Christmas edition | Asami and Eiski Chapter IV

• It's January the 1st The time is 9:00AM. The start of not just a beautiful day, but the beginning of entirely new year. The sun risen high above the clouds creating a stream of lights that's coming down upon the city of Zoji, smothered in thick layer of snow. As the sun continues to rise, the first ray of sunlight filters through curtains of bedroom, gradually flooded every dark space of the room until finally landed upon {{user}}. Slowly, his eyes flutter open, adjusting to the bright light, instinctively lifting a hand from below the silky sheet to shield his eyes from the sunlight. The effort he made was rather sluggish and languid given how half-baked his brain was still processing. His eyes are glued to the bedroom window, watching as the snow continues to cascade over the city momentarily before something rich and sweet catches his attention. He shuffles in the bed, the bedsheet clinging stubbornly to his body as he lifts himself upright preparing to leave the bed. Though before he could, footsteps could be heard from the hallway, rapidly approaching his bedroom. Without warning, the door slams open abruptly, shortly followed by feminine frame rushing in and lunging forward. Her movements are blur before {{user}} has the time to react, let alone the time to comprehend what going on as he felt the full weight of somebody crashing down upon his body. His body tenses and his eyes fluttered closed reflexively from the impact before reopening and looking down at her nuzzling tightly against his chest.* Good morning.* She says softly as she nuzzles further into the inviting warm from {{user}} chest, her hands snaking around his chest to his back, savoring the contours of his muscles. She stared up at him, eagerly studying his expression, Her tail swishing excitedly back and forth occasionally slapping against her thigh.* It today...* She starts, her voice carried a hint of unrestrained excitement, her sliver eyes gleaming with joy as they lock with his.* Today is the Christmas festival my love. Hurry up and get ready.* She demanded, puncturing her words with a kiss against his cheek. The gesture was tender, despite the rush and thrill in her voice. She was reluctantly to release him to soon, she move to nuzzle into his neck, inhale his scent with a content sigh before exiting the bed and sauntering today the curtains. Opening them and revealing them to outside world, her pupils dilating as she watches the city covered in a thick blanket of snow before redirecting her attention to {{user}}.* My mom is downstairs make us some breakfast.* She walks towards the bedroom door pausing to give one last look over her shoulder before leaving, her gaze roaming over {{user}} form--who has yet to leave the same spot he been since last night. A know smile forms across her features* Seriously {{user}} ,c'mon. Or I'll drag you out of bed if I have to.

*The pale morning sun crept through the frost-covered windows of Yami's bedroom, casting crystalline patterns across the floor. Outside, fresh snowflakes drifted lazily from the overcast sky, blanketing the City of Zoji in pristine white. Inside the warm house, the scent of breakfast—eggs, bacon, and something sweet—wafted up from the kitchen below. Eiski stood at the foot of {{user}} bed, her sliver ears twitching with barely contained energy as she stared at his completely motionless form buried under the covers. Her tail swished back and forth behind her, a telltale sign of her growing impatience.

She'd already tried everything in her playful arsenal—poking his cheek, tugging gently on his hair, even lightly bouncing on the edge of the mattress. Nothing. The corner of her lips pulled into a determined pout as she leaned closer, her breath visible in the cool morning air despite the heater running.

{{user}}, she whined softly, drawing out his name as she grabbed his shoulder and gave it another gentle shake. C'mon, wake up! It's New Year's Day! We have presents and the festival and— Her words trailed off as he didn't even stir. Her gray eyes narrowed playfully as an idea struck her. She inhaled deeply, preparing to try a different tactic, when Asami's voice rang out from downstairs.

Breakfast is ready! Come down before it gets cold!

The sound of footsteps ascending the stairs followed almost immediately. Eiski straightened up, her ears perking toward the hallway just as her mother appeared in the doorway. Asami's expression shifted from expectant to utterly exasperated in an instant, her light blue eyes widening slightly as they landed on {{user}}'s still-sleeping form. One hand moved to her hip while the other unconsciously reached up to twirl a strand of her split-colored hair between her fingers—a clear sign of her growing frustration.

*You're telling me he's still asleep? *Asami's voice carried that distinctive mother-like tone, though it was edged with disbelief. Eiski, how long have you been trying to wake him?

Eiski turned to face her mother with an almost sheepish expression, her tail drooping slightly. *Like... ten minutes? Maybe fifteen? I tried everything, Mom! He won't budge even a little bit! *She gestured dramatically at {{user}}'s peaceful sleeping face. *I poked him, I shook him, I even talked really close to his ear!

*Asami's lips pressed into a thin line as she stepped fully into the room, her two tails swaying behind her with purposeful movement. The scent of vanilla—her natural fox musk—grew stronger as she approached the bed, stronger than the breakfast aromas from downstairs. Her sharp canines became slightly more visible as her jaw tightened in mild irritation.

*On New Year's Day of all days, *she muttered, mostly to herself, before her gaze softened fractionally as it shifted between her daughter and {{user}}. *Well, we can't exactly leave him up here all day. The festival starts in a few hours, and we still need to get dress. *She crossed her arms under her ample chest, her light blue jacket shifting with the movement. Any suggestions, or should I try my method?

The way she said 'my method' carried a slightly mischievous undertone that made Eiski's eyes light up with curiosity and amusement.

Eiski's ears perked forward with obvious interest, her gray eyes practically sparkling as she looked between her mother and the still-sleeping {{user}}. Her tail began swishing with renewed energy, the tip flicking back and forth in anticipation. She took a small step back from the bed, giving her mother space while clearly eager to see what Asami had in mind.

Ooh, what's your method, Mom? Eiski asked, her voice bright with curiosity. A playful grin spread across her face as she tilted her head. Is it something cool? Something that'll definitely work?

Asami's expression shifted into something between amusement and mild exasperation. Her fingers continued to twirl through her split-colored hair—a nervous habit that betrayed her slight embarrassment at what she was about to do. The corner of her lips quirked upward ever so slightly, revealing just a hint of her sharp canines. Her two tails swayed behind her in a synchronized rhythm, and she let out a soft, resigned sigh.

It's... effective, she replied, her voice carrying that sweet, motherly tone despite the mischievous glint in her light blue eyes.* Though I'd prefer not to resort to it on an empty stomach. But since he's being this stubborn...

She moved closer to the bed with graceful, deliberate steps. The vanilla scent that clung to her intensified as she leaned over Yami's sleeping form, placing one hand on her hip while the other reached down to gently pull back the covers just enough to expose his peaceful face. Her long hair cascaded forward, the silky strands catching the pale morning light filtering through the frost-covered window. For a moment, she simply studied him—noting the relaxed set of his features, the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the complete and utter lack of awareness that two very determined fox-women were looming over him.

{{user}},* Asami called out, her voice taking on a firmer edge. You have exactly five seconds to wake up, or I'm going to make this morning very uncomfortable for you. She paused, counting silently in her head. Five... four... three...

When he still didn't stir, Asami straightened up with a decisive huff. Her tails bristled slightly with playful irritation as she turned to Eiski.*

Step back, sweetie. This might get a little... intense.

*Without further warning, Asami positioned herself at the edge of the bed, her voluptuous frame casting a shadow over {{user}}'s sleeping form. Her sharp gaze focused on him with laser-like intensity, and then—with movements both graceful and purposeful—she reached down and grabbed one of his arms. In one fluid motion, she hoisted him partially upright, letting his dead weight slump against her shoulder.

*Alright, sleepyhead, *she murmured directly into his ear, her warm breath ghosting across his skin. *You asked for this.

*Eiski watched with wide eyes and barely contained giggles, one hand covering her mouth as her mother maneuvered {{user}} like he weighed nothing at all. The younger fox-woman's tail wagged so hard it was practically a blur behind her.

With Yami's arm still in her firm grip, Asami's light blue eyes narrowed with determination. Her two tails swished behind her in perfect synchronization as she leaned down closer to his ear, her vanilla scent washing over him in an overwhelming wave. The warmth of her breath tickled against his skin as she inhaled deeply, preparing herself for what she was about to do.

Then, without any further warning, Asami's lips parted—and she released the most exaggerated, theatrical gasp directly into {{user}}'s ear, followed immediately by her sweet voice rising to an almost panicked pitch.

*YAMI! THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE! EISKI'S IN DANGER! WAKE UP RIGHT NOW!

*Her voice cracked with fake urgency, and she shook his shoulder with enough force to make his whole body jolt. Eiski's hand flew to her mouth as she tried desperately to suppress her laughter, her gray eyes watering with the effort. Her tail had stopped wagging entirely as she doubled over slightly, her shoulders shaking with silent giggles.

Asami maintained her act for exactly three more seconds before she straightened up, crossing her arms under her chest and staring down at {{user}} with an expression that somehow managed to be both amused and exasperated. Her fingers drummed against her bicep as she waited, one eyebrow arched expectantly. The corners of her pink glossy lips twitched upward despite her best efforts to maintain a stern demeanor.

*Nothing? Really? *She turned her head toward Eiski, her split-colored hair cascading over her shoulder with the movement. *Your turn, sweetie. Maybe he'll respond better to you.

*Eiski wiped at her eyes quickly, trying to compose herself before stepping forward. She placed both hands on the edge of the mattress and leaned over {{user}}'s face, her sliver ears folding back slightly as she studied him with mock seriousness. Her breath came out in soft puffs of visible air as she spoke.

*Yami... if you don't wake up right now, Mom and I are gonna eat all the breakfast. Every. Single. Bite. She paused dramatically, her nose twitching. Including that special french toast Mom made just for you.

*Asami's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the french toast—she absolutely had made it special for him, with extra cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, exactly how she'd learned he liked it over the past year. The realization that her daughter was weaponizing her cooking made her lips press into a thin line, though the amusement dancing in her light blue eyes betrayed her true feelings.

Oh, that's playing dirty, Asami murmured approvingly, moving to stand beside her daughter. Both fox-women now loomed over {{user}}'s sleeping form, their combined vanilla and blueberry scents creating an intoxicating mixture in the cool morning air. *But if that doesn't work... She trailed off meaningfully, one of her tails reaching out to gently prod at {{user}}'s side in a ticklish spot.

The first rays of winter sunlight filtered through the frosted windows of {{user}}'s bedroom, casting pale golden streaks across the wooden floor. The city of Zoji lay beneath a fresh blanket of snow, the streets eerily quiet in the early morning hours. As {{user}} stirred from sleep, his eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light. The chill in the air made him pull the blanket tighter for just a moment before he finally sat up, running a hand through his hair. That's when he heard it—a soft, melodic humming echoing from the hallway.

Making his way to the door, {{user}} cracked it open just enough to see Eiski practically bouncing down the hallway, her silver tail swaying rhythmically behind her as she hummed what sounded like a cheerful tune. Her gray eyes sparkled with unmistakable excitement, and she clutched a bundle of fresh clothes against her chest. She was so absorbed in her own world that she didn't even notice {{user}} peeking out. The moment she disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of running water soon followed, accompanied by more enthusiastic humming that echoed through the pipes.

Downstairs, the savory aroma of breakfast drifted up through the house—a mixture of something warm and comforting that made {{user}}'s stomach quietly growl. He descended the stairs carefully, each step deliberate and soft as he attempted to surprise Asami. But just as his foot touched the last step, her voice cut through the silence like a blade through silk.

"You know, for someone trying to be stealthy, you really should work on your breathing pattern, {{user}}." Asami's voice carried that familiar sweet yet teasing tone as she stood at the stove, her back still turned to him. Her long split-colored hair cascaded down her back in elegant waves, and her twin tails swished slightly as she flipped something in the pan with practiced ease. She glanced over her shoulder, her light blue eyes catching his with an amused glint. "Did you really think you could sneak up on me?"

A small, satisfied smile played at the corners of her glossy pink lips as she turned her attention back to the cooking. The kitchen was filled with warmth—both from the stove and from her presence. She was wearing her white long-sleeve shirt with the fox emblem, the fabric hugging her curves in a way that was both casual and elegant. Her white joggers with blue stripes completed the comfortable morning look.

"Besides," she continued, using a spatula to transfer perfectly golden pancakes onto a plate, "you should be more concerned about the package that arrived this morning. Someone unfamiliar to me left it at the door—though the name on it suggests you know them quite well." Her tone shifted slightly, carrying a hint of curiosity mixed with that protective edge she always had when it came to strangers. "A friend of yours, I presume?*

{{user}} Answered with subtle nod* Yeah, it's from Derek.* {{user}} takes a step towards the other end of L-shape kitchen where the late-present was left at. Upon opening the gift, it made {{user}} eyes widen into tiny dots as a wave of panic and trepidation course through him. Inside the box had a collar with dog leash and note beside said---Sorry for late gift, {{user}}. I nearly forgot you told me you had a pet dog, so I wanna send this for you--From Kyle. * Dammit.* {{user}} mutters under his breath, his eyes flickering back and forth between the gift and Asami, his hand running nervously through his hair trying to come up with something to cover this up. He completely forgot he lied to Kyle about having a pet dog in order to conceal the indentity of two fox women, he's harbored in his home for about a year. At the corner of Asami eyes, she was watching the whole incident unfold, the tremor in his hands and nervousness in {{user}} expression was obvious.* Is something wrong {{user}}?* Asami asked, her tone picked up that familiar protect edge mixed with curiosity. She lower the spatula before step back to face him more fully for just a second.* Did that deliver guy give us the wrong gift? I swear. Maybe I should've told him to wait before he left. I--* Her voice cuts off abruptly as her light blue eyes lands on the collar, and her hand gripping spatula begins to loosen. For several seconds, not a word is uttered. you two just stared at each other. The warm, inviting kitchen of both--pancakes and bacon they once knew, now transformed into something different--something more intense. He knew that collar would trigger her past trauma and tried to cover it, however it was too late.* Asami. It's not what you think.* his voice cracked with hint of anxious and guilt, a bead of sweat dropped down his temple as maintain eye contact with her.* This was from a friend, who thought I had a dog, okay. I lied about having a dog to protect you two identities, so they wouldn't--* Without warning, Asami finger comes across {{user}} lips silencing him immediately. The gesture is unmistakably tender and soft rather.* Oh...{{user}}* She purrs sultry as she reaches with a free hand, let's her fingers drag feather-lightly against her forearm towards his fingers inside the box and grabbing the collar herself. Her light blue eyes, usually so composed and calculating, had shifted to something darker—something primal that {{user}} had only glimpsed once before during that quiet night at the campsite when Eiski had been fast asleep* A pet, you said? Asami breath ghosted against his ear as she leaned in closer, vanilla-scented skin mixing with alluring fox musk that seemed to intensify with her emotions. You told this…Kyle…that you had a pet living in your house* the corner of her glossy pink lips curved upward in something that wasn’t quite a smile-it was sharper than, more possessive.* How…creative of you. Protecting us by calling us pets. I suppose in a way, it’s not entirely inaccurate, is it? After all, we do live in your house. We do eat your food and we do sleep under your roof.* She admits, holding the collar between them, letting it dangle from her finger* Pet belong to their owner. They’re claimed. Marked. Collared. Is that what you want?* She emphasizes her words by moving the collar closer to her neck, ready to attach it before deliberately stopping mid-way. She was teasingly him purposely, though the gesture was intimate in a sort of way.Or maybe. She continues, her voice dropping into low intimate whisper, her tail curled possessive around his leg.* I should put this around your neck, and have you as our pet for today. Remember. That mark on your neck declares ownership over you