FSE

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Warm furs keep the cold edge of winter away. A haze of comfort lingers from my dreams, my tired limbs too heavy to move as I drift into what might be wakefulness. Or perhaps I'm still asleep, caught at the edge of a pleasant dream beneath an old oak with unseen but welcome company. Comforting weight holds down my chest and legs, while my arms are so heavy with exhaustion they refuse to move. Yet the more chilly breaths I take, the more I start to stir.

This isn't a dream, I realize, coming to slowly. My head tilts, eyes still shut, and I feel the cushions beneath rustle. Weariness drags a groan out of me, the noise dying in my throat as someone resting right beside me yawns. The sound is somewhere above my head, the lethargy in my sinews snapping to tension as I try to figure out where I am. Memory of a situation like this burns so vividly it's like I'm there, waking up beside someone and their yawn flashing teeth in my face. Except my eyes are still closed. The beat of my heart thumps louder. The waking sound of the one next to me comes to an end, the vivid memory passing as thorns of worse prickle under my skin.

I open my eyes, wishing to banish the jumbled memories of snarling fangs, only to be assailed by the dull morning light creeping into the room and banishing any hint of panic. Blinking to better endure the light, I see only the wooden ceiling of the kitsune's home. The grain of the beams and boards are different from what I've woken up to before, swelling the confusion in me.

I look around and someone's white hair slides off my face. I glance down, at last realizing I'm not nestled up alone beneath furs.

Fluffy fox tails cover my resting form, the two kitsune owners on either side of me. The night before comes back to me in jumbled flashes as I take stock of the present.

Saki's curled up so her head rests on my chest and half buried in the tails, her dark ears motionless as she sleeps partly on me with one of my arms trapped against her in a hug. This position is far from disagreeable, although as I turn my head the other direction, toward the other, my heart tries to jump into my throat. White, fur covered breasts are pressed against my shoulder, and I remember quite vividly what they were doing last night.

A rush beats through my veins, going lower, but I try not to give it any heed. Instead I focus on Rin, who has her head above mine, giving me a place to rest in her warm neck fluff. I focus on Saki as well, who's holding onto and covering me with her sister. It's pleasant. Far more pleasant than I deserve, yet here I am, able to let out a tired breath while swathed in two beauties.

The nine-tail stirs at my faint sounds, pulling away ever so slightly and propping up on one arm. Locks of vibrant white hair fall over glacier blue eyes blinking away sleep.

"Egil," she greets me gently, mouth angled so I can't see her teeth. She only said my name, but there's a question, naked doubt, and innocent hope all rolled into those few sounds.

I don't need words for an answer. My arm, still partly underneath her, searches for her free hand. She must sense it and finds my palm with hers, and before anything can make her gaze waver, I squeeze her fingers tenderly.

"I don't regret last night," she says, voice barely above a whisper, the doubt overtaking her. "But if you wish to act as if it did not happen, I-"

"Last night was wonderful," I say, while trying not to laugh at myself for thinking nothing needed to be said. We would have never ended up here if not for finally speaking our hearts, which I make myself do once more while I'm still lost in this peaceful morning. "I'd like for it to count, if you two will still have me."

"Oh," Rin breathes out. "Truly?"

"Of course." I gaze deep into the kitsune's blue eyes. "What about you, Rin? What does your heart want?"

The nine-tail squeezes my hand. "For it to be more than a night," she whispers. "Much more."

I don't know how much I can swear to give. I've done nothing but move ever onward, for no grand purpose. Yet I don't want to leave this, or them. "Then let's see where we go," I say, to myself and her. "If your sleeping sister agrees, of course."

Rin's gaze softens, relief washing away any lingering tiredness. "I'd love nothing more," she smiles. After a moment her gaze flicks towards her sister, before returning to me. "Speaking of Saki, I'm certain she'll be glad to hear this from you when she's awake."

"Mrhm," mumbles a weary, beaten down voice atop my chest, drawing my attention and Rin's. "I'll gladly have you still, Egil."

There hadn't been any change in the eight-tail's breathing, yet with how her ears twist towards us despite her face remaining buried in tails, she must be awake instead of talking in her sleep. She squeezes my side as if to make certain I'm still there, convincing me that she's truly present.

Giving me a glance first, Rin focuses on Saki and gently asks, "Are you alright, sister?"

"Ngh," the eight-tail groans. "You and Egil can have my wine next time."

Next time. Those words ring in my head.

I like the sound of that more than I should, considering how miserable Saki seems to be from all the drinking. She hardly had anything, but with how quickly the wine got to her I suppose it makes sense that she'd suffer more easily as well.

Rin lifts my hand and brings it up to Saki's head. I don't need the nine-tail's guidance to pet between the eight-tail's ears, albeit cautiously. With how she seems to be doing, rubbing those spots that got her eagerly moaning last night would be a bad idea. I instead focus on what I hope is a soothing pace, my fingers deep in her fur.

Saki huffs appreciatively as I stroke her head, while Rin gingerly pats her sister on the shoulder.

"Do you need anything, sister?"

Saki's quiet for a while, but eventually she answers with a rather serious, "Less light." A moment later she adds, "Egil doing this more."

I almost make a joke about not being able to go end the sun for her then, but I restrain myself. Unlike my homeland, which has a tragic story about the sun being chased by a monstrous wolf, the people of this land associate the sun with a beloved goddess said to be the founder of the imperial family. A poor attempt at a joke would be too much extra pain for Saki, so I just keep rubbing and say, "You and Rin have me."

I can promise that much.

"I suppose we do," the nine-tail says, eyes as grateful as they are pleased. "But I'm afraid I can't bring the night for you, sister. Is there anything else we can do?"

The eight-tail groans. She lifts her head out of the dark confines of fur, eyes scrunching shut against the barest hint of light, and miserably utters, "Water."

Quick as she appeared, she drops her head back into her tails. My hand stays in place between her ears the entire time thanks to how she moved deliberately into my palm.

"Egil," the nine-tail says, "I'll leave Saki in your care while I go fetch what she really needs."

"Thank you," mumbles the kitsune lying on me.

I'm entirely out of my depth, dealing with two women like this, so improvising will have to do for now. "We'll keep a spot warm for you," I say.

"I'll be swift," Rin smiles, pulling a leg off of me slowly. Her tails withdraw as well, though Saki's eight keep me covered and warm.

The nine-tail sits up beside me, but instead of rising all the way, she bends over, the white of her furred cheeks blushing pink. Her hair falls over me in an intimate curtain as her nose and mouth touch my forehead, giving a faint lick of a kiss. Before I can return any affection she leans back with a satisfied smile that reaches even her eyes. Rin rises to her feet, not bothering to cover her breasts or even hide any part of bare fur and curves. Her cheeks flush a little more as she gathers up her discarded dress and starts to make herself more presentable, but it isn't from shame that she's reddening.

Though I'm watching the comely nine-tail, who makes a point of showing off her elegant and enticing body, I don't neglect petting and lavishing Saki with attention. My fingers stroke between her ears, and even up them, as she pitiably tries to hide from a headache brought on by the wine shared last night.

Eventually Rin's display comes to an end, her shapely legs hidden away by silk, the white of her stomach locked away behind a sash, and her breasts tucked away in the dress. Her fingers comb through and pull back her messy hair, somehow getting it under control. That I have no doubt is magic, yet it's not perfect. She merely gets most of it swept back and contained, as a few locks drift down between her ears. It must be good enough for her since she leaves without another word - but once she opens the door-wall she looks back. A soft, content smile and nod are directed right at me, the warmth and affection stirring my heart.

Yet no sooner do I return the gestures does she vanish, tails swirl and she disappears into the other room, leaving me alone with the immobile Saki.

"Egil," the eight-tail murmurs, her quiet and uncertain voice surprising me. "Can I hold your hand?"

"Of course," I say, stroking a fuzzy ear with my thumb. "But are you sure you want me to stop that long?"

"A necessary sacrifice," she mumbles into her tail.

She's partially draped over me and hugging my arm against, what I belatedly realize, is her naked front. If I wasn't too tired to sit up and her beaten down by the price of too much wine, the position could easily lead into something more vigorous. Holding her hand is tame, but I gladly oblige anyway, tenderly petting between her ears before reaching down. The arm hooked around mine lets go, shuffling through tails and blindly searching for my grip until I give it to her. She sighs, her sword calloused pads squeezing my palm as she shifts around. We don't say anything, both of us slowly repositioning until she's nestled under one of my arms, head still lying across me as we settle in.

"I'm glad it wasn't a dream," she groans, face burying back under a tail.

"The wine didn't steal your memories, did it?"

Tail tips fidget before she quietly says, "Only my restraint." A few more fidgets later she adds, "And clothes."

"You don't seem too bothered by that."

Her fluff buried face rubs against my chest. As if that's not enough of an answer she asks, "Are you?"

I should be feeling more worry, I know it in my travel worn bones. Yet after a single night of their gentle, loving caresses along with the shared roiling passion, I'd make the choice of doing it again. There's a pressing weight to that self-admission, but the burden isn't crushing. Not after the peaceful sleep with the kitsune pair. I find myself more unguarded than I've been in ages thanks to the pleasant rest and company. Whether that's some subtle magic or nothing more than exhaustion healing, I'll take what I can get.

"No," I reply softly, stroking the tip of Saki's ear, "I feel at ease. Safe, even. Something I only have gratitude for."

She breathes out, with a hint of relief, "Good."

We share several quiet moments together. Yet it doesn't last nearly long enough, with Saki softly murmuring, "Egil."

"Hm?"

"Are you disappointed with me?" she whispers.

There's enough self-doubt in her voice that my heart aches in sympathy. One of my hands cups her head, stroking her cheek, while my other hand squeezes her sword callouses against my own. "Do I seem disappointed?"

"What about," she says, voice suddenly vulnerable and torso tense, "last night? I did not mean to fall asleep on you."

So it's about that. "I was touched that you trusted me enough to do so," I soothe, ruffling the soft, plush fur of Saki's cheek. "But if you're disappointed about missing out, then I'll need to make it up to you, won't I?"

The stiffness in her body seeps away as I lavish attention on her, driving the eight-tail to hook a leg over my own. "I'm honored that you trust us so much," she mumbles awkwardly, nuzzling against me as if to get just a little closer. Or perhaps in acknowledgment of the scars we both carry, as warriors and people.

I'm unable to find any proper words for how I feel. Frightened as a young man with his first woman certainly, yet at ease with myself and my company, even the one yet to return. I let my fingers say what I can't by sensually petting the soft kitsune hiding her morning misery.

After a few shared heartbeats of the pleasant closeness, she whispers, "Instead of making it up to me, next time we can encourage Rin to try some new things."

"Careful," I mutter, "you've almost said 'next time' thrice."

The kitsune somehow finds a way to cuddle closer to me. Several moments pass, her ear growing warmer with each heartbeat. "Have I? Well, I'm looking forward to next time, just like Rin."

"You're certainly working to wash away my doubts," I reply, my heart leaping and twisting. "I believe you, both of you." If I'm not careful I might say an oath in the heat of the moment. One I could come to regret, and one that would possibly hurt the two kitsune later. So instead of saying more I quietly pet Saki.

She seems happy with that. Her soft breaths warm my chest beneath her tail, our intertwined fingers and my stroking of her head saying all that's needed. We lie together, limbs intertwined beneath the winter coat of tails. It's a peace that I can give myself to wholeheartedly thanks to Rin's insistence I stay, my previously conflicted heart trying to settle into this unfamiliar but steady role with both of them.

After all that's happened, this kind of happiness is sweeter than any wine, even if there's the bitter guilt of my life and the last winter to keep me from losing sight of myself.

Who knows how long passes. Half the morning, mere moments – they have no meaning right now.

In the midst of petting her, Saki's ears twitch and swivel back towards the door-wall. I tilt my head, a little uncomfortably, just in time to hear a door-wall slide open. It's the one leading from the hall and into the adjacent room, I recall, instead of someone coming in here. There's not enough light for me to see who it is through the screens, not that I need to.

"I believe," I hear Rin say dangerously politely to someone, "your duty is now done, little sister."

A flicker of worry runs through me that those words were directed at Saki, but she doesn't move, let alone flinch.

"My sincerest apologies, eldest sister," says Akemi, the three-tail I worked with down in the village. My shoulders relax as I realize Rin isn't suddenly upset at Saki, but not nearly enough to say I'm still at peace. "But we've all been worried about you, and what's more Yuuko and Shizuka insisted I help you out today."

It's not said, but I can practically feel Akemi imply that because Rin put Yuuko and Shizuka in charge of matters last night, their words have immense weight to the three-tail. And that it should have weight for Rin as well.

"If you wish to help," Rin says, polite edge easing into a near sigh, "then you can set the tray by the door and go help your sisters cook."

There's some quiet shuffling and the soft clink of earthenware. "Eldest sister, if I may speak freely."

"You may."

"Is everything okay between you and Saki? Last night-"

"There's nothing wrong," Rin cuts in, tone declaring the conversation is over.

"As you say," Akemi replies. Only, a moment later, she says, while probably deep in a bow, "But eldest sister, I know this is not my place, but most of us saw Saki and Egil last night. You may hide your heart from yourself, but even I know how you've favored our guest so much. If something happened-"

"Akemi," Rin says in such a cold, polite way it silences the three-tail if not freezes her. "What did you see?"

"E-elder sister w-was leading him by the hand, a-and seemed quite close to our honored guest," Akemi answers anxiously.

I can imagine Rin with either a dangerous smile or a gracious face right now. "And she asked for three meals and some wine, did she not?"

"Y-yes," says a nervous three-tail.

"And you've never seen Saki drink wine, have you?" the nine-tail master of the house asks almost patiently.

"Not even once, no."

"So why would she ask for all of that unless she were planning to have others share the wine?"

"I'm sorry, eldest sister. I don't quite understand what you mean." That tone of voice sounds sincerely confused, even though the answer is obvious.

Silence drags on, Rin not saying anything.

Then the door-wall to this room creaks open, my heart leaping into my throat. But it's only Rin peeking in, her tails and dress completely blocking the view behind her, denying any prying eyes. She smiles warmly at me, before glancing questioningly at her sister lying partly on me. I stop petting Saki's head, the eight-tail barely suppressing a groan as she pulls herself from the darkness under a tail. Eyes narrowed to slits and mouth drawn into a ragged frown, she looks at Rin in the doorway, who mouths something.

There's a small, silent exchange as the kitsune read each other's lips. I'm not skilled enough to do something like that, nor do I wish to watch their mouths, so the discussion passes me by.

Saki, however, tilts to be right next to my ear. Deathly quiet she whispers, "Do you want the three of us to remain a secret?"

Since I suspect Akemi could hear me if I say anything, I take a few heartbeats to think about what would come from revealing ourselves. It would no doubt become easier for me to interact with the rest of the sisters if they knew their two eldest were involved with me, and I was focused only on those two. The sharp tongued Hibiki might be upset considering how much she reveres Saki yet appears to dislike Rin, but I doubt I'll find any trouble. I'm about to say I don't care if it's revealed, only to remember Miki – the two-tail who clearly liked the sight of me enough to brashly offer herself to me twice, and who despite such rejection saved my life the day before at great cost to herself. I don't see her the same way I do Rin and Saki, but I don't want to hurt Miki either. She's horribly wounded, if not maimed, as it is.

I chew my tongue, weighing responsibility with the risks and burdens of secrets. Will Hibiki, with her mean tongue, torment Miki about losing her chance? Or any of her other sisters, for that matter? I dislike this unknown, and the weight I'm making myself feel over what should be an easy decision. I don't care if others know, I simply wish to not cause further pain for someone who is already suffering. Yet, Miki wil know eventually, won't she?

"Egil," Saki whispers, voice strained, "you're troubled. Are you afraid of hurting Miki after she saved you?"

I stare at her, wondering if I'm that easy to read or if Saki suspected this might be a problem. Giving up on chewing my tongue I nod, not daring to speak if they're taking such quiet precautions.

She nods to herself, and mouths something to Rin. There's another silent exchange before Saki leans down and says into my ear, "Rin says our little sister would want you to act earnestly, not torment yourself. Miki will be okay, all of her sisters will see to that."

I let out a slow breath, struggling to hold back a sigh. It's a good thing I have these two trying to stop me from falling into a pit of guilt. I nod.

But evidently Saki can't peer into my thoughts after all, as she whispers, "Should we keep it a secret?"

Going against a doubtful knot in my gut, I shake my head. Saki relays my answer to Rin. Soon as she hears, the nine-tail turns around, shutting the door-wall. Saki, meanwhile, burrows her head underneath her tail, timing a slight groan with the clack of the sliding screen.

"Akemi," Rin says, "there are no problems between Saki and I, as I assured you. But if it will put your heart at ease, bring the tray into my room."

I desperately want to ask why they're not just telling the three-tail before sending her on her way, but that's only my stubborn and pointless pride, isn't it? I've already decided that it's more than a single night's drunken fun and something worth building upon, so what harm is there if Rin and Saki are okay with what is sure to be a startling sight for the three-tail. Even if Saki and I are hidden beneath her tails, there's no mistaking the situation.

Rin opens the door-wall and steps in, leaving it open as she drifts towards us. The nine-tail gracefully sits on her knees beside my head, caressing the side of my face and scooting close enough for me to rest my head on the edge of her lap. She's not just being affectionate, I realize, as her hands brush against the bandage on my head. I'd forgotten all about that wound, but it's good that she didn't. A feverish head wound is the last thing I need.

Akemi walks into the open doorway, her eyes widening. I'm not sure what's more shocking to the three-tail: Rin smiling as she stares down at me, Saki draped over me intimately, or me having the attention of the both of them. Or perhaps it's the clothes lying where they fell, speaking of the activities the night before – not that anyone would believe we fell asleep right as things really got started.

"How is your head, Egil?" Rin asks, gingerly touching the bandage.

"A bit tender. No doubt better than Saki's."

There's only a groan of agreement from the eight-tail.

Pitying smile understanding the misery, Rin's expression turns stern as she glances over her shoulder at Akemi. "Are your worries at ease now, sister?"

Wisely, the three-tail says nothing. She just shuffles forward, sets the tray by Rin, and bows so deep that her tails are all that keep her from falling forward.

"If you'd let us make our sisters aware there is nothing to worry about," begins the nine-tail, stroking my cheek lovingly, "I would be most grateful."

"As you say," eeks out the three-tail.

"Thank you, little sister." Rin's gaze softens. "Now, since our sisters have insisted you help me, would you go and get the three of us something to eat? After making certain the baths have some bandages waiting, that is."

"Yes. Of course," Akemi says, tails relaxing as she realizes she's not in trouble. "Is there anything else you'll be needing?"

"Would you gather last night's dishes?"

Giving a bow that has her prostrate on the ground, Akemi quickly stands and hurries out of the room. The first door-wall clacks shut and I listen to the soft clinking of earthenware. Eventually she's picked up everything and the last screen slides closed. No one says anything for several heartbeats, Rin continuing to stroke my cheek while Saki chooses not to move.

"That was mean," the eight-tail mutters once their younger sister must be gone.

Rin lightly flicks one of Saki's ears. "You said you didn't care if she knew."

Saki grumbles, then says, "If Shizuka gets to her, she'll tell her everything."

The nine-tail's hand pulls away from me. "Shizuka is wise enough to let me handle the rest. Now come on sister, you need to sit up and drink something or else that headache will never leave."

There's only a groan from Saki. As I know the type of eye crushing misery that she's sure to be suffering, I roll with her, getting the kitsune onto her side, and mostly off of me. "She's right," I soothe, patting between her ears before using that hand to push myself upright.

The room is much colder than I expected, my bare skin prickling at the loss of kitsune warmth. Saki still weakly holds my hand as she remains flopped on her side, tails strewn about messily, revealing hints of breasts and the curve of her hips, all while a single tail covers her eyes. I squeeze her palm and cup her shoulder, urging her up with what little strength I can muster in the face of a new morning. All of the scrapes and bruises I earned recently sting as the chill tries to steal away any sense of comfort, but it doesn't stop me from getting Saki sitting up, the kitsune thankfully helping in the act.

She covers herself with tails, seeming to do so more out of a sense of reassurance than modesty. I'm about to turn for my discarded clothes to fight off the chill when Rin shuffles near, enveloping me in all nine of her tails. There's a steaming cup in her hands, the scent of bitter herbs and pine stinging my nose, that she thrusts towards her sister.

I don't need to look at it, as I know that's the same concoction Saki gave to me yesterday.

"This, then water," Rin commands, making her sister take the cup.

Keeping her tail over her eyes, Saki reluctantly sips at the medicine. Disgust pulls at the half of her face I can see, the kitsune immediately regretting the tentative taste right away. She miserably tips the cup back, and I can only imagine her eyes scrunching shut as she endures the horrible taste of fouled, rotting trees. She manages to get control over her expression afterwards, but her ears do flatten against her head.

I'm given a cup of warmed water, which thaws my fingers and calms my throat as I drink slowly. Once Rin exchanges Saki's empty medicine cup for one with water, the nine-tail shuffles right next to me. I pull an arm out from her tails and wrap it around her shoulders, a soft sound of whining fox contentment bubbling in her throat. Careful as always to keep her claws off my skin, Rin holds me back, leaning her head into mine.

I finish my drink first. As soon as Saki finishes her water, she manages to pull her tail away from her eyes, though they're still narrowed into slits. Without a word, or any need for permission, she moves to my other side, Rin's tails drifting against my skin as she allows Saki to lay hers on me. The sisters can share without wine, it seems.

It's nothing like when they would rest their tails against my back in the weeks prior. I'm wrapped in a cocoon in their wintry fluff, their legs bumped against mine. Gone is any sense of reservation or any excuses. They've got me, and I've got them. That's all there is.

As much as I hate to ruin it, I have to ask before we get comfortable enough to fall back asleep. "What needs to be done today?"

"I must check on everyone's bandages, and whatever else my sisters need," Rin says, voice soft as she is. "You need to rest. Saki can keep you company while I'm away."

"And the prisoner?"

Rin goes quiet. She doesn't tense up, but I can feel the unease settle over all of us thanks to me ruining the moment. I wouldn't bring the half-kappa Taro up if he wasn't being kept somewhere in the home. I wish I'd crushed its skull, but Miki's foresight and mercy might have been of use in figuring out how to stop the oni.

"We'll interrogate him later," Saki states, hoarse voice recovering. "After Hibiki and Kumiko are healthy."

"He's not a threat now," Rin says, pulling tightly against me. "No one is allowed near him unarmed or alone. So do not worry about him or Meiko until you and the others are rested up and healed."

I'll try to put it out of mind for the day, but I can't make that sort of promise. Instead I say, "There's something I might be able to do while resting."

"If it's going off in the forest to find and fight the oni alone, wait until Saki has recovered enough to stop you, please," Rin says, and I doubt she's being humorous.

Then again, I'd probably do something that reckless if I were confident I could find the oni and evade Meiko.

"It's nothing so dangerous. I'll cast my runes every night, or at least as often as I can find a new question for them." I chew my tongue, regretting that I forgot to say this sooner. I am nothing if not a fool. "With some help, maybe I can notice a warning this time."

"What do you mean?" Rin asks, voice gentle. Saki doesn't chastise me either, instead scooting further into me.

I suppose the peace of the morning left me once I sat up. It must have, if I'm so full of doubt once more.

"I asked if I was going to be bothered by your sisters while I was last in the village," I explain. "The runes gave me an odd answer. Told me, 'a night of peace, a night of strife'. I thought it was about what was happening between us, then when the attack did come I forgot to even mention it."

I grit my teeth against a wave of guilt crashing over me. If I had understood it sooner, then we could have mounted a better defense. No one died, but it could have prevented Miki from losing half a tail and potentially an eye.

That's a bitter joke. The one-eyed god gave up half the light of his world for knowledge of the runes, meanwhile I've sacrificed nothing for them and someone else loses half their sight.

"It would have been much worse without you there," Saki says, resting a hand on my head, careful of my bandage. As if to remind me that even though I couldn't stop Miki from being injured, I still kept her out of the oni's grasp and that she saved my life.

"None of us blame you, at all," Rin adds, hand rubbing in a circle on my shoulder. That's far more calming than it has any right to be. "I feel hope hearing there's something you can do. Your runes are a mystery to me, as they will be to Meiko and the oni."

Swallowing as much of the unhelpful guilt as I can, I lift my head back up. Being weak in front of them is unpleasant, but they've seen much worse and stuck with me anyway. "If only I had the wits to use them for more than fortune telling."

"That's enough worrying," Rin says. Whiskers and fur tickle the sides of my face as both kitsune nuzzle against me.

The pair of them decide that I shouldn't have any space to argue or make myself more miserable, as they both hug me. My heart hurts from being read so easily and consoled, but at the same time I need the warmth and caring closeness. Even if the guilt and self-disgust inside of me hasn't changed, it's easier to face when I know they don't scorn me but instead want to help me. That they want my help, along with me.

For a long while, I'm too weak to move. But that doesn't matter to Saki or Rin. Perhaps their own silent worries are soothed by this, and I am somehow giving them slivers of strength. I want to hope that's true.

I still fear driving them away, but now that the three of us are this involved, a sharp determination returns to my limbs. They must sense it, but what they don't know is that I've narrowed back in on the focus I needed.

I'll see to the oni's demise.

Whether it's to free this family from their curse or to soothe my hate for man-eaters, it doesn't matter. I'll sacrifice myself how I must. My tense fingers relax, my sinews slackening from the warmth of loving women and recommitted purpose, and I reach up and touch their arms. Yet as I do, the weight of my pendant presses down on me – the story of the one-handed god's sacrifice coming to my mind.

A hand offered to the jaws of the devouring wolf, and left there to keep his word.

Unaware of my unyielding, if grim, thoughts, kitsune fur runs along my cheek, brilliant blue bringing me into sight as Rin leans into me.

"We should get up," she says. "Else we'll be here all morning."

"That would be nice," murmurs Saki.

"Another time, sister."

Rubbing their backs, one hand sliding through the eight-tail's fur, I bring myself back into the moment. "Like tonight, perhaps."

"Hrm," Saki groans, pulling her knees under her so she can start to stand. "Then let's get on with it."

Rin stirs as tails leave my back, but she doesn't rise yet. "Eager at the thought?"

On her feet, Saki stretches her back, lazily flicking a tail playfully into Rin's face. At the same time, Saki reveals her firm thighs and the hint of white between them, giving me something to look at that's only made better by the sly glance the eight-tail angles my way.

Light laughter bubbles into the back of her sister's hand as she pushes the fluffy tail away. There's bemusement in her eyes that goes beyond her sister's playful chastisement - she clearly knows what Saki did in that moment.

The two of them bring a small smile out of me. There's a lot more that stirs as Saki bends over to retrieve her clothes, enticing hints of her rear flashing at me at the same time Rin pushes her breasts against my arm. Before I'm distracted and delay us longer, I stand as well – blue and brown eyes turning my way, telling me I'm not the only one getting some good glances in this morning.

---

After Saki and I get our clothes on and the three of us eat a quiet and cool meal, Rin leads us to the baths. The nine-tail and Saki keep close to me, each happy to rest a couple of tails against my back once we're outside in the winter wind.

Heavy clouds drift through the sky above. A herald to the final snow of the season, perhaps. I don't think about it for long as we soon reach our destination, thin icicles hanging from the edges of the bath's roof. Rin opens the thick door and hurries in ahead of us, the steamy warmth billowing out swallowing me as I step in.

Since I have a good guess about the nine-tail's intentions, I'm not surprised in the slightest when the door quickly shuts and Saki helps me out of my clothes. The charm they gifted to me is set aside with my clothes, only my silver pendant remaining. Both kitsune remain in their dresses, confirming this is about my most recent marks of victory and not continuing where we left off. I sit down on a stool Rin stands near, breathing deeply to still any flinching as she unwinds bandages. Once my head is free, Rin pokes softly at my scalp, murmuring under her breath while running two fingerpads through my hair. With all that time spent having these two watch over my wounds, it's simply a matter of keeping myself still and calm.

"The poultice worked. It's healing quite quickly," she observes, while Saki moves at the edge of my vision to gather a bucket of hot water from a basin in the corner. "There might be a small scar, however."

"I doubt it will be the last one I earn."

"Even though I wish it were," Rin says, a gentle hand on my back, "I know not to burden you with promises against your nature. So I'll just have to keep praying for your health."

"Thank you," I reply, unsure of what else I can say to something so heartfelt when there are no certainties in battle or survival.

"I'll try to keep him from collecting too many more scars," Saki states with the utmost seriousness as she brings a steaming bucket over.

"Then I'll have to try and do the same for you," I promise, a couple of tails brushing against me in response. One from each, I notice with no small relief. I can't swear I'll always be victorious, but at least these two seem to understand and accept that.

Not needing to be told to close my eyes, I brace myself for the inevitable wound washing. Heat courses down my scalp, rolling over my back and chest as Rin rubs a medicine-scented cloth at the stinging edges of what I'm certain will be yet another scar. Another bucket is poured over me shortly after the first. It's refreshing despite the pain and, thankfully, I'm not as tense as I could be given their claw tipped fingers touching me.

One of them, Saki I think, pats my head dry while the other starts bandaging my head back up afterward. There's no poultice this time, only clean cloth stretched over a sore head.

My eyes drift around the room for distraction, spotting the crumpled up, stained bandages that had been on me before. It appears to be only dried blood on them, with no hints of sickness. The kitsune's skill with healing is greatly appreciated, as I've seen far too many fall deathly ill from festering wounds.

Cloth pulls taut around my head, being tied off far away from my injury and taking my mind off of the worst outcomes.

"Finished," Rin declares, patting me on the shoulder. "So long as you keep your head dry, you can soak any other aches you have while I'm gone."

The quiet footed eight-tail moves to my other side, but her eyes are on her sister. "You're leaving now?"

"I need to check on our little sisters," she replies. "Better to be done with that, even if I expect it to take most of the day."

Saki's head tilts back ever so slightly. "Rin."

Tails roil, Rin tilting her head down as she insists, "It is more than a duty, Saki. I need to know they're okay."

Saki's shoulders relax. "I know. But you still smell of Egil."

"We slept with him," Rin manages to admit, nose shifting to the side as she fails to mention what else happened. "We both smell of him, and he of us."

"No, sister," Saki breathes out patiently. "I mean the scent of what we did last night still lingers on you."

Oh no. Despite my own keen nose, sweat and sex have never been particularly strong to me except in the moment, else I would have said something. The kitsune have excellent hearing – so why wouldn't their sense of smell be sharper than mine?

This close to Rin I can see the tinge of red heat through the white fur of her face. When she brought me to a finish last night she eagerly had me spill my seed all over her enticing bosom and visage. I'd thought she'd gotten it all out before we slept, and looking at her fur I would swear she succeeded. Unfortunately, my thoughtless staring only deepens the hue beneath her cheek fur, tinging even the inner white of her ears with embarrassment.

"Akemi mentioned nothing," Rin mutters, raising a hand to cover the top of her snout.

"She is as naive as Miki," Saki flatly states.

That's enough for the flustered nine-tail. After a gentle pat on my shoulder, Rin turns around, hiding her flushed face all the while, and starts undoing her dress. Right as I think to offer help, Saki drifts around and keeps her sister's clothes from touching the ground.

"We can wash up now," the eight-tail says, "and the three of us can share a bath tonight."

Rin nods stiffly, her voice nonetheless grateful for her sister's way out of the awkward situation. "Let us do that."

Since I was added in there, I rise up on tired knees, bare except for bandages and a silver run pendant around my neck. Saki folds Rin's clothes while the nine-tail prepares water for herself, so with the hope I won't make things more awkward, I move closer to the white haired kitsune.

"Why don't I get your back?" I offer.

Every last one of her tail tips flicks in a different direction, their lengths swirling with a sudden energy. Still unable to look me in the eye, Rin gives a meek motion that could've been a twitch instead of a nod. With excellent timing Saki returns, albeit naked and not shy about it, stirring things in my loins already set off by her sister. The eight-tail comes to my side, brushing her arm against mine, a sly shift of her hips jostling her bountiful bosom.

"I hope you won't turn him down, sister," Saki says evenly. "Skinship is important between lovers."

Ears fidgeting as if she was just struck, Rin turns a questioning eye to me, uncertainty weakening her smile. Her mouth works for a moment, but finally manages to produce words. "I'd like it if you would, Egil."

Lovers, huh?

The blood that had been trying to rush to my loins stops, my stomach jumping up toward my throat. That peculiar sensation, somewhere between falling and the world around me sharpening in clarity, ends as swiftly as it came about. I'm not simply attracted to kitsune, or else one of their more shameless sisters would have gotten to me. My heart undeniably wants to understand and share strength with Rin and Saki, yet hearing that word spoken aloud has great power. Knowing it in the heart and giving a name to it are realms apart, after all.

My moment of startle at the powerful word and Rin's acceptance can't last. My skin prickles against the unreal brambles of uncertainty, but I cut the hesitation down, forcing my limbs to move.

I appreciatively stroke the eight-tail's arm while smiling back at Rin. "I'll gladly share that skinship with both of you."

Saki hands us each a rag and scented soap. "You already know I trust you with my scars, Egil," she says softly, hand resting on my chest for a moment. Opposite of where my heart is – and right where hers would be.

Just as suddenly as she touches me, Saki turns away, a faint smile adorning her mouth. Without another word she goes off to a basin separate from the bath and hidden in a shadowy corner to draw more water. Rin, clearly aware of what just passed between me and her sister, and entirely fine with it judging by her eased smile, crouches on a knee. She lifts a bucket over her head, dousing herself right as I get behind her. Perhaps she's too embarrassed still, or maybe the nine-tail's silence is copying her younger sister's surprising confidence.

No matter what, I know she wants me here. Even if it's going to take me time to adjust to this three person relationship.

Unsure of how vigorous I should be with fur, I start softly scrubbing Rin's back before lathering in the meager amount of scented soap. Feeling the shape of her back and how luscious her fur is even when wet lightens my heart and mood, even more so when she readily shifts back into my touch. Rin puts a great deal of effort into scrubbing her face and chest, leading me to hold my tongue. Just because we've accepted what happened, and each other, doesn't mean we're free from embarrassment. Instead I enjoy touching and caring for a kitsune who has watched over me all winter.

A few of Rin's tails brush my legs. Once she douses herself again with water Saki brings, I notice she's trying to keep all nine of those tails dry as well. Since there's already so much to dry off even if she uses magic I understand why. But it's no accident how tails from both of them feel the cords of muscle and sinew in my back and limbs.

After Saki fetches a few more buckets of water, she crouches beside me, her freely swaying breasts and black nipples all too distracting. That thin hint of a smile still rests upon the edges of her mouth as she leans in and, with a comb that she sneakily hid until now, starts brushing locks of Rin's hair.

"I don't think that's necessary, sister," the nine-tail mutters, glancing back.

Saki deftly takes my hand and sets me to combing Rin's hair. The white of her cheeks flush faintly pink and she turns away, suddenly unwilling to argue.

"Perhaps it is necessary," Rin says, trying to sound noble and cutely failing.

"Then I'd better go slow to get it right," I tease, stroking the edge of a wet fox ear, earning a grumbling, happy sound.

Smooth, luscious hair glides over my skin with each stroke of the comb, Saki's steady hands guiding me on what to do the entire time. She doesn't need to, yet since I give no objection to her hands on mine, she keeps it up the entire time. It's obvious Rin enjoys this as well, her shoulders relaxing along with her tails. A smile must be on my face from this simple, precious moment.

I'm glad she's not hiding her locks behind illusions anymore, and that she's so clearly enjoying the attention. I quietly, slowly stroke each luscious lock, Saki's guiding touch and comforting presence close by all the while. Every so often I stray and pet one of Rin's ears, pulling a soft murmur of pleasure from deep within the kitsune, while also running my fingers through Saki's fur. I don't make a sound myself, but there's a smile on my lips that can't be denied.

After we've worked through every last strand of hair, Saki sweeps it all over Rin's shoulder. At that moment, the elder kitsune leans back into me, my knees coming to rest on the warm, slick stone floor to maintain balance. Wet fur clings against my skin, the nine-tail making an excited noise in her throat as my chin rests against her shoulder. Even after her thorough washing, there's still a faint scent of incense and ink in her fur, underneath the exotic, flowery scent of the soap.

"I'm looking forward to this evening," Rin murmurs, reaching back to stroke the side of my face.

Before I can reply, Saki lays an arm across my shoulder, putting my head in between both kitsune. Cushiony, familiar breast pushes against my back, the feel of her nipples against my skin enticing as it was last night. Judging by their firmness, she's excited as well.

"I think we're all looking forward to it," I reply, thoroughly distracted by the women that want me.

"Hmm," the nine-tail hums, rubbing her head against mine, pressing more of her back against me. Saki takes the opportunity to shift behind me, slowly and sensually to keep me at ease, her nipples becoming all the more noticeable in her sea of softness. Excitement grows in my groin, stiffening against Rin's back as my heartbeat quickens.

"Oh," the nine-tail breathes out, feeling what's happening. She responds by wiggling back against me, pressing my manhood between our bodies, her wet fur smooth and pleasant. "You really are looking forward to it, Egil," she teases.

This sudden playfulness is impossible to resist. "How could I not be, when I have you two to spend the evening with."

"Is that so? Well," Rin says, smile in her voice as fingerpads brushing my jawline, "so long as you save some for me, don't hold back with Saki while I'm away."

"Neither of us want you to miss out," I say, bringing my arms up to pet their ears.

"I know. Which is why you mustn't restrain yourselves," the nine-tail all but commands, but the way she's still grinding back against me isn't exactly convincing.

The stiff motivation at my loins is hard to ignore, but I can still think enough to argue for what Rin seems to want. "Since I'm supposed to take it easy today, we should save any of that fun for this evening."

"Agreed," says Saki, breasts dragging up my back a little so she can better lean into my petting hand.

"Hrm," Rin exhales, resolve faltering under my fingers, her little motions stopping. "You know I'm not quite," she swallows hesitantly, "ready to experience everything, right Egil?"

I push my nose into her hair, breathing in deeply. "We go at your pace, Rin."

"Thank you," she murmurs, voice soft as the rest of her. "If I didn't need to go be a big sister, I'd want to get in that bath with you and..." she exhales. "Forget that. You-"

Saki flicks one of Rin's ears, shocking her into silence. "Let's get in, then. You can be absent for a while longer."

"Maybe," Rin exhales. "But I'd rather come back to this after everything is over than have to leave after..." she hesitates, mouth working while the ear I'm stroking heats up, "...after finding out what else Egil's fingers can do."

I smile and go with the flow of the moment. I bring my touch lower, tracing through the nine-tail's cheek fur, purposefully teasing down toward her neck. "There is a lot I can try to do for you with these," I whisper, despite useless, lingering doubts about propriety trying to squeeze into my resolved heart.

"I'd like that," bumbles the nine-tail. I trace my fingers lower, brushing against her throat in a way that nearly steals her breath. Unfortunately for my loins, she seems to stiffen back into her dutiful resolve despite my teasing, and says, "L-later, that is. When I can enjoy it without worrying. So please," she takes my hand in hers, stopping me from teasing her anymore, "you two do what your hearts want. That way I can do the same when I'm with you, Egil."

A humming sound of approval on my shoulder confirms Saki's agreement with her sister.

"If that's what you both want," I mutter, scratching behind the eight-tail's ear.

I might have touched too thoughtlessly, Saki softly moaning instead of being able to reply properly.

"What she's trying to say," Rin says, a light laugh in her voice, "is that we agreed we can do it that way. Having you together and alone."

"If," Saki manages to breathe out, head shifting desperately into my scratching hand, "you agree, of course."

"I'm not against trying," I respond, sounding a little too earnest to my own ears.

Neither kitsune seems to disagree with my thoughtless, off-guard response, but that's how it should be, shouldn't it? Rin shifts back into me, grinding my length against her, while Saki strokes a hand down my side. That answers my unspoken doubts well enough.

"Good," the nine-tail says, grin in her voice.

Saki doesn't need to say anything – the way her nipples poke against my back and caressing touch shifts to my leg reveal her thoughts.

Well, it's good to know that wine isn't needed for us to get like this. So I try to stop worrying and just enjoy their touches and closeness.

But the moment of tantalizing touches and wordless enjoyment can't last forever.

Eventually, Rin lets out a sigh, one that's hopeful instead of exhausted, and shifts forward. She starts standing up, seemingly content to end it after getting the final word in. I don't mind, and the way Saki strokes my thigh appreciatively while melting into my petting hand, I don't think she does either.

However, my manhood is unhappy about the sudden absence of Rin pressing against me, followed by more disappointment as Saki's breasts and hand retreat. I swallow, resisting conflicting urges to grope at them and cover myself. There are things to do, and these kitsune are so open about revealing themselves to me in private after last night. I should get used to being bare with them. So I start rising as well, knees glad to get off the stone ground.

As I start to stand, I end up glancing ahead and getting a good look at a bent over Rin's rump. There's white fur on her shapely behind and thighs, and a hint of a pink slit is shown to me before she stands fully upright.

I've certainly got a lot to remember her by until I see her again, and judging by the throb in my loins, something to look forward to as well. I manage to get onto my feet, knees thankfully silent despite enduring for so long.

Blue and brown eyes glance down my chest, then below my stomach. Both are quite appreciative of what their bodies do to me, judging by the flustered look Rin tries to hide and the way Saki's gaze lingers for several heartbeats. The eight-tail carries on before it's too awkward, whispering something to her sister that sends Rin's tails swirling. As they go to their clothes, their gaits change to add just a little more sway into their hips, tails sneakily shifting to show off hints of their behinds and white fur on their thighs.

Like a young fool catching the attention of a woman for the first time, I feel my face warm up and an already excited part of me twitches. The confidence of being so clearly wanted is dangerous, I try to tell myself, but it's hard to pull my eyes away from the kitsune begging me to look.

Thankfully, before I'm distracted into acting like a fool, the pair of them focus on drying off. Something to do gives me the will necessary for putting off pleasure and play, so I do the same. Light, misty blue flames that don't burn skin or cloth help speed that up, even with me. Once that's done we get dressed, only exchanging a few intentional touches when we think it won't cause too much trouble.

Saki in her blue dress patterned with mountains, and Rin in her simpler work dress, look more graceful and comely than I remember. No doubt because I know of the treasures that lie beneath, and because I'm finally able to let myself want them.

Adjusting my own clothes, and glad the excitement in my loins is mostly calmed, I follow the pair outside. We step out of the steamy heat of the baths and into a cold, bracing early midday on the mountain, feeling refreshed and awake.

"Unless there is anything else," Rin says, taking half a step away, "I will see you two this evening."

Daring to ignore any customs about proper and polite distance in this land, I reach and pat her sleeve. "Be easy on yourself, Rin."

"Please do," nods the eight-tail.

"For your sakes," she says, drawing herself up to be the gracious master of the house, "I shall try. I will see you both before dinner, or send word if I must delay. So please, enjoy each other's company."

With that final insistence out of the way, she bows to us, lower than she should for her station. I return the gesture best I can, while Saki perfectly copies the angle. There might be meaning to that I don't know of, but it's not like I can ask right now.

The warm smile on Rin's face as she straightens back up burns with sincerity and the hope for what she can return to.

Without another word, Rin is off, gracefully drifting back toward the main building. I watch her, wondering how much of a burden she feels from her position as the head of the family and from what she must feel are her many failings. She reaches the door-wall, sliding it open and glancing back at me. Our eyes meet, melting the stiffness out of her posture and allowing her to wield her best polite look – one that I don't feel any coldness from, but so help anyone that isn't me or Saki.

That moment passes, Rin flowing inside before she loses her nerve.

Only after the door-wall clacks shut behind her do I manage to look away.

Immediately, I feel a pang of guilt for ignoring Saki the entire time. The thorn in my chest stings more as I bring myself to ask something ill-suited for the mood that surfaced in the bath.

"Rin was serious, wasn't she?" I utter quietly, wary of any unseen fox ears listening in. "I shouldn't be such a fool, but after the last few weeks, I thought it better to ask than not."

The eight-tail stares at me, her mask-like expression warming. "I'm glad you can ask me," she says, before taking half a step closer. Her hands cross together, vanishing into her sleeves and her tails drift against my back, blocking off a cold wind. "She meant everything. As did I."

I start to say something stubborn, only to stop myself upon realizing I'm about to slide back into needlessly worrying. If I can trust myself to be with them, I have to trust them in turn. Jealousy, if it existed, wouldn't have allowed Rin to leave me alone with Saki, or allowed her to reveal strong hints of what happened last night to her nosy sister Akemi. To say nothing of outright encouraging Saki and I.

Seems that my loins aren't doing much thinking for me anymore, if I'm like this again.

Warm breath mists out of my mouth in a sigh. I'm caught in the rut of worrying about this, or so I try to tell myself. "Thank you, Saki." Uncaring of custom, only interested in knowing if it's okay, I put my hand on her shoulder. "I know I should be resting, but would you mind if we walked around for a while?"

"Moving can be as important as resting," she says, drawing closer to me without appearing to move. "Shall we go to the garden?"

More tails curl onto me, guarding against the chill. I nod at her suggestion.

"If it's not too much, the long way would do my legs some good," I say, hand drifting down her shoulder, slipping under the obscuring warmth of a tail so I can hold her.

A moment of motionlessness stretches on, the kitsune giving no sign of approval or displeasure. Is it too much for such an open space? If so, it's better I find out now instead of later. Withdrawing my arm carefully to avoid further mistakes, a faint twitch of an ear breaks the spell of stillness upon Saki. Soundlessly, she slides into my retreating hand, curling her tails around my side and closing the distance between us. Her hip nudges against me; the heavy silk dress once more falls under my fingers, hidden muscles beneath turned to the sole purpose of being near me.

"It would help clear my head as well," she intones quietly.

Since I made no mistake after all, I keep my hand on her side and start walking. Saki perfectly measures her steps with mine. If I weren't touching her, I'd think her legs didn't move at all, but beneath the silks I can feel the softest shifts of balance and power.

We move along the stone paved walkway without any hurry, the winter winds no trouble thanks to her fur. The eaves and overhangs of buildings and the tile roofed wall surrounding their home are jeweled with thin, frozen spires reaching for the ground. Icy snow patches cling to shadowy patches behind rocks, safe from the sun for only a few more days or weeks.

Around the back of the main building, passing by the lone torii near the sudden wall of a cliff, we walk without needing to say anything. Tails holding me and the gentle, deliberate flow of her hip and thigh against me, ruffling our clothes, speaks more than words. As does her arm sneaking beneath fluff to find a resting place between my shoulders.

What would any peeking eyes might think of us? Have rumors spread from Akemi already, or will that three-tail keep quiet after witnessing her two elder sisters and I laid out like lovers? It doesn't truly matter. The rest of the kitsune will learn soon enough with how indifferent the three of us seem to be about hiding what we've chosen.

Saki moves a sliver of a step faster than me, taking the lead just long enough to turn us down the right path. I don't give any heed to our surroundings. Not when I have the eight-tail to focus on, and the explicit permission from Rin to do as my heart wishes.

Wrong or right, my hand slides lower against the silk until it rests at the swell of Saki's strong hip. I adore how she moves, from her alluring if stern womanly poise to the well trained grace of a true warrior that she is.

We pass under the circular arch leading into the garden. The frozen pond gleams in the midday sun while the grand tree's icy branches sway and rustle in the wind, greeting us as I slow down. A soft nudge encourages Saki to lead our aimless walk, a message she picks up on after a glance down at me. Keeping our hands where they are, we drift across the garden's flat stone path, allowing me to work out more of the ignored fatigue and stiffness from my legs. Years of travel make me forget the discomfort, while the company blinds me to the sights of the winter touched garden.

Our second pass over the bridge finds Saki suddenly ending the silence. "Have you seen plum blossoms in bloom before?" she asks.

"Not in this land."

Brown eyes glance down at me. "You have seen them before?"

"There were a few in a port city I passed through on my way to this land," I explain, "but I could only see them from afar."

Saki motions toward the lone tree in the garden. "In a few weeks, you can see it up close if you'd like."

I raise a brow at her, curious as to how that wizened old tree could be a plum blossom.

Her tails and a gentle pressure on my back guide me down a different route, leading us to a small stone bench beneath the empty boughs of the tree. I know she isn't ignoring me, so I go along, hand on her hip.

"It is a beautiful spring sight," she says, a tail half coated in blue flame swiping over the seat. We let go of each other just long enough to sit down, the stone cool but not freezing thanks to those magical flames. Soon as we're seated her tails return, toughened fingerpads brushing against my wrist before resting on her lap. I'm tempted to see how far I can push things, but the soft smile Saki directs towards the branches above us stays my hand. "Ten thousand petals to welcome the new season, a sea of promising blossoms."

To quell my temptations, I follow her gaze. Venerable and branching limbs sway above us, leafless and dead looking. I can hardly imagine such a tree aglow with bright flowers. While it might be as beautiful as she says, a deep longing in my heart misses the hardy oaks of my homeland. Those old, mighty trees with their annoying acorns and dull leaves can't compare to the astounding fruit trees and the eerie woods of jungles. It must be those dreams I've been having making me long for something so far away instead of appreciating the sight before me.

"I've heard stories about the beauty of the spring blossoms," I say, dragging my thoughts away from a place I long ago abandoned.

"We would be happy to show them to you," Saki offers.

"Both of you?" I ask, unsure of whether or not I'm doubtful or playful. Perhaps both, I muse.

Fur brushes against my cheek, my legs tensing out of instinct until Saki's fingerpads pass by my ear, her fingers moving a few loose strands of hair aside. No claws touching me, no hints of teeth flashing, there's only her well-hidden gentleness shown to me. Frustrated with myself for that subtle reaction she must've sensed, I turn back to Saki's patient gaze ringed with white fur. What meets me is an understanding and care that crumbles what restraint was keeping me proper, silk sliding underneath my palms as I feel her leg. A hint of a smile warms the world, the kitsune pulling closer to me with a shift of her hips.

"We can visit together. Or one after another," she says softly, voice low enough to let in a hint of sweetness, "as the blossoms last several days."

"We'll have to ask Rin if she wants to," I say, not even a glint of doubt in her eyes from my words, "but regardless, I'd like to see those spring flowers with you."

The edges of her mouth tilt up knowingly, fingerpads laying over my hand. "She'll cherish an invitation from you, especially to the garden she and I made."

"The two of you built all of this?" I ask, not daring to look away from the woman beside me.

"Aside from the walls, yes," she nods, gaze drifting down toward my chin. Tail tips fidget against my back, Saki's gaze shifting to the tree with a flick of an ear. "I wasn't certain if the sapling would survive this high up."

That long ago, huh? Kitsune might be magical and long lived, but they're not beyond my understanding. At least, I hope Saki isn't – the scale is different, yet so is my own after traveling so much.

"All the care on this mountain let it thrive," I say, patting her hand on top of mine.

That draws her gaze down to her lap, ears twisting to follow. If she expected me to be bothered by how long ago this garden was built, and what it means about her, then there's nothing to fear. I wouldn't be here with her if it mattered to me, and she must realize that.

Black furred fingers rub over my skin, her expression stone-like despite the soft words she speaks, "A warrior needs something to cling to that isn't about battle."

"What is it that you have?" I ask, doubting I could give much of an answer were it turned on me, though I'll do my best if she does.

"It is nothing exciting," she murmurs. "Tending to gardens. Seeing what I've planted with my own hands bear fruit. Flowers are pretty, but knowing they become more makes a beautiful sight better."

There's a simple, heartwarming honesty to her words. While she could be hinting that our relationship is budding, the posture and how little we've actually spoken before leaves me believing she's nervous, not trying to carry on a layered conversation. "It sounds peaceful to me," I say, focusing on how her calloused pads and soft fur feel against my hardened hands. "If anything, it makes me want to see what else you've cultivated."

A quiet, slight laugh dances out of the kitsune. "It's mostly vegetable patches and mountain flowers," she says, "but there are more plum trees at the onsen."

"I'd like to see more, if you don't mind," I say, while trying to recall what an onsen could be. Something to do with water, I believe.

"Not at all," she says, the warmth of her breath tickling my cheek. There's no space between us now, our legs separated by only our clothes, her delicate whiskers almost visible in the cold sunlight. "It's quite the walk to the onsen, however. It takes almost an entire day."

Before I'm struck silent by the fox faced beauty, I manage to say, "So an entire day together? I might not know what an onsen is, but I like the sound of it already."

A new light thaws her eyes, and I know it's not from the sun shining down on us. "You'll like it much more when we're there. It's a place for relaxing the body and healing the spirit."

"But you're not going to explain what it is?"

"You'll see for yourself," the kitsune promises. "Soon."

The determined, practically eager, tilt to the eight-tail's eyes and mouth convinces me she's got another good plan in mind. I lean just a little closer and say, "Then we'll have to find other things to do until then."

Saki, still playfully stroking my knuckles, lays her other hand on my knee, dark fur nearly the same shade as my clothes. That new touch doesn't stay still, the kitsune drifting up until it rests in a near mirror of my own hand on her thigh. Her slight smile says what she doesn't: we'll find plenty to do until then.

If – no, when – we're inside, I'll be putting to use Rin's insistence that her sister and I do what we wish. Being this free and close with Saki has me hungering for more than having her pressed up against me and my hands roaming through her softness. Even if it's nothing more than taking her into my arms so I can feel her relax into me, that would be enough. For now, at least.

"Egil, about what we spoke of before. What about you?" she asks, distracting me from thoughts about whether I could pull her closer now. I focus on the kitsune, the question on my face obvious enough for her to clarify. "What brings you peace and lets you forget being a warrior?"

Drawing in a deep, chilly breath to clear my head, I consider that for a moment. It's only fair she'd ask me, but I need to choose my words carefully to not spoil the mood. So much of my life has been about surviving, be it in strange forests or among foreign customs, and despite fleeing a war I wanted no part in, I've had plenty of need for a sharp sword. Thankfully, I'm given time to consider her earnest question.

"I suppose carving," I breathe out, without any wisps of cold. "It's a dull answer, I know, but whenever I've had a reason to carve it's been peaceful."

"You're far from dull," she says, brown eyes making me want to believe that's true. "What is it you carve?"

"Useful things, like my runes. Sometimes trinkets to give or trade away. But mostly it's been so I can let my hands make something."

Saki nods, a glimmer of somber understanding in her gaze – despite my caution, it seems I wounded the intimate mood after all. Not too terribly, I realize as she squeezes my hand and thigh comfortingly. Do either of us need to say anything more when we've both, for our own reasons and needs, honed our hands to kill? There might be disarming comfort and acceptance in Rin's eyes, but Saki understands what's in my heart. It reflects hers, after all. Even if we're good at it, even if it's necessary and honed into our bones, neither of us revel in violence. We're dangerous, trained to kill and survive, yet even we can sit so close only our clothes separate us.

With the moment slipping by, and me feeling even closer to the kitsune, I wonder about what to do. If my hands weren't occupied, I'd caress her cheek, as that earthy gaze sees only me right now. Before I might try to go farther and try to kiss her, to see if I can withstand the thought of teeth, a curious twist of her ears slows me.

"Do you have what you need to carve?" she asks.

I shake my head, bringing myself back to conversation and away from the desire to have her closer. "No, but there hasn't been much chance for it this winter."

"I can get you whatever you need," Saki says, lifting a hand to stroke my shield-arm. The one that had been horribly broken at the start of winter.

"A sharp knife and a sturdy branch would do," I say, her touch on my arm and leg soothing as it is distracting.

"I'll get that ready for you soon," she promises. "I'd love to see whatever you make."

Nearly saying it's nothing special, I catch myself. Not only is the style as foreign as I am, there's an opportunity for me to make Saki and Rin each something. With a plan of my own, if I can even call it that, I nod. "If my hands aren't busy with other things, I can show you something soon."

Her subdued smile draws her shapely eyes into an eager, if not playful, relaxing of her guard. What she feels is worn openly for me to see, reflecting much of what's in my chest already. "I won't mind if your hands are busied with certain other things," she says, voice so quiet I can barely hear it.

Gifted such an opportunity I thought lost to serious conversation, I can't help but quietly tease, "Such as you?"

Her legs squirm, so faintly I wouldn't have noticed if I weren't touching one. She hardly manages to speak, letting out only a soft, "Yes."

Casting aside my care about propriety and any onlookers, I slip a hand away from hers only to swiftly cast it across her back, diving beneath tails. Surprise flickers through her, my boldness rewarded not a heartbeat later when ears flick toward me and her smile flutters against an attempt to look restrained. She quickly gives up repressing what she feels, her grin a girlish sort of nervous happiness. The rush I feel and the way Saki starts teasing her hand up my thigh gives me a reason to touch lower. Heavy silk might keep me from feeling fur but the shape of her hip and, as I get a grasp on her she clearly wants, rear end make up for it. The soft little hum out of her mouth and faint wiggle into my grasp, along with how dangerously close she is to what's stirring at my loins, is almost unreal.

Yet I know this is no dream. There wouldn't be the edge of cold wind finding its way past my clothes and her fur if it were.

"Saki," I say, enjoying her name on my tongue, "how about we go inside? Since our minds are clearly elsewhere."

My breath falters as she gets a feel of what's firmed up in my lap. "Not just our minds," she mumbles, raising a sleeve in front of her snout and snaking an arm behind my back.

While the light might be playing a trick on me, there's the dullest hint of pink to the bottom of the white markings around her eyes and at the edges of her cheeks.

"How about," she continues, struggling to speak loud enough for me to hear, "we go to the room you were staying in? No one will hear us there."

What she said, upon reaching her own ears, widens her eyes and proves I wasn't seeing things. There is a tinge of a blush on the normally serious, icy kitsune's cheeks.

Before the flustered feeling turns to miserable embarrassment for her, I start to stand, my hand still on her low back. "Let's go."

Her voice fails her, but her legs don't. Saki stands with me, keeping the sleeve over her mouth but not letting go of me at all. Tails cover my back and curl around my front, somehow obscuring where we're holding each other. I'm not sure if she's trying to hide what's trying to push out against my clothes or if the ends of her tails are gently teasing me on purpose, nor do I care to ask. The kitsune leans ever so slightly into me as we walk out of the garden, our steps never once falling out of rhythm.

---

Familiar empty halls pass us by. I suspect their home is big enough for dozens of people to have rooms all to themselves, and that's just the door-walls we pass.

Neither Saki nor I say anything, my barely restrained hand on her backside and her strong tails communicating our thoughts. The way she moves, rolling into my palm and encouraging me to squeeze the soft yet strong shape that flexes with each step, has my heart racing pleasantly. As do those tails, the tip of one secretly pressing and rubbing against my stiff manhood trapped within my clothes.

If someone ran across us they'd know at a glance, despite her attempts to hide it, what we were up to. All the more reason for me to keep my mouth shut.

Without incident we reach the room I had been staying in, the one with that solid wall I spent so many nights pressing my back against. I never thought I'd be back here with this company, let alone for this purpose, yet here we are. What doubts try to curl around my heart I can push away with trust in the women I'm daring to love.

Saki, the hints of white upon her cheeks still flushed, pulls her sleeve away from her mouth long enough to let us in, a single tail sliding the door shut behind us. Aside from the futon being neatly made up in the center of the room, everything is as I remember. Only the small room isn't lonely anymore.

Soon as the wood clacks closed, she turns about and brings me into a gentle embrace. She's slow and deliberate, sweeping me into her passion and pace. Her nose brushes against my forehead, just beneath the bandages, where she softly kisses.

"Do be mindful of your wounds," she whispers, comfort and nervousness warring cutely on her face.

"We can watch out for each other's," I say, stroking up her back, stopping just shy of where her scar of betrayal lies.

Saki sneaks a hand between us, her thumb hooking into my clothes. Smoldering emotions that go far beyond passion burn in her lidded gaze. "May I?" she asks, seeking permission she already has.

"Only because you're so gentle," I answer, reaching for the sash tied above her tails.

I don't get the knot undone before she slides a hand into my clothes, fur and fingerpads rubbing over my shoulder without so much as a thought of claws. Delayed in my own goal, I help her shrug the top of my clothes open. Her palm, flat against my skin and scars, circles back to my chest, her eyes peeking down at the many marks of battle scored into my flesh. To my surprise she doesn't trace the scars. Instead, she runs her fingerpads across the unmarred skin scattered between the ragged lines.

Like she's trying to know me, not the stories that each jagged ripple tells.

Before I get distracted and break the mood, I tug on her sash but don't quite undo it just yet. She notices, her hand flat against my chest, resting where her heart would be as she whispers, "Was I not careful enough?"

"No," I say. "You're wonderful. I'd just like to get you somewhere more comfortable."

She has to tilt her head to hide how she bites her lip. Her gaze flicks to the futon, and my fingers choose that moment to undo the knot holding her sash. What Rin told me last night, about Saki finding bliss in surrendering herself in matters of love, echoes in my mind – along with Saki's drunken permission to toss her down whenever I want. I might as well see how true some of that was. With both hands on her hips, her loose sash draped over my forearms, I gently urge the kitsune toward the bedding. There's no resistance in the kitsune, her steps flowing with mine while her hands cling appreciatively.

Excitement flickers in Saki's eyes as she gets what she clearly wants, without any need to ask. I keep in mind that I should be resting, however, so I only toss her sash aside. She bends forward, nuzzling the side of my face before she faintly kisses me, gaze watching me tenderly.

A flash of a thought of teeth tenses my back. But her lips, soft and warm as the breath washing over my skin, stay the rush of panic. It's enough of a distraction for me to slip a hand around, inside of her dress, and against the silken fur within. Tentatively she kisses me again, oh so wary and gentle for my sake, helping the prickling fear stop crawling across my skin. This time I can meet her back, slow and careful as I taste her lips, reminding myself that it's no different than letting her touch me.

For someone so perfectly dangerous, she's soothingly gentle.

It's awkward, and odd, kissing kitsune. I don't know how it works with her mouth, nor do I care when her brown eyes melt with pleasure. Not only from the soft embrace of our lips, but because of my efforts to loosen her dress that have me getting a good feel for the battle honed, softly furred woman. Shivers roll down her tails as they cling against me, her mouth retreating and hands falling away to try and slip out of their sleeves. A helpful tug from me lets her arms slip free, baring her torso and making her unbound breasts bounce.

This time I can't look away from her bountiful chest. A shy yet content smile adorns the eight-tail beauty, telling me to look all I want, and more. The creamy white of her neck fluff extends between her breasts, the puffy winter coat inviting. But it's those black nipples standing out on her bountiful chest that I can really appreciate.

Her arms find me again, her sizable bosom pushing together enticingly.

Even with as much restraint and control as I have, I can't resist her. Running a hand up her back, ruffling her fur, I pull closer. Her neck is softer than I imagined, her bare chest squishing into me as I hug the kitsune close. I don't know why I need this when I could be groping and teasing her, or why her eager return of the embrace makes my heart dance wildly.

But for a few precious moments, I forget it all. All my troubles, scars, duties – everything but her.

There's only Saki, happy to have me in her arms. My world is her body pressing into mine, the oh so faint beat of her heart near, the blissful sigh on her satisfied breath.

My thoughts, momentarily flickering towards Rin and how she cared for me last night, ruin the peaceful forgetfulness. I hold Saki like this a few moments longer anyway, letting unhelpful worries about having two lovers fall off of me. Any time these doubts try to ruin me and the moment, I only need to remember that these two are in it together.

Only when I'm at peace once more do I break the indulgent embrace, pulling my face away from the inviting fluff, fingers sliding across her hips before I take a half step back.

The question of why is all over Saki's face, at least until I take hold of the dress hanging onto her only because of her tails. "I don't think we need this," I say, walking behind her to pull it off.

Her tails slip out of the hole in the back, the motions of all eight not nearly as distracting as her rolling hips. She twirls halfway to meet me, not allowing me to walk around her. I'd forgotten how quick she could be, not that I mind. She bends at the waist, her black capped bosom swaying, before suddenly tugging off the rest of my clothes.

"Nor do we need these," she says playfully, dropping my clothes by her sash.

I do the same for her dress. Not a moment later, I hook my arm around hers and guide us both to the bedding, as I want to do more than look. I intend to get her to lie down, but a frenzy of tails and limber, strong legs surprise me. How she manages to have me gently fall into the bedding back first so that she can straddle my legs, I don't know.

I hardly mind a lover taking a bit of control, but it's unexpected from Saki.

She's just below my loins, her legs spread as she sits on mine. Instead of sultry confidence in her eyes like I'd expect from a woman insisting on this position, pink tinges not only the fur beneath her eyes but at the edge of her mouth. One arm balancing on my hip, fingers spread out wide, she stares down practically apologetically. More confusingly, her free hand finds my manhood, brushing against the tip. I've got no idea what is going in her head, but it's obvious we want the same, even though she looks unsure of whether she's allowed to proceed.

I must be wearing my heart openly like her, as Saki stumbles out an explanation, "You should be resting. So I thought I should..."

Planting a hand on her thigh, adoring the soft yet strong shape, I can't help but laugh. Not a breath later she joins me, the kitsune practically giggling as the sudden nervousness drains out of her. Maybe we're fools, maybe we're a pair of always on guard warriors who have forgotten how to be at ease. It doesn't matter to me. What does is that I can actually laugh and feel better for it.

"Thank you for looking out for me, Saki," I say, smiling up at her.

She blushes more. "It's nothing," she mumbles.

I lean up with one hand, sliding my other all the way up to her body, sending those tails of hers roiling and twitching over my legs. "It's everything to me," I whisper.

Hand on the side of her face, urging her toward me with no issue, I kiss her. I put everything I feel for her into it, making up for poor practice and the differences in our mouths with raw, hungering passion. A moan hums out from the kitsune and into me, her chest pushing into me as we fall back together. Black furred fingers rustle through my hair, our eyes drifting shut. Her chest grinds against me, smooth nipples standing out among her fur and only getting more prominent by the moment.

I can't keep my hands off of her, the shape of her toned body far too enticing for that. Her womanly hips and rear hide a lean, defined strength that I feel through her fur. I tease higher on her back, a tension building the closer I get to her shoulders, but I'm quick to change course, leaning into the winds of what makes her murmur happily. My fingers reach deep in her fluff, letting me trace along the muscles of her back, up her thighs to her sides. Words fail as sounds of pleasure hum out of her, blanketing me in the love of someone who wants nothing more than me.

Having her so close, so eager, so safely against me is better than any wine or luxurious bath. Her warmth melds with the passion of how she moves into my every touch, her body begging me to explore everything while our lips are locked in near breathless union. My stiff length presses against her, so close yet so far from the raging heat between her legs.

Slick need drools down my manhood, making my hands grip her rear more firmly. A hint of her wet need reaches my nose, earthy and exotic, mixing with the lingering scent of the bath and soaps that cling to her fur.

A deep, pleased moan courses through Saki, her hips wiggling playfully against me. Wanting to hear more of what I'm doing to her, I break the kiss, a thin strand of spit still connecting us. Our chests heave, lungs having barely gotten the chance to breathe in who knows how long. Saki's eyes are still shut as she rolls her hips against me. I join in her sounds, unable to keep quiet as she teases her slit along my trapped shaft.

Her eyes barely open, dark slivers of bliss that stare down at me as if I'm all that there is in the world. She doesn't slow or stop her undulations against me, even as she whispers, "You're fine with me like this?"

Squeezing her rump, my hips moving with hers as pleasure curls my toes, I manage to find a few words. "Oh yes."

She swallows quietly, hips slowing but not stopping. Thoughtfulness clouds her eyes. "I mean as I am. Or if you'd like, I can appear like I did when we first met."

The haze of lust doesn't clear away for me, but I manage to understand what she means, a twinge of sorrow hitting my heart.

Ruffling her fur as I drag a hand up her back, holding her between the shoulders, I lean up and kiss her again, keeping my eyes open the entire time. Only when her gaze starts to soften do I break the kiss just enough to say, "Why would I want illusions when I already have the beautiful you?"

She blinks several times, trying to see if I'm lying. "I don't mind appearing different," she insists, her eyes saying otherwise. "I-"

A more insistent kiss quiets the kitsune from fretting about her unseen scars. She was violently betrayed by someone she had loved, for nothing more than revealing she was a kitsune. Betrayed in a moment of love like this. Her position on top of me makes so much more sense now, my heart heavy as I stroke her fluffy face. "I'd see through the glamour to the true you," I mutter into her lips, utterly convinced I would, "because I want the real you." I kiss her again. "The strong, thoughtful, gorgeous kitsune Saki, who I can trust my bare skin and scars to. Who I'm happy to have as my lover, just as she is."

Her mouth works, tongue failing as she breathes quietly on top of me. Her hips have finally stopped moving, pinning my manhood between us. Passion can wait an eternity if need be. My fingers stroke her back and face gently. All that matters to me now is that she's okay.

She blinks, hand pulling up to my cheek, and stops whatever she was going to say. Only for her to lean into my mouth, lips meeting mine. "Sorry," she whispers, gaze glistening more than it should. "I thought I knew already, but hearing it..."

"You don't need to apologize," I reassure. Smiling up at her, stroking her ear in just the right spot to make her groan out happily, I add, "We promised to look out for each other's scars, didn't we?"

"We did," she murmurs, leaning into my petting hand. "If I haven't ruined this, shall we..." she finishes that thought with her waist, shifting side to side and grinding my manhood against her wet heat.

I answer by groping her behind and pulling her head into another passionate kiss, earning a surprised fox squeal that melts into a moan. Saki's lust soaks my skin, warm and wet fur teasing me in between the dance her slit does against my length. Somewhere in my hand's squeezing appreciation for her bottom, I brush against the base of her tails, a full body shiver pushing the kitsune's hips and into mine. With how she backs up into my hand, I know I happened across a real treasure I'm sure I can use with a better position, now or next time. She breaks our kiss, breath panting pleasingly against me, hungry brown eyes keeping all my thoughts on her.

"Let's get started," she whispers breathlessly, so close our lips touch once more.

I'm about to suggest that I take up her offer of tossing her onto her back when her knees lift her up a little, freeing my trapped length. Mostly. It rests between Saki's legs as she languidly leans back, dragging a hand down my body all the way. Graceful limberness sets her bosom swaying, letting me drink in the sight of her curves and proudly aroused black nipples. Her fingerpads press gently against my tip, her knees rising up until she slips me in position for the most intimate of touches. It's a struggle to keep my hands to just holding her taut thighs, but it's worth it when she drops herself down.

Her flower parts, slick and hot walls invite me into a salacious, squeezing hug. My worries about her getting hurt are blown away by the moan that sings out from behind lips she's trying to hide behind her wrist, her head dipping and eyes fluttering slits. Softly furred, well-honed thighs drop onto me, the kitsune shivering as her tight slit takes everything I have, squeezing me in strange waves of strength. Unbecoming sounds escape my lips, unbidden pleasure and passion connecting us.

"Oh, Egil," she moans.

Sweltering depths grip me maddeningly, but it feels like she's starting to relax some. Her hands rest on my stomach, steadying her as we both get used to each other. It's been far too long since I felt the embrace of a woman like this, making it all the sweeter. The tiny, testing wiggles of her hips and near winces leave me suspecting it's been too long for her as well.

"Didn't go too quick, did you?" I ask, tenderly stroking up her thigh and onto her soft side. The play of fur between my fingers and feel of her strong, lean muscles underneath almost distracts me from how she leans back down, grinding me against her inner folds.

"No," she trembles, breasts pushing against my chest as she drapes herself over me.

With her close enough for me to kiss again, I do, though I refrain from completely quieting her. The white around her eyes and mouth burns pink thanks to her blushing cheeks. I doubt she has anything to say that her body can't convey. Saki starts slowly rocking back and forth, slipping my length in and out of her sodden, squeezing slit. She's relaxed quite a bit, but if it weren't for how wet she was then I doubt she could move half as quickly. But we both enjoy it, the kitsune moaning and the tide of pleasure rocking back and forth with her hips.

Not that I can let her do everything. One hand on her rump and the other finding the back of her head, I pull her deeper into our kiss, earning a pleased fox squeal.

We can't go too fast or rough in this position. Maybe that's the point, since I'm supposed to be resting and recovering. I certainly can't complain about the woman on top of me, grinding her chest and hips against me while we steal each other's breath. But the longer it goes on, the more I want. A winter of restraining myself despite temptations and offers, only to have relief in love and lust last night, makes my blood hammer headily. I start moving with her more and more, feeling and grinding in the beautiful kitsune in ways that make her gasp desperately, urging me to try and lift her hips up with mine, only to remember that I shouldn't be straining my body.

With great effort, I slow myself. I don't stop thrusting up into her slippery slit, or keep my hands from grabbing Saki's strong curves. I just try not do more than her, for the sake of the two sisters that love and worry about me.

"Egil," Saki suddenly pants, breaking our kiss while still dropping her hips into me, "is it good?"

Rubbing up her back while one hand gets a good grasp on her rear again, I urge her to go a little faster while whispering back, "Of course you are."

Saki's gaze is glossy, that of completely unguarded lust, but she still focuses on me. "Then don't hold yourself back," she pleads, nose against mine. "Please, take me harder. I need-"

Her voice cuts off into a squeal when my hips clap into hers, jostling her on top of me.

Restraint slips out of my grasp, only this eight-tail's request and needy body mattering to the hammering desire in my veins. I can hardly get any leverage from this position, but I drive into her slick flower with all the passion I have. She meets me as best as she can, guiding my thrusts to a certain spot that makes her tails spasm.

"Yes," Saki gasps, repeating the word over and over as we give in to lust.

Lost in each and every sound she makes, I forget why I was ever holding back. I already know this wonderful fox woman wants me to be assertive in matters of love like this, so I do just that.

With strength brought on by my own desperation and greed, I roll us over. Saki flops onto her back with a small eek, her tails spread out and twitching wildly. The sudden shift in position slips me free of her dark slit, my weight coming onto my knees between her legs. My shaft and even thighs are coated in her wet passion, tingling in the cool air heavy with the smell of our act. The surprise of my decisiveness is far from unwelcome, Saki crooning desperately as she spreads her legs, offering herself to me with enchanted brown eyes. Feeling so wanted, so needed, has my manhood painfully stiff.

I grab my length, sliding it over her slit, teasing the little dark button hidden away in her puffy folds. A leg curls around my back, making me think for a moment I'm going to slow. But a mischievous need settles in her gaze, slowing me just enough for her black fingerpads to touch my fingers. She slips my tip lower, all while lifting her legs up in a display of flexibility, until I'm resting at the entrance to her rear. With my manhood positioned between the spread cheeks of her bottom, she utters a single word. "Please?"

Staring, unable to understand why she'd want me there, I bite the edge of my tongue. No woman has ever asked for this before. Her earnestly pleading her look brings me to ask, brows rising, "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm clean, I promise." She nervously swallows, creamy white in her ears practically pink now, but those deep brown eyes don't look away. Her hand, however, leaves mine. "But if what I like is too strange, pretend I didn't ask."

Oh.

For maybe two heartbeats I don't move, my tip held at her rear thanks to my own hesitation. This is all new to me, but what's a little bit of indulgent adventurousness between lovers? Especially when it's for her pleasure.

I promised to take care of her, didn't I?

I push forward, putting out of mind anything but the kitsune begging me to take her in this raunchy way. Saki's breath hitches in her throat, her happy surprise at my gentle advance fading into a low, sighing groan. A moment of strain pulls at the kitsune's expression, my manhood pressing at the strong resistance. The only thing that keeps me going is the nearly silent whispering leaking through her lips, "Come on, come on, come-"

I slip inside her ass, Saki's voice rising. "Oh, Egil! Yes," she moans, her wickedly tight back entrance welcoming me.

It's just as warm as inside her slit, the slick juices left on my shaft letting me sink in until my hips bounce against her behind. She squeezes me, tight as can be where I'm entering her. I wait there, worried for my own health with how hard she's gripping my length, and lean in toward Saki. I press against her body and nuzzle her fluffy neck before kissing the side of her mouth when she leans towards me, the difference in height and awkward position made up for by her limberness. The iron hold on my manhood starts to ease up, even as her hips fidget and I'm treated to a pleasant massage.

Tails curl up against me, stroking and petting me while the kitsune they belong to revels in the submissive pose. I can actually feel the wet lust from her slit sliding down, the heady scent of desperate kitsune trying to drive me wild. If it was a stream before, it's a river now. A lick on my ear turns to a kiss meeting my lips. We don't fall back into that however, her pinned hips instead starting to push against me, her head drooping back as she moans, "Please, I'm ready."

I start slow, the position too awkward for anything quick. Just what I need to last under the assault of her tightness and the constant delighted moaning, gasping sounds she makes every time I thump against her spread legs hitching her breath. Saki holds me close, mashing me against her breasts as I slide in and out of her.

A winter's worth of self-inflicted frustration melting away guides my hips, my pace picking up as she urges me on with each cute gasp and needy shove into my thrusts. Both of us try to go slow, to savor this feeling that's far more than blind passion, but our bodies won't let that last. Why she likes it up her rear I don't understand, but right now I'm nothing but grateful for it. I can dive in and out, the guidance of her hips having me strike from different angles, without any need to hold back. I shouldn't need to pull out like this.

I'm lost in her hot embrace and roil of tails, every little sound she makes the sweetest song to my ears. Saki's lost in a pleasure I never thought I'd see, her flexible body bringing her nose against mine, while her eyes flicker shut with wonderful concentration. One hand holding firm against my back, she starts caressing my head. If I didn't have to brace myself to keep up the wonderful grip and massage around my length, I'd be lavishing those fluffy ears with all the right petting in return.

A narrow gap opens her smiling eyes, her fingers trailing down to my chest. I slow, the skin of my neck tingling with an unwelcome fright from unseen scars as she passes by my throat. Only the deep, loving pools hidden in the white of her gaze keep me in the present long enough to feel her hand drift to my chest. Her fingers flip around, black fur against the first of the scars on my chest, and she pants out, "Lean back but a moment."

Sinews flex as I push back, misjudging it and slipping out of her, the withdrawal from the warmth within her a surprise. Saki whines faintly in disappointment, her hand resting down at her slit to tease the black button hidden at the edge of her soaked folds. Seeing how exposed she is for me, her heavy bosom heaving and eyes pleading for me to spear back in while she pleasures herself, it sends a shiver down my spine.

I'd been closer to the crest of release than I thought, my manhood raging at me for this unintended break. Using a hand to guide myself back between her cheeks, I don't slide in just yet. "Want me to do that for you?" I tease, stroking a hand near her busy fingers.

"No," she murmurs wistfully, despite the heavy breaths. She reaches her unoccupied arm out, touching my elbow and trying to softly pull me back down. "Don't stop making me feel like I'm yours, please."

I want Saki, to feel her and give unto her everything I can. So I don't need any further invitation or thoughts.

Pushing my length back into her delightfully tight rear, I plant my hands beside her to give the kitsune what she asked for. Slow at first, getting used to how tight she still is and confident she's eager for more, I start giving in. The lust in my veins guides my thrusts, a surprised squeal turning into needy moans and affirmations as I grasp her outstretched legs and start to plow her. She's soft but tight beneath me, vulnerable yet delighted as I thump into her thighs and behind. We might say meaningless words or whisper each other's names, but I'm lost to anything said. Sounds beyond her breaths and my hips thumping into her don't exist.

There's lust in how I take her, passionate need in every encouraging twist and shake of her body that grinds and grips my manhood. Saki starts to pant, her toes curling and the pitch of her gasps rising as she rubs her slit. Fast and hard, I push on through her rising peak, which only pushes her closer to it. Knowing I'm doing this to her is just as wonderful as the sweltering, undulating grasp she has on my manhood.

A sharp gasp throws her head back, sending her legs shivering and fingers twitching in a circle against her wet mound. Back arching, her chest heaves and breasts shake, all while her rear I'm stuffing starts clenching and quivering. Even though I'm in the wrong hole for it, her body tries to milk me anyway, the kitsune's breath stolen as she crashes over the edge near deliriously.

I speed up, giving in to how badly I need this. Saki's an inescapable trap around my length, making me fight for every short stroke as she fights to control her squealing. There's no faking the sounds she tries to muffle with the back of her hand while her tails coil around my waist and try to drag me closer.

Tension builds in my loins, her squeezing too much. I endure as long as I can, but all too quickly slam in deep when I can't fight it. I lean down and hungrily pull her into a kiss before I'm too far gone. Mashing against Saki, I'm overcome by a jolt that courses through my body, shattering into a wave of blinding pleasure. I let out all I have into her wonderful rear end, twitch after twitch. She deliriously clings to me and rides out her own peak, moaning appreciatively into my mouth even as my shaft gives its last pump. Gasping into her mouth, a haze washes over me while she keeps twitching around and beneath me.

The squeezing and grinding of my sensitive and softening manhood eases up eventually. Saki is limp beneath me, her legs jutting out listlessly because of how I'm pinning her with my tired self. The happy groan she lets out while nuzzling my face telling me there's nowhere else she'd rather be.

Time means nothing as we lie there, panting in the glowing sensations of comfort. I try to shift to a slightly more comfortable position while not crushing her and end up slipping my softening length out of her rear. Even after all of that, she's still tight enough to send a shiver down to my toes, her body not quite wanting to let me go. Once I'm out and more comfortably braced on my knees and elbows, our chests pushing into one another with every breath, she wraps her shaky legs around my waist.

"Please tell me you'll do that again sometime," she whispers, licking the edge of my ear tenderly.

With a relaxing, pleasant sort of tiredness settling over me, I can't help but chuckle into her soft, fluffy neck. "Now that I have you, of course I will. But we'll want to be careful sparring from now on, else we might not get any training done."

"Mrmph," she hums, biting the happy sound back best she can. Her legs squeeze me just a little closer, my spent manhood rubbing against her wet slit. "Not if I keep a few more cushions in my training hall."

Whatever I've awoken in her, I like it. A lot. "Good idea."

I kiss the side of the kitsune's mouth, sneaking a hand up between her ears to pet the fuzzy, heated tips. Pure contentment sighs out of Saki. Her weakened legs relax against me until they slip away.

I hadn't planned for this, but with an opportunity like this, I summon the last of my strength. Scooping an arm under her I roll us over, the kitsune weakly moving with me so the adjustments work. We work in tandem so well, even after wearing ourselves out from passion. In a tangle of legs and tails we get on our sides, nose to nose and hugging each other warmly.

A moaning purr practically rumbles through her once I start rubbing the back of her head. Rich, loving eyes look right into me, wanting all that they see.

"Give me a few moments to rest," I mutter, tails wrapping against my back, "and I can indulge you more."

I can't see her mouth, but I see the light of a smile on her face anyway. "Save your vigor. Rin still needs some of it."

At first I feel a pang of guilt for not thinking about the nine-tail, but quickly I realize I'm being a dull fool. I might have made up my mind, but that doesn't mean it's settled after only one day. That will take time and persistence.

I rub through fox fur, teasing the base of Saki's ear, and say, "I think your inexperienced sister won't be needing as much vigor from me."

"For now," she says, the tilt of her eyes almost playfully mischievous. Then it softens to a gentle smile. "She's afraid of disappointing you, and too prideful to admit it."

"Well, I'll have to work on reassuring her."

"Work her up like you did last night, and you'll break right through her pride," Saki says, that playful glint flashing again.

"So toss you down, and praise her. Am I getting that right?"

The eight-tail chuckles. "I don't know for sure about her, but you can try either of those out on me next time," she murmurs.

"Maybe I'll add in a few surprises for you as well."

A hum of approval rises in her throat, telling me she's looking forward to it. Saki rubs against my nose, before leaning back into my petting fingers. If I'm not careful with where I touch, we might end up spending more of my strength in spite of what I just said.

But no matter how soothing this is to lie with one I've fallen for, what Saki said lingers in my thoughts.

While to me last night proved I'll be anything but disappointed having Rin as well, I know the nine-tail hid her inexperience with men up until then. When I first met them all, I would've thought Saki might be the one lacking experience with how aloof and cold she was. To say nothing of Rin being so friendly and close. But now that I've gotten to see some of what's behind the carefully worn masks and politeness, I suppose it's no different than armor each kitsune has worn.

Softly biting my tongue, bringing myself back to Saki cuddled close as can be, I find myself without regret. What a strange sensation to have with someone else, and how sorrowful it is that it's been so long. If she knew what was on my mind, she'd try to get me to stop worrying, so I save her the trouble by enjoying this moment with her.

I must succeed, as my eyes start trying to drift shut. I resist best I can, curling my toes and constantly changing how I stroke Saki's ears. Her glossy gaze notices my weariness, head tilting up ever so slightly.

"Why don't we go back to the baths?" she suggests, giving me a much needed reason to stay awake.

My tired limbs would rather pull her back down and let sleep overtake us, but they aren't making the decisions here. "If we can stand up," I reply, patting her head.

Padded fingers stroke against my scalp, ruffling my hair. Saki kisses me, the slow and loving pace as welcome as it is new, before breaking away and saying, "We can manage. Somehow."

True to her word, we do. It's shaky going, but once I'm upright and on my knees it's not so bad. I don't feel tempted to close my eyes and drift off, at least.

A glance at the futon and bedding shows the wet stains we left on them. Looking down, I see our loins are coated in drying kitsune lust, sweat, probably a bit of my seed. Her fur is a wetly matted mess as well, but what I released in her doesn't seem to be on her thighs. Like she wants to keep it inside, despite where she wanted it. That raunchy realization tries to stir up my somewhat rested manhood, so it's a good thing Saki hands me my clothes at that moment.

If the three of us hadn't decided to let our new relationship be open, then we'd probably have to burn the bedding and our clothes to hide it. Assuming the trading of scents between Saki and I wouldn't give it all away even after a bath.

Standing up on weak legs, and shrugging my clothes back on, I say, "I don't think I'll be walking quickly."

Saki is already up, her dress on and hands busy wrapping her sash around herself. "If we go around the house we can walk slowly."

She deftly knots and folds the sash behind her back, then steps in to help me finish fastening my clothes. I don't need to put a hand on her hip while she smooths out wrinkles, just like she doesn't need to stroke my head. When she's done, she carefully flips the futon over on itself with a paw of foot, covering most of what we did to the bedding. Then she's so close I can't help but put an arm around her waist, and walk with her.

As inconspicuous as we're going to get, Saki and I walk out, leaning on each other for more than a bit of closeness. Hopefully she's not sore. But if she is, a whisper of a smile lingers on her mouth all the way through the halls of the house anyway.