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Saki and I make our way through the halls of the main building, my hand happy to be in hers. Especially with the frosty mountain night truly upon us. We walk by the blue light of smokeless lamps set high up and casting long shadows across the screen walls.

As we draw near our destination, she lets go of my hand, taking warmth and the edge of a foolhardy confidence from me. We stop outside a door-wall that's in a part of the house I don't quite remember, the light and shadows cast from within the screens showing someone is inside. She looks my way and gives me a slight, but heart racing, smile that softens her cold eyes. She told me, back at the baths, to stand out of sight when we got here as part of her plan, so I do. Once I'm clear, Saki goes back to her carefully presented, distant self. She slides open the door-wall and gives a shallow bow to whoever is within, and I steel myself.

"Rin. Can we speak?"

I hear Rin let out a tired sigh. "I presume it's not dire if you're still being so formal. I just finished mixing medicines for our little sisters, so once I've delivered those we can talk."

Saki dips forward just a little more, acknowledging it, but not giving much deference as she quickly rises. "We can have the two coming to bring food and drink deliver the medicine."

"I appreciate your concern, Saki, but I will be fine without."

"You shouldn't skip every meal in a day."

"My mind is wandering too much for the quiet of a meal, sister. There's far too much to decide tomorrow."

"Then we can talk while you eat. Tomorrow is why I am here," Saki says, stepping inside, and just slightly out of the way. "I have a plan that will ease some burden off of you."

An expectant, brown stare turns my way. I squeeze my teeth together, only to let my jaw relax as I walk in and stand beside Saki. Crossing the threshold will change everything, and I know it. I'm braced for it as I can be, ready to let events flow as they must.

Rin's room is more crowded than I expected, with an entire wall taken up by shelves filled with wooden slat scrolls and several small pots. Against another wall there's a squared table with an ink stone and brush hanger on it, by the other wall a painted screen that I remember seeing on my first day here. Sitting in the center of the room is Rin herself. She's in a plain, rugged brown dress, the sleeves still stained with ink. In front of her is a mortar and pestle, along with many small jars and pieces of bamboo cut to serve as containers.

The nine-tail looks up, brushing a lock of pure white hair out of her eyes, and a range of conflicting emotions coursing through her tired eyes when she spots me. Curiosity, a flicker of what might be sad longing, relief, regret, and finally polite composure. I might miss more, but that's what I see until her gaze turns to Saki.

"Sister?" Rin asks placidly, thoughts and feelings a complete mystery. "What exactly is this plan of yours about?"

"Our agreement," Saki answers.

Laying her hands on top of one another, the nine-tail regards her sibling for a tense few moments. Then she nods. "Very well," Rin says, letting slip a hint of exasperation. "I'll get this cleaned up if you will get a table and cushions, sister. We might as well be comfortable, especially if you won't budge on having me eat."

With that the nine-tail rises and starts gathering a few jars and her mortar and pestle. Saki pats me on the arm before going to the room behind the screen, leaving me standing there with nothing to do. Rin, in a show of balance that borders on magical, rests several jars on the fluff of tails she curls forward. She gathers up everything except the small, cup sized bamboo pieces, then takes it all to the shelves. As she puts away the jars and her mortar, she glances over her shoulder at me. It's not until after she's finished meticulously returning everything to its proper place that she finally faces me.

"Egil," she says softly, hands folding into her sleeves as she gives me the barest hint of a bow. "How do you fare? I've been quite worried about you."

"The worst of the exhaustion is behind me. I shouldn't be much of a danger either," I say, taking a couple of steps toward Rin.

Glacier blue eyes regard me warmly as she looks down slightly from her composed, polite posture. I stop an arms-length from her, my gaze turned ever so slightly upward thanks to her height. It's only us in the room, for now at least, and my heart is aching to get closer to her. If only it were that simple, as fresh memories flow forth of brown eyes and a scar hidden by fur.

"I am glad to see you in better health," Rin smiles, some of the tiredness leaving the edge of her eyes. She gracefully drifts forward, reaching a hand up to touch the bandages around my head. "Or so I hope. You're not here because of any injuries, are you?"

She's watching me carefully, looking for the slightest sign that she's overstepping, or if I'm about to lie. She is as careful as ever, not a hint of claws or teeth flashing my way, so it's little wonder I find myself at ease. With Rin this close, I give in to my urges, reaching up slowly and touching her wrist. Not to pull her hand away or shoo her away, but because I want to feel her fur between my fingers and the warmth of a friendly presence once more.

"It's just a welt and a scratch. I've only got this on for the poultice," I assure her. A moment later, I darkly add, "It's hardly the worst that happened today."

Rin's nose wavers in a hint of a nod. Her hand gingerly cups the side of my head, pads on her fingers pleasingly warm against my chilled ear. "If you're thinking of apologizing for what befell Miki, don't. She'll have scars, but you didn't cause any of them. No. You saved her, and all upon this mountain know it."

"Is that your opinion as the master of the house," I say quietly, "or as her eldest sister?"

"It's the message Miki wanted me to pass along," Rin states, head tilting lightly. "She also wanted me to pass on an apology; she'd have given it herself, but she's afraid of upsetting you." The nine-tail shifts just a hair closer. "As for me," a finger brushes my bandages, "I'm worried about you both. I don't want your wounds to fester, the ones we can see and the ones we can't. So please, believe me when I say there is nothing but relief in my heart to have everyone back. Including you, Egil."

It's a lot to take in. I can't accept it all right away, as part of me expected to be rightly blamed for what happened, but I try to accept it. I can at least let my heart relax a tiny bit more. Tonight shouldn't be about blame. I know that, even though I want to direct some at myself. However, Rin's insistence on watching over me and not so subtle encouragement to not repeat past mistakes, takes a little weight off my shoulders. I can let go of my lingering guilt long enough to focus on the two elder sisters tonight, and the problem that faces me there.

"I don't mind," I finally answer, deliberately choosing my words. "If anything, I'm grateful that you and Saki are looking out for me, and that everyone is safe once more."

I belatedly realize my fingers are stroking over Rin's. A moment later her arm suddenly lowers, yet instead of pulling away she stays in my grasp, for now. A prickling fear runs down my back, that I made a mistake in mentioning her sister, but the smile on her face faintly eases her weary eyes. She holds my hand and shuffles just a little closer, as if wanting more.

It would be so easy to sweep her into an embrace, and so right if I were to listen only to my thoughtless desires, that I have to bite the edge of my tongue to keep still.

I can't make that kind of decision. I do not wish to, foolish and weak willed as I truly am.

First the temptation of Saki, and now Rin – both of them have been nothing but a balm on my grating nerves this evening. As well as a temptation that I dare not chase without knowing the consequences. The urges and desires bubbling in my chest are risky and irresponsible, if not sharpened by my recent brushes with death, but that doesn't make them any less real. It would be so easy to pull either willing kitsune into my arms, if not both of them. Yet I can't allow myself to do it. Not when one wrong hint or act will bring an end to this evening.

My resolve shaken but unbroken, I manage to only take Rin's other hand in mine so that I can enjoy the soft touch of someone who doesn't want me to hurt. Her smile softens for me, sharing the warmth of a woman who, in her own words, has fallen for me.

"Thank you for caring, Rin," I murmur. I learned my lesson with Saki. I don't need to know why, but it would certainly be nice to hear.

"Think nothing of it," the nine-tail whispers, her smile taking on a cautiously playful tilt. "I'm simply pleased to see you once more, Egil. And I must admit, the strength that's returned to your eyes has me hopeful for this plan of Saki's."

Lacking a quick response, I gather my thoughts, pulled apart by the conundrum of yearning for two women, while also wishing not to ruin the sisterly relationship they have.

As I do, the sudden hiss of a door-wall opening steals my attention away from the nine-tail. She lets go of my hand and looks over, but doesn't step away from me. I twist to see who's entering, tension rising in my back at the thought of it being a few younger sisters delivering a meal.

Instead, Saki strides in and sets a lacquered, short legged table down near the center of the room. Three cushions are piled on the top of the table, but she doesn't immediately set them out. Instead she straightens up and looks at the two of us, standing oh so close to one another. A different kind of knot starts to form between my shoulderblades, even as the first fades.

Saki's face betrays no emotions or thoughts, but how might she feel seeing me this close to Rin after I was intimately embracing the eight-tail earlier? Even if they've come to an agreement, I can't help but worry about the jealousy or disappointment that might live deep in either woman's heart. I was already a source of conflict. I'd never forgive myself if I soured things between them more, especially after they've supposedly made up.

"Let me help you, sister," Rin says, gliding past me, her tails brushing against me before trailing away.

"I'll get this," Saki replies plainly, voice not cold in the slightest as she motions to cushions. "If you would move the medicines you prepared, Rin. I do not wish to disturb them."

Rin bows down and retrieves the cut bamboo containers she left on the floor. "Forgive me, Saki," she says. "It seems I was too distracted to finish my task before you returned."

"I would be distracted as well, had I stayed," the eight-tail states, setting cushions around the exceptionally low, round table. She's too in control of herself for me to tell if she took a glance at me when she said that, but I notice Rin does.

I don't think the nine-tail cares that I notice.

"Would you be willing to tell me what this plan of yours is, sister?" Rin asks, setting the little bamboo containers near the shelves, but not actually on any of them.

"I will." Saki stands right behind a cushion. "After you've eaten. You must take care of yourself too, sister."

Rin doesn't sigh but her face, turned away from Saki, looks like she wants to. "Very well, I will indulge your concern for me, sister," she concedes. "So long as you and Egil join me for the meal you sent for."

"I will," Saki nods.

Both of them turn their expectant, hopeful looks my way, one after the other. If I didn't suspect Rin honestly did not expect to have this happen tonight, I'd believe they had this all planned out. However, it's much easier to believe they're simply falling into the familiar pattern of working together. After all, they do have this mysterious agreement and a long history with each other. A history I'd better not ruin.

Without wasting another moment, I approach the table and look around at the cushions. "Where should I sit?"

"Where you please," Rin says. "There's no need to be formal tonight."

"That will make talking a lot easier," I breathe out, sitting on a cushion that puts Saki on my sword-arm side, and Rin by my shield-arm.

"Egil," Rin says, gracefully lowering herself near me, "please, do make yourself comfortable."

I'm about to say I have no idea what she means, when I notice she's sitting on her knees. I realize I sat that way too out of polite habit, so as Saki takes her seat, I adjust my legs to sit with them crossed instead of hunched uncomfortably beneath me. It does make the two kitsune sit just a little higher than me, but I've gotten used to looking slightly up to meet their eyes.

Once the three of us are sitting at the empty table, I breathe in slow and deep, hoping to keep the exhausted calm that's been trying to settle over me after the bath. Feeling in control of myself is a wonderful thing, made all the sweeter thanks to recent events.

The two sisters stare at me, then one another. I don't ask anything, instead I watch as their ears twist toward the door-wall I entered from, and is still left open. Rin's ears suddenly flick forward, her back to the entrance and an air of noble grace coming about her.

I keep my mouth shut as I expect kitsune bringing food to appear the moment I try to speak. I bide my time, and not five heartbeats later it proves to be wise. There's a soft hiss of wood sliding, revealing Hotaru and the three-tail Mariko outside the widened entrance. Each carries a tray packed full with bowls and cups, and as such they can only nod politely as they stand at the threshold of the room.

"You may come in," Rin says without looking back.

The pair enter quietly, keeping their eyes down. They don't set the trays down and leave, however. Instead they kneel, keeping to the other side of the table from me, and start setting out dishes. Hotaru and Mariko arrange everything in unspoken unison, leaving the main dishes of steamed, stuffed buns, strips of cooked fish, and various pickled vegetables in the center, while putting bowls of stew in front of us. Steaming cups of water, those hashi eating sticks, various sauces in shallow dishes, a bowl of steamed rice, and empty wine cups get set neatly before the three of us as well. The placements are all identical, with not a single one too far or too close. I'm impressed by the coordination, and the speed, with which the two serving kitsune manage it all.

Conspicuously, three jugs of wine are set on the table. Rin's expression doesn't change, but she does glance at Saki for a moment, almost as if questioning her.

Once the trays are empty, Mariko and Hotaru sit on their knees, bowing deeply. "Is everything to your liking, elder sisters?" Hotaru asks respectfully.

"It's wonderful," Rin politely smiles. "We won't need anything else except privacy tonight. However, before you go, I've prepared several medicines," she nods towards the shelves. "I marked each, so if you would take them to Shizuka, she will know what to do with each."

"As you say, eldest sister," Hotaru replies formally.

"Oh, one last thing my dearest little sisters. Unless it is an emergency that requires us," Rin says, looking at Mariko and Hotaru with commanding grace, "please defer to Shizuka and Yuuko for the rest of the night."

The two lesser tailed kitsune answer by touching their foreheads to the floor before gathering one of the empty trays and all of the medicine kept in the bamboo. Then they leave, going through all of the polite motions of kneeling outside the entrance before sliding it shut.

Saki stares at the closed screen, one of her black tipped ears shifting slowly, no doubt tracking her sisters leave. She waits for many long heartbeats, gaze utterly focused and ears alert.

Eventually she nods slightly, her ears facing forward once more. "We're alone."

"I put a minor ward up," Rin says, her tails roiling about behind her before settling against the floor, "just to be safe. It won't stop any determined curiosity, but they'll know I'm serious and leave us be. If they know what is good for them, that is."

The eight-tail nods, picks up her hashi, and looks over the spread of food on the table. Rin glances at me as I follow Saki's lead and reach for my own pair of eating sticks, only for the nine-tails blue gaze to suddenly flick to the wine.

"Forgive me for bluntly interrupting us, but why the wine, Saki?" she asks quietly. "I've never known you to enjoy it with your meal."

The eight-tail holds off on getting started on the meal, the faint edge to Rin's polite tone stopping me as well.

"I thought," Saki slowly begins, her back straight, "that you or Egil might like it. If not, we can set it aside."

Glances shift my direction, so instead of leaving well enough alone I speak my mind. "If it is truly to relax and not celebrate, I might be persuaded. If," I look between the two of them, "you'll both be blunt with me, of course. I'm too tired for any word games or any arguments caused by my indecision on the matter we're clearly here about."

Saki looks at me, dipping her head lightly. "We are not arguing."

"It might be hard to believe, but we truly aren't," Rin sighs, shoulders hunching. "No. If anything, I'm being difficult over the thought of relaxing."

Wanting to trust them, I nod and let out a sigh of my own. "I understand. It hasn't been a simple or particularly pleasant day for any of us." That's not even half of it, but I'm not going to bring up the tragic parts if they won't.

"It hasn't, though I have no place to complain," Rin says. She eyes her sister before continuing, "Egil, neither of us would call this a celebration. Perhaps what Saki means is that it's a good moment for all of us to let our defenses down, and give us an excuse to sweep away any uncomfortable topics if things go poorly?"

"I'm not that cunning, sister," the eight-tail says. "Egil upended the start of my plan with his request. Though," she steals a coy glance my way, "he reached the same end point I was aiming for."

Rin chuckles softly. "His surprises can be quite pleasant sometimes, can they not? I presume you hoped to get us all speaking bluntly, mostly so you and I could try and take off the trappings of duty."

Eyes down, Saki hesitates a moment before nodding. She's such a mysterious creature sometimes, so self-conscious at times. Despite the cold, stern willpower she wields like a sword and the genuine care that pushes her to act.

Hearing their back and forth, I breathe out and reach for a wine jug. "To wine shared with friends, then," I say, lifting the vessel up and breaking the wax seal with a nail. "Or whatever the three of us are to one another."

"Hm," Rin nods. Saki matches the motion a moment later, albeit silently as she shares a knowing look with her sister.

It's not like what this looming talk will be about is particularly hidden. That doesn't mean I'm eager to walk headlong into it, however. I'll let the sisters approach this complicated situation. It is their plan after all, and I'll step in when I must. Even if a tiny fear in my chest wants me to find a way out, we've waited too long to deal with our feelings. I can face down this fear, or so I hope, as I can see it coming this time.

To get the meal going, I pour each of them a healthy helping of wine, and try not to think about how bad of an idea this might turn out to be. The two of them don't appear to be at one another's throat after all, so maybe some drink will loosen all of us up enough to get through the night. And all the complications I'm sure will be brought up once their agreement is revealed to me. Perhaps wine is a good idea after all, it should give me a bit of borrowed courage.

Rin lifts her shallow, bowl-like cup, delicately and precisely, and drinks first. I'd expected her to suggest some sort of toast, out of a sense of dignified politeness, but instead, she simply drains the cup before hanging her head and breathing out slowly. "I've a request of my own, since Egil is insisting on us speaking openly," she says. "Let me not be the master of the house for the night, else we will need far more wine."

"I already said to let it be between friends, and whatever else we might be, didn't I?" And there is the excuse of the wine now, as well, but I don't say that since I have yet to touch my cup.

Saki focuses on her own untouched cup, a hint of trepidation in the depths of her brown gaze. Yet she comes to a swift decision, picking up her cup with both hands. She glances at Rin, then my way. "I shouldn't let you two drink alone," she says, seeming far out of her depth.

Or perhaps she doesn't need to say what Rin did and has already resolved to put aside her duties. Saki might be letting the woman underneath her stern and cold expression out just a bit.

"I'm glad to have you join us, Saki," I say, raising my cup to the kitsune before tipping back the surprisingly strong rice wine. This batch isn't as smooth as what I've shared with Rin before. There's more than a hint of burning on my tongue as the heat crawls down my throat, a faint bitterness mellowing out into a warm, grainy taste. While I doubt the wine was laced with anything this time, as surely their sisters do know better, I can't help but suspect it was quite intentional that we were served drink this strong.

After I'm done, the eight-tail tips her cup back with both hands and, to my surprise, curls her tails and squints her eyes. Her expression only gets worse as she keeps drinking. Yet she perseveres until the shallow-but-wide cup is empty, doing her best not to make more of a distraught face. I feel a touch bad for her, but at the same time it lifts my spirits to see her conviction on display. As there's no faking the enduring shiver that she tries to hide.

Rin smiles softly in her sister's direction. "I won't push you to try and keep up with us, sister, as Egil here appears to be my match when it comes to the art of drinking. You'll be a sprawled out mess of tails and fur before he and I even get close to that point, but I certainly appreciate your spirit."

The strained, hardened will leaves Saki's face as she lets out a heavy breath. The eight-tail might be hit harder by the drink than either of us, but she recovers quickly. "I'm not forcing anything," she says, looking at the other two wine jugs with what I suspect is worry.

"Don't make yourself uncomfortable for our sake. Drinking is supposed to be enjoyable, not misery," Rin says, to which I nod in wholehearted agreement.

Saki holds herself up, posture stubborn. "The first few cups are always the worst."

I think running out is probably the worst part, but I keep that to myself.

"Well, with this we can at least say we're all in friendly company tonight, right?" I say, hoping to get the kitsune's mind off of her obvious discomfort with wine, even if it means making a bit of a fool out of myself.

When Saki only nods, Rin speaks up. "A good sentiment," the nine-tail says. "Now, shall we get started before our meal gets cold? I do hope you two will join me, else there will be far too much left uneaten."

The pit in my stomach reminds me that the meal I recently had wasn't enough. "Gladly," I say, picking back up my hashi. It takes me a moment to hold them properly, which doesn't go unnoticed.

"Would you like help, Egil?" Rin asks as her sister's gaze falls upon me as well. "Either of us would be glad to," the nine-tail adds.

"I can manage," I reply. "Besides, I don't want to slow either of you down."

I suspect I just turned down a path to easily resolve this evening, but I want to get on with this meal and actually talk things out instead of foolishly appearing to make a choice between the kitsune. Whatever these two have agreed on, I want to hear about it, just as Saki no doubt wishes to reveal it all. So the sooner we eat, the sooner that can presumably happen.

"Let us know if you would like help," Rin says gently, while Saki nods.

"I will," I reply, reluctant to actually ask for help feeding myself after spending most of the winter with a broken arm. It's also to avoid any choice between them, but that feels more like an excuse in my head than the stubborn need to feed myself again.

Without much else for us to say, we start in on the meal. The kitsune sitting with me reach for strips of cooked fish, each dipping it in a different sauce. Instead of asking what is what, I just go ahead and start trying morsels.

The vegetables have a briny, sour, yet refreshing taste I've come to expect this winter, but the radishes are unappealingly fresh, and therefore sharp. The fish is tender, and of the sauces I try with it, I find myself coming back to a ginger based one the most. When I make it to the steamed bun, Rin pours more wine for us all.

"Egil," she says, lifting her cup and hooking me with her blue eyes, "you should try the baozi."

I can't help but stare at her, recognizing that word from the land across the sea. That word rolled so easily off her tongue, despite the pronunciation being different, I'm sure there's a story to tell. Or perhaps, stories we can both tell. "It looks different from the baozi I've had before."

"Ah, so you had the chance to try them while in the middle kingdom?"

"A merchant who hired me as a guard liked his food a little too much, but he at least enjoyed sharing his love for a good meal with everyone."

"Sounds like you've got a few stories about that," Rin smiles.

"I'll be happy to share them, once we've gotten through tonight."

The nine-tail looks not at me, but her sister. There's a hint of a nod from Saki, the soft signal turning Rin's attention back to me. "I suppose we should finish our meal so we can get the inevitable over with. But before that, would you share with us how our family's baozi recipe compares to what you've had?"

I oblige with a nod, quite curious myself. Not only about their recipe for the dish, but what connection their family might have to that strange land across the sea. Since that mystery must wait, I do my best to pick the baozi up with my hashi and take a bite. The steamed bun is chewy and filled with an odd yet pleasing concoction of herbs and salty boar meat. There's a faint crunch of some vegetables, but the juice of the meat has soaked in enough to make it pleasant.

"How is it?" Rin asks while she and Saki watch me.

I make sure to swallow before answering. "It's good. Quite larger and with more filling than the ones I've tried before."

Rin chuckles softly. "We like them heartier, especially in the winter."

The two kitsune reach for their steamed buns. As they eat them, my gaze trying to focus on other details that aren't teeth so as not to ruin the mood, they appear to enjoy the baozi far more than me. Their ears perk up and tail tips wave and twitch. Seeing them relish something so simple, I can only drink more of the wine to keep myself from smiling at their pleased reactions. No reason to ruin this small pleasantry with anything that might bring questions.

They seem to agree, as we return to our silent thoughts for a while.

Maybe three fourths of the way through our meal, Rin pours more wine for us all. "Hopefully I can keep myself from becoming impolite company this time," she says softly to me.

"Let's not dwell on things I don't blame you for," I say, hoping she trusts my word. The drugged wine and her showing up to me in a grief-stricken, drink induced stupor weren't events that detracted from the pleasant times, at least to me. And I doubt either will repeat now, so it's truly not a problem that needs worrying about.

"You're trying to evade the present, Rin," Saki states, as if entirely focused on her plan that has us all here.

A tired, knowing smile crosses Rin's mouth, all but confirming my guess about the eight-tail. Rin empties her wine before saying, "You're right, sister. And if Egil insists I shouldn't worry then I shouldn't, should I?"

"We're all trying our best to not worry, I think," I say, filling her cup back up for her. Then, to my surprise, Saki downs her wine and gingerly holds her own vessel out. Her gaze can't meet mine. Not wanting to embarrass her more than she must be, I fill the eight-tail's as well.

"I suppose we are," Rin gently utters into her cup.

The nine-tail places the empty ceramic down and folds her hands in her lap. She stares at the table with an unfocused gaze, a serious expression slowly overcoming her usual dignified posture. "It is a shame we can't let this moment go on forever."

Knowing that the conversation is about to turn serious, I set down my hashi.

"Sister," Saki begins, "it is better to get the hard part over with."

"Is it?" the nine-tail murmurs. "I know we said the wine will be an excuse to brush aside any foolish words, but will that truly work?"

Knowing where this is leading to, and feeling a twinge of panic in my chest, I reach over and take hold of the wine jug. I forgo cups and manners entirely, drinking right from the earthenware rim. The tingling warmth turns to a mild fire as it rolls down my throat, burning out that panic. Making sure not to swallow all of it, I finish up and breathe out, the fire tingling across my tongue. That done, I offer the jug to a wide eyed Rin.

"It will work," I say, the strength of the wine making it easier for me to ignore my own fears of finally facing this. "If we share it properly."

She hesitates, looking between me and her sister. Or so I assume. I don't let my eyes move away from Rin in the hope that she'll just believe me.

"Sister," Saki says, "let us tell him. He asked for us to be blunt, after all."

My heart starts thumping faster, a fresh worried rush coursing through my veins. But it's dulled. The sharp edge is lessened by the wine and pleasant company that's clearly as concerned as I am about whatever will happen. Even so, it lingers. Those grinding doubts about how this complicated love situation can end positively for everyone involved can't be banished by so little wine, only weakened.

"Very well," Rin utters, taking the jug from me, almost certainly having similar thoughts. "But only if one of you opens more wine."

I was right. I don't feel quite so alone, but that isn't better.

Saki is just a little swifter than me at reaching for the wine, her hand brushing under mine to snatch up the second jug. She starts breaking the wax seal, so I lean back as Rin empties the first jug.

I know that we're at a crossroads. We can try to blame it on the wine if we want, but whatever happens will forever change things between the three of us. I'm as terrified of that as I am eager to have this agonizing situation finally dealt with, no matter the outcome. Maybe we'll all give up. Maybe they'll tell me I have to make the choice between them, or perhaps one will give up for the other. Maybe they have a solution that won't make one or all of us miserable. I don't know what will come, just that we'll find a resolution tonight, one way or another. There's been enough running away.

Rin taps the emptied jug against the table, eyes closed as she holds her breath, all while the fire of the wine fades in her throat. She sighs, opens her eyes and sees Saki filling our cups back up.

"I don't think we need that formality now," I say, the nine-tail silently agreeing.

Saki finishes pouring her cup and says, "It's for if any of us decides to end the night."

After a moment, Rin nods. "That will work."

Chewing my tongue, I nod just enough to get the conversation moving. I refuse to back out unless one of them does. Somehow, I suspect they feel the same, but the option is now there as a cruel temptation.

"Saki," Rin says, folding her hands back into her lap, "it is your plan. But I think I know what it truly is, if you want me to speak instead."

"I'll do it," Saki says, reaching for the fresh wine jug, only to stop herself. A rare sigh leaves her mouth, and she turns to face me.

If she weren't about to speak, I'd hand her the bottle myself.

"Egil," she begins, ears trying to flatten some, "you know that I want you. And that Rin wants you."

I nod, confirming the obvious. It's more complicated than that, yet it's also as simple as that. At least Saki is being direct. I can easily imagine Rin or I would be trying to verbally squirm away from this subject in some way without even meaning to. I'm already trying not to shift around uncomfortably from the bluntness I asked for.

"And your heart," Saki continues, "is drawn to each of us."

"Yes," I answer heavily. "I won't berate myself for that, but-"

One of Saki's tails curls out and lays against my back, but what stops me from arguing further is Rin's tail joining hers.

"Then hush," Saki mutters.

When I don't tear myself down with words for falling for both of them, but not being man enough to solve the problem that created by making a choice, Saki continues.

"Rin and I talked. Actually listened to one another. We learned why we fell for you is different, but how we feel is the same. We care about you, worry about you, and want to get closer to you. So we asked ourselves a hard question, and found a simple answer."

She pauses, and I can feel the doubts crawling on my skin and in my throat. "And what was the question?" I ask, needing to hear it before I start dangerously second guessing my resolution to see this through.

"Why couldn't we..." Saki falters, her voice going cold as her mouth tries to work.

I feel bad for her as she comes to a verbal bridge she can't cross. Before I can offer some kind of support, she reaches for the wine jug and sips from it a few times, grimacing on the third draught but still going, determined to get half as much as Rin or I would. I can't stop her, as I'd do the exact same in her position.

Rin, taking one glance at her sister still trying to muster herself back up, softly speaks. "Why couldn't we work together? Is what my sister wishes to say."

Saki taps the jug against the table, but doesn't let go. She looks at her sister, sighs, then nods. Meanwhile I try to just listen and not think at all. It'll be better that way, but unfortunately my mind is already writhing with questions and concerns about the word 'together.'

Failing myself, my heart rising against my ribs, I wonder how they could even work together, let alone why.

Seeing her sister isn't about to speak, and perhaps the thoughts creeping out onto my face, Rin continues. "We spent most of our time discussing it. Whether we could do this together or not. Until we decided to approach you with a possible solution, Egil."

She glances down for a moment. "Or rather, I planned to slowly approach it over the coming days, for fear of overstepping myself." Glacier blue orbs face me, steeling for rejection, while a brown pair accepts whatever will happen. "The questions Saki and I asked each other were simple, and I was going to complicate it all. What we agreed to ask is if you could love both of us, together? And could you believe that Saki and I would not be in each other's way, but try to support it as we'd support you?"

This is too much. But instead of running my mouth stupidly, wooden tongue bashing out words that would ruin myself and their hearts, I reach for the wine left on the table. I feel it in my bones as the two kitsune tense up. They must think I'm going for the cup to end this conversation.

I'm not that weak. Not now.

I grab the jug from Saki's hands, bring it to my lips and tip it back, then start trying to think as the bracing fire dances across my tongue and down my throat. Somehow this wine is even stronger. But that works just fine. It helps burn away all the troublesome what ifs and concerns about what's proper, leaving me with only what my heart craves and what I really fear.

Lowering the wine, I look straight ahead at the wall. "I have no idea how it can work, or if it even will. But," I set the jug down, "now that I can reasonably blame the wine, some part of me likes that idea. A little too much, as I've been thinking about you both constantly, and how I can't bring myself to make a decision that would hurt either of you. Forgive me for being blunt, but as much as my words may sound like I'm ready to accept this 'together,' I worry it would only cause strife."

"When we're not stepping all over each other's tails," Rin says swiftly, glancing at Saki before turning her eyes down shamefully, "the two of us can work as one quite well, despite what you've seen from me. My sisters are so used to me acting the flirty kitsune host to distract visitors, even Saki didn't notice that it was painfully genuine towards you, Egil. And I took no simple actions to disabuse them of that, even going so far as to lie to myself."

Saki dips her head as well, staring at the table while her ears flatten. "Nor did I speak my mind and heart in counsel to Rin as I should have. You already know where my mind has been when it comes to you, Egil. But I kept that from Rin, out of my own fears."

"Just as I kept my thoughts from Saki, and made it difficult for us to talk as sisters." Rin sighs, her exhaustion not hidden in the slightest. "Egil. If it helps, two kitsune setting their eyes on the same partner is not unknown or even unworkable. The solution is to see if the reasons match up and if they can truly work together. You even experienced that at least once from our sisters, Egil. Saki and I are certain we can work together as well, if not better, than our sisters might."

"Well, it's almost comforting to know kitsune aren't perfect either," I say, trying to lighten the mood. But there's unfortunately more I have to say that will probably undo my effort. "Rin, Saki. Is it really that simple for you two? Shizuka and Miki," my heart sinks at the thought of the two-tail, but I persevere, "I can understand those two, in a way. Your youngest sister might have instigated it, but she seemed to be following the lead of her elder, more experienced sister. I do not wish to upset either of you, but could anything like that happen with you two?"

"After all Saki and I have shown you," Rin says softly, "I can only understand your doubts."

"Rin and I," the eight-tail cuts in, "have been through a great deal together. If I were to trust any of my sisters, it would be her. No matter how we've quarreled or hurt one another."

"Saki and I have our own ways of doing things, but in truth this would be first for both of us." Rin says, still staring down. "We can make up for each other's weaknesses. And just like she said, of all my sisters, she's the one I would happily love the same man with. Not that I expect you to believe me, after I have shamefully shown nothing but heartache and jealousy."

Rubbing the back of my head, I let out a ragged breath. "I haven't had to say this in a long time when it comes to love, but this would be a first for me as well. This arrangement." I close my eyes for a moment, remembering a dream where two figures a lot like them were curled up at my sides. "I don't think my heart will change, however. For good or ill."

Cloth shuffles and the next thing I know, the two sisters embrace me from the sides. Eyes snapping open, heart in my throat, the hairs on my neck and arm prickle in pleasure to have the real thing. Saki ducks under my arm, making sure that it lays across her shoulders as she presses up against me. Rin, meanwhile, holds my arm and hand. Both of them are close enough they can whisper near my ear.

"We agreed we can share," Saki says, the wine heavy on her breath despite how little she's had compared to me.

"Saki and I have had our problems, but wanting to love you hasn't been one of them," Rin says, stroking the back of my hand. "We know this won't be simple, least of all for you. We're asking you to love us the same, as best you can."

"But," Saki adds with a bit of force, "we don't need an answer right away. We can wait," she murmurs, a hand dragging up my sleeve until it comes to rest on my shoulder.

As I relax from their sudden touch and embrace, I painfully realize exactly how much I want this. How much I want them, though the wine might be making that worse. I fear hurting them, either in a fit of mindless terror or by not measuring up to what they deserve. I don't know if two women can truly love the same man and not quarrel. I don't even know if I can love two women and give them both the wholeheartedness they deserve. My desire for the both of them to be right where they are is strong, but I don't know if it's greater than the icy fright sinking its fangs into my heart.

Closing my eyes, breathing in the hints of incense on their fur, I don't know what to do. If I say nothing they'll stay here, for a time. But eventually the silent stillness becomes an answer. A rejection.

I let out a ragged, beaten down sigh. The noise comes from my bones, worn and weathered from a life of constant travel and countless conflicts. "I don't want to bring you two misery."

"We know," Saki soothes, each word deliberate.

"We don't want to cause you hurt, Egil," Rin adds. "There's no right or wrong answer. Nor must you give us one, especially not tonight."

"I'm sick of running," I let out, the utterance exhausting. "But coming to rest now, with two women I want to love? I can't think it's right, and all I see are doubts and pitfalls."

"Doubts have clung to us both as well," Saki murmurs.

"Yet," Rin continues for her sister, "we want to try. So ask yourself, Egil, what it is you want. Perhaps that will give you an answer, or at least a measure of peace you so clearly deserve."

I deserve nothing but what befalls me.

It takes a moment for that thought to sink as I sit between the two kitsune. They've opened themselves up to me. They care for me so much that they want me, together. And I'm here, miserable at the thought that all I deserve is whatever befalls me? All while my heart beats excitedly from their close presence? The absurdity isn't lost upon me, making me glad I didn't speak it aloud.

What I want is the kitsune beside me, of course. Both of them. That doesn't solve my doubts or give me peace. Yet it gives me something to focus on, as I'm not forced into a choice between them. No. That's not what this is anymore. Of course I have my fears about how it could work with three of us, but their own fear isn't stopping them.

I can face down man-eaters, even after the wounds to my very being left behind by one, yet I can't even go after what I want?

I squeeze my fingers together, and pull my scattered thoughts onto that one question. What do I want?

"I've one foolish question for you two," I say, speaking as if I'm about to step off a cliff without a fear of falling. "Is this where you two wanted your plans to end up? Like this?"

"Yes," Saki whispers, hunching so she can rest her head against my chest.

"I had an agonized hope it would," the nine-tail admits, pressing the top of her head softly against my cheek, her white locks spilling against my back.

"I see," I exhale, rubbing my thumb over Rin's while I start doing the same to Saki's back. "If I have to make a choice, I want to make the one where I stop running. I want to try and trust, to have faith in you two. So if you'll have me, I would be willing to try."

"Just like that?" Rin whispers incredulously, clinging to my side as if I might slip away like smoke through her fingers.

"Don't argue," Saki replies, a slightly uneven pitch to her voice. "We have him. He has us. We actually talk together from here on out, and it will work out."

"How much did you drink, sister?"

Saki keeps quiet, but I don't blame her. She's probably relieved her plan actually worked, where I suspect Rin or I would have messed it all up. I can scarcely believe that I've agreed, but I'm not about to go back on it. Not with how pleasantly my heart thumps in my chest having them here as something more than friends.

"I feel like I should be asking myself that question," I mutter.

"Add me into that," Rin says.

A stressed, but wildly relieved, chuckle escapes my lips. It's not even funny, just tension trying to escape before my spine collapses. I softly pat the two of them, wanting to distract myself as much as I want to make certain they're really here. "Well, if this doesn't work, then we blame the wine, right? For now, I'm going to try and enjoy this instead of torment myself."

"That's two of us thinking that," Rin breathes out, tension draining from her as she eases against me. "Maybe three, but I doubt Saki wants to talk when her thoughts are so obvious."

"Hm," the eight-tail mumbles, her eyes shut as she leans into my chest.

The warmth of the pair chases away the slight chill of night as well as the loneliness that I've grown so used to. It's with great reluctance that, after a while, I have to say, "I have to warn you two, but my tired back isn't going to let me sit like this for long. I might fall backwards now that it feels like weeks of tension have been torn out of me."

"That would be fine with me," Rin says, more of her tails laying against my back, "so long as I can fall with you."

Saki layers her tails against me as well, while also placing a hand on my lap. "We should move to a futon," she murmurs, dangerously close to slurring her words.

"Then we'd have to let go of him, right after we got him," Rin groans, clinging tighter to my arm. "And get everything laid out. We can just cover him up with our tails."

This relaxed, unguarded side of Rin is so charming I just want to stroke her hair and ears. It's a compelling impulse, but one I hold off on. In part because the hand on my lap starts to rub my thigh. That gets my heart thumping in a new way altogether, but it's far from an unpleasant turn of events. Saki nuzzles my chest, distracting me from what she might be trying to do with my lap, and she says, "I already set out a futon and cushions."

"She is too sneaky sometimes," Rin mutters, "but I suppose I was distracted at the time."

"Confident that I'd go along with your plan?" I ask the eight-tail.

"No. Only hopeful," she answers, her stroking of my thigh starting to stir more than my heartbeat. She's getting closer and closer to my loins, but I'm not about to stop her.

"Is your hand hopeful as well, Saki?" Rin teases.

Saki tilts her head up enough to look up at me, but her palm remains where it is on my inner thigh, tantalizingly close to where my desires want it. "I only wish to help you relax, Egil."

"She's drunker than I thought," Rin sighs into my ear. "She hardly drinks not because she hates the taste, but because she gives into her passion so much swifter."

"Would you rather wait more, Rin?" Saki huffs.

It's strangely adorable to see the stern, severe kitsune drunk and bantering like this.

"I," Rin begins, as I become aware of how my arm is pressing between her bosom, "do not want to exhaust him. He's been through a lot."

She's not wrong. I should be too beaten down to even consider pleasure. But the nap I had, the wine, and now having the two of them so naturally fit against me - I am only a man. Who has the two women I've fallen for, in an almost unbelievable agreement that they can both have me. It would be stranger if I wasn't feeling a surge in my loins right now, especially with the half lidded, smoldering eyes Saki is giving me. Now that we've opened up to what might be a bad decision, I have no reason to restrain myself, and the eight-tail knows it.

"We can take care of everything tonight," Saki smiles gently, eyes and quiet voice practically pleading.

"You don't have to listen to her, we can just rest if you want," Rin says, resting her head on my shoulder. "B-but," she adds, a surprising tinge of nerves in her voice as she squeezes my hand and presses her breasts against me, "she is right. It's only right we tend to your needs, after all."

The brown eyed eight-tail, undeniably unashamed thanks to the wine, smiles lightly. She runs her head against my chest, surely hearing my heart as it drums along in excited unease, once more and says, "You don't need to be so embarrassed and uptight, sister. Egil won't care that you're a virgin."

"Saki!" Rin half shouts, lifting off of my shoulder. Only to realize, panic in her gaze, that she just did that by my ear. Thankfully she wasn't too loud. "Sorry."

I have a hard time believing this revelation, considering how flirtatious Rin has been with me, but the shrinking, worried look drawing her away from me confirms it. Patting the uninhibited Saki on the head in the hopes that she stays quiet - which mostly works as she pushes into my hand and makes soft, happy sounds befitting a wild fox - I reach out to Rin. Laying my hand on her shoulder, I guide her back into an embrace. She hesitantly hugs me as I rest my hand on her head and start softly stroking her ears, giving into my own needs and desires by petting them. Fur softer than velvet, more luxurious than silk, dances against my skin, momentarily distracting me from how stirred up Saki was making me.

"Are you?" I ask, not particularly caring if she is or not. But I'd like to know, for the sake of understanding her.

"Yes," she murmurs. "I-"

"Rin," I say comfortingly, "it's nothing to be ashamed of."

She immediately disagrees. "You would think that as the oldest sister, as a kitsune even, I'd have experience beyond flirting," the nine-tail whines, the secret painful for her. "If I did, maybe I wouldn't have been such a bitch to you and Saki."

Inexperience explains some of the intensity of her reactions and gives me a new understanding of why she took my indecisiveness and reluctance so harshly. She's never been in a relationship strong enough to share the most intimate of acts, yet she dared to look for it in me. And I tried to reject her. Yet we're here now, so that's all a matter for another time. Right now I think she's overestimating how much experience matters in this situation, when what I want is her and Saki, not some idealization. Or perhaps I don't understand what it means to her culturally that she's still a virgin - but if that's the case, then I can always lean into being a foreigner unfamiliar with the customs of this land. If I can't otherwise ease her up, of course.

"We're here. That's what matters," I tell the nine-tail. "And I don't want you to do anything you're uncomfortable with, okay?"

"Okay," Rin sighs into me, bringing an arm up my back to rest on my shoulder. "But I-I do want you, and I'll have no regrets if it's you, Egil. But I don't want to disappoint more than I already have."

I don't know what to say to an admission like that. I'm flattered, honored, and taken aback at the same time. She has her reasons for trusting me, and I don't need to know them right now to accept her. "You won't disappoint, Rin," I speak softly, rubbing at her ears. "Not if it's you. So stop worrying, please."

"Alright. But only if you keep that up with your hand."

"Please do," Saki implores with a groan, rubbing her head into my palm.

"Well, I can't turn down a request like that," I say, exploring their heads with my fingers until I find spots that get soft, enticing moans out of them both.

It takes effort to ignore how my manhood starts to stir from those sounds, but for now I want to focus on them.

I don't know how long I sit there stroking and petting the kitsune's heads, scratching and rubbing at the fluffy edges and bases of their ears. Eventually, Rin relaxes enough that she makes similar sounds as Saki, the groaning, pleased noises hardly something I'd expected out of either of them. Not that I'd ever complain with how sweet a music it is to my ears. There's no need for noble dignity or stern self-control. Not when they're going limp against me from the comfort and desire I can lavish onto them. Saki starts sliding down until she's lying partly in my lap, one hand on my knee and the other on my stomach as I continuously assault her head and ears with attention. Rin leans into me with a hug, eager to forget everything that isn't having me accept her.

"Sister," Rin mumbles drunkenly, and not from the wine. "Your plan was exactly what I needed."

"Mhrm," Saki moans, the sound bubbling with pleasure.

I only started doing this to relax them, but it seems rubbing their heads is doing more than that to the pair. There are a few spots, right behind Saki's ears, that get more than happy moans out of her; they're downright seductive. As for Rin, she's quieter, but I can feel her squirm closer and her breath quicken when I rub an ear between my fingers. I quietly vow to be careful around the other kitsune, while also lavishing these two sisters with as much petting as I can give, teasing them with relaxation and excitement. Being able to please and comfort someone with my hands instead of causing hurt is a balm on my weathered spirit. I need this as much as they clearly do, in a way that goes far beyond the restrained urges building in me.

Stroking between their ears, and sometimes caressing the fluffy edges, I find myself not just relieved, but content. We might regret this tomorrow, but for now these two foxes and I have what we want. For now I can forget those worries about propriety and whether it's fair to want them both. They've chosen to act together, and I want nothing more than to have them right here where I can finally touch the women I've fallen for. If there are problems, it will be in the morning.

The knots between my shoulders ease up as Rin, cuddled tightly against my side, rubs a palm against my back, beneath the blanket of tails curled against me. I stroke her silken hair as I feel a much needed relaxation seep deeper and deeper into her. The drunken Saki settles in, looping an arm against my waist while she melts into my lap, every bit of her restraint cast off from only a few cups of wine. Though my petting and caressing of her head has her needily urging my fingers to all the right spots, a particular area just beside an ear making her chatter out another moan, proving she's not completely out of it. She runs a hand over my leg far too intentionally for her to be lost in drink and pleasure. And with how her face and cheek nuzzle ever more insistently at what is stiffening at my loins, I can tell exactly what she wants. My body, even worn down as it is, won't be able to resist her for much longer if she keeps that up.

Which is perfectly fine with me right now, I realize.

Even so, I keep going even as my hands start to tire, hoping to relax them both nearly as much as this pleases me. Rin doesn't appear to notice the slowing of my petting, but Saki stirs in my lap. She reaches up for my hand on her head, stopping it and wrapping her fingers around mine. At the same time she runs a cheek against the bulge my excited manhood makes in my clothes, a self-satisfied glint in her eyes as she stares up at me.

"We should be pleasing you, Egil," the eight-tail softly whines.

"Having you two here is pleasing." I manage to rub the base of one of her ears, but not the spot that excites her, even while she holds my hand.

"Hmrm," she groans, closing her eyes and brushing her nose against my hardness. Unfortunately for her, I still have a great deal of restraint, even as pleasure surges up through me from the contact. "Rin. You convince him."

"Forgive her," Rin mutters, bending her neck down so I can get the back of her ears. I happily oblige the nine-tail. "The wine must be fully at work on her now."

"I think it's more than the wine that's getting to all of us," I say, well aware that Rin and I are dozens of cups away from losing all our inhibitions.

"True," Rin murmurs, tilting back so I can see the hint of a mischievous smile. My hand glides across her hair, coming to rest at the back of her neck.

Yet her playfulness is quickly tempered by raw uncertainty as soon as she realizes I'm looking right at her.

"I, ah," she looks down, clearly flustered, "agree with my drink-addled sister. We should be the ones showering you with love right now."

I can't help but ruffle her hair and stroke between her warm, embarrassed ears. There's a small knot in my stomach at the implication they might have anything to prove to me. "Do you truly think I'm not pleased to have two beautiful women happy to have me?"

Saki chooses that moment to practically purr, my toes curling as she teases me through my clothes. I focus on her sister. The eight-tail insisted Rin convince me, so I can't give in just yet.

"Th-that's," Rin groans, reluctantly reaching up and taking my hand off her head, "only the start of the night. Right?"

Her once hidden inexperience burns brightly as she flicks her gaze between me and her sister resting in my lap.

Saki, content up until now to tease my hard manhood with nuzzling, looks up needily at me as I rub her black tipped ears. Somehow she snakes an arm toward the front of my clothes, stopping just short of hooking her fingers beneath them. "That depends on what pleases Egil," she murmurs.

Sultry brown eyes, begging me to say it's the two of them, plead with me. Fortunately for her, my stiffened length surging with desire right next to her head makes it impossible for me to lie. Playing with her ear, I think about how strangely this night has moved. But if we've gotten this far, we might as well keep going, right?

Perhaps it's the loosening effect of the wine, or perhaps it's the wild but curious uncertainty I've thrown myself into, but I decide to tease them a little. Looking at Rin, I ask, a smile pulling at my lips, "And what would showering me in love mean, hm?"

"I..." Blue eyes wide, she glances to her sister for help.

That I didn't expect, not from her of all people. Perhaps the wine has more influence on me than I thought, as I should have known better with the revelation about Rin's inexperience.

"Try getting him out of his clothes," Saki whispers, but not quiet enough to do any good. Rin's eyes get even bigger, and to my surprise, the drunk eight-tail starts giggling. Even more surprising, I swear a faint red tint of blushing shows through the white fur on Rin's face.

There will be chances to playfully tease Rin later that won't outright distress her, or so I hope. If she's this inexperienced and sensitive to it, then it's only right for me to make her comfortable. Thankfully her sister's giggling abates soon enough for me to try.

"How about," I say, "we get more comfortable than sitting in front of a forgotten meal?"

"That sounds wise," Rin replies, glancing towards the table, and possibly the wine jug.

"Mh," Saki grunts, taking that as some sort of cue. She slides out of my lap, trying to sneakily fondle my balls as she does, and wobbles up to her feet. Tails drag off of me and swirl and sway, the kitsune needing a moment to find her balance. She regains it quickly, but not before Rin rises to make sure she's okay.

I'm the last to stand, legs stiff and tired from the last few days. I try to keep that all out of mind and instead focus on the two lovely kitsune, putting my hands on their backs. I want to believe that I can stay in control of my past terror and enjoy this dangerous decision. "Why don't we get to that futon you mentioned?"

Saki answers wordlessly by pressing up against my side, no doubt telling me she'll follow me where I want to go. Rin, however, takes a moment to grab what is left of the wine. She takes a respectable swig from the open jug, then offers it to me while she keeps hold of the unopened one.

"So we can pretend we're as free from restraint as Saki," she explains.

That's not the best reasoning, but not bad either. With only a nod I take the wine and finish what little is left. The eight-tail doesn't seem to care about what was said about her. As well as not being offered a drink. She just clings to my side, content as ever to have a reason to hold me now that her guard is well and truly down.

Rin takes the empty jug, sets it aside, and starts to lead us toward the door-wall separating this room from the next. I step after her, glad that Saki moves flawlessly in step with me instead of staggering, and hook my elbow around Rin's. She stares shocked at me, until I say, "All three of us, right?"

"You're taking to this quite quickly," Rin softly smiles, easing her hip, and then the rest of her, against me. "But you're right."

Saki seems to agree, what with how she tilts her head against my shoulder.

"Why shouldn't I, after the long journey it's been to get here?" My hands on their waists, just shy of their behinds, I add, "I think the destination is worth it."

"Well, I suppose we might as well complete that journey together, then," she says, blushing under her fur as we go to the door-wall.

Rin slides it open with a wave of a single tail, the rest of them nestled against my back with Saki's, and we step into a simple room. Lanterns in the corners cast warm shadows. Several neat stacks of cushions sit next to two futons laid out so close together they look to be single large one. I have a moment of stark realization and doubt wash over me, wondering if it's truly okay to be doing this with them. If we're making the right choices, or if it's all foolishness brought on by the constant danger, tragedy, and drama.

I don't get far into the sudden second thoughts when the door-wall clatters shut, the sound strangely final. It reminds me that, while my doubts have some truth, none of us are here for simple thrills.

I must not be the only one who finds it significant that the three of us are here in such an intimate space, shut off from the rest of the world, as Saki turns to put her hand on my chest. The wine is still strong on her breath as she says, "Shall we help you with your clothes, Egil?"

Inviting brown eyes, hoping to share the trust they so clearly crave, stare deeply into me. Beside me I notice blue orbs drift closer, Rin mirroring Saki. The two kitsune have their hands at the edges of my clothes, ready to pull them open.

If they're working together like this so easily, I have no good reason to entertain the stubborn and foolish doubts still trying to claw their way back into my heart. Not when I want nothing more than to grab hold of them again and squeeze much lower than before.

Not that I give into something like that. "Just please mind my scars," I whisper, the request hard for me to make. "I want this to be pleasant, not-"

"Hush," Saki says, rubbing my shoulder while she creeps her other hand under my clothes. "You won't hurt us. And we won't use any claws or teeth. We know you better than that."

She knew what I was getting at without me even needing to say it. The last thing I could stand to do is losing control of myself and falling into an old memory or fear while with them. They've seen what befalls me, but they're still here with me anyway. If ever there were women I'd dare to trust like this, it's them.

"We came up with an idea of what to do, to prove you'll be okay," Rin begins, all but hearing my thoughts as her free hand dives beneath my clothes and the two start to help my upper half out. "All you need to do is lay your head in Saki's lap and trust us. And excuse my, ah, lack of skills."

"You," Saki murmurs, "don't have to worry, Egil. We can help soothe those unseen scars."

Their palms stroking over the skin of my chest, their pads and fur gliding gently over me without so much as a hint of their claws, I give in. I want them just as much as I want to trust them. They so clearly desire the same, so I turn my willpower to shutting out those thoughts instead of my lust.

I help out their efforts by shrugging my shoulders out of the top of my clothes, letting my arms slip free of the sleeves. A faint chill greets me, but it's quickly banished by the tails that lay against my back. Saki undoes the thin belt of a sash holding my clothes together, and in a rustle of falling fabric, I'm left bare between the two women. My skin prickles as I feel their gazes drift down my scarred chest, and to the proud, half-hard length jutting out in a lazy arc. Those cursed doubts took their toll on me, it seems.

Saki has already seen it, under much more awkward circumstances, but now she doesn't look away from my manhood. The way the white of Rin's face takes on a tint of red has me wondering exactly how inexperienced she is to blush at the mere sight. Her hand that isn't occupied with a wine jug starts trailing down my chest, only to hesitate at my stomach. She looks at me, questioning if it's really alright. I give a faint nod, hoping to ease her fears and my own shoved aside reservations. As soon as I give the signal, Saki takes her sister's hand and guides it lower, until the soft pink pads of Rin's palm and fingers brush against my length.

After so long of not being with a woman, and weeks of not even finding pleasure with my hand, that much contact makes me suck in a breath. Saki encourages her sister to hold me, and for the inexperienced nine-tail's sake, I don't hold back a slight, happy groan. It's been so long, I'd all but forgotten how much nicer it was when someone else was involved. Rin seems surprised when her oh so light but enticing touch causes me to react like that, as well as when my shaft engorges the rest of the way as my heart beats eagerly. She can feel me stiffen up as her younger sister guides her hand, encouraging Rin to stroke me.

"I can feel your heartbeat," Rin murmurs, intrigued as she is mystified.

I haven't been with a partner this inexperienced since I was back in my homeland. The fresh eagerness in her eyes and voice doesn't have me worried, however. If anything, it makes me want to urge her to go a little faster. The nine-tail is utterly transfixed by what she's feeling as she strokes me under her sister's guidance, Saki's pads lightly teasing the tip of my length with every stroke.

"Egil," Saki whispers seductively, but too loud to be private, "how much vigor do you think you have?"

"More than enough to please you both, so long as I don't have to do too much tomorrow morning."

"Mh," Saki hums, leaning in to rub her nose against my cheek. "What if I want you tomorrow too?"

"You're insatiable, sister," Rin murmurs while still stroking me off.

"You'll know why soon enough."

Not wanting this teasing to be one sided much longer, I drift my hands down their backs, until I cup the swell of their hips. The response from them both is to move into my touch, and I find myself wishing there wasn't clothing in the way of my fingers. Feeling Saki's muscles and the slight plushness of Rin would make this just that much better right now.

"How about," I begin, "instead of worrying about tomorrow, we get more comfortable for tonight?"

"We can do that," Rin says. Saki guides her into using a thumb to roll over the head of my shaft, teasing the foreskin and making me shiver pleasantly. "S-s-so," the nine-tail stammers with pleased surprise, "what should we do?"

"Get undressed so he has something nice to look at," Saki says, making sure to breathe against my ear. Very quietly she whispers in that same ear, "I can wait. Focus on Rin. Get her ready and relaxed."

I reply by reaching down a little more and groping Saki's rear end, her backside firm yet yielding. That makes her shiver and wrap a tail around my wrist, as if urging me to do more, but before I can she slips away. Saki, hands on her sash, confidently undoes it. I want to watch, to see those breasts I've made myself avoid looking at, but she shoots me a conspiratorial wink. Taking that as a signal, I follow her suggestion of focusing on Rin. For now. Later, I'll have to make sure the eight-tail knows my lust burns just as wildly for her.

My hand on the nine-tail's hip, her stroking stopping as she doesn't know what else to do, I step in front of her and tug playfully at the strip of silk holding her clothes together. "Why don't I help you?" I say, also taking the jug of wine from her hand.

"A-alright," she answers, moving with me to take off her sash. It slips free into my grasp, so I quickly set it and the wine down before returning to the nervous kitsune.

Grabbing the hem of her clothes, I lean in and press my face into the tuft of winter fur at her neck. The pleasant smell of ink, incense, and woodsmoke fills my nose, along with the faint scent of her. A pleasing, earthy, almost metallic scent that my loins enjoy a little too much. She croons softly, hands possessively finding my shoulders as I give into thoughtless wants and needs. Mouth to mouth might be difficult because of her snout and my fears of teeth, but that doesn't mean we're incapable of showing affection. I pull open her top and she wiggles her arms free. I lean up and kiss the side of her jaw, while she bends down into it. Her flat tongue licks my ear, tepid and cautious at first, but as I help her strip out of her clothes, she grows more bold. Nuzzling the side of my face, she drags her tongue along my earlobe, breathing in deeply of me while her hand ruffles through the back of my hair. Her clothes crumble to the floor, giving our clumsy exploration more meaning.

My hands finally free to explore her, I sink them into the fur of her hip and back. Stroking up, tracing the line of her spine, I roll my head under her jaw, switching sides so I can get her from a different angle. All of the restraint I've had around her can finally be put aside, letting me know her form at last. Rin doesn't mind in the slightest, eyes closing as she happily lets me lead. Her touch is freed as well. The pads on her palms and fingers glide against my back, tracing my muscles and the faint lines of scars. The ones back there I don't mind her touching, it's only my chest I'm uneasy about. But that is quickly occupied as Rin presses her bosom against me, her bare nipples, hot to the touch and hardening by the moment, grinding against me. I cup her rear, stroking and feeling the pleasant give and soft muscle underneath, her fur sweetly sliding between my fingers.

But that's not enough. Not for me, or for her mood.

I rub my face against her cheek, and she licks my ear, keeping it to only her tongue and soft whiskers. A shiver runs down my back as I bask in the joy of having someone close and safe. She's finally relaxed enough for me to push things, so I start to slowly slip my fingers towards her front. I drag them over and around her hip, until I'm teasing the base of her stomach. Then I dip lower, gliding over the mound of her womanhood. She's heated and swollen from all my attentions, from all the build up to this moment. I mercilessly stroke my fingers over her delicate flower, her breath catching in her throat as I rub and tease her. I run two fingers over those lower lips, massaging a new kind of tension into her. One that has her gripping my shoulders as I return the favor from before.

"O-oooh," she moans, shuffling into me to feel more, and my length brushing against her thigh. The delightfully humid heat of her nethers starts to cling to my fingers. Her knees quiver, her arms holding onto me for support.

"Egil," she pants, "wait. I-I, w-we sh-should be the ones pleasing you."

"I am pleased," I say, craning my neck up to whisper to the weak-kneed kitsune. "If I can let go and just enjoy it, you can too."

Despite saying that, I ease up on teasing her needy crevice and explore the curves of her body instead. Rin bites back moaning pants as she grinds against me, her restraint washed out by the winter's worth of longing set free. She's slow and careful in all of her groping and exploring of my own body, the soft pads on her palms tracing over my back and gingerly passing a few scars. She's so eager, so soft, so tender that I can't keep silent, a few groans escaping my lips. Just as I contemplate ruffling the bushy fur of her neck with my face, she gets my manhood slipped between her thighs. It's no accident at all when I brush across the sweltering need in her crotch, a gasp of success and pleasure shivering through her breathless body.

A thrill runs up my spine as her lustful wetness glides over my length, coating my sensitive skin and leaking against her fur. With the nine-tail this worked up, I drag my hands through her fur and over her curves, savoring her shape. Before she gets any ideas about what to do with the part of me trapped between her thighs and slick slit, I put my palms on her hips. I ease her rolling and grinding until she's mostly stopped, blue eyes imploring me to have my way with her.

I can't say no. But nor can I leave the eight-tail out of this. "How about we go see what your sister is plotting?"

Rin's hot nose rests against mine. "Promise to keep playing with me?"

"You'll both have me as long as I can lift my arms."

The nine-tail leans in and messily kisses my brow. "Careful saying that to a kitsune."

A soft whisper of a giggle comes from behind us. "Two kitsune," Saki says suspiciously slowly, as if trying not to slur her words.

Glancing her way, Rin letting go of me so she can hold me from the back, I see the eight-tail sitting on the futon. She's opened up the last of the wine. The vapors alone might have sway over her, the liquid within hardly touched. The sitting kitsune smiles invitingly at me, brown eyes half lidded while she shrugs her dress open. Cloth slides away, revealing a toned arm laid in front of her captivatingly large breasts. The moment her dress slumps around her legs and all of my attention is on her, she smiles coyly, dragging her arm under those dark orange mounds. She hefts her bosom and frees her stiffened, charcoal black nipples. There's no white on her chest, only her neck and thighs. This time I drink the sight in, just as she wants me to.

Meanwhile Rin, leaning against me, rubs her breasts into my back, squishing fur and stiffened flesh against me while she reaches around to my stomach. Then lower, Saki's smile approving as Rin traces two finger pads over my manhood.

The eight-tail looks slightly past me. "You go first, sister."

"Is that alright?" an uncertain Rin asks into my ear, all while her hand gains confidence in teasing me.

"That's up to you two," I breathe, resisting an urge to reach back and appreciatively squeeze her thigh.

"So long as I get a turn, I'm happy to wait," Saki smiles gently.

"Then why don't you lay your head in my dear little sister's lap?" Rin says, cupping my tip against her palm. "I want to make tonight about you, Egil."

Curse all semblance of restraint, these two kitsune have hewed away nearly all of it in me. I drift a hand behind me until I'm resting it on Rin's ass. She flinches, before wiggling herself into my grasp and against my back. "In what way?"

"Go lie down with Saki and I'll show you," Rin says, voice cutely wavering between confident and embarrassed.

Saki reaches down to pat her thighs, shapely and strong, which happens to let her breasts drop free. Rin lets go of me and gently pushes me forward, but not without licking at the top of my ear. A flurry of each of their tails sweep over me, Saki reaching up to take one of my hands. Rin urges me down with her tails while Saki gives me a strong arm to hold onto. I'm sat, at the eight-tail's shuffling insistence, with my head between her bosom, her hands moving across my chest.

"Relax," they say one after the other.

And more quietly, into my ear, Saki whispers, "You're safe. It won't happen, but even if you lose yourself to fear, I'm here. You won't hurt either of us."

While I'm left wordless, Saki's assurance striking a spear right through the doubts I haven't spoken, her sister draws closer. Rin sits on her knees across from me, leaning forward so her white furred breasts freely wiggle with each breath.

Naked between these two beautiful women, I try to relax as I'm told, putting aside as much of that lingering fear as I can. I reach up and stroke Saki's cheek. A purring, warbling whine leaves her drunken mouth. She pushes her fluffy face into my palm, one hand holding mine while her other moves across my stomach. Which squishes her bountiful chest around my head, a heartracing and soothing experience all at the same time.

Wine, spicy kitsune lust, and a hint of incense fill my nose as I dare to close my eyes for but one vulnerable moment.

Padded palms rest on my knees. "If Saki's chest relaxes you this much," Rin begins, a smile in her voice, "then maybe mine can excite."

Creaking my gaze open, I see locks of white hair messily fall forward, a few tickling against my skin. Some signal must've passed between the sisters, as next I know it, Saki leans back into the cushions, pulling me with her. Tensing up at the sudden motion, I keep control of myself long enough for her to land us gently. Left lying on the reclined eight-tail, one of her paw padded hands ruffling my hair while the other rests softly over my heart, I tilt my head back between her breasts. The tightness in my back won't last long when my bare skin is against her fur and one of her breasts is mashed against my ear.

"Comfortable?" she asks, peering down at me.

"Yes. But a little warning would be nice next time."

Saki might be drunk, but she understands. That's why she's having me lie back like this after all, so that she and Rin can prove they'll be safe with me despite my frightful history of having lost myself to fear with a woman once before.

"You're doing fine," Saki slurs, dipping down to kiss the top of my head, ending it with a lick of my forehead, all while her hand sensuously strokes my stomach. "And if you want, you can toss me down any time."

The hopeful plea in her wine loosened voice soothes my back into her firm stomach, distracting me from her offer, just as her fingers reaching the root of my maleness makes my loins twitch. Saki teases me right into silken fur that envelopes the entire length of my manhood, squeezing me softly. I look down from the fires of lust in Saki's eyes, her hand gliding back up my stomach, to the deep mysteries of glacier blues. Rin is kneeling between my legs and squishing her white breasts together, trapping all but the tip of my length within the plush restraint. Her bosom is smaller than Saki's, but still big enough to be the envy of any woman thanks to her height. And she's pressing her firm nipples right into my lap, leaning forward onto me so that she can work to pleasure me with nothing but her breasts.

Rin sticks her rear up slightly, scooting for a better position once she sees me looking at her. Hair purer than fresh snow scatters about her shoulders and onto me in flowing locks, the nine-tail wiggling her back end as she massages me with her mounds. Her hands rest atop her breasts as she stares longingly into my eyes, seeming to enjoy how my rod throbs in her cleavage.

"With how long it's been, I might not last long," I warn gently, unafraid to admit that between the two sensual kitsune.

"Just what I want," Rin smiles, wiggling her hips and swishing her tails.

"Enjoy yourself, you've nothing to prove," Saki coos delightfully in my ear, licking the top.

Rin props her front up so she can cup the undersides of her breasts. Once she's in a good position, she starts stroking up and down, breasts softly jiggling as smooth fur glides over my manhood.

A short grunt slips out from when her breasts envelop my tip, settling a gleam in Rin's eyes. She looks deep into my eyes while giving me this sensual massage. If it weren't for Saki suddenly weaving her fingers around mine, holding my hand against my chest, I'd be reaching down to stroke the nine-tail's ears. That's enough for me to remember that I need to let the nine-tail have her fun, even though I want to give her a fraction of the pleasure she's assailing me with.

It's almost as good as when she had me trapped between her thighs, Rin panting and moaning softly as she grinds her nipples against me. I shiver at the sound. Saki rubs my scalp and joins her voice in by humming sultrily. With one kitsune teasing my shaft and the other relaxing my entire spine with her soothing touch, I won't last long at all. If I weren't so pent up, it would take much more than this, but a clear bead slips out from my tip thanks to the nine-tail.

"Just relax. Let all your tension out," Rin coos, dragging her nipples off of my skin and sinking herself lower, letting more of my length dive in and out of her fluffy cleavage. She might be inexperienced, but she is a quick learner. She watches my every twitch and exhale, adjusting the sensual entrapment of my member and her pace until I'm all but panting, a dangerous thrill building up in my balls. My head between Saki's bosom, and ear still getting a sensuous tongue bath, I'm adrift in pleasure. It's edging out the fear, as the kitsune holding me was right - I am safe with them.

"I really won't last between two beautiful women," I say, fighting down a gasp as Rin pushes her chest tighter together, squeezing my shaft in divine softness.

Maybe I'm too pent up, but this is turning out to be just as good as between her thighs. Rin's bolder by the moment, a contented smile spreading across her face, wiping away the exhaustion that drags at her. Though there is a red blush that shows through the fur of her face, which I doubt is from excitement alone.

Her thumbs flick over her nipples, blue gaze savoring it as my breath quickens with the speed of her ministrations. "Can I hear it again?" she whispers needily.

Thoughts scattered by the approaching edge, I stare at her, trying to figure out what the beautiful, seductive nine-tail means. Saki stirs underneath me and whispers into my ear, "I think my sister is weak to praise."

I blink as that hits me. I don't know if Rin heard Saki, but I see an uneasiness creep into her blue eyes just as I feel her breast massage falter unconfidently, her established rhythm trying to urge me more. Like she made a mistake, when it's my own wine and pleasure slowed thoughts at fault.

With my free hand I reach and stroke the side of her cheek, fingers running through her luscious locks. "Do you like hearing that you're beautiful?" I ask, rubbing her ear.

Rin moans, eyes lidding as I find that spot right behind her ear again. She pinches her nipples, tugging and rolling them all while massaging my manhood. Her white hair tumbles about, captivating me, my loosened tongue unable to hold back.

"Your locks are gorgeous." I muss up her hair even more, the nine-tail's tails swishing as she grinds her chest against me more vigorously.

"You really like them?" she whispers breathlessly, tail tips twitching.

"I love them."

Rin's face blushes deeper, the white tips of her tails flicking about randomly as I stroke her hair. She rolls her chest up to engulf my tip, and at the same time, Saki reaches down and deviously strokes my thigh.

I suck in a breath between my teeth, and that alone makes the nine-tail moan. She's getting off on this, that realization making my shaft throb with a fresh wave of excitement - made all the sharper by Saki shifting underneath me. The eight-tail retreats her hand, sensing that this moment should be on her sister.

It won't take much more for my surging pleasure to crest over the edge. "Rin," I mutter, "you might want to go slower."

She does, barely, and looks me in the eye. Concern swims in those blue depths. "Does it feel good?"

"A little too good. I'm-"

She nuzzles against my arm, cutting me off. But instead of seeking more pets lavished on her, she pushes my hand away and leans down into me, redoubling her efforts. I grit my teeth, climbing that peak of pleasure thanks to her breasts and the soft moans of both kitsune. She's not going to stop. I just hope she knows what that means.

Saki keeps rubbing my scalp, her fingers squeezing mine softly as her sister pants huskily. The eight-tail leans down to whisper, "Let it out, Egil. For both of us."

A tongue laps at my other ear, Saki humming happily even though I'm not able to do anything for her aside from squeeze her hand. Rin's fingers tease her nipples, tugging and tweaking. She pants, looking lovingly at me as I try to hold back the inevitable. A shudder passes through her hips, her legs clenching behind her and hiking her rear up. A glassy look overtakes her eyes, the kitsune somehow crossing that peak first from pleasuring me.

Watching Rin's blissed out face, feeling her heartbeat against my manhood that she's still so passionately massaging even as her tails flick and spasm wildly, it drags me over the edge. I fight it as long as I can, but her gasping pants and cute face are too much.

My toes curl up, a gasp leaving my lips with a too late warning, "Rin!"

My loins clench, pleasure boiling over. My vision lightens as my manhood lets loose a sticky rope of white against Rin's smiling snout, a surprised eep making her shut her mouth. Saki moans in approval, while her sister's shock turns to unbidden glee as I get off right along with her. Bliss groans through me thoughtlessly. I bask in the pleasure and warmth of these two women, the sight of my lust spilling on Rin's face as a devious smile spreads across her mouth taking away all needless emotions. My manhood twitches, launching a few more strings of white onto Rin's face and breasts, until she's a mess and I'm trembling fruitlessly in the soft valley she's lending it.

My heart pounding, I gasp in a breath, squeezing Saki's hand and looking at Rin. It takes a while longer for the glassy, dazed look in the nine-tail's eyes to fade, the kitsune huffing happily as sense returns to her.

There's nothing but happiness in the nine-tail's smile, telling me she got exactly what she wanted, my seed messily splashed across her face and breasts. "Enjoy yourself?" she asks breathlessly, somehow affecting nobleness despite the sticky whiteness in her fur.

"That's what I should be asking. Of both of you," I murmur, thumb rolling over Saki's.

Rin chuckles. Instead of retorting, she leans her head down, letting her tongue stretch out. I watch, half-wondering if I should feel anything but a longing for the nine-tail and her sister I'm lying on, as the fox woman licks the traces of my seed off my tip and her breasts.

If I weren't so spent for the moment, I'd find it thrilling enough to tease her. Instead, I just lean back into Saki's chest, flinching and twitching as Rin cleans up the mess, but it's only because I'm sensitive. I close my eyes so it stays that way, and try to just enjoy where we've ended up.

"Are you worn out?" Saki asks softly, putting her hands on my chest.

I don't mind that she's touching the jagged scars. She always keeps her own claws far from my skin, and right now, her pads against my skin make the afterglow all the more pleasant. "I haven't forgotten you," I whisper back, reaching down and rubbing her thigh, her fur just a little stiffer than Rin's, but still quite pleasant.

"I can wait," Saki insists, words not quite as slurred but the wine still strong on her breath, even over the smell of heady lust that's tickling my nose from Rin. "So long as you let me try that one day."

"Hm." I crack my eyes open and look up at the ceiling. "Just don't ask me to compare you two."

"We'd never do something so foolish," Rin says, still catching her breath.

She lets my softening manhood free from her cleavage, the cool air a touch uncomfortable after being so intimate. The nine-tail sits back and, I notice out of the edge of my sight, starts to lick the rest of my seed off of herself. If I weren't so spent, my length sagging, that sight alone would be getting me riled up. My travels may have done something odd to me, that I find a magical fox woman so attractive, but I don't care.

Eventually Rin gets her fur mostly clean, only a few spots slightly damp. "So, sister," she says, looking slightly above me. "Should we switch places for the night? You've been quite patient."

"I can be patient a lot longer," Saki murmurs into my ear she's polished, reaching down to my manhood and gingerly touching the sensitive flesh.

"Or I could rest for a bit, then return some of that teasing."

"Ah," Saki exhales excitedly. "Could you do it for both of us?"

"Sister," Rin smiles, settling down beside us and stroking my arm, "you made sure I was taken care of. It's only fair I make sure you get some of Egil's loving all to yourself."

"Even if I want him to go farther?" Saki mutters.

"I already told you that's fine," Rin laughs gently. "I'm sure you won't mind, will you Egil? After all, I'd like to, ah, see exactly how it's done."

The nine-tail is practically crimson under her fur.

"Sounds like you two have it all planned out," I chuckle. The wine and pleasure of women are too intoxicating for me to escape this pleasant mood. "We can see what can be done, Saki, in a few moments.

A shiver courses through Saki, her padded palm softly engulfing my half-softened manhood fully. "I can wait," she says, impatiently desperate tone suggesting otherwise, "but we could help you get ready faster. Can't we, sister?"

Somehow Rin blushes deeper. "Y-you'd need to lead the spell," she stammers. "I know how it's done, of course, but..."

"You'll have plenty of chances to learn," Saki says, a devious grin I can't see etched into her words.

"Or," I cut in, stroking Saki's arm enough for her to not go any farther, "I could wait a bit. Two gorgeous women in a bed with me is certain to have me ready to go soon enough."

"You don't need to be frightful of our magic," Rin says. "It's one of the simplest spells for a kitsune."

"We can try it some other time," I say, easing Saki's hand away from me just enough for me to roll over. A sad sound whines in Saki's throat, but as I sit up, I make sure to run my hand up her thigh. "But don't worry, I'll be ready by the time the rest of the wine is gone."

Sitting there before the two nude and reclining kitsune, I find myself unashamed of being naked with them. I marvel at the two of them, not just their alluring curves but how they see me. Rin lies on her side and smiles at me, while Saki locks her gaze with me and slides her hands up her chest where I'd been lying. There's a needy gleam in the eight-tail's brown eyes, one that quickens my heart pleasantly. I can't believe this is actually happening, that we've gotten to this point, but sitting around pondering it won't help anything.

While the two of them start to sit up, I reach for the wine. Tails stroke my legs and stomach, the white tips of Saki's playing dangerously against the inside of my thighs. Even when I have the wine in hand, the two of them don't stop, the soft tugging and caressing guiding me to sit in between them. They cuddle up against me, soft fur against my bare skin to chase away a slight chill. I don't know if they lean on me to support me, or to find support. It works out the same, letting me happily raise the wine jug and take a drink.

Refreshing fire dances through my throat as I lower the jug, Saki gingerly taking it from my grasp.

"Sister," Rin says, "are you certain?"

"I'm getting used to the taste," the eight-tail insists, tipping it back.

She still winces slightly, tails fidgeting against my back. But it's no wonder. She takes as much, probably more, than I did. She tips the jug down, the remaining rice wine within sloshing, and breathes out heavily. I can only hope the eight-tail knows her limits.

"Don't drink it all," Rin teases, taking the jug and only sipping from it.

Saki just groans and leans back against me, her hand sneaking back into my lap. I start petting the back of her head, but not so vigorously that she stops, while I also stroke Rin's back. However, Saki doesn't try to tease me much. She just possessively keeps her hand on my manhood.

"Hm," the nine-tail moans into the wine. "This night has gone better than I thought."

"We'll have to thank your sister when she isn't drunk."

Rin's nose drifts so close to my ear the faint whiskers tickle my skin. She whispers, quiet as can be, "Should I tell you what her fantasies are so you can properly do that?"

Glancing at the eight-tail, who rests her head against my shoulder with closed eyes, I nod a silent answer to her cunning sister.

"She wants you to take charge," the nine-tail whispers. "She told me it's nothing but bliss, giving over all that control, and only working to make the one you love feel good."

I wouldn't have guessed that with how insistent Saki was, but as I think on it, I remember what she said about tossing her down. It comes together slowly, but once it does, I nod. "I can do that for her." I turn my head, and whisper back, "But what about you?"

Her smile is a touch nervous. "I thought I knew," she murmurs, "but hearing you say those things to me is making me question myself."

"Well," I say, running my hand up her back until I tease a lock of her hair, "if you want, we can always see what does work for you."

Her blush shows through her fur again. "S-so long," she stumbles quietly, "as you're enjoying it."

"I'm a man of simple pleasures."

"We'll see about that, won't we?" Rin says, taking another sip of wine.

When she lowers the jug, she offers it to me. Before I take my hand off of Saki's head, I look at the strangely quiet eight-tail to see why she hasn't been trying to tease me back to full mast. The quietness I can understand, but her being still after seeming so eager is odd.

Her head is slumped against my shoulder, her arms slack as she breathes in the deep, regular rhythm of sleep. I can't help but tease at her ear to see if she's only drifted off for a moment, stroking along the fuzzy edge. She doesn't even flinch or twitch. A gentle rub, and then shake, of her shoulder achieves the same amount of nothing. The eight-tail is out of it, either because of the wine or the stress of the day.

It's hard to believe considering how riled up she seemed, so I glance at Rin.

The nine-tail peers over without me needing to say anything. She quickly raises her wrist to her mouth as she giggles at the sight of Saki passed out against me, with her hand still holding my rejuvenating maleness.

"Oh my," Rin breathes out, trying to collect herself. "I tried to warn her."

"Does this happen often when she drinks?"

"Normally she loosens up, but not so much she falls asleep."

"Hm." I pat the passed out kitsune's head. "We should get her lying down, then."

"Sorry, Egil. If I had known she was so wound up that she'd crumble like this, I would have let her go first."

"It's okay," I smile, rubbing Rin between the ears. "I think lying down would do me some good as well."

The nine-tail nods, and instead of drinking the rest of the wine, crawls away to set it in a corner of the room where we aren't likely to knock it over. I steal a glance at her backend as she shuffles over, the curve of her rear end stirring my loins. But a soft, murmuring snore from Saki keeps me from getting too excited by her sister's curvy behind. I focus on the tired eight-tail and lay her down, hoping to get her in a comfortable position among all the cushions. It's of course enticing to see and feel her breasts wobble, but that can wait for another time. After all that's happened, I think there will be more than just this night.

As soon as Saki is resting on her back, she turns over and grabs onto my arm. At first I think she has woken up, but then she ekes out a snore. Left with nothing else to do but settle in beside her, I ease my back against the cushiony bedding. Saki wiggles in her drunken sleep until she's comfortably resting her head across my chest.

Rin chooses that moment to crawl in beside me, hugging my other arm between her breasts while putting her head just above mine. All nine of those tails raise up and flick, the lamps dimming to darkness. Then her tails drift down over me, covering my legs and torso as she breathes out, "This is okay, right?"

"Yes," I murmur, the warmth and life beside me comforting. I've thought about this so much, how could I not be okay with the two of them curling up beside me?

"Thank you, Egil," Rin says, laying a hand across my chest, and against her sister's head.

"For what?"

She nuzzles the top of my head. "For daring to take this chance with us."

I don't have anything I can say to that, not when the bone deep exhaustion buried in me pulls me down into the futon. Instead, I close my eyes and try to enjoy this, for however long it can last. As sleep descends upon me, an errant thought from my first night here crosses my mind.