A True Lover's Embrace

Mizuki had gotten off the phone with Himemiko, announcing that Tomoe's bride was finally ready. Their last walk through the demon world was planned out and at the end of the path was Tomoe's ritual ceremony. Everything was ready. Tomoe was beyond ready to see his bride. His wife. As the word 'wife' passed through Tomoe's mind, the biggest grin spread across his face. A small flush of pink tinted his cheeks and his violet eyes shone with joy. He stepped out onto the long and winding path through the demon world. The path was a bright gold bridge of light that hovered over most of the buildings. Mizuki handed Tomoe a small lantern and smiled.

"I'm glad that Nanami will have someone like you watching over her." Mizuki smiled as he spoke.

Tomoe could only smile. Suddenly, a portal opened up behind Tomoe and Mizuki. The light was a bright white, nearly blinding them both. However, what emerged from that light, it took the breath out of them. Tomoe held his breath as he finally, finally saw Nanami.

Nanami was adorned in a lovely red carnation hairpin that held her long brown hair in a tight bun, an orange ceremonial kimono with accents of yellow and white flowers, and her lips were painted a beautiful ruby red. Nanami's eyes shone brightly as she walked onto the golden path beneath her feet. Her eyes met Mizuki's gaze first. He looked over Nanami, from head to toe, simply shunned by her beauty.

"My lady, Nanami. You are so beautiful." Was all that Mizuki could muster.

Nanami smiled and finally laid her eyes on Tomoe. Her Tomoe. Something in his eyes said that he wanted to say something, but he didn't say anything. She walked to his side and looked up at him, before speaking.

"Something on your mind? You look like you have something to say to me." She playfully puffed out her cheek. Tomoe couldn't contain his happiness anymore. He wrapped his arms around her waist and placed his head in her chest. His fox ears easily caught the small gasp of surprise as he closed the gap. He smiled warmly and with content as he whispered to her.

"Finally. Finally, you're all mine!"

Nanami's face flushed at his declaration. She smiled and looked down at his head. She rubbed his head as she had done so many times. Mizuki smiled and looked at the couple. He cleared his throat and motioned to the golden path before them.

"We don't want to keep everyone waiting, do we?" He teased as Tomoe straighten his posture and held Nanami's hand.

"No, if you're ready Nanami, let's be on our way." He looked down at his lover. Her loving brown eyes met his gaze as she simply nodded. They began to slowly walk down the path. Along the way, they met with all the demons they had come into contact with. The dragon king and his wife, Himemiko, the dancing women from the bar (They certainly made the parade through the realm more interesting), Princess Narukami, Jirou, Suirou, and many many others. Nanami was so happy to see all her friends and allies on this joyous day.

As they reached the end of the path, Nanami's thoughts was swarmed with so many emotions and memories that she stopped walking and knelt over and held her stomach. Tomoe looked at her and knelt next to her.

"Nanami? What's the matter? Do you have a stomach ache?" His voice was laced with concern.

"What do I do, Tomoe? A part of me wants that this moment stops right now. I've waited so long for this. And what if this is the only happiest moment of my life? What do I do?" She began to shake, trying to hold in her tears and insecurities. Tomoe looked over his bride for a moment, before speaking softly as he lifted her chin gently with his hand.

"There will be more. From this day forward, it is my mission to ensure that you have many more happy moments and even better moments." Nanami looked into his eyes, seeing that he spoke with smooth confidence and pure love. Her face and body relaxed as he continued to speak. "I swear to you, I will make you happy. My sweet Nanami, I love you."

As he finished, her smile returned and stood up. She blinked away her tears and held Tomoe's hand. Prepared to travel into whatever the human world has to offer. They continued walking, as they reached the end, a portal opened up. They could see Mikage, Ookuninushi, and Otohiko through the opening. Finally, Onikri and Kotetsu appeared, guiding them towards the ritual grounds. Tomoe smiled warmly at Nanami.

"I'm becoming a human." He stated, not to anyone in particular. He was so ready to start living as a human with his Nanami. His wife. His cheeks flushed again as he called her 'wife', even though it was not out loud.

They took one last look at the demon world. Nanami smiling warmly at all her close friends that she had made during her time as a Land God. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes again as she spoke.

"Goodbye everyone. Thank you so much. For everything. I will cherish you all in my heart and memories." She then bowed towards them. The entire parade seemed to be filled with happy smiles and looks as they bowed towards her. She waved goodbye, before taking Tomoe's hand once more. Stepping into the portal, their presence was gone from the demon world. Mizuki smiled as he cried. His body shook as he felt Nanami's presence as a Land God disappear and Tomoe's demonic aura faded. He whispered into the air, hoping that maybe, somehow they would hear him.

"Goodbye, I hope you both are content for all your days."

It seemed like an eternity later, but they arrived at their honeymoon destination before sunset. Tomoe looked over his new hands, now clawless. He had no more fears about accidentally hurting her. He gripped her hand gently as they walked into the lobby area of the hot springs. A small elderly woman was manning the sign in desk. Her thin and gray hair was short and her skin pale and wrinkled. The woman smiled at the couple as they approached the desk. Tomoe was the first to speak.

"Good evening, we have a reservation. It should be under the name Tomoe and Nanami?"

"Let me look over the book, give me a moment." The woman spoke softly as the sound of fumbling papers came from behind the desk. After a few moments, the woman smiled warmly at the newlyweds. "Yep, allow me to show ou to your room." The old woman shuffled around the desk and headed towards the East side of the building. The tanami mats under their feet creaked slightly as they walked behind the woman. Nanami smiled softly as she held his hand. Then, she suddenly realized what was going to happen in the next few hours and coming days.

'I'm going to have sex with Tomoe.' Her blush was not unnoticed by her husband. He couldn't help but whisper in her ear.

"My my, Nanami what in the world has you so flustered?" His voice was low and seductive.

"N-nothing!" She managed to say as she tried to hide her blush from his sight. The woman smiled as she opened a nearby door for them.

"Here you go dearies. This is your room. The hot springs are located in the back of the building. Please wash before you enter the springs." Nanami and Tomoe smiled and bowed in respect.

"Thank you so much." They said in unison. The older woman smiled and as she was about to close the door, she spoke.

"And don't worry about any other guests, you two are the only ones on this side~" She winked as she closed the door behind her. Nanami's blush was even more red than before. She dared not look at Tomoe. 'Knowing him, he has a stupid grin on his face!'

Tomoe chuckled as he glanced over at his bride. Her face was a deep crimson and her bottom lip was being gnawed on gently. He could tell she was nervous. Hell, who wouldn't be? This was her first time with a man and Tomoe knew that she had to be somewhat relaxed before any fun could begin. He spoke softly to her.

"Nanami? Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Just a bit nervous." She laughed nervously as her body began to shake against her will. She mentally reprimanded herself and tried to control her breathing. She trusted Tomoe with her life. However, this new experience was a bit overwhelming for her senses, even though nothing is happening!

"Nanami, would you like to take a dip in the springs? Maybe that will help with the nerves." He gently rubbed her back. "But if you're not ready for sex, I won't make you. I want you to want this." He said, with love and understanding in his voice.

"Tomoe, I want this, I'm just so..so nervous. I don't want to disappoint you or do something wrong!" Her blush was back with a vengeance. She looked up at her husband and he could see the uncertainty. She truly thought he would be disappointed in her abilities in the bed!

"Dear Nanami, I know without a doubt, I would never be disappointed in you in the bedroom. I'm very happy to be your first time. It's natural for you to be nervous. But as I said, I won't force you to do anything you don't want to. Why don't you go relax for a bit?" He chuckled and kissed her head gently.

Nanami's cheeks stayed red, but she agreed that maybe the hot springs would calm her down. She nodded.

"Yeah. I'll go for a soak." Finally a thought popped into her head. She thought for a moment. When she did not move towards the springs immediately, Tomoe raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

"Nanami?"

"D-did you want to join me?" Her voice trembled and her entire face was red.