonna fall asleep standing," Koushirou sighed, but obeyed. Like he ever did anything else. He heard the door open, and Yamato once again led him to go inside. Yamato stopped him when they were well enough inside, and let go of his hands.

"Don't open them yet," Yamato quickly said before Koushirou could do otherwise. "Not until I say so," The blond went towards the room's lighting. Koushirou sensed that the lights weren't on yet since even through his eyelids, he was no brightness. He heard a noise that sounded vaguely familiar. Yamato smiled brightly. "Okay. Now, open your eyes." He timed the opening of the lights to the opening of the red head's eyes.

No sooner did Koushirou's eyes had the time to adjust did someone fling themself to his person. His eyes went wide when he saw a familiar blond grinning cockily at him and he knew the person who gave him the embrace... The oh so warm, familiar embrace. He pulled away to confirm who the person was, a person he haven't seen in months, only to dive back into the hug.

"Mother! Oh, I can't believe it's actually you!" The red head sobbed against her shoulder.

Yoshie stroked her nephew-son's hair lovingly, unable to contain her own tears. "Oh my sweet Koushirou, how I've missed you!" Her embrace got fiercer. "Willis has been keeping me company, and I very much appreciate it, but it's just not the same..." She muttered, pulling back and caressed her child's face endearingly.

Willis snorted, pretending to be offended. "Well, glad to know it was for nothing." He muttered, sarcastically.

"I'm so glad you're here as well, Willis!" Koushirou beamed, looking over Yoshie's shoulder. "I didn't really think your parents would agree with you living here."

Willis shrugged, "Glad I'm here, too, Kou." He smirked as Koushirou rolled his eyes good naturedly. "In any case, they're never really living in Japan, or in any single place at all. So wherever I reside wouldn't bother them. And as long as you hold true on your promise of letting me use a Private Helicopter during school season, It won't bother me either."

"Of course, you can use mine." The red head guarantee, smiling brightly.

Since the first announcement of King Hiroaki's death, it was only now again that Koushirou's smile reached his eyes. Jyou understood now how this could bring a smile out of him, even if he wasn't involve.

And all in all, Yamato was more than satisfied by the results.

"Although, I have to say I am a bit sore with you." Willis made a face. "Why didn't you tell me you were getting married? And to the blond Prince, no less! Some friend."

Koushirou blinked at the turn of conversation, and Yamato raised a questioning brow with the title.

"I'm gonna have to back up your friend on that, son." Yoshie pouted. "Why wasn't I given an invitation? I am your mother, after all."

Willis crossed his arms. "Did you think we would've, like maybe, disapprove of your preferrences?"

"Uhm, no... It's not exactly... Well, I didn't know I was getting married myself." The red-head admittedly shyly. "Everything happened so fast."

Yamato took it in from there. "I would apologize for that. It was inconsiderate of us not to have inform you, although I regret to say that I can offer you no justified reason for why we neglected to tell you about the engagement." He bowed his head slightly as an apologetic gesture. He held her hand, a planted a polite kiss on it.

Yoshie turned slightly red, pulling the hand back after Yamato released it and placed it against her cheek, flustered. "Well... With a husband as handsome, I can't say I'm bothered about it anymore." She giggled.

"Motherrrr..."

Willis had to burst out laughing. "So this makes Kou the wife, huh?"

"Willis!"

Yamato smiled, already knowing that he was gonna like the two additions to the family.

A/N: I decided that was the best way to end this chapter. Note, however, that the scene isn't over yet and that's where the next chapter will start off. Beside, does anyone notice Taichi's abscence when he was originally with Yamato in the first place?

Did I fast forward too much at these parts (*)? Apologies. I really didn't want to go into any unnecesary details. If I get any requests, I'll rewrite this and put a more detailed explanation of what happened in the requested scene(*) but I just one, so first come first serve, if any. And did I get Willis's last name right? I saw it another fanfiction, so I assumed that's it. Correction anyone? Please and thank you.