Chapter Text
Abe
A name that many look up to—a name spoken with admiration and, at times, with fear.
For countless generations, the Abe clan has been known for their unwavering devotion and loyalty to those they serve. Perhaps that is why the Imperial Family chose them—to stand as the protectors of the Japanese Empire. In return, they were granted an Imperial Decree—a sacred command that ensured their safety and rewarded their steadfast allegiance to the throne.
Even as centuries passed and their greatest onmyōji, Abe no Seimei, departed from this world, the clan’s influence did not fade. The Abe name continued to carry weight within the Imperial Court, so much so that they were entrusted with a power unlike any other—the right to decide who among the Imperial Family was worthy to ascend the throne.
This tradition, established upon Seimei’s death, became an unbroken law of the empire—an enduring testament to the authority he built and the position his descendants preserved.
For a thousand years, this decree had never been questioned. The empire remained in balance—until now.
The current Emperor has been blessed with three sons…three heirs to the Chrysanthemum Throne. And with that, the unshaken peace of the empire begins to tremble once more.
The Abe clan’s sacred duty is singular: to choose the next Emperor.
They alone possess the authority to decide the rightful heir—without interference from the Imperial Court. But alongside this honor comes a darker charge. If any member of the royal bloodline threatens the empire’s stability, it is the Abe who must quietly eliminate them. Even if it means killing them with their own bare hands.
To fulfill such vast and secretive responsibilities, the clan was divided into five branches.
The Watchers, it is their duty to observe, to judge, and to decide who shall ascend to the throne. This branch holds the greatest influence within the Imperial Family, shielded by the Imperial Decree that grants them freedom from consequence alongside the shadows.
The Shadow, as their presence remained unseen, are the enforcers of the clan’s will. Their silent actions maintain order throughout the empire, ensuring that the Watchers’ decisions are carried out.
The Priests are the guardians of divine favor, as it is their duty to conduct the rituals that preserve the spiritual balance legitimizing Abe’s authority. They serve not only the Imperial Family but also the gods who grant their power.
The Mediators, whose role is to maintain the connection with the yōkai community, safeguarding harmony between the human and supernatural worlds. Often misunderstood within the clan hierarchy, they resolve unseen conflicts that could threaten the empire’s stability.
And lastly, the Stewards, members who live outside the political and spiritual affairs of the clan. While they preserve the Abe bloodline and its presence in society, they bear no active role in imperial or mystical matters.
For centuries, the Abe clan’s duty has stood as a beacon of hope for the people—ensuring that each emperor who rose to the throne was worthy. Through this sacred task, they fulfilled the promise made to both the Empire and the gods who granted them everything they possess.
In every generation the weight of the legacy of the Abe clan’s bloodline carries the great responsibility that no one could ever bear alone. Yet, there’s one man who dares to carry that legacy alone, ensuring that his family will live on in a peaceful world.
It was already the last week of March 2024—almost a year since Abe Haruaki had begun teaching at Hyakki Academy, a school for youkais—beings that he never imagined existing in the world he was living in, much less crossing paths with. In just the span of 11 months. His life dramatically changed in a way that he never imagined.
He had finally achieved his long-cherished dream of becoming a teacher. If he was going to be honest with himself and with the people surrounding him, this dream is not his first. It is to create sailor uniforms himself—something that he has been passionate about ever since he was a child.
At first, he tried…he tried making it, but unfortunately, as the days went by, he slowly realized that Dream is not made for him. Realizing that he has no talent for sewing.
Because of this, he changed his dream of becoming a teacher. Knowing that if he becomes a teacher, he will be able to see sailor uniforms on a daily basis, and he will witness how it will get old. This is the main reason why he wanted to become a teacher in the first place. The only reason why he chose this dream, well, at first…because as the days went on, his reason to achieve this goal started to change over time.
His students and even his coworkers only knew the first reason why he dreamt to be one, but what they didn't know is that he wanted to be someone every student could rely on. This is something he wanted despite being a coward—even if people had already seen him to be someone who always ran away whenever he encountered delinquents—he still wanted to make sure that his students were aware that they had someone they could depend on. Someone who would never laugh at the dreams they longed to achieve.
He didn't want them to experience the same things he endured before. Deep inside him, he knew how painful it was to be laughed at. And seeing this, his heart couldn't bear the thought of seeing his students go through the same.
At the beginning of his teaching job, it was full of challenges—full of uncertainty. On his first day at the human school, almost two years ago, the memory still stuck in his mind, remembering how cowardly he was…immediately resigning by the time he met delinquent students targeting him.
Every time he could remember it, he wanted to laugh at himself, especially seeing how he greatly improved over the past year…well, almost a year. Of how he is now, as a teacher for his students. He wasn't the same cowardly human that everybody knows.
Sure, he experienced many challenges and uncertainties, but now with his not-so-normal students, he could finally see the peacefulness in his life even if their days were filled with chaos, but still…those chaotic moments they had are the best memories they've made together.
Everything that he has is all he could wish for…but then something happened that he had never expected to get even once in his lifetime. It is to fall in love with his best friend, Rintarou.
Well, who wouldn't fall in love with Rintarou?
Rintarou is a beautiful and delicate oni—so beautiful that anyone meeting him for the first time, without any introduction ever given beforehand, would even come to the conclusion that he is a woman. (Reference: Izuna and Rintarou’s first meeting.)
At first, Haruaki never imagined that his feelings would shift in that direction. And for heaven’s sake, he hadn’t planned for it to turn into something bizarre. Rintarou was supposed to be someone—nothing more than just a trusted friend who would always be by his side. Even his world is filled with chaos.
But as the days turned into months, his feelings only deepened, more than they should have, to the point that denying them was no longer possible for him. As the time goes by, the feelings he has even get stronger than ever by the time he uncovers something that neither of them realized before.
It was by the time he discovered that the same child that he had fallen in love with back then was just in front of him…the child who made him safe back when he was lost and afraid.
The same beautiful child that he mistakenly believed to be a girl after all those years of meeting him.
Haruaki planned not to say anything to Rintarou, as he’s too embarrassed to say anything to him or to anyone. And yet, strangely, he is grateful for it. That his misunderstanding had only kept his curiosity alive all these years…a curiosity that had now found its answer.
Thanks to Rintarou’s sister, Ibara, and her old childhood photographs, the truth was revealed.
Now, after several months fighting his feelings, Haruaki finally had the courage to tell Rintarou how he truly felt for him. He thought he would get rejected, thinking that Rintarou would only think of him as a friend…but to his surprise. Rintarou also has feelings for him. Feelings that he also buried in his heart.
Even if they wanted to shout about their relationship to everyone, sharing the news that they are no longer available for any potential relationships, everyone tried to force them to, but…they have just both decided to make their relationship a secret. A secret with just a few people knowing. Fearing that it would attract unwanted attention.
Despite the secrecy of their relationship, the two still make sure their relationship works despite the busyness that they have with their job, giving each other the time they need to know each other’s preferences and everything about their partner. Over time, with the encouragement of his and Rintarou’s family as well as Izuna’s help, Haruaki took the next step.
Asking Rintarou’s hand for marriage
By the time Rintarou said yes to him, Haruaki felt an overwhelming happiness and contentment like he had never before. He thought that it was the greatest moment of his life, but his life was just getting better and better…before it turned into a dramatic end.
On a Thursday evening, the sky was already dimming into a quiet blue, with the soft sound of cicadas humming in the background. The wind was gently brushing through the open windows of Haruaki’s dorm room. He was preparing tea when he noticed how Rintarou was standing by the window, with his arms crossed tightly over his chest.
Rintarou, who is now Haruaki’s husband, had been acting strange for the past few days—waking up in the middle of the night, zoning out in the middle of conversations, and constantly checking his phone as if waiting for something. He was usually composed, playful even, but…lately he had become distant and visibly restless.
Haruaki set the teacups on the table and studied him quietly. “Rintarou,” he said softly, “are you okay?”
Rintarou flinched at the sound of his voice, then quickly forced a smile. “Yeah, just tired…we just had a very long day.”
But Haruaki wasn’t convinced; he knew that there was something wrong with his husband. He could see the tension in Rintarou’s shoulders and the tightness in his jaw. He approached him gently, standing beside him as the last rays of sunlight filtered in through the curtains.
“You’ve been tired for almost a week,” Haruaki said, trying to keep his tone light. “You keep pacing, keep zoning out…barely sleeping. Rintarou, I’m getting worried about your health. Please…Rintarou. You know that you can talk to me, right?”
Rintarou’s expression began to falter. He bit his lips, eyes flickering toward Haruaki before quickly looking away again. His hands trembled slightly as he clenched them into fists.
“I know,” he murmured, as his voice barely could be heard. “I just…I’m just trying to figure out how to say it.”
Haruaki’s concern deepened. He gently reached out and placed a hand on Rintarou’s shoulder. “Whatever it is, I’m here. You don’t have to figure it out alone.”
Rintarou finally turned to face him fully, and Haruaki was startled by the fear in his eyes—raw and vulnerable.
“Haruaki…there’s something I need to tell you,” Rintarou said, his voice unsteady, as if the words were physically painful to push out.
Haruaki stiffened slightly but nodded, silently urging him to continue.
“I…I don’t really know how this happened, but…” Rintarou hesitated, inhaling shakily before locking eyes with him. “I’m pregnant.”
Haruaki stared at him, blinking. “What?”
“I’m pregnant with your child, Haruaki…” Rintarou repeated, his voice trembling. “I don’t know what’s happening to my body. I’m terrified.”
He sat down heavily on the edge of the couch, head in his hands. “I didn’t know how to tell you. At first, I thought I was sick or cursed or…something unnatural. But now I know. I can sense something…something growing inside me.”
Haruaki’s breathing got heavy all of a sudden—and then something clicked in his memory. A truth he had buried and forgotten to share.
“…Oh. Rintarou…” he said softly as the guilt slowly crept into his voice. “I’m so sorry. I should have told you about this before. Even before we got married.”
Rintarou looked up, confused and still shaking. “Told me what?”
“Umm…my family. The Abe clan,” Haruaki said cautiously, “has this rare ability…an ability where we can conceive children or are able to make the person we love romantically pregnant—regardless of their gender or sex.”
Rintarou stared at him in disbelief and said in a shocked tone. “Wait…what? How is that even possible? First, your anti-yokai powers, and now this?”
Haruaki sat down beside him and sighed. “It’s complicated, but I’ll try to explain.”
“Ummm…my family had been serving the gods for several generations before even Abe no Semei was born. Throughout generations, or thousands of years ago, we've been the shrinekeepers and spiritual guardians for those years. And because of the devotion we’ve shown, this has come with gifts.”
“Gifts?” Rintarou narrowed his eyes, still overwhelmed with the sudden information he was receiving.
“Yes…Because of our family’s dedication, the gods granted us three sacred abilities,” Haruaki explained. “Our family has called them the Divine Gifts.”
“The first ability is the Anti-Yokai power, the ability that everyone knows about. It is the ability to exorcise the Youkai; even if it’s called anti-youkai, it can also be used to exorcise other beings, such as the spirits with evil intentions with the living beings. The second is clairvoyance—the ability to see the past, present, and future. These first two abilities are something that only a few members of the family could obtain the full potential of its power. The third…”
Hesitating for a moment, not knowing how to explain his situation to his husband.
“…is called Kamiyōsei. This is the ability to conceive children with the one we love romantically—regardless of sex or gender.”
Rintarou was silent for a long moment.
“This is…a lot to take in,” he finally said, running a hand through his hair. Then, with a small huff, he gave Haruaki a weak smile and lightly punched his shoulder. “But seriously—why the hell didn’t you tell me this earlier?”
“I’m sorry, Rin…” Haruaki said as he gave a sheepish smile. “I meant to tell you everything…at least by the time we are already ready to build a family together. It's just something I never expected would happen so soon. I thought you still needed more time with just the two of us, and I don't want to pressure you into thinking that I wanted to have children. Well, I do, but at least when we both agreed to have one.”
Rintarou stared at him for a long moment before letting out a laugh that trembled like a sob.
“I appreciate that you think of me… of how I might feel. But Haru, you know I already understand who you are—and how you feel about me. I know that even if you told me these things, I wouldn’t feel pressured… because you’d wait until I was ready. That’s why I love you. That’s why I’ll keep falling in love with you, over and over again.”
Haruaki laid his beloved's head on his shoulder and stroked his light teal hair. “Thank you, Rintarou…thank you for everything, for making me feel that I feel loved when I thought that I would be lonely the rest of my life.”
Moments have passed, and their position has remained the same. The both of them are enjoying each other’s company in silence. Until Haruaki’s hand began to stroke Rintarou’s belly and he said, “Don't worry, Rintarou, I will be here for you and our child. And also we needed to go to the doctor tomorrow; maybe Doctor Takahashi will be able to help us find out how many weeks or months our son or daughter is.”
“Will he or she be human or oni?” Rintarou wondered in surprise as he put his hand to his husband’s. Trying to feel them, wanting to guess what they might be.
When Rintarou didn’t feel right about what he felt, he let go of the thought and just focused on what was happening to him and his husband right now.
“If it's an oni, I hope it takes after you.” Haruaki blushed at his comment and straightened up as he picked up a cup of tea and offered it to his beloved.
“But if it's human, I hope it takes after both your kindness and your courage,” Rintarou commented, looking at Haruaki, their eyes meeting. He straightened on the sofa and accepted the cup of tea.
“I'm not brave. You've already seen how much of a coward I am,” Haruaki said, shaking his head, receiving another punch to the shoulder.
“Are you sure? I've never seen anyone show their claws if they touched Class 2-3,” Rintarou said with a pout. “Yes, it's true that when we first met, you were beyond pathetic. But do you swear you didn't notice? You found the courage to save me and then help our students! If that wasn't courage, I don't know what is!”
“Rin…” Haruaki said emotionally, hugging his beloved carefully. “Since Kamiyōsei has blessed us with a child, I promise to care for you with all my strength.”
“That's what I love about you!” Rintarou said, slowly sipping his tea and relaxing into Haruaki's embrace. “I don't know how we're going to hide my pregnancy from the students. The only ones who know about our relationship are your family, my family, and Izuna.” He finished drinking his tea and set the cup on the table in front of the sofa.
”Let's think about this calmly. First, let's focus on you and our little bean.” Haruaki comforts an anxious Rintarou with his words; after all, he too couldn't hide his emotions on that night of surprises.
The next day, after another day of school, while the students were doing their homework, Rintarou accidentally fell asleep and woke up to see Haruaki worried about him. In the staff room, Izuna tried to talk to Rintarou, who was avoiding him, leaving their Kamaitachi friend confused and suspicious.
“Is it just me, or are those two hiding something?” Ebisu was the first to ask. Besides him, other teachers, Awayama, Nezumi, and Satou, noticed how much Rintarou had been clinging to Haruaki.
“Yes, hiding something from me mostly,” Izuna thought, crossing his arms and looking at Haruaki and Rintarou as they left the staff room. He knew about their relationship, but they were acting like two suspects on the run.
Haruaki accompanied Rintarou to Doctor Takahashi's clinic, where he ran tests to see what he could do to help them. Doctor Dodomeki, with his quick and intelligent research, was able to provide answers for the couple before him.
"Well... how can I explain?" Doctor Takahashi asked, the test results in hand. His tone of voice betrayed his frightening excitement, as Haruaki knew full well that if his curiosity were piqued, he would lose control. "Just as you suspected, Miki-sensei, you're pregnant.”
Unbeknownst to Haruaki and Rintarou, behind the infirmary door was Izuna listening to the results of the handsome Shutendouji's exam. Kamaitachi let the reflection of his glasses hide his surprised eyes and comically opened his mouth. He didn't expect that the moment he decided to follow the Harumiki couple, he would discover his brother-in-law's pregnancy.
"Since this is the first trimester of your pregnancy, just like women during pregnancy, you must have felt nauseous and dizzy, your sense of smell is sensitive, and you must be feeling exhausted," commented Doctor Takahashi, seeing Rintarou nod positively.
"So I recommend certain precautions: no smoking or drinking alcohol, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, doing light exercise, and getting plenty of rest. Above all, avoid stress; it can harm the baby growing in your womb."
"I understand, Doctor Takahashi," Rintarou said, writing down the advice mentally. "I will follow each one, for our little miracle," he said, looking at his belly.
"And as your husband, I'll be here to support you every step of the way, Rin." Haruaki smiles and places his hands on his beloved's shoulders, giving him a gentle massage.
“By the way, both Hatanaka and I are curious to find out how you did it,” said an excited Doctor Takahashi, snitching on Izuna from behind the door.
As if on cue, the door creaked open a little wider—thanks to Izuna accidentally leaning on it. The movement revealed him crouched awkwardly in the hallway, clearly caught in the act of spying.
“What? Izuna, what are you doing there?” Rintarou said, taken completely by surprise to see his brother-in-law exposed like a guilty cat.
“Hey, I’m just worried, you know…you guys don’t tell me anything,” Izuna said, stubbornly avoiding Haruaki and Rintarou’s stares as he sat on one of the vacant chairs.
“Ehhh? You’re worried?” Rintarou teased, drawing out the word with a grin.
“Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?” Izuna shot back, his ears already starting to turn red. “I was your friend first before we became brothers-in-law, so it’s normal for me to get worried.”
“Aww, hear that, Rintarou?” Haruaki said with a playful smile on his face. “He’s worried about us.” He reached over and gave Izuna a quick poke in the side.
Izuna flinched and glared at him. “Knock it off!”
“Careful,” Rintarou said with mock seriousness. “Keep teasing him, and he might start writing us heartfelt letters.”
“Shut up!” Izuna barked, but his red ears betrayed him.
“Anyway, enough of that…Could you two please explain why Rintarou ended up pregnant?” Doctor Takahashi asked, as his voice was tinged with genuine curiosity. It was clear he was eager to hear whatever unusual truth was about to come out.
Haruaki and Rintarou exchanged a glance before turning back to him.
“Let’s just say…it’s because of a blessing,” Haruaki began.
“A blessing?“ The two listeners echoed in unison.
“Yes, a blessing,” Haruaki repeated, his tone shifting into something more formal. “You see, the Abe family had been devoted to serving the gods for thousands of years before even Abe no Seimei’s time. Because of my family’s devotion to the gods. They granted my family three divine gifts, or as we call them, the Divine Blessings.”
He raised a hand, counting them off with his fingers.
“The first is anti-Yokai power—which you guys have already been aware of.” Then he raised another finger. “ The second is clairvoyance; it is the ability to see the past, present, and future. Only Abe no Seimei has ever possessed that one as far as I’m aware.”
He paused, hesitating slightly before continuing. “And the third…” He glanced briefly at Rintarou. “…is called Kamiyōsei. It’s the ability to conceive children with the one we love romantically—regardless of their sex or gender. Out of all the blessings bestowed on my family, this is the only one every single Abe has inherited. The other two appear only in a few members of the Abe family.”
For a moment, the room was silent.
Doctor Takahashi blinked once…then twice. “…So what you’re saying is—”
“That Rintarou’s pregnancy is literally divine intervention,” Haruaki finished for him, his tone completely serious.
Izuna, who had been sipping tea at the side, choked mid-gulp. “W—Wait, wait, wait—so your family blessing can just… make that happen?!”
“Yes,” Haruaki replied without missing a beat. “But only with the person we love the most. It’s not like it works on strangers.”
‘Also, where the hell did he get that tea? There is no tea here,’ Haruaki thought to himself.
Izuna’s eyes narrowed. “Still sounds dangerous.”
Rintarou pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering, “Can we not talk about this like it’s some contagious disease? ”
“Oh, I’m definitely talking about this,” Doctor Takahashi said, clearly fascinated. “Do you have any idea how rare this kind of phenomenon is? The implications for medical and spiritual research are—”
Haruaki cut him off with a sigh. “Yes, yes, but right now it just means we’re going to be parents. Let’s not make it more complicated than it already is.”
Rintarou gave him a tired glance. “…We? You get to sit pretty while I’m the one dealing with morning sickness.”
Haruaki grinned. “Morning sickness is just the Gods’ way of saying the blessing is working.”
“That’s not comforting,” Rintarou deadpanned.
“And don’t forget the cravings,” Haruaki added. “I’ve been warned they can get…creative.”
Rintarou’s expression darkened. “If I wake you up at three in the morning asking for grilled fish dipped in chocolate, you’re making it.”
Haruaki chuckled. “Of course. You’re carrying divine cargo, after all.”
Izuna groaned, rubbing his temples. “I can’t believe I’m sitting here listening to this conversation.”
Doctor Takahashi, on the other hand, was jotting notes like his life depended on it. “Fascinating…utterly fascinating…”
Rintarou sighed. “Great. Now I'm being considered for a science experiment.”
“Not just a science experiment,” Doctor Takahashi corrected as he continued writing on his notes. “A miracle science experiment.”
“…You’re lucky; I can’t chase you right now,” Rintarou muttered, sinking back into his seat.