The Childhood Friend of Kurama Part 24: Keikoku Gains a Father

I woke up to the sound of running water and remembered where I was. I had brought Ayame to an area in Spirit World where we'd get privacy when we became mates. I smiled as I looked at her still form. Whether she was human, half-demon, or full demon, it wouldn't have mattered to me. I probably would've asked to be my mate regardless of what she was. After quickly bathing in the lake, I redressed and returned to see Ayame just waking up. I knelt beside her and kissed the mating mark I gave her. She smiled and put her clothes back on.

"Sleep well, Ayame?"

"I did, actually. Been a while since I had a good night's sleep. I suppose I have you to thank for that."

I laughed and helped her to stand.

"Not necessarily. I haven't slept that well in a while, either, so perhaps I have you to thank for it."

"When do you think we should be heading back?"

I sighed and looked up as the sun began to rise.

"We don't have to leave right away. I'm sure you'll probably be wanting some food."

Ayame smiled and took my arm.

"I'm not really hungry, Kurama. Would you like to head back now?"

I nodded and we headed back to the mansion. When we got there, Keikoku was sitting on the living room couch drawing a picture. Ayame tapped my shoulder and smiled.

"I need to step out for a moment, Kurama. I just remembered there was something I needed to talk to Koenma about."

"That's fine. I need to have a word with Keikoku, anyhow."

After kissing her goodbye, I sat next to Keikoku.

"That's a very nice picture, Keikoku."

"It's a picture of a fox. I'm drawing it for Mama."

When she was finished, she put it on the coffee table and looked at me.

"Why did Mama smell like you, Kurama?"

I smiled as I recalled the fact that fox demons had good noses.

"Well, your mother and I are mates now. Since we're mated, we kind of smell like each other."

"What does being a mate mean?"

"It's like marriage for humans but for demons, it involves the male giving a female a mark that says she belongs to him. It also means that since I mated your mother, I'm your father now."

Keikoku's eyes widened as I gave her this piece of news.

"You are?"

"Yes, I am. How do you feel about that?"

A big smile lit up her face as she nodded her head.

"Now you, me, and Mama are a family."

"Exactly."

"Will I be having any brothers or sisters?"

I didn't speak for a moment, having been caught offguard by her question.

"Your mother and I haven't discussed that yet, Keikoku. As soon as we find out, we'll let you know."

"Okay! I'm gonna go to my room and play."

After she ran upstairs, Ayame walked into the room.

"Where's Keikoku?"

"She ran up to her room to play for a while. What did you need to talk to Koenma about?"

She smiled and shook her head.

"Not telling yet."

"Is it something that involves me?"

"No. I'll tell you if everything works out, though."

"If you insist."

Ayame sat in my lap and kissed my cheek.

"It's nothing to be concerned about, Kurama. I'll tell you about it if Koenma gives the okay."

"It's not something that'll put you in danger, is it?"

"Oh ,not at all."

"Then you have my consent."

She stuck her tongue out at me and I laughed.

"I'm just making sure you stay safe, Ayame."

"I promise that I will, if it's even able to happen."

"Good."

That's a wrap for part 24. Part 25 begins in Ayame's POV as she flashes back to her conversation with Koenma. Also in part 25, Ayame's father Koga pays an unexpected visit to the mansion. Stay tuned to see what happens