Zypher: a little late with this week's update but have chosen a different setup to my scheduling. to save everyone from waiting another week if i miss the update day, i will see to updating during the week of if not on the particular day. that way it saves me stress that i'm not on schedule as i'd like to be and also provide a high quality update for everyone reading! now to see how Kazuto handles a day at home...

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Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen

Chapter 17

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Silence reigned the table before Reichiru was the first to speak of just how long Kazuto had planned on dropping this bomb on them. Hopefully this wasn't the real purpose of you returning back home, she uttered, trying to hide the disgust in her voice. "I've...been planning for some years now. I regret that I've been away from you all but not as much as I was with Yugi. Growing up without a father, living with the idea that I never cared...I couldn't bear that in my thoughts so I want to reconcile for the time I've been gone and bring him to experience a new world outside of Japan with both your blessings for my negligence towards his growth." Kazuto looked to the two of them now then to Yugi, almost as if he was keen on making the decision final when someone else spoke up.

"The idea of foreign exposure sounds like a delightful idea," Atemu began, taking a sip from his cup of tea before setting the glass on the table, the click almost ominous on the wooden surface. "But it's with a heavy heart as I speak for them both that Yugi is firmly rooted to work here. He is my growing protégé, to work beside me in my field of work and raise himself in rank as co-owner to my vast nature preserve. Therefore as his business associate, I couldn't allow him to leave at such a crucial time." Those words were like icy fire crawling down Kazuto's spine but he tried to paint a glare upon his face to make the hidden king back down. He aimed for atonement, that wasn't a lie, but the man he was hasn't gone unchanged. Kazuto sat up straighter, eyes narrowed as he commented that Atemu was but a guest. This was family matters that didn't involve him. "What I plan with my son should be of no concern for you. Even if he's a hard worker for your preservation, you can find someone to replace him."

Sugoroku looked between the two, feeling the oppressive aura rising between them. He should stop them before Atemu decides that cursing the other man would opt as a punishment for the stress caused but stays silent. After all, it was his partner that Kazuto was trying to take away and while he had an opinion as his guardian, it was only wise that the partner took matters into his own hands. Scarlet eyes narrowed, hardly fazed by the man's attempt to be intimidating. The sound was faint but it didn't go unnoticed by Yugi. The sound of a bell's toll. Kazuto was the first to move, standing from his chair with all the flair of a scorned parent, watching Atemu with a bitter glare. "Surely you two haven't grown complacent during my time away. To allow a complete stranger to control the path of Yugi's life like this. Perhaps I'm asking for too much leniency for your blessing and should just go about the preparations myself." At those words, Yugi was next to shoot up from his seat.

Papa, please, Yugi tried to beg but the heated glare focused on him now. "I don't want to hear it, Yugi! The job is nothing but a hobby at best! It's appreciative but you need actual work study in the real world. Nature will not give you experience. Plants will not provide a future. You need to put aside these frivolous thoughts and get your head in the right mindset. If you want to improve on your little game, then you need more than just what you've gained." That response had set off a volatile response, Reichiru speaking out angrily that he was in no position to make demands. "If this is your way of trying to gain forgiveness, you're already ten steps behind." She hissed. Sugoroku tried to calm everyone down, a hand resting on a quivering shoulder as Yugi was beginning to lose his composure. Was this really happening? Was his father actually going to force him back to the states? Take him from Atemu?

Yugi knows he should speak up, deny such an atrocious idea but he felt that in doing so, he would be shot down. Why...why was he so scared of a man that hasn't been a part of his life for years? The noise around him was deafening, his mother and grandfather trying to usurp his father from sticking with his outlandish idea. But Kazuto was firm on it, not backing down no matter how voluble they were becoming. It was the start of a hasty and heavy argument, one that would divide the family easily...and Atemu was saying nothing to halt it all. Yugi looked to the king, slowly reaching for him, hand shaking. Atemu, Yugi whimpered, asking for his strength but only the toll of the bell sounded. Scarlet eyes glanced at him, sparking with trust but it wasn't for Yugi to trust in him.

It was for him to trust Yugi. Trust him to pull himself from the downward spiral.

To assert himself as queen, that was the goal here and Atemu was just there as support. As easily as he could speak his piece, reveal his true self and remind of Yugi's place at his side, it would have more of an impact if Yugi spoke those words himself. Taking his hand to grip it gently, Yugi straightens himself, getting everyone's attention at the table but Atemu keeps himself seated, a fact that Kazuto caught sight of before seeing their joined hands. His eyes widened at the implication, ready to speak out on it when Yugi beat him to it. How dare you try to dictate my life snapped harshly from his lips, making the older man flinch for not expecting such an unpredictable response. "I had feared your return since I was told of it, wondering what kind of man would walk through that door. Your honesty of trying to make up for your neglect was sound but to force me from my home, think that I would be ok and complacent with it because you're my father, you are a fool." Yugi continued.

Kazuto tried to speak up but Yugi didn't allow him a single inch to do so. "I have made a living here, have a second game to create and a job that I adore with someone I care for. Someone who had helped me in more ways than you could ever do. Mama and jii-chan have been supportive of my decisions, where I took my life and where I aim to go with it now has long been accepted. This is why they protest against your callous decision to take me from Japan to work alongside you. I would never find happiness in the states, only experience to be someone I'm not. You haven't even taken the time to know me because I've changed from the little boy you once knew." Yugi felt a thumb brush over the back of his hands and looked to Atemu who gave him a secretive smile before turning back to face his father, brimming with confidence befitting a queen. I will not be returning back with you and for as long as you continue to think this way, then forgiveness is what you will never gain for your neglect.

With his words spoken, Yugi released Atemu's hand and marched from the kitchen, heart lighter and fuller that he shook off the nerve that tried to seize him in its grip. How silly was he to fear this man that was his father. Not even a day within their home and already he had proven he was no father worth his respect or time. He dares to make decisions for him like Yugi was a petulant child who couldn't speak for himself, thinking that his mother and grandfather would accept his request to take Yugi from them. Even if Atemu wasn't his king and mate, there was still the dreadful implications that the man wanted to strip Yugi of the personality he had cultivated throughout the years here. Change him into someone that wouldn't fit him. He would be just another rung in the giant net of humanity and above all, be a person that Atemu would turn away on a dime. His fae heart would be sealed away behind iron doors and locked by impenetrable latches.

Yugi would never know the beauty of nature and the freedom of the woods and wilds. Never meet Yusei or Judai or the kind tailor to make him such beautiful garments. And Atemu...he would be alone to rule the sheer size of a kingdom he created. He would never know this happiness, become a king who thrives on the core aspects of kitsune life cause no one would be able to heal his heart from the damage it took. Just the mere thought of that had Yugi collapse on the couch with a sigh. The male needed a moment to decompress and was grateful that after his speech, the noise in the kitchen had quieted. Inside, Kazuto was left speechless, Atemu smirking from his seat as Sugoroku spoke to his son that he should've been more considerate. "You've only been here for a day and commanding things like you've lived here since you took off. Things have changed, Kazuto, and no one will be appreciative of you making changes so drastically on your own merits."

The words stung even if they were right, his rebuttal that he was only doing what he thought was best for Yugi's continued development. He hasn't done anything for himself aside from creating a hit game but has ever left Domino? Been to any of Japan's many prefectures to surround them or even considered moving away? Those were the things that Kazuto wanted to do for Yugi, allowing him fresh new experiences to enrich his life. Why was that suddenly so terrible! Sugoroku sighed, ready to speak his thoughts when the slide of a chair reminded them of their guest. For being so quiet, the older Motou nearly forgot he was there but it didn't calm the glare to surface upon his face. Perhaps the family was swindled by this unknown gentleman. That they were caught up in illicit business that the tradeoff for their safety was Yugi.

If so then why haven't they come forward with the authorities?! There was something unnatural about Atemu that set of flags in his mind but couldn't put a finger on it. As scarlet eyes gazed into his own, a sense of ancient power radiated from those gem-like hues, trapping Kazuto with the ease of a fight he couldn't think of winning. "Your concern for Yugi's wellbeing is sound and I wouldn't argue against enriching his experiences with new things but as a reminder to you, I care for those enrichments as well and provide them in a manner most suitable for his engagement. If you took the time to understand him after the years of separation you have brought, perhaps you'll see things the same as the missus and grandfather. Now, the boy needs time to recuperate and adjust to your presence so if you'll excuse me." With a short bow of the head, Atemu left the dining table, Kazuto watching him closely. For the briefest moment, the older Motou thought he saw nine tails swaying proudly behind him as he left the room.

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When Atemu entered the living room, he spotted his precious mate on the couch. The air of stress had dispersed readily, leaving behind a tranquil peace after all the bluster his father tried to cause. The hidden king sat beside his queen and like a magnet, Yugi came to lead against him. "Thanks for the support." Yugi whispered, making Atemu smile. "When we promised ourselves to each other, I swore to never let you flounder in the face of an adversary. Your father chose to be unreasonable to your feelings and your future. If I wasn't a part of it then perhaps you'd agree after time as he still honors an apology for his neglect. But now, I would not allow you to leave me across the ocean blue and far from a gate to access the spirit realm." Yugi laughed good-naturedly, wrapping his arms around one of Atemu's, whispering that he would never leave him so abruptly at the whims of a man that held no levy over him.

"I would agree to make this debacle his last chance of redemption and ignore him for the rest of his time here...but I feel I still owe him a chance even after this route he thought to take with me." Is that what you heart believes, Atemu questioned, both unaware the man in question had come from the kitchen once he assisted in clearing the table to make up for his demand and hoped for a second chance of convincing them. When he saw the two so close, Kazuto thought he had been dreaming of the sight. His son couldn't be...but the more Kazuto watched their interaction from the doorway, talking calmly but in hushed tones, the more he believed that the family were caught up in some form of illegal activity being covered up as a natural preservation site. As such, there had to be something he could do to free his family from the clutches of Atemu.

That would have to wait till tomorrow, Kazuto thought, moving past them with a hasty goodnight to Yugi. "Hmm, oh. Goodnight, papa." Was the response from the smaller male, making the father frown but said no more as he left to make his way upstairs. Atemu checked the time, speaking that he should make his way back home himself. He didn't want to leave his queen alone to handle the day tomorrow with his father around but Yugi promised that after the power move of standing up to him during dinner, he had nothing to fear. "It was a shaky couple hours just for him being home but I think I have things handled from here. He won't influence me in any way to agree to his terms. However, that doesn't mean you can't drop in for a visit yourself if you'd like to. I'm sure the festival prep is still at hand and needs to be done." Atemu sighed dramatically, resting back against the couch bemoaning playfully to make the summer festival one to remember, he had to put so much work into it.

"The decorations, the food, the choreography. It's just too much for one king to bear alone. If you didn't have to cater to such a self-righteous man, I'd welcome you to join me in the preparations. Everyone misses you." Yugi smiled, bringing himself closer and said that catering to his father wasn't always in the cards. He was a grown man, and could take care of himself without help. "He can last without me for a day or two. Especially to think about how he treats me. I want to forgive him and actually have a father worth being proud of but not if he values taking me away from my home. I already have my plans set with you and I won't allow that to change just because he wants to make more quality time with me." Atemu smiled, leaning down to press his lips to Yugi's cheek but Yugi, the cheeky little vixen he was, turned his head to capture the king's lips in a soft kiss.

They were alone and not under scrutiny, Yugi waited long enough for even a single intimate gesture with the visit. Atemu easily obliged to the whims of his mate, arms sliding around him to bring him closer. Lost in their personal world, they never saw Kazuto peering from atop the stairs within view of the couch and his blood boiled at the sight. Atemu had truly gotten himself cozy with the family and the idea of being romantically involved with Yugi only promised silence. This was a racket if he ever saw one and to have one under his family roof didn't sit well with him. Tomorrow, he vowed, heading for his room. Tomorrow, he will get things settled immediately. Kazuto will not allow this to become the future for his son. to be bound to a conniving fox of a man and chained to his insipid desires. It was a shame that his thoughts bore a half truth and the blindness to not learn more before choosing to act.

With a few more tender kisses, Atemu cupped Yugi's cheeks to halt him from more, laughing warmly. "Walk me to the door." Yugi nodded, a frown upon his face as he wished Atemu didn't have to go but his kingdom needed him present. Climbing from the king's lap, Yugi offered a hand to the king who graciously took it and stood. Straightening the wrinkles from his vest, he followed Yugi downstairs to the game shop floor and towards the front door. When it was opened, Yugi swept into a fluid bow. "Til we see each other again, my king."

"Tomorrow, my queen. I'll come back tomorrow to enjoy time together with you. Give you a reprieve from your father."

Yugi's heart was alight with promise, nodding eagerly and pledged a nice outing for the two of them to clear their minds and hearts before having to worry about facing Kazuto again in the evening. A kiss sealed the deal, Atemu's illusion fading to reveal the ears and tails oh so familiar to his queen, and a giggle pulled from Yugi as the tip of a tail tickled his cheek. "Goodnight, dove. I'll see you soon." Yugi nodded, giving a wave as Atemu departed through the door and was gone like the morning mist chased away by the rising sun. With the king gone, Yugi locked up for the night and headed back upstairs to get his bath and retired to his room. He still had work to do and wanted to get as much as he could done before sleep claimed him.

The devious actions planned by his father were only the tip of the iceberg of things to come.

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The next morning was met with a tense breakfast, Reichiru preparing the morning meal and watching everyone's interactions at the table as she sipped away at a cup of tea. Kazuto was unusually silent, the woman having expected the man to try and bring up the matter of bringing Yugi overseas again with the thought a night's worth of sleep would change their minds. But nothing came. His eye was cast upon Yugi who ate his breakfast promptly, only answering when addressed by his grandfather about his plans for the day. "I planned to do some more work with the second installment for Spherium then Atemu will come pick me up for a day out." At the mention of Atemu coming by again did Kazuto speak up. Are you sure you want to go out with him, he spoke, the bitterness of "him" being spat out perking her attention. "Well yes...am I not allowed to go out and spend a day with my benefactor?" Yugi questioned, eyes narrowed as he watched his father.

It was a natural response to snap back the way he did but with his father not knowing of their deeper and more intimate relationship, he couldn't address Atemu as he was properly. Just from that response alone made Yugi step back on the idea of telling Kazuto about his true relationship with Atemu. He knew he had to at some point but it seems he wanted to run things the wrong way before an opportunity brought itself to light. "I do, actually." Kazuto spoke, pushing his plate to the side despite the wary warning from his own father to not act rashly. Their passiveness towards Yugi's dilemma was beginning to irk him so it was time to finally speak up about it. "As my son, I will not allow this to continue on. I don't know what dealings this Atemu has with you but it will be stopped here and now. No son of mine will be caught up in a racket."

"A racket—papa, you mistake the relationship we have!" Yugi announced as he stood from the table. By the woods and wild Yugi didn't think he would ever meet a more infuriating man and let it be that it was his own father who was hard-headed as he was blind! Kazuto didn't rise from the table himself but a pointed glare met the angry orbs of violet looking at him. Then, pray tell, is your relationship with that man. It was a demand, not a question, and Yugi felt the hairs at the back of his neck bristle. Yugi, Reichiru uttered cautiously. She should've expected tensions to be high once again but this was certainly much higher than the dinner last night. She rose to stop them only for Sugoroku to grasp her shoulder. A glance to the older man had the shake of his head meet her eye. They had to work things out themselves and not a war they should get in between.

Kazuto had to learn one way or another and if the hard way has to be the right way, so be it. Yugi glanced at his mother and grandfather, his gaze asking if he should reveal the secret they all held. Sugoroku nodded though it was a given that Yugi didn't have to give the full truth of what Atemu was. The king will show the truth in time but to settle the embers of this current confrontation, clarification had to be spoken. Yugi swallowed a little before steeling himself, stating clearly of his position. "I hoped to tell you this on better terms but clearly it needs to be brought to light now. Atemu is not a benefactor to me, he is my partner. He loves me and takes care of me. I have a bright future ahead with him and while I want to respect you and make amends, you have to respect my decisions. If you cannot accept who I love then I can't see us working out. I want my papa back...but not if I can't get the respect I deserve from him."

Kazuto was silent, eyes wide as he listened to the words of his son even if his heart was adamant to not believe in the sights he saw the night before. Yugi watched his eyes, seeing the emotion flitting through them and with enough experiences being around Atemu, he could see nothing within them that spoke of acceptance. So with a sigh, Yugi pulled himself from the table, whispering that it was clear what Kazuto's heart chose and left. Reichiru watched him go before glaring at Kazuto. She didn't like seeing her precious boy disappointed and made her point well known to her husband. If he continued on this path of destruction, he could kiss any chance of forgiveness goodbye. She will not tolerate this treatment under her roof and if she had to, she would force the man out herself. "We welcomed you back without argument because we trust in you to make up for your years of absence. But if you can't accept the things Yugi has done for himself and the man he grew to love and understand, then I will not tolerate your presence under this roof. Reflect on your actions today and come back fresh by dinner. Understand me, Kazuto?" Reichiru growled.

Kazuto looked at his wife, swallowing at the fierce look in her eyes. Like a lioness of her pride, she was ready to protect and defend her family. He pulled his gaze away, defeated and deflated from his actions and promised to make it up. With a resolute nod, Kazuto sat back down to finish up what little scraps of his breakfast remained on his plate. Reichiru let out a relaxed breath, taking the refilled cup of tea handed to her to calm her down but her eyes were focused on the door Yugi left through. She wished for the best for him and not even two days in there was so much in-fighting. She expected better of Kazuto, had hoped his honesty was sound but there was still so much to work with and can only hope that he will work on those greatly from here on.

While they can't be as close as they once were, she wanted to give him a chance. Kazuto would have to leave, there was no doubt, but if he could leave on good terms then she felt things could look up. Alas, that was solely on Kazuto's actions from here on and Reichiru could only pray that in the process of it all, he doesn't tick off Atemu. To be cursed by the inari king would only lead to great misfortune and to get the king's forgiveness would be infinitely harder once the curse has set its course. I pray for you, Kazuto, I pray, Reichiru thought silently, taking a sip and wished Yugi a good day.

After the night before and this morning, an outing with Atemu was well deserved. At least with him, Yugi can relax and be happy before returning home. Hopefully dinner tonight will be a better cycle than last night with actual conversation and good feelings. That's all she could ask for instead of having to sit on the sidelines as her dear family tears apart at the seams of a unforgiving man that still calls himself her husband. The ramifications of that matter will soon be discussed to figure out why Kazuto kept their marriage solid and firm after this long instead of making the arrangements for a divorce at any given time during his absence.