Kira smiled and sat down to eat her own breakfast. Once they were all done, she sent the boys into the back yard to play along with their little sister and a stern admonishing to be careful around her. She went up stairs to check on Cam.
The little girl was huddled under her blankets, coughing now and again. "Mama...can I come downstairs? It's lonely up here."
"Sure, sweetie. We'll put you on the couch in the living room. How's that?"
"Okay." She sat up slowly and, with her mother's help, managed to get down to the living room and settled on the couch.
"Do you want anything?" Kira smoothed her daughter's hair.
"Can I have some ginger ale please?" her daughter asked in a soft voice, blinking up at her mother with slightly bleary eyes.
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Kira smiled. "Sure thing sweetie. I'll be right back." She went into the kitchen and got a glass of ginger ale as well as a plate of crackers. She took both into the living room and set them on a table next to the couch. "Here you go."
"Thank you." She nibbled on the dry crackers, turning her head so she could watch the cartoons her mother had turned on for her.
Kira kissed her forehead. "I'll be working in the study. Let me know if you want anything."
"Okay. Thank you, Mommy." Kira smiled at her daughter and disappeared into the study, making sure to keep the door open so she could hear her children calling.
About an hour after she started working, she heard a quiet knock on the front door.
"Hello!" called a soft voice.
Kira got up and went to answer the door.
Asuka smiled at her. Her daughter, Hisui, also gave her a big smile.
"Hi," Asuka said, brushing back her long red hair. "Your husband called and said you had a sick little girl."
"Yes, its Cam. We think she has the flu or something, but come on in."
Asuka ushered her daughter inside, ordering her to be good and quiet so she wouldn't disturb Cam.
"I thought I'd take your other little ones off your hands while she gets better," she continued as they headed to the kitchen. "No point in all of them getting sick."
"True. I'm sure that's what Eiro was thinking."
"Yes, he mentioned it on the phone," her friend said with a small laugh. "Although, I have a feeling Raphael and I were a second choice after his brother."
She smiled. "Well, you know Eiro. He still doesn't trust Raphael."
"No. But they're best friends all the same." She smiled. "So then, are the little ones all packed up and ready to go?"
"Sort of. The boys and Kokoro are playing out back, I'll just get their things together."
"Alright. I'll come help you. Hisui, sweetie, why don't you go outside and play with the others?"
"Kay!" She dashed out the back door.
"She's such a sweet little girl."
"Yeah. I don't know where she gets it from. I was a holy terror," Asuka laughed. She laid a hand on her large belly. "I hope this one is as easy as Hisui."
Kira grinned. "Good luck! I'm actually surprised I'm not pregnant yet. Eiro usually gets me pregnant by this time after a child is born."
"Well, I guess I don't have to ask if you guys have been having bedroom problems; it's clear by your face that you aren't."
Kira laughed, her cheeks turning red. "Well, your belly makes it obvious you and Raphael aren't having problems."
"We are now. Poor boy. It's only been a month since we've been able to have sex but with the way he's acting, you'd think it had been about four times that."
"Well, men are babies." Kira smiled as she packed her children's clothes.
"I know. They get spoiled by all this regular sex." Asuka sat on a bad, resting her feet for a few moments. "You should have seen Raphael's face when I said we couldn't have sex for at least a month after the birth."
"He probably pouted or cried."
"A little bit of both, actually." Asuka grinned. "It was quite amusing."
Kira laughed. "I don't think I've ever seen Eiro do that..."
"Well, maybe you should try denying him a little." She winked.
"I do." Kira grins. "From about seven months pregnant until the babies are two months old."
"Good girl!" she said with a laugh.
"But he never complains."
"You've got to tease him while your denying him. Last night, I wore Raphael's favorite pajamas. He nearly had a heart attack when I put him off."
"Oh, I can't be that mean to him."
"Why not?" Asuka smiled. "I tease Raphael but he loves it all the same."
Kira shrugged. "I don't know. Its just that we've been through so much..."
"Kira...there's no way he'd ever leave you like that again." She squeezed her friend's hand. "We've all seen how he looks at you and your children. He loves you more than anything."
"I know...but I'm still afraid of losing him all the same."
"I really don't think you have anything to worry about but...it's up to you, Kira."
"I know, thanks, Asuka. I appreciate it." She smiled. "Well, I think the kids are all packed up."
"Alright then. I hope they don't mind walking. Raphael is using the van today. Good thing it's just around the corner."
"The walk will do the rugrats good." Kira handed the duffle bag full of clothes to Asuka. "Here you go."
"Danke." She slung them over her shoulder. "Call me when Cam starts getting better and I'll bring them back."
"Will do." She went outside with Asuka and gave her children hugs and kisses.
They returned the kisses and walked away with Asuka and Hisui.
Kira went back inside and checked on Cam. "How are you feeling?"
"A little better," she said, rubbing her eyes. "My throat won't stop hurting though."
"Hmmm...well, I'll get you some cough drops..."
"Someone came to see me."
"What do you mean, sweetie?"
"A girl. She was really nice," Cam said, rolling onto her side, her eyes half-glazed with sleep. "She said I would get better."
Kira frowned a little. "Well, you let me know if she shows up again, okay?" Kira stroked her hair lightly.
"Okay." A moment later, her daughter had fallen fast asleep.
Kira kissed her forehead and stood up to head back into her study.
As she entered the room, she froze.
A girl who looked about ten years old was sitting at her desk, kicking her feet and spinning in her chair. She had long white hair twisted into two braids and eyes the color of ice. She was dressed in a knee-length slightly poofy skirt and a white blouse. White stockings and black mary-janes made her look even younger.
"Can I help you?" Kira stared at the strange girl.
She stopped spinning and looked up at Kira. There was just something about her that chilled the older woman.
"You said you wanted to see me. So. I came back," she said. Her voice was strangely deep for a girl-child and slightly raspy. Not what she would have expected at all.
"You're the girl my daughter was talking about?"
She nodded.
"She will be okay, you know. Nothing to worry about. A little bug." She giggled slightly as if it were some inside joke Kira didn't know about.
"What are you doing here?"
"I need your help, Kira-san. You...your husband...and your oldest son."
"What do you need our help for? Who are you?"
"Hmm...call me...Lucy. I think it fits nicely with this body, don't you?" The girl smiled. "I find appearing like this makes people a little more receptive to me."
"Lucy...who ARE you?" Kira gave her a stern look.
"Oh fine. I'll show you." Black light slowly engulfed the little girl as she slid off the chair. The black light burst apart a moment later and a man stood there. He was dressed in black and white as the girl had been and his white hair was now in a single long braid down his back. He gave her a smile as he sat back down, crossing one leg over another, resing his chin on his hand.
"So...Lucy..." Kira thought for a moment. "Morning Star?"
"I prefer Lucifer but whatever works for you," he said with another smile.
She nodded. "What do you want, Lucifer?"
"What I told you: your help." The black light appeared again and Lucifer was replaced with Lucy once more. "I need your help pulling down the council of angels."
"What? Why?"
"I know what you're thinking right now. I'm trying to trick you." She slid out of the chair, smoothing her skirt. "I promise. I'm not as horrible as everyone makes me out to be. I'm annoyed at being kept in hell, but really, can you blame me for that?"
Kira leaned against her desk. "No, not really. But why do you want to destroy the council?"
"Because. They're corrupt. Their hearts have fallen, even if their bodies have not. You see, they've become so preoccupied with establishing the angels, they've forgotten everything else. They need to be pulled down."
"I partially agree with you, but merely because they are so vindictive of anyone not following their little plan."
"Exactly. They belong in hell, not among the clouds. They will destroy your family. And your friends. And anyone who gets in their way. What do you think they will do to the half-angel girl when they catch her?"
Kira looked away. "How do I know that you aren't trying to trick me?"
"It's been thousands of years and I'm still labeled as a snake," Lucy sighed. "I can offer you nothing, Kira-san, because what I have no one would ever want. But I will promise you this: if you help me...I will make sure that you and everyone you love never ever ends up in my hell, no matter what."
Kira looked down. "You know I'm still the angel of forgiveness, Lucy." She smiled. "I can forgive you for doing what you did...I'll try to help you as best I can."
Lucy blinked then grinned. With a squeal fitting a ten-year-old, she dashed forward, hugging Kira around the waist.
"Arigato!"
Kira smiled. "Would you be hugging me this enthusiastically if you were in your true form, Lucy?"
She looked up at her with a smile.
"Probably. But at least in this form, my wings won't be torn off by your husband."
Kira laughed. "I highly doubt that unless he walked in right now."
"Well, I'd still like to take precautions. I have to admit, I am just a tad bit intimidated by your husband." Lucy stepped back, smoothing her skirt again. "Whenever he delivered souls to me, he always looked at me like he'd would LOVE the chance to judge me."
"Thats probably very true. But he is a good man."
"I know. I was glad when your son saved him. He didn't belong in hell." Lucy smiled. "By the way, your daughter is very cute."
"I'm glad you think so. Why are you so interested in her, by the way?"
Lucy smiled again and Kira suddenly understood why she was paying attention to Cam.
"Oh, no. Think again." Kira gave the little girl a stern look.
Lucy giggled.
"I'm not going to steal her away like Hades, you know. I just find her very cute."
"Don't let Eiro hear that. He'd not be too happy about it."
"Oh, I know. And don't worry. I would never try anything before she was old enough. I'm not that perverse."
"Thank you." Kira smiled a little.
"But I also want you to know that I'm interested in her and I might just have to try to woo her when she gets older."
"Good luck with that." Kira stood up straighter. "Is there anything else you wanted?"
"No, that was it for now." A card appeared in Lucy's hand and she held it out. "This is my contact. Call me if you have any questions. If you don't call me before then, I will contact you within a week so we may set some plans."
"Alright." Kira tucked the card away.
"Thank you for your help." Lucy smiled. "I couldn't do it without you." She curtsied and skipped out of the room. She stopped in front of Cam, her head tipped to the side, watching her sleep.
Kira stepped out of her office to watch. Cam was only a little girl...
And now the prince of hell had a crush on her.
This could be messy.
As she watched, Lucy smiled and reached out, stroking the sleeping girl's hair.
Kira opened her mouth to say something, but stopped. It wasn't any big deal...for now.
She must have sensed the mother's stare becase she drew her hand away and turned to look at her.
"I won't take her against her will, Kira-san. If she doesn't want me, she will never ever have to deal with me again. I told you: I'm not a monster."
"You can't blame me for worrying. She's my little girl."
"I understand." Lucy clasped her hands behind her back. "I will leave her alone then."
Kira smiled. "Thank you, Lucy."
Was it just her or did Lucy's smile look sad?
"She reminds me a lot of the first woman I fell in love with."
"What happened?"
"You should know that. You're familiar with the bible, aren't you? She was already someone's bride."
"Its been a very long time since I read the bible." Kira smiled softly.
"Why...it was Eve of course."
"Ah. I should have guessed." Kira smiled again. "Well, hopefully you'll be happy again."
"Part of my damnation was that I never be able to find happiness. It is my own fault of course...still..." She glanced at Cam then back at Kira. "I will see you later, then." She curtsied again and was gone.
Kira sighed. "I hope for all our sakes, that you do..."
******
"Gabrial, you know, if you stay here making love to me, you'll never get to see your family. And I don't think they'd like that very much," Mai said with a giggle.
Gabrial kissed her softly. "I know...but they'll understand. After all, you're going to be my wife..."
Mai's smile turned soft as she wrapped her arms around Gabrial's neck, kissing him softly.
"Your wife...it still sends chills up my spine to think of it..."
He stroked her hair softly. I love you, so much, Mai..."
"I love you too..." she whispered, smoothing his hair back from his face. "By the way...when did you want to get married?"
"I don't know. When do you want to get married?"
"Well...I don't know. I mean...I don't have a dress and I really don't want to get married in that maid outfit...though I know you wouldn't mind so much."
He laughed. "Well, do you want to go dress shopping with my mother?"
Mai's eyes lit up.
"Oh! That would be so much fun! I actually have an idea of the style I want. I just have to find it."
"Well, why don't we get dressed and I'll take you over to the house and tell mother the good news?"
"Okay. But first." She lunged at him, knocking him back on the touseled mattress with a laugh. She planted a big kiss on his mouth before scrambling up and heading for her wardrobe.
"TEASE!" He laughed and got out of bed, pulling on his clothes.
"Oh, hush. You love it and you know it." She pulled on a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt, raking her short hair back from her face.
He kissed the back of her neck. "Still."
She turned her head, kissing him.
"I'll make it up to you later, I promise." She patted his leg.
He smiled. "I'm sure you will." He kissed her again and then started for the door.
"Hey! Wait for me!" She ran and jumped on his back with a giggle.
"OOF! You're heavy!"
"Hey! I don't weigh that much! I don't crush you when I'm on top. If I do, I could just stop being on top--"
He wiped his head around to kiss her. "You're not heavy, you just surprised me."
She laughed.
"Men." She wiggled slightly. "Now come on! To your mother's!"
He took her downstairs. "You'll have to get off now. I can't exactly have you piggy back on my bike."
"Bike?" Mai slid off his back. "You have a motorcycle?"
He grinned at her and pointed to a blue, black and sliver motorcycle. "Yes, ma'am."
He blinked. "Wow...I should have shown you the bike earlier, huh?"
She nodded enthusiastically.
"I've always dreamed of having a boyfriend with a motorcycle." She yanked him down, kissing him again.
He grinned when they broke the kiss. "I'll remember that..." He held an extra helmet out to her. "Here you go."
She giggled and put it on, giving him a big smile.
"Perfect fit." She sat down on the back of the bike, kicking her feet.
He laughed and put on his helmet, sliding in front of her. "Hang on!" He took off once he was sure she was secure.
He heard her let out a scream of laughter and her grip around his waist tightened.
They reached Kira's house and Mai slid off the bike, handing back the helmet.
"That was fun."
"I'm glad you thought so..." He kissed her softly. "Lets see if mother is home."
"Okay." Mai smiled at him and bounced up to the door, knocking.
After a few moments it opened. "Mai! How nice to see you." Kira smiled at the girl, not seeing Gabrial behind her.
"Hi, Kira." Mai leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "I decided that you might want to see your son while he's here. For longer than a couple hours." She pointed behind her.
Kira grinned. "Thank you, Mai. Come here, son." Gabrial hugged his mother.
"We have a little bit of news as well, mother."
"Oh, what's that?"
He picked up Mai's hand to show her the ring.
Kira's mouth dropped and Mai blushed shyly.
"I hope you don't mind getting another daughter."
Kira grinned. "Not at all." She hugged both of them. "Oh, I'm so happy!"
They laughed, returning the hugs.
"That's not the only reason we're here. I was wondering if you'd help me pick out a wedding dress."
"Oh, of course." Kira grinned. "Which is perfect because Gabrial can't see the dress until the day of the wedding and I need someone to watch Cam. She's sick."
"Oh? The poor little dear," Mai said.
"Is it serious?" Gabrial asked, his brow furrowed with worry.
"Oh, no. We think its something like the flu, but we aren't sure. The other children are at Asuka's and Shinji's."
"Good. You don't need a houseful of sick ones." Mai rose on her tiptoes, kissing Gabrial's cheek. "Take good care of your little sister, Gabe."
"I will, you two have fun." Gabrial kissed Mai back and then hugged his mother.
Kira smiled and led Mai to the car. "So, what kind of dress were you looking for?"
"Well, I want it to be simple but not completely plain. I have a good idea of what I want in my head; the trick is actually finding it."
"Well, why don't we head down to the mall and see what we can find there."
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