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Chapter -12- Holiday From Real

Wednesday, November 17 - 9am South Pacific Busty Belle Yacht ...

Conner sat up, still jet-lagged. He smiled at the sound of soft singing.

"Otanjoubi omedetou, otanjoubi omedetou; otanjoubi, otanjoubi - otanjoubi omedetoud."

Conner rubbed his eyes. He went to reach for a light but the room was cast in the soft lighting of seventeen candles over waffles loaded with chocolate chips.

"Koh toshi wah ii toshi mi nadu. Koh toshi wah sugoi. Koh toshi wah ii toshi mi nadu nazeh kato utoh nazeh ka tomodachi da. Otan jobi o medeto."

Conner smiled and laughed through the song. He counted the candles again - seventeen total. He reached for the plate, took it from her hands and placed it on the blanket. "I don't understand, Tamae. My birthday is April first."

She sat down on the bed they shared since leaving from the port in Hawaii with Karla Loupe's yacht. She tucked her legs beneath herself and folded her hands. "Conner, I've been planning this since we left Hawaii two days ago."

"I don't understand."

"You spent many months here, on this island, and it has aged you. Today is November 17th, but I counted the exact number of days we stayed on the island. Today would be April first for you. Today would be your biological birthday. I know you love chocolate chip waffles, but I also know you avoid them because you wish to treat your body like a temple. Today I give you permission to cheat on yourself."

Conner's face brightened. He laughed again and scooted the plate off to the side. He took her into his arms and pulled her into an embrace. "You are the sweetest girl, Tamae. I've had so much fun getting to know the real you lately."

"Hai, but Tamamo also had a surprise for you."

"I uh," he looked at the breakfast and smiled in the light of the candles. "I want to spend a little more time with the real you before she takes over again. Is that okay?"

Tamae bit her lip.

"Is that alright?"

She reached for his hand and brought it to her chest. Conner felt her heart racing against his palm. She smiled, despite having her lower lip between her teeth. "You make my heart race. But Tamamo-sama will not possess me this time. She wishes the both of us to come to her for a brief visit. I told her that today would technically be your birthday. She has much to do in the Celestial Realm and I am on my own for a while, but she wishes to give you a gift."

"I'm really wow'ed but, do you think we have time? We have a small window to come out here, get what we need, and bring Karla's yacht to her."

Tamae reached up and cupped Conner's cheeks. "The world can wait just one day. It has been this long and the third nuclear weapon has not been deployed. The doctor who saved the life of your sister has said it will not detonate in November. Please, Conner, we have an obligation to Tamamo."

"She tricked me with Karla. Now Karla won't even talk to me. That's why I had her ship fully restored and brought to Hawaii for us to pick up. I want to do right by Karla. I know her and I had our differences in the past, but I need to break the ice to her and explain that what happened wasn't my fault. I _slept_through it for god's sake."

Tamae frowned somewhat. She lifted her chin. "Conner, Tamamo did something very wrong. It makes me feel better to know that you are also offended. But I must forgive her. We are obligated to our relationship together. Also, she is taking time away from helping to restore the Celestial Realm to celebrate your birthday."

"I'll go if you're invited."

Tamae looked away as if bashful. The glowing candles cast her in a rather beautiful lighting. She reached for Conner's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Blow out your candles and make a wish."

He leaned over and blew out all seventeen candles. The room became dark. "I wish to get to know you better. The real you. Starting today. I want you to come wherever Tamamo invites me. All three of us. It's okay, I promise. She said she wanted the three of us together in the past."

"She did," Tamae agreed. "I recall. You _do_realize this would be the second time I will have kissed you without Tamamo present in my body?"

Conner paused and thought back. "Second time?"

"Hai." She leaned forward and kissed him softly, whispering against his lips. "Happy birthday."

Conner brought his hands up to either side of her face and kissed her in return. He couldn't help it - as much as he liked Tamamo, he'd fallen in love with Tamae, as the face of the relationship. And, now that he got to see her real personality, he was falling for her in a way that needed to be said.

The kiss ended. He brushed his nose against hers. "I know you said you feel upset about the Karla situation, but I need you to know that I don't like Karla that way."

"How can you not? She is beautiful."

"She's got a pretty face, but so what? I don't love her. We argue. We don't agree on things. She and my mom have history. There are so many reasons why I don't want a relationship with her. But, more importantly, there are so many more reasons why I want a relationship with you."

"And ... Tamamo," Tamae said in a soft, almost coy sort of tone.

"Well, yeah, but ... lately I've really enjoyed getting to know you. The real you. And I love you. I love you for who you are, for everything about you, and for who you've become. You have come so far since we met in that hospital so long ago. I just ... I hope you like me, too. I understand that you're committed to your 'romantic obligation,' to Tamamo, and me, but I just ... I like you for who you are. And I'm not ashamed to tell you I'm in love with you."

Tamae breathed deeply as if to control her emotions.

"And I really appreciate the birthday breakfast. And you're the only one who remembered or thought of such a thing. Heck, even I didn't think about it."

"Conner, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once."

Conner grew quiet. "That, uh..." He couldn't think of a sweet way to tell her that her words were meaningful. "Sounds like you should be writing Hallmark cards."

She leaned forward, brushing her forehead against his in the dark. "An American writer named John Green. It was something I read when I was young because I was diagnosed with cancer when I was younger. I went into remission. But before hand, I read books about characters going through the same hardships."

"You're a cancer survivor?"

"I hardly need such recognition or a title. It was caught early on. I didn't lose my hair. I can still have children. I beat it. My parents, however, were not as lucky."

"Wait, your parents died of cancer?"

"Both of them," said Tamae in a soft voice. "Please, Conner, I do not wish to ruin your birthday with such..."

"No," he said, cupping her face in the dark. "No, I'm getting to learn more about you. It's about time. It doesn't ruin anything. You've been through so much and you rose from a woman on her deathbed in a Japanese hospital, to becoming a woman that helped to save..."

He trailed off for a moment to think of a meaningful way to point out her accomplishments. Powerful wording wasn't his strong suit. "Let's face it, you've helped, to save the heavens. You've done so much with your life in such a short time. I want to know your story."

"I ... I owe who I've become to Tamamo-no-Mae."

"She did not hold your hand in the Celestial Realm. You did it on your own."

"True," she whispered.

"Just tell me. You deserve to get it off your chest if you want to talk about it."

"My parents and grandparents all died of cancer. People used to say my family was cursed. But, in truth, it's because my family lived in the Tohoku region. You might know it for its infamous prefecture - Fukushima. The radiation from the power plant disaster in early 2011 has caused some people to become sick. For my family, it was generational."

"Oh. And everyone before you died, but you beat it?"

"That is why I had no immediate family to attend me in my darkest times. I told everyone I was a dishonor to my family, and it kept people at a distance. I did_not_ want sympathy, so I did not tell people they were dead."

"You don't have my pity, but, Tamae, I _do_sympathize. My family disappeared. I got my sister back and I feel like I barely know her anymore. And now this thing with 'Tamamo-no-Karla,' where I find out I had sex with someone I don't like. Nobody asked my permission. My first worry was, what if she got pregnant or something? I freaked out. The worst thing is, Karla doesn't remember it. She just ... subconsciously knows to avoid me because there's some awkwardness between us that wasn't there before."

"Hai. And you understand my brush with death. I thought I was going to die when first I was diagnosed with cancer. I thought I would wind up like my family. And you also had a brush with death."

"The building that Joe Pendleton dropped on my head," Conner said. "He almost did it_again_ in Chicago."

"I worry so much," she said softly. "I cannot lose you now that I have you in my life."

Conner took her hand in his and rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles. "What was the name of the book you quoted?"

She spoke in the dark, but he could hear that she was smiling by the way she said, "The Fault in Our Stars. I believe a line from a Shakespeare piece inspired the title. I cannot remember which; I did not take literary classes in college."

Conner smiled a bit. "I got my GED. But I couldn't tell you, either. I'd have to look it up when we're in a place that has reception."

"Conner, eat your breakfast. You'll need your strength."

He reached for a light on the nightstand. "Oh yeah? What do you have in mind?"

She fidgeted with a secret smile. "Tamamo's birthday gift. I will go with you if you will have me at your side."

"I'd prefer it," he said.

"Hai, I will attend you, Conner. I ... just need a moment to freshen up. Please, eat." She eased off the bed, which they shared for the past two nights, but today was the first time they shared a kiss on it.

He touched his fingers to his lips, briefly, reflecting on their kiss. It was a kiss all their own, without Tamamo's involvement.

She bowed lightly to him. "I will return shortly."

Conner watched her go. He took a deep breath to calm himself, and then he reached for the plate. The waffle was still warm, the chocolate chips, within, were soft and gooey.

It was the first time he'd eaten rich food in a while. He couldn't help but wonder if it would mess with his stomach later on. But Tamae made it, and it was delicious.

X

X

Meanwhile West District Coast ...

Karla Loupe sat in silence on a hotel balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. She idly stroked the backside of Kuda, the little spirit fox she'd adopted.

Reno came out through the sliding glass door, closed it, and sat down besides her. "Karla, you've been pouting for days. What happened?"

"I don't know, I don't care. I need to talk to Conner, but I've got this pit in my gut whenever I think about him. There's something missing from when I went to DC with Tamamo. I think something bad happened. Tamamo wouldn't hide something from me unless she fucked Conner and didn't want me to know."

"Jesus. Karla, that's technically rape."

"I_know_, Reno. That's why I'm sick over this. I feel awkward when I think about Conner. I feel sick to my stomach. That, combined with not remembering a span of time ... something is wrong. I can't get a hold of her to talk about it, and I don't know how to ask the kid without freaking out."

"What about asking Sinopa?"

"She told me never touch her grandson. You think I would go to her with this? She might take it wrong."

"Oh." Reno sighed and looked out at the water. "Why are we here, Karla? Should we be looking for the bomb? Should we be hunting for Loki?"

"Sinopa told me on the phone to come here and wait."

"For what?"

Karla laughed half-heartedly and shrugged. "A sign. Can you believe she actually said that? She said to wait here for a goddamn sign. How the hell will I know it when I see it? What if I've already missed it? God. Deities and their goddamn riddles and parables. I hate that shit."

"Yeah." Reno frowned. He kept his eyes on the water. "So is that the Atlantic Ocean or the Atlantic Sea? I get the two confused."

"The Atlantic Sea is the one between the District Coast and Europe. The Atlantic Ocean is the bigger one - the one between the Continental United States and the District Coast."

Reno nodded. "So why does everyone back home call this place the District Coast, but when we got here, the people who live here call it the Confederate States of America, or whatever?"

"Because America didn't help to put money into repairing the ruins, here. So the people did it on their own," Karla said. "Like the Civil War, which I lived through by the way, the majority of America was all about how swell they toot their own horn. This corner of America felt like they could do better without the rest of the country's involvement."

"I thought you went to California during the Gold Rush, right before the Civil War?"

"Yeah," she said with a nod. "I wasn't local during the fighting. I left with all the dreamers, while the realists stayed behind and bickered. Thank Christ for that, huh? I've always considered myself lucky."

"Speaking of luck, the quake of 2025 - how about those Appalachian Mountains, huh?"

Karla grinned somewhat. She was glad he changed the subject to relax her. "Yeah. It helped keep most of the floods from wiping out the Great Planes."

"I can't believe I slept through that insanity. So the District Coast went broke, and half the power plants really melted down during the floods?"

Karla shrugged. "Yeah, and the East Coast didn't get any real help with any of their problems."

"Jesus," Reno murmured.

"Instead, the Government packed up and moved to Chicago. The East Coast survivors felt slighted, so they seceded."

"That's crazy."

"Yeah, Top Cop. But those morons in Chicago lost the chance for a real moneymaker. The Chesapeake Canal is the fastest way from Europe to the Continental United States of America. Maryland and Delaware saved the coast from bankruptcy."

"You sure know a lot about the world and its problems."

"Yeah." She grimaced. "I could tell you all about the war brewing between Turkey and the allied states of Iraq and Syria. Five bucks says it's going to turn into an all out warzone any day now - all because of water. But I can't fix my own problems. I don't even know what half-my-problems are half-the-time I'm having them, Reno."

Reno reached for Karla's free hand. "No matter what happened that night, when you find out the truth, I'm here for you. And I'm not going anywhere, ever."

"You can't make claims like that."

"I just did," he said in a firm voice. "I promise_I'm not going anywhere, _ever. I'm here for you. You need me; I'm not leaving you. I promise."

She continued to pet Kuda with her right hand. Her left hand slid into Reno's and she smiled. "Thanks, Top Cop. A lot of people shrugged it off. That one girl, Sandy, said, 'who cares if it happened? You're a sex demon. If anything, he did you a favor right?' What a bitch. Fuck her. She's talking out of her ass."

"Damn," Reno whispered. He cleared his throat. "I would have thought another woman would have been more understanding."

"Apparently not," Karla muttered. "She thinks, because I'm a succubus, that it's akin to cheating on your diet with a candy bar when you're too drunk to remember it."

"Her metaphor sucks. Your body is supposed to be your temple. You have the right to select who is allowed to worship at the alter, because it's your temple."

Karla smiled. "Thanks, babe." She shrugged and sighed through her nose. After a moment to compose herself, she said, "I don't blame Sandy for not understanding."

"You don't?"

Again, she shrugged. "That dumb broad doesn't have any emotional attachment to anything. She's all about completing an objective. I sleep with whomever I want to sleep with. But it's consensual between both sides. Sandy would sleep with whoever is in her way in order to complete an objective. The more I got to know her, the more I was convinced she doesn't have a soul."

Reno nodded. "No kidding."

Karla's eyes burned figurative holes in the balcony deck. "I need to know if something happened between me and Conner. I can feel it, down in my gut - I'm positive something happened. I just don't know what it was or how far things went."

"I'm here, no matter what."

"You'd take my side over your nephew's side?"

"It's a confusing time for you. You're my best friend in all this mess I'm going through, Karla. The least I can do is return the favor."

She offered a weak smile. "Cool. So let's be more than friends."

"What did you have in mind?" Reno asked.

She grinned somewhat. "How about 'mega-best friends.' I like the ring of that." She paused. Her grin brightened a little. "Mega-best friends with really great benefits."

Reno chuckled. "I'm good for that, kiddo." He put his arm around her and drew her close. "I know Conner pretty well. Whatever happened, I doubt he would have been okay with it. But I could be wrong. I'm not perfect. So what do you remember, exactly?"

"Tamamo didn't bring my pills. She's egotistical. She honestly thought I wouldn't have a need for them with a deity in my body. She thought her willpower could get the best of hormones. So she gambled her four thousand years of bullshit meditation against my sex drive."

Reno nodded but he remained quiet, listening.

"You know how a diabetic's sugar can drop?"

"Yeah, glucose crashes."

Karla nodded. "My metabolic rate changed, and I had a hormonal crash. I remember her coming on to Conner, as me, and he stormed out of the room. But then nothing else until the next night. He was in the shower, and Tamamo had me at the sink, brushing my teeth and putting on lip-gloss. I felt sated. Tamamo's injured spirit was healing again."

"Geeze."

"Yeah," Karla sighed. Her eyes lowered. "And Conner started acting a little bashful. He was his usual self, but he wasn't _as_egotistical as he usually is. That's a huge red flag."

"More-so than waking up from a blank feeling sated?"

"God yes. She could have found a pill at the bottom of my purse or something. She could have sent Kuda to fetch them. There are lots of reasons why I could have felt sated later on that night."

"Oh."

Karla grimaced. "But seeing Conner act differently? That's enormous. I really think she used me to go down on the kid ... or worse." Karla swallowed back conflicted emotions. "Or both."

Reno reached across with his left arm, and pulled her face against his chest. He gently tightened his right arm around her. "I can confront Conner for you, unless you prefer I stay out of it. How long do you want to wait here, for this sign?"

"I'll give it one week." Karla lifted her gaze, looking out over the ocean to the west. "There's something comforting about having an ocean to the west. Reminds me of the bay back home." She cleared her throat. "San Leandro, not Paris."

"Yeah." Reno rested his chin on her head. "So Sinopa said November should be nuke free, huh?"

"It was in her dream. She and Cybil are becoming the new oracles. She's always had the ability, but now her dreams are starting to happen more often." Karla pulled Kuda's head to her stomach. "Sinopa stopped having them for a while, around the time all the oracles died out. But now she's having prophetic dreams again."

"That's helpful," Reno said. "Shouldn't we go back to Chicago and get your pills? You were supposed to do it after doing the job in North Virginia."

"I left NoVa," she said, speaking of the new city adjacent to Alexandria, Virginia," I flew to Chicago. I got my pills. I came back with you."

"Oh. My mistake. I just haven't seen you taking them the last few days."

Karla shrugged gingerly, against Reno, but not hard enough to push him away. "I ran out. I came back here because Sinopa's dream. She said it was important I stay here because I need the vacation before things get difficult. But the company that makes my pills for me, they're based in France."

"Oh." Reno paused. "Can you call in? I'll go and pick them up."

She smiled. "You're a goddamn sweet man, you know that, Reno Nevada? You really are. You don't try to be, you just ... you do what needs to be done, and you offer to fix what you think needs fixing. You're a good man, babe. You're all the best traits of Nathanial, in a young, handsome body, without the bad-boy thing."

"I thought girls like bad boys?"

"We do. But sometimes it's a phase. Or maybe we like bad boys because it gives us an excuse to try and tame him. I don't know. But Nathanial never lost his bad-boy thing. He kept it until he died. And it put up a wall between us at times. Maybe it was for the best, but ... I got so frustrated with him over it sometimes."

"I see."

"You're all his best traits, and none of his flaws."

"You had feelings for him once, huh?"

Karla smiled a bit. "Yeah. I admit it. I fell in love with the big bad Nathan Carrington. Just for a while. It was more of a crush."

"Lucky guy."

Karla released his hand, reached up and seized his chin. Their eyes met. "So are you." She brushed her lips against his. "I mean it, Top Cop. In fact, I'm the lucky one. I've done so much bad shit in my life. And Karma beat me senseless by taking away my children and my husband. It took away Chance. I thought that was it. And here you are to rescue me from losing my way in life."

Reno looked down at Kuda. "No objections from you?"

Kuda crawled out of Karla's lap, yawned and curled up into a ball next to Karla's hip.

Karla grinned. "I think he knew I was going to move him so I could get up."

Reno tilted his head. "Yeah? And why would you want to get up?"

She stood up, took Reno's hands and nodded towards the sliding glass door, leading to the hotel room. "Because I don't have my pills, and you're being sweet to me."

"I thought nice guys finish last," he said with a grin.

She grinned back. "My Chinese fortune cookie said, 'Nice guys finish last.' But if you remember your fortune cookie etiquette, you have to add '...in bed,' after you read it out loud."

"It's only proper gentlemanly 'etiquette' to let the lady go first."

Karla's grin broadened. "I haven't felt turned on for days. Even after I ran out of pills. Somehow, you bring it out in me, Reno."

"I don't have to role play as Nathan when we're in the bedroom, do I?"

Karla laughed and waved her hand, telekinetically pushing the sliding glass door open. "Not unless you're into that sort of thing." She stepped over the threshold of the door, using her telekinesis to create a blast of wind that caused the back of her skirt to flip upwards for an instant. "You coming?"

Reno slid off the bench. He leaned down to Kuda and whispered, "Thanks for not cock-blocking, little man. I'll pick up some jerky for Karla to give you later."

Kuda's little triangular orange ears perked up but he kept his face buried in the ball of his curled-up body. The tip of his tail lifted and beat the cushion by his nose, but he remained otherwise stoic.

Reno made his way around the cushioned bench and followed Karla into the hotel room.

X

X

Meanwhile The Busty Belle Yacht South Pacific ...

Conner interlaced the fingers of his left hand with Tamae's right hand. He placed his other hand on the flat, solid reflective surface of a beautiful mirror mounted to a bulkhead above a sofa in the master quarters.

Together, they stepped up onto the sofa, facing the large mirror. "Are you ready?" he asked.

"Of course," she said with a soft smile. "I have chosen to forgiven Tamamo. I will put my loyalty and my obligation to her ahead of my emotions regarding one mistake, no matter how grave."

"When did she say she'd be here again?"

Tamae looked at her watch. "She said she would be here by now. I know, from living with her for so long, that she is a very prompt person."

"I wonder where she's at," Conner mused offhandedly. The surface was still solid. He kept his hand against the mirror. "You're kind to forgive."

"It is how a relationship works. I am upset, but she referred to me as a sister-wife. I'm not just a host to her. She made a mistake. Perhaps she has learned from it."

"That's one hell of a mistake."

"She misjudged her capability to handle my anguish when first she possessed me, Conner-kun. Perhaps she misjudged Karla's succubus hunger. She is guilty of a terrible crime, but such an action did not stem from malevolence or mischievousness. Kitsune only trick people when it serves to teach a lesson."

"There was no lesson to be learned from that." He paused. Realization dawned, and his expression changed. "You think it was a mistake, because you think she couldn't handle Karla's feeding hunger?"

"Hai, undoubtedly Tamamo-no-Mae's only true mistake is that she suffers from a confident ego. She did not understand what mischief she made for herself until it was too late."

"So she wasn't trying out Karla like a dress?"

Tamae shook her head. "I doubt it was something she did out of malice, or she would have done such things in other bodies just 'for fun.'"

"No, I've only slept with three people - Tamamo, you as Tamamo, and Karla as Tamamo. She doesn't body hop for fun."

"Exactly, Conner." Tamae gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "The mistake happened one time when possessing Karla - she did not seduce you as Rachel, after all."

Conner nodded. "I forgot about that."

A slight smile found the corners of Tamae's lips. "You see? There is no game or trick here. I spoke with her about it early this morning. She made a terrible mistake. I believe she is ashamed. It would explain why, afterwards, she went into hiding in the Celestial Realm."

"She claimed she went there to help with things in the wake of the war."

"Hai."

Conner shrugged. "I just don't understand why she left. I mean, come on, she knows what is at stake here, on Earth."

Tamae gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Only incredible shame could motivate her to leave Earth in its hour of need."

"Christ." Conner swallowed down a lump of emotion in his throat. "I don't know how to handle people who are upset. It makes me upset."

Tamae nodded firmly. "She is obviously pained by her choices. She is hurting, Conner. She needs our support, and we are obligated to give her support, because we are her mates."

Conner turned his head to Tamae. "She considers you a mate?" He paused and pursed his lips. "I mean, I heard her refer to you that way, but I wasn't sure if you knew she felt that way about you."

"We spoke this morning," said Tamae with a reassuring smile. "I told her it was your birthday. She asked me to bring you to her. I am honoring her request. She referred to you as her husband, and me as her wife. Regardless of a lack of ceremony, she loves us. We are connected."

Conner nodded. "Alright." He pushed his fingers firmly against the flat solid reflective surface. "I hope she's alright."

"She told us to meet us here at this time and to be prompt."

"Yeah ... and like you said earlier, she's a punctual person." Conner sighed with a frown. "I hope she's okay. I'd freak out if something happened to her over there. I don't even know if the war is over yet."

He felt a hand reach through the mirror. The fingertips wrapped around his wrist and pulled him through. "Tamamo, finally." He turned his head and added, "Watch your step." He helped Tamae through the mirror, to the other side.

Tamamo bowed to them both. "I did not know you would bring Tamae; I asked her to bring only you," she said.

Conner bowed in reply, saying, "I asked her to come."

Tamamo nodded. "I listened to your conversation just now. It warms my heart to know you are not upset with me." Her eyes cut left and panned right. "Tamae, welcome back to my home - your words brought solace to my heart. Conner, my love, welcome back. I am always delighted to see you through my own eyes."

Tamae returned the bow. "I am honored to be here again." She stood up straight. The two women shared a tender kiss.

Tamamo turned to Conner and they kissed. The kitsune, in her human appearance, had white-furred fox ears, which matched her hair. Her nine tails were bound together with ornate handmade bindings. Each was comprised of leather and lace, with opulent jewels inlaid around the bindings.

Conner's eyes lowered, quick to notice how her kimono was loosely wrapped. The fabric accentuated her cleavage. It was not a look he was accustomed to seeing from Tamamo, but it suited her figure quite well.

Tamamo waited until his eyes lifted. She grinned. "Happy birthday, Conner. Tamae tells me she did the math, and that today would be your seventeenth birthday. You are growing to become a handsome man."

"Thank you. Yeah, she caught me by surprise with it."

Tamamo nodded with a knowing smile. "I wanted to give you myself for your birthday. But after listening to the two of you a moment ago ... I would like all of us, together."

"That won't be weird for you?" asked Conner. "Sharing I mean?"

Tamamo grinned in a knowing way. "My dear, I was in a similar romantic relationship with Sinopa's mother and father. It was my obligation to bring them together so they could have children."

"Really? How?"

Tamamo's smile broadened. She cut her eyes to Tamae. "You remember it, don't you?"

"I have your memories," Tamae confirmed with a nod. "I remember your love for them. I remember the heartbreak when they died. I remember the sensual love you felt for Sinopa's mother. She acted as your teacher in the study. You acted as her teacher in the bedroom."

Tamamo turned back to Conner and offered him a smile. "I was tasked to seduce them and bring them to their bedroom on occasion."

"I ... you were?" Conner cleared his throat. "I think I remember you mentioning something about that, but I never understood it."

Tamamo tilted her head with a coquettish smile. "They were too engulfed with their passion for academia to find their way to a bed on their own. They prayed to Inari for children to teach, so they could pass on their love of knowledge. Inari gave me to them as a gift for their wedding anniversary."

Tamae gave Conner's hand a squeeze. "Simply put, Conner, she is comfortable with the idea of sharing, so long as it stays between the three of us."

Tamamo nodded. "Exactly. And what better way to celebrate your birthday than to have both of us to yourself?" Tamamo reached for Tamae's free hand. She took Conner's free hand, and walked backwards. "My new den is quite close. You will find it quite humble and simple."

Conner and Tamae exchanged glances. Tamae's eyes gleamed with delight, which put Conner at ease.

Tamamo turned away from them, took their hands again, and led them down the Hallway of Reflection, towards her home. The kitsune walked with a spring in her step.

True to words, the humble den was quite close. Built into the side of a slopping grassy hill, it was the first home in the Shinto realm, which bordered the Hallway of Reflection.

Tamamo released their hands. She opened an oak door and stepped out of her sandals. She gestured for their entrance. "I built below my old home after it burned to the ground during the war."

Conner released Tamae's hand and, with a guiding touch on the small of her back, he offered her to enter the den first.

"Arigato," she murmured, following Tamamo inside.

Conner followed Tamae through and shut the door.

He looked around, expecting the ceiling to be low. To his surprise, it was a comfortably spacious dwelling.

An empty bamboo pipe sat on a shelf by the door. Simple Japanese lettering was etched into the side. Conner tilted his head.

Tamae, catching his wandering eyes, whispered to him. "It's labeled for Kuda."

He nodded. "Oh. I only know some kanji and kana. Romaji was easier for me."

They followed Tamamo into her bedchamber. A simple, yet soft mattress rested on the floor.

Tamamo turned to them, drew the sash open, and dropped her kimono around her ankles. She smiled to them both.

"You're comfortable with this?" he asked Tamae.

"I am." Tamae reached up and touched Conner's cheek. "There is no need to be nervous."

Tamamo grinned at Conner. "It is much easier and more comfortable to have the both of you in my bedroom, compared to Sinopa's parents. While I grew to love them, they were stiff, and it took a while to unlock the fire in their hearts. After all, I was pulling them away from what they truly loved - their quest for knowledge."

Conner and Tamae remained quiet.

The gorgeous nude kitsune turned around, as if modeling her body. "I worked hard to lure them away from their studies. I teased them both until their blood boiled with hormones. I would draw them to the bedroom and I made sure they always focused on one another."

Tamamo grimaced as though pained. "And as soon as the act was over, they went their separate ways."

"That must have been awkward afterwards," Conner surmised. "I know you like to be touched."

"Hai. I grew accustomed to it. But that is in the past." Tamamo sauntered to the mattress and knelt upon it. She crawled on her hands and knees to the center of the mattress.

Tamamo smiled back and said, "I feel that the two of you will return my passion. I am sure I will enjoy this commitment far more than my previous one."

"Commitment?" Conner paused. "You feel obligated to do this because it's my birthday?"

"I am delighted to fulfill such an obligation for you, Conner. A woman takes pride in certain traditions, customs and duties. Not all of them, but some. This is one that I am proud to perform." She rolled onto her back splayed out across the bed with a sultry, suggestive look in her eyes.

Conner licked his lips. His eyes flitted over her figure, loving the way she was splayed out, as though her body was an offering to him.

She licked her lips as though in reply. "Do you like what you see?"

"I've never done this with two women before."

"No need to be nervous," said Tamae in a soft, submissive voice. She disrobed and guided her undergarment down her legs. She lowered to the bed and eased down besides Tamamo.

"I'm not nervous, I'm just floored."

Tamae waved for him to join. "Whether it happened today or in the near future, I have already agreed to this with my future wife and my husband."

Conner opened his shirt. "I like how you two already feel like we're married."

"There can be a ceremony at a later time," Tamamo said with a smile. "Tradition is a wonderful thing. But, for now, come to bed and fulfill your husbandly duties to your wives. We will show you what to do. Just relax and enjoy."

Conner thumbed his belt open.

Tamae sat up and reached for his belt buckle. She tugged him towards the bed. "Let us help you."

Conner nodded and climbed onto the bed. Tamae unfastened his pants and the zipper. Meanwhile, Tamamo guided is shirt off.

Tamae guided Conner's pants down to his ankles. She slid her palms over his legs, downwards, with a teasing touch. She drew off his socks and put them on the floor.

Tamamo tossed his shirt aside, and the tanktop he wore beneath. Her hands moved over Conner's chest in a similar fashion to Tamae touching his legs. Tamamo's fingernails grazed gently in the wake of her fingertips.

"I just ... this is, like, every guy's dream. Two beautiful Asian women. A guy always thinks he'll be confident if this happens, and then ... I got nervous instead. This sort of thing never happens in real life."

"Of course it does," said Tamamo. "But the women who participate in such would not brag about it afterwards. We women dislike being judged outside of the privacy of the bedroom."

Tamae grinned at Tamamo. She eased down, onto her hip, propped upon an elbow, facing Tamamo but looking at Conner.

"I mean," he licked his lips. "Figuratively speaking, it just never happens to guys."

"Mmhmm," Tamamo grinned. "While it may be rare, to think it never happens is naïve on your part. Now, come closer." Tamamo crawled away from him. She settled down, closer to Tamae, and grinned back at Conner seductively.

"I just," Conner chuckled in a giddy way. "I never thought you two would be attracted to one another enough to try this." He moved towards the center of the mattress where Tamae and Tamamo waited for him.

Tamamo, with a devious smile, cut her eyes from Conner to Tamae's nude figure. "Mm. Well, I spent long enough in Tamae's body that it does not feel strange to touch it." She reached over and placed a hand on Tamae's thigh. "And I have kissed you enough times, with her lips, that it does not feel strange to purse mine against hers." Tamamo turned her head and kissed Tamae.

Conner knew what they were doing. They were putting on a show to tease him. And it was working - he was turned on to a point of near discomfort.

Conner drew off his boxer-briefs and tossed them to the floor. He knelt before them at full mast. "Is there some sort of rule for this? I mean, like, should I kiss Tamamo first because we were in this relationship first? Or, I mean..."

Tamamo laughed softly. "We are all even as lovers, here, Conner." She reached one hand up and ran her fingers through his hair. Her other hand slid up, from Tamae's thigh, to cup the young woman's face.

She guided Tamae and Conner together, so that the two human lovers kissed. "The secret to a successful romance between two women and a man is simple - never compete with the other woman. When it becomes a competition, that's when sex becomes a bedroom chore."

Conner felt Tamae's tongue slide into his mouth. He placed one hand on her breast. And while he'd made love to her body many times in the past, it felt fresh and new to touch the real her, knowing she was in control of herself this time.

Tamae reached for Conner's other hand and guided it down, between Tamamo's thighs. She helped to teach his finger how to properly touch Tamamo's soft, silky flesh.

Tamamo chirred softly, in a fox-like fashion at the back of her throat. It was immediately evident that she was delighted for the romantic touch between her thighs.

The kitsune licked her lips. "Most men want to know what it is like with two women. That is natural since many men took two wives or consorts in ancient times. However, most women do not like to share. But I am not 'most women,' Conner. I love the touch of another female."

"You do?" Conner asked the kitsune, his mouth still pressed against Tamae's lips.

"Yes," Tamamo whispered into Conner's ear, while she watched the humans kiss. "Women have a gentle, elegant touch. Men have a firm, passionate touch. I like both equally." Tamamo leaned in and pressed her lips against Tamae's neck.

Conner couldn't believe this was happening. He couldn't believe his luck. He broke the kiss with Tamae, and guided the two women together, wanting to see them kiss.

They didn't disappoint. Tamamo cupped Tamae's face and kissed her passionately. In return, Tamae open her mouth, deepening the lip-lock.

"Happy birthday to me," Conner whispered, mostly to himself, with a delighted grin. He placed his hands on each woman's back. His fingers trailed down to their backsides, cupping their rumps in each palm. He guided their bodies to press together.

Tamamo cut her gaze over at him and smiled against the other woman's lips. She closed her eyes again, and then, in one smooth movement, she guided Tamae onto her back.

Tamamo moved atop of Tamae and used her knees to push Tamae's thighs apart, nice and wide.

Conner licked his lips again. He got down on all fours, between the women's legs, and brushed his tongue over both women's exposed sex.

He lowered to his stomach and moved closer, using his hand to guide Tamamo's nine bound tails to the side. He pressed his tongue into the pink folds of Tamae's smooth pussy folds.

He drew his tongue upwards, so that the pink tip passed from Tamae's sensitive lush lips to those of Tamamo. He lowered his head and started over, as if licking up the side of ice cream on a cone. His tongue passed from Tamae to Tamamo with each pass.

Tamamo ground her hips against Tamae's in a needful way.

Meanwhile, Conner continued to nip, nibble and lick at both women, whose bodies lined up so perfectly, thighs both spread for him.

Conner reached down and stroked at his cock, excited for what would come of this.

Tamamo gently dismounted Tamae and turned to Conner. She placed her hands on his shoulders and moved him onto his back. "Remember I told you I would train you, Aries? Don't think I have forgotten my promise to humble you."

Guided to his back, Conner relaxed his body and looked up at her. "How do you mean?"

"An Aries man likes to be in the upper position. He likes to be the one thrusting his hips. And there is a time for that." She grinned with a wink. "Soon, love." Tamamo placed her hands on Tamae's body and guided her up. "Sit upon him, sweet Tamae."

Tamae sat up and obediently moved into position over Conner's hips. "Hi there."

Conner grinned up at her. "Hey you." He licked the residue from his lips and said, "This will be the first time, you know, as you. Are you okay with this?"

She smiled down at him. "You are a considerate young man to ask. But I'm here because I want to share myself with you, Conner. The time for asking permission passed when we walked into the bedroom." She reached a hand down and closed her fingers over his cock.

Tamamo grinned and reached between their bodies. She brushed Tamae's fingers away from Conner's errection. "Allow me, please."

"Of course," Tamae said softly.

Tamamo grinned and cupped Conner's balls, softly. Her fingers snaked back up and encircled his cock again. "I am so happy to have you to myself."

Tamae and Conner remained quiet.

Tamamo placed her other hand on Tamae's hip. She lined up his cock with the slick hot hole of Tamae's pussy, and, with a gentle touch, guided Tamae to lower herself upon Conner's body. "How does it feel?"

Tamae sighed softly. His hot flesh stretched her walls to accept every inch. "So good."

Tamamo crawled around and straddled either side of Conner's head with her knees. "Taste me, love." She lowered herself a bit, brushing her slit against his lips.

Conner thrust his tongue up, into the moist folds of her slick pussy. He arched his hips, grinding himself into Tamae.

Tamae responded by shifting her hips from left to right. Her palms found Conner's chest to better steady herself.

Tamamo cupped Tamae's face and kissed her.

Conner could hear the soft moaning of each woman, as they shared what sounded like a delightful kiss. He placed one hand on Tamae's breast, possessively, and his other hand on Tamamo-no-Mae's hips.

His tongue danced about, deep within her delicious, moist sex. He arched his head a bit so that he could breathe better, and then thrust his tongue up into her again.

Meanwhile, Conner thrust his hips up, delighted by the sensual movements of Tamae's hips.

He surmised that Tamamo's actions were lessons for both of her human lovers. Conner liked being in control and Tamae enjoyed being a follower. But by putting Conner on his back, and Tamae perched upon his hips, Tamamo was teaching each of them how to trust one another enough to reverse their natural roles.

Tamamo brought one hand down to where Tamae's hips met Conner's.

He could feel Tamamo's knuckle. The kitsune's finger danced about against Tamae's clitoris in a similar tempo to the downward thrust of her hips.

Tamae impaled herself upon her lover's cock, moaning against Tamamo's lips each time Conner plunged upward into her body. She tensed up from pleasure, creating a tight sleeve, which slid up and down over Conner's throbbing girth.

He loved the sensation of those gooey, smooth walls milking his cock. He drew his hand from Tamae's breast, found Tamamo's free hand, and guided it to take his place.

With his hand free, he grasped both sides of Tamamo's hips, lifting her body up, just enough to breathe again. He used his upper body strength and guided her closer to Tamae.

The playful kitsune resisted, trying to keep herself in place, but Conner overpowered her, and guided her away from his face.

Tamamo and Tamae broke their kiss.

All at once, Tamae cried out in pleasure, louder than Conner was used to hearing from her. He guided Tamamo to the side, sat up, and placed his hands on Tamae's hips, guiding her body to keep moving up and down.

She continued to ride him through her orgasm. Once she settled, somewhat, Conner guided her back, away from his hips.

He turned to Tamamo and pushed the kitsune onto her back with a devious grin. "Thanks for the lesson in humility but, now it's your turn to be on your back."

He reached for Tamae and moved her overtop of Tamamo, so that Tamae was lying on top of Tamamo's body. He guided them to kiss again. "There. Much better."

Without another word, Conner moved around behind the two women and pushed their legs apart. He carefully kneeled between their parted thighs, straddling Tamamo's bundled tails, which thumped softly on the mattress.

Tamamo broke the kiss with Tamae and spoke over the human's shoulder, looking up at Conner. "Mm, finally. I was wondering how long we should have to pin you down before the alpha came out to play. It's about time you took control. That's what I like seeing."

Conner tilted his head. "I thought you were trying to teach me humility, and Tamae trust, by having us reverse roles."

Tamamo grinned. "Was I?" She tilted her head a bit and began kissing Tamae's neck. "I just wanted to hold you down until you displayed dominance. I married a King. I courted an Emperor. I like men who know how to take charge, and take what they want."

Conner placed his hands on Tamae's hips for a moment. He guided her into a motion, so that she was thrusting her body against Tamamo, beneath.

He reached down, past Tamae, and put his hands on Tamamo's hips, and lifted them. When Tamamo arched her hips up, with thighs spread, Conner pushed his cock into her.

He felt Tamae's gooey wetness against his stomach. He ground his hips forward, burying his cock to the hilt within Tamamo. He withdrew slowly, as if to tease, and took hold of his cock at the base.

Conner guided the tip up, and then sank into Tamae, causing her to squirm, obviously still sensitive from her recent orgasm. She groaned and announced, in Japanese, that she was coming again. Tamae drenched his cock in her gooey nectar.

He eased his dick from her slit and guided it back down, shoving it back into Tamamo, still dripping with Tamae's juices. It slid in with ease, filling the soaked kitsune from tip to hilt.

After several deep thrusts, he guided the tip back to Tamae, and plunged into her pussy again. He rode her throbbing, luscious pussy hard and deep, loving the way she thrashed about, beneath him.

Conner gave Tamae a final hard, deep thrust, and then he pulled out, angled down, and sank back into Tamamo once more. Both women became overly slick and loose from sharing juices with one another.

Tamae, over-stimulated by the teasing and by the sensation of grinding her mound against Tamamo, buried her face into Tamamo's neck and whined about achieving another release.

Conner slipped back into Tamae, loving the sensation of her pulsing pussy, which milked his cock so perfectly. She clenched and released involuntarily. The muscles of her tight, slick sex quivered and danced around his cock.

He slammed his dick back into Tamamo, rutting the kitsune's hot little hole.

Tamamo relaxed into a well-earned climax, drenching Conner's dick with her sweet, frothy cream. "Ngh! That's it, Conner-kun ... now fill us deep," she begged.

He ground his teeth together, and pushed his tongue into the broken molar. He slid his hands between the two women's bodies and grasped Tamae's breast, holding them firmly, while rutting Tamamo's quivering cunt.

He switched between the women again, then back to Tamamo for several thrusts, and then back to Tamae once more.

Conner groaned long and loud. A thick spurt of cum filled Tamae's pussy first. He began to thrust wildly, as if by reflex, but then remembered Tamamo's begging. He slipped the tip out of Tamae, sank back into Tamamo, and continued to thrust, shooting some of his gooey load into the kitsune's body.

Tamamo groaned in delight, "I feel it," she moaned hotly. "God I feel your cum, Conner. Mm, fuck me."

Another rope of sticky pearl gushed into Tamamo. He switched his cock back to Tamae, and finished off, riding her until both women dripped with his release.

Tamamo reached down, between her and Tamae's bodies. The kitsune used her fingers to capture some of Conner's seaman. She snaked her wrist about, using her gooey fingers to rub Tamae's tightly puckered ass.

It didn't take long before Tamamo's fingers, slick and slimy with sperm, sank into Tamae's rump.

Tamae wiggled about, but was pinned between her lovers.

Tamamo added a second finger, briefly, and then she reached for Conner's cock and guided it into place. "Thrust inward," she goaded him.

Conner nodded and pushed his hips forward. To his surprise, he felt a tightness he wasn't expecting. Beneath him, Tamae writhed wildly, never having experienced anal sex before.

Tamamo brought her other hand down, using the fingers of her free hand to finger Tamae's pussy, until three fingers slid into her. Tamamo reached up and grasped for Conner's hips, "Thrust deep, love."

Conner sank into Tamae's ass from tip to base, until his balls rested against the women's pussies, pressed together. He groaned at the sensation of Tamae's tight ass, slick and lubricated with his prior release.

He began to thrust, groaning into Tamae's ear. His hot breath on her neck calmed her, and she relaxed, letting him have his way with her.

Tamamo grinned and whispered into Tamae's other ear. "How does it feel to take him like that?"

"G-good," she whimpered. But the more Conner thrusted, the easier it became to take him in her ass. Tamae clenched her eyes shut. "Better than ... better than I thought it would feel."

Tamamo grinned. "Mm, Conner, how does it feel to be buried in her ass?"

"Incredible," he breathed.

Tamamo curled her fingers, within the confines of Tamae's cum-filled pussy. Those fingertips pushed against the wall between Tamae's two tight chambers.

Conner groaned as Tamae's ass became tighter, due to the way Tamamo's hand curled into a fist, buried in Tamae's pussy.

"Oh my God," Conner hissed in pleasure, "That's fucking amazing."

"Cum in her ass," Tamamo demanded.

"Fill me," Tamae cried, reaching yet another release. And then, all at once, she jolted wildly.

Conner swallowed, "Are you okay? I'm not hurting you am I?"

"Don't stop," Tamamo said in a firm tone. "She's having multiples. Don't you dare stop. Fuck her ass, Conner."

He met Tamae's incessant, needful movements. His hips crashed against hers, railing her hungry little pink tail-star. His balls slapped against the women's slits, and he tensed his abs.

Between breaths, he announced, I'm about to..."

Tamamo withdrew her fingers from Tamae's pussy and grasped the base of Conner's cock.

He continued to thrust his hips, instincts taking over, but Tamamo guided his dick from Tamae's ass so that it slid back and forth through her wet palm.

Tamamo used her fingers, covered in Tamae's release, to rapidly clean the length of Conner's manhood. After several thrusts through the kitsune's moistened velvet-soft palm, she guided his dick, first, into Tamae's pussy.

Conner groaned. A second release, one which he never thought would have been possible, back-to-back, gushed into Tamae's body.

Tamamo swooned. "That's it, Conner. Fill us again. Don't spill a drop."

Tamae swallowed as realization struck. "I ... I'm ovulating!"

Tamamo murred in delight. "As am I; you're cycling around me." She guided Conner's dick back down, now dripping with Tamae's juices again.

He glided easily into Tamamo's pussy again, finishing his release within the kitsune's ready, waiting chamber.

Tamamo reached a second release and groaned. "Ngh, hai, Conner-kun, fill me up!"

He plunged in, railing her hungry little hole. Conner continued to slam his hips after his second release concluded, until Tamamo's body relaxed.

He withdrew and tried to push back into Tamae one last time, but only slid half-way in; his cock softened, making penetration difficult.

Conner panted for a moment, and then rolled off of the women, onto his back. He put one arm beneath his head, and draped his other across his forehead. "Holy hell, I've never gone twice in a row before."

Tamae gingerly crawled off Tamamo, panting. She laid perpendicular, resting her head on Conner's hip. "Happy Birthday, Conner."

He released a breathy laugh between his own panting. "I didn't think it was possible to get off twice in a row."

Tamae, no longer coy, said, "I did not think it was possible to orgasm from anal sex."

Tamamo rolled onto her hip, grinning at them. "Please, love, don't call it that. It sounds so ... formal. Call it, mm, ass-fucking. That more accurately describes the act, hmm?"

Just when Tamae finally seemed relaxed, free and open, she abruptly blushed at the kitsune's words.

Tamamo grinned in an almost caddy sort of way. "Just calling it what it is. But, you'll notice, I had an ulterior motive. I hope you don't mind, Conner-kun."

Conner stretched a bit, arching his hips, somewhat, to stretch his back. "Any other seventeen-year-old would have freaked out." He sighed, relaxed and sated. "But that's because they have no idea how to provide for a kid. That's not an issue for me. The way I see it, teenagers have been parenting children since time began. It was customary to be married off by fourteen or fifteen in many cultures. If they can do it, I can do it."

Tamae turned her head, resting the side of her face against his stomach. "Conner, if we're both pregnant, how can we help you against Aris Falcon? We will be vulnerable like Karla was, twenty-six years ago."

Tamamo reached over and placed a comforting hand on Tamae's hip. "Different people are motivated differently by different things."

Tamae looked back at the kitsune. "How do you mean?"

Conner looked at Tamamo and smirked. "She's saying that we're not Karla. So it's unlikely we'll act like she did by running away."

Tamamo sat up and stretched. Her tails arched, still bound together, and then dropped to the mattress. "What I _really_mean is that now we will have a reason to survive. We will have something to fight for. We will have something worth protecting."

Neither Conner nor Tamae spoke.

Tamamo stood up and went for a cloth towel. She cleaned her hands on it and brought it back for Tamae. "A person will fight for their homeland. They fight harder for a spouse. But they fight the hardest for a family. When children are involved, the mind's protective parental instincts kick in."

"Yeah," Conner said. "That's why Karla ran away all those years ago. She said she was protecting her baby."

"Yes, that is true," Tamamo replied. "But only because she believed the child would be safe on the surface, and that Aris would, in a sense, 'go away.' Remember, Conner, I became one with her mind for a full weekend. I've come to understand her. Now she knows that she was in error. The only_true way_ to protect our future family is to strike down Loki, Sigyn and Aris."

Conner licked his lips. "There's no guarantee that I've gotten either of you pregnant today."

Tamamo grinned. "So? Conner, we are both yours to fuck as you please until eventuality becomes reality."

His expression melted into a wry grin. "I like the sound of that."

Tamae turned her head to Tamamo once more. "When will you join with me next?"

Tamamo swallowed and forced a smile. "No rush. Let us first see if we are fruitful. We can join in the future. Enjoy your freedom, Tamae. But, first, I would like the two of you to be legally married."

Tamae blinked.

Conner blinked.

Tamamo crawled across the mattress and took both their hands in hers. "In your world, it is a matter of a piece of paper. Tamae, if you become pregnant, you would want the baby to be born in wedlock, so as not to be a bastard. Conner, I am yours. But, on Earth, I do not exist. I do not have an ID. We will officiate ourselves in the Celestial Realm in the future. All three of us will be married together, here, in the heavens. But, first, I want you both to visit a court in Japan. Marry. It is the first step to creating our family together."

Tamae looked back at Conner.

Conner sat the rest of the way up and placed his palm on Tamae's face. "She likes to have control over a situation, Tamae. But so do I. And I would like to propose to you in a traditional way when we get back. That is, if you'll agree to marry me."

Tamae licked her lips. "I ... what if you dislike the real me? The woman who is not controlled by a kitsune - what if you dislike...?"

Conner shifted his weight. He turned around and cupped either side of Tamae's face. "If this is moving too quickly, I understand. It's fast for me, too. People say life is full of regrets. But the only things I've ever regretted, in my whole life, are the times when I didn't_seize the moment. I live by ever action I've ever taken. I don't do anything I don't want to do. And I would propose to you because I _want to."

Tamae licked her lips. "I will do what you wish, to earn the right to be your wife, Conner."

"Just be yourself. Do you accept me, as I am, for all my faults?"

Tamae nodded. "Of course. I've watched you, besides Tamamo, for nearly a year. Five months I have spent with you in your family's island vault. I have come to know you, your friends, and your family members. I am treated like family, and I feel respected and safe. My only worry is if I can make you happy."

Conner moved towards her and hugged her. "You are smart, open-minded, and humble. You're sweet, you're innocent, and you've overcome two enormous burdens. You want to know what will make me happy? Being able to protect you from whatever comes next in your life. You've beat cancer, you've been attacked and suffered from depression and social anxiety - and then guess what? You beat that, too. Both times, you were alone."

Neither woman spoke.

Conner continued. "I never want you to have to suffer alone, ever again. You're a sweet girl. You really are. And being around you, the real you, brings out a side of me I didn't know existed."

"I don't understand," Tamae whispered. "You're the same man I've come to know since I met you."

Conner eased back so that their eyes met. Tears trickled down Tamae's cheeks.

He used his thumbs and wiped away the tracks of her tears. "I've always been egotistical. I've always been an arrogant brat. I didn't know it at the time, but now I look back and I see I was so childish and, and cocky, and..." he slid his hands back, through her hair, gently. "I was spoiled and short tempered."

"I don't care about those things. You made me happy."

"But for the longest time, Tamae, I was miserable. I didn't realize it, though. I was constantly trying to change myself under the guise of becoming better. But ... better than what? I didn't know." Conner licked his lips. "I exercised and trained and ate weird foods. All I cared about was becoming something else, I just didn't realize it."

"That doesn't make you a bad man."

He smiled. "What I really needed was the two of you to build me up. Tamamo, you've shown me that I'm capable of becoming more. Tamae, you've shown me how beautiful it is to be humble. You're the most humble person I know. I know I have a temper, but I promise never to direct it towards either of you."

Tamamo smiled. "That is a mature thing to say. Treating your mates with respect is what separates a man from a boy. Some men never grow up. But you most certainly have."

Conner smiled at Tamamo. "You've given me one hell of a birthday, Tammy. I was upset with you over the Karla thing but ... at least you were honest with me. You've given me an amazing afternoon with the two of you, and now you've given me a wife."

"Like with Konoe-tenno, I was happier as his consort for the time being. I only have one request. And I want you to do this, no matter what - if not for me, than for your grandmother."

He tilted his head a bit. "Uh, sure, of course. What is it?"

She smiled. "When the dust has settled and you have time to learn, I wish for you to learn how to craft a statue. Erect a kitsune statue on your island. Drape a red cloth about its neck. Promise me."

Tamae and Conner exchanged glances. She nodded.

Conner nodded with a smile. "Sure. I can do that. You help me survive all the crap that's coming up, and I will build you two statues. I'll build one for each of you. I'll label that Sinopa and Tamamo. Whatever you want."

Tamamo grinned. "Excellent, love."

Conner tilted his head. "With all due respect, why have you started calling me 'love,' hon? You've never done it before, and then after the weekend in Karla, you started doing it."

Tamamo tilted her head. She thought for a moment then nodded. "So I have. Sharp of you to notice. Perhaps it is a trait I inherited from her. She has a strong personality, and that seemed to have rubbed off. Speaking of Karla..."

Tamae and Conner remained quiet.

Tamamo eased off the bed, stretched again, and unbound her tails. She took both of the wraps off and set them on a shelf, attached to the wall. "I want to be sorry for what I've done to her. But I felt it was necessary under the circumstances at the time."

Silence.

Tamamo turned to them and said, "In four millennia, I have slowly evolved into becoming a much better person than I once was. But change happens at its own pace. I know I will live to regret it. I regret that Karla is not speaking to you. She does not remember, but apparently I could not cover the hurt or repair the broken trust. I know I was wrong, but I would have made the same choice again if given the same set of circumstances."

"I was going to take her yacht to her," he said. "My grandmother said she would make sure Karla is in a place where we can meet on neutral ground."

"Then go to her and repair my wrongs. We are a family, as Tamae said earlier, and we all bear whatever shame is brought upon us. I will bear any shame either of you bring to me, and stand besides you through any mistakes. But this time it is my fault, and I do not know how to fix what I've done."

Conner frowned. "Well, for starters, I won't tell her that you don't feel guilty. And I won't tell her that you'd do it again if you had to. I'll explain it was a necessary evil. But I'm also going to tell her that I wasn't awake for the second part. She needs to know that I didn't participate. Hell, you didn't even have my permission."

Tamamo sighed with a nod. "That is what I regret most. Doing something that you were not comfortable with. I took advantage of you."

Conner grimaced. "I asked Tamae before it happened, and she was okay with a blow job. And that was it. And then I had to think about her giving it, not Karla. And that still wasn't good enough for you. Look," Conner held his hands up. "Let's not talk about that. I was trying to put it out of my head. I wasn't trying to dwell on it, because it's going to upset me all over again."

"Most men enjoy the conquest of spreading their..."

"Not_me_," Conner said. "I like what I've got. No drama, no awkwardness. Now I'm going to have drama and awkwardness with Karla. And, Christ, what if I got her pregnant?"

"I assure you that you did not get her pregnant," said Tamamo. "Now, I am pleased you had a wonderful birthday. But it is time to get back to reality. You have a long trip ahead of you. I have to help my people rebuild. I love you both."

Conner frowned, seeing the hurt in Tamamo's eyes. "Hey, look, I'm sorry I snapped just now."

Tamamo approached him, cupped his face and kissed his lips. "No, I am glad you took charge just now. Do not let anyone else tell you how to feel. Be a man and stand up for yourself. Well done, Conner."

He nodded in silence.

Tamamo went to Tamae; they shared a kiss. The kitsune cleared her throat. "Call upon me when you need me. I have healed my wounds within Karla's body. But I still have things needing to be taken care of here before I can return. I trust you both know your way back?"

Tamae nodded and pulled her clothes on, over her body. She took Conner's hand. "I love you, my wife. Stay safe." She moved behind him.

Conner picked up his clothing. He draped it over his shoulder. "Don't be a stranger, okay? You don't have to disappear again."

"I may be busy for a while, but I will be okay." Tamamo bowed.

Conner and Tamae returned the bow. Conner shifted his clothes to keep them on his shoulder. He took Tamae's hand and led her out of the underground dwelling and walked, unabashedly, into the Hallway of Reflection.

He stopped in front of one of the mirrors and held Tamae's hand. "Ladies first."

She slipped through the mirror. He followed.

Seconds later they stepped down onto the sofa in the master bedroom of the Busty Belle Yacht.

Conner guided Tamae back to the room they had been using. He tossed his clothes over the end of the mattress and said, "I need a shower. You want to join?"

"I ... are you sure?"

He grinned. "You're unofficially my fiancée now. Yes, I'd love for you to join. I hate putting clothes back on when I'm soaked with sweat. It's one of my weird ticks. I'd rather just take a shower. I thought I could wash up there, but she acted like she wanted us to leave in a hurry. Not sure why."

"We reminded her of her shame."

"Oh. Was that all? What happened to bearing it together?" Conner shrugged and guided her to a rather nice bathroom, attached to their bedroom. He opened the stained-glass shower door.

Tamae disrobed again and looked inside. "I love how it has two shower heads."

"Make'em both as hot as you like. I can handle it."

Tamae reached in, turned on the water and picked her clothes up. She put them on the sink counter.

The water became hot, creating steam. It poured out of the shower stall. She stepped in first.

Conner followed her in, pulled the door shut, and put his hands on her hips. And then he kissed her under the cascade of hot water.

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Next Chapter: https://www.sofurry.com/view/836957