Unselfish Wish

Chapter 12- Faith in Her Family

"Fumi-chan! You're beautiful!" Hinata hugged her tightly. The others surrounded her and agreed. Kiyoshi stood back, watching. He was thrilled to see her looking so lovely but incredibly worried. She walked over to him.

"So, what do you think of the gifts? Do they not go very well together?" She grinned at him.

"Yes. Perfectly. You are more beautiful than anything I've ever seen." He meant it wholeheartedly. For as long as he had lived there was nothing he wanted so much as he wanted her. He could watch her forever and be content. The uncertainty of how things between them were going to turn out was killing him.

She blushed, extremely happy. Suddenly, he heard her voice in his mind. Thank you Tsukiyomi, for allowing me this time with him. It's been a lovely day. He stared at her. Did she mean him? He really wanted to ask but didn't dare. Normally he couldn't hear prayers while in his human form.

"Fumi-chan, can I ask you something strange?" He asked, unsure of exactly how he wanted to proceed. His voice was hoarse.

"Sure." She smiled up at him.

"Do you believe in gods?" Her head tilted to the side. It was clearly not the type of question she expected.

"Absolutely. I've met some in person." She said it with absolute confidence.

"I'm not sure you should just announce that so easily...." He hedged. It was risky, many humans would think she was crazy if she said things like that.

"Kiyo-kun, I feel safe telling you everything. Both my grandfathers are gods. I've met them a few times. What's funny is that Fuujin isn't nearly as scary as people think, though Ryuujin is certainly intimidating. But they both have love for humans and are kind at heart." His jaw nearly dropped. She was talking about two major gods that were known for their ruthless tempers as if they were normal grandfathers. There was a reason they were often depicted with beastly demeanors. It was a reputation well-earned.

"Ummm. If you say so, Fumi-chan. Shall we cut the cake?" He turned toward the table, not really sure how to respond to her without giving himself away.

"Hmm Kiyo-kun, I'm not sure that you believe me." She peeked around his shoulder and waggled her eyebrows as he bent over the cake. He took a deep breath. Playful Fumiko was rare and precious. She truly made it difficult to hold himself back.

"No, of course I believe you." She was leaning against his arm, and he could feel the lust growing. His mind was in turmoil trying to focus on the task at hand rather than the beautiful soul touching him. Hinata noticed and almost laughed out loud. Such a clumsy god! I'll rescue you this time. She watched him squirm for another minute before swooping in, giving him a knowing wink. He was so much fun to tease, even if it was crazy to think he even allowed it.

"Fumi, come here for a moment and let me look at your obi." She made eye contact with Kiyoshi and he nodded his thanks as Fumiko walked away for a moment. He managed to get his instinct to carry her off and screw the rest under control. Logically, she’d be safe forever in Takamagahara anyway. It was not like him to wait things out and he was struggling. Patience had never been his strong suit, or he'd never have killed Ukemochi and pissed off Amaterasu like he had.

They then sang and served the cake, all laughing happily. Fumiko noticed the underlying sense of seriousness though, and wondered about it. Everyone went home happily, with Kiyoshi the last to leave. He stood on the porch with Fumiko, alone. She looked up at him softly. She was still hoping he might kiss her, though she was sure it was only on her mind. She was shocked that her mind had taken such a turn in the last few days. She'd never considered romance before, and the thoughts colored her cheeks a lovely dark pink.

"Umm, Fumiko, may I ask you something?" He said nervously.

"Yes, Kiyoshi, of course. What is it?" Her direct gaze continued. He was finding this more difficult than it should be for a god. It wasn't like what he wanted was a difficult request, but he had become inexplicably tongue-tied with the way she was looking up at him tenderly. It was as if his brain had ceased to function.

"Will you agree to meet with me twice a week?" After it was said, he realized that his request could be misinterpreted. She seemed puzzled but continued to smile. He sighed internally, disappointed with himself. Oh how the mighty god had fallen. Fallen for his beautiful Fumiko.

"May I ask what for?" She queried, her tongue darting over her bottom lip as her eyes flicked to his lips. Dammit, he thought, if I didn't know better I'd think she was wanting... a kiss?

"Er, well, I want to teach you some protective techniques. You know how you mentioned your divine heritage?" She nodded, her smile less bright than before. No, no, my darling, please don't be so disappointed. "Well, I have been trained in some magic, and I could sort of tell that you had some divinity. Um, it could be dangerous if you don't know anything about your power, so.." She seemed to have withdrawn slightly, taking her hand from his arm. Damn it.

"Oh, yes, of course. Papa has tried and I always told him it wasn't necessary, but I have noticed many more dark intentions than I used to." She was looking down now, and speaking softly. "Certainly, you are the first person I've shared my background with, and the person I'm the most comfortable with." Her shoulders sagged slightly, refusing to look in his eyes. Did I somehow hurt her feelings? He was confused.

"Shall we set up a schedule at school tomorrow?" He pushed, even if it was upsetting her. Her safety was more important than anything else. Feelings could be dealt with once the threats were handled.

"Um, okay. I'm very sorry Kiyoshi, but I'm a bit tired." She turned to go in, and he grabbed her arm. He really wanted to hug her and tell her everything, but it was definitely not the right time.

"I have one more gift for you. It's very old-fashioned, but it will help protect you from harm." He pulled out a teal ribbon with a carved jade butterfly and fastened it on her. "You go in first." She did, running up to her room with mixed emotions.

He turned towards the street, changing forms once hidden by the wall. He was even more beautiful and imposing, his silver eyes glowing with anger. There were several large yokai waiting for him. He pulled out his sword and spoke first at the growling masses.

"Alright, Yokai scum. This human is under my protection. Make sure you spread the word. Any that persist I will kill. You know my reputation." A few ran at him and were instantly dispatched. The others ran away, hurling curses at him over their shoulders. The Yokai always seemed so greedy. Some were more reasonable, but it was like the need to fight for more power was just irresistible to them.

He looked back at the house, feeling like someone was watching. Nobody could be seen. He hoped it was simply Fumio or Aiko. Explaining to Fumiko would be difficult at this time.

Fumiko hid herself. She was absolutely certain that she had just seen Tsukiyomi fighting for her. He was so beautiful. She frowned. Her heart was beating quickly just from seeing him? What about Kiyoshi? He also made her heart beat fast. She fell to her knees. Which one do I love?