"It's too early for this." Yuto groaned as he followed Yasaka along the cobblestone path. He rubbed the dust out of his eyes and stared annoyed at the rocky path.

"Well I figured you would appreciate an early start to your day, and that you two would want to see your new place." She covered her mouth to hide the sly smile she donned. "Though I must say I was more surprised than I should have been seeing you two in bed together. Not surprised that Tamamo sleeps naked."

"Why should I hide my amazing body from my Master." Yuto blushed and looked away from the foxes. Tamamo smiled and grabbed his hand, leading him along.

It didn't take long to arrive at their destination. The scenery of the city's morning lights made for a beautiful view that distracted the trio as they walked.

"Well, here we are." Yasaka turned towards the two and motioned towards the house behind them.

It was a simple one story house with an open backyard that led into the woods. It seemed to combine the old carpentry style with a more modern one, combined with a small pond in the front and a cobblestone pathway.

The inside seemed to match the outside, with a spacious living room that split off into a few different hallways. The kitchen was connected to the open living room with a state of the art fridge and oven.

"All of this…is ours?" Yuto asked as he inspected the house, even the appliances were up to date.

"Not at all. This place has been abandoned for some time and the cost could have been worse, of course since you work for me so I'll give you a discount." She winked at the two.

It was mainly Yuto who wanted a location close to the castle should something happen. If one were to look down the road they would see said castle just down the road. A small walk if either wanted to visit.

"Is this place also furnished?" Yuto asked, wandering off before Yasaka could respond.

"It… is actually. The food will be your responsibility, as well as any personal touches you would like to add."

Tamamo walked around observing the inside, seemingly pleased, she answered the older fox. "A little bigger than I would have liked, but it'll do. I'm sure Yuto would appreciate the extra space."

"I'm sure you'll make use of it too. Just try not to make too big of a mess with your activities." She smiled at Tamamo.

"You won't have to worry about that, we keep it in the bedroom. Unless one of us is feeling frisky." She smiled back.

"The back yard is pretty open, we can probably add more there later when we make some money." Yuto said, suddenly outside.

"When did- please come back inside." Tamamo said, making the blonde walk back inside.

Yasaka gave him a weird look. "You have plenty of money, you realize this right?"

"I know I have a bank account if that's what you mean." He said, inspecting the appliances in the kitchen. They all seemed pretty standard.

Yasaka rolled her eyes and handed her phone over to Yuto. His eyes went wide when he saw the numbers on the screen. Tamamo looked over his shoulder and whistled. "Looks like it went up a bit since last time."

"I guess I have been technically working for you huh. This should be enough to get by for a while." It was a modest amount considering who was hosting them, though it still somehow came close to what one Rin Tohsaka had on standby.

Yasaka shrugged. "You have been doing jobs for me: keeping an eye on Kunou, the little odd jobs you complete for me, and then there's what happened with Shuten. Simple compensation is no big deal."

"Still, thank you very much." Thinking about it, this was the first actual job he had. Not like he got paid running around with his dad.

"Oh, it's no issue at all. Besides, not all of this is without its merits." She sat at the couch and motioned to the other side, where Yuto and Tamamo sat themselves.

Yasaka let out a sigh of relief as she stretched herself across the couch, satisfying pops coming from her shoulders. "There we go, my back has been killing me lately."

"...You're using this as an excuse to get out of your work, aren't you?"

"Maybe." She smiled slyly and Yuto just shrugged. Not like he hadn't done similar stuff in the past.

Just as Yuto was relaxing, Tamamo leaned down on his lap with a comfortable smile. Despite the small uncomfortable feeling he had, Yuto smiled slightly. Though he had to resist the urge to scratch behind her ears.

Yasaka smiled at the couple and tried to enjoy the moment like Tamamo was. She made sure to leave her phone in her room so she couldn't be surprised called while she relaxed.

While she never particularly liked the sudden expansion of technology initially, it had grown on her over the years, though Kunou seemed to like it with the television.

Though she still preferred to use the traditional method of communication under certain circumstances.

"Is Urakyoto caught up with current technology? I noticed some more modern stuff in the castle?" Yuto asked, taking a glance at the fridge and stove.

"More or less. Most of the technology is based on what humans use, with modifications from the devils and the fallen. The fallen are more ahead of the times I believe." The golden fox shrugged. "The devils mainly use technology to broadcast the rating games and some side shows."

Yuto tilted his head. "Rating game?"

She looked at him curiously. Like other things, he was asking questions about things that should be somewhat common knowledge. "You must have really been sheltered. A rating game is a battle competition between two devil peerages. It is their biggest sport. It has gotten so big that other races watch a big one every so often, myself included."

She was still very much curious about his past, but he had yet to talk about his past, so it clearly was something that left a bad impression on him…or was something less than savory. Regardless, she wouldn't pry.

"So, any plans for the rest of the day? Sarutomi has headed out of town with Shuta for the day, Adachi is helping out with Tadeo's group to keep busy. And Astia…I believe is training individually."

"No clue yet. Need to buy groceries now, apparently we have the money for it." Yuto let out a hum, "Maybe something simple tonight, I just want to relax for now."

Listening to his words, Tamamo smiled and took a more comfortable position on his lap. "I know I am."

Yuto scratched behind her ears. There was a jolt in his companion's body as her tail wagged happily. Well at least she enjoys it. He thought.

Yasaka stared at the scene and laughed to herself. These two always changed up her boring daily schedule, adding a little chaos to her day. Shame she would have to work soon.

Everyone's relaxing time was interrupted as there was suddenly a rapid tapping on the window.

Yasaka paled when she saw the disturbance, peering inside the house was a black crow that continued to tap against the window.

Yasaka practically jumped off the couch and quickly walked to the window, opening it. The crow flew inside and landed on her shoulder, letting out an annoyed 'KAW' as it attempted to glare at her.

It presented one of its three legs which had a piece of paper tied to it. The yokai leader quickly unfurled it and the crow perched itself on the couch, sending a curious glance at the duo who were with Yasaka. The human seemed puzzled about what was happening, while the fox sent a knowing glance at the bird.

The kyuubi sat down on the couch as she read the note. Yuto leaned over so he could peak the note. Despite how obvious it was, Yasaka didn't seem to mind, but then again she was also too occupied to care. Tamamo however did seem to mind as she glared at the blonde.

"Dear Yasaka, I have heard of what happened with the Oni, Shuten Douji. Please do be mindful of the ley lines in the future. You are in charge of them after all. ~Amaterasu"

Letting out a sigh of relief, Yasaka slumped against the couch, nearly crushing Yuto had he not moved back.

"Well this morning had become more stressful than I would have liked." She looked towards the duo to see the crow sitting patiently on Tamamo's shoulder, nuzzling against her cheek.

Yasaka stared slack jawed at the sight, Yatagarasu never showed affection for anyone. Seeing her state, Tamamo shot her a sly smile. "I guess I'm more popular than you, Yasaka."

"...You know what, I'll let you have that one." She stood up and started to walk out. "As nice as this is, I unfortunately have work to do. I shall see you two later." With that, she left the house.

There was a few seconds of quiet before Tamamo spoke up, petting the bird's head. "I suppose you would recognize me, huh Yatagarasu." The bird tilted its head before giving a 'kaw' of approval.

"Does that mean the other god's will recognize you?" Yuto asked, reaching to pet the bird, only to pull back as it nipped at his finger.

"Most likely. I've been doing my best to keep my divine-ness to a minimum. Yasaka probably noticed it but hasn't spoken up, or she simply sees me as a very powerful kitsune. Considering she hasn't asked any questions yet, I'm betting on the ladder."

Yuto nodded. While he would be okay with telling Yasaka about his origin, he also didn't want to relive the war again. Just thinking about it now made him nauseous.

Looking at his companion, he felt his face heat up again. This has been happening a lot lately, where he wanted to say something to her but found the words stuck in his throat. Or he wanted to move but simply froze up.

Damnit, why can't this be easy. Vianna would be laughing her ass off at this. He mentally sighed. The image of a girl with short black hair crossed his mind. It had been a while since he thought of her.

"Hey Tamamo. Am I…am I doing this right?" He asked and immediately wanted to smack his face for his stupidity.

"Whatever do you mean by that?"

"I mean this." He motioned to her, who was still in his lap. "We've gone this far, we won the war, and now we're in another world. I thought everything would be okay…but…"

"You're hesitating because of your dragon blood." She sat up with a sigh and gave him a comforting smile.

"Master, it's never been about whether you are doing anything right to me, I simply wanted what we are having right now. Despite everything, you still kept fighting. I have faith that you'll keep fighting now, you're strong like that. As annoying as that can be sometimes."

He pondered her words for a moment before he simply gave a small smile. "...Thanks. I think I needed to hear that."

"You did, you aren't good at hiding things from me. Besides…" She sat on his lap and leaned into his chest, "I like where we're at right now, I can be patient for a bit longer. I would rather not make you uncomfortable." Yuto's hands shook at his side. Still, he moved them slowly and wrapped them around his waist.

Tamamo smiled at that and leaned into the hug.

It had taken her a while to realize it, but her master had lost his confidence, or whatever he had that was close to that. Against the master of Assassin, there was no hesitation to take him on because they were together.

But now even that simple action seemed to take its toll on him, she wanted to help him but there was only so much she could do without setting him off. There were times when he seemed too scared to touch her, it seemed he was better now…at least mostly.

She could be patient a bit longer.

At least until winter. She thought to herself, a contemptuous smile on her face.

0-0-0-0-0

Skipping ahead a few hours, Yuto and Tamamo had officially broken in the new house. The fridge had plenty of food and other groceries and the pantry was stocked. Along with a bounded field courtesy of Tamamo, nothing major, didn't want to alert anyone.

Of course there were some setbacks. The biggest being Yatagarasu, who had interrupted Yuto and Tamamo relaxing on the couch by pecking Yuto out of annoyance.

What came next was thirty minutes of Yuto chasing the bird around the house.

Who would have guessed that a god bird would be incredibly agile inside a house. It took Tamamo calming it down so it would stop pecking the human. The bird left shortly after, whether from being annoyed of Yuto at that point or simply having other things to do, neither of the two knew.

There was still so much space in the backyard, enough to put in another house. Looking at it reminded Yuto of his old house. Even with a shed and its own small dojo there was still plenty of space.

Even with everything he wanted to accomplish today accomplished, he simply wandered around the house feeling bored.

Having an idea he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Sarutomi and the other students, as well as Yasaka and Kunou. He was bored, and this was his remedy. Of course he told Tamamo, better she knew they were coming.

A quick few minutes later, the door was slammed open as Sarutomi and Shuta walked in carrying multiple bags in their hands. "Adachi texted us, and Sarutomi brought drinks, figures."

The teacher shrugged and placed the drinks on the counter. "I wanted something for me and Yasaka to drink later." She paused, "And maybe Shuta."

"There better be."

"You got back early." Yuto pointed out.

Shuta shrugged. "We were just getting back when you texted. Worked out pretty well honestly."

There was shuffling at the door for a second before Astia slid in on her socks with some meat in her hands. "I brought the food!" Adachi followed behind her with a surprised look as he looked around the house.

The red head quickly got to making some stewed burger steak, much to the annoyance of Tamamo who wanted to make something different. Astia quickly apologized but insisted that she should keep cooking.

Tamamo, after a few long minutes of quiet complaints and contemplating cursing the red head, she eventually helped in the cooking after the pleading of Yuto.

Sarutomi set up the table for herself and Yasaka, she shooed away Yuto and Adachi from drinking. An opening Tamamo used to snatch a bottle.

Yasaka and Kunou walked in by the time the food was prepared, with Kunou quickly grabbing a plate and taking control of the remote for the T.V.

After a bit, Yasaka walked over from the table and snatched the remote from Kunou and switched to the 'underworld T.V. section. Much to the surprise of Yuto.

"I was wondering what that did. So there's a whole other T.V. network for the underworld?"

"Yup. They're so far up their own ass that they have to broadcast their greatness." Sarutomi downed her drink. "Granted not all of them are like that, still, the upper echelon are filled with assholes."

"Pretty sure that's the case anywhere." Yuto piped up as he watched the channels fly by.

The first thing to appear was a show starring a girl with black hair and twintails in a magical girl outfit. She changed the channel before Kunou could complain. The next thing to pop up was what looked like a fight in a very open arena.

"Riser Phenex is destroying the competition-" The announcer was cut off as Yasaka changed the channel again.

"Don't have the energy for that right now. Maybe I can put on some music while we eat."

Sarutomi slammed the bottle of sake on the table and shot Yasaka a confident smile. "Then how about a few drinks with me. Been a while."

There was a second of hesitation before she agreed to it, and Yuto plucked the remote from her hands and gave it to Kunou. He rather have her occupied with something else than watch her mother drink.

The adults stuck to the table while everyone else sat themselves at the couch.

"Of course they keep all the good stuff." Shuta said with a sigh, taking a sip from his own bottle..

"Didn't take you for a drinker." Yuto said, pulling his hand back as Tamamo slapped it from taking a cup.

"You should see him while depressed, I've seen him down a whole bottle before." Astia leaned into Yuto, a little red faced. Tamamo pushed her back a bit and she only giggled in response.

"Not as much as Sarutomi, but still enough as a leisure drink. And how are you already drunk Astia? You're Greek, have a stomach."

The red head pouted. "Please don't bring that up now." She leaned into the couch and watched T.V. with Kunou.

The oni sighed and poured a drink before passing it to Yuto. "You might as well try some too." Tamamo whipped her head to glare at him but was too slow to stop Yuto from taking the cup.

Yuto shrugged before he downed the drink in a second. "Ugh, I forgot how bad this tastes."

"That's part of the appeal." The oni shrugged before passing the bottle to Adachi.

Yuto looked back to Tamamo and saw that she was elegantly snacking on her meal. He stifled his laugh and she stared at him. "Sorry, just seeing you eat something with that expression is a little funny."

"Well it's not my preferred kind of meal, but I suppose it will do. I'm just upset I didn't have much say in the matter. I'm just more annoyed that she was a better cook than I expected." She said, throwing her off handed comment.

"You can make dinner next time then, promise." She smiled at that and scooted closer to him.

"You two are so cute together." Yasaka purred out. "It brings up good memories of me and Kunou's father." She smiled at that notion as she leaned onto the dinner table.

"Well it is only natural that our love be ideal for you. Though, I am sorry for your loss." Tamamo nodded towards the older fox. To which the drunk fox nodded slightly before continuing.

"It's weird, I have a better body yet he hasn't looked at me the way he looks at you. It's a little unfair, you have a boyfriend who can cook, is loyal, and a looker to boot." She complained, throwing a cute expression at Yuto.

Yuto stared for a second before Tamamo pulled his face into her chest and gave Yasaka a confident smirk.

"Well I strut my stuff better, Yuto can agree."

Thank goodness Kunou went to bed. I'd rather her not see her mom like this.

"I don't want any part in this, there's no winning, or surviving."

Sarutomi reached over and held tightly onto the back of Yasaka's Kimono, retaliating to what was pulling it down. "I'm not drunk enough to let you strip in front of kids yet."

"And I'm not drunk enough to strip yet. Unlike you Saru, I have restraint." Yasaka put the bottle down. "I think that's enough for tonight, I'd rather not say anything unsavory."

Adachi laughed lightly from the couch. "No need to worry, my lady. We have no intention of saying anything about tonight." He looked at Shuta who was trying his best not to look at Yasaka.

"Thank you Adachi, I haven't had a night like this in a long while." She laughed as she walked over and sat down next to Kunou, who was sleeping soundly with a pair of headphones over her head. "You don't mind if we stay here the night, do you?"

"While normally I would say no to sharing my love nest, I suppose I could indulge you tonight." Yasaka thanked her and grabbed Kunou a pillow.

Looking at the other guests, she saw that they had a similar questioning expression. She narrowed her at them but ultimately sighed. "Fine, but only for tonight! And you better help clean up."

Sarutomi and Shuta shared a glance and Tamamo hit the two of them over the head. "That applies to you two freeloaders."

0-0-0-0-0

Waking up in the middle of the night is something I have become used to at this point. Whether it was from my nightmares or simply not being tired, it was always a nuisance regardless.

Still, I was thirsty. I pried myself from Tamamo's grip, putting the pillow in my place, and quietly snuck over to the fridge. Everyone was sleeping peacefully so I didn't want to wake them.

When I walked by the fridge, I saw something that wasn't there earlier, a small envelope with the wax seal with a cursive V.

I plucked it off the fridge and ripped off the wax seal. When I read the note, specifically who signed it, I felt my heart skip a beat.

'I look forward to your future endeavors. ~Vivian'

A single word left my mouth as I was getting over the shock of it all. I have been in Urakyoto this whole time, and no one knows about my past.

"Ruler."

Omake

Astia let out a tired sigh as she slammed her head on her desk. She had missed a few days of homeschool because of her latest mission and was now catching up on her schoolwork.

Sarutomi was understanding of her situation and tried to keep her jobs to a minimum, her Aunt and Uncle not so much. Her Uncle wouldn't let her leave the house until she finished her tests.

Jokes on him, she had a secret cheat that would usually work.

"Ugh…So boring! Can't you just tell me the answers?" She said out loud and got no response. Guess not today.

The red head retaliated with a sigh. "Fine then, I'll do it myself."

The tests were easy enough but simply sitting in her room for hours on end made her ansty. She was tempted to just jump out the window and visit Urakyoto, but she had to be responsible.

And she couldn't have her Aunt and Uncle send out a search warrant for her. So that left her with this. By the time she finished, she got a text from the new guy that Sarutomi took in.

He was pretty cute too, maybe a little younger but he would grow into it. Shame he is already taken.

'Housewarming party. Bring whatever for food.'

Shortly after, Sarutomi responded. 'I got drinks'

"…Responsibility first, then party." She heard in the back of her head.

"I know I know. I'm not that irresponsible."

Skipping ahead a few minutes of sheer boredom.

"And…done!" She presented the tests to her teacher and prepared to head out, only to be stopped by her aunt.

"Are you heading out?" She asked cheerily.

"Yes, I'm gonna hang out with some friends."

"That so? Be sure to bring back a boyfriend, okay." Astia went red faced and quickly walked out the door.

The aunt laughed. "Every time."

This was much harder than it should have been. Pure dialogue chapters somehow give me more trouble than I would like, and hopefully won't be an issue as I keep writing. Sorry it took me so long to get this out. School had proven to me MUCH more hassle than I thought.

I wanted to have the dialogue between Yuto and Tamamo to be more, but I like what I put down and think I got what I wanted to get across, across. So it's a win in my book.

I am a little sad that I didn't get any questions from the last chapter, I would have been happy to answer most, as long as they weren't personal or something incredibly spoilery. …Actually I still probably would have answered them.

I plan on editing the first few chapters as there are some things I need to change. I feel a little bad that I have more details planned out now than I did when I first started. So that's the next big project.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter.