Persona 4 Golden: Yu and Yukiko's Full and Happy Life 20

"Hubby? *Mmph* Do you think you could move the table? It's digging into my belly."

"I didn't know you were that hungry." As stupid as his joke was, it made her body bounce with delight from a miniature giggle fit, plates and silverware clattering as her belly jelly shook the table along with it. He couldn't enjoy the sight for too long though, because soon after she let out a whine of discomfort. The pressure the table was exerting on his wife's poor packed pantagruelian tummy was causing her undue stress and he simply couldn't allow such a thing to happen! With one swift motion, he dislodged the offending piece of furniture from her squishy midriff, pseudorolls fusing back together as the full brunt of her girthy gut gushed out to its proper size. Her belly rubbing hand went to the spot that was so cruelly compressed as she smiled brightly at her beloved husband. "It seems you've saved me once again...my heroic prince~" and Yu allowed himself to be pulled into a passionate kiss, taking in as much of his wide wife as his hands could grab. Now that she was a true and proper fat mama, one of his favorite things to do was take a big handful of Yukiko fluff, squish it and enjoy himself, then let it go and watch it wobble back into place; similar to how she'd sink her own finger in for the same amusing, and arousing, pop back effect.

"How's the little one?" Yu asked when they came apart. If Yukiko was happy and beaming before, that one question seemed to make her go supernova. "He's out with his friends today. Oh! Did I tell you what the teacher said? She called him an 'insightful boy!' Not only that but he's a 'natural leader' as well! But I guess that's inevitable considering his paternal figure..." that was wonderful news of course, but Yu smiled as his hand glided towards her belly and gave it a nice pat. "I meant the other little one."

"Oh. Ooooh! She's just fine, nowhere near as active as her brother though. She seems a little shy, I've made it clear that a little kicking doesn't bother mama one bit but she stays still anyway. Oh Yu, I know the doctors said everything is fine but I hope everything's truly alright."

Yu got right to work massaging her shoulders and helping her relax, letting her other hand fall to her gut as she enjoyed the moment in full. "There's no doubt in my mind things will be fine, how many more children do you have to birth successfully until you stop worrying hmmm?" It took a moment for her to fully realize what he was saying, but when she did, she whipped around so fast that her bangs slapped her across the face, requiring her to spit them out of her mouth. "*Pffft* *Plbth* Yu...do you really mean that?" His hands reached around her bountiful bosom to reach the even more bountiful stomach below, resting on her own hands as he kissed the top of her forehead. "Let's see how things go first, but leave the possibility wide open, okay cream puff?"

"Cream puff" was a rather apt description for a woman exceeding three hundred pounds even without the baby. A big figure dominating belly that puckered into cute squeezeable fat rolls on its side was the main culprit but those breasts of hers were easily the size of her head, each if not slightly bigger. And those beautifully fertile hips now demanded two chairs to seat them comfortably since her butt blubber would ooze of the sides quite inappropriately if left as is! Something about the way those chairs were bothered Yu a bit, it was a nice set up but something about it seemed rather cobbled together and even slightly unsafe. What if one of the chairs failed? Didn't that split in the middle get a little uncomfortable?

"When the time comes, you have to do better." His subconscious chided. Yu knew "he" was right and didn't even bother to argue as sometimes happened in dreams.

"You're staring again," his Yuki spoke up. "You've been doing that even more often than usual lately and I just can't imagine why..." While one part of his dream self argued with another, a third part was busy drinking in his wife's curves. That little commented diverted his full attention towards her soft dimpled face and healthy double chin as she gave her tummy a meaningful pat. "Ever since my belly swallowed up my lap, you just can't keep your hands to yourself..."

"You're very beautiful!' He blurted out; not his most graceful moment but he was being shown an ideal version of his already stunning wife. It seemed to do the trick though as she cooed happily and stifled a burp from the feast she'd already grazed her way through. "Even after all this time, my heart still flutters from your attention..." they sat making goo goo eyes at each other until a grumble from her belly reminded the mother of her oh so important task. "Hubby...hand me a plate. It seems I need to get even bigger." With no choice but to obey, Yu put a plate of salt and pepper steak right atop her belly. Recently, she'd grown in quite the prominent belly shelf and even her expanding chest couldn't quite manage to cover it up. No matter what she wore, her stomach would always protrude enough to create the perfect resting place for her meals that she took full advantage of, a sign from her body that she should be on her rump and eating as much as she could.

She fed herself bite after bite subjecting her husband to the usual mews and coos of pure pleasure that were still music to his ears. When they were alone, she let the belches fly freely as well, nothing obscene just enough to create some extra space so she could keep on eating and eating and eating. Such a dutiful wife, the instant he swapped her sparkling cleaned plate with one full of food, she'd dig right in and not waste a single moment that could be spent shoving calories and fat into her mouth.

"*Urrrrp* Oh my! Your daughter says thank you. Oh! A kick! She really does like it!" She bounced about so happily that it was a wonder the plate stayed on her belly. "That's right sweetie, mommy and daddy will get you everything you need. Oh and your brother as well of course. And grandmother and grandfa-*eep*" in the middle of her speech, her husband began to nuzzle into her fertile flabby stomach, rubbing his face against it so hard she worried he might get a rash.

"You're so fluffy my dear *mwah* and I think someone deserves a reward for being such a good eater." His hands began to work in between the folds of her kimono, teasing the possibility of some bare skin contact.

"*Hahahahahaha* Noooooo! Yu! What if-hahahahaha what if someone seeeees!" His continued rubbing and kissing and snuggling was quite the sensation for the ticklish young woman but Yu was brought out of it by a strange dripping sensation. Rubbing his cheek, milk materialized on his fingers and he looked up to see his wife in the midst of lactation. "S-sorry darling."

"No no it's quite alright, it was going to happen anyway, best it happens in front of someone who appreciates it." Their flirting was interrupted by another groan from her massive middle despite all the food they'd just stuffed into it. She was getting flabby enough that the surface actually rippled slightly and her hands made soothing motions to quell the impatient infant inside. "*Shhhh* there there mama wants to eat the rest of this too. Luckily your dada is going to feed us the rest isn't he? Because he loves us that mu-*mmmm*" the next morsel was shoved into her mouth before she could finish and she looked to Yu with an even fuller smile than usual. "Thought you'd never ask my love. Eat up, everything is made for you." He guided another forkful into her mouth with one hand and began to knead her bread dough belly with the other arousal heightening-

When a cold bucket of water on his head woke him from his dream.

*Aggggh* *Plbbbth* Dammit!"

To his credit, Yu was on his feet immediately and it was probably a good thing the liquor bottle was removed from his hands earlier; otherwise, the combat ready father to be might have caused some serious damage! "Woah woah woah dude calm down it's just some water!"

"I-it was all Yosuke's idea sensei! I had absolutely nothing to do with it!" Yu didn't hear the rebuttal to that because as soon as the initial adrenaline wore off, he was set upon by a splitting headache. "*Ooooh* my head. What happened?" Blearily rubbing the sleep from his eyes, the world began to come into focus. It was still quite dark with only a dark blue early morning sky to illuminate things, not even the fire remaining to help see. He could just barely make out the others faces if he squinted but unfortunately focusing too hard on anything caused an immense stinging pain.

"I warned you partner~" Yosuke said in a teasing sing song voice. "Maybe next time you'll be more willing to listen to your good pal Yosuke. I hope you learned your lesson." It was all starting to come back: the party, the wine bottle and the subsequent argument, but from there it was just kind of a blur. He did have a very nice dream though but the details had faded a bit. All he remembered was that it was something he could have if he tried hard enough, like a carrot being dangled in front of his face by his subconscious mind. His joy was short lived though, when he finally processed what Yosuke had said, looking to the others for assurance it wasn't true.

He couldn't quite see through the dark, but he could make out the pitying expression on his friends faces and felt immediate dread. "Sorry senpai," Kanji eventually said.

"I probably got carried away..." Yu was willing to admit. "I mean drinking the whole bottle was probably a little mu-"

"*Uh* actually you didn't even get half down."

"Oh..."

The awkwardness hung in the air for awhile as Yu came to terms with the fact he probably couldn't even drink Nanako under the table. The sound of dripping from his wet body was the only noise besides the occasional bird or insect for what felt like minutes. Finally, he nodded to himself and smiled, shaking some moisture off of his arms, "still you didn't need to completely soak me. I doubt drunk me was that bad."

"Debatable. And we tried to be gentle with a few drops of water, but you just snuggled closer to your pillow. If we don't get moving now, we'll miss the sunrise!"

"We? I don't know what you're talking about..." Teddie attempted again to play innocent. "I seem to recall a certain bear giggling like crazy the whole time we were filling up the bucket..." before Teddie could deny again, Yu shook some of the drowsiness off and seemed to awaken almost instantly. "Is it really that late? Crap, I'm sorry guys I didn't mean to sleep in so late. Thanks for waking me up! *Agh* damn..."

"Yo senpai, you alright?" Yu was currently closing his eyes, breathing in and out as he tried his best to adjust the pounding drum beat inside his skull. "H-hey if you need to sit down it's no problem. I kind of *yaaaawwn* want to go back to sleep anyway."

"N-no I've already rested enough. And I've...dealt with worse. It's just like being poisoned, you just have to tough through it." Yosuke sighed aloud, physical activity would only make things worse so Yu would basically be "toughing through it" the whole way up and the whole way down. "Being a tough guy is what got you into this situation to begin with you know."

"Yosuke, I may not...be able to handle alcohol but I can handle pain. A little headache is *urgh* nothing. Now let's climb that mountain. If any of you start to feel bad for me, just remember that I did this to myself." That seemed to convince the others at least somewhat.

"Okay well I guess it would be pretty lame if we drenched you, woke you up, and then didn't even let you go on the hike. Just...if you get woozy don't try to be macho."

"I'll manage. But wait, how were we going to see anything going up?" He couldn't quite make out their faces, but he could tell they were all grinning among each other. "Well that's why we brought these head lamps. Like I said, we really did think things through this time." Yu was just barely able to catch his lamp, fumbling with it when it was tossed; he truly was off his A-game this morning. Still, he did have to give credit where credit was due. "That's is a good idea, I would have just used a flashlight but this frees up our hands."

"And look how bright they are sensei! Now there's no way we could get lost!" Before Yu could react, a super nova nearly blinded him and upgraded the drum beat in his head into an entire marching band. "*Aggggggh*"

"Ted, how many times we gotta tell you don't go shining that thing in people's eyes!" Despite his efforts to relieve his senpai's suffering, Kanji's loud shouting only made things worse for the poor guy. But it wasn't like he could really blame Kanji, he and Teddie were just loud people and he went ahead and drank anyway knowing what the consequences would be. If you thought about it, every thing they did to aggravate his splitting headache was really his own fault. Still, that didn't mean he couldn't do things to mitigate his suffering. "C-come on guys let's get a move on. We can talk when we reach the summit." That got everyone to refocus on their goal and, after some quick bag gathering, they were off.

Like all things painful, the aggravating "crunch crunch crunch" of the leaves and dirt beneath their feet soon became a slow and steady rhythm that didn't bother him as it faded into the back of his mind. Until...

"Wow dude you're holding up pretty well, I thought all the crunching would give you a monster headache."

And just like that he had to start all over letting it fade into the back of his mind. "Y-yeah you'd think so huh?"

Even with the guiding light, it still would have been tough going without the generously paved out mountain trail. There was adventure, and then there was getting lost in the woods for hours with a debilitating hangover. Yu took the trail without complaint. Head pain wasn't the only pain he was experiencing anyway, there was a strange soreness in the back of his neck, most likely from falling asleep in a chair instead of with proper lumbar support. He wasn't trying to be a baby about it, but it really was sore and as such he couldn't help but let his hands try to adjust it every once in awhile, especially since the head lamp freed them up. And it wasn't long before a specific member of the group noticed.

Being the tallest members, Kanji and Yu naturally ended up at the head of the pack, giving Yu a good view of the younger boy in his peripheral vision. And every single time he'd adjust his neck, Kanji would also shift about nervously and Yu swore he could see a blush on his face. "Don't tell me I did something that embarrassing," Yu eventually joked.

"W-what was that senpai?"

"With the way you keep looking at my neck, I'm thinking I tried to do a handstand and screwed it up or something. Good thing no one brought cameras." His white smile only seemed to make Kanji more nervous as he cleared his throat as softly as possible

"Actually sensei your handstand was perfect! 10/10 in my adorable opinion. You didn't really do anything embarrassing at all, in fact you were cooler than ever." Yosuke slapped his face and groaned, of course a pervert like Teddie would think his sensei going on and on about his wife's "sexy" body was something to look up to! Yu seemed to have the same idea and his easy confidence morphed into a look of mild dread. "Is that so?"

"What did...what did I say or do exactly?"

"Hey don't worry man, you didn't say anything I didn't already know." Yosuke was an incredibly poor liar so Yu breathed a sigh of relief when he sensed nothing but the complete truth from his friend's statement. "Good that's good." If he was a little more lucid, he would have noticed the teasing manner in which Yosuke said it and the smug smirk on his face. "Was your pillow comfortable last night partner? I bought it myself. It might not be the 'finger filling fluff' you're used to..." that time Yu definitely heard the smarminess and knew his friend was hinting at something. "What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all, I was just wondering if the pillow was soft enough for you, you are very particular about softness after all. The softer the better right? I wonder why that could be..." The husband to be could feel his pulse quickening, was Yosuke saying what he thought he was saying? Before the wage slaving snarker could go into another round of taunting, Teddie foiled his plans. "Yeah probably because the pillows remind him of his Yuki-chan! Sensei loves every inch of her big beautiful birthing body, he said so himself many times! Yosuke, did you really not pay any attention at all?" The reactions of the crowd confused Teddie, he thought he was being helpful by pointing it out but from what he could make out, sensei was embarrassed, Yosuke was annoyed and Kanji was even more embarrassed than sensei!

"Did I...did I really say that?"

"Oh yeah and you went into excruciating detail believe me. Of course, I already knew all that since it's not like you did anything to hide it." Yu actually had the audacity to look shocked at that statement. "Oh come on will you? 'Yuki...you shouldn't have to deprive yourself of anything, especially not when our baby needs you to grow...'" he mimicked, letting his voice drop an octave, raising it again for the Yukiko impression

'"Oh hubby, how could i deny myself a single bite of this scrumptious feast, would you feed it to me?*ahhhhh*' and that was just one out of the hundreds of exchanges like it I've had to listen to in the last month alone."

"Now that...now that Yosuke-senpai mentions it, it is kind of obvious yeah. And then after that you'd *uh* you know, give her a little...I mean your hands would..."

"You'd squeeze her tummy in front of everyone is what Kanji is trying to say. And from what you said last night, we know it's not just a little gesture of affection. Our leader likes to squeeze."

"He likes to poke," Teddie joined right in, always eager to make some noise.

"He likes to jiggle."

"He likes to bounce."

"He likes to feed girls tasty treats."

"And then take them under the sheets." Once again, Yosuke took things a little too far but now it wasn't like Yu could judge him for being crude anymore and judging by the way Kanji bought into drunk Yu's breaching, he wouldn't be able to for too much longer either. Still, when he all the lights turned towards him at once he knew it was time to stop for now. "Alright, alright. It is pretty funny though looking back on it, who would have thought our steadfast leader was actually the sultan of squish."

The trek continued onward in silence for a bit or it would have if Yosuke didn't interject with another stupid nickname. "Oh what I just thought of a good one. *Ahem* since you are our leader, and you like your women big, how about we call you...Captain Ahab." Yu nodded as he stroked his chin, Yukiko was certainly pale enough but he wasn't sure if she was really "whale" size yet. In his mind, he didn't really deserve such a title...before realizing that he should be offended. But then again maybe he shouldn't be offended because everything being said was true and...well his headache was now back. It was a very confusing few minutes for the scrambled Amagi.

"It's a good thing we're out in the woods, because you're an expert on big game hunting." Kanji actually chuckled at that one before wiping the smile off his face when he thought Yu was looking. "H-hey Yosuke come on, that's not *hah* that's not funny," but a little smile continued to tug at his lips despite his best efforts. "I mean how would you feel if we started making fun of you for the nurse thing."

"*Ooooh* are you saying it's time for him to get a taste of his own medicine? When Yosuke goes to the doctor's office, he leaves with a higher temperature than when he came in!"

"You stupid bear t-that's completely different!"

"No it's okay," Yu cut in. "Let him keep making jokes, it's helpful." That was certainly surprising to hear and they weren't quite sure what he meant by that, but Yosuke wasn't about to defy a direct order. "Alright, you asked for it! *Cough* *ahem* your wife is really helping give the inn a 'worldwide' presence."

"Hmmm"

"*Uh* let's see...*ah tah tah tah*" It was pretty hard to come up with a bunch on the spot, but it wasn't like he could just give up now. He knew he still had more in there! This could be his only chance to finally get out all the fat jokes he'd been holding in for the past several months. "Okay! Japan's a small island, she gets any bigger and she might tip it over."

"Hey maybe you could use her butt as free advertising space for the inn, since I'm pretty sure all the buses are taken already."

"You're the only guy I know who would go into a plus size maid cafe and say 'is this it?'" And to his immense shock, Yu himself was the one who chuckled at that. A mixture of Teddie and Kanji no longer laughing, running out of jokes, and Yu himself either chuckling or not reacting at all beyond a smile soon left Yosuke at a complete loss for jokes. "I *uh* that's all I've got partner."

"Really? Well I think I might have one then."

"Yukiko eats so many beef bowls, her blood type is sesame oil." The unexpected nature of the joke left the others confused as to whether they should be laughing or not. "It's probably a little odd in all honesty, but I couldn't be happier. And I know she couldn't be either. Yosuke's right, it's not like I really did anything to hide it." All at once, any tension seemed to evaporate from the group except of course the tension in poor Yu's frontal lobe. "*Hahahahaha* whether you're drunk or sober, you say the exact same thing. You really do love her huh senpai?"

"I do, very much so. Actually about the belly grabbing thing since it's just us guys...she's the one who asked me to do that although I wouldn't be able to resist either way." That was certainly a surprise and the ensuing reactions from the gang proved it. "Yeah, she says she wants everyone to know how much I enjoy her fluffier figure. I guess I've done a pretty good job if you ended up noticing."Now it was his turn to return the teasing a bit and Yosuke felt a renewed sense of fun breathed back into the whole thing. It was fun to tease people like Chie and Kanji who were so sensitive but too much and it kind of made him seem and feel like a bully. And it was always nice to know his friend really was happy with everything. "So I guess that means you're an out and out chubby chaser now."

"No? I have no intention of doing any chasing. There's only one big beautiful woman for me. But yeah I guess I am out about it, I do owe it to her for doing everything she can to make the baby and I happy..."

"That's...that's beautiful sensei." Teddie wiped a tear from his eye. "If only every girl had a lover boy as dedicated, I'd fill the part but I'm *ahem* spoken for. But I guess being a big pervert is the key to a happy relationship after all!"

"I don't think that's the lesson you should be taking from all this. Is it?"

"It's not perverted if it's towards the person you love," Yu stated with an air of wisdom that did not match the actual words in the sentence. Teddie at least seemed to get a kick out of that and even did a little fist pump. "I don't know about that..." Yosuke mumbled out and Kanji seemed completely incapable of even contemplating that idea. The hungover just about married man didn't want to go into any more detail about their love life, but part of him couldn't wait until Kanji and Yosuke got some action of their own. Then they would see that girls could be just as perverted as boys could be. He still remembered that one night he'd been taking a relaxing soak and Yukiko all but begged him to come out and satisfy her, what a woman~

Needing to get his mind off of such inappropriate thoughts, all he said was "just remember that people always say we're 'all over each other' and that our deep kisses take two people," and simply left it at that.

"This is pretty sweet though," Kanji whispered after a period of silence. "Feels like we're military or something getting up so early and sneaking up to the top of the mountain." What they were doing couldn't really be called "sneaking," Yu's headache could attest to that, but it had a similar sort of feeling to it for sure. Even if the trek itself wasn't so exciting, it was the stuff surrounding it that made it entertaining; and really, that was the entire trip in a nutshell.

"We need a marching song then!"

"N-no thanks Teddie, we're sneaking remember? We don't want to give away our position." Normally Yu would absolutely be up for a good old fashioned marching song but unfortunately he was a bit under the weather, something Teddie singing loudly and off key certainly wouldn't help. Luckily the bear seemed to accept that reasoning, also fortunately not noticing that the big glaring light on his head was just as detrimental to any kind of stealth.

Much like waking up before the customers at the inn, climbing the mountain truly felt like the world was rising with them. They weren't so much racing nature as making a journey together with it. The chittering and chattering of nocturnal life swiftly gave way to to the more lively day time inhabitants of the forest even if they were still a bit drowsy and eventually the boys didn't even need their head lamps anymore; that was certainly fortunate since the winding trail began to gain a few steps of man made origin. The trail ended at a well tread clearing that opened up into a lovely view, or at least it would be when the sun came up. Spotting a nearby rock, Yu grabbed a seat as the rest of the group sat down around it. A pleasant breeze blew through the clearing, probably the last breeze of spring, almost seeming to beckon the sun's arrival. If this was new year's there would be a count down, Yosuke was almost tempted to say but even he could tell this wasn't a moment that should be ruined by silly jokes.

The world around them seem to wait with bated breath, one second passing in silence and then another and then another before finally little tips of sunlight began to peak over the mountain range. Inch by inch, it bathed the outcroppings with its glow before extending down to the town below. Yes, this clearing gave them a view of Inaba although much further almost like they were watching from the next town over, not too dissimilar to the hill outside of town except much more pulled out.

"It seems kind of small doesn't it?" Yu finally asked after a long silence. It wasn't even really recognizable as Inaba really when you saw the town in its entirety like this with the farm land and everything but somehow it was unmistakably home.

"Yeah like a toy model almost. Doesn't even seem like there are any people in it..."

A couple of early birds chose that moment to fly by, almost as if they wished to pose for a picture.

"I don't want to get too sappy, but whenever I get to see the town like this I always feel...proud you know? Proud of myself and the rest of the team. And I just get this feeling that things are going to turn out all right."

"You said it man. You and Ted get on my nerves sometimes but there's nobody who I'd rather have watching my back."

"No matter where we go or what we might do, this town will remain an irreplaceable anchor for us all. And I know the ones who stay will make sure it remains that way, right sensei?" Teddie turned back to see his sensei looking into the sunrise, his eyes locked on a particular mountain top above Inaba. The particular building that was the attention of his focus wasn't visible from here as the cozy little inn was tucked away into the mountains but that didn't matter one bit. "That's right. I'll make sure we'll always have a place to come back to." The light aggravated his headache of course but in a way it was kind of a good pain, like the kind he felt after conquering a particularly brutal shadow. Like a throbbing reminder that nothing that happened in the past could effect his enjoyment of the present or future if he didn't let it. "It's the least I could do after everything ."

"Hey guys? Thanks for the trip." And every single one of them had a smile that gave the rising sun fierce competition. As the light became good enough to work in, Kanji rubbed his hands together. "Alright enough with the poetry stuff, I'm starving." And with a sarcastic sigh, Yosuke began to pull out some breakfast materials from his and Teddie's packs including a container of eggs. "Fine fine, I guess now's as good a time as any." Seeing Yu's confusion, he smirked. "We packed it all up while you were still snoozing away. Guess that was one comfy pillow huh? Come on, sit down and let's get some grub in you, I've heard it will do wonders for your headache."

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Yu never thought a simple sausage and egg breakfast could be so delicious but a gathering with friends on a hilltop had a way of adding flavor. One thing he did know though was that Kanji was still greatly looking forward to a game of capture the flag and even if he was feeling a bit under the weather, he couldn't bear to deny his friend a fun time, not after he'd helped plan all this out. But first he suggested they had to make one little pit stop to really put the capstone on this trip, leading his team on a little detour away from base camp. The descent was quite a bit simpler in the morning light although quite a bit more enthusiastic. Even though it hadn't been too difficult, there still was something invigorating about saying you were going to get up early, climb a small mountain with your friends and then actually going through with it. Such things had a way of energizing you and cancelling out the fact everyone woke up before the crack of dawn.

When the group arrived at their destination, there was much agreement that it was a good idea after all. The water hole where three of their number took an unfortunate dip last year. To finally put a cap on things, they were going to dive on under their own power this time. But as the other boys got changed, Yu mentioned he needed to make a quick pit stop as Yosuke gave him a knowing smile.

Although the river was quite long and it took a little bit to make the trek, the actual process of following it to his destination was simple. Yu didn't quite realize it himself, but his journey down only solidified how effective the trip was. This was no longer "the river we got pushed into and then Mr. Morooka vomited all over us" but instead "the river where I went fishing with my best friend and met a nice family." A nice family who left his rod right where they found it, just like they said. Picking it up, he looked to the river where he could make out quite a few trout, definitely a nice place to teach a boy to fly fish...

After breakfast, a cool dip and plenty of water Yu did end up feeling much better to the point that when Mr. Amagi arrived to pick them up, he was easily able to pretend nothing happened. Good thing to since Fuyuhiko decided he wanted to listen to some "oldies" and drum on the steering wheel. What would have been unbearable torture a few hours ago became a minor nuisance at best even with Teddie joining in and fumbling half the words.

"What was your bachelor party like Mr. Amagi?" Kanji asked at one point.

"Oh just a little get together between friends. Dinner and a show, what could be better? Are you familiar with the art of Noh?"

"*Uh* no?"

"Yes, Noh. Are you familiar with it?" When he saw the confused look on Kanji's face, he laughed. "A joke. See because the name is noh which sounds like...never mind. The point is, it was a fun little experience that helped me settle into married life. *Sigh* sometimes I miss all the free time I used to have but in exchange I received something much grander. And now that I have an inn to run, I get to make my own performances instead of watching someone else's. Listen to me prattle on, I suppose I've been in a nostalgic mood lately.." It was true that he was "prattling on" but nobody could really blame him. "Speaking of which, I'm going to be showing you off at the wedding to those very same friends, so make sure you're on your best behavior!" he said to Yu. "I don't want them to think I'd marry off my pumpkin to just anyone after all!"

"Well Yu is making the wedding cake so one taste of that will probably do the job right?"

"Very true!" Mr. Amagi said with a laugh and a quick pat to his son in law's shoulder. "Their palettes may be unrefined but anyone can appreciate a really good cake!" Yu blushed a bit from all the sudden praise and insisted that it wouldn't be anything to fancy but everyone could tell it did mean a lot.

Yosuke didn't want to draw too many conclusions but he highly doubted the man Yu drunkenly ranted about last night had ever said anything like that. Not to get to sappy, but if felt...nice to see his best friend be accepted so warmly like that. And judging by the looks on his teammates' faces, they seemed to be having similar thoughts. It was like a nice little capstone to this whole trip, he'd truly found a place of his own.

That fact couldn't have been made more clear than when they arrived back through the front door. It was still a little bit before checkout time so such a thing wasn't a problem in the slightest. "*Ahhhh* I had no idea I was so tense," they heard a familiar voice state. "Why didn't we get a massage last time we were here, Yukiko-senpai? I feel sooooo much better."

"Well it was the busy season and with everything that happened it sort of slipped my mind. And then in February I didn't want the staff to know I was pregnant so-*ah* hubby!" Chie and Naoto just barely had enough time to move out of the way of her swinging hips before she waddled herself over to her beloved husband. Yu wasted no time in scooping her up into his own arms and giving her a great big squeeze. "*Ooooh* we missed you," she gently cooed out mid embrace.

"I missed you too my cuddly croquembouche," Yu replied with another squeeze which combined with the odd nickname produced a giggle. The Investigation Team looked between each other not quite sure what that meant only that it was undoubtedly a dessert of some kind. He just couldn't help himself, still decked out in the white and blue kimono the guests wore, it wasn't quite fitted for her new motherly size and let the full extent of her belly bulge out. It left quite a bit more calf out in the open than it probably should have as her soaked up as much fabric as it could to contain itself, desperate to not let the two ends come apart and leave everything underneath exposed.

Exactly the kind of thing he wanted to see after a night in the woods. They shared a quick kiss ignoring a mumbled. "It's only been a day..." from an incredulous Naoto. When they broke apart, Yukiko's nose twitched a bit as she sniffed the air around her. "Hubby, your breath smells funny. You didn't eat some strange berries in the forest did you?" To his credit, Yu's face didn't budge at all except for a tiny smile; he counted his blessings that wine wasn't on the menu at the Amagi Inn. "Maybe a few..." he "admitted."

The boys had to stifle laughs of course but for some reason the girls were also trying not to burst into giggles. Even Naoto seemed to find the idea of him eating strange berries he found rather amusing; Yukiko however, didn't seem quite so amused. "Yu! What if the berries put you into a thousand year sleep!? Or turned your face blue?" If their son inherited his father's habit of putting strange things in his mouth, she would be very very cross with him! But immediately, a gentle smile splayed across her face. "But if you were hungry enough to eat berries, oh hubby you must be starving! Let me fix you up a plate right away!" Just then she noticed the dirt smudges on his hands and face as well as some grass stains on his pant leggings, sending her homemaker instincts into over drive. "Oh let me run you a bath and do something about those clothes! You must be exhausted..." And just as she began to waddle off to do her wifely duties, the door to the front office opened. "*Ahem* Yukiko dear? Is that any way to treat your guests? And after they did so much for you." Her mother must have heard the commotion and waited for just the right moment to pop in, she was quite good at listening and observing soundlessly after all. It took a moment for the maternal maid to realize what her mother meant before doing a little jump of surprise and turning to see her four girlfriends standing there sheepishly.

"Oh my goodness! I deeply apologize, I was just *um*..."

"It's okay Yukiko-senpai," Rise assured, "we know you're probably itching for some alone time. Besides, we'll be seeing you in just a couple of days, right?" Yukiko immediately cheered up and put on an award winning smile. "That's right. Although my grandmother wanted to speak with you privately about music if that's alright." Rise grimaced a bit, the old woman had been giving her the stink eye whenever they passed each other in the hallway, to be fair she'd been in the middle of teasing Naoto or Chie about something but the way the old woman looked at her you'd think she was the worst harlot who ever lived! Still, singing at a wedding and a friend's wedding at that wasn't an experience she was willing to pass up so easily. "Alright but it better be soon. I'm not about to change my whole routine at the last minute for some old fuddy duddy."

"I prefer 'old battle axe' as a nickname myself," Fuyuhiko mumbled earning a stifled giggle from his wife. "Don't worry, I'll make sure that doesn't happen...Yukiko's played your album enough times for me to be intimately acquainted and there are quite a few that even my mother would approve of."

"Hey this might be a bad time but do I have to, you know, work at the wedding? I-I mean I can if you need me to but-" Chie's rambling was cut off by a firm silencing hand from...Yukiko who reacted a split second before her mother. "Absolutely not. You're an invited guest after all and I'd rather wait tables myself than have your experience tainted like that. Weddings are a time for friends and family and you're basically both."

"Yukiko...thanks yo-"

"And if you're waiting tables you might not be able to catch the bouquet! I'd feel awful if I jinxed your and Akihiko's relationship." Chie's grumbled a bit but she decided not to protest that time. It probably wouldn't do any good anyway

"Yes my daughter speaks for both of us. Although Fuyuhiko and I decided that when you first started working here. That doesn't mean you can slack off the night before however."

"That's right. We'll need all hands on deck between catering to guests and setting up for the wedding! I'd ask for your help but I have a feeling I don't need to." Just as predicted, Chie pumped a fist and gave her employers and intense glare of determination. "You can count on me! I'll make the floors clean enough to eat off of!"

"Hey why are you guys so dirty anyway?" Rise asked the gathered group of boys. "Did you get lost on the way to Junes or something?" Yosuke bristled a bit at that and puffed out his chest. "Actually we went on a camping trip for your information. I'm guessing you guys just sat around here?"

"*Um* we didn't just sit around thank you very much. We had our batteries recharged which is very important for hardworking people like us...not that you would know *pblth*"

"Yeah seriously Yosuke? A camping trip? Didn't you get enough on that awful school one we had to go on? Then again, you are a glutton for punishment..."

"And you're just a glutton..." Before things could escalate any further, the three felt an icy tingling that stopped them dead in their tracks. "Children...you're not about to start fighting in our lovely entrance hall are you? Especially after we were so kind as to invite you into our home..." It was clear where Yukiko got her abilities from, Yukina was smiling but her eyes were cold and without mercy. "N-no of course not boss...sir...ma'am! Just some friendly banter right girls?"

"Y-yeah just...horsing around." Perhaps it was that terrifying movie Yukiko got them to watch, but neither Chie nor Rise wanted to take any chances with ghostly looking women with long black hair. While this was going on, Kanji approached the two love birds and gave Yukiko a little tap on the shoulder.

"Hey *uh* Yukiko-senpai? Ma wanted me to ask when a good time for your final fitting might be. Tomorrow work for you?"

"Anytime works for me but why not today? I could go as soon as I finish lunch if you need." Kanji wasn't going to ask why she needed to finish lunch before getting fitted, girls were just weird like that, but he did rub the back of his head awkwardly. "Well ma wants me to sit in so I can learn but I kind of already made plans today. Special plans with a s-special someone." He blushed fiercely and averted his gaze. Yukiko didn't quite put two and two together until Yu gently turned her head towards the blushing detective prince hiding her face with her hat. "Oh, OH! Yes yes of course tomorrow it is then. I hope you have a fun time on your date."

"Th-thanks," Naoto managed to get out but her recovery was short lived thanks to Yu. "You know, you two have the best chance of catching the bouquet out of anyone since you're already a couple." Naoto's face turned tomato red but Kanji looked at him a bit confused. "Everyone keeps talking about this bouquet thing. I know that's like a bunch of flowers wrapped together but what happens if you catch it? Do you get like a prize or something? Cuz if so you bet I'm going to try and catch it!" His reaction only made Naoto blush harder and she would have hid her entire body in her hat if she could. "Oh it's the most wonderful prize you could think of Kanji-kun! Whoever catches it is the next one who gets married!" Instantly all the bravado drained from Kanji's body as he became the same blushing embarrassed mess as Naoto. "I-I-I don't think we're quite ready for such things," the bluenette got out at last.

"No offense but I'd prefer if Chie caught it. Not that I'm not supportive of your relationship but she is my best friend and well...it's only right she get to experience this." Yukiko caressed her bump lovingly as Yu snaked an arm around her.

"H-hey don't go deciding things like that for me, Yukiko!" But Yukiko was too busy murmuring sweet things to her bun to pay attention, giggling when Yu planted a kiss on her cheek. Naoto couldn't help but reflect on their conversation from last night where she played the part of the critic towards her pregnancy laden friend. "I need to stop confusing my personal feelings with facts," she told herself, "it's rather poor form especially when it concerns close friends." As odd as it was, Yukiko was a girl who truly enjoyed pregnancy and everything that came with it. And even though Naoto couldn't quite work out the why, that was more from ignorance on her part than anything wrong with her friend. It was strange but certainly well reasoned and she understood that now or perhaps it would be more accurate to say she understood it last night but now was when she was finally able to organize her thoughts into words. Still though the way Yukiko was rubbing circles into her belly was almost hypnotic. What must that feel like to have a little life growing inside of you? To feel its little flutters and movements as your body changed and morphed from the inside out, turning into the kind of gravid and full body that would lead someone to constantly pet and place their hands on their expanding middle. What must that feel like? She could probably imagine if she tried hard enough...

"Hey, Naoto are you alright?" The girl blinked and turned to see her boyfriend looking at her rather concerned. She wouldn't say it aloud but she always thought he was a bit...dare she say dashing when he looked like that. "Focus! All those hot spring fumes must have short circuited your brain you foolish girl! Stop gawking at your pregnant friend like some kind of voyeur!"

"Y-yes I'm quite alright. Just...I didn't get quite as much sleep as I would have liked last night."

"Oh well if you're feeling tired we could always move-"

"No!" She said a little too quickly and loudly for her liking

"No that's...quite alright. Just a quick rendezvous to my house should be all I need. And then we can...meet up...later." That small foolish part of her couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement over the slight melancholy that entered Kanji's voice for that split second when he thought she was going to cancel. Oh he tried to hide it, but it just slipped through and as childish as it was she delighted over it. Marriage was still a far off twinkle at best but what she did know for sure was that she was enjoying life now.

Little did everyone know a certain blonde haired boy had been listening quite intently to the beginning of their conversation. "Bouquet huh? Heeheehee well I know just what to with that. Kashi baby you can count on me!"

"Well alright this was fun but we should probably get going. Don't want to overstay our welcome after all."

"Yeah," Yosuke agreed. "I may get the day off from school but my dad is giving me an extra shift so I'm not lying around the house all day. Correction, he's giving US extra shifts," he said with a pointed glare at Teddie who gave a little whine.

"And I need to burn off some of these calories," Chie groused to herself. "That food was too good."

"Oh I'm sure you'll be fine Chie, everyone deserves a cheat day now and again right?" Yukiko smiled at her friend through pudgy cheeks and gave her big belly an absentminded pat. "Oh don't forget to grab something to eat for lunch before you exercise. Breakfast was near six hours ago after all, I wouldn't want you to pass out from exhaustion." The genuine worry almost made Chie laugh, breakfast may have been six hours ago but it was a massive multi course affair that she was still a tad full from yet here Yukiko was acting like it wasn't enough. "Yeah yeah okay, see you at school tomorrow mama." And the two girls shared a quick hug, Yukiko marveling at how sinewy the muscles on Chie's back were while the athlete noticed the little back fat rolls above the love handles.

Yu shared a similar bear hug with the guys, even Yosuke returning it with a firm clasp to his partner's back. "*Agggh* I can't believe you're really getting married dude, it's finally hitting me that it's actually going to happen in like five days, it's crazy."

"Yeah it really is. Who would have thought I could be so lucky?" The hot blush on Yukiko's face was expected as well as the good natured eye roll from Yosuke but what he didn't expect was to see both his in-laws flush a bit too. It was probably because he gave Yuki's shoulder a little rub and brought her in for a half hug after he said it, but they were practically beaming; if Yu peered hard enough, it was like he could see himself and his wife already married in their eyes. And they were as happy as could be.

"See you three at the wedding," Rise said with a friendly pat to Yukiko's middle. The wobbly orb shook like the big barrel of fluffer nutter that it was. "*Aw* I was hoping for a kick, well tell him when he wakes up for me okay?"

"Okay." Yukiko didn't have the heart to tell her that her little prince was actually quite active at the moment and the idol just got unlucky. Chie didn't seem to get a kick either but she didn't particularly care either way. Usually Naoto would hang back while everyone was petting and patting the baby bump but something must have clicked in her mind earlier as she too stepped forward. She'd done it before of course but it was always a nice treat to feel a different rubbing style every now and then. "Good luck with everything senpai." Naoto stifled a gasp when she indeed felt a little push against her hand. "M-my imagination perhaps," but the way Yukiko was looking at her suggested this was not the case. "I'll *er* I'll see you on Sunday!" And she hastily made her exit before her senpai could say something truly embarrassing about her having a "motherly" touch or anything of that nature, the rest filing out one by one behind her.

"Sounds like you had a fun time," Yu said when it was just the family left. "I'm glad you got a chance to decompress and relax." He gave the top of her head a pleasant kiss that made her rock and twist about in his embrace. "Like you don't give me that chance everyday...still, everyone loved your cooking hubby. Rise said she was jealous she didn't get to eat like that every day."

"Even after seeing how much you've grown? My my it must have been quite delicious indeed," Yukina cut in teasingly. Yukiko puffed out her cheeks and turned to face the mocking matriarch. "Rise says I look quite radiant and have a mature beauty to me now."She said it with a superior tone to enforce that even an idol was struck by her beauty. Yukina just couldn't resist her daughter getting all huffy like that and gave her face a pat. "I'm sorry dear, you're just to cute for me to think such a thing. You'll always be my not so little duckling."

"*Hmmph!*"

"Oh don't pout like that, you know how I love to tease. You look plenty motherly right Fuyuhiko?"

"You've blossomed beautifully pumpkin." Before Yukiko could thank them, her mother put her hands on her belly and gave it a little shake from side to side. "Perhaps you could teach your friend some belly dancing techniques. I'm sure she'd love to see them." Yukiko as usual batted her arms away began to protectively rub her bump. "But I think there's someone else who would be far more interested..." she grinned while eyeing her soon to be son-in-law. However, things did not play out as they normally did. Her somewhat ditzy daughter cocked her head in confusion at the innuendo, that was normal, but instead of blushing and looking at his feet Yu instead encircled her daughter in a loving hug. "That would sure be a sight...if only there was a woman beautiful and rubenesque enough but the only one I can think of is my lovely fiance." The shock on Yukina's face was palatable and the embarrassed happiness on Yukiko's was adorable.

Fuyuhiko wasn't sure how comfortable he was having his daughter referred to as "rubenesque" or her doing something as lewd as a belly dance, but how could he argue with that precious smile. Yu's proud declaration seemed to spark another bout of wifely affection in her. Giving his hand a gentle caress, she once again noticed the dirt from his stint in the great outdoors. "Let me get a nice hot bath going and while you're in there, I'll get you something to eat."

"Alright, but first could you hold onto something for me?" That certainly stopped the hefty homemaker right in her tracks. "Of course hubby. Whatever you need." She watched curiously as he slung his camping pack around to the front and began to rummage through it. Suddenly, a look of panic crossed his face as he began to struggle with something in the pack, rummaging through it as even her parents looked on in shock. "Uh oh! It's still alive!" He shouted, as he began to almost wrestle with the bag.

"Oh no! What is it hubby? Don't tell me you tried to kill a poor innocent spider..." she "rushed" over to his side to see what on earth he was wrestling only for him to drop the sack on the floor and produce a bouquet of flowers. "I saw these beautiful flowers in full bloom and just couldn't get you out of my mind for some reason. Do you think you could hold on to them for me? I just feel like they belong with you." Yukiko put both her hands over her mouth and let out a delighted cry, not just because of the sweet compliment but because she had no doubt what he said was true. The azaleas were a vibrant color of red with little black anthers sticking out of it. Upon closer inspection, the wrapping paper used was actually several bags of packaging cobbled together and set to look like a traditional bouquet. "Oh hubby this is wonderful...thank you. I'll find a vase for them right away." His silly little comedy routine only served to make the gift even sweeter in her mind.

He always took that extra little step of effort to let her know how much she meant to him...

It really was spontaneous, Yu saw the flowers on the way down the mountain and made a point of stopping by to pick a bushel and the beaming smile on her face made it all worth it. Well that and the way she held the flowers close to her chest, looking so enticing with that big dollop of belly underneath. Exactly the kind of woman he wanted to give flowers and presents and all of his affection to. As if on cue, her tummy let loose a whine of hunger forcing her to give it a soothing rub.

"*Ooooh*" she mooed, "I was *mmph* wondering when this would start. Well sweetie I guess it's time for your lunch but you'll have to wait while I make your daddy's, okay?" But Yu would hear of no such thing! At once he grasped his wife by the shoulders and fixed her in an intense piercing stare. "Yuki my love, when was the last time you ate?"

"I've been snacking don't worry..." she said soothingly but Yu shook his head. "We need to get you a proper meal. I bet you've been craving my cooking something fierce all day long, I'm sorry beautiful." Yukiko wanted to tell him he was being ridiculous but the truth was she had been craving it quite a bit. The Amagi chefs were quite good but whereas they filled her plate with veggies and tofu, hubby supplied her with the beef and heavy carbs a growing mama like her needed to fatten up. "O-oh but you've been outside all day...you deserve a hot home cooked meal and freshly pressed clothes..." He knew she was wrestling with two duties at once so he decided to make things easier on her, kneeling down to plant a smooch on her stomach. "And you've been hosting three girls and don't forget nourishing our son. I'm sure that works up far more of an appetite than a little hike in the woods. So just put your feet up, relax and let your hubby take care of things, okay?"

She simply couldn't resist him when he was in full chivalry mode like this, not that she wanted to of course. Smiling, she held out a hand for him to take and allowed herself to be led to the kitchens. Truthfully, part of her was quite glad she was talked into this since even if she made something herself, her taste buds and belly would be craving a nice Yu brand steak or burger. Her belly groaned for a proper filling yet again although this time it felt almost as though it was tempered with anticipation for the delicious morsels to come.

"Come on let's go get you fed my pretty pregnant profiterole," and he spun around behind her still grasping her hand so that he could coat her face and neck in little kisses. "Hubby! What's gotten into you today?" she giggled, moving her body into a position to better receive his kisses. Yu didn't quite know how to answer that, it was like several different things were all telling him to love his wife even more so than usual. Perhaps that pleasant dream he had that he knew involved her or perhaps it was something that happened while intoxicated or perhaps it was the wedding being so close, or even her own affectionate offerings of home cooking and a bath rubbing off on him, there were a million different reasons and all of them just as good as any other one. "No special reason, I just missed my pillow soft princess," he eventually settled on, earning himself a happy chirp. Him being so dashing and loving was bringing flash backs of the hot springs conversation. Her mouth opened into a smile and her face gained a hot blush as she began to plan out the rest of the day. First she'd eat every bite of delicious cooking until her instincts told her to stop, then she'd tend to her hubby and make him feel like a prince and finally his pillow soft princess was going to "comfort" him. He saw her expression and gave her rear a quick pat with a smile of his own. And with that, she began her waddle, gut grumbling and mouth watering.

Yukina let out a dark chuckle when they were out of sight. "That son-in-law of ours sure has quite a bit of nerve, if we did even half of those things in front of my parents, well...I don't need to tell you where you'd be eheeheehee." Fuyuhiko couldn't help but gulp recalling his first attempt to "plant one on" his lovely girlfriend during their dating days. Although knowing Jiro like he did now, he was probably more upset at the cheesy "you've got something on your lip" pick up line he used than anything. However, he was able to just smile in the face of his wife's teasing. "Yeah, but did you hear what she said? She called herself beautiful and with such confidence too...sweetheart never used to say things like that." Yukina's expression softened immediately as she put a hand to her own cheek, leaning against her husband a bit. "And she never had all these friends before either. Such a nice group of young ladies and she fits right in with them..." it was more than coworkers teaming up for the purpose of solving a case. Perhaps Rise annoyed Naoto a bit but other than that they all seemed to genuinely enjoy being around one another. "And it's not like she's hanging around on the fringes of the group either, she's right in there playing matchmaker and making her voice heard. She's not Chie's tagalong anymore that's for sure..."

"Ooh can I use that for my wedding speech? That's a good one!" Yukina scoffed at her husband's single minded affection but said single mindedness was always something she'd loved, even when they'd first met. "Like mother like daughter I suppose." Fuyuhiko looked at her slightly confused only to see his confident wife looking to her feet and shuffling about awkwardly. "F-F-F-Fuyuhiko-san t-the counselor w-wants to see you *cough* *cough* please feel sorry for me..." She was quickly back to her usual self assured self and quickly shook her head at the memory. "I don't know how you put up with me, goodness I was unbearable."

"Hey that's not fair! You were all alone in that house with no friends your own age! And it's not like me keeping everything bottled up inside was any healthier!" His ranting was interrupted by an eerie yet adorable giggle that he never got sick of. "Eeeheeheehee yes yes i know, I've heard it all before...many times now. The point is dear that it seems we Amagi women need love to bring out the best in us. You and Yu both love that word, blossoming, it really is quite lovely." And this time it was her turn to plant a kiss on his lips.

"Hahahaha you're awfully chipper today, what brought on this sudden bout of cheerfulness if I may ask?"

"*Hmm* I suppose it's just a mixture of everything really. Honestly, I'm about twenty years too young to be going on and on about the past like this and yet I can't seem to help it."

"It's because you remember when your own husband swept you off your feet and our love was sealed forever. And no one could possibly blame you for that!" Normally she would have snarked that couldn't possibly be it, but today she just wasn't in the mood. "I wouldn't say 'swept' but yes...you've made me very happy. I have to go run some last minute financials for the wedding before the guests arrive but later I'd like to discuss at length just how happy you've made me." She gave him another kiss and let her gentle fingers linger on his firm hand for a moment before making her way back to the office. Left standing there, he could only grin to himself. An outside observer might think her recent displays of affection were brought on by all the romance in the air and while that might be partially true, she'd always been much more "amorous" than he expected. It got him in trouble quite a few times and accused of being a corrupting influence on the poor chaste maiden. But he liked Yukina's way of phrasing it, he'd helped her blossom and mature...just like Yu was doing for his own daughter now.

Though he might not have been entirely okay that his daughter inherited all that sexual appetite and then some, but what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

As it turned out, Yu's bath would have to wait; the combination of being fed a high calorie meal, a belly rub, sweet nothings whispered in her ear, the stirring in her womb and the massive feasts she'd eaten yesterday digesting left the doughy dairy cow spurting quite fiercely. But of course she couldn't stop giving her baby the nutrients he needed just because of a little dampness and so she had no choice but to continue eating! Her Hanako sized guest robe was already tight across the belly and she neglected to put on her usual preventative measures for milking, leading to a stain that spread down enough Yu could caress it with his belly rubbing.

Of course such a gorgeous glutton whose stomach was currently trying to force apart her robe while absentmindedly producing got Yu's blood up something fierce and his caresses got more and more intense; the fact she was pantyless only added to the appeal. Yukiko found herself growing warm between her thighs from the current bout of affection as well as imagining her hubby out in the woods, chest glistening as he caught fish after fish, partaking in an early morning hike with a beaming grin on his face...so rugged. And stopping to pick those flowers for her, no doubt thinking of an amazing meal to whip up...oh she almost overheated just thinking about it!

"Yu...what about your bath..." she whined when things reached a fever pitch.

"I'd rather have you. Besides, I know you like me with the sweat of the day..." and even though it was only mid afternoon, they retired to their bedroom until dinner. They had the day off and had no intention of wasting it after all.

"Where is everyone?" Sachiko grumbled to herself. "It's like this whole family just up and disappeared..." Love was truly in the air and the days passed by in a blur of mutual excitement.

So quickly in fact that one day Fuyuhiko woke up and the wedding just...arrived. Between all the planning, excitement, appointments, reminiscing, future imagining, invitations, practice and the slightest bit of fretting, the big day itself was on their front door step before they knew it. But the wedding day wasn't the type of guest to show up empty handed, no it brought with it the gifts of prosperity and happiness and probably wiped its feet on the carpet before coming in and wouldn't complain about the tatami mats...Fuyuhiko rubbed at his eyes a little. He hadn't slept a wink last night and was now beginning to get his metaphors mixed up! But how could he sleep when he thought of his daughter's beaming bright beautiful face etched into an almost permanent smile from each day forward? He'd already gotten the chance to see her in her wedding dress and she looked so adorable and like such a sweet heart he almost fainted from pure fatherly affection right then and there! This was going to be a special day that his special pumpkin would remember forever and he was at least partially responsible for it? So he asked again, how could he not be overjoyed? So overjoyed was he in fact that it gave him the urge to...to...sing!

"Just a small town girl.
Living in a lonely world.
Wanted the midnight train going anywhere. Just a city boy,
born and raised in a joyless void.
He took a midday train going to nowhere."

He stopped when he saw his wife glaring at him, his singing having awoken her. Fearing the worst, he gave her a sheepish apology but to his surprise the next words out of her mouth weren't a reprimand but a continuation!

"A meeting in an empty room
What better place for love to bloom?
A smile they can share their lives
It goes on and on and on and on."

"Hey, that was pretty good Yukina! And completely on the spot too."

"Well I guess that year in your club was good for more than just meeting you..."

The two lovers looked at each other before breaking into simultaneous song, breaking into little shimmies as they put their daughter's relationship lyrically.

"Lovers, wedding
Walking down the boulevard
Their souls are, sharing for their liii-iiives."

Yukina broke for a minute to laugh at that last line, it was clear they were running out of steam. But she was nothing if not thorough and they at least had to finish the current stanza.

"Such bright, people
Living in complete devotion,"
Changing, everything's just-" ever the stage hog, Fuyuhiko turned from his wife and belted out the final lyric all by himself "riiiiiiiiiiiigggggggggghhhhhhhttttttttttttttt," to his credit he held the last note for quite a while but Yukina couldn't help but be a little miffed he completely upstaged her like that. "I thought this was supposed to be a duet," she said rather crossly. Her husband turned around somewhat nervously, not entirely sure if she was actually mad or not before breathing a sigh of relief. She'd broken into a high pitched giggling fit that was much higher volume than the song they just sang and part of him worried someone outside would think he was tickling her!

"Why did we ask that idol to sing again? You and I could have done the job just fine thank you very much!" At this point, his poor wife was practically doubled over and banging on a nearby table. "*Eeeheehee* s-stop s-*eeeheehee* stop it!" While Yukiko started and stopped her laughing fits on a dime, Yukina required some more momentum but once she got started even the worst most unfunny jokes could keep it going, like all the pent up laughter and rowdiness she had to hold in all day was being let out. Either way it was incredibly adorable and could only be outmatched by his even more adorable daughter doing it.

It took some time, but eventually the usually stoic inn owner managed to settle herself down.

"I can scarcely believe this is really happening. If you had told me a year ago I'd be here now..."

"Yeah I know how you feel. But even though there has been quite a lot of drama these past few months I can safely say it's all been worth it. I know it's a cliche for me to complain about being a young grandpa but Yukina...a grandkid! A fresh young mind for me to imprint the importance of the arts, and seeing our little pumpkin try her hand at parenting oh I can scarcely wait!"

"Like father like daughter I suppose because she can't either," that got a laugh out of her husband before he let out a little sniffle and briefly wiped something from his eye. "This is why I don't care for the summer, my allergies always act up at the worst times. I hope they clear up before the reception..." not fooled by his attempts to save face, Yukina rubbed him on the shoulder. "They probably won't. Now we have a very busy day ahead of us, we need to get last nights guests out and then get the wedding set up before two o' clock, I think you know where I'm going with this."

"Of course, I wouldn't dream of letting you overwork yourself on today of all days," he took her hands in his own while he said this and Yukina could feel a hot blush on her face. She would never again let herself be dependent, but sometimes it did feel nice to have someone you love dote and fret over your well being, it somewhat...made her feel like a bit of a princess as embarrassing as that thought was. "R-right. Take care of the guests while I make last minute preparations and *ahem* work on my speech." Now it was Fuyuhiko's turn to rub her shoulder, she didn't show it as usual but he could tell she was a little nervous. "If you honestly think our daughter's estimation of you will fall one iota, then I suppose you don't know her very well." Instantly, his wife perked back up. "Is that a challenge my husband?"

He shrugged, "I'll go first to prove it if you want."

"Hah! And be a hypocrite? I don't think I'll allow that to happen thank you very much." The couple shared a quick kiss and began to prepare for the day. "Would you mind looking over my speech again?" Fuyuhiko asked innocently. Yukina breathed heavily through her nose and turned to her husband. "Between the two of us we've probably looked at it fifty times. It's excellent, it's been excellent since the second edit and it will continue to be excellent even after you've already read it. And if you think it won't suffice well then I guess you don't know our daughter nor her new husband particularly well." She stuck out her tongue at him teasingly as he guffawed, nodding to himself and accepting her point. "It feels nice though...that we helped make all this possible."

"Yes," Yukina agreed wholeheartedly. "We may not be the main event but no performance is complete without the stage hands. Isn't that right my love?" The two shared one more embrace before readying themselves and going their separate ways. All hands were on deck to smoothly transition the inn from a vacation spot to the a place that would hold a wedding reception. The first step of course was to ease the guests from the previous day out but not make them feel rushed in the slightest. It was quite difficult making people feel honored and cherished when really you wanted nothing more than for them to leave, but if Fuyuhiko looked at it as good practice for when Yu's father showed up it didn't seem quite so bad.

It was unfortunate that the bride and groom needed to work on their own wedding day but of course they were as understanding and patient about it as always. "Just because we're getting married doesn't mean the guests should go without breakfast," Yu had said, or something to that effect. Yukiko...unfortunately couldn't be used for too much other than folding laundry but it was the thought that counted.

She'd heard that in western weddings it was bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the actual ceremony, thank goodness that didn't apply to them or it would make things much more difficult!

After that, Sachiko was quick to come in and sweep the near married couple to be dressed. Her mother was intent on getting as many pictures as possible beforehand as it was considered a bit of a faux pas to take them during the wedding procession and reception. Although if Yukina remembered correctly, she wasn't nearly this enthusiastic to snap pictures of herself and Fuyuhiko. That was fine though, all in all it would mean Yu and Yukiko would need to change, and then change again into their wedding outfits and then change a third third time for the reception and after party. Plus, it gave her a last minute opportunity to get things settled and...work on her speech.

Luckily, there was a quite important duty that only the mother of the bride was allowed to perform so no matter what, Yukina would have her chance to speak to the future heiress privately; one last conversation between mother and daughter before she metaphorically handed her off to a strapping young suitor. After rechecking all the guest's presents one final time, she decided she'd put things off long enough, besides even though she'd seen her daughter wear the dress before something about her wearing it today made it "special"

Yukina hadn't expected her daughter to be alone but there was a fifty-fifty chance Sachiko would decide to focus on Yu instead. However, on the way to the changing room, she picked up on the two in the middle of a conversation.

"You two, I believe it's time to adorn her with the wataboshi."

"Grandmother, do I have to wear this? It looks a little bit...silly."

"Of course you have to wear it, it shows that you're going to be an obedient and faithful wife! And not to mention rather expensive."

"Besides, haven't we had this exact same conversation before? What makes you think I'd suddenly change my mind now."

"Well today is supposed to be a day of great fortune according to the calendar so I was hoping I wouldn't have to wear it." Sachiko scoffed at her granddaughter's ungratefulness, calling such a time honored and important part of the ceremony "silly." But Yukiko wasn't done broadcasting her strange ideas to the world. "And isn't it a bit unnecessary in my case? I mean...I am carrying his child after all." Yukiko trailed off no doubt caressing her baby bump with a smile on her face. Otherwise known as Yukiko's neutral standard position.

"Absolutely not. And that's not something we wish to draw attention to. You're quite lucky you're still allowed to wear white, dear." Yukiko pouted a little at that. Not only was that the exact opposite of what she wished but the idea that giving herself to the man she loved made her somehow impure was quite frankly ridiculous! How could loving someone possibly be impure? Although thinking of some of the things they'd said and done especially involving food...well perhaps grandmother had somewhat of a point.

"Your mother complained too you know. I honestly don't see what the issue is, even if you do think it looks ridiculous you only have to wear it for an hour at best. Probably because you have no perspective on time yet...when you're older-" Yukina chose that moment to enter, not wanting to hear a rant against the youth of today on such a joyous occasion. "You know mother, I seem to recall a story father told me where you complained about having to wear the very same covering." Sachiko stammered a bit from her daughter's statement before clearing her throat and recovering. "Y-yes well that's simply because the one I had to wear was legitimately too big and unwieldy! Hardly the same thing at all!" Having seen pictures of their wedding, Yukiko and her mother both knew that was quite untrue.

"Well truthfully I don't really mind wearing silly things," Yukiko cut in, "but hub-my husband has always complimented my beautiful hair and it seems a shame to cover it up." That statement appeared to shock her grandmother and Yukiko tried to phrase it in a more palatable manner. "I hope that doesn't sound too vain but it is the truth. He'll run his fingers through it and let the locks trickle off 'like a beautiful midnight river' he says *ahahahaha*" The bride turned to the nearby full length mirror and gave a big smile, admiring the maids handiwork. Her hair was impressively done up in a woven bun of black hair that looked almost like an intricate crown placed atop her head. Two long locks of hair were allowed to fall down below her shoulders while the rest of her luscious fibers were transformed into a thick ring of curls, like a miniature collection of flower buds. And indeed they did have little white petals laced seamlessly into them which did nothing to detract from the utterly beautiful white and yellow flower which adorned the side of her head.

Her white gown was just as ornately lovely if not more so and the bits of red trimming on the skirts, sleeves and neck added a distinct charm that made it uniquely Yukiko. The Tatsumi's truly outdid themselves this time with the embroidered and shimmering meadow they'd added to the gown. Even though the gown was actually multiple layers wrapped around one another, the clever use of a cross pattern near the clavicle made it seem like a natural extension of the layer above. It even downplayed Yukiko's tummy bulge, making it a mere swell instead of a maternal mound! Very well made but not quite what the bride to be was looking for...

Still, with a mild application of makeup and powder mixed with her curlicued and full bodied hair topped up with a dress so soft and delicate that it looked like the very breeze of spring itself upon her skin, Yukiko was the picture of a princess.

Looking at herself and the way her bump was covered, Yukina expected a deep frown but against all odds her daughter actually continued to smile. "I suppose it's like unwrapping a beautifully done up present, it's all to build your husband's excitement and passion for the moment he truly takes you as his own and you bear everything. If that's the case, I can get behind that." Even though she knew the two went at it quite a bit, Yukina was still surprised to hear such a statement come from Yukiko's lips. Not that it was crude or inappropriate but hearing her daughter so candidly talk about pleasing her husband and making love was something Yukina still needed to adjust to.

"That's absolutely correct dear, and don't forget to incorporate those things we talked about. There are many ways that a woman can take a man and as a wife you should be prepared to employ all of them." It was so amusing to Yukina that her daughter immediately turned a bright shade of red and looked to her feet in embarrassment. So she was fine with the concept itself but any specifics were "inappropriate" to discuss? What a strange girl...

"Speaking of which," Sachiko said while looking pointedly at her granddaughter's chest, "we won't be having any 'accidents' during the ceremony will we? I noticed you haven't been sticking to your diet today." It was true for right on the dresser was a completely cleaned plate not to mention the full breakfast she'd...well Yu stuffed her with. "Grandmother please be reasonable. We'll have to walk all the way down to the shrine and all the way back before lunch. I'm not meant to do such things on an empty stomach and I don't want to have hunger pangs during the ceremony."

"That indulgent breakfast should have sufficed dear...I still can scarcely believe you glutted yourself so in sight of your husband. What's so funny Yukina?"

"Oh *eeeheehee* n-nothing at all. I was just thinking can't you pull back on the dieting just for today?"

"I mean if a woman isn't allowed to indulge a bit during her wedding, then when can she?"

"Thank you mother," Yukiko chirped with a cheerful lick of her lips. Anyone who helped mama continue fattening and giving her men everything they needed and wanted was worthy of praise in her mind. Walking such a long distance when she'd been blessed with a fertile figure would burn precious calories and her growing mom bod would react appropriately by demanding to be fed to replenish them. Simply the cycle of motherhood...

Speaking of which, Yukina's point seemed to have moved Sachiko a little although she still looked at the bride's chest with a measure of concern. "Alright...just don't overdo it too much. And you're sure there won't be any leakage? It would be terribly embarrassing for all of us."

"It won't be a problem, hubby milked me last night." She said it with a haughty tone like she was proud of her production. Perhaps some black spots would have been an appropriate inclusion on her wedding gown with a pair of fake horns to go along with them. "And I don't think it would be shameful at all, just thinking about how capable I am of providing makes me feel maternal bliss. I'm thankful I make so much milk because it means my sweetheart will always have enough." She was rewarded for her devotion by a pleasant fluttering in her middle. "Oh! Good morning, dumpling! Oh but I suppose it's the afternoon now isn't it? I guess you decided to sleep in today didn't you? I hope that wasn't mommy's fault for keeping you up with her excitement...my how embarrassing. But today's the big day, your dada and I are getting married! Isn't that exciting?" She giggled as though she were being tickled before continuing to speak to her bump. "I'm glad you agree, you see we've both always wanted a loving family and we'd love for you to be a part of it. Nothing would make us happier. *Ah* I just thought of something wonderful, I hope you don't mind me sharing it with-"

"Yukiko!"

Yukiko's belly rubbing didn't stop even as her grandmother reprimanded her, in fact she only jumped a little bit even managing to keep her hands right where they were. "What did we say about the baby talk?"

"YOU said that it was childish and improper."

"That's correct," Sachiko said while missing the insinuation. "It makes you look and sound like a babbling fool. You're going to be a wife and mother before you know it and you'll have to leave such childish things in the past. Unlike your mother and her horror...films? No flick is the more appropriate descriptor. Yukiko I'm starting to get worried you'll baby this child too much for its own good."

"And that's why Yu is there to balance me out. I'll nurture and he'll refine, together we'll be an unstoppable team." Her grandmother had no response to that except for a simple smile. "Yes that is true, isn't it? One thing that should never be said is that you have poor choice in men. Working on his own wedding day, unlike that lazy Satonaka girl asking for the day off..." both the younger Amagi women explained to her numerous times that they'd given her the day off and yet somehow the story always ended up reverting right back to "Chie begged for the day off."

Deciding to shift the topic, Yukiko gave her tummy a nice double pat. "I'll be firm when I need to be but right now all this one has done is be the best thing that's ever happened to me. How can I not gush and brag about such a wonderful young man?" It was hard to stay mad at a girl declaring nothing made her happier than continuing the family legacy so Sachiko's expression softened. "That is a fair point, Yukiko dear...just try to do it in a more subtle way like when I brag about my wonderful granddaughter and daughter to all of my friends." Yes Sachiko understood having a pride and joy quite well and even she wasn't about to continue ranting and scolding on someone's wedding day. This was Yukiko's wedding day after all, not hers.

It was rather strange, the instant you stood up to her it was as if the odds of her realizing she was in the wrong sky rocketed. Not a bully per se but a definite type A personality for sure.

"I apologize for being a little high strung today," Sachiko bowed gracefully. "I shouldn't take things out on the two of you when there are far more deserving targets. But Yukina, what did you come down here for?"

"You don't remember? It's my job to put the finishing touches on things just like you did for me." For once, Sachiko seemed thoroughly and completely embarrassed and quickly made her way from the room. "It really has been a long day *bah* but that's no excuse for sloppiness. Well I'll get out of your way then, come along girls, I'm sure Fuyuhiko has something he forgot to do!" And with that the old woman left with the two maids who dressed Yukiko in two but not before they each gave their future boss a big thumbs up.

After Yukiko was done giggling, she turned to her mother. "What was it you needed to do again?"

"Don't tell me you forgot as well, it really is quite important. I should be offended that everyone is forgetting...haven't you noticed you aren't wearing any lipstick?" Her daughter touched her lips in surprise, she indeed wasn't wearing any having been told not to put any on that morning and assuming the dressers already did it. "Oh. Oh! I'm sorry mother, but it truly did slip my mind."

"That's quite alright, but here have a seat so your mother can put your lipstick on for you." So Yukiko took a seat, trying not to let her joy at the butt overflow or the creaking of the chair show too much and of course failing miserably. She was getting a proper rump now, one that spread and pressed and smothered things beneath it and perhaps even raised her a half inch or so, oh it was just so exciting!

"You know if I was marrying you off, this would be the last time we'd get to speak for a long while." Yukina commented as she opened up the tube.

"I'd send you off and entrust you to your new family, hoping that everything I taught you would be enough."

"Nonsense, I would call all the time, mother. And how could I not let you and father see your grandchildren as often as you liked?" Yukina begin to saunter over to her daughter with a smirk on her face, "grandchildren? Plural?" she teased. Yukiko blushed a bit and looked to the side, although she couldn't entirely hide the smile on her face. "H-hypothetically speaking of course. It's only natural for most husbands to want multiple children isn't it?"

"Of course," her mother repeated teasingly. "And it's only natural for you as well." That comment made Yukiko turn her head, her flustered blush turning into one of pure joy. "I'm glad because I truly...truly enjoy being pregnant." Her mother gave her a pat on the cheek and then a pat on her belly that made her daughter chirp. "I've noticed. Now pucker your lips for me dear." Yukiko did as she was told, instinctively closing her eyes as if her body was expecting Yu to lock lips with her as he had so many times before. Instead, she was met with neither lipstick tube nor husband lips as a faint tickling sensation danced upon the opening of her mouth. Her eyes shot open in surprise and she saw her mother with a tiny bowl of rouge and a brush of some kind. "Surprised? Did you really think this ancient tradition would be completed with some discount brand lipstick from Junes? Trust me, this will look much better. I just had to tease you a little one last time." Yukiko couldn't speak as she was now but her eyes were alight with good humor. Yukina briefly admired her daughter's pearly white smile, wondering how a girl could eat so much and yet never get something stuck in her teeth, chastising herself for focusing on something so foolish when there was work to be done!

"Almost there and...done. Now to put on your hood and...well...you'll be ready to be wed."

Yukiko padded over towards the mirror and experimentally popped her lips a few times. They looked even fuller, thicker and more luscious than usual and complimented her pale makeup laden face quite well. "Mother *um* how much kissing is allowed at this event again?"

"No touching whatsover during the actual ceremony but during the reception and after party...well I don't think anyone would complain if the groom had a few lipstick marks on him." Yukiko was the very picture of a blushing bride after that remark and gently placed her hands over her womb as if subconsciously completing the image. "That's wonderful. It'll be hard resisting until then but I'll manage somehow."

"Yukiko?"

"Hmm?"

"Well...early before your grandmother interrupted, you mentioned you thought of something wonderful when you were talking to your baby. Do you mind telling me what it was? I'm rather curious." Yukiko saw no problem with this and her voice slowly shifted back into her mommy voice. "Well...I've had this little fantasy about Yu and I welcoming guests together but when I was telling my son good morning, I realized we can do that for him too. He'll come down the stairs rubbing sleep from his eyes and with a little bedhead and we'll say 'good morning sleepyhead' together! And then one of us will fix him a nice breakfast...hopefully me. Yu will have his piping hot coffee cup and he'll ruffle our son's hair a little bit before he has the chance to sit down *ahahaha* and then I'll set down their breakfasts side by side and give them both a kiss on their cheeks. Oh but I don't know if I'll be able to stop at just one sweetie," she paused her tale to lovingly caress her belly before realizing her mother was still in the room watching her. "A-anyway that's it. I just like the mental image a lot."

"Is that the kind of thing you daydream about often?" Her mother asked with a rather intense stare.

Yukiko wasn't quite sure what the sudden seriousness was about but it didn't stop her from answering honestly. "Yes...and those are just the daydreams. Recently, I had a rather lovely dream, I don't quite remember everything that happened in it but I seem to recall Yu and I were blessed with another child and well...I was quite a bit bigger than I am now." She really wished Yu was on hand to give her belly a big smooch right about now, like he did last time she told him about the dream; her loving hands would have to for now. "I hope that doesn't make me ungrateful, blessed with so much and still desiring more. Well I promise I won't let myself have more children until I know I can give them the love and attention they deserve and I know Yu feels the same way." She briefly looked up from her tummy to see her mother looking at her in a measuring way as if trying to figure out how to phrase what she was going to say next.


"I think you two will be wonderful parents Yukiko. I don't think I've ever seen a woman quite so pleased with motherhood and I don't think I've ever seen a man quite so willing to help that woman along." She turned from her daughter in seeming contemplation and looked skyward to reminisce. "Your father was an invaluable partner and I of course was filled with joy but there was a lot of fear and uncertainty too. I was almost...too frightened to have those little daydreams and fantasies in case things...didn't pan out." Yukiko didn't need to be told that "things not panning out" of course referred to her not being here today. She wasn't the most knowledgeable about her parents' histories but she did know about her mother's difficult pregnancy. "I have it so much easier..." Yukiko murmured, "I couldn't even imagine going through such a terrible thing..."

To her surprise, Yukina actually chuckled at that. "Didn't you save the town from horrible demons?"

This wasn't the first time her mother brought that part of her life up but it still managed to surprise Yukiko every time she did. She'd kept it a secret for so long that every time her mother brought it up, Yukiko would feel a sudden pang of anxiety like she'd "failed" only to realize she and her husband already told her everything and there was nothing to worry about anymore. This time though, she was more focused on the contents of what her mother said and how wrong they were. "Yes I helped but even if they were dangerous, no matter how cute they were, I'd much rather face an army of them than worry for one moment about my son's well being!"

"He's my little prince," she whispered as her voice grew soft and doting, like her usual motherly voice but more deeply loving. "The beautiful baby boy Yu and I made through our love." She was interrupted by her mother placing her hand on her belly and giving it a gentle rub. It wasn't like her usual teasing where she'd grab some pudge and make a joke, more like a nonverbal token of admiration. "I can understand that...better the enemy you can see. But I think you're selling yourself short again, you've become a very brave and mature woman this past year and I'm sure you could handle anything I was able to."

"M-mother, thank you...but it's only because of the bonds I made. Without them I'd still be that same weak girl pining for things that were easily within her grasp." Yukina took a deep breath and for a moment, the gentle mama thought her own mother was cross with her. Instead, the older Amagi looked at her with kind eyes and smiled. "Yukiko...you seem to believe that I was any different. But I suppose that's my fault, letting you continuing to believe that."

"What? Mother, what do you mean?"

"I mean that...well why do you think I always pushed you so much to socialize and make new friends? Because I was in the exact same place as you were."

Yukiko stared at her uncomprehending making her mother sigh to herself. This was what she'd been working up the courage to discuss and now that it was finally time, she still had cold feet about it. "You don't know our daughter very well," Fuyuhiko's teasing face entered into her mind with that big goofy smile on his face and immediately she felt courage shooting through her veins. "Yukiko...dear sweet Yukiko...even when you were a wallflower, even when you went about in pity for yourself you handled it with so much more maturity than I did that I knew you'd end up growing out of it. And it just so happened that you met the love of your life in doing so...like mother like daughter I suppose." Yukiko looked as baffled as her mother expected she would, part of her was tempted to ask if her mother was trying to make her feel better but Yukina Amagi wasn't the type of woman to do such a thing, meaning this was nothing but the truth. "That's not fair mother, you had a terrible disease that no child should ever have to deal with."

"Yes yes I told myself that time after time. I was the one who was sick, no one could ever understand my pain. I was truly the most unfortunate girl in all the world, no one ever had things as badly as I did." She tried her best to keep her tone neutral but even so a slight trace of disgust crept in. "Last year, you helped out at the inn and even if your heart wasn't in it, you always tried your best. Do you know how I spent my free time? Mostly in my room feeling sorry for myself, letting a black poison cloud settle over me and chasing away anyone who might have actually wanted to be my friend. I didn't lift a finger to help out, perfectly content to be delicate and fragile while cursing my parents for treating me as someone who would break easily."

"If I didn't have Chie..."

"You would have been the same way? Maybe, but I somehow doubt it."

"You were always a sweetheart, a respectful quiet child but one who had a lot of love to share. That thing you did with the dog, what was its name Muku? I never would have done something like that at your age. And lo and behold you managed to make a friend all on your own while your father and I set up artificial play dates that went nowhere. Not that there's anything wrong with such things, but it will never beat a bond forged organically." Yukiko looked to be searching frantically for something in her mind to counter what her mother was saying, and really who could blame her? As confident and mature as she was now, she'd gone through a good portion of her life believing she was weak and worthless and her strong capable mother was everything she wasn't only to find out her mother viewed things as quite the opposite. "I-I never knew you felt that way..." was all she could say.

"Yes, and that's my fault as well. When I was a child, I was never expected to do anything and thus never felt like I COULD do anything and your father grew up feeling similarly." Yukiko surprised expression produced a gentle smile on her mother's face. "Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be making a similar speech to this one sometime soon so his side of the story will have to wait. He'd be rather cross if I ruined his surprise too much, *eeeheehee*"

"Anyway, we wanted to raise you in a way where you felt empowered. To make you feel as though you could accomplish anything you set your mind too. Of course with your father, pretty much the minute he set eyes on your darling face I didn't even need to broach such a thing with him again, he did it all on his own. I think he's probably responsible for your soft gooey center underneath the poise or at least I like to think so anyway." That was a funny thought, her daddy made her a soft mushy person on the inside while her hubby and son did it on the outside. Yukiko had to shake her head to refocus on her mother's story, this was no time for silliness!

"So I pushed you hard and put things on you because I knew you could handle them but I never had the heart to tell you I never went through a similar circumstance until I was much older. I was...ashamed of myself quite frankly and content to let you believe in a version of myself that never existed. I suppose that did wonders for your self esteem didn't it? And I never even realized until last January, when you thought you were the first heiress to get cold feet over inheritance. Since then, I've been wringing my hands over telling you the truth and...well I finally worked up the nerve to do it. I hope you can forgive me." And her mother bowed her head in culpability.

Yukina was expecting their to be a long period of silence while her daughter contemplated what she'd been told. Instead what she got was a face full of Yukiko tummy. Her daughter must have been meaning to go in for the hug but misjudged her size a bit in her excitement. Still, she moved so slowly that it was more like having a cream pie slowly pushed against your head than a freight train, quite the comfortable feeling that reminded Yukina of her childhood. "*Heehee* mother I can't *snrk* forgive you when you're *hahahaha* t-tickling me!" So Yukina moved her head, not to get out of her doughy daughter's pudge but also from jerking up in surprise. She knew her daughter would not be overly cross but she was expecting at least some consideration. "You'd forgive me that easily?"

"I misspoke, I don't forgive you at all mother!" Seeing the bafflement on the other woman's face, Yukiko frantically patted her tummy as she corrected herself. "*Er* w-what I mean is...is that there's nothing to forgive at all. I made assumptions and never bothered to correct them, the fault lies with me. If it means anything, I think you and daddy were wonderful parents and I think you starting off in such a bad place makes you even more amazing."

Now that she hadn't been expecting and the usually stoic woman seemed shaken to her very core. "I believe...that's probably the kindest thing I've ever had said to me." She couldn't allow herself to shed tears, she promised she wouldn't and luckily she was able to contain them to the corners of her eyes. Unfortunately, Yukiko wasn't quite done.

"Besides, I'm not yet a parent myself and I'd like to raise my own child to adulthood before I pass any judgment on you, mother. And even then, I'll have Yu helping me so I'll have a bit of a leg up over...well everyone *teehee*" The two women smiled at one another in silence for awhile, Yukina blinking back some moisture, before Yukiko spoke up again. "Why the sudden confession?"

"Let's say I was inspired by a certain someone who saved the town and how brave she was." At this, she gave her daughter a pat on the cheek and slid it down to rest on her shoulder. "You were honest with me so I thought it was only fair I be honest with you, dear. My gentle, hard working, diligent, brave, little daughter, you've truly made me proud. Yu's lucky to have you...and so is your child." Now it was Yukiko's turn to start managing the waterworks, she didn't want her makeup to run right before the main event. "*Sniff* mother...th-thank you." Before Yukina could react, she was pulled into an inviting hug. This time she bore it without complaint as it allowed her to gently stroke her daughter's back like she did so many times when the girl was younger. She really was plush and her body heat certainly made it seem as though she was "baking" away but Yukina had other things on her mind than a teasing barb. "And one more thing, there's nothing that makes me happier than the fact that this pregnancy has been incredibly smooth and easy for you. I would never envy you for such a thing.

"I *hiccup* I know. *Sniff* I love you so much!"

"I love you too dear. Now let's show your husband his lovely bride shall we?"

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"Bye grandma! See you tonight!"

"Knock 'em dead dear!"

Rise giggled at that before closing the door to the Tofu Shop. Granny was always so encouraging, even now sometimes she'd still give her a ring before a big show to get her nerves in order, though that was becoming less and less necessary as she grew older. For this show though, it was probably a bit overkill, it was just some nice songs for her wonderful friends who wouldn't mind in the slightest if she was to screw up. Not that she would of course!

Adjusting the pink flowers in her pigtails, Rise took one last look at herself in the shop window before deciding she looked fine. Her green floral print was pretty without being too overtly distracting, it was rather poor form to try and outdo the bride after all, even if that was impossible in this case. "Yukiko-senpai could show up in a burlap sack and Yu-senpai still wouldn't be able to keep his eyes off her! *Ah* it's so romantic~" Yu's utter adoration of his pregnant wife as she grew more and more maternal was truly something special, she already knew about how much Yukiko was pampered at home but even out in the streets he would handle her with such loving care that it was as though he was transporting a priceless artifact through the central shopping center; considering his child was in there, that was probably how he saw it. And of course she adored him just as much if not more so in turn, pressing against him and looking completely contented to have him in her arms. "Makes it easy to sing about at least. And provides a nice template, two in one bonus!" Rise's thoughts were so filled with her own dashing prince escorting her down the boulevard, nearly skipping to the bus station, that she wasn't able to successfully move out of the way of another day dreamer. The two crashed into one another but only she was sent to the ground. "Owwwwuh! Watch where you're going Moronji!"

The idol didn't even need to look to know what musclehead was running like a maniac around this part of town and what do you know a familiar punk's voice soon called out. "Holy shit, Rise you okay!? Damn, I'm really sorry! You're not hurt are you?" While he'd normally bristle at the girl's nickname for him, this time it was fully deserved so he bore it in silence. For Rise's part, being helped to her feet and dusted off, while she was still mad, she wasn't quite as mad as she would have been otherwise. "I'm fine but *hmph* you could really hurt someone running around like that. What if you'd barreled into my grandma just now huh? What then Kanji?" He didn't even want to think about that, so he just shuddered and moved on. "I-I'm really sorry, I'm just in a bit of a hurry is all!" Before he could dash off again, Rise grabbed him by the sleeve. "And why is that? *Ooooh* are you and Naoto going to walk arm and arm together. You are this town's beta couple after all." Kanji didn't even know what that meant but the word couple still had him blushing and all his earlier goodwill evaporated. "N-no! Leave me alone it's none of your business!"

"Kanji! You just injured me and you're just brushing me off like this? That's not very manly..." The boy knew he was being played like a fiddle and the slight smirk playing at the edge of Rise's lips confirmed it, but he played along anyway, no reason to risk his pride as a man when he didn't have to. "Alright fine because I know you'll keep bugging me about it. I kind of...well when I was making the wedding dress with ma, I sort of forgot I didn't actually have anything to wear myself. And I'm taller than dad was so none of his old stuff fits me..." In that moment the usual teaser felt a little bad for Kanji, he sounded genuinely distraught about that. "I don't see how tearing through Inaba helps you find a suit," she quipped hoping to direct his attention to being miffed with her instead of sad about his father.

Kanji was nothing if not predictable and it worked like a charm. "I was getting to that! Turns out Yukiko-senpai's grandfather has a spare suit from when he was younger and it's in my size too. You should have seen this guy Rise, he's freaking huge!" In her discussions with the Amagi's Rise saw Jiro quite a few times and was surprised at how a man of such stature was content to let his wife do most of the talking. Then again it kind of made sense, like Yu-senpai he didn't really need to talk, his presence kind of said a lot on its own. "Okay so why the big rush?"

"Because I want to be the first one to greet senpai when he's coming out the door! I know I'm not allowed in the first part but if I can at least signal him or something...a-anyway I gotta run!"

"Moronji!" Rise shouted nearly making the boy trip over himself. "What now!?"

"There's a bus." Kanji could feel the anger seeping out of him like a deflating balloon as he turned red, scratching his cheek and looking away. "Y-yeah I knew that. Hey what are you doing out here so early anyway? You going to try and race me? I won't hold back just cuz you're a girl you know!" The idol rolled her eyes and planted her hands on her hips sticking her tongue out at her vitriolic friend. "As if! You're like a foot taller than me. For your information, the Amagis were nice enough to let me use their stage to go over my songs one final time."

"*Uh* well if you don't have it by now, do you really think one more time will help?" That got her fuming and she stamped her little foot on the ground out of frustration. "I have it you blockhead! I've been practicing for weeks! Everyone in the business does a last minute run through not that you would know *hmph*" The thing that frustrated her most about Kanji was that his only reaction was a simple. "You don't have to yell so loud, I'm not deaf you know." And he moved towards the bus station like the conversation never happened.

Rise could only grumble in annoyance at her straightforward friend, he obviously meant no offense but did he have to be so damn unapologetic about it? Like she was the one who was being unreasonable when he made the faux pas in the first place. Despite her earlier claims that she'd be no match for Kanji in a race, she was able to keep up with him pretty well even in a kimono; but that's just what the power of extreme miffedness could do for a person. "You know, one of these days you're going to say the wrong thing to the wrong person with that big mouth of yours and you'll be in a world of hurt."

"Unless I accidentally insult Yukiko-senpai or Nanako-chan, I don't think so."

"*Ugh* You're so dense! I'm talking about a woman's feelings. You have to be more sensitive-" As if he was trying his hardest to prove her point, as they turned the corner Kanji suddenly stopped and gave her a light shove. "Hey shut up a minute will you?" Before Rise could give him another earful, he turned her head towards the source of his rapt attention for her and the rant fell from her lips in surprise. Standing at the bus stop along with a few other citizens was a rather tall looking person with grey hair and a muted wardrobe. "Is that...senpai? What's he doing here, shouldn't he be getting ready for the wedding?"

"Maybe they sent him down here for a last minute something. Hope it's not the dress...I better ask. Hey, senpai!" But they did not turn.

"Seeenpaiiii!" Rise called out. A normal man would turn around to see what all the commotion was about, but this guy just checked his watch in annoyance and tapped his foot impatiently. Now that they were closer, they could make him out a bit better. While there was a resemblance, this was clearly a much older man with a much more traditional and combed hair style. Still, how many people out there had silver hair? Always the risk taker, Rise decided to try her luck.

"Excuse me, sir?" This actually got him to look up from his watch although he looked rather annoyed. If he was who Rise thought he was though that was forgivable, it was only natural to be a little annoyed when waiting for the bus to your son's wedding.

When he turned to face her, the starlette knew the answer to her question as the resemblance was quite evident. Same gray eyes, same impressive height, the right side of his mouth even curved downwards like her friend's did when he was annoyed or thinking. "You wouldn't happen to be related to a Yu Narukami would you?" The man's eyebrows moved almost imperceptibly upward and he actually turned himself completely around to face her. "I am his father, yes. Can I help you?" The bubbly idol was taken back by that response, Yu could be direct sometimes but it was never in a way that came across as rude. Chalking it up to pre-wedding nerves, she decided to brush it off. "No but...I'm one of his friends from school. My name is Rise Kujikawa and this is Kanji Tatsumi." Again, his response was rather odd, looking at her as if to say "am I supposed to know you?" and for a nationally renowned celebrity that was a bit of a strange feeling. But that was nothing compared to what Kanji got.

After Rise introduced him, the boy quickly jumped to attention and held out his hand. The best phrase to describe him at that moment would be star struck, like he couldn't believe the person standing in front of them. "H-hey yeah that's me...Kanji Tatsumi but you can just call me Kanji...you know if you want." He kicked himself mentally, knowing that his awkward introduction no doubt made a terrible first impression but when he took a good look at the man's face, he didn't just see confusion or mild annoyance but true disgust. Yu's father looked at this "friend from school" with his bleached hair and piercing, outfitted in a leather jacket and a skull shirt with a few holes in it and let his complete revulsion show on his face.

It actually shook the young man a lot: he could handle people being afraid of him and while people mocking him hurt, this man was looking at him as though he were walking garbage. Kanji looked behind him quickly to absolutely confirm Mr. Narukami was looking at him before trying to rectify the situation. Maybe it was the handshake? Old people were weird about that sometimes. "*Uh* I-" but before he could speak, Mr. Narukami spoke right over him.

"Did my son put you up to this?"

"W-what?"

"I'm asking you if my son sent you here to purposefully get a rise out of me." Now Kanji was just confused more than anything and that only made Mr. Narukami hold him in more contempt. "No I suppose that would be a bit too complicated for you to follow wouldn't it? And your classmate over there would have to be in on it too, my son may be immature but even he wouldn't be that childish." Kanji was never the brightest but he could always tell when he was being insulted. The two high schoolers looked between each other in utter disbelief that this was actually happening, before Kanji turned back to the man with a scowl. "H-hey I don't know what the big idea is-"

"Oh what a surprise." The tailor's son knew it was immature of him, but he really wanted to smack the guy right then and there. If he didn't look so similar to Yu-senpai, he might actually have done it too. Sensing his growing frustration, Rise put a hand on his shoulder and stepped forward herself, not comfortable with her friend being berated so. "You shouldn't talk to people like that, he was only trying to be nice." At first, Rise believed he was thinking about what she said but soon came to realize he ignored her completely when he turned back towards the street. "Hey, did you hear me?" Again, nothing but silence though this time visible annoyance flashed on his face. "Don't pretend like we're not here, you owe my friend an apology."

That produced a reaction but not the one she was expecting. He let loose a long and low breath through his nose while rubbing his temples. "Look...children. I'm really not in the mood for this right now, could you please run along and go bother someone else?"

"Believe me, I'd love to be somewhere else right now but we need to get to the wedding too. So you'll just have to deal with us until then." She was able to refrain from blowing a raspberry at the very least. To her surprise, the man chuckled at that last part, "is that so? Well if you want my advice, you should probably just stay home. It will save you a walk." Before they could ask what he meant by that, a small voice piped up. "Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear that you two are friends of Yu." They turned towards the source of the voice while Yu's father turned back towards the road. Standing before them was a rather unimposing brunette who wore a simple beige dress with a black shawl. Mizui had been meaning to come in earlier but still needed a few moments to rehearse in her head, talking to teenagers being something she still wasn't quite accustomed to. "I'm Yu's mother and you are...pigtails, lively energy, squeaky voice yes you must be Rise Kujikawa and you with your great height, stern visage and dyed hair must be Kanji Tatsumi. Quite nice to meet you, Yu's told me plenty about you both." Again the two looked at each other, the woman mumbled those qualifiers under her breath while not meeting their eyes and had a rather fast discordant way of speaking. Still, it was better than being berated and talked down to so the two youths quickly gained smiles on their faces. "Nice to meet you ma'am, I'm Ka- well I guess you already know that huh? Does Yu-senpai really talk about us that much."

"Oh yes, but I also grew up in Inaba so I knew a little about you and your family beforehand. I knew your grandmother as well, Ms. Kujikawa, because of grocery shopping and the like, yes?"

"*Uh* right?" Mizui seemed to sense the discomfort and immediately attempted to rectify things. "I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with idols and the like however though I do understand the concept. I think it's very impressive at such a young age to create so much." That made Rise beam a little despite herself, the woman may be a bit socially awkward but really it wasn't that much different from talking to Naoto. "Thanks, I'm actually working on a new album right now. Maybe Yu could give you a copy."

At that moment, Yu's father let out a snort which immediately brought Rise's temper back to a fever pitch. "Going to share with the class Mr. Narukami?" Just as he opened his mouth to speak, a gentle hand on his forearm stopped him. He nodded his head in understanding, they were going to be on a bus ride together for the next half hour so it would be best not to make the environment completely hostile, no matter how irritating these brats were. "Aren't you starlettes supposed to behave yourselves?" was all he said but inwardly he went all in. "Smile and look pretty while someone else does all the hard work. No wonder my son's grown so entitled if this is the crowd he's been cavorting with." Rise just rolled her eyes and turned towards the street, hoping the bus would get there and soon.

Kanji however was back in full star struck mode and Mizui was bearing the brunt of it. "You're Dojima-san's sister right?"

"That is correct, elder sister to be precise though, by three years."

"So you knew my ma-I mean my mother?"

"Yes yes we went to high school together along with the bride's mother although we were all in different grade levels if I'm remembering right."

The bus picked that moment to roll in and Rise breathed a silent sigh of relief, this awkward encounter was one bus ride from being over. It was a relatively empty bus as only a select few people would be allowed near the Amagi Inn during this time so seating didn't matter.

"So...must be pretty exciting having your son get married." The reaction from the two was perturbing to say the least, Yu's mother smiled before checking to see her husband's reaction; she frowned and looked at the floor instead, unwilling or unable to say anything. Her reaction was understandable in the face of Sorano's intense displeasure but that was what puzzled Rise and Kanji so much, he actually let out a noise that bordered between a sigh and a growl. "I was...at first, at least until I realized his dream was apparently to wait tables and bow and scrape to others for the rest of his life." It seemed complaining about his son was about the only thing that could get him to open up and talk for better or for worse. Kanji couldn't believe what he was hearing, all his life he'd been told the Amagi Inn was the pride of their town and here this man was acting like it was no better than some hotel you'd find on the side of the road. "What do you mean? He's going to be the owner of the place, not just one of the workers." Kanji's reminder only served to irritate him further; not even looking at the boy, he launched into another rant. "I'll keep things simple and slow just for you, my son working in any aspect of the service industry would be a waste of his time and my time. Your family runs a textile shop so perhaps this is difficult for you to conceive but my family have been giants of the corporate world for generations. I could buy five Amagi Inns right now if I wanted to but Ryokans are a struggling industry barely clinging on to relevance. Yet another reason not to shack up with one, but if I told that to my son no doubt he'd pout and complain over how unfair I'm being."

"Have you ever considered maybe it's what Yu wants to do?" It was a rather odd situation, Rise knew it wasn't her place to speak but to hear someone talk so terribly about senpai...she just couldn't help herself.

The bus rattled and shook in silence up the winding country road as Sorano let that statement hang in the air. When he realized the girl had no intention of realizing how stupid she sounded, he sighed again. "Well in the real world not everyone gets to do what they want to do. And he doesn't 'want' to do it anyway, he just has a crippling fear of failure and pressure, always has." Rise derisively laughed at that on instinct the statement was so ridiculous. "Does that amuse you?"

"Well yeah it is pretty funny how little you know about your own son while trying to make life decisions for him!" Rise's fists were all balled up in her lap and her heart was pounding a little, she almost couldn't believe this guy was real, the antithesis of what a parent should be. "Oh yes I suppose going to school with him for a year makes you the expert. Listen, just prance about on the stage like a good girl and leave these matters to the adults."

"Sorano!" Mizui cut in quickly which prevented things from reaching a boiling point. Sorano especially being too surprised to even focus on the idol, it was a rather uncharacteristic outburst from his wife. "What? An emergency with the company?"

"Nothing like that it's just...these are Yu's friends. He spoke very highly of them and they're important to him. I don't think he'd appreciate you belittling them like that." All Sorano could do was stare at her in bewilderment before shaking his head. "I'm not 'belittling' I'm educating as to why they have no idea what they're talking about," now it was Kanji's turn to snort, how many times had he heard that line from self important teachers over the years? "Is that what you're doing huh? You're a pretty shit teacher in that case."

"I weep for the future of this country, the very idea that you could be wrong sends you children into a fit, thinking you know what's best when you're not even in your twenties. Have you ever even left this little podunk?" he near sneered at Kanji.

"I don't see why I'd need to leave Inaba to know when someone's an asshole." The insult didn't affect him at all, shrugging it off like a thin layer of rain water. "Why'd you even come to the wedding if you're just going to complain the whole time anyway?" Rise asked.

"Because adults do what needs to be done." And he said no more not even to elaborate on what that meant. Rise and Kanji sat in complete shock that this guy was the father of their beloved senpai. "I guess the universe had to compensate somehow," Kanji joked under his breath which got a giggle from Rise. His mother smiled at them nervously from over the seat and to her delight her son's friends actually smiled back, the idol even giving her a friendly little wave. A woman so timid and seemingly browbeaten didn't need to be lumped in with her jerk of a husband. As awkward as things were, the two teens were perfectly content to have the rest of the bus ride in silence; each side said their piece and thought the other was completely unreasonable. But Sorano seemed to have other plans, despite complaining of their noise the whole way it seemed he couldn't just let things go. "You're awfully supportive of a boy who got his girlfriend pregnant at eighteen years old. Is that really considered an admirable quality here." To their credit, even the hot headed Kanji managed to ignore him. Now that the shoe was on the other foot and he was the one being ignored, he felt a flash of annoyance. "That wife of his is a selfish brat too. Do you know what she said to me? That she doesn't want her husband to be away from home like she's the only wife in the world who wouldn't get to see her husband as much as she liked. Willing to sacrifice his career advancement just so she can cling to him like a leech, dragging him down until he becomes a shriveled nub of a man, forgotten in some backwater country town. Here lies Yu Narukami, he ran an inn and made a kid."

Again they ignored him although the fact he was demeaning two of their friends made it very difficult. Kanji made an "up yours" gesture which brought a smirk to Rise's face which quickly disappeared when Mr. Narukami started up again. "When I was his age, I was fully prepared to attend one of the top business schools in the country and six years later I graduated top of my class. Now I'm the Chief Executive Officer of one of the largest optic manufacturers in the world." He turned to see them glaring at him disinterested but he misinterpreted the reason. "I suppose that doesn't sound exciting to your attention deficient as the modern Japanese youth, perhaps if I said I produced cartoons you'd be jumping out of your seat to shake my hand."

There was only so much a temperamental boy like Kanji could take. "I don't care if you're emperor of the freaking universe, you're still a shithead!" That seemed to amuse Sorano has he chuckled and shook his head. "Does that somehow diminish my accomplishments? Me not being friendly enough for your liking? I suppose my son was rather friendly to you two and now look at him. Languishing away when he could be out accomplishing!" Kanji sat back down with a sigh as Rise gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder, nodding to herself in certainty. Working in show business taught her a lot about people, the discrepancy between their thoughts and actions and how that manifested. She could probably become a psychologist if the whole idol thing ever fell through early especially after senpai helped settle her own crisis. As such, she could really hurt people if she wanted to and she imagined Yu had a similar ability. Not like Yukiko or Yosuke where they mostly did it on accident, no, she knew exactly what to say to really get to a person, really go straight for the jugular. And she knew exactly how to do it to Yu's father, if this pompous insecure windbag opened his mouth one more time...

"Did my son ever tell you the opportunities he was given only to squander them? Did he ever tell you how much I did for him, how much I went out of my way to make him a success? Did he ever tell you how he repaid me?" Taking a deep breath, Rise put on her usual shiny idol smile as Kanji watched in trepidation, wondering just what she might do. "No actually. Yu never mentioned you at all." That certainly stopped him in his tracks. "What?" He said almost laughing like he couldn't believe it.

"Yeah, I've known him for about a year now and he's never brought you up once. Not a single time. At least not to me, did he ever mention anything to you Kanji?" The boy's eyes widened in realization and he slowly shook his head. "No, he didn't." Sorano scoffed again while Mizui just looked ashamed. "I'm sure he did, you probably just didn't pay attention, jabbering away about yourself like most girls your age." Rise allowed herself a small smirk, he was talking faster in that way people did when they were legitimately upset, good now to twist the knife a little more. "No, I was always interested in what senpai had to say. He told me about his time in Paris with his cooking instructor, what was his name Monsier Yves right?" She knew that bringing up such an obscure detail would let him know the truth of her statement. "He said he moved around a lot and used to have trouble making friends, kind of like me which made me like him even more."

"He told me he about the time his tutor took him to a baseball game," Kanji cut in. "I thought it was because people liked him a lot even back then..." he trailed off, leaving the obvious new reason unsaid. Rise took over the reigns again with a dazzling smile, happy to tear this man down a peg or three. "I'd think he'd love to talk about his CEO dad but now I see why he didn't. I'd hate to have a parent I'm ashamed of tool; honestly, I'm glad he got out from under your thumb and I hope he never has to deal with you again."

She definitely had his full attention now and she could see from the tightness of his jaw he was holding back a lot. It was time to deliver the killing blow. "And I know he's thinking the exact same thing, you're probably one incident away from him cutting you out of his life." For the first time, he actually seemed a bit shaken but quickly recovered. What she said was impossible, after all he was the one who invited them to the wedding! And lord knows how much of his child hood he spent mewling and crying over his father's attention like a particularly needy pet. No, that would never happen.

As the bus came to a stop, he gave the children a fierce glare, "you don't know what you're talking about," was the last thing he said before storming out of the bus. His wife followed, looking rather resigned. She knew! Rise realized, she knew exactly what was about to happen and probably tried everything to avert it. "Mrs. Narukami," she found herself calling out. "When I said the thing, about him not mentioning-" but the woman held up a hand. "It's quite alright dear. When it came to raising Yu I was no better than my husband and probably worse in many ways. Any animosity he might feel towards me is completely deserved indeed."

"But...I know my son is quite supportive of *er* self improvement ventures, yes? If he of all people thinks I should get a chance to make up for things, then it would be...well it just wouldn't be right to refuse. I hope to see you at the reception, but we'll probably be thrown out by then, *hmmm* this is a problem , this is a problem indeed." And so she too left, nibbling at her nails while carrying a briefcase in her other hand.

"Damn, you didn't hold back!" Kanji cheered after a period of calm. Rise smugly lifted her chin up and crossed her arms under her bust. "Well it worked didn't it? I know a thing or two about ego inflated business executives after all."

"Should we warn senpai do you think?"

"I mean there's nothing we could say he doesn't already know. Besides," Rise tittered with a wink. "He loves Yukiko-senpai and his baby way too much to let himself get walked over. He's got it handled, I just hope his dad doesn't start railing against one of the maids..."

"If he does I'll kick him out myself." Rise laughed again, Kanji was really funny today for some reason. "Maybe I'll join you, we could call up Junpei and make it a reunion." With a shared chuckle, the two departed the bus to make their last minute preparations.

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"You're late." Mizui bowed her head to the older woman while Sorano ignored her. This was a much older woman than they were received by last time and could easily surmise she must have been the Amagi grandmother. There were quite a few Amagi around including some even Yu hadn't seen before, Sachiko's two sisters and brother joining the gathered crowd. In the center of them all stood the loving couple themselves, the bride dressed in an expansive and flowing white dress while the groom dressed in a sharp well fitting black hakama. In Mizui's opinion, standing so tall and confident he looked almost like a samurai of old albeit with a rather odd head of hair. The two were staring into each other's eyes before Yu's parents walked in, no doubt communicating their deep love for one another through them and even when they turned to face the new arrivals, Yukiko still kept her hands firmly planted on the crook of his arm.

When she stared at her son, her heart skipped a beat when she saw genuine happiness on his face, most of it from his wife for sure but there was some for his parents in there as well, genuine pleasure that they showed up after all...that her husband immediately dashed against the wall. "Let's just get this over with," he grumbled making it very clear he saw this as nothing more than a troublesome obligation.

Instead of looking crushed like he would have ten years ago, Yu instead solemnly nodded his head. His father tried to advance on him to say something but was intercepted by Yukiko's parents. "Anything you have to say can wait until after the ceremony. We really must be going." To their surprise, he seemed to accept that even having a little private smirk to himself about something. "Very well, I suppose that's alright."

"*Hah* listen to him 'I suppose that's alright' you must realize you don't actually have a say in anything that goes on here today. You're simply here as a formality, you'd do well not to forget that. If anything like what happened the last time you were here happens at this, the day of my daughter's wedding, you will be asked to leave the premises." Sorano was taken aback by this old woman so directly stating her terms, sure the Amagis proved to possess rather sharp tongues last time, but they'd but on a veneer of presentability at least, this one didn't even bother. She looked at him as though she were looking at troublesome fly that she had to tolerate for the time being, clearly desiring to stamp it out and be done with it. Looking around the room, that look was mirrored on all of the family including the bride to be who perhaps wore it most intensely of all. Even for someone as confident as him, it was a little discomforting being in a room where the majority of the inhabitants hated your guts with such passion. Still, that point about him having no say was rather off the mark and he couldn't help but smile. Taking it for acceptance, Sachiko moved on to the next step of the proceedings. "Now for the exchanging of the gifts!" She motioned one of her sisters forward from behind the other and they realized she was holding a rather beautiful folding fan. It was made of black silk and showed two birds leaving a sparse forest to settle down by a fertile body of water, growing in size as they did so.

Sorano looked to his wife in confusion. He didn't know anything about this "exchanging of the gifts" but she gave him a familiar look that told him she had things handled. "We wish you bountiful future growth and prosperity with your endeavors," the old woman said making sure to drone it out so it sounded rehearsed and not entirely legitimate. "Thank you," he said simply, "I'll be sure to display it in a place of prominence," of course making it sound just as sarcastic as the old woman. A loud *ahem* broke the awkward stare down that ensued as Yukina pretended to clear her throat. "Don't tell me you didn't even bother to bring a gift..."

"*Ah* no, I have it right here!" Mizui interrupted, quickly squatting on the ground and opening her rather large briefcase. "I did a bit of research mixed with some of my own experience with the bride and determined that this would be the best gift." Out of the suitcase came a long dark green "leaf" that looked a bit like a palm frond but much more wrinkled and with a strange entanglement of yellow string at the bottom. It was quite difficult finding one that was portable while still being appropriately grand but she sensed it would be rather poor form to mention that. Besides, she'd managed hadn't she?

"May the two of you have strong and healthy children," she pronounced once she came to her feet. It most likely wasn't even worth half of what that fan was worth, but the gathered Amagis seemed pleased all the same, along with her son she noted with some pride. The two families exchanged gifts with the respective heads handing them off to an assistant of sorts to place on a nearby ceremonial platform for later. "Well then...shall we be off?" Fuyuhiko asked once everyone appeared to be ready. Sachiko gave a nod of approval and just like that everyone began to slowly shuffle towards the entrance. It was slow going and done in complete silence but eventually they made it to the front door of the building.

Yu certainly earned a few points with the Amagi relatives, pleasantly supporting his pregnant wife down each of the steps. No it would be more accurate to say he garnered approval from how naturally he did it, no big production over how chivalrous he was, it came as naturally as blinking. What didn't come naturally was having to hold himself back from kissing her on every landing. Not that they were particularly steep but why take the risk?

Speaking of pampering, once the procession reached the property limits, what did they see but a cart waiting there for them. And not just any cart but a rickshaw! Some of the gathered ladies and Fuyuhiko looked between themselves in surprise, this wasn't part of the ceremony. Perhaps the Narukami's were responsible but one look at them told that this was not the case as they looked just as clueless as the rest of them. All except for the groom, who met his wife's confused stare with a doting smirk. That was when she realized her grandfather wasn't a part of the march.

The gathered group jumped a little when the rickshaw slid forward and the "driver" came around to greet them. Indeed it was one Jiro Amagi with a similar knowing grin to his future grandson. "What is the meaning of this Jiro?" Sachiko hissed.

In a hushed voice, Jiro explained himself. "Yu and I did a bit of a test and we realized taking things at Yukiko's pace would take too long. If we force her to hurry, her gown and makeup will be a mess so the only solution is this. It's a perfectly acceptable form of travel to the shrine ." She bowed her head in acceptance although this meant that Yukiko's earlier claims of deserving a heavy breakfast were completely untrue. "Very well, you take the winding back roads and we'll descend the mountain normally. We should meet there around the same time." After a nod from her husband, the matriarch indicated for the rest to follow

When it was just the three of them, Yu spoke to her for the first time in several minutes. "Your chariot awaits, princess." With his disciplined posture and sharp uniform, he truly looked like not only a prince but a military commander, utterly dedicated to his mission of keeping her as lazy and comfortable as possible. "Did you really rent this for me?" his lovely wife asked when she'd gotten over her surprise. They couldn't get too affectionate, but Yu allowed himself a quick rub of her soft back, making sure her skin could feel his touch through the fabric. "Walking all the way to the shrine in so many layers...you shouldn't have to exert yourself that much." He meant to finish with "you shouldn't have to exert yourself that much on your wedding day," but found the first statement to be far more appropriate. "Besides...I thought you deserved to feel like royalty at least once today."

"Oh but hubby I already did, when you looked at me this morning and I felt like the most beautiful woman on earth. I'm sure I'll be feeling that way plenty today."

"But thank you...now help your princess to her carriage...my prince." With a smile, the dashing young prince did as he was bid and foisted her up onto her seat. It took a little problem solving as she needed to be turned around without remaining on the step too long, lest she break it underneath her plushness; but, by helping her get one foot up and then slowly turning her as she climbed, Yu was able to get her in. The royal rump settled nicely into the carriage, spreading fatly and even jostling the vehicle a bit when she was seated. She pulled out her fan to cool herself a bit from the steps while Yu climbed in next to her with a swift motion. The cart was a little on the small side so he didn't have the most room to maneuver, basically every where he moved ended up with him brushing against his cuddly breeder...exactly as he wanted.

The skirts and cloths of her dress poured all around like a deluge of fabric and with her wataboshi resting atop her head, she truly looked like someone too good to even deign to walk. Still, the image didn't last long as her usual Yukiko brand sweetness shone through when she noticed her grandfather taking the reigns. "Oh grandfather, are you really going to pull us all the way down? I'm not sure if that's such a good idea..."

"*Bwahahahahahaha* I'm not that feeble yet sweet pea, besides we did a test run the other day." That was good to hear although it made Yukiko wonder what they used for her substitute. A pile of rocks, no hubby wouldn't ever do something like that! Two of the maids perhaps? But if Yu sat there too, there wouldn't be enough room...

"Are you absolutely sure Mr. Amagi?" Yu interrupted before the girl's mind could go on too much of a tangent. That produced another guffaw from the man as he turned back to his grandson-in-law. "I know you're itching to pull the cart yourself Yu but it just wouldn't be proper. Wouldn't you rather sit up there next to your wife anyway? Share the moment?" The cart bound cattle looked to her husband in astonishment as a hot blush touched her face and he smiled right back to show how much he meant it. "Another time," their eyes seemed to say to each other as the cart began its journey.

"The back roads" in this case referred to the one used by the family car that eventually merged back into the main one. It was more of a path than a road really but to Yukiko that made it all the better. The soft dirt crunching beneath the wheels and slight little bumps really made it feel all the more romantic. Although it was hard to see through the canopy, she knew that there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It only made sense since they were destined to be, but it did serve as a nice reminder.

Yu looked breathtakingly handsome today in her opinion...he always did of course but today was something else. Dark muted colors suited him very well and the carriage only brought to mind how much he looked like a dashing swordsman of old, his horse thundering across the plains eventually riding right out of her childhood storybook and right into her loving arms. He seemed to sense her admiration and gently interlocked her hand with his own. "How is my parturient princess enjoying her wedding so far?"

"It's dreamlike...ethereal almost, except...I can touch everything...feel its heat and then I remember that it's real." A delightful kick from her middle only punctuated that statement and her hand began belly rubbing. With her perfect kindhearted brave patient capable husband clinging to her one hand and her perfect precious determined energetic potential filled son underneath another, while on their way to become bound as a family forever, the young mother had to wonder if this was what the summit of contentment was.

"No, that will be in just two more months but this is a close second."

"Hey Yuki?"

"Yes?"

"I don't need a mirror on the wall to tell me you're the fairest one of all." She giggled softly at his ridiculous line although to her it was the suavest thing anyone could say. "Grandfather? Do you think the gods would mind if I let my husband rub my tummy a little bit?" The old man had been listening to their flirting with a warm smile and briefly turned his head around. He figured that saving an entire town balanced out a little family bonding and so gave the affirmative. "I won't tell them if you don't."

It wasn't something you could readily admit to people but despite all the flowers and dresses and carriages, what made Yukiko feel the most like a princess that day was her loving husband tending to her fecundity and whispering sweet nothings about the family they'd be starting together.

Going through the old neighborhoods created a build up of sorts. The wedding was of course the biggest event in town right now and not everyone was invited; the best they could hope for was a glimpse of the procession. But everyone expected them to come from the main path along with the rest so when a bored teenager happened to look out the window, you could imagine your surprise when he saw the main event right in front of him. A picture was sent and news flew across the town. Sparse empty streets soon were filled with people coming out of their doors and returning from the mistaken destination. Pictures were snapped and whispers were heard but that didn't faze the lovely wedded couple one single bit, far too wrapped up in their family bonding time to notice.

At long last, they arrived onto the main street. The rest of the family was already there ahead of them as expected however they had a new member among their number. Dojima-san was able to make it after all! What a pleasant surprise which meant another pleasant child sized surprise was waiting for them when they got back to the inn.

"Sorry I'm a little late," he said as Yu helped his wife down. "I was able to join up with the rest of these guys and-" sensing the Amagi side of the family glaring at him, he quickly fell into silence. "A-anyway, I didn't want to miss your big day. Nanako wouldn't let me hear the end of it if I did."

"Thank you uncle." The temptation to reach out and give him a big bear hug was almost as strong as the one to scoop his bride into his arms, but he managed to resist. He didn't want to give his family a third strike in his new family's eyes. His eyes then fell to his parents to see they were both smiling, his mother had the awkward twitchy smile of someone not used to public settings but to him it was as pleasant as any a smile could be.

His father however...it was a sickening smirk that made his stomach turn.

The smirk did not abate when he saw his son looking at him either, in fact it seemed to only deepen. Yu gave him a pleading look begging him not to try anything but if his father noticed he certainly didn't show it; Yu wasn't sure if he was being ignored or just not noticed entirely. When he realized the others were staring at him, he mentally chastised himself for putting his father over his new family again, even if it was in a small way. He could glare daggers in the back of his head all he wanted, but from this moment on Yu would be only looking forward...with quick peeks at his lovely wife and developing child of course!

They were received by the elderly man who tended the shrine. It was weird to think of him as a "head priest" when there were less people working here than members of the Investigation Team but his experienced aura helped rectify that. The man gave Yu a little smile out of script, remembering all the times he'd seen the boy catching bugs with the kids, helping his back pain or hearing about his exploits from the spirits of the shrine. It had been fifty years since he was so genuinely glad to wed someone in his shrine, happy he got at least one more in before the end. Two shrine maidens flanked him along with some additional miko the Amagis hired from the outside and the two groups greeted each other with deep bows. "Welcome...we are honored by your presence."

"The honor is ours," Yukina said as she stood up from her bow. "Thank you for taking our request on such short notice and in such unusual circumstances." The kindly man shook his head and smiled through closed eyes. "Believe me when I say it's the least we could do." Yukiko swore for a moment she and her husband were being winked at, but it was so quick that it could easily be chalked up to imagination.

"Shall we begin?" he said before the others had too much to ponder what he said.

Two of the hired girls stood at the entrance to make sure absolutely no one was allowed in. Despite their best efforts though, two unexpected guests made it past their watch, a pair of glittering eyes watching from the underbrush, yipping delightedly to itself over how many donations this would bring. Oh yes Amagi weddings were always so fruitful for this shrine, reminding people of its presence and importance. The second trespasser briefly flickered into the corner of Yu's eye, a strange wisp that resembled a woman in a white kimono and holding a fish probably received from him. He never did quite figure out who she was despite solving all of Inaba's other mysteries. For a time he thought it might even be the human form of the fox but when he suggested it in private one day, the fox looked at him like he was a babbling idiot. But at least she had enough food for her children, whoever...or whatever they were.

The whole town seemed to wait with bated breath as the young couple walked side by side up the steps, each rung creaking from the age and weight of the thousands of newly weds who'd tread upon them. The donation box was moved from its usual spot on this rare occasion and the usually dusty porch was even swept. With one last loving look at each other, Yu Narukami and Yukiko Amagi entered the ancient building to become one under the gods. When they came out, Yu Narukami would truly be no more, a momentous rebirth for the everyone who knew him. Ironic that to him it was simply the changing of a name, for he'd already made up his mind long ago.

Little by little, the rest of the close family trickled into the small hut, some on the outside wondering if it would be able to hold them all. Eventually though, the last relative made their way inside and the only sound heard was the low creaking of an antiquated door. It slammed shut with a noise that seemed to echo throughout the town; the contents of the shrine forbidden to all but those inside.

The inside was dimly lit, the sunlight filtered through trees and filtered yet again by the screens on the walls. Still, it was bright enough to see the shrine at the center with its shimmering mirror, probably the most expensive thing in the room. A prayer altar sat at the front and atop it was a long scroll and atop that was a fountain pen that was probably older than Hisano. The place was bigger than it looked on the outside fortunately and three rows of sparse seats were available for the gathered relatives with two at the front of them all; it was no doubt where the wedded couple were expected to sit when not at the altar.

Yukiko took a deep satisfied breath, inhaling the scent of the old wood and redolence of antiquity. She remembered the day when she'd asked you if he felt as strongly about her as she did about him on the steps outside, heart hammering and legs trembling. After he'd said yes and they began their prayer together, she imagined the two of them in the same position except on the inside instead. Every time they'd pass that shrine, the thought would flicker into her head before she set it aside and scolded herself for being too hasty. Now with a bun in the oven, a husband by her side and one hundred pounds heavier, she chastised herself for not starting things sooner. A purification wand was waved over her head and then the head of her husband and while the priest expected her to move to her seat, the heiress seemed to have other plans.

"*Ahem*" she chastised the man slightly indicating down to her belly with her eyes. The priest looked slightly taken aback by her request, but it was clear she wasn't going to budge; the others would have quite the difficult time of squeezing past her in such a cramped space as well. Once her baby got its blessing though, she was all smiles and delightedly went to join her husband. Each of their family members in turn was blessed although Sorano made a point of scoffing at the nonsense.

The priest was the first to kneel before the altar once everyone but the main events took their seats. The old man launched into a speech with vocabulary so outdated that even Sachiko scrunched her face in confusion at points. The gist of it was simple enough to get though, "bless them and may their marriage flourish like...something something...together with heaven?" At the very least, it didn't drone on and ended before the mysterious and mystical aspect diminished. With a booming clap, the holy man signaled the end of his prayer with one final thanks to the gods as the shrine maids on the sides of the room took center stage. Four began their ritualistic dance in small careful circles, one misstep potentially meaning a displeased god and ill fortune for the rest of the marriage; two others played a calming melody on their flutes with one more adding drums adding up to a tranquil symphony that would lull any god into contented complacence.

The ceremony was anything but boring, Yu was on pins and needles the whole time if anything but for some reason this latest event caused a wave of drowsiness to wash over him. Blinking rapidly to keep himself awake, he looked over to see his wife doing her best to stifle a yawn; she in particular looked like she was about to fall over and start snoozing! All big and black and white...an adorable tubby panda bear...how easy it would be to drift off atop her plushness...

Yu gave himself a subtle little pinch and fortunately the song ended before either could legitimately fall asleep; suddenly, it was like nothing ever happened at all. Before either could spend too much time contemplating what just occurred, the sound of pouring liquid drew their attention outward. It was time for the nuptial cups.

The one contention Yukiko made with the wedding plans was that the cups couldn't contain any alcohol whatsoever. Her grandmother insisted such a small amount couldn't possibly damaged anything but Yukiko would not budge.

And considering what happened a few days ago, Yu was glad she was so insistent on it. Helping him save face even without meaning to, she truly was the perfect wife. This part of the ceremony was simple, each took three sips from three different cups to symbolize unity and luck in their marriage so Yu let his brain focus elsewhere on something far more important. And that was their marriage vows.

The priest laid out a scroll for the two lovers, the ink looking freshly printed at least compared to everything else here. Grabbing the ballpoint pen, he handed it to Yu first who grasped it eagerly. He didn't need to see his wife to feel her smoldering love for him and excitement for their marriage in that moment, for these were their marriage vows. The two young parents stayed up late into the night drawing these up for they had quite a bit of trouble thinking of what to put. Not from lack of ideas but quite the opposite, there wasn't enough room on the page for every declaration they wanted to make towards each other. Even now, the scroll's length was bordering on inappropriate and that was after Yukina and her mother insisted they take a pair of editing scissors to it! Yu signed it without hesitation before handing it to his beautiful bride to do the same. This was by far the least romantic and mystical part of the proceedings but made up for by being followed with one of the most heartening and Yu decided to go the extra mile once again.

The elderly shrine tender, after looking over the signatures, was fully prepared to hand it to Yu so he could read their marriage vows before heaven and family, but the grey haired youth simply held up a hand. The confusion that went up around the temple was like a bolt of lightning, everyone was turning to each other and wondering if maybe the person sitting to their right knew what he was doing. Even Yukiko, so trusting and supportive, was in shock.

But a gentle smile calmed Yukiko's heart like it always did and Yukina found herself scoffing inwardly over the fact it had a similar effect on her. Putting the paper down on the table without even looking at it, Yu began to speak

"This woman I marry, in sickness and in health, I will love her, respect her, console her, support her in every earthly way until death itself comes between us. I shall always remain faithful and willing to put the needs of our family above my own, whether in peacetime or times of hardship. This woman I marry, side by side we'll work to lead our inn into a new age of prosperity. Until we are ready to give to our child a flourishing house of plenty, we will continue to do so. This woman I marry, Yukiko Amagi, I will be her husband, friend, confidant, partner, attendant and teacher for the rest of my days. In sight of the gods, I swear this to be true."

He bowed his head to show that he was finished, allowing himself the tiniest of grins. The priest had scooped up the scroll halfway through and his eyes frantically followed along with every word that was said, the boy really did commit the whole thing to memory. He turned briefly to see Yukiko's reaction only to find her gazing so lovingly and warmly it was as though he was being bathed in her affection. To really put a cap on things, he motioned towards the paper with his eyes before quickly tapping his breast with a finger. "All in here," he seemed to say and it was all Yukiko could do to not cry out in utter joy, utterly smothering him with kisses and her bountiful body.

Recovering, the priest asked her if she shared these vows and promised to uphold them alongside her husband, startled again when the girl said "I do!" before he was even finished. For better of for worse, their attention was entirely on each other and Fuyuhiko almost wanted to draw little hearts popping out of their heads to really complete the image.

That couldn't last forever though, because the couple had to make their own prayer to the gods. He let Yukiko go first to pray her little heart out and he could tell she was grateful. Yu was never very religious before coming to Inaba but he'd always found his wife's piety rather precious. Like everything she did, it was done with a genuine loving determination that made even a non believer like himself feel protected by a higher power. And her genuine belief that her husband and her baby were miracles was quite touching, bringing a smile to his face every time. Her belly made a nice surface to clasp her hands on adding just one more benefit of her growth to the list.

When it came to his turn, he knew exactly who to pray to although it still felt a little odd after all this time. I mean, say what you will about Izanami but at least she dressed and looked the part. Still, he remembered getting an earful about his lack of prayer and figured he might as well. She did deserve thanks for keeping Kagutsuchi at bay at the very least.

When that was done and over with, it was time for Yu to get surprised. A pillow was brought forward by one of the shrine maidens and atop it were two rings. One made of metal shining with an otherworldly glow and another that he had not seen before. It was silver and seemed to be banded almost looking sharp to the touch, and if he examined it closely he could see what looked like little bolts of electricity running under the surface. That's when he realized two things, one that Yukiko wasn't wearing her ring and two he'd seen the unknown ring before but in a different form. Yes it was clearly an Arc Magatama remade into a ring, those items the team used in a pinch for when they ran into a Zio vulnerable opponent only to be low on spirit. He looked up from the pillow to find his love looking at him in that conspiring way she did when she'd done something "naughty"

Yes she'd taken a page out of his book and had something from the TV World forged by Daidara just for him. He could just imagine her trying her best to be "stealthy" with a body not at all meant for such a thing, sliding the item toward the smith owner while looking from side to side. He wondered how she kept such a big secret bottled up inside but then again she probably thought of it as a "surprise" instead and had no trouble holding her tongue. With her eyes, she excitedly bade him to hold out his hand so she could slide the ring on.

As the ring got closer and closer to his finger, the merriment began to fade as it was replaced with a solemn respect. In his mind, he pictured the rings as two latches on a box that when closed on their respective fingers would finally seal away their unmarried life forever. Even though they'd basically been married for months already, Yu felt his heart race as time seemed to slow to a crawl, the barely audible sound of metal brushing skin resounding in his ears. Finally, it was his turn to do the same thing to his wife. Slowly ever so slowly, he navigated the symbol of their love up her ring finger to the place it would sit for the rest of their lives. And just like that, it was over. They were considered married by state, family and now even the gods themselves.

He was almost expecting applause but that would be seen as improper. He'd just have to make do with the genuine smiles on the Amagi's faces for now. "To show your support of this marriage and your intent to help it grow and prosper, you will now drink together from these cups," said the priest. Cups of sake were passed along one by one to each of the gathered family members and one by one they all toasted the union of Yukiko and Yu Amagi. Her parents her grandparents every single aunt and uncle, they all raised their glasses and took a long swig to show their complete support; a more traditional standing ovation.

Then at last it came to Yu's father. He swirled the drink in the glass until he was certain all eyes in the room were on him. Then, without a word, he calmly tipped the glass over and poured its contents all over the ground. The others could only stare in shock as the cup was emptied through the cracks in the floor and the waterfall of alcohol poured thunderously throughout the small building. Then he tossed the cup onto the ground with a loud clatter, the cup spinning over itself for a moment before finally resting on the floor. The gathered eyes followed the cup before settling on Sorano, a look of complete disgust on his face.

You could cut the tension with a knife in that moment. No one could believe what just happened and in the time it took to recover, Sorano filled the silence with a commanding yet self satisfied voice. "There's my answer." He took a moment to enjoy the looks of shock and confusion as they slowly morphed into anger. A bunch of overly smug bumpkins obsessed with tradition deserved to be knocked down a peg or two. When he turned to his son though, he was caught off guard, the boy didn't look angry at all, his wife certainly did but Yu had quite the opposite expression. If anything he looked...disappointed and sad. Not a pout that his wedding was interrupted but genuine sadness fully directed at his father.

"Narukami-san, you're supposed to DRINK the sake not pour it all over the ground!" Just like that, some of the tension was diffused as several chuckles went up throughout the room. Sorano turned to see the man he met last time, Yukiko's father, standing and looking quite jovial. "I thought a lapdog like yourself would be pretty good at following directions by now." Another smattering of chuckles and now the atmosphere of the room was quite different, no longer was he this immense blasphemous threat, but a minor annoyance to be made fun of. Even Sachiko was laughing quite a bit at her son in law's jape. Sorano clenched his fist hard enough to draw blood, remembering the insult he'd been dealt last time at the hands of this man.

"It doesn't surprise me you're not aware, but I've become the President. And I didn't need a ridiculous dance or a magic wand waved over my head like you seem to." Interrupting the ceremony was one thing, but outright insulting the religion was another. The priest slowly moved towards the executive and gave his sleeve a little tug. "Sir, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave." At this, the old woman began to laugh uproariously, so hard that it was almost like she was channeling her daughter and granddaughter.

"Dear, are you okay?" Jiro asked carefully. Wiping her eyes, the elderly Amagi got the last of her chuckles out and crossed her hands over her lap. "No, people from the city always amuse me. You used to be the same way Fuyuhiko but at least you weren't this bad! Didn't I tell you at the beginning you had no say in things? This little...outburst of yours served absolutely no purpose. Oh don't get me wrong, it certainly irritates me and you'll be leaving immediately, but at the end of the day for all your titles and blustering you can't stop the one thing you want to stop the most! Oh the irony is almost too much *ahahahahahahaha*" When she put it like that, it actually was rather funny and another wave of chortling went up throughout the room. Even Yu allowed himself a small smile.

Strangely though, Sorano seemed to have calmed down. "Don't worry, I'll leave. But I'll be taking my son with me." Wordlessly, he took a piece of paper from his front pocket and began to unfold it. Actually it seemed to be several pieces of paper stapled together. He approached the older woman only to be blocked by her immense husband who glared down at him. "You know what happens if you lay a finger on me right? Stand down, I just want the head of the family to read this."

"I'm the head of the family now," Yukina spoke up, snatching the document from his fingers. "I can't believe I'm humoring your nonsense but if it makes you leave without a fight...let's see..."

"Page 3," he said in that infuriatingly superior tone of his. "Let me know if you need my help parsing the language, it might be a bit above your head."

"I'm sure I can manage." Although she almost regretted saying that a little bit, everything was in dense legal language that was quite difficult to parse. "On February 16th 2012 the son of the plaintiff was coerced into marriage by the defendants, Mr. and Mrs. Amagi..." her heart sank when she realized exactly what it was. This wasn't the first lawsuit she'd seen

"God dammit Sorano!" Dojima shot up out of his seat and stormed over to the other man, looking angrier than Yu had seen him in months. "I always knew you were self absorbed but this is a whole new low. You're really going to get the government to force your son to do what you want? What kind of a parent are you!?" Again, Sorano didn't react beyond seeming to enjoy the anger he provoked. "I'm simply using the only recourse that's been left to me. Talking, reasoning, negotiating, parenting...they've simply all come up short and I don't have any other choice in the matter. I'm sorry it had to come to this, truly I am, but you were all given ample warning."

"This is absolutely your last chance, if you do not hand over my son to me I'll be forced to take legal action against you."

"On what grounds?" Yukina calmly demanded. "Because it will take more than idle threats to frighten me." Yu's father looked to Mizui for her to explain but she seemed more interested in admiring the floor to respond. Sighing, he realized he'd have to do his own exposition for a change, quite an odd feeling. "You wrongfully coerced a minor into marriage without the consent of his family."

"You said you were perfectly fine with it!" Fuyuhiko shouted.

"Did I? I don't recall saying anything of the sort..." The president smiled ear to ear and quite frankly it wasn't a pleasant sight to see. "I was against this marriage from the very beginning but as I don't have the time to babysit my teenage son while running a company, well...it leaves the door open for predators like yourselves to swoop in."

The bride herself had been quiet up to this point but she couldn't stand another instant of this awful awful man. "You're the only predator here! No...you're no predator...you're a parasite, sucking the life from your child for the sake of your own ego. You're...you're banned from our inn! For life!"

A gasp went up throughout the room, a lifetime ban was a rare thing indeed in this industry and here the newest heiress was doling one out without hesitation. "I have to agree with my daughter Narukami-san, if we ever have to see you again it will be too soon."

"Well that breaks my heart...but I'll tell you what I'll do. When I drag you to court, I'll have my lawyers handle things and you won't have to see me at all. I'll be a bit too busy repairing our company image to focus on an open and shut case after all." Before more barbs could be traded back and forth, a shuffling from the front of the room diverted Sorano's attention. His son finally deigned to join the debate but something was different about him. He no longer looked sad, or even angry but instead with genuine contempt. As if the person he was talking to was the lowest of the low. In all honesty, it was a rather disturbing thing to see. He could deal with a petulant glare or pout from Yu as he'd done in the past but his son never looked at him like this before. "Father, lets put an end to this farce. You know I'm going to testify that it's fully my decision. I turned eighteen over two months ago, well before the wedding, and I read up on the law just for an occasion such as this." The look of surprise on his father's face was palatable and Yu let loose a deep sigh. "That's right, I knew you'd try something like this so I did a little research. At eighteen, I'm legally allowed to make my own marriage decisions and I choose Yukiko Amagi." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek which no one objected to considering the circumstances; it was quite an odd site having her glare so fiercely at his father with a light loving blush on her cheeks for Yu, but one he was quite used to from the TV World. "Let me rephrase that, I pick the Amagi's and I choose them over you. I will always choose them over you. Now go home, before you embarrass our family any more than you already have."

That certainly struck a nerve and the sound of his father grinding his teeth could be heard throughout the shrine. "Well...I'm glad to hear you've been keeping up with your studies at least. But I've been doing a little bit of research of my own. You may be legally considered an adult now, but you weren't back in February. You, a minor, were coerced into marriage by the Amagi family without them informing myself nor your mother who are your legal guardians."

"They informed me."

"As a detective you should know that wouldn't hold up in court. You were told to watch my son and couldn't even do that correctly. Nowhere did we give you the right to approve marriage proposals or other events of a similar magnitude. You'd do well to remember that in the future, you're the boy's uncle and nothing more." The man didn't respond, he knew that wasn't true in the slightest but such things mattered not to someone like Sorano Narukami. Turning away from Dojima, he slowly began to rotate himself around to face everyone as he spoke. "I'm going to count to five. If this marriage is not considered void by the end of the count, then you'll be looking at a rather sizable lawsuit."

"One." Dojima and Jiro looked as though they wanted to pummel him into the dirt but otherwise didn't twitch in the slightest.

"Two." Yukina and Fuyuhiko looked between each other asking themselves if this man was actually serious and what on earth he was thinking.

"Three." Sachiko let out a yawn and produced the most bored looking expression possible.

"Four." Yukiko continued to look at him with utter contempt, gently massaging her belly and preventing herself from doing something drastic with the ballpoint pen.

"Five." And then there was his son and wife who both seemed to be deep in thought. This was a difficult thing for her no doubt but he knew she'd come around to doing the right thing eventually, but that was for later. Now, the countdown was up and their answer was quite clear.

"Very well then. To tell the truth, part of me is glad this is the path you've decided to go down. I'll take quite a bit of satisfaction from taking your inn away from you."

"Yes, yes we're quite aware. Like most of your kind you're an emotionally dead monster whose only joy is making life miserable for others. You could have at least let your son have his wedding before trying to rip his joy away." Sorano seemed to hackle at that, the idea that he was the selfish one here almost completely foreign to him. "I'm the one ripping things away? How do you think I felt when I come back from America, my son almost of age to start working, only to have him be manipulated into wasting his life by you lot!? Can you even conceive of what it would feel like to not see your son for a year, to put your faith in him to do the right thing only to come back and find he's completely derailed his own life!?"

"Who's fault is that!?" Dojima shouted back. "Who dropped him off here like inconvenient luggage? Who made his life at home so miserable that this past year was the happiest he's ever been? Did I do a bad job as a guardian? Yeah, yeah I did. Not just for your son but for my own daughter as well, but I'm willing to learn from my mistakes and fix them. Are you able to say the same? Well, Sorano!?"

"That's exactly what I'm doing now. You have no idea what it takes to succeed, truly succeed, none of you do and how could you where the barometer of success here is slightly above average. When Yu is forty and in a high rise office of his own, that's when he'll finally come around and realize I wasn't so bad after all!"

"*Ahem*" Yukina interrupted. "This all rides on the assumption we'll give Yu up to you. Now that he's a legal adult, even if we do lose this lawsuit he's still perfectly free to marry our daughter. I know the concept of your child having a choice is foreign to you, but surely you at least thought of that?'

"There won't be an Amagi Inn to marry into, at least not for long." His statement was ominous and threatening but they couldn't quite make sense of it. "What? Did you think you'd just pay out a fee and that would be the end of it? No, I'm afraid if you're found guilty the consequences will be much more dire. To the tune of jail time." A chill went throughout the room at that, like even saying such a thing was an ill omen in and of itself. "I see you're ready to take things seriously now. Yes if you're found guilty you could be facing up to five years in prison or worse not to mention the monetary fee you seemed so unworried about before. I think I'll double the number I had in my head."

"That's IF you win," Yukiko pointed out. It seemed to breathe courage back into her side, this was the absolute worst case scenario he was describing and of course he was going to do what he could to lower their morale. "My daughter's right, you're not exactly the best at winning people over to your side. A gift your son seems to have picked up." The insult didn't even phase him and in fact seemed to make his mouth curl into an unpleasant smile. "That's the beauty of the thing, it doesn't matter if I win or lose. You're still finished." And with that, he turned to walk right out of the door. Yu's eyes widened a bit as he turned to his mother, she was still looking to her lap and pretending not to here, seemingly in deep internal torment. He new she was almost where he needed her to be, she just needed a little bit of a push. He just needed to keep his father here for a little while longer, bait him into revealing more. "Dojima-san, what does he mean?"

"He means he's going to bleed you dry through litigation."

"Is that really the kind of tactic you're resorting to now father?" That got him to turn around and face his son. "If it will teach you how the world works then yes."

"This is the kind of convenience success affords you, son. Not only can you remove anyone who gets in your way but you can also defend yourself. This family you so desperately want to marry into don't have power of any kind which will be demonstrated in the coming months. Despite all their history, their livelihood is transient and can be knocked over by a couple of negative reviews on a website much less a lawsuit. Is that really the kind of environment you would want to raise your child in, Yu? When instead you could work hard when you're young to ensure prosperity? *Bah* why am I wasting my time, I know you're determined to be a self centered brat to the end. Not only to my detriment but to the detriment of this family as well."

"The only detriment to our family is you! It's always been you! I can't believe you're trying to blame my husband when YOU'RE the one who's trying to sue us!" He regarded her like one might regard a particularly yappy dog and spoke to her about as respectfully. "If you honestly believe that then you're even more of a child than I thought. Both of you think of me as a cruel tyrant because you've never experienced anything else. You have no frame of reference for these things."

"Besides, I gave you warning after warning and still you refused every one of my offers leaving me no choice but to do this." His apologetic attacker act would definitely be more successful if he wasn't clearly taking joy at the thought of revenge. "Make your threats, Mr. Narukami. But we'll never bow to the likes of you."

"No but you'll bow to the state. You raise your heads proud now but how long can you keep it up? Day after day of courtroom proceedings, legal bills constantly piling up. Unlike myself I don't imagine you have a legal team to assist you meaning you'll have to do the majority of the work yourselves. Running an inn while fighting the battle for your lives, a hard task even for the competent to be sure."

"If you lose, well that's the end of everything. No one will want to go to an establishment owned by a convicted criminal. But even if you were able to win, I'll make sure the news is full of constant reminders of the serial murders that occurred here. That's what your inn will be known for, crime scenes and scandal and-"

"Are you about finished?"

"What!?" Sachiko let out a soft chuckle at the man's incredulity. "I asked if you were done posturing. We heard you the first couple of times you said it, you sure do love to hear yourself talk. Now if you'll excuse us we have a wedding to finish." Her sheer peace was only matched by Yu's as the businessman tried to make heads or tails of it. Actually his son looked surprisingly serene now where he hadn't before, like he believed the outcome was already decided in his favor. What could have changed? Before he could spend too much time puzzling things out, the old woman spoke up again. "We're Amagis. We won't buckle under pressure, never have and never will. And that certainly won't change for the likes of you." Her steadfast confidence was the tiny little push Yukiko's parents needed in order to regain their courage. "There's our pride as Amagis, but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't do everything in my power to keep Yu from your talons. It simply wouldn't do to repay his great service with a betrayal of that magnitude."

"More importantly it would be a betrayal to our daughter to give up so easily. She's done everything in her power to make this thing work so now it's our turn to return the favor! *Ahahahahaha* that's probaby an odd notion to you isn't it?"

"Mr. Amagi's right Sorano. In all the years I've known you, everything you've done has only ever benefited yourself. I may not be able to do much but if you think I'm going to let you tear these kids apart laying down you've got another thing coming! Because family, real family, isn't something you just work at at your convenience."

"It's not something you abandon when things get tough."

Jiro gave a silent nod. "I can't claim to know you well, but I've gotten to know your son. He doesn't want to do the things you want him to do." That just about succinctly summarized it and Yukiko decided to put a cap on things. "The damage you've done to Yu is sickening; when I think of the things he's told me about you, I feel my stomach turn. And now you say you want to rob my child of his birth right and his father? I'd spit in your face if this wasn't a house of the gods! So come with us with everything you've got because we'll give it right back and then some!" A cheer went up throughout the small shrine, so loud that the people outside probably believed the ceremony to be over. Yu looked calm still but a genuine happiness mixed in with the calmness from all these wonderful people standing up for him. He had no doubt if the others were here he'd be getting similar speeches from them.

Sorano felt his eye twitch at the unexpected resistance. This was downright absurd, did they not understand what was going to happen? Did they really think this was something that could be overcome with positive affirmation and belief? This was a system that so vastly favored the rich that the moniker of justice was grossly inappropriate. They were all fixedly staring, almost daring him to do his worst. "Very well," he finally said. "It seems we've reached a stalemate. I've outlined exactly what will be happening so until that time, enjoy the last days of your inn."

"Actually," a small voice piped up, "there's one small detail you forgot." Attention turned towards the right side of the room where the quiet mouse known as Mizui Narukami finally stood up. "A-about the legal proceedings I mean." Sorano couldn't help but be a little annoyed she interrupted the main point to focus on trifling technical details but her ability to sift through and keep track of so much was what made her so valuable.

It probably should have waited for the car ride back but he was willing to hear her out. "Please..." he indicated, giving her the go ahead. His mild annoyance was quickly replaced with genuine curiosity that spread to the faces of the other members. All except for Dojima who looked to be on the cusp of realization and Yu who looked perfectly contented. Suddenly Sorano had a very bad feeling although he couldn't quite articulate why.

With all the eyes on her, Mizui felt quite weak in the knees. Her husband helped her long ago get rid of her fear of public speaking but this was a different animal entirely. Especially her husband looking at her with that concerned yet interested expression on his face. "I'm sorry dear," she said inwardly, taking a deep breath and looking to her son and his pregnant wife one final time for bravery. "Well you see...there actually is a circumstance in which a minor would be allowed to marry. And that would be if...if...

"Well what is it Mizui? Out with it!"

"It would be if one of the parents approved of his marriage before he became eighteen years of age." The woman took a deep cleansing breath after she said it. The words were finally out in the open and could no longer be taken back. It slowly began to dawn on the others where this could be going although her husband still seemed to not understand. Unwilling to understand more accurately. "What are you saying? That doesn't apply to this situation at all. Are you feeling quite alright?"

"That's...well what I mean to say is that I approved of the marriage t-therefore even if the case was taken to court it wouldn't last for very long. In fact I'd wager to say it would be thrown out immediately, there's *er* precedent..." she trailed off when she noticed the multitude of reactions her simple statement caused. There were the grandparents and their curious surprise, her old classmates looking to each other with shock and gaping excitement...

Her new daughter-in-law smiling ever so gently. And then there was her son, looking at her with such kind eyes. Encouraging eyes that told her he believed in her from the very beginning. It was...calming, truly it was no wonder how he made so many friends so quickly.

"Mizui!" The sharp bark diverted her attention back to her husband. He wasn't quite angry yet but he was definitely irritated. "What in the world do you think you're babbling about? For what possible reason would you ever consent to this marriage? If you did such a thing, we wouldn't have a case!"

"W-well that's precisely the point dear. I don't...I don't want there to be a court case." She mumbled it so quietly, the room needed to strain to hear but before her husband demanded she speak up, she did it on her own. "That's right, I don't want there to be any court case or legal action or any such thing!"

"Have you lost your mind! We were in agreement the last time this came up and you absolutely were not in favor! What is this nonsense?"

"*Ah* D-did I say that? I don't recall saying anything of the sort." She had no idea where that sass came from, but it felt good to call him out for lying. Immediately though, she regretted it when he advanced on her. Absolutely towering over her both physically and otherwise, it almost made her shrink back into herself, but if a girl half her age could stand up to her husband then she could to. "Oh you think this is funny do you? I never took you for the joking type." In other words, this was her last chance to take back what she said before he became truly cross. "It's not *ahem* it's not a joke. I'm quite serious." Her husband said nothing at first but bit by bit his brow began to furrow until he was glaring at her just as fiercely as any incompetent underling or boss. "I thought we talked about this. The absolute last thing I need right now is for you, you of all people, to undermine me."

"What I'm doing is quite the opposite, Sorano we shouldn't even be here right now! *Er* no offense Yu. Here, look!" She turned on her phone to show all the messages missed in the last few hours. 99+ displayed proudly on the screen along with all sorts of missed calls and full voicemail box and that was just his assistant's phone. "Everyone is wondering what on earth we're doing now. The company is still in a delicate transitional period, yes? What would the board say if they knew you were spending a not insignificant portion of time on unrelated matters? They'd begin to wonder if you're the right man for the job perhaps or worse. I believe they might be wondering that right at this very moment." She definitely had a point. The looks of shock on his teams' faces when he announced he wouldn't be in today was quite palpable but unwilling to go against the current golden boy they'd held their tongues. He'd risen all the way to president so surely he knew what he was doing. But how would they feel if they perceived his primary focus was on an unsanctioned marriage in the middle of nowhere? Not too favorably certainly. She was sure he would see the reason, calm down and-

"That's for me to decide, not you! Where do you get the nerve to try and tell me what I should and shouldn't be focusing on? You, who's never shouldered the burden of leadership trying to give such advice! I don't hesitate in saying you have no idea what you're talking about!" Mizui stepped back as though she were struck, for years she'd sat back and listened to him lay into others but now that she was on the receiving in she was learning just how unpleasant it really was. "What have I done to deserve such an insubordinate family when I've wanted nothing but the best for the two of you? How am I supposed to run a company if the future of this family isn't secure? The Narukami name will not end with a pathetic whimper in a run down inn!"

"Yes it will!" Her outburst surprised even herself. "*Er* that is to say it won't but...what I mean is our son never wanted the life we planned for him. It wouldn't be right to tear him away from the life he's always wanted because it's what we think he'd prefer. Not when he's been so clear what it is he wants, we've both just been too stubborn and blind to see it." Her impassioned plea didn't seem to phase him, no doubt he was thinking how a child could possibly know what he "wanted" when he hadn't even hit twenty yet. After a moment of silence, his lip curled downwards in an unpleasant grimace. "So you're choosing to back up our son on this instead of me? Do I have that right?" The question cut to her core and she took a moment to calm her breathing. This was the question she'd been preparing for for the past several weeks and now was the time to finally answer. "I haven't done anything yet, I'm simply advising that going through with this would be a terrible idea on multiple levels." It was a rather lukewarm answer that seemed to please no one but she wasn't quite finished just yet. Curling her hands until her knuckles turned white, she met her husband's eyes. "But if it comes down to it, I will support Yu first, yes."

Sorano actually took a step backwards from that, almost too much in shock to even respond. "You can't mean that! After everything you'd throw me aside just like that?" Mizui could feel herself feeling a bit of annoyance towards his dramatization. "I'm not throwing anything aside, Sorano. The only one who can make me do that is you. But if it came down to the wire, if you forced me to pick a side then I would choose my son." She turned from her husband then to gaze at him and he gazed back. It had been so long since she'd gotten the chance to really look at him, probably not since he was a baby. "Despite everything, I'm still his mother and a mother is supposed to protect their children...even from family."

"That's very touching dear, but did this realization of yours have to come at such an inconvenient time for me?"

"It's what I should have been doing from the beginning. I apologize if it interferes with your plans for him, but, you see, I'm not going to let you make our son miserable. It would be a disservice to all three of us and I believe you know this to be true, yes?" He stood stone still and for a moment she believed she'd truly gotten through to him. "If you'd just sit down and talk with our son and really listen to what he has to say-"

That seemed to rouse his anger like nothing else. His whole plan was now in shambles because of his usually compliant wife and now she was trying to lecture him in child rearing when she'd never lifted a finger on that front in the past. Immediately Mizui knew she'd pressed things a little too much and braced herself for the berating to come. First he derisively chuckled and put a smile on his face that didn't reach his eyes. "Oh I see what's going on now. You and our son had a little meeting behind my back didn't you? When was this?"

Looking to her feet in shame she muttered that it was during the Golden Week time he gave her. "Of course it was, it seems every time I give people a little time off it immediately backfires on me. Fool me once...*ah* but at least everything makes sense now."

"W-what do you mean?" She stuttered, confident she wouldn't like the answer.

"What I mean, Mizui is that you've been taken in, given the run around, taken advantage of. Our son won you over with honeyed words and a confident personality because he picked up on your weakness."

"M-my weakness?"

"Yes, your weakness. Because of your lack of backbone you're easily swayed by anyone with any amount of confidence. You just happened to hear Yu's argument last so now you're on his side of things." The pleasant veneer was dropped and now all that was left in its place was genuine spite.

Mustering up a meager amount of courage she stood a tiny bit straighter although it barely made a difference. "I-I've been nothing but faithful to you for years Sorano, how could you even think that?"

"Except when I need you the most. Haven't you realized you're just echoing our son's talking points? How could you be so stupid, Mizui!? Well I suppose that's just how you are isn't it? My dear wife," he nearly spat, "I call the shots and you follow, I still remember that little puppy dog smile on your face when I told you you didn't have to make decisions anymore. Now our son spins you a yarn and you go for the easy way out like you always have."

"I...I..." She couldn't deny what he was saying, not one bit and felt the tears begin to sting.

"When it came to actually raising our son, *oh*, you left that all to me because that was the hard part. But now that you start to feel a tiny bit of guilt over god knows what you break and immediately switch over. Spineless, spineless and-"

"That's enough!"

A hand struck out from the crowd and firmly grasped Sorano on the shoulder. From the deep reverb and strong grip he thought for a moment it might have been Dojima and while the detective looked about ready to strike him, the one who placed his hand on him was in fact his own son. His surprise was enough for Yu to speak before he even had a chance to collect his thoughts. "You cut in to our wedding, insult and threaten my family and to top it all off you don't even have the courtesy to bow out gracefully." Slowly moving in between his parents, he absorbed his father's full attention. "It's strange, I don't really feel sad or angry about this like I thought I would. Honestly I'm just tired father. I think about not having to deal with you and I feel legitimate joy in my heart and that's just not how things should be. But that's how you've made me feel," the boy gave a shrug and turned to Mizui. "Are you okay, mother?"

"Y-yes I'm fine." The woman didn't really think she deserved his sympathy, not when she'd stood idly by when her son endured the same verbal tirades; it was deeply appreciated nevertheless. "What he said just now...it's true but it's not true in the sense I won't be supporting you anymore. *Er* I won't let anything happen is what I mean to say."

"I know." Those two simple words lifted her heart out of the depths it found itself in just a moment ago and she quickly dabbed at her eyes before any could see. "Thank you," she whispered back and while he didn't acknowledge it, she knew he heard it. "You've always had a bad habit of beating around the bush son, either say what you mean or don't say anything at all." Yu actually smiled at that, he didn't think this next part could get any easier. "What I'm saying is I'm done with you. You once threatened to disown me if I didn't go through with the wedding, well I realized that's a two way street Mr. Narukami." His father chuckled at that, what on earth was this brat talking about, "disowning him." That's when his eyes widened when he realized what he'd just been called. "Do you think that's funny?"

"No, it's the absolute last thing I wanted to do but now that you've threatened my wife and the rest of our family I don't really have a choice in the matter. What kind of man would I be if I let something like that go? I'm sick of bending over backwards trying to bring you into the fold and I'm exhausted trying to think of any reason to keep you around. I'll speak frankly, I don't want you around me, my wife or especially my son. That life ban Yukiko talked about is a fantastic idea but I'm not going to just stop with the inn. I'm done with you Mr. Narukami."

Sorano opened his mouth to speak but couldn't find the words. One look into his son's eyes told him he was deadly serious about this, and he might even enjoy it on some level.

"Until the very moment you apologize to me for everything you've done and vow to not lay a finger on my family, you're dead to me. Now get out of my sight." Sorano was hearing the words but he could scarcely believe they were being said. "This is absurd! You can't just..."

"I can and I will. This is my family now and you're not a part of it. Leave us." Mr. Narukami laughed, how exactly was he planning on enforcing that? But Dojima stepping between the two of them answered that question. "You've been asked to leave multiple times, at this point what you're doing could be considered trespassing. And I just so happen to be a cop. I'd say I don't want things to get ugly but honestly I've been itching to do this since we first met. So what's it going to be?"

But the man scarcely noticed the police detective, looking straight past him as he continued to rant at his son. "You can't do this to me you ungrateful brat!" he exploded as Dojima took him by the arm. "After all this time and effort you're telling me I get nothing!? You're really going to just hide here forever, aren't you with your thumb up your ass!" But it didn't seem to phase Yu in the slightest, there was just a point where you became desensitized to it all and he'd hit that point during the last phone call. "Dojima-san, I don't mean to rush you but it wouldn't do to keep our guests waiting. Mr. Narukami has taken up enough of our time."

"*Ahahahahaha* you little punk. Maybe I should tell you how to do your job next time I'm in the area." With a much less jovial tone, he gave the man another sharp tug. "I'm not going to tell you again, let's go." The president could feel himself go slack and he didn't resist getting pulled to the shrine's door; this was really happening and he couldn't do a thing to stop it. Only when he was unceremoniously shoved out and the door slammed in his face did he snap out of it.

"Yu! Open this door this instant! Yu! Yu!" But all that met his demand was a cold unfeeling wooden door. "Son..." he found himself trailing off briefly before realizing his surroundings. The crowd that came to see the show hadn't yet dispersed and they were all privy to a front row seat of his humiliation. Regaining a semblance of composure, he adjusted his neck tie and calmly walked into the crowd. They let him pass through of course, too confused and stunned to react let alone ask questions as to what was going on. For a moment, he looked back towards the temple as though he was expecting someone to follow right behind him, but this time she didn't seem to be in a hurry to do so. Deciding it wouldn't be prudent to hang around here too long, lest someone recognize him, Sorano slowly made his way through the gathered people; he was almost in a trance as he walked and eventually paid no attention to the people around him, fading away in his mind like so much set dressing.