A Love Beyond Time

Is there really a spark happening with you?

The very first glance, 

you stayed in my heart for a while.

The second glance, 

you unknowingly became an eternity.

Harumi snuggled against Asahi and turned her pretty face into the warm crook of his neck, drinking in her mate's warm spicy scent. Their hands, damp with excitement and nerves, interlocked in a grip that spoke of tender affection. Kneeling beside them, his hands spread over Harumi's rounded belly and his feathery lashes curtaining his eyes, Seimei linked with the precious little lives nestled within the protective cocoon of the black vixen's womb. He felt them: their heartbeats, delicate yet strong; their limbs, tiny, perfectly formed, and fluttering around like moths' wings, and heard their thoughts-joyous and innocent.

Love, intense, unwavering, and pure, welled up inside him for the little jewels, and for a split second, he was dangerously close to tears.

"Your babies are doing very well, Harumi." Seimei opened his eyes and smiled. "And totally eager to come into this world."

"Ah! I do hope that would be sooner than later," She returned the smile and rested a hand on his that remained on her belly. "I can't believe they have sprouted so much within days."

"That's because they are happy and loved. They feel everyone's love and anticipation for their arrival."

"Of course they're loved." Ashi combed gentle fingers through Harumi's inky hair and kissed her lips. "Our sweet little babies who we had longed for. How could we not love them?"

The titan fox then raised his head and looked at the older male straight in the eyes.

"You will be assisting us with the labor, Seimei." It was a statement, would have most likely been an order, if not for the subtle imploration shimmering in those steady chocolate orbs. "You have to."

"Keiko will be there..."

"Oh, but we need you there too!" Keiko protested. "This is the very first time our Clan is welcoming new lives, and I have never done midwifery! Besides, you're a much more powerful healer than me..."

"My child." Seimei broke in gently, stroking Keiko's cheek. "You have done very well, you know that. Your sister and your niblings have thrived under your constant care these past few days. Have more faith in your abilities; you are as strong a healer as any can be. One day, you will surpass me."

Keiko's eyes turned a misty cinnamon, and she clasped Seimei's hand between hers. His words had both touched and saddened her; robbed of any appropriate answers, she could only press that cold hand to her own warm cheek.

That was then she realized with a pang that Seimei had always felt cold to the touch. Always.

Time dragged on until Asahi, unable to bear the lugubrious moment that weighed heavily in the air, cleared his throat.

"Well, Seimei, like what Keiko said, it is a momentous occasion, and as our Chief, Honorary father cum grandfather, you must be present, no matter what."

"Yes," Harumi tugged playfully on Seimei's ponytail. "As the one who would be laboring hard and painfully to bring these little ones out, I believe I have the right to request for my family to be around."

Seimei sighed, though he did not expressively indicate his decision, and glanced at the purple-clad diminutive male lounging leisurely behind them, busy feasting on grapes the same color as his robes.

"In that case, he should be around too. He's your ancestor."

The grape-popping ancestor stopped popping more grapes into his busy mouth as everyone's attention riveted on him. Still chewing busily, he nodded.