Chapter 60

"I've gotta say," I begin, looking Yasaka up and down while stroking my chin, "...I'm legitimately surprised shirts that fit you exist."

Yasaka sent me an amused smile, "Trust me, I thought the same thing, it was a close thing…" She huffs, wrapping her arms under her chest and pushing it up a bit, "This particular shirt is actually much larger than it appears, I'm just stuffing the rest of it down into my pants…" She says, just a tad bit quieter, almost shyly so.

Ah, her jeans, can't forget about those either.

All in all, for a Faction Leader, even as small as the West Youkai, her attire is rather simple compared to what I expected her to go for.

A plain white shirt with black lining around the sleeves and collar that, while straining against her ample bosom a tad, actually fits, and navy jeans that are just a bit baggy, yet still show the curves of her legs just fine.

Hell, she's even wearing normal shoes! Black, slip-on ones, I believe they're called.

Of course, as we are going out in public, her fox tails and ears are hidden, and she isn't wearing most of her accessories.

Still, A-grade MILF material right here!

I promised Kunou I wouldn't be giving her a little brother or sister too soon, but honestly, I dunno about that promise now.

…I jest, of course, the fox girls are going to have to wait on that front, Kuroka has already long called dibs there.

In any case, regarding her clothes…we'll see about trying to fix that later.

For now though…

I chuckle, "Regardless, it looks really good on you. We could probably stuff you in a trash bag and you'd still be able to pull it off easily."

Yasaka, in turn, flushes slightly and chuckles back, "Oh, perhaps, perhaps…you flatter me so…" She waved me off with a smile.

"Now then…I gotta ask. Yasaka?" I start again, prompting Yasaka to raise an eyebrow my way, "Why are we heading out so early?"

Seriously, the sun hasn't even risen yet. I think we've still got at least an hour until then!

Granted, it's difficult to tell in Urakyoto because the place is set in perpetual darkness and such, but I can still tell!

It's so early, most of the Youkai aren't even up and about yet!

That, unfortunately, includes Kunou, who I was looking forward to seeing us off, and for her to be like, 'Behave! And use protection!' and all that jazz. That not happening makes it feel like something is missing from all this.

Yasaka sighs, "Unfortunately, I can't clear my entire schedule for this on such short notice, and I do still have that meeting I mentioned before to prepare and attend to recall." She shakes her head, sadly, "So, you'll have me for the morning, but that's all I'm afraid. Maybe a little bit into the afternoon as well."

I click my tongue.

On one hand, that kind of sucks.

On the other, thank me, because trying to plan this out all night was a bloody nightmare.

Mostly because of Yasaka's inability to leave Kyoto.

See, I originally thought such a thing would have been a minor inconvenience. Nothing at all to worry about.

Surely, there's something fresh I could take Fox MILF to that wouldn't be boring or a place she hasn't been to.

After all, she is pretty busy, there's no way she's been everywhere in this damn city, right?

Well. I had Kunou next to me during this entire process.

Turns out? She pretty much has.

All of the temples? She's had to visit them at some point, to meet with the deity in question for this or that reason.

Pretty much all the traditional shops and districts are no-go's, because of course they are. They've been around for hundreds of years, she was there when they were first built, and according to Kunou, she was one of the first patrons and customers at those establishments.

One idea I found to take her, the Sagano Romantic Train, seemed promising as not even Kunou knew about it…but the trip would take us outside the city.

So fuck.

There's always the chance that Kunou was intentionally shooting down my ideas to be a brat, which I'm keeping in mind, but somehow, I doubt that.

She seemed oddly serious about the whole thing after I managed to calm her down last night…if I had to wager a guess, I'd assume it's because she still wants her to have a good time.

Even though she might end up with a younger sibling by the end of it.

So, good on her, I think?

In any case, this has resulted in me requiring to get a bit more…creative.

I think we'll have a lot of fun, I just need to send a clone or two out to get everything ready…

With purpose, I step right up in front of Yasaka.

She glances up at me, humming in askance before yelping as I promptly scoop her up and off her feet, straight into my arms, and into a princess carry.

"Well then," I start floating up, bringing her with me, "we better get to it as soon as possible then yeah? So we don't end up in a rush?"

"O-Oh my~...up and just taking me away like this…" Yasaka's cheeks lit up as she shimmied her shoulders back and forth, "You're going to make me feel young again~, you know?"

That…nearly somehow made me stumbled midair, not going to lie.

I look down at her with a raised eyebrow.

She looks back up at me sweetly, blush still burning her cheeks.

…I think I know where Kunou gets the brattiness from.

Putting that very subtle hint out of my mind for now, another thought occurs as I fly away with her.

"...say, you did inform your guard that I'd be taking you out, right?" I inquire rather casually, as I assume I'm partly worrying over nothing.

In response, Yasaka puts a finger over her lips, and hums in thought, before replying just as casually, "Oh…so that's what I forgot to do earlier."

I stop, in midair, and deadpan down at her.

She merely giggles mischievously, "It'll be fine, Kunou can fill them in, so in the meantime…there's no need to worry."

"Yeah, she can…after the guards bust down her door to tell her you've gone missing, right?" I ask back plainly.

She doesn't respond to that beyond grinning a touch wider.

Oh yeah, most definitely got the brat from her mother, that's for damn sure!

~ A New Sun ~

Fun fact I didn't learn until last night.

There's a Starbucks in Kyoto.

In fact, there are three of them.

I probably shouldn't have been so surprised at that, but I was.

Now, my inner consciousness bawks at the idea of a date taking place at the said establishment, but we didn't stop there first for that, no, just for a snack and a drink.

It's way too early for breakfast after all.

Besides, that's what the picnic I have planned is for.

So, we stopped by a legitimate Starbucks to pick up something to go and tide us over for a little while, until the sun rose, and breakfast could be had properly.

It was adorable watching Yasaka look so lost staring at the menu, that I actively encouraged her to try out the more foreign offerings.

I, on the other hand, ordered my…usual?

It was reflexive, I can't remember why I ordered this specific drink - strawberry açai lemonade, or the sausage, cheddar, and egg sandwich…but well, anyway.

It tasted like melancholy. The good kind though.

I was too busy chuckling over Yasaka's indecision to conclude what…that was.

Not as though I felt I'd ever come to one.

So, moving on, I helped Yasaka pick something out eventually…and since I'm basic as all hell, we settled on a Frappuccino.

Though I have to say, I can't tell if the image of Yasaka being held up in my arms drinking a Starbucks Frappuccino is incredibly cursed or incredibly cute.

I'm still trying to decide to be honest.

Anyhow, while we were doing that, I took the time to sneakily send off a clone or two to get everything ready.

In specific, and for where I'm taking her for the date to truly begin?

The Kyoto Botanical Garden.

Apparently, it's fairly underrated and pretty overlooked by locals and tourists alike.

At least, that's what the internet claims, and honestly?

I'm kind of having trouble believing it.

Even with the dark still reigning, the paths throughout every single ground are lit beautifully, bathing the changed orange, red, and even a few yellow, trees and flora in artificial, yet beautiful light.

There are several grounds to this place, one which holds sakura trees, another that's a field of roses.

They've even got buildings for cacti, and tropical plants!

There's no way this place isn't at least a little popular, right?

Well, not like it matters since we're here so early. They aren't even open yet, as far as I'm aware.

Which means my second act on this date is to casually commit a crime.

Truly, I have fallen low.

Despite already having seen the place in my clone's memories, when he was getting everything ready for us, I still couldn't help my pleased whistle at the sight.

Upon looking down, I find that even Yasaka looks a tad memorized by the sight…judging by the fact she's stopped sucking on her Frappuccino to stare.

…I think she likes it. Both the drink and our first stop here.

"...I haven't been here in a long time." Yasaka murmurs in my arms, a pleased smile on her face, "Last time I think was…the 1950s, or so? This place had fallen into disuse, and it was such a shame seeing it slowly rotting…it's good to see it still going strong…although," she turns her eyes up and looks at me, smirking playfully, "I wasn't aware they were open so late?"

I rolled my eyes, and stated, "They aren't." As I floated down with her to the ground.

"Oh my~...kidnapping me, and now breaking and entering?" She dramatically puts the back of her hand to her forehead, "Truly, you are the most vile villain Kyoto has ever seen~…"

…Is she asking for correction?

Because I will correct her if she keeps asking for it.

I snort, and tack on, "You're gonna have to add 'having my wicked way with you' to that list as well if you keep this up."

She bats her eyelashes at me and smirks, calling out quietly, yet sultry, "Oh no~, whatever shall I do~..."

…Remember your promises, Nori. Remember your promises.

As we approached our final destination, Yasaka perked up and turned her head to look back down.

"A barrier…?" She mused, and I nodded.

"Yep, just in case, a small one to make normal people avoid us while we're here." I confirm.

Barriers like that are pretty simple to learn, turns out. And I could invoke one without even using magic, just my holy spirit power.

Wrangled out how to do it from Kuroka in preparation for today, as I recalled Shirone's date when I couldn't set one down.

To us, it looks like a good-sized dome of dull dark gold plating.

But we can only see it in the first place because we aren't mundane, to normal humans, they simply wouldn't come through the space the barrier occupies…nor hear anything that goes on inside.

"My~...so you truly planned such things from the start, I see?" She complimented, yet asked, sultrily.

…I can't tell if she's referencing my planning ability legitimately, or trying to be coy about getting fucked again.

Or both. Probably both.

With another roll of my eyes, we passed seamlessly through the barrier, with no sputter or odd sensations, and came face to face with the spot I'd chosen.

I'd wanted a good place where we could see everything, or at least, a good amount of stuff, yet not mess with anything.

It also needed to have enough room for…activities.

No, not the sexy kind.

Thus, I managed to find a pretty decent spot, I'd say, clear of all garden exhibits as it were, with only a few trees around us and one on the slightly elevated hill where I got everything set up.

That sight elevation lets us see a good portion of the plants and flora on display in this part of the gardens, at least those not within a greenhouse or some such building.

So yeah, pretty good I'd say! That, and it's good just enough room for–

"Are those…canvases?" Yasaka speaks up, almost as soon as we enter the barrier, all flirtatious undertones replaced with palpable confusion.

Yup, canvases. Plural. Specifically? Dozens of them. Bunches are all in different sizes.

There's paint too, environmentally friendly paint, of course, of all different colors, and brushes of all different shapes and sizes.

I don't blame her for not mentioning them though, they're kind of…covered up by all the blank canvases.

I smile, and nod, as I land and set her down on her feet, "Correct!" I confirm easily.

Yasaka tilts her head, sipping her Frappuccino almost listlessly as she tries to figure out what's going on here.

Okay, now that's cute.

"I must say, Noriaki…" She looks back at me, "That I…don't know what to say? This isn't what I expected at all…"

"...Do I even want to know what you expected?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow.

She giggles softly, and wiggles her finger, "Probably not~! Although…who knows, there's still plenty of time. Perhaps you'll further surprise me still?"

Oh, I'll surprise you alright, just not in the way you probably expect.

…Wait. That doesn't…? Does it?

I'm going to stop thinking for a while.

"...We'll see." I gave back, noncommittal, while sipping my lemonade just because, "Anyway! Pick a canvas, I've got paint and brushes around here…somewhere."

Ah, crud, there isn't a table out here…oh well.

I plop down my drink and sandwich on a very small canvas that's off to the side and start looking for said paint and brushes, lifting and looking behind the larger canvases first.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I see Yasaka finish her drink, and with a snap of her fingers envelope the empty cup in a flash of foxfire, wiping the thing out of existence.

The flames vanished as quickly as the cup, and with a satisfied smile, she made her way over to a moderately sized canvas.

"I wasn't aware that you painted at all, Noriaki." She idly assumes, dragging a finger across the blank canvas.

"I don't!" I call back, as I lift several of the things at once, "Ahah! There you are…"

Damn clone hid them under a bunch of them. All the paint cans, all brushes.

I lift a random can of red paint, and brush, "This is the…second? Yeah, the second time I've ever held these particular objects in my hands, ever. In my life."

Yasaka slowly turns her head and looks at me, oddly, "Truly? Then…why…?"

I shrug, "Why not?" I ask, and ask, and start walking over to her, "It could be fun, who knows unless I try? And besides…" I walk right up to her, setting the can and brush at my feet, "In any event, this would be much more fun than going shopping for stuff just to fill out your room."

Yasaka blinks at that, "My…room? You've seen it…? Oh!" She perks up in realization, "Last night, then…sneaky. Very sneaky. I assure you, Noriaki, there's no need…truly. Though I appreciate the thought…"

I waved her off, "I didn't know you were from Greece, Yasaka. That's how empty your room is. Doesn't it get boring, sleeping with the same old boring and plain walls barring your every side?"

At that, it was Yasaka's turn to shrug, "I'm used to it, Noriaki…truly."

I don't think I like that nonchalant tone all too well.

I reach a hand out, bringing a finger under her chin, and making her look me in the eyes, "Well…let's get you used to being surrounded by walls bearing good memories then, yeah?"

"A~Ah~..." Her face flushes at the action, "That's…Hmm, oh…very well." She gives in with an impossibly sweet smile, "But I must warn you, while I dabbled with a brush, that was…centuries ago. I don't think anything I make will look wall-worthy, or even for today's times…"

"Ah, Yasaka…" I shook my head, "It's not about the final product, the painting, being good."

She stares at me, a bit perplexed, "...Isn't it?"

I give a good-natured chuckle as I release her chin from my 'vile' fingers, pick up the can, and strut over to a large canvas.

I heft it upright easily with a single hand, lean it back nicely against the tree, and take a good look around, moving any other canvases out of the splash zone.

Satisfied, I pick up a can, punch a small hole straight through the top, and whip the can out, lashing out before the canvas.

Paint flies free from the can, whipping across the canvas, and making a large red dotted streak.

I nod at my 'work' before setting the can down, and idly noting aloud, "Hmm, could use some blue."

Now this is why I want environmentally friendly paint.

With a smile, I turn and look back to see an absolutely flabbergasted Yasaka.

"It's about having fun." I give her a stupid smile, "That's all there really is to it."

For a second, she merely stares at me, until, eventually, she starts giggling.

Then that giggling turns into chuckling, turns into soft full-blown laughter.

That eventually calms down, and with an easy and sincere smile, she finally answers me back, "That's all there is to it, then?"

"That's all there is to it." I answer with a nod back.

She chuckles, "I like your enthusiasm, but I'd prefer to use a brush if you don't mind?"

I shake my head and wave a hand towards where all the supplies are, "Nope. All that matters is you're enjoying yourself, so go right ahead."

Yasaka walked following the direction my hand was pointing, her hips swaying as she went.

As she passed me by, her tails seemed to come out from nowhere, as did her ears, and brush up against me, my chest, and under my chin.

She gave a cheeky smile back at me after drive by fluffy tailing me.

…By the time morning comes properly, those ears are getting scratched, damn it!

~ A New Sun ~

The morning had come properly, and what did I learn?

Well, first things first.

I should have bought more paint.

I lean now against the tree, Yasaka buried into my side, her tails and arms wrapped around me as she giggles…almost like a schoolgirl.

But, at the very least? I'm now scratching behind her fluffy ears.

Was it worth being covered in absolutely all the colors of the rainbow?

Verdicts out on that one.

Yasaka, as it turns out, has likely been repressing her more…non-lewd mischievous tendencies for Heaven knows how long.

So, when she got bored of using the brushes, she started following my example.

Then, when she got bored of using a canvas…well.

I got dosed in green paint.

Which, by the way? Green? Not my color.

In retaliation, I turned her pink, and then things sort of…escalated from there.

I stare off into the distance, the sun steadily making itself prominent in the sky, and wistfully note that humanity shall never once be graced with the knowledge of the Great Paint War.

That, and the paint is drying, and moving is starting to make this odd grinding sound, like rubbing cardboard together.

It feels weird, I desperately need a shower.

As does Yasaka, she's in a similar state to myself.

Her once mostly white shirt is now pretty much every other color besides white, similar to my robe, as are her pants, face, and hair…yeah.

I hope this stuff washes easily. It should, right?

Well, I guess I could just burn it all off myself…

"...Noriaki?"

I turn my head to the side, opposite Yasaka, yet still, my sight beholds a fox girl nonetheless.

Inari standing there with an expression of sheer bafflement.

I remove my hand from Yasaka's head, and wave at Inari, "Sup, Inari." Yasaka perks up at my side, her giggling ceasing, "Like what we've done with the place?"

"...are you, perchance, in need of any cleaning services?" She asks, still looking around.

"Nah," I wave her off, "gonna call in a prayer for a rain god or two, wash it all away."

Inari pouted at that, but before she could spout some saleswoman's pitch, I held up my hand, "Just what I asked for."

She sighed, "Very well…Yasaka-hime?"

Slowly, very slowly, she raised her hand, an atomic blush exploding across her face, "...y-yes?"

Aw, poor girl. Probably feels embarrassed being 'caught' like this by a Kami of all beings.

Inari smiled slyly, and leaned down right in front of her, "Don't worry so much about it…I've seen far, far more embarrassing things before…specifically relating to Noriaki's mother and her siblings."

"I'm listening." I state on instinct, drawing a cackle from the fox goddess.

"Are you paying?" She looks at me and responds.

With a huff, I turn away, pouting, and Inari goes back to looking at Yasaka with a chuckle.

"Anyhow," Inari continued, "It has been a while, since last we saw each other…this may sound odd, especially since I presume he hasn't told you anything…but I'm going to need your three sizes."

Yasaka blinked at that, her head slowly swiveling to look at me.

I met her back her gaze in a moment, and gave her a cheery smile, "Beyond just your room, I also saw you trying on those clothes…that wouldn't fit. So, I figured, finding a place that could make you what you need would be a good idea…and so I went to the only person I know of that would likely know or own such a place."

Inari hums, "If it makes you feel any better, Yasaka-hime, your problem isn't…unique. I'm not sure how you go about solving it right now, but trust me when I say that I can have you covered for pretty much whatever you want."

"And I'm paying for it all!" I point out.

"And he's paying for it," Inari echoes with a sly smile, "so you won't even have to spend a yen. Despite how admittedly…expensive, it can get."

"I'll be fine, I'll be getting paid a good deal soon from my mom for stuff," I add in, before Yasaka can even think of fretting, "besides, it'd be worth it regardless. I caught you looking pretty down at the time, so I thought-Mmm!?"

All of sudden, my voice is cut as something slams into my mouth and lips, stopping me from talking altogether.

My eyes look down, and there, all of a sudden, is Yasaka, having smashed her lips against mine all of a sudden.

Behind her, Inari slowly raises an eyebrow.

As Yasaka slowly pulls back, she still looks flushed, in part, but damn it if she doesn't look really happy right about now.

"...Look at me, acting like such a child." She mutters, running a finger across her lip, "What I should be saying is…thank you, and…" She leans forward just a tiny bit more to whisper to me, "It looks like I owe you just a bit more, doesn't it? Don't worry~..." Her tone switches to sensual, in a snap, "Soon~..."

Yasaka moves to get up after that, and in the background, I hear her start talking to Inari…I think about what she has to do to get said measurements.

Doesn't matter, right now, I only have one thought going through my mind.

Kunou. You might be getting a sibling after all because I think I may have accidentally put myself in a lot of danger!