For three days their lovemaking continued, their only interruption being slumber or getting a bite to eat which Tomoe took great care in his hidden stash of food.
When Nanami had asked he told her, "I'm tired of that damn snake lazing about and eating us out of house and home."
The better side to not having a snack run also meant that they wouldn't have to leave their tight embrace.
On the fourth day Nanami lay next to Tomoe, her head on his chest.
He caressed her hair, letting strands fall through his fingers like water.
She let out a sigh, though it wasn't her sigh of contentment.
He sensed her troubled feelings and tapped her on top of her head with a clawed finger, "What's the matter?"
She rolled her head to look up at him, "I think we should get back to the others. I'm sure they are wondering what became of us."
He smirked, "And why ever should we do that?"
She giggled.
His smile grew, "I suppose you are right. Gods forbid if that damn snake would pick up any slack."
Moments later the two were leaving the room, stopping in front of Nanami's room.
It was early morning, the sun had not even begun to rise and the shrine was quiet.
"I'll see you shortly," he told her, kissing her forehead.
She smiled, "Ok. I'm going to get cleaned up and I'll see you at breakfast."
He smiled, "How does omelets sound?"
"Perfect."
He kissed her passionately, pulling her tightly against him.
After several minutes he reluctantly released her to her morning duties.
After getting himself cleaned up he set to work cleaning the kitchen as he thought, "Mizuki is such a failure as a familiar. He can't even preform the most basic of duties. I'm gone for a week and everything has fallen to shambles. I'll skin that damn snake."
He set everyone's places as the others began to file into the room.
"So the lazy fox finally graces us with his presence," Mizuki sneered.
"Mizuki don't start. Tomoe wasn't feeling well," Nanami replied as she entered the room.
Mizuki ran to her, "My Lady I am so happy to see that you are ok." He slithered his arm around her right arm but stopped when he saw the glowing blue mark on her shoulder.
Tomoe had just taken his eat next to Nanami when he was attacked by the his fellow familiar who had shifted into his serpent form, fangs bared.
"You bastard fox," the snake cried, "How dare you defile my mistress."
Tomoe caught him about the throat, baring a fang.
"It is no concern of yours what our Nanami does and whom she spends her time with. You need to worry about making our lady happy by..."
"Tomoe put him down," Mikage said from the door, "and come with me. We need to talk."
Tomoe cringed, gritting his teeth upon hearing the annoyance in his master's voice.
The God then looked to Nanami and with a sweet smile, "My Lady I also need a word."
"Alright," She called and the two stood, Tomoe flinging the snake into the arms of the will-o-wisp sprites.
They followed Mikage to the main hall.
"Please have a seat," he said as he sat in the middle of the floor with his feet under him.
Nanami and Tomoe sat before him in the same manner.
Mikage poured himself a sakazuki of sake.
Nanami heard a groan if discomfort from her lover as he readied for a scolding.
Nanami spoke, her voice frantic, "My Lord please don't be angry with Tomoe. It was my fault. You told me to stay away from him and I didn't listen."
Tomoe smiled, taking her in his arms and holding her close, "Don't worry my love. I will gladly take my lashing as I have no regrets."
"Tomoe."
After Mikage took a sip he spoke, "What's done is done. I am not angry but I am disappointed. Both of you did not heed me which is to be expected. I understand the two of you love each other and I am happy for you but the ramifications will be dire if your actions come to fruition."
"What do you mean," Tomoe asked.
Nanami blushed, "He means if I get pregnant."
"Pregnant?"
She smiled, returning her attention to the elder god, "What does it matter if it happens or not?"
Mikage sighed, taking another sip of sake, "Nanami dear if, and I say if because conceiving a child is difficult between a human and a yokai, it is not unheard of but if it does happen, it is of the highest taboo. Often times the mother will not survive the birth and will pass on along with the child. The gods also frown on it and at times they will step in to remove the offspring and the human that bore the child. If the child manages to escape such a horror then they are left as outcast, wanted by neither humanity nor yokai."
Nanami frowned, "I...I see."
Tomoe felt his lovers anxiety and held her closer to his chest.
"No doubt your time of passions have passed so I suggest that when those needs arise again you take your leave of each other," Mikage said sadly.
Tomoe glared at his master, "I will never leave her side. She is my mate and the woman I love. You of all people should understand that. I would give my life for her. I may not understand what being lovers has to do with anything but I don't care. Whatever the future holds we will stand together."
"Tomoe," Nanami whispered, smiling at him.
Mikage smiled, "I understand that Tomoe but I also worry what will happen to your relationship. You are both so young and your relationship is always being tested. I worry what a child will do."
Nanami bit her lip, "We won't know until it happens and even then I think we can handle it."
The god sighed, "Very well. It seems I am wasting my breath." He smiled, "It would be nice to have a little one to call me grandfather."
The lovers rolled their eyes and left to begin their duties.
That night, after a passionate reunion, the two lay on Tomoe's new futon.
Tomoe cradled her against his chest, his thoughts wandering to what his master had said.
He sighed, "Nanami."
"Hm?"
"Do you...?"
She looked up at him, "Do I what?"
"Do you want a child?"
She found his gaze thoughtful and serious.
She flushed, smiling, "Yes, one day. If you do."
He looked at her contentedly, "Even if...half of them is like me."
She smiled, "It would make me very happy if they were like you."
He smiled, she wanted to have his children and she said it without a pause to think it over.
He drew her close and kissed her passionately.