Much as I hate to say it, we're getting closer to the end here. :( I thank everyone for their support in the course of this story! Now, I won't stall you guys any longer. And as for Akira...I'm playing the game, but I haven't had a chance to meet him yet, so his personality here is all improve, so I spologize if he's ooc. On with the show!

Takeru and I followed behind Akira the entire walk back to the palace, with the elder god chatting happily the entire way there about something, I really didn't pay much attention to him. What I was paying attention to was the fact that the Sea god hadn't let go of my hand since we left the house, and was using his thumb to stroke the skin on the back of my hand. It was keeping the pink stain on my cheeks, but I wasn't going to complain.

It was the littlest things he did that brought me so much happiness. I glanced at him the same time he did me, and we both smiled.

"Ah, here we are, lovebirds~!" Akira singsonged, stopping at the gates. "Go on ahead, daddy's anxious to talk to you!"

"Thanks," Takeru huffed, clearly not okay with the interruption from earlier. I blushed a bit more at the mental reminder and nodded politely at Akira as we passed him, but I could feel his eyes and satisfied grin long after we were out of his sight.

"S-so...who was that?" I asked as we walked the path through the gardens to the doors of the palace.

"My eldest brother, Amaterasu," he sighed, shaking his head. "Just ignore him."

"Eldest brother?! How many more do you have that I haven't met?!" I demanded, wondering just how big his 'family' was.

The god chuckled and turned to smirk at me. "Just him and Tsukito, thankfully. Otherwise I don't know how I'd stay sane."

"I think I can understand why..."

Barking a laugh, he opened the doors to the inside of the palace, and my attention was swiftly pulled to the elegant, very lavishly decorated rooms around us. My eyes bugged out at the sight of all the precious stones, jade, and luxurious silks and other fabrics that gave color and life to the inside, and I found myself turning around more than a few times to take it all in.

"Come on, jellyfish, it's not that elaborate in here," Takeru commented, waiting for me to stop gawking.

"Not that elaborate?!" I echoed, wondering just who had the better palace in all the realms.

"Well, you just get used to it after coming here every day for a long time," he clarified with a shrug. I giggled and let him take my hand again, guiding me through the palace so that I wouldn't get hopelessly lost. "When we get in here, let me do the talking," he murmured.

"Why? Can't I have a say?"

"If it's about the engagement, more than likely one wrong move and you'll be banished from my side." The look in his golden eyes was fierce. "And I don't want that to happen ever again."

The clenching in my chest from those words made me pause, and I stopped walking. Takeru looked back, a question on his face at my surprised expression. I rubbed my eyes, smiling at him with all the love I felt for him at that moment.

"I'm not going anywhere, I promise," I swore to him.

His lips tilted upwards into a smile, and he tugged me forward so that we could hug each other. I looped my arms around his armor a bit awkwardly, but it didn't keep me from squeezing him tightly. Our chins rested on the other's shoulders, and I sighed in contentment from being in his arms.

After a minute, I turned my head some to his ear, gathering up all my nerves to say something to him that I'd never gotten the chance to before. "Neh, Takeru?"

"Hm?"

"I love you."

The god stiffened, and for a few seconds I was filled with a terrible fear that I had said it too soon, and that once again I had royally screwed myself. But then he relaxed against me, and pulled away with a gentle chuckle as he lifted a hand to cup my face.

"I know. I love you too," he murmured, a light blush staining his cheeks as those golden eyes I'd come to adore looked directly into my dark blue ones.

I felt like I was going to pop like an over-inflated balloon when he said those words back to me. I felt the sting of tears behind my eyes, only this time from overwhelming happiness. I let out a tiny laugh, so giddy I couldn't help it.

Takeru stroked my cheek, letting me have my laugh before leaning in and capturing my smile with his own lips. I leaned in to kiss him back, wrapping my arms around his neck as his came around my middle, holding me close as we finally let our true feelings out.

"...Tsukito-san, Akira-san, should we do something?"

Nayomi's voice made it's way to us, and we broke the kiss in surprise as we saw her and Takeru's two older brothers watching us, all with smirks on their faces. Quickly we jumped apart, my face feeling like it was on fire from being caught in such an intimate moment with my god. He was just as embarrassed, sputtering and glaring at them as they watched.

"J-just how long were you all there?!"

"Oh, long enough to hear the touching confessions~" Akira said joyfully, lifting a sleeve to his face to half-hide the smile he wore.

"You two are just so cute!" Nayomi squealed, looking pleased. Something told me that a part of it was that she had something to tease me about later in the future...

"...I agree. You two are a good couple." The Moon god nodded, a slight smile on his face.

I coughed and shifted in place, not sure of how to deal with their knowing looks or the man beside me who was looking like he wanted to strangle someone. Going with what I knew, I touched his shoulder to make him look at me. "L-lets just go see the Emperor," I mumbled.

"Ah, good idea! These two also need to be present, since it's only fair the humans who were brought here hear this~" Akira said joyfully, suddenly shoving Tsukito and Nayomi forward. They stumbled, and to my surprise, their hands flew out to find the other to help balance the other instead of themselves, which just ended with them holding each other's arms as they steadied themselves before Nayomi rounded on the laughing Sun god.

"Akira-san, don't do that!" she hissed, looking just as embarrassed as I had been a minute ago. Oh, how the tables had turned.

"But you must hurry, daddy wants to meet you as well! Best foot forward! Ja ne~!" With that, the eldest god skipped off, happy with the mayhem he'd caused.

Tsukito looked a little uncomfortable as he smoothed his robes out before looking at a blushing Nayomi. "Come, we're late enough."

With a sigh and a shake of her head, the girl turned around to see me smirking at her this time. Her eyes narrowed and she quickly shook her head in denial.

Yeah, like I was going to believe her.

The throne room was rather large, decorated with golden dragons, ruby adornments and onyx backdrops. Izanagi sat in his seat of honor, smiling as we all filed in one by one.

"There you are. I was wondering when you'd all arrive."

"Apologies, mi'lord," Tsukito said, bowing low. All of us followed suit, though my bow turned stiff when I saw that Kushinada was there, along with a pudgy god I assumed was her father.

The Emperor stroked his beard before motioning us to take a seat. "Now, lets get all this cleared up so that we may get on with our lives."

I tucked my legs underneath me, nervous now that we were finally here. I glanced over at Takeru, who kept his face carefully blank as he looked up at the old god expectantly. Praying that it would all end well, I listened as Iza started talking.

"First order of business will be the easiest. Tsukuyomi, and your current charge, Nayomi."

Both of them straightened, and I was surprised by the look of calm assertiveness on Nayomi's features. I watched them both closely, intrigued.

"You were brought here on the request of Manabe Yukino, yes?" He directed the question at the girl.

"I was indeed mi'lord. It is to her that I give my thanks, for if she had not insisted and I were to be left behind, I may not have lived to see another day."

Because Kouta sure as hell would have come after her with a murderous intent for the fact that I got away. I gritted my teeth, hoping the bastard would rot in hell forever.

"How are you liking it in our realm, child?"

The question didn't even phase her, and I marveled at how she commanded herself so well. "I love it here. It's not the high tech world that I am used to, but the quiet serenity of the gods and goddesses has brought peace to my fragile heart." Her dark eyes glanced to Tsukito beside her. "Tsukuyomi-sama especially has helped me in aiding my recovery."

"Do you feel well enough to return to the human world?" Izanagi inquired.

At this, Nayomi finally hesitated. I could see the indecision in her eyes, like she wanted to go home, but I could tell she wanted to stay by the one who was helping her in her inner turmoil.

"...Mi'lord."

Tsukito's quiet voice drew all of our attention to him.

"Physically she is fine, but Nayomi suffers from nightly disturbances, hinting that her mental state is still not in order. I request that she stay here until the time comes where those indications fade permanently."

Takeru and I shared a stunned expression before turning back to the calm face of his brother. Nayomi also looked at him in surprise, but I could detect a hint of utter delight that he wanted her to stay. Izanagi turned to her.

"Is this true?"

"Yes...I still suffer nightmares and reoccuring memories frequently." A shudder ran over her body, and I frowned in worry for my friend. "Would it be too much to ask mi'lord permission to remain here in this peaceful realm to recover, instead of heading to the chaos of humans before I am prepared?"

Ah, there was that manipulation from her I knew so much. Though I wasn't sure if guilt tripping the ruler of the realm would do much, I had to give her credit for trying.

To everyone's surprise, the Emperor chuckled. "You've got quiet a smooth talker here, Tsukuyomi. She'd do well in court by your side." I saw just the slightest bit of a blush appear on the Moon god's face, as well as his roommate. "Permission is granted, and I welcome you to our realm."

"A thousand thanks, your highness," Nayomi and Tsukito said in unison, bowing low. I marveled at their timing, like they had been practicing it.

Nodding, the old god turned his gaze to Kushinada, her father, Takeru and I, motioning for us all to stand. We did so, walking forward to stand before him.

"Your issue has brought much chaos into all of your lives, some more than others." I saw his gaze flick to me for a brief second. "We will settle this officially. Kushinada, you may speak first. Why do you wish to marry Susano'o?"

The goddess took a graceful step forward, already throwing herself into an act of unjust betrayal. "Mi'lord, such a marriage would be advantageous. Susano'o would have a loving wife, someone who would look after his home for him and cook, as well as provide children in the future should he desire. I have been trained since a young age how to keep the house for my future husband, and Susano'o is the only man my father feels worthy of my hand. That is why we approached you for your permission and blessing."

The more she talked in that fake hurt voice of hers, the more I wanted to sink my fist into her face. I grit my teeth in an effort to calm myself, catching the warning look Takeru shot at me.

"And yet when this girl appeared after being rescued, you felt threatened by her because she is the one Susano'o prefers?" Izanagi asked, stroking his beard slowly.

Kushinada nodded, tears pricking her eyes. "I hadn't known that he was courting a human until we had your blessing. When he asked you to break the engagement, I couldn't have been more shocked or disappointed. The only man my father deemed worthy had his attention captured by a mere human! Can you imagine the scandal if this engagement broke because of a fleeting being who will die not even a hundred years from now?"

I bit my lip to help control my anger, quickly getting tired of this bullshit. Did she really think that she could weasel him into pitying her so she could keep him? Especially after the conversation I'd had with the god earlier?

And that's when it hit me. I stood there, and then broke out into the most confident, know-I'm-going-to-win grin I'd ever given in my entire life. Takeru noticed it and gave me a funny look, to which I mouthed 'just wait.'

"You have a valid point, Kushinada-hime," the old god allowed. "But didn't you make a bet with Yukino that if you managed to get Susano'os attention away from her, you would keep him and not the other way around?"

The goddess faltered for a second before responding. "I-I did, mi'lord, but-"

The stern look he gave her made her shut up. "From what I was told, she gave you a fair chance by not telling Susano'o about this bet, correct?"

"Y-yes sir..."

"And despite this, you tried to go behind her back and use methods that would make even your own father ashamed, did you not?"

My grin only got bigger as I saw her pale when her father gave her an incredulous look and the fierce whisper of "What the hell did you do?!"

When she didn't answer, Izanagi turned to me and motioned me forward. I stepped up and bowed, despite the slight protest from the god behind me.

"Manabe Yukino, you were brought here with Nayomi after being abused by a human boy, correct?"

"That is correct, your highness." My voice was smooth, despite my nerves. I could still easily mess this up, but I was determined to say my half of the story.

"How long have you known my son?"

"For a few months now. The best months of my life," I added, raising my head and smiling at him. His own lips twitched upwards for a breif second.

"And how do you feel for the Sea god, having seen the best and worst sides of him?"

I held my head high, eyes leveling with his as an equal, much to everyone's shock. "For better or for worst, no matter what side of him I see, my love for him is unwavering." My voice was strong, and there wasn't a shred of doubt within me as those old gold eyes looked down at me, testing my determination and will.

"Hmm...and what would you do, if you were able to stay with him?"

"I'd make him happy," I said honestly. "Even if I make him mad, I'll make him happy. I'll find ways to bring a smile to his face every day, I'll go out of my way to make sure that he's taken care of. I can't cook, but I'll sure try my hardest to learn if that's what it takes to get him to just smile and say 'you silly jellyfish' one more time."

"Well said...and you, Susano'o? What would you do if given the choice between these two women?"

"There is no contest," was the immediate response. "I love Yukino, and wish for her to walk by my side. As hotheaded, stubborn and infuriating as she can be, she's also loyal, a smart thinker, and is the only woman I know I can trust with my heart."

I turned my head around and smiled at the Sea god, and he grinned back as the Emperor watched us, stroking his beard.

"Hmm...you would choose a human over an advantageous marriage...I'm interested how you've started to think this way, Susano'o."

"If you met the Weed I went to school with, you'd start thinking the same way," Takeru said, chuckling and shaking his head.

Those wrinkled lips quirked upwards before Izanagi turned serious. "So the decision shall now be made. Kushinada, do you have anything to add beforehand?"

"Yes!" she said, clearly going for her last chance. "What of children? Do you wish for mixed-blood beings as your grandchildren, mi'lord? They will have their mother's mortality if she births them!"

"An interesting point...what would you do, Susano'o?"

I looked back, rather surprised at the turn this conversation had taken. He looked embarrassed, glancing off to the side and scratching the back of his hair. "W-well...I hadn't thought that far ahead..."

I grinned and turned back around. "I would love them with all the time we had with them, support them and make sure that they found their way in life."

"Y-yeah, what she said!" Takeru said quickly, and it drew a giggle from me. Izanagi also seemed amused, if the look in his eye was any indication.

"So that is now moot. Anything else to add?" he asked the opposing goddess.

Her golden eyes were fixed on me when I looked over at her, several emotions running through them as we stared each other down. Most obvious was anger and desperation, the knowledge that she was fighting a loosing battle. What surprised me though was the acceptance of the outcome as she sighed heavily, shaking her head.

"No, mi'lord...I have no further points to make. They clearly can counteract them in any way."

I should have felt happy at that point, but instead I almost felt pity for her. Here she was, using every means to keep the one man she wanted, and he was still lost to her. It reminded me of my days crushing on Kouta when Nayomi had just snatched him away, the denial and hurt I saw reflected in her tone and posture. My eyebrows creased together, wondering if maybe after this was all over, I could possibly find a way...

"The decision will now be made," Izanagi spoke, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "In consideration of all parties involved and their personal feelings, the engagement of Susano'o and Kushinada-hime is hereby..."

I held my breath, biting my lower lip as I stared up at the god, for a split second wondering if there was something I'd forgotten to say that would ensure Takeru and I's future, or if maybe Kushinada had a better chance than I had thought. Everyone froze when the Emperor paused, each with their own thoughts running around in their minds.

"...broken. You are free to find your own paths, and discover your futures as separate beings. Yukino," he said, looking down at me with a stern look. "You will be taught the ways of proper nobility. Kushinada will be your mentor, and she will teach you all you need to know about how to keep a god's home."

I felt a shudder of relief overtake me, and my knees almost gave out as Takeru dashed forward to help me stay up. I leaned back against him, taking in a deep breath to steady myself as the goddess beside us visibly wilted at the order.

"M-mi'lord, why me?" she asked, her once haughty voice small and defeated.

"Because it is as you said. You were raised knowing how to do these things, and I have a feeling Manabe Yukino will need to know them. Although," he added, giving her a look. "The actions you have taken to tear them apart may also have a part to play. Ensure that they will be happy, and your duty will be done."

"...Of course," she said, bowing her head low. I looked over at her, frowning. Maybe...I moved out of Takeru's arms, going over to her and holding out a hand. Kushinada raised her eyes, looking from my hand to me.

"...Much as I don't like you, I'll be learning from you," I said. "Now that this is all over, maybe we can put our differences aside? You're cooking is too good not to learn from." I grinned at her surprised expression. "Truce?"

"...You are one strange human woman," the goddess said, but she took my hand in hers, grip light and almost not there. I tightened mine to a comfortable level, and she immediately responded in kind as I smirked.

"There's that no-giving-up attitude I'm used to," I commented, and she actually let out a short laugh as we let go of each other.

The relief that this was all finally over came back to me, and I turned around to see Takeru looking happier than he ever had the last few weeks as I went over to embrace him.

"Ha! Good job, Yukino~!" Nayomi said as she stood up with Tsukito, heading over. "I wish you all the luck with those lessons though." Her nose wrinkled in distaste, and I laughed at how ridiculous she looked.

"Hey, you might have to have them as well one day," I teased, glancing from the Moon god who was chatting with his brother back to her. She huffed and crossed her arms, though I didn't miss the light blush on her cheeks.

"As if. He's still too distant," she muttered under her breath, so that only I could hear. I put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, knowing that she had a long road ahead to overcoming the remains of her time with Kouta. I clapped my hands then, attracting everyone's attention.

"So! Now that this is done, how about we all go and get something to eat? It's noon and I just happen to be starving. Kushi-san, mind whipping something up?" I turned to the dark haired goddess as she sputtered.

"K-kushi-san?! Do you know who I am?"

"Well I'm not calling you sensei, if that's what you're getting at," I said, getting chuckles from everyone as she fumed at my new nickname for her. "I need to learn how to cook anyway, so we might as well get started!"

"As long as you don't set something on fire again," Takeru said from behind me, causing me to flush in embarrassment at the incredulous looks I got.

"I-it was just a rice cooker!" I insisted, not pleased with this attention.

"...I think I will cook for you, Susano'o-san," she said simply, the shake of her head making me roll my eyes.

"Good. Shall we get going?" he asked, motioning to the door.

"I think I'll join you," Izanagi said suddenly, having appeared out from freaking nowhere and making most of us jump.

"Y-your highness, are you sure?" Kushinada asked, eyes wide.

"Yes. I haven't had a goddess make me a meal in a while, so I'd like to see how well you cook." A grin appeared on his face, and I couldn't help but shake my head as we all headed for the palace doors.

I noticed Takeru trailing behind, and slowed down to match my stride with his as the others continued on ahead. "Something wrong, sea monkey?"

His golden eyes settled on me, and I saw a hint of disapproval beneath the happiness there. "You're going to try and make friends with the woman who wanted to steal me?"

I shrugged. "Water under the bridge. I figure she's not that big a fool to go against the Emperor's orders. But," I added before he could say something, reaching over and grabbing onto his hand. "If she does I'll just kick her from here through the portal to my old world."

"Old world?" The god raised an eyebrow at me, and I blushed.

"Well yeah. No way I'm going back after all this has happened. And...my mom wants us to visit on the occasion, if nothing else."

"You talked to her?"

I nodded and explained to him what all had happened the day before with the pool as we walked through the calm forest, everyone else pulling ahead a good ways while we lagged behind.

He shook his head when I was done, sighing. "I wish her luck with her new love interest, honestly."

"Yeah. He has no idea how crazy she can be." I giggled at the image in my brain of my mother being her crazy self.

"You got it from her, you know," he teased, leaning over to give me a peck on the cheek. I blushed and stuck my tongue out at him.

"You like it."

"Indeed I do." He stopped walking to pull me into his arms, with only a minor squeak of protest from me before I gave in. Honestly, there was no place I'd rather be than in his warm embrace, feeling protected by those strong arms and his fierce nature. I nuzzled into his shoulder happily as he kissed my temple before letting me go.

"Come on, the others have disappeared." Taking my hand in his again, we walked forward after the group, happy that we could finally just be.

The peace didn't last long for us, though, as we came up to find everyone else standing and staring at his house, which had some very loud and suspicious noises coming from it. My eyebrows shot up when I saw figures moving around, one apparently chasing another around the living room.

"What the hell...?" I said, looking at the other stunned gods, goddess and human.

"...I think Dionysus told everyone about your relationship, Takeru..." Tsukito said, looking at how pale his brother had suddenly become.

"Then...that means...? Oh shit!" He bolted forward, throwing the door open and yelling. "What the hell are you all doing in my house?!"

I ran after him, only to stop short at the sight before me in shock. The others came up behind us, and I heard Tsukito sigh in defeat.

Many faces turned to look at us in the doorway, and many smiles broke out on said faces as people stood up and came forward. Each person there tried to talk, having to try to be heard over the others.

"Ah, there's the happy couple! Come in, have a drink!"

"Take-Take, congrats!"

"Oh, she's cute~! You chose well, Ta-kun~!"

"...She's human too..."

"I hope my misfortune won't reach her..."

"Ah, you both look good together!"

I was overwhelmed by all the bodies suddenly in front of me, many of which had loose clothes that showed off quite a bit of model-worthy male bodies. I noticed one delicate woman behind them, holding her hands up and trying to get them to calm down. She had long purple hair and wore a Greek-style toga, her brown eyes looking a bit worried.

Takeru took a step back, groaning and putting his palm to his face in exhaspteration. "Damn it..."

"Wh-who are they?" I asked, looking at all the colorful new characters crowding the living room.

The Sea god sighed and shook his head before motioning to everyone. "Yukino, meet the idiots I went to school with."

School...? My eyes popped wide open as my mouth dropped at the realization.

"These guys were your classmates?!"