Title: Fast Forward to the Stars
Author: Yukio Sunshaine
Fandom: Nurarihyon no Mago
Pairing: Yoru (Night!Rikuo) and Rikuo Nura (Day!Rikuo)
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I own nothing from Nurarihyon no Mago. I only own the plot! I hope you guys enjoy the ride anyway!
NOTE (PLEASE READ): This fanfic is AU. No selfcest or anything. They totally live on separate worlds. And yes, this is SHOUNEN-AI.No flames or anything of the sort. I've already warned you.

CHAPTER 23 – LOST AND FOUND

Hurt, betrayal, and anger.

That was everything… they actually didn't feel at the moment.

Long story short, Rikuo had a positive reception towards everyone at his formal introduction to the clan, but right after that, things went sort of downhill— not in the worst way, anyway.

It involved constructive criticism of the events that happened recently from the board members of the Nura clan, specifically about Yoru's encounter with Hagoromo Gitsune and what had happened to Rikuo as a result of it.

They pointed out how Yoru could have taken out the fox yokai if he had wanted to, but let his emotions overwhelm him over what happened to the brunet instead. Rikuo might have helped him discover he had what it took to defeat her, but at the same time, held him back from what he was truly capable of.

That aside, they also wondered if Rikuo would stay with them from now on, since he was no longer human and all. The question reminded him of what his friends thought of his relationship with Yoru, and how he easily became good friends with Yoru's closest companions. It was almost like a sign that it was about time he lived the life of a yokai.

It should be easy as that, right?

But when you had lived your life as a human for almost eighteen years, it made it harder to let go.

Rikuo still needed time to think everything through, so that he wouldn't regret whatever decision he made when the time finally came.

He couldn't be happier the clan accepted him wholeheartedly, but his mood never lightened up after receiving criticism from the higher ranking bodies in the clan. He was certain this was what Yoru felt after he threw salt at his wound.

"I'm sorry, Yoru. It's all my fault," was all Rikuo could manage to say after all this.

"Hey, learn to share. It's my fault too," Yoru said to lift the other's spirits even a little bit.

The two sat next to each other at the veranda outside, gazing at the partially cloudy night sky while everyone else celebrated inside.

The meeting that preceded Rikuo's introduction was unbeknownst to them, since they were restricted to listen to what went on in the discussion, hence the commemoration.

Rikuo sighed as he leaned his head against Yoru's shoulder. Yoru then glanced at the other male as he linked his fingers with the brunet's. The comfortable silence between them, along with the serene and calming atmosphere of the night, helped Rikuo clear his thoughts and emotions.

After an unspecified amount of time, the brunet pulled himself away, much to Yoru's dismay. He wore a determined and serious expression on his face, though. Something was definitely up.

"This is what Hagoromo Gitsune wanted to happen, right? To destroy me from the inside by choosing between two sides of me. And she wanted you to feel it was your fault that this happened to me," Rikuo stated nonchalantly. The last part almost kicked Yoru in the gut. "But… I think it is time for me choose."

Yoru's eyes widened. "You don't have to, Rikuo! You can still—"

"As long as Hagoromo Gitsune and her clan are free to wander around this world, it'll never be safe. It's difficult to sit back and do nothing anymore, not after what happened to us. Who knows what other plans she has up her sleeve? Isn't it about time to stop her once and for all?" Rikuo gazed intently at the yokai, while the other stared at him in awe.

He didn't know whether it was right and appropriate to think that Rikuo changed for the better after turning into a yokai, but damn, he loved this turn of events.

"That had been your plan, right?" Rikuo asked, lopsidedly smiling.

"Basically," Yoru replied, smiling back. "There had been a slight change of plans, though."

The brunet tilted his head; another of way of expressing curiosity with regards to the other's statement.

Yoru's lips curved into a warm smile as he cupped the other's cheek. "You're going to be coming along for the ride this time."

Rikuo held his hand and grinned. "Yeah." He paused as he looked off to the side. "But first thing's first…"

"Hm?"

"Mom has to know. About everything." Rikuo almost felt conflicted about it again, but remained determined to see this through. "I can't take hiding everything from her anymore. It's time she knew the truth, because she deserved to know from the start."

Yoru couldn't help but simply be amazed. Now that was the way of taking constructive criticism into account.

And what did Yoru do when the same thing happened to him before? He cried to a friend about it. How weak and pathetic compared to how Rikuo handled things. But looking back, Yoru had experienced emotions he never thought he could ever feel.

It really was like they swapped personalities, but it was at that moment he realized it was for good reasons.

Rikuo found inner strength, whereas Yoru discovered emotional intelligence. It was something the other had already— it was basically as if they shared their key attributes to one another.

"Yoru?" He blinked at the other male, wondering why he hadn't responded yet.

The crimson-eyed yokai shook his head and smiled. "Yeah, you're right. You're absolutely right. If everything goes well, she can even live with the rest of us."

Rikuo's eyes brightened at that, but then the possibility of her having a hard time accepting the truth dampened his mood. Who in the right mind could easily accept that kind of truth? His mother was undoubtedly understanding and patient, but she had her limits too.

And that could be the situation that could make those limits come to life.

Yoru noticed the conflicted expression across Rikuo's features. The brunet blinked as he felt the other's hand squeeze his.

"Hey. Whatever happens, I'll always be here for you, Rikuo."

He managed to say the words Rikuo didn't know he needed to hear so badly. And overwhelmed by his own emotions, he wrapped his arms around Yoru.

"I know I keep saying it. But… thanks… for everything. I love you so much, Yoru. Really, I mean it," Rikuo said softly.

Yoru cupped Rikuo's chin and leaned in for a kiss, but paused when their lips were inches apart. "I love you too, Rikuo." He then pressed his lips against the other's. It felt like it had been a long time since their last kiss, but after all the drama that happened, they couldn't have felt happier being in each other's arms and exchanging passionate kisses again.

And during those moments, they felt like everything was right in the world. Then again, they were off in their own little world.

As they pulled away, Yoru caressed Rikuo's cheek, wearing a warm and tender smile on his face. "When do you plan on telling her?"

"I think it's best to tell her while I still have it in me," Rikuo chuckled. He was getting more and more nervous as he spoke. There was no turning back this time. "She did want you to escort me back home, and it's already pretty late, so…"

Yoru nodded. "There's no time to lose, then."

Rikuo smiled and stood up. Finally, things were going somewhere after being at a crossroads for what felt like an eternity. He knew what road to take, even if it was surely going to be a rocky one.

The Nura clan leader stood up as well and smirked as he suddenly swept the brunet off his feet without warning, now carrying him bridal style. Rikuo's face flushed in pure embarrassment.

"W-What's this for?" he asked.

"A faster way to get back. Time is of the essence." There was no use in resisting with an answer like that.

Rikuo sighed as he held onto Yoru tight. "Fine," he huffed, rolling his eyes. He just knew it was also the other yokai's excuse to carry him like that. Now that he had thought about it, he recalled Nurarihyon once picked him up the same way before. Was that a thing in their bloodline did or something?

Yoru proceeded to jump from roof to roof like no big deal. His footsteps were as light as air even while carrying Rikuo. He didn't make any sounds either. It was just him, Rikuo, and the moonlight.

And as awkward as it was to be carried like this, Rikuo loved being basked in Yoru's warmth. He didn't care they were jumping from roof to roof and far from the ground, he felt safe and comfortable in the other's arms.

No words were exchanged between them as the silence did the talking for them, until they had finally reached Rikuo's place again.

Yoru gently put Rikuo down. The crimson-eyed yokai immediately sensed the worry and dread from the other male. He couldn't blame him. Telling the truth had never been easy.

Rikuo clenched his fists and bit his lip. It didn't help he began shaking now. This is it. Do or die. Now or never—

"You ready?" asked the ever loving and supportive Yoru. Without him, the brunet would have given up trying already.

"I was trying to psyche myself up before you rudely interrupted me," Rikuo joked as he shook his shoulders. He didn't know what to expect, because frankly, anything could happen from here on out. "But yeah, I'm ready now."

He took a deep breath as he unlocked the door with the keys he had with him and entered inside. "Mom, I'm home. Yoru's here with me," he announced, taking off his shoes as Yoru did the same.

"Ah. Welcome back." Wakana walked downstairs with nothing but pure relief on her face. So much had happened with Rikuo lately she couldn't help but be worried every time he went outside, even if he was with Yoru.

As she stood before the two, she noticed Rikuo scratching the back of his neck. That meant he needed to talk about something. How could she not know what each of his gestures meant, especially since she raised him all by herself after Rihan passed away?

Ah, Rihan. Ever so selfless, fearless, determined and kind. Up to this day, she missed her dearest husband dearly.

"Uh, Mom… I've been meaning to tell you something." Rikuo gulped. A part of him thought this was not a good idea, after all… but he was firm with his decision. He reminded himself Yoru was with him, and would always be no matter what would happen.

Wakana tilted her head, having a feeling in her gut that whatever her son would next say would hold utter importance. He almost never opened up to her like this, not to mention Yoru was with him.

She thought of the possibilities, mostly the surreal ones like the two getting married or something along those lines.

But she thought wrong. So very wrong.

"You see, after I was kidnapped, something else happened to me," Rikuo began, frozen in place. He even almost forgot to breathe from nervousness. "Someone wanted to know if a legend was a true, so she used me as a test subject. I… I wanted to tell you all this time, but I wanted to protect you. I didn't want you to get involved. But… I don't want to lie to you anymore, Mom. I'm… I've been turned into a yokai." His breath hitched. "A-And Yoru's a yokai too. In fact, everyone you met earlier were part of his clan." He didn't want to see how his mother took in the news, so his eyes focused on the floor as he continued his confession that felt like a mess. "I know this all sounds crazy, but believe me. It's all true. I never meant to keep it from you, but just… You have to understand. Everything I did was for everyone else, especially you… and…"

Rikuo snapped his head up the moment he felt her gentle hand on his shoulder. He was flabbergasted she didn't look shocked at all. Even Yoru was taken aback from how calm she took this information in, unless…

"I actually didn't know if my assumption was true, but you just confirmed it for me, Rikuo."

Yoru and Rikuo were the ones left speechless instead, their expressions aghast and jaws agape. What else was she hiding from them? More importantly…

"Wait, how did you know about— how did you know about everything?" Rikuo asked, his eyes widened.

Wakana cupped her cheek and let out a sigh. "You think I didn't see Yoru's nightly rendezvous back then?" The two became flustered in embarrassment at that memory. The more colorful and innocent days. She knew everything from the beginning. "But it'd be a lot easier if Rihan was here…"

"Huh? Dad?" Rikuo asked with a raised eyebrow. Now his own deceased father was in the picture? What was he missing out on? "What does he have to do with everything—"

"—So, you were Rihan's beloved?" Yoru asked from out of the blue.

The brunet narrowed his eyes. "Huh. You talk like you knew him, Yoru," he stated, irked by the other's familiarity towards his father. "I wasn't able to spend that much time with him, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't involved with yokai."

Rikuo looked over at his mother for backup, but surprisingly enough, she stared at Yoru in shock. He felt like he was left out, because everyone clearly knew something he didn't.

"Can someone fill me in on whatever's going on? I don't get it," Rikuo asked, staring accusingly at both Yoru and his own mother. His confession felt like it happened a lifetime ago after the sequence of events that followed.

"Rihan was once part of my clan," Yoru answered in a monotone voice. He was trying to be strong, but something in him was falling into a bottomless vortex. "But he wasn't a yokai. We took him in when he ran away from his home. He didn't even want to use his given name, so the old man named him Rihan instead. He was like a brother to me. He was part of the family. But… the time came when he had to choose when he found the love of his life. As much as it hurt all of us, we let him go so he could spend the rest of his life with his beloved. He chose to be human. And since you told me your father died, that means…"

Okay, that was a little too much information to take in. And Rikuo could almost feel like Yoru was about to break down. He didn't want that to happen, not on his watch. He then held the other's arms firmly, not entirely convinced yet (or more like, he didn't want to believe any of this was true).

"You're not sure if Dad was the Rihan you knew. Anyone else could have been named Rihan—"

"Then why else would you bear the Nura name? Like my clan?" Yoru ignored it because it could just be a coincidence, but everything finally clicked into place. Rihan was the missing piece of the puzzle. Puzzle solved.

But it seemed like Yoru had been better off not knowing that one of the most important people in his life had passed away already. First, his own father, and then Rihan too…?

Even if it was a billion to one odds, Yoru still happened to be connected to Rihan and Wakana— all because he crossed paths with Rikuo that one fateful day.

If this wasn't destiny, it sure was one hell of a coincidence. Or perhaps the inevitable.

The last one who had a say in this was Wakana. She would determine whether all of his was true or not. But judging from the look on her face, even Rikuo couldn't deny it to himself anymore.

"Rihan talked about being part of a yokai clan once, but he assured me he was human. I didn't believe him at first, because who would? But all his stories about his grand adventures in life that I became so fascinated with— it had been with the clan he was part of. But he would rather be with me than his own family. He promised to stay with me and live the rest of our lives together, because he thought being with me was his greatest adventure."

She did her best to hold back tears. She mostly felt emotional, not only because she missed and loved Rihan, but also because she didn't know how Rikuo would react to this. She never knew this day would ever come, but for some reason, it did. She couldn't bear her own son turn away from her because she kept everything from him all this time.

What she didn't expect, however, was Rikuo wrapping his arms around her. She hugged him back and couldn't help but let the tears fall down her face.

"I kind of get it now," Rikuo muttered. "I guess we're even, huh?" Who would have known both of them kept things from each other to keep the other safe? Like mother and son, alright.

Yoru, however, wasn't alright with all this. He thought Rihan lived his life the way he wanted to until now. But then again, the last thing he wanted to happen was to ruin the moment. He would just have… to talk with the old man about this, unless the sodaisho already knew as well.

Man, this generation sure liked keeping their secrets.

As Rikuo pulled away, he held her hand. "Nothing else has to really change. I still want to go to school, and I want to be with my friends." Even if they were openly against his relationship with Yoru for valid reasons of their own. "But I also want to be part of Yoru's clan and… fight alongside everyone else. Like Yoru, I want to make everything safer for both worlds again." He paused. "We… we should live at their mansion! Y-You know, for security purposes… Now that I've selfishly gotten you involved in all this."

Then the brunet thought about the house. What would they do with it? They could always sell it, but would it seriously be that easy? This wasn't some fairy tale where one could easily leave everything behind… this was reality at its finest.

"I'm sorry, Mom," he sighed in exasperation as he let go of her hand, burying his face in his own hand instead. "Things have gotten way out of hand than I expected, and I thought this could solve things." I don't even know anymore…

Wakana cupped her son's cheek and smiled. "You've really grown up after all this time, haven't you? You're becoming more and more like your father."

Selfless, fearless, determined and kind. Rikuo have now possessed these key traits of his father as well.

His mother's comforting and loving smile never ceased from making him feel better. It worked like a charm every time.

"But have you really made up your mind, Rikuo?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. He might be growing up, but like every other teenager, he still had a long way to go. "From the looks of it, you're leaning more towards the yokai. But whatever side you choose, I'll support it."

Yoru stared at Rikuo expectantly. He felt like the brunet would choose the yokai as well, but only Rikuo himself really knew what he opted for.

Rikuo stared back at the two most important to him. He closed his eyes and confirmed it for himself one last time.

He knew what he wanted.

"I think I already said it, but I'll say it again anyway: I choose both."

The brunet then poked Yoru's chest with his elbow and winked. "We just have to finish off Hagoromo Gitsune before summer ends."

Yoru nodded, a smile beginning to show on his visage. Oh, he liked the sound of that plan. The ultimate win-win situation for both sides. "No pressure or anything, but sure," he chuckled. It was settled, then.

After a lengthy discussion, Wakana decided to make their house for rent. That way, they could still earn money monthly instead of selling it in one go. Rikuo couldn't have been happier with how things turned out.

The same couldn't be said with Yoru, though. He was still clearly torn from the news that his best friend had already passed away.

Why was it when something good had finally happened, something bad would return twofold? He began to notice he had been having the most rotten luck lately.

Even if the sight of the moon seemed comforting as he sat by the balcony, the thought that Rihan was no longer looking at the same moon as he did was almost agonizing.

"Yoru… I'm sorry," Rikuo said from behind as he sat next to the other. "I know how you feel. It took me a long time to accept what happened to Dad too." He sighed. "But it's just… you don't deserve to feel like this. You've already lost so much."

Rikuo couldn't have said it better. Life just hated him right now. It loved taking away the ones he loved the most. What else did it want to do to continue his endless suffering?

But… it was time to stop letting those dark thoughts and emotions consume him. He needed to move forward aside from looking back. After all, if it wasn't for Rihan, Yoru wouldn't have had met Rikuo.

And that was when it hit him.

Yoru's eyes widened as he gazed intently at the brunet. He could see the worried expression Rikuo wore for him. He then proceeded to hold both the other's hands, placing them on his chest and muttering something under his breath that even Rikuo wasn't able to hear clearly.

"Huh?" Rikuo blinked.

"Lost and found," Yoru repeated. "I may have lost them, but in turn, I found you and Mother." His lips parted into a smile. He wasn't going to give Rikuo another chance to look cool. But at the same time, he felt inner peace.

This way, Rihan wouldn't have to worry about him anymore.

"Oh, Yoru…" Rikuo smiled brightly and gave him a quick peck on the lips, pulling him into a loving embrace afterwards. He was so proud of him. He came so far after so much struggle and pain.

If Hagoromo Gitsune thought she destroyed them, she had another thing coming, since everything was finally falling into place again.

A/N: I have no excuses this time. I had the entire summer to do this, but the muse never came to me until the last minute LOL. I decided to fasten the pace this time and end it on a more positive note, since I've been hurting them long enough, especially Yoru. And yes, finally the story will go somewhere again pft.

But yeah, a huge thank you to all the loyal and patient readers. I wouldn't have come this far without every single one of you. I love you all! I appreciate all of the reviews and all that. Keep 'em coming! Who knows? Another chapter might be around the corner (hopefully). :3c