Gandara's prince and his fiancé had engendered bold plans - And both were sure they would be successful in matching Hikaru and Yomi that time.

Kinno had arrived very early in Gandara that Saturday, to set the details for the date going. The encounter between Hikaru and Yomi would take place later in the afternoon. They would all gather together, like a real loving family, and share some tea and conversation. And Kinno knew that time things had to be perfect, since Shura's plans about keeping Hikaru around as a tutor were at a halt.

Kinno felt very proud of himself while giving orders to the Palace servants, and supervising their preparations and the whole decoration. He needed to create the perfect romantic atmosphere. Having worked in the professional lover field, he knew how important such details could be. In fact, inspiring music or perfume could bring on in an unforgettable evening of romance or ruin it completely.

And Kinno did not want to ruin papa Yomi's and Hikaru's chance of being happy and loving one to the other.

He worked on the details and arrangements painstakingly and almost let some members of the Tower's staff crazy with his energetic presence. But none dared to contradict Kinno, or not to obbey him. The blond fox was already welcomed in Gandara as a true member of the Royal Family, with all pomp, circumstance and respect. And even ignorant why, they happily helped Kinno create the perfect love scenario on the Suspended Gardens found on the Tower's terrace.

Shura had taken Yomi to a meeting he had arranged with some Generals in the Guard's Headquarters. He had settled that reunion just to ensure Yomi would be away from the Tower while Kinno prepared everything.

Even being a Saturday, the only day they were allowed to date out of seven, the sweethearts were happy in letting go some of his precious hours together so that they could work on starting up the romance between those two stubborn lonely-hearts.

Finished, Kinno took a glance of approval to he beautiful decoration.

He had arranged that the romantic event be held under a rich canopy spread over part of the Gardens. There were the most beautiful flowers everywhere, and a soft, fluffly carpet was laid on the floor. There were many decorated cushions placed around a low center table, atop which Kinno had set the dishes and silver trays bearing succulent fruits, cake and cookies. The seductive aroma of incense flowed softly in the air, while a very slow, romantic background music could be heard, in an almost subliminar suggestion.

But the most important above all the preparations was the small ceramic flask that he had brought from home. The beverage inside was the assurance that such encounter would be a definitive one between Yomi and Hikaru.

Aphrodisiac!

Kinno was planning to prepare and serve the tea himself. Then, he would drop half of that flask's contents in Yomi's cup, and the other half in Hikaru's. Then all he and Shura needed would be to sit back, relax and watch things happen between those two!

Kinno jumped into Shura's arms when his sweetheart arrived.

The prince smiled and circled Kinno with an affectionate embrace. They exchanged a brief kiss, making their smiling mouths meet in a wet and tender touch.

"It is very beautiful, Kinno! You do have a penchant for decoration." He stated as he looked around, feeling proud of his fox.

Kinno giggled, and thanked Shura by squeezing him sweetly against his chest.

"Thanks, sugar! Your papa and Hikaru deserve all my dedication!"

Yomi's heir gave his fiancé a mischievous sideways smile, and groped his buttock. Kinno placed a noisy smack on Shura's brow, below his middle horn and fumbled with his glossy black hair. The blond fox did the same to Shura, sticking his hand under his coat's and squeezing his buttock sexily.

Shura's cheeks turned red for a while, but his eyes remained sweetily locked on Kinno's. They exchanged another kiss. The youko took a playful bite at Shura's lower lip and then slipped his tongue down along his chin. Shura took a deeper breath in, and in an involuntary gesture, tugged at his trousers. They became too tight around his groin all of a sudden...

"Have you brought the stimulant they need?'' Shura asked him.

Kinno assented, and showed the prince the small ceramic flask he had stuck in his belt.

"I asked daddy to make it a strong one. He said it is a love potion and a sexual tonic - Two in one. He assured me it never fails! They're gonna get a boner that is going to last for hours! They won't resist the heat!""

Shura sneered, imagining his father would have no other way than surrender to desire in Hikaru san's arms.

"Blondie, I'm curious... How did you convince your father to give you this tonic?"

It was Kinno's turn to blush. He cuddled coily to Shura, and leaned his head on his shoulder.

"I told daddy that you were having problems..."

"I?"

"Oh, honeybun... I told daddy that you were a little stressed because of your training and that I wanted to everything to be up during our Saturday date. What did you want me to say?"

"But I do not suffer from such problems!"

"Oh, sugar, I know, I know... But I had to make up an excuse. Daddy was so happy to help! I think in the end daddy loves the fact we're dating."

Shura snorted. He was still very uneasy about Kurama youko. He would never, never trust him...

"His happiness is not having you around for a whole day. He loves when you stay in Gandara with me."

"You're so hard on daddy sometimes, Shura..."

"I have my reasons. Everytime I look at my papa's shut eyes I remember how mean your daddy was to him in the past."

Kinno's joyful expression changed, and he lowered his alluring eyes for a moment. Shura needed to embrace him tighter, and kiss the tip of his nose to make him smile again.

"I'm sorry, Kinno. I know you love Kurama. Maybe after my papa becomes happy again in Hikaru's company maybe I will me more indulgent to your father, right?"

"Indul-what?"

"Forget it prettie... Just come here and give me a kiss..."

They kissed deeply then...

Hikaru had been the first one to arrive. It was Shura's task to welcome him at the Tower's gates, and then guide him all the way till the suspended Gardens.

All the while Shura tried to talk Hikaru into accepting his father's court, and be more receptive to him. He even briefly told the youko the way his father struggled to build that Empire. A City which stand out in the forest like a huge metallic jewel. He tried to explain his father's political beliefs and his plans for the Makai. Shura also made an emotive appeal about how lonely and needy King Yomi actually was behind all his authority and power.

But Hikaru was adamant in his hard judgement of his father.

Shura hoped the obstacles between that refined youko and his father could be surpassed soon. All in all, those differences would not really matter once they assumed the horizontal position. However, getting them to ever be in an horizontal position was the hardest thing he had ever imagined.

Hikaru seemed very suspicious of that whole situation. He kept repeating he was playing a role in that masquerade solely in consideration to Kinno. He made clear to Shura, a dozen times, he had not the slightest intention of alllowing King Yomi to engage in any type of relationship with him but strict friendship.

Hikaru became much more suspicious, even alarmed, when he reached the terrace and found the festive and romantic decoration that had been arranged. He easily recognized the blond youko's touch in it.

Hikaru stepped into the garden, and observed it all very calmly.

He avoided any criticism or reproach The grey youko mildly found his place, sitting on his heels in one of the cushions, keeping a very formal position, even though Shura insisted him to relax.

"I can see what you are planning. I do not intend to relax at all."

"No, Hikaru-san. It was my papa who asked us to make this a very special occasion. We admit we planned it all, and Kinno prepared this special decoration, but it was only because papa asked us to. The King wants to apologize, Hikaru-san. And maybe today he will declare his love to you - That's why we set up this special decoration."

Hikaru took another long look at the Gardens. The flowers and the perfume of the burning incense were indeed relaxant.

He gave the young Prince a somewhat annoyed glance.

"Yes... Whatever... But tell him to keep his hands off me."

The jovial giggling coming from the corridors announced Kinno. The blond youko walked in with Yomi, and the King showed a wide smile, apparently in a very good mood.

Shura cleared his throat loudly. Damn! His father's arm was circling Kinno's waist tightly... And to make it worse, the fox had his head leaned on Yomi's shoulder as they walked...

He kept his pinkish eyes locked on the couple, following Kinno's every gesture and expression as he guided his father through the garden. Hn! His father never needed to be guided by anyone. He was visibly taking advantage of Kinno's kindness.

It seemed it was Gandara's King who must get married right away, not the Heir Prince.

"Come, papa Yomi. We're gonna serve you delicious tea and cookies, and it is gonna be the best afternoon you ever had!" Kinno's smile did not fade away as   his solicit hands brought Yomi along with sweet gentleness. He bent down to fluff a large cushion, and push it closer to Hikaru, who watched the scene with silent but undeniable curiosity. "Here, papa.. Sit down next to Hikaru-san. my friend is gonna be very kind and loving to you..."

Yomi did what he was told, and the satisfaction for being so much pampered was evident in his wide smile.

Kinno stroked one of Yomi's horns, and he crouched down for a moment to kiss his brow, with delight.

"Be good to Hikaru-san, papa Yomi. I'm over there making company to my honeybun..."

Yomi caressed Kinno's face and his hand slipped down along his long hair when the youko got up slowly.

His smile vanished for a moment when his shut eyes fixed at Hikaru, who was very still by his side. Perhaps unconsciously, Yomi's shoulders tensed, and he kept his back very straight, shifting position to sit very formally on his ankles. It was then Hikaru scooted over a little to the side. He felt uncomfortable being too close to the King.

Hikaru bowed his head slightly in a cumpliment, and Yomi did the same. But there were no smiles, no kindness between them - Just ceremony.

"I feel honored to meet you again, King Yomi." Hikaru murmured when he realized it would be too rude if he did not say something.

"I feel much obliged for your presence. I was afraid you might not have accepted my apologies. You are always welcomed in Gandara."

Hikaru assented to the King's perfectly polite, although cold response. Then the grey fox twisted his hands on his lap, playing with the long sleeves of his tunic to distract himself. Yomi was blind, yes, but his energy was so intense around him, Hikaru felt as if the King was truly staring at him very intently.

Yomi smiled. The smile was very formal and affected in the beginning, but it changed into a true heartwarming beam when the King directed his attention to the young couple a little way away.

"You have embellished these gardens. I am enjoying the perfume and the music very much, as well as your company. Like always, I am marvelled by my future son-in-law's presence. Kinno, you are like a beautiful guiding star shining high all over my humble Kingdom!"

Kinno giggled, pressing one long lock of his hair on his mouth to coyly disguise his smile. Shura fixed a stern gaze at his father and took a deep breath in. He had to start distracting Yomi's attention from Kinno...

"And what do you say about Hikaru san's presence, papa? I am sure you enjoy his presence as much as you enjoy Kinno's company, don't you?"

Yomi perceived the hint. He could read his son's thoughts perfectly. Shura was concerned he was giving too much attention to Kinno, and overlooking Hikaru.

Well, in fact he was, but he had to take into consideration Shura was too jealous. Yomi could not suppose where he had acquired that particular trait - he had never been possessive towards any of his lovers.

"Certainly. Hikaru is a very entertaining and pleasing company," Yomi added, giving the grey youko a polite smile.
 
"Papa, Hikaru-san has just told me how impressed he is with the our city and the Tower. He was touched to know you started this whole Kingdom on your own."

The youko's blue eyes widened in shock after he heard that. Now Shura was starting to put words into his mouth? Inari! He could be a prince, but he had not the right to do that!

Hikaru raised his hand in an elegant gesture, trying to protest, but Kinno cut his attempt with his usual joviality and loudness. He was so happy with that encounter! The blonde youko could not wait till he saw Hikaru and Yomi jumping one in the arms of the other.

"Papa Yomi told me how much he likes your company, Hikaru! He finds you are by far the most elegant and graceful demon he ever met!"

Yomi's face grew intensely pale. 

"Hikaru also added you are a very handsome King, papa! He cannot believe such a gorgeous demon doesn't have a partner..."

Hikaru blushed intensely.

"Papa Yomi told me he is very impressed by your beauty and intelligence, Hikaru!"

Both King and grey youko halted, paralyzed by shock and terror. Hikaru's eyes locked at Yomi's shut eyelids, and the King's lips quivered as he tried to say something to justify himself. Of course it was a lie; but neither one dared to say it aloud and make the prince and the young blond youko lose face.

Yomi showed Kinno a sweet but disaprooving expression, gesturing him not to exagerate it too much. Hikaru frowned at Shura, apparently enraged by his clumsy and untrue intervention.

"Try not to embarass our guest, children... Please, it is enough..." Yomi begged, showing the youngsters a yellowish smile. "Also, do not abash me further, I beg you."

Shura agreed, waving his head very politely. But Kinno could not help but laugh when he realized how deeply embarrassed both Yomi and Hikaru were. They were too shy, even being such powerful demons! It was very funny!

"We just wanted you and Hikaru to get along fine, papa Yomi! Hikaru is my best friend, and you're my sweetheart's father - It would be too cool if you were..."

Shura tugged at Kinno's arm, shocked that Kinno might inadvertedly give away their plans.

"Friends!" He added, cutting Kinno vehemently. "We would be very pleased if you could be best friends!"

Kinno nodded his head vigorously. Then he excused himself, and got on his feet, saying he should serve them tea, cake and cookies he had prepared specially for that ocasion.

Yomi smiled again.

"I am very happy to see Shura has found not only a beautiful fiance, but also a gifted one. Your engagement makes me very happy, my children."

The blonde youko smiled and pointed at Hikaru.

"It was Hikaru who taught me everything!"

Yomi seemed surprised. It is then Shura got up to join Kinno and help him with the preparatives. They should let the two lonely-hearts on their own for a while to see if they could interact more friendly.

"Hikaru-san, tell my papa of the days you and Kinno lived together. I am sure it will entertain him..."

Saying this, the young lovers excused themselves for a moment. Kinno headed to the opposite part of the canopy, behind a finely decorated screen, where he would finish arranging the tea and the dishes. Shura and Kinno crouched behind the screen, finding peeping holes they had previously cut in the rice paper surface, to observe Yomi and Hikaru.

Kinno took the flask from his belt, and pulled out its cap very carefully. He exchanged a conspiratorial smile with Shura, and then dropped half the content into one of the four china cups, and then the other half into another.

"They're gonna be climbing up the walls, lollypop!"

"I'd prefer if they climbed one up the other..."

Kinno reassured his sweetheart with a soft kiss.

"They will. Don't worry. My daddy is very good with his plants!"

Shura assented, returning to his observation, while Kinno very carefully poured the tea, and arranged beautiful china plates with cookies and beautiful strawberries and peaches, and slices of fruitcake on a large tray.

Kinno blinked confusely when he looked at the four perfectly identical tea cups. Perhaps he should have marked them, or used different china, but then Hikaru could suspect... He had the impression he had forgotten which were the two special cups - maybe the two on the right; or the two on the left? He was not really sure...

Anyway, he knew nothing could go wrong! Their plans were so perfect! He knew everything would end well...
 

"We lived together like brothers. It is nothing like you might think..."

Yomi smiled too, appeasing Hikaru's worries with a soft gesture of his large, but gentle hand.

"Please, Hikaru-san. I know you are a virtuous youko. My son has already told me about this past story. Shura is very grateful of your kind intervention towards Kinno back then, and so I am." The King reached out to play with a cluster of beautiful and perfumed lillies, which were arranged on a vase right by his side. "I know I have offended you in our latest interchange, but I do not intend to commit the same mistake again. I assure you."

Hikaru bowed his head slightly.

"Thank you for your understanding." He calmly raised his blue eyes then. Establishing conversation seemed to be a good way to relax and let time pass. Hikaru looked forward setting himself free of those encounters with Yomi-sama. He had other demons with whom to occupy his time and his attention. Gandara was a large city; a very good place to find the tracks of those he chased. "I am happy to see Kinno is adapting himself easily to Gandara. My friend has suffered much in his life. He deserves all happiness there can be in our Demon World."

Yomi leaned forward, and Hikaru pulled himself back, avoiding the closeness.

"And you? You are well-adapted to Gandara, yes?"

Hikaru acquiesced, but his expression still showed a little discomfiture.

"To speak the truth I don't feel at ease in Gandara. I feel I am watched wherever I go."

"It is my surveillance system allied to my perception. I can sense and hear all that is done or said in my domains."

Yomi displayed a beautiful but proud smile, but Hikaru softly shook his head, in a quiet denial. He did not approove such methods at all.

"Then this is the reason why Gandarans seem so stressed and anxious. They are pushed into obedience by your methods. This is a very totalitarian way of keeping your power, Yomi-sama. Your people do not respect you; they fear you."

Yomi agreed.

"Fear is my ally. It is not easy to be a Makai Lord, and I use whatever means at my disposal in order to reach my ends. Makai is a land where Power and an Iron Fist are the only ways to build a respected and victorious Kingdom."

Hikaru's expression became stern and focused. His shoulders tensed, and his tail bumped the cushions tightly.

"I do not share your opinion. This is the way of a tyrant. I believe respect and tradition are the foundations of an ideal Kingdom."

Yomi laughed, frankly amused by Hikaru's opinion.

"That is not enough to keep a Kingdom united. It could have been in the past, but times have changed. Presently power rules all over the Makai."

A furrow marked Hikaru's brow. He narrowed his eyes and fixed a severe gaze at Yomi.

"A respected King should base his governement on his wisdom, not solely on his power. The best King is the one who rules with wisdom, justice and kindness."

Yomi laughed louder.

"Oh, Hikaru-san! You are such a bleeding heart! How have you managed to survive in the Makai so far bearing such soft nature?"

The fox's ears prickled up and then twitched. The youko felt a shiver of outrage run upwards his spine, and he tensed up, clenching his fists on his lap.

"I am not soft! You are mistaken about me again, Yomi sama! You mistake politeness for complacence! I have come from a Kingdom where rulers were noble and wise demons, and not tyrants like you!"

Yomi's lips showed a sneer.

"The Kingdom where you came from might lack despots but there abounded false demagogues, yes?"
 
Hikaru's face flushed, and a surge of indigation filled him. He held his breath and pressed his lips tightly. It was the only way to control himself and avoid being rude. Shura had let the fact Yomi did not have a noble ascendence slip. It might explain why he was so discourteous sometimes.

"You are offending me again, King Yomi..." Hikaru warned him.

"You offended me first. I am not a tyrant. You have no idea of what a tyrant is like! I wield my power with energy but also with Justice!"

"No Government based on fear and oppression is fair!"

Yomi's expression changed. His soft sneer gave way to a tense frown. He pointed a finger a Hikaru, waving it in the air as he spoke.

"What are you? A harbinger of Anarchy? You are just a  libertarian who knows nothing of power and government! Have you ever ruled? Have you ever sat on a Throne to judge what is better or not?"

The color was washed away from the youko's face. His attitude changed then. He meekily lowered his head, addressing Yomi a very soft and sorrowful murmur.

"I have never ruled, and I never will. Forgive me if my beliefs have offended you somehow..."

Yomi acquiesced, granting Hikaru his pardon in a kingly fashion.

The youko huddled a little, lowering his head enough for his hair to slide down along his face and conceal his features. He breathed deeply then, but did not make any other comments. Yomi respected his silence remaining very still till the other two demons rejoined them.

"Everything is ready! Kinno is going to serve us the tea now."

Shura stepped into view and sat cross-legged on a cushion across from Yomi and Hikaru. He heard very distinctly the grey youko whisper he would rather have something stronger than tea.

"Are you feeling fine, Hikaru-san?" The prince asked, concerned with the grey fox's sorrowful mood.

Hikaru nodded, avoiding to justify himself. It was then that, hopefully for a relieved Hikaru, all attention was drawn towards Kinno. The blond youko was walking back to them. Yomi smiled again, directing his shut eyes to the beautiful appearance as Kinno walked forward, graciously carrying a tray.

A delicious perfume filled the air, rising form the tea cups.

"Ah! What a delicious scent! It certainly is a very special blend, my son!"

Kinno chucked. Kurama's son left the tray at the low center table around which they sat, and arranged the fruit and the dishes. Then he headed straight to Yomi. He kneeled down before the King with elegance, serving him tea the in same polite and graceful way he had been taught in his former occupation.

"Papa first..." Kinno announced, bringing the cup to Yomi's hands, always smiling sexily, elegant and arresting in every small but carefully studied gesture. "Drink it all up, papa... I made it with all my love especially for you..."
 
Shura swallowed hard when he saw Yomi and Kinno exchange one quick, but very sensual smooch. He only relaxed again when his fiance moved on, and then bent his knee before Hikaru, to serve him his share.

The blond youko hesitated for an instant. He seemed a little confused, but after a while he chose one of the remaining cups and handled it gently to Hikaru, always smiling.

"Here, my friend. Drink it up. This tea will make you feel much much better!"

Hikaru looked into the cup, contemplating the aromatic pinkish tea for a short moment. Then he heaved a deep sigh.

"Tea is not what I had in mind... Thanks anyway, my brother..."

Kinno's smile vanished for a second. Hikaru seemed too sad. He only called him brother openly before others when he felt too much hurt indeed.

"What happened, Hikaru?" He asked, in a very soft murmur, leaning closer to his friend.

"Nothing." Hikaru raised his eyes then, struggling to show the blond youko a smile. "Everything will be fine. Thanks for your attention."

Kinno agreed with kindness, then got on his feet.

The grey youko nestled the cup in his lap, and covered it with his fingers, waiting for the others to be served. His eyes followed the sweet way Kinno served Shura  and then sat by his side. Kinno reached outfor his own cup and was enveloped by Shura's arms. The young lovers started to savor their tea then, and Hikaru accompanied them.

Yomi called the lovebirds's attention with a husky comment, after drinking some tea.

"It tastes great, Kinno. It is just like you - Hot and spicy!"

Kinno giggled and thanked the King with a sexy tilt of his head. Then he blew Yomi a kiss. Coincidentally or not, Shura tightened his arm around Kinno's waist, as if reassuring himself of his presence, and gazed very gravely at his father.

Hikaru was in a corner, away from Yomi. He remained very formal and reserved as always. There were only two alternatives for his behavior - either he had been fixed, or he had not drank the love potion. On the other hand Yomi had not stopped telling dirty jokes and flirting with Kinno for a single instant. Worst of all is that Kinno merrrily accepted Yomi's insinuations. The blond fox had crawled the distance across them, leaving Shura alone to nestle his head on Yomi's chest.

It did not take long for Shura to panic. He realized Kinno must have changed the cups...

"I had all kinds of clients! Many youkai solicited my services..."

Shura had tried to distract Kinno with other kind of conversation, but the blond youko insisted in telling them a series of dirty little secrets from his former clients. He was sitting very close to Yomi. So close in fact the King had his arm around his shoulders, and stroked his sheeny golden hair as he spoke.

"The weirdest client I had was a tall, strong guy who was into extreme piercing, named Shigure..."

Yomi smiled and leaned forward, very interested in the story.

"Poor Kinno... He mistreated you, yes? He was a wicked youkai..." Yomi commented, sliding his hand down along the youko's back.

"He had piercings in such odd places! When I found he was my customer, I  got very scared. But I found he wanted me to be on top!"

Shura became red in the face, but Yomi prompted Kinno to go on.

"He wore women's panties under his clothes!" Kinno continued.

Yomi laughed so hard he even choked.

"I regret not having hired you when you were available, Kinno. I have a couple of secrets I would have loved to share with you..."

Shura cleared his throat, and fidgeted impatiently, but his father did not even bother to notice his discomfort. The King leaned closer to Kinno and nuzzled his neck and his hair, breathing deeply to enjoy his honey and musk perfume. He had sensed that day Kinno's scent was distinctively attractive... Yomi did not know what was going on, but he could not let go of that gorgeous golden youko... He felt as if he were in heat...

"Papa...  You can still share your secrets with me... Shura is not jealous..."

Shura did not appreciate at all listening to Kinno's statement.

"Father! Have you forgotten why we are here! You are a King! You can't act this way!" Shura exclaimed, shocked with his father's roguish behaviour.

"Don't be such a kill-joy, Shura! I am the King, and I am your father as well! Two reasons for you to obbey be inconditionally! Shut up and don't complain, or I will ground you for three months and steal your lovely fiancé to myself!"

Shura's chin quivered, with anger, and also with the urge to cry. It was only the effect of that cursed tea! It must be! His father would never betray him that way...

"Papa! Why don't you entertain yourself with Hikaru and let Kinno to me?"

Yomi tilted his head toward the grey youko, who had wisely pulled himself at a safe distance from all that insanity. Before Yomi could retort, Hikaru waved his index finger in the air in a firm and unmoving negative.

"I am not his kind a youko! Let him entertain himself with a hole on the wall!" The blue eyed fox declared, indignant. He poured some more tea for himself and reached out for some strawberries. For him everything was fine as long as Yomi remained at a respectful distance.

Kinno giggled, and kissed Yomi's lips. And Shura was deadly sure it was a french kiss that time...

Gandara's heir got up and clenched his fists, determined to put an end to that ridiculous and adulterous scene.

"I miss a soft youko tail nestled against my thighs..." Yomi stated then, showing a debauched smile while pinching playfully the side of Kinno's waist.

 "Ouch! Papa Yomi! you're so naughty! Don't tickle me! I'm gonna give you what you want if you promise not to tickle me!"

Then, to Shura's surprise, the blond youko jumped to Yomi's lap, making his behind fit the space between his crossed legs.

Yomi groaned when Kinno wriggled his butt against his lap. He circled the blond youko with his arms, and squeezed him, pressing him very close to him...

"Oh.. Kinno... You're so hot..."

"Ahn... Papa... Come... Be good to Kinno..."

A pair of wide pink eyes stared in total panic at that terrorific scene, watching Yomi and Kinno meet their lips in a passionate kiss...

Shura hurried forward, and he grasped Kinno by one arm, dragging him out of his father's reach with such a despair and vigour, that the youko gave out a cry of pain...

Kinno tried to protest, and Yomi got on his feet, visibly enraged for being interrupted.

Shura clinched his arms around Kinno's waist, with wide eyes and a totally scared and outraged expression.

"He is my youko, papa! Kinno is mine! Go get your own youko!" Shura protested loudly, almost hysterically, lifting a kicking blond youko in his arms and lying him across his shoulders.

Yomi tried to convince his son it was not a reason to alarm.

"My son... We were just playing... Come here.. Haven't I taught you to share?"

The prince burst in an uncontrollable fury.

"No! I won't share! Keep your hands off him! Kinno is my youko!"

Kinno kicked and wrigled, trying to get off Shura's shoulders, but the youkai's arm was firm and tight around his waist, pinning him in place. But he still protested in a loud, crying voice.

"I wanna play with papa Yomi! Papa said he is going to show me his scepter! I wanna see it!!"

Shura walked backwards, keeping an eye on Yomi. Shura had promised to himself at that moment that if Yomi tried to give a single step forward to take Kinno from him, there would be a war in Gandara intense enough to tear the whole Makai apart...

"Son... Be reasonable... You can't opress your fiancé like this. Don't you trust Kinno? Don't you trust me?"

Shura took some more steps behind. He was almost reaching the gateway to leave the terrace... Perhaps if  he could take Kinno to his room he would be able to entertain him enough for him to forget his father. Then with time the effects of that arousing tea would fade away.

"No! I don't trust you! Stay back, papa! Don't come after us till you're back to your normal senses!!"

Yomi obbeyed. He lowered his head, very sorrowfully.

"Alone again..." Yomi murmured, when Shura, still carrying Kinno on his shoulder, left the terrace, hurrying back into the building... "What am I going to do? It is very tragic when your own son does not trust you any more..."

Left alone with Yomi, Hikaru sneaked out to lay his hand over the earth in one of the flower beds next to him. He was ready to summon his you-ki and defend himself in case the King decided a grey youko could be a good substitute for Kinno...

However, Yomi did not care in the slightest about Hikaru's presence. He slid his hands along the front of his coat and breathed deeply. Then he let out an almost imperceptible moaning sound.

"Kinno is so sweet.. If I had met him before my son did..." Yomi smiled then, and
turned his attention to the quiet youko who sat in the corner. He was such a plain and tasteless fox! "I can still feel Kinno's perfume in the air; it is driving me crazy..."

Hikaru looked up, but then he looked down again, blushing with embarassment, avoiding to stare at the volume that pointed out from under the King's clothes.

"I think you should better recompose yourself, Yomi-sama..." He suggested, very softly, pouring more tea for himself, as an excuse to avoid looking up at the King. It was a very embarrassing situation. He hoped King Yomi would not try to jump on him - He would be forced to fight him back...

Yomi touched his own lower abdomen and found the hard evidence of his excitement. He blushed even more intensely. He had always managed to keep control...  Why did it happen? Probably it was a side effect of the tea...

"Excuse me, Hikaru-san... Some urgent matters of State require my immediate attention..."

"Naturally... I can see the nature of such urgent matters. I hope you intend to solve them on their own, because I am not inclined to try to help at all."

Yomi was so abashed he lowered his head.

"I can take care of everything on my own... Excuse me..."

Yomi smiled slightly, and walked out of there, a little bent, a little tight, and in a hurry, not even caring to look over his shoulder.

Hikaru just shook his head.

What a weird family reunion... If Gandara leaders were crazy like that, he could understand why their subjects were so over-stressed.

The grey youko relaxed. Now that he was on his own, he finally felt himself at ease. He sighed out, relieved, and continued to drink his tea, very calmly...
 

 To Be Continued...