After the night's debacle nothing really happened between us until I woke up. I eyed the bloody...sleeve? Yeah the satin was ruined but my coat? Looks clean. Definitely worth investigating as there was no way it was licked clean...I would've notice if someone got closer than Satori. Sorry about this Satori.

*SHWRRF*

Getting up like that would've surprise anyone and yet, here she lays. Unfetted by the sudden movement. Now I have to know, opening one of my knives and with a swift cut into my hand. Taking the helm of the jacket and letting my blood fall unto it. Even as the blood set on the fabric it look like it was being...absorb, or devoured by the coat itself?

Just what is it made of?

"Dragonskin. The coat is laced in dead dragon cells mix with cotton." I look down and pick up Vita. How did that bypass Rinnosuke's ability? He shrug as I put him on my shoulder. The distinct shifting of the loveseat meant she's waking up.

"Hrnnmm? Venus? How did you?" The hands raised to get a hug or to be pick up I wouldn't know as I hoisted my favorite mindreader. Satori holds tightly unto me.

"This warmth, this...safety. If only we could be like this forever." Satori was mumbling to herself.

"Nnnoooo...Tooo you." My day started with total hand damage and honestly...holding her like this. Knowing what existence means to youkai.

I really don't want to let her go.

"Satori?" Hey Orin, you calm down yet? Orin held a breakfast platter.

"Well, Let's start over." Placing the platter down. I took a fresh apple to eat.

"I thought dragons were only carnivorous." Yeah part lizard but after some negligents of not eating correctly will leave you pretty hollow. Satori crawls unto my back reaching over to grab an orange.

"Mandarin." Ok, it's an mandarin as Satori corrected me as she slowly peel it as I walk along with Orin leading us back to the main hall. Still some if these fruits look similar.

"I'm just gonna have to get use to this. Satori?"

"Hmmm?" Satori tired eyes seem to barely register Orin calling to her. Though a small reaction came from her third eye.

"I see...Guess I'll try to finish up my work as I am behind schedule. To my office and I'll probably...be able to complete the last 20 winter reports." No rest for the wicked? Satori just points to the upstairs towards the right end.

"Money doesn't grow on trees? Seriously? What's with all these song references?" Keeps me at ease when I can't focus. It's not like they'll figure out every single reference here without mind reading.

"One problem." And that's? Satori signals me to stop and she opens her office room to show that it was a mess of papers.

"Out, or better yet. Help around the house and tend to some of Okuu's chore. We'll... figured out what to do later." That's one way to help her. I gave her a nod and was heading back only to see Orin trailed us.

"Great, sure. As long as you're able to handle some pretty disgusting things I won't stop you." Well I better start looking for Utsuho first. Who knows where that girl goes. I walk around the palace halls cleaning up as I went back the way we came. I soon saw the giant wings flap a little.

"Yousei and Maya. You both know better than to fight." I turn the corner to see Utsuho is berating two Bipeds who look ready to tear at eachother throats.

"Now shake hands." The faces they made was one's of disgust as I assume one look like a wolf and the other a cat shook hands in reluctance. Before, turning away and walking in opposite directions. Utsuho huff as she pick up garbage in the hall. She turn slightly to see me.

"Oh!? You're still here Yuuka's son? If you're worry about me, don't worry I know all the places of the palace so I won't get lost. So, leave the cleaning to me ok?" I give Utsuho a thumbs up as she happily went back to her chores. I started to get a big idea of how the layout works. The right side is residential and probably entertainment rooms. The left from my previous visit has more utilities and holds the kitchen I bet.

I have an idea.

HAH...Hah...With him, so close and me.

I tried to focus on the piles of work that was halfway written. It just had to be this month? I usually feel this during fall or never. But now? I struggle through the winter reports for 30 minutes to an hour until I felt the discomfort and need again.

"I need you...Venus." I rest my head to calm down and focus on my breathing. Born with this intensity and longing. I only ever got glimpses of the action but when we bought from the rabbit from Eientei...The euphoria and heat of her thoughts burned through my mind. Not to mention his physique and how gentle he is. I want to hold him, I want to feel his warmth, I want to be ravage by his...!

I made some pancakes and ham.

"Venus!?" I was now fully awake from my daydream as the man I fell in love with stood there with a slightly worry and confuse look from the doorway holding a large plate of food.

Are you ok? We don't have to eat if you're unwell.

"No, let's eat together. How was Okuu and Orin?" Venus set down a plate and...jelly and butter?

Yeah, yeah, I know. But I couldn't find sryup anywhere in the kitchen. As for those two... Is it really alright for Utsuho to wander around freely?

"I trust Okuu to know the layout and thank you for cleaning the halls." Venus focus on eating his buttered pancakes which made it look quite plain to me putting blue berry preserves on mine.

"Despite how plain your likes are. You're quite bold and risk driven if it suits your interests." Seeing into him as I have. An open book with blank pages here and there. But that's everyone.

If it's for family and within reason, I'll do anything for them. That includes you too.

I smile at how...corny he acts and thinks at times. Then again, this is what I get for falling in love with a farm boy. Always so honest and kind. I think eating made me forget that feeling. I should...

"Venus?" Looking up at him as he was so close to me now.

That scent...it's intoxicating. I housted Satori up by her shoulder. In reflex, her hands clasp around my chest.

"VENUS!?"

*Fwump*

Gods, this bed is tiny, and this isn't helping. The rush of this sudden action I could feel how flushed we've become as Venus began rubbing his face over my own. Like a...dog? Doesn't help that I am very familiar with his scent. The sunflowers and earthy smell mix with a strong scent of musk. I probably smell...oh. With me being like this of course he could tell.

I really like this sweet smell that comes off Satori but I can't stop this crazy charade.

Kin, you're aware that your woman is...well. Ready to receive your offspring?

I stop momentarily to finally look at us panting with Satori hiding her face.

I am so embarrassed, and could feel the raw emotions to rut like animals. I want to, finally gazing up at his surprise face.

"I'm...in heat."

I thought...Remilia was joking about that. However, you're part monkey so I guess I should've seen that coming.

A small smile crept to my face as I look away from him. I chuckle lightly as he could only imagine how many days I hear some variation of mating. I'm used to my ill informed pets being clueless so I don't react much. Alone with him though? My hands trailed upwards to his face, caressing his cheeks.

"Ahem."

I snapped outta my demeanor to look at the doorway with Orin looking disapproving of us...SHIT! I got off of her quickly as Satori sorted herself out as well.

"Having fun you two? Anyways, Itagawa wants those reports." Orin looks over the desk and grabs the stacks of papers and leaves. I exhaled harshly, exasperated at what I've done. I didn't mean to-

"It's fine, you just... came at a an awkward time is all. I guess we're both running into the same instictual habits youkai are known for." She held her arms close and kept her face hidden in her hair. I should go.

"Wait." I grab his sleeve, against everything I'm certain of this. Despite not facing me I fumble around the end table to pull out the box we bought.

Are you certain?

"It's a good time to test drive...as you say." I felt his apprehension again. I won't force it on him.

"I suppose we should talk instead. I shouldn't push this on you." I felt relief and a serenity wash over him.

I liked that. I didn't mean to...you know?

I calmed down after that and began a more detailed account of my winter escapades with my friends with Satori.

"I see Medicine really lives up to her name, and I see that Tenshi is showing her true self finally." I met Letty and I don't get her angle. Then again, most of the older youkai seem...too aware of something that I think even you feel.

"You're not wrong, when I met Miss Saigyouji she seem to look beyond me rather than at me. I felt, like a child in comparison to everyone there. The leaders are quite secretive and most are unreadable until it's relevant to a topic they're safe to talk about." Mindreading seems so useful, yet everyone treats it like it's normal and ignore it.

Satori seem to have something to say about that. She takes a vacant piece of ham a bites it harshly.

"You wouldn't know the half of it. They're all afraid I'll use their deepest secrets against them. I'm not really into blackmailing or pressuring those who prefer hiding away their hearts. Though, I do get a bit of a kick in shocking them in a way. Can't read ghosts though...well except the gardener. This, Mima? You seem to admired her like you do Yuuka." O-oh? Yeah, I don't know about if it's the same per se, but she's quite something to witness. Free from most people's expectations and having been Marisa's teacher does put her ahead in my book.

"You don't seem to like the incident resolvers much do you? Even now, I hear whispers of disinterest or apathy to them, except for the ex-rabbit soldier. I suppose that is the same for most of us, given their reputation." Can't really disagree with the assessment there. Reisen, I at least sympathize with as she isn't exactly, the norm of the group and tries to be nice. Unlike, say Marisa's kleptomaniac trait, or the cruelty of Reimu who can quite cutthroat, Youmu and Sakayu are basically dog's with not much to them that isn't connected to their matster's leash. Everyone else is alot more free than them. However, we're not much different than them anyways.

"Dogs, of Gensokyo? Quite the phrase to describe yourself. But it's actually very apt. Maidens of day, the dogs of night. Ying and yang together in harmony as the sages intended. I can only imagine if we didn't have such a system." Alot more chaotic without us I bet. I couldn't help my smile appearing. You need both for a smooth operation that is so delicate to break.

"Humans are very important to our survival. It wouldn't benefit us if we didn't protect them. Fear and faith fuel only our existence. However, it's the in between that requires our bodies to be fuel by earthly needs." Top priority, keep the village safe at all cost. Anything else? Satori reach up to her bust and look down. What, are you worry you don't compare?

"A little, I mean Kanako isn't wrong. I want to get back at her for what she did and left me with the mess she made. Why are you fascinated with Nuns and thighs, especially mine?" I couldn't play dumb at that. Eveytime she turns around her debonaire and legs hugged onto her white thigh highs. Her dress just barely shapes out every curve. As for the nuns, I grew up around nuns and it only got worse. There's something about loving a god's daughter when you're not suppose to ya know? Might explain my need of Byakuran and Ichirin. Can't have too many nuns.

"There is a bit of bad boy in you afterall. Though, it probably just makes you a punk more so than a rebel." Grew up rough and tumble, I became less of a pushover as I became an adult. Puckish rogue perhaps?

"Certainly a word to describe your actions. Still, I apologize for Orin's behavior." I actually understand. So you knew all this time huh? Satori rubs her arm nervously.

"Yes...I don't agree with your past actions. However, they mirrored mine as I had to survive somehow with my little sister. I can't apologize to them now or ever." I meant it...I don't deserve you. Or any of this. This kindness feels so foreign to me.

"I should say the same to you. I haven't had this much affection directed towards me from someone who technically isn't an animal." Everywhere I go there is always a mirror. Satori snickers at the thought.

"We should propose to the Surf-huuuh...I suppose the word I'm looking for is, Sages?" Yep.

"Good, the sages should listen to the idea of officially making this system you thought up. It might give us breathing room in the future." I check my pockets as I just remember that I haven't given you a proper Christmas gift. I pulled out the rectangular box wrapped with the unorthodox way with an undying flower.

"It's a good thing you haven't look inside as I would be very disappointed in you." Simple way to surprise a mindreader, just don't know anything. She chuckles as she carefully unwrapped? Actually, the flower upon Satori's touch started dying until it crumble into dust.

"Yuuka is quite the spectacle even when she isn't around. I'll admit, I'm quite envious of her." Really? If you like being associated as a dangerous being then I guess...

"It matches your necklace." It's a golden short chain pendant with a sunflower motif on it that matches the one I wear. What's the wording they use for this?

"Yes, I hope you can take care of me."...

Yeah, I don't have the right response but I had the right action. I put the necklace on her gently.

"I semper amabo te."

"Hmmm? You say something?" Yeah, I didn't think that'll pick up. The only thing that matters is to protect what I got now. The simplicity of holding her like this. Though...

"We smell awful." Yeah our musks waft through the room. Doesn't help that this place is really humid and stuffy. I let go of Satori and realize she had slight beads of sweat on her face.

"The only place we can get clean is a share bath in the youkai village." Not much different from our shower time. Satori snorts.

"No, it's not much different." I don't really have a second pair soo.

"Oh that's ok, we can just wash our clothes there as well." How convenient.

"Yuyuko? She wanted to see Iku?" Medicine glossed over the new guests that came to the garden. Tenshi and Medicine were told ahead of time by Yuyuko's gardener of her arrival. When Yuyuko did arrive she didn't dare disturb anyone tending to the fields except for Iku dealing with minor watering. With her being so silent the next thing the two girl's heard was.

"Daughter! Doll!" Both flinch from her voice sounding angry. They both look at eachother worryingly. I got back to the house to see the three waiting for them.

"Daughter!?"

"Yes?"

"What's this about betting spell card duels?"

"I had nothing to do wit-!?"

*Zrrrt*

"HEEEEAAAHH!" Tenshi is shock causing her to land on her rear.

"The truth."

"Ok, We wanted to rematch Reimu, we just thought it would be fun to put money on it." Yuyuko flashes a paper that seem familiar.

"Ohhh shiiiit." In unison, Medicine and Tenshi recognize Venus's haphazardly made plan.

"Iku-san? We shouldn't be so quick to punish them. If they're willing to follow the spellcard rules for a rematch. So I purpose an alternative. How about during the flower viewing we bet the falling petals as the girl's compete." Iku thought it over. Her hat twitches every so often when she is in deep thought.

"Very well, but keep it away from the cherry blossom trees." Iku went near the potted plants and carefully water the rest of them for the day.

"There's another thing I would've loved to talked about but since he isn't here right now. I should ask for a proper tour of the garden. I was thinking of picking up some rare plants from here, in exchange of our cherry blossom trees to outline the field." Yuyuko eyed Tenshi and Medicine.

"US!?" Yuyuko nodded.

"Haven't you've been here?"

"Nope. No then, Ladies? A tour of the most grand if you will?"

"Rock, paper, sci-!?"

ZAAAP*

"Eeeeeahhh! Right this way Miss Yuyuko!" Silently laughing at the display, Yuyuko began following along with the two.

"Take care Iku-san." Waving nonchalantly at the tepid Oarfish.

"Just what will those kids do next I wonder?"Shaking her head alittle at the revelation.

A bathhouse/laundrymat was a bit of a high expectation. It's more like a shared bath and by partisan wall, away from humid air is a heated room to put clothes to dry. With that said, being alone like this.

"Like this?"I clambered into Satori's mid section headfirst while staying on the deep end of the natural waters. She wanted to...pet my hair as she was curious of one thing from my past life.

"It's actually quite soft despite it's slightly naturally oily feel. If I can say it...just so I can get it out of my system?" That will be?

"Good boy, whose a good boy?"...

As, embarrassing as it is. I subconsciously relaxed into Satori more.

"So tense,you need to relaxed more."...

"You're asleep? Now?"I couldn't help but smile at this. He's always high strung despite being quite cheerful on the surface. The knots of nerves and muscles that shape him. It's hard to call him a boy given everything I've seen. Running my fingers through his hair over and over again.

"Guess you're more dog than dragon. But, you're my dragon. My thoughtful and kind dragon. When we close this uncertainty, we'll show them all just how much you're mine."...Whoa. I didn't mean to...sound so possessive of him. But, everyone was looking at him, the way that Buddhist monk shove him headfirst into her breasts. I don't want to lose him to such leering women.

"Hrnnnn?" Sorry about that... it's just you're so...soft Satori and the hot water isn't helping.

"Can I ask you something?" Go ahead. I got out halfway and sat next to her. Satori seemed worry about something.

"Do you ever feel, possessive of something?"...

"So you too huh?"Y-yeah. I wasn't like this before, I swear. You don't feel that way about your pets and you're family? Satori shook her head.

"Not as strongly as I am with..." Us. Let's just get our clothes and head back. I'm just glad I'm not the only one that felt this way.

"Meiling."What about-?

I couldn't stop myself from guiding his hands to my chest. Despite his confuse face. He only thought of her in her normal attire and yet here I am.

"Well?" Satori...I won't stop loving you even if you became a monkey with a third eye and I become a giant dragon. I don't care about if you're bigger or not despite my preferences. I care about you, the you that cares about our families. The woman who sees the best in us. I can't tell you to stopped being insecure or that I don't "get" it. There aren't any words to describe what I feel. Naked or not naked, you're still my girlfriend, mine to hold, mine to tear me down, and me to tear you down if needed. However, you love someone like this because you respect and trust them to never tear you down. That's why, despite everything that happened. I was thinking of you the most.

"You're truly unbelievable you know." I wouldn't say that, though I am a bit behind the times with romance.

"I-!?"

"So you're both here too?" Yuugi comes barging into our alone time just as naked as we are.

"Don't be shy now you two!" Hrnnk!! We both we're caught in our bear hug feeling her skin like this before being...

*Bwoosh*

Dunk right back into the warm water. Emerging out of it with Satori holding unto me. Let me guess.

"Can't swim in deep water. Ugh! Pitoo!" She clambers back to the edge and climbs out hastenly.

"Hahahahah! O-oooh man! Nothing like a warm natural bath to round out the day huh!?" Yeah, real cozy with someone that can manhandle a dragon. At this point I've become quite used to seeing the opposite sex like this.

"Yet you're still as uppity down there." Pointing it out doesn't mean anything when this reaction also happens involuntary, you could be with your family at the dinner table and it just happens.

"You make it sound like an inconvenience."That's cause it is during those times.

"So, are ya on your honeymoon?" Yuugi looks at us in wonder.

"No, we're just trying to relaxed after a hectic morning. My... boyfriend thought coming in late at night would be perfect mingle time."Satori looks at me a little mith at that. Ok, I admit that was my fault but quite frankly I can't remain at the garden if I'm not needed 24/7.

"Tsk. Bad work ethic causes bad habits." Yuugi watches us bicker as she dranks from her dish wherever that came from when she came in. No look, I think it's fine to visit you when I have free time to see you. Granted, we don't have the best way to communicate out here.

"But, the work you put off might be more important than me."...No. It's not like that for me. My family comes first,my significant other is second as long as you're not within harm, then it's my personal life or rather self, and lastly...work itself. I have never care for a career cause it's soulcrushing. Here though? Now? A garden being look after by a celestial, an oarfish, and a doll is gonna be fine. I really do want to spend time with you after being away from you for a month.

"Trouble in paradise?" I crack a little as I have been way too serious.

"Sorry, it's just." Satori goes for my hair again.

"So much to take in. Our clothes are probably dried by now."

"Tell you what lovebirds." Yuugi gets out of the onsen.

"You can stay in my onsen sideroom. On the house for as long as you stay in the village. You both probably need time to explore more of this place and being coop up in that palace isn't helping one of our best youkai dectectives. Plus, I've been quite entertained by you two." She walks away. The steamy air filling out the silence again.

"Let me guess." Yeah I wanna see more of this place. Let's just take the offer. Oni don't lie. Satori sighs.

"Did you forget they're crafty as well?"And we're the two most crafty youkai around though. I have my silence and you're mindreading. They'd have to be quite dumb to attack us or get the upperhand.

"Overconfidence might kill us both." Didn't it almost do that to you before? Besides, I am a dragon in training. I just want to spend time with you.

"We're a hectic couple huh? Just a couple of kids making noise for our neighbors?" Now you get it.

"Rock n' Roll right?" Yep, Rock n' Roll.

"So how was seeing the garden properly Yuyuko?" Yuyuko's soft smile at the rows of a thousand sunflowers rising to meet the midday sun.Thinking of a way to respond to such a display to the doll.

"Beautiful. Stunning. A sea of stars you can smell. To think Yuuka grew these. Her ambition is an admirable trait in this case." Medicine look confuse at Yuyuko's wording.

"Ambition? Yuukarin just wanted to grow her flowers in peace." Yuyuko chuckles as she takes off lightly from the ground.

"I meant you and the boy. Though I guess, none of us are far from such sentiments." Almost involuntary to Yuyuko. She began lifting Youmu from the ground into a hug.

"MISS YUYUKO!?"

"Hush now, my little Youmu. I'll see you all at the annual flower viewing. Ta ta!"Youmu couldn't break free from Yuyuko's grip and flew back to Hakugyokurou in haste. Leaving most of the party involve embarrassed at her statement.

"That's what she meant?" Medicine couldn't hide her feelings.

"Doll?"...

"We should check the field one more time." Tenshi sighs.

"I know how you feel alright?" Medicine stops rushing ahead to turn slightly to look at Tenshi who at this point remove her hat revealing her long blue hair.

"I hated being coddle and then told how to act in front of people. I hated eating next to people who would use my status to get to my father or try to get to Iku."

"What are you saying? This is nothing like that."

"Oh yeah? Ever heard yourself wanting to destroy the world so there was no more class system keeping you in check? Ever wanted to damn it all to hell because of how you was perceived? I don't expect you to forgive me for what I've done Medicine. But you're a friend to me just as sure as that sun will rise tomorrow. That worry of yours will pass as will too my hatred of the posh lifestyle I had growing up. Yuuka will return eventually." Tenshi could tell from that stare of belonging. Yuuka kept Medicine grounded but just like the rest of the young youkai.

"I hated people like you."

"Doesn't help that I burned your flowers."

"Why tell me this?"

"Because that's the only way I can show you I want to be friends. I'm done hiding when everyone else gets to be free. I felt caged and for the first time. I am free."

"Daughter! Medicine! Come and eat!" Iku's voice echo across the field. With that Tenshi put on her hat and walk towards the house a serene smile on her face. Everyone needs someone right? Even the loneliest black rose will find it's home eventually.

"I just hate seeing you so sad Doll. Come on lets go see what my Momma made today." Medicine chuckles.

'"Damn ghosts and damn you two. I hope ya get caught by reapers soon." Tenshi ruffles Medicine messy curly blonde hair.

"Love ya too Doll." Before running away from the irate Doll.

"DAMMIT! QUIT TREATING ME LIKE A CHILD! YA KNOW I HATE THAT!" Following after the young celestial the sunflowers seemingly beaming at the sight.

"Like what you see?" Doremy eyed the sight from above and turn to see Yuuka eyeing the events unfold.

"I know you would rather be asleep but it's time to talk about your son." Doremy watch as Yuuka just sips from her small cup of tea.

"Staying silent?"...

"Dammit your kid was more talkative."...

"Let me sleep in peace. Let the kids find themselves. It's not our world anymore Doremy.They don't need the maidens anymore to governed them. We're a bygone era that holds no power."Doremy look frustrated as she wisk away the scene until she forcibly show a part of the barrier slowly moving out.

"LOOK! We're running out of time. How is this... happening? Why?" Frantically she looks back at multiple visual records huffing tirelessly.

"I wish I could tell ya lady. Now, let me sleep. It'll be fine."

"Goodnight!"

Waking up abruptly Yuuka eyes the roots attaching to herself.

"So rude."

Author Notes: Really late chapter with extreme amounts of sickness. Cold allergies be damn. Happy Halloween. Alot of stuff said this time.